One Skein Wonders! Review

So I discovered an awesome thing at the library: they have crochet pattern books.  Don't ask me why I did not think of this before, but I didn't.  I think this is one of my new favorite things to check out of the library because, and I don't know if you have ever noticed this, but pattern books are expensive!!  When I was younger and Google did not exist (what!?) pattern books were the only way to really learn something new in crochet.  Trust me I spent my mom's hard earned money on those books and for the most part I still have them.  What I love about technology now is those who are talented enough to not only create, but write their own patterns now have an avenue to share them without publishing a pattern book.  It is wonderful!!  That being said, there is still a place in the wide world of crochet for a decent pattern book. 

I have decided one of the features of this blog will be to review some of the pattern books I have or I can borrow from the library.  This edition of the book review will look at Crochet One-Skein Wonders.  This is a great book!  Something I loved about the book is it runs the gamut of fibers, techniques, and types of patterns.  I will be reviewing more than the patterns shown here because of the impressive array of patterns.  

The patterns I was able to put together for this post are from the medium weight section and they were wonderful.  They are easy to follow and fun to work on.  Each pattern also included a diagram, which I have learned is handy when you don't quite understand what the pattern is saying.  It is especially helpful if you are a visual kind of person.  If you are anything like me and have quite a stash of yarn in your house, this book is great to stash-bust!

Tootsies!!

It is kind of embarrassing how long it has been since I have posted well, anything!   So let's play catch up! This project is a great one, and it is simple.  For those of you who have a little one and love showing off toes, this is the project for you!  You can find the pattern here on the Whistle and Ivy website.

Here is what I noticed as I made the project.  This project sized small with the recommended hook size for me. I crochet a little loose.  I used the recommended hook size, but they turned out tight.  I used a size F and they worked out better.  Lesson learned today: pay attention to your gauge!  Also when making booties try to have the measurement of the foot so you can make sure the project will fit correctly.

Watch for the pattern book review I will be posting in the next couple of days!  I have found a great resource in my local library.

Variations on a Minion

How do you go from a pile of curly squares to an afghan?  Well it is a long story, so here it goes.  I have a wonderful sister-in-law who is one of TYG's biggest supporters.  She is the one you can thank for the Minion Hats and many other projects I have completed.  

She asked me several months ago if I could make Minion hats for her to give as gifts for a set of twins baby shower.  Of course I can make Minion hats, that would not be a problem.  She also asked if I would be able to make matching afghans.  That would be slightly more complicated, but I am not one to turn down a challenge, so of course I said yes. 

I had a pattern in mind I could modify to make a great Minion themed afghan.  I downloaded a free issue of a crochet magazine to my iPad.  I was excited because that would be an easy project to work up.  What I had not counted on was the move to IOS7.  I hadn't backed up my iPad before I updated my iPad.  Big mistake!  The free issue was wiped out and is no longer free, dang it!!

Time to move to plan B, which I did not have fully formed in my head.  I turned to Google for answers. After some particular searching I found a pattern that no only filled the need, but would be a bit of a challenge.  I found the Red Hart pattern Tunisian Color Block Throw, you can download the pattern from this link.  

I do not have a lot of experience with Tunisian crochet, so this would be fun.  I attempted the stitch suggested in the pattern and failed miserably at it.  I decided to use the basic Tunisian stitch, or afghan stitch. You can find a great tutorial on YouTube, or use this link. I made the block larger than the pattern suggested because my hook was smaller than what the pattern called for.  I used the pattern from Red Hart for the edge of the squares and the edge of the afghan.  Of course if this were to be a Minion afghan I would have to add the eye.  The really great thing about a basic afghan stitch is you can cross stitch on it very evenly and it turns out wonderful.

Christmas Work

Christmas for TYG was a busy one!  Several wonderful things happened at once.  First I had several orders for items, some I had already made and some new.  Thank you to those of you who ordered from me this past holiday season.  It was a huge success.  

Hats were a big item this year followed closely by infinity scarves.  Both of those are quick projects, but when they are ordered in large quantities it can consume quite a bit a time.  I was lucky enough to get all of the holiday orders finished on time.