The Dishcloth Diaries

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Dreaded Project

When I first started this post I was going to share my favorite FO. While looking through my Ravelry Notebook I realized I couldn't narrow it down to just one thing. I love so many of them for different reasons. The colorful granny 'ghans, the cute amigurumi, the pretty bags, the lacy doilies... the list goes on.

But then I came across this. "The 4 Year Afghan". Started Dec 15, 2008, finished Dec 5, 2012. 10 days shy of 4 years. I'm almost certain that's the longest it's taken me to finish a project.

The colors aren't so bad. Not my favorite, but they are Damian's (the recipient) favorite so I went with them. The pattern, I usually like ripples, and this one looked nice, nicely written, not too masculine, not to feminine, so again, I went with it. Everything seemed right, so why did it take so long to finish?

I think it was the softer, rounded points.The ripples I'd done in the past had a more defined point. It was clear where the peaks and valleys were. With this one it was literally row after row of nothing but increases and decreases. I had to constantly count and keep track of where I was in the pattern repeat. Definitely not a mindless project!

Would I ever make the pattern again? I think the pattern would lend itself very well to a baby blanket, so yes, I think I might, but at another time and definitely in a smaller size.

So my question for you is, what is the longest it ever took you to finish a project?

Monday, March 4, 2013

Bunny Egg Cover

Bunny Egg Cover free pattern available for download on Ravelry. Enjoy! :)

Download Pattern

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Marshmallow Bunnies

I've been trying to hang a themed wreath on my front door each month. While looking for ideas for this month's wreath on Pinterest I came across this Bunny Peep Wreath from Stampin' Mama and fell in love. Not wanting to hang all that sugar on my door, I immediately thought of the Marshmallow Bunnies pattern from the talented Doni Speigle. Aren't they just too cute not to crochet?

I'll be using Perfect Pink and Lemon RHSS and a G hook. :) I have a small grapevine wreath I picked up at the dollar store. I think it's around 12". I'm not sure how many bunnies I'll need yet, but I think I'll start with 10 and go from there.

One side done... 19 to go. :)

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Free Pattern Downloads

Just wanted to say I'm still crocheting and designing and have two new free patterns on the way later this month, so stay tuned crocheters! Also, please read below and comment with your thoughts and opinions regarding pattern downloads. :)

I've been mixing things up a little bit lately with some knitting projects. I'd wanted a knitted hanging towel for a while but never found the "right" pattern. I decided to sit down one day and "just do it." I liked the result so much I decided to share the pattern as a free download on Ravelry.

Textured Dish Towel PDF

A question for everyone: In which format do you prefer your patterns?

When I first started sharing my free patterns I never thought it would go any further than just a few dishcloths and squares. But with over 75 patterns currently to my credit (and more on the way, I promise!), I've been thinking about reorganizing and streamlining the way in which I deliver them to you. With the popularity of Ravelry, and the ease of creating PDF's, I am considering offering them all as individual PDF downloads. The free ones will remain free, and you will be able to download them directly on the blog from a dedicated page. Or, if you prefer, you can add them to your Ravelry library so they will always be available to you, even if the blog is down for some reason.

ETA: Just to clarify, the PDFs would be for all of the patterns that are currently here on the blog as well as any future patterns that I offer. Also, they would only be available as a PDF. They would no longer be here as a web page.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Kicking off National Crochet Month

"Crocheted Room"

origin unknown

It's been nearly a year since I moved out of my daughter's house into my own apartment. It had been a while since I lived in my own place. I have to admit it's quite nice to finally feel "at home" again. I've spent the past several years bouncing between family members' homes. In these types of situations space is always a commodity, so out of necessity (and keeping peace) I've given away, donated, or otherwise disposed of a lot of my old furniture and decorative items.

With all of my moving and shuffling things around, I did hold firm on keeping the necessities such as kitchen items, bath supplies, bed linens, etc., knowing someday I would have my own place again. I also managed, through it all, to hold on to the majority of my yarn and crafting stash. I'm still amazed I actually managed to pull that one off. There were times I was sure the family had had enough of constantly bumping into and tripping over my storage totes!

But we muddled through somehow and now I'm back to looking at a blank canvas. So with almost no budget, but with a closet full to the brim with crafty "stuff", I'm taking on the task of beautifying my new home with yarn, thread, and any other fun supplies I happen to have on hand. The rules are simple. Well, not rules really, more like arbitrary guidelines...

Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Spend little or no money.
Enjoy the process.

I'm not entirely sure where I'm headed with this project. I have a few ideas, small projects here and there--maybe a few larger ones as well (think filet tablecloth and maybe even mural??)--little bits of colorful and creative accessories to liven up the bland ecru walls. It will be a relatively slow process. Never-ending really. Continually growing and evolving. And I'm inviting you all along for the ride!

I've started a Flickr group so we can share our creativity and inspire others to enhance their living spaces as well. So come show us how you have used crochet or other DIY projects to decorate your home?

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Did you know?

As you already know, I love to design original crochet patterns and I've shared many of those designs with you over the past several years. I've so enjoyed seeing the projects you've created with them and how you personalize those patterns with your own ingenuity and color sense.

I will always continue to offer free patterns for all to enjoy, but lately I have ventured into the realm of Self Publishing. I currently have three patterns offered in my Ravelry store (see below) and am working on plans for many more in the near future. Future patterns include some fun and quirky kitchen items, some adorable little amigumi, a mile a minute design, and a light and airy wrap called "Ocean Breezes."

These are my current designs for sale. I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed designing them!

Tic Tac Tote

This bag is sized just right for everyday use. Fill it with your daily essentials for a stylish purse, or add your latest WIP for grab-n-go convenience. Pattern includes both a handle option and a strap option for your carrying preference.

*Finished size is 15 x 12.5 inches, (not including straps).

$3.50

Li'l Punkin Bear

No one will be able to resist this little cutie! Li'l Punkin Bear is all dressed up and ready to bring fun to your fall decor and festivities. Make several to use as place markers at the holiday table, to give guests as favors, or just to brighten someone's day.

*Li'l Punkin Bear is 4 inches tall.

$3.00

Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese

Whip up a few to display as part of a whimsical tablescape, or make some for the kids to serve up in the play kitchen. Either way, this breakfast staple is sure to be a hit with everyone!

*Finished size for the Bagel is 3.75 inches diameter.

*Finished size for the Lox is 2.75 x 1.5 inches.