Yarn Ball Update

In an earlier post, I showed a tote I had made for sale at the yarn ball. These are two more "bags" I've made for sale at the ball.  Both the bags are made of kitchen cotton from Lion Brand.

The white bag is a "Hobo V-Stitch" bag from Margaret Hubert's series of crochet books: the one on bag designs. A nice shopping bag that can hold essentials and purchased items.

The black and khaki striped bag (I know it looks white, but it's much more tan than it looks) is an adaptation of a pattern from the latest Interweave Crochet magazine. It's a market bag by Carol Ventura, who is pretty much the "guru" of tapestry crochet. In tapestry crochet two colors are carried together, one color being "hidden" by the other color's stitches. Carol's work is inspired by items she saw in Guatemala. I fear this bag is not nearly colorful enough for Guatemalans, but it was designed to be a bit more classic. The entire bag is double yarn, very sturdy, and very roomy. Truly a market bag with a drawstring handle and wide comfy strap.

Save the date: November 14th has been selected for the next Yarn Ball. We are getting into some serious planning at this point. Everything from the Yarntini Luncheon will be available, too, and so, we are planning for a larger venue. 

New Year's Resolution Being Fulfilled

At the beginning of the year Theresa vowed to finish projects. We think she seems to be achieving her goal. She just finished this lavender sweater: truly you can see she just finished weaving in the ends. Another stunning beauty that everyone would love to wear and own if only they fit into it.

Carol Donates Again

Carol has made quite a few baby 'ghans again. The "steeler" colors didn't show up well; they are intensely gold and black-for the littlest fan. All so cute!

The WOW Factor Continued

On April 9th we showed you the dress that Theresa just finished. But I was disappointed that I had not taken more pix because the stitch patterns were also so cool. So here are the stitch patterns up close for each section of the dress. Great pattern, great yarn selection, great execution. It's the effect for which we all aim.

Freeform and Breast Cancer Research

 
                                                                                   This past year Prudence Mapstone started a freeform  crochet project to support the International Breast Cancer Fund. Putting out the call for pink "scrumbles" that she would put together into items that would be auctioned off to raise money, she received pieces from literally all over the world. She put together purses, shawls, collars, etc. and made approximately 30 items that were put up for auction and raised over $2000. 

Well, of course, I sent in scrumbles. I think others did, too. Then I bid on the pink purse. There was someone in Seattle who wanted it, too, but I won! The pictures above are of the front and back of that same purse. (Just goes to show you what lighting does) If you look awhile you can start to discern the individual pieces that have been put together. Can you imagine getting all those pieces and putting them together in an attractive item? I'm aware that the purse is not to everyone's taste; it's even a bit bright for me. However, can you imagine someone coming up to you and pointing out a scrumble they had made and is now in your purse? It's great to have a unique item with such a charitable back story.     

Using Donated Yarn

Several weeks ago a family donated yarn after the loss of a mom/wife who loved to crochet. Some of the yarn was kitchen cotton. I made up this tote and lined it with material I had. This tote will be put up for sale during this year's Yarn Ball when we raise $$$ besides the donations we usually make. We always try to make something really nice from donated yarns/threads but sometimes a project turns out so well we feel we can offer it for sale in order to raise money.  

Happy Easter

Happy Easter ! What could be more fun than bunny ear hats? I made these two for a grand niece and a grand nephew. Everyone have a safe holiday.

Shower Gifts

                                                                                      Karen's cousin Genie just had a baby shower. This baby is going to be seriously decked out in the sweaters and I think that the hats are a hoot.

The individual hat and sweater pix are from patterns in Mission Falls Wee Knits. The sweater is made from Mission Falls 1824 cotton and the hat is made from Drops Karisma superwash. I didn't get the info on the other hat and sweater. But Karen has a wonderful talent for picking very cute buttons.

Unfortunately I did not get a pic of the teddy bear. Any mom-to-be would be very happy to receive such great gifts for her wee one.

The WOW factor

A few posts ago, we saw Theresa with a really cool green cabled sweater in progress. But I said what was really great was sitting on her lap, waiting to have the ends woven in. Well, here it is. When I took this picture only the skirt section remained to be blocked. 

Isn't it a stunning dress? Truly the picture doesn't show some of the really good needlework, but you can see that the yarn choice was perfect. We won't see this dress on Theresa until the yarn ball in November, but maybe she'll wear it in the Chain Link fashion show in Buffalo. It certainly is runway beautiful. Another great knitter strikes again.

Wow, Theresa, a garment that already has 2 dates to get out of the drawer museum!

Congratulations

Stacy hasn't been able to to spend much time with us lately: work hours. But her schedule has been a little different lately and she is also working in a new department. So she is learning some new skills. Cake decorating! MMMM Yummy.

We think she did a great  job. Isn't it beautiful?

Who are the congratulations for? Rebecca, a baby is on the way. You could see baby patterns just about popping into everyone's heads. Of course the most creative on that score has been Rebecca. What's a mom-to-be to do? 

It's too bad that Stacy won't be able to make meetings again with the evening work schedule (and not just because there won't  be cakes).

Amanda's Asymmetrical Jacket

Amanda recently finished this asymmetrical jacket. I'm showing 2 pictures because the one really shows the yarn well but the other shows the asymmetry. It's very classy looking and Amanda put an I-cord edging on for the first time. Another accomplished knitter!

Amanda travels a lot and she was the one who took all those pictures of the Galapagos Islands that I sent to everyone in an email. 

Amanda is also getting back to crocheting a little.

Flag Style Hot Pads

Roxanne has been busy as usual. This time she is making hot pads in a flag design she figured out herself. 

She hasn't been at many meetings lately. She had a cold that became pneumonia and she spent time in the hospital. We are so glad she is feeling better and being busy as she likes to be. 

Everyone Welcome

On Saturday the 28th we discovered Meg crocheting in Panera's and invited her to join us.  She was working on a coat for her daughter's small stuffed lion. When she finished the coat, Meg came over and joined us. 

Here is the aforesaid lion holding kingly court over the crochet activities.  

Megan Sweater

I recently finished up the Megan Sweater from Robyn Chachula's Blueprint Crochet. It was made with natural black alpaca yarn from Highland Alpaca. All those names should be familiar to you if you read the blog regularly. 

I adjusted the pattern a little because of my large chest but it lies almost the same as the model pictures in the book. I couldn't decide if I liked it better belted or unbelted. Maybe you all can respond and give me a vote.

I always have to adjust sleeves, but I didn't here. I should have gone with my instincts but it was difficult to tell even with trying the sweater on. But the end result is quite fine, too. 

This is one of those garments that is quite stunning from the back. Because of the ribbing the motif patterns don't show much on the front. But when you have a back as big as mine the pattern really shows!
On top of all that we are really thrilled with Robyn's baby news.