Adult SF Giants lap blanket

Another finished blanket. This one I started at the end of July. My plan was to make it in 2 weeks for my husband's birthday in August, but it got pushed aside for other projects.

I found the basic chevron pattern online in various places to start the base. Once I began, I realized it was too wide so I just did a sideway chevron pattern instead of starting over.

After 4 months, my husband finally got his blanket :)

Yarn Used: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Black, Pumpkin, & Aran

My Blanket :)

Last Christmas, I received a gift certificate from my Goddaughter to Joann's.  With the funds, I bought yarn to make myself a lap blanket for my couch.

I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (which was on sale--I don't care if it is a gift certificate or not, I always use a coupon or buy yarn on sale :D ) in Chocolate, Dusty Green, Mustard, and Beige.  I really liked the 70's vibe it gives off.

Because I love free patterns, I used a free pattern from Lion Brand called Modern Alchemy Afghan.  I made 2 adjustments to the pattern.  1-because I hate weaving in the ends, I went with 4 rows instead of 2 when changing colors.  2-I wanted a mirror imaged pattern, so half way through the blanket, I went with 8 rows in the middle then changed my colors opposite from the way I did when I started. (clear as mud?  ha ha ha)

I actually finished this blanket months ago and I use it all the time (even in the summer!).  I love it!!!  Thank you, Nicole!!! :)

Baby First Yarn

For some reason, I love Lion Brand yarn.  I know there are plenty of people who do not like "cheaper" yarn that can be bought in the big box stores, but I fall in love with a lot of their yarn.

Earlier this year, I bought some Lion Brand Baby's First yarn in beanstalk (horrible picture, but it is a light green color), because I really wanted to make a baby granny square blanket.  Back in March, this was my first try at a baby blanket.

According to this picture, it wasn't too bad of a first try, but it really was not very square.  

I crochet too tight--always have and I don't think I will be able to learn to stop.  So the answer to that problem is to just use a bigger hook.  This pattern called to use a size K hook which is 6.5mm.  The next "normal" size up in the U.S. is an L with is 8.0mm...what happened to 7mm or 7.5mm???  I did a search and 7mm is "normal" in other parts of the world.  Curious, I went to the forums at Ravelry because those ladies have all the answers.  Prior to asking on the forum, I did an online search to see what came up, but everything was pretty pricey and most came from overseas, so delivery was high as well.  I am used to paying under $3 for a hook.  Luckily, I was given better tips on how to search online and I found a place that was in the U.S.  For under $5, I am now the owner of a 7mm hook.  I took apart the first blanket and crocheted it again.

It is a little off still, but I think I need to now learn how to block my items...that should be fun!

 Last Friday, I was complaining that I was unable to find 5 skeins of the same lot in the Baby's First yarn.  Well later that day, I talked my husband into stopping at another Michaels which happened to be 20 miles away (but we were in that neighborhood anyway doing some other shopping) and I lucked out and found 5 skeins of the same lot color!  I can't wait to start a new baby blanket. 

*regarding picture...one, I love using this bag from Kara's Cupcakes to store my yarn and two, for some reason this picture make it look like the skein are not the same shade even though they are supposed to be the same lot...I just think it is the crappy lighting in my craft room.

Another Failed project

My blanket had such promise. I spent too many hours on this project. I had just finished my 4th ball (out of 6).

After laying it out, I realized that my tension was off and the first row was 34 inches while the latest row was 35 inch. Blah!

 
This is why I don't cut or weave until the end.  

Not sure if I want to tackle this blanket again for a while :(

Driving Projects

We recently came back from a 22 1/2 hour road trip.  The "original" route was supposed to take 7 1/2 hours one way, but it took us 11 1/2 hours to get there because of a couple of stops and LOTS of traffic.  On the way home, we decided to go another route and make some more stops along the way plus there was added traffic--blah!

The weekend prior to our trip, I picked up a nice supply of yarn at Michaels which was on clearance.  Each of these 8 skeins of yarn were 99 cents a piece!!!  Total score.  The "Over the Rainbow" Lily Sugar'n Cream is normally $1.99, but the Lion Brand Yarn Cotton-Ease is normally $7.99!!!  AWESOME

I search for the perfect patterns before pairing each with a color I had in my stash. 

For the rainbow yarn, I knew I wanted to make a bag, so I found this cute pattern via Ravelry by ~sarahndipities~.  Using 2 balls of the rainbow ombre and a partial ball of white Sugar'n Cream, I was able to complete 3/4's of this bag on the way to our destination.  Unfortunately, during our trip, I was unable to locate a Joann's or Michaels to purchase more white, so the bag had to wait to be completed.

Along with the Maize Cotton-Ease, I used some Cream to start a Child's Chevron Throw via Lion Brand Yarn. (you may have to be logged into the Lion Brand website to see the blanket.)  I was only able to complete about 1/3 of the blanket on our way home.

Over the years, I have enjoyed many hobbies, but crocheting is the one hobby I am happy to be able to do while being a passenger in the car or while waiting around place. 

I cannot wait to show the completed projects. 

It only took me 15 years to make [& 1 year to post :D]

When my daughter was a baby, I did not crochet.  Last year, when I started learning, she asked me to make her a blanket for her 15th birthday after seeing a free pattern at Michaels.  It took me a little over a month to complete.

(Yarn is the Michaels Store Brand Loops & Threads Country Loom in Solarium)

Unfortunately, when I started the blanket, my stitches were pretty loose, but I finished the blanket during all my television show season finales and my stitching was a lot tighter.  Not too noticable until you try to fold it. 

At first, I thought I had missed a stitch somewhere, but after counting both the first row and last row, I realized what I had done and there was no way I was going to start over.  But she loved it and that is all that mattered. 

I finished this blanket in May 2010 and it only took me a year to write about it.  But I had to write about my first blanket.

What I am working on

I am working on this blanket to sell.

The colors are cream, pink, & brown...think neopolitan ice cream...not the best picture with my phone.

I am also working on another secret project but I can't wait to share!!!