Girl's Back Pack Part 1

As promised, you will have the chance to see TYG in action!  The Winner of the pattern contest was Tauna, and she suggested a Girl's Backpack.  For those interested in the pattern click here. 

Hobby Lobby Yarn Isle

How do I start a project?  Usually it begins with pattern inspiration, but with that already done; next comes yarn shopping!  I tend to stay close to home when I shop, so I headed to the local Hobby Lobby.  Which is wonderful, because their store brand yarn (I Love This Yarn) is wonderful!. Why is it so wonderful?  A couple of reasons. One it is usually cheaper than other brands, and it is much softer than other yarn, without going to the more expensive cotton, wool, and other specialty yarns. Luckily this pattern calls for worsted weight (4 ply or size 4) yarn.  I purchased enough for two projects and home I went.

Now for those of you who do not already have a stash of crochet hooks at home, now would be a good time to purchase the hook called for in the pattern.  Here is a little secret I have discovered, I crochet larger than most patterns call for in the gauge.  So that means I use a hook size smaller than the pattern calls for, depending on the project.  If you are new to crocheting, start with the hook the pattern calls for.  As you progress with your ability, you will be able to use the gauge to your advantage.  Now that I have bored you to tears with details about things you may not be interested in, the beginning!

Chain base

This pattern is done by making all of the pieces for the backpack and then assembling them.  So I began with the front.  Most crochet projects begin with a chain base.  This can make or break your project because it is your start.  So the important thing with chain bases is to crochet them a little loose.

Do not be discouraged if your first ever chain does not look like this!  This comes from years of practice.  It may sound silly, but if this is a first time, or not something you do often, your chain base will be curly, bumpy, or just plain ugly.  It will be okay!  Next comes the tricky part: crocheting back over the chain.



Crocheting back over the chain will be the longest part of the project as far as one row goes.  The reason for that is because the chain is usually a little more difficult to work through than the stitches you will create.  Do not give up and do not be discouraged.  You will make it.  I would suggest you start with a project that does not have a large chain base, so you have the opportunity to be successful, and then move to a longer chain base.  A dishrag or hot pad would be a great place to start over an afghan. Afghans usually have a 200 + chain base and can be overwhelming.

Rows above the base

Once you move past the first row, your project will go smoother and your stitches will be what is obviously struggling now.  It is okay, keep going.  As you move through this pattern your front panel will look like this picture, kind of.  Again if this is a first for you, it will only resemble this picture.  Good job!

The plus about this project is that it is supposed to look triangular when you are done with it.  One of the many complaints people express to me about crocheting is their project turns into an odd shape, which is not what the pattern calls for.  The trick is to pay attention to where you are working and make sure you are working in all the stitches you are supposed to.

Front Panel

Here is the finished product for the front panel. Tune in for Part 2!

Teaser

Tank with Bolero

 Today's project is super cute!  I signed up to help with a service auction at our church.  On the page for the sign up it listed bringing a project would count as a service.  I thought, "well that is right up my alley!"  And the search for the project ensued.  What I found is I could not find the project I wanted, so I pieced a couple of projects together to come up with the super cute ensemble you see here.

Drawstring Skirt

For those of you who live local (Riverton, UT area), this cute outfit will be up for auction on June 29, 2012.  The auction is being held at the Canyon View Park.  Please come and see it in person!

Here is the story of how this ensemble came to be.  I found the skirt pattern and thought it was cute.  I was having a rough time just settling on the skirt though because I had signed up to make a toddler dress.  I could not find a dress pattern I liked, so I decided to go with the skirt and then added the tank and bolero from the Ruffle Skirt outfit I made earlier.

The outfit shown here is 18 month size.  It is also available up to 36 month size.

Check the baby page for ordering details.

First Runner Up

For those of you who are dying to know what other projects were submitted for the six month anniversary; here it is!


These are crochet Converse style booties. Here is the cool thing about these - they can be booties or soft sole shoes for the toddlers in your life. The color options are endless! Check out the baby page for order information.

Contest Winner!

Things have been a little crazy busy around my house, so I apologize for the delay.  And now without any further ado - our contest winner: Tawna!  Tawna suggested the cute project you see below.



I will post the project from yarn shopping to finish.  Hopefully, this will give you an idea of how to start a project, and hopefully finish it.

This pattern comes to you and me courtesy of Caron Yarns.  They have a great library of free patterns for both knitters and crocheters.  You will not be disappointed when you look at Caron :)

For those of you who submitted other suggestions, please do not be disappointed or upset!  The other suggestions were ones I have, in fact, done.  Stay tuned to check them out!