Crochet with Anna!: October 2014

Work in Progress Wednesday: WIP roundup

I have a new project in my plans. I wound up all the yarn for it tonight and am jazzed to start. First I made myself wrap up some projects though!

I finished knitting the above scarf. It is pictured here while I was googling how to cast off. (The Second Funniest Person in Lexington suggested I "just shove away from the pier.") This was my first project from the Annie's Hook and Needle Club, an awesome birthday gift from my mom. They send you a kit in the mail each month with yarn and a pattern in both knit and crochet. I'm using it as an opportunity to work on my knitting. Which is really not great.

After that I stitched together some of the squares from the Tunisian blanket I'm working on:

It really is a work in progress for sure! That's 1/4 of the way through. Time to get to work!! When I finish, the ends will be sewn in and I will block it. Right now it's a tad crazy looking.

And stay tuned for my exciting new project!

I Made This Monday: Potholder

This is one of my favorite projects lately! It is a Craft Yarn Council pattern for my classes at Michaels, but while I find some of those kind of not that great, this one I love. It's kind of unique because the deer face is cross-stitched on so it combines a couple different fun crafts! I really love this project (and am teaching it next Monday at 5 if you're interested). I am planning to make a set of Christmas-themed ones for you know, Christmas. Or maybe my Etsy store! Stay tuned!

One thing to remember about making potholders is that you have to use all cotton yarn or it can melt! Acrylic is no bueno, friends.

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #1: The Possibilities!

With just a pattern and some time, you can make anything! Start knitting or crocheting today, and soon you'll be unstoppable:

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #2: Your Pet Will Thank You

This lady looks ashamed because she knows what she did.

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #3: The Fashion

All joking aside, there is a certain sense of accomplishment in wearing something you made!

If you're reading this in Central Kentucky, head out now to Michaels in Frankfort for an I Love Yarn Day Yarn Party to make some afghan squares to donate to Warm Up America!

To learn more about how you can help, check here: www.warmupamerica.org

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #4: Make New Friends!

Between Ravelry and CYC and Michaels and Instagram hashtags, I could talk about yarn with strangers 24/7. Plus you can get together and knit and crochet with likeminded locals and friends alike. Find a local knitting or crochet club: http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/lionbrand/charitySearch.cgi?type=club

If you're in Lexington, come to Joseph Beth on Monday at 7 for A Good Yarn, a knitting book club!

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #5: Yarn is Beautiful

This is not me. But it very easily could be.

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #6: You Get to Be Lazy

You look like you're relaxing but really you're super busy creating. Think of the productivity!! You don't even have to go to the gym. Unless you're this lady:

Don't be this lady.

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #7: It's Good For Your Brain

No really, it's proven. Check out this video if you've got a sec: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health

Knitting and crochet make me less anxious, less depressed, more focused. But tired from staying up late finishing projects!

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #8: You Can Do It Anywhere

Here's a list of places I won't bring my yarn bag:

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #9: It Brings You Closer to Your Partner

Just kidding. But he will appreciate the really wonderful and useful items you make for him.

It's here! It's here! I Love Yarn Day is here! Check back all day for some reasons to love yarn as much as I do!

Top Ten Reasons to Love Yarn #10: It Makes You Look Cool

What I Think I Look Like When I'm Crocheting

What I Actually Look Like When I'm Crocheting

Work in Progress Wednesday: Slippers!

Here's my WIP this week! Okay, so it's one of maybe 6 I have going on right now.

Anyway, slippers! I bought this blue yarn and slipper soles when I was on my Yarn Crawl last month. The cream is just a Red Heart Super Saver.

I've been following this pattern: http://www.simplicity.com/t-free-crochet-project-Slide-Slippers.aspx

I'm almost done with the top, and then I have to stitch it together and line it with fleece. And then make another one of course. Hopefully Ken's feet don't get cold before then!

I'm getting geared up to start on my Christmas class demos and then Christmas present projects. I'm tired just thinking about it.

And don't forget that Friday is I Love Yarn Day!

I Made This Monday: Fall Wreath

Michaels has a pretty cool display right now of "raw" things, which mainly includes burlap and cork. One thing on the display is these flowers. I crocheted a little base for each flower, and did a double crochet tube with two strands held together. The orange is Loops & Threads Impeccable, the blue and brown are Craft Smart Value, and the cream is Lily's Sugar and Cream. For construction, I basically follow this tutorial, or you can come to my class next week if you need some in person help.

The thing I like most about that tutorial, is, once you get the hang of making the tube, you can really adapt this wreath for any season! As you can see here, I did it for the 4th:

And I can't wait to come up with a good winter design!!

Have a Crafty Weekend!

Work in Progress Wednesday: Craft Room

Not sure if this really counts, but my WIPs are all on hold right now while I finish cleaning out the guest/craft room. Here's a late night sneak peek pic of my new yarn storage!

I cannot WAIT to finish this project. I already dropped a hammer and broke my toe. And I still have a ways to go. Sigh.

But look how much more room I have for yarn!