Granny square baby blanket for the NC State Fair

This year I am trying to use the yarn I have on hand to crochet my projects for the NC State Fair this year.  This makes Mr. M very happy!  :)  I wanted to make a colorful baby blanket this year and I was originally going to do a corner to corner blanket.    I was inspired by someone that I found on Facebook that is a yarn bomber in California.   He is trying to crochet the world's largest granny square as well as planning a very large yarn bombing project later this year.  So I found a rectangle granny square pattern and started my blanket.  Below are pictures of the progress it took to complete the blanket.  It only took me a week to make so I am so on fire this year getting my projects done.

The six colors I picked from my yarn stash.

Yarn status half way through the blanket.

Blanket is complete.  Just have to sew in the tails.

Yarn that was left over at the end of the blanket.

Mission Chicken hotpad

Mission Chicken Hot Pad Pattern

by Angi Swartzendruber

January 16, 2014

 

A co-worker of mine gave me a picture of hot pad she had seen on the internet and said "can you make this for me?"  I searched and could not find a free pattern for this so I blew up the picture she gave me and I figured out the pattern design.  

Supplies Needed: 
 

1 ball of cotton for the body color
1 ball of cotton for the feather color
Small amount of red for the cowl
Small amount of yellow for the beak
H hook
Darning needle

**  Watch your tension so the circles don't curl and they stay even.  The chain 2 in the beginning of each row does not count in the stitch count for the round. **

Body (make 2)

With body color, chain 4 and join or you can use the magic loop method.

Round 1: Chain 2 (does not count) work 12 DC (double crochets) in the circle and slip stitch to the top of the chain 2, turn (12 DC)

Round 2: Chain 2, work 2 DC in each DC of previous round, join to the top of the chain 2, turn (24 DC)

Round 3:  Chain 2, work * 1 DC, 2 DC over the next 2 DC's, repeat * 10 more times, DC in the last DC, and then slip stitch to the top of the chain 2, turn (34 DC)

Round 4:  Chain 2, work * 1 DC, 1 DC, 2 DC over the next three DC's, repeat * around work 1 DC in the last DC, and then slip stitch to the top of the chain 2, turn (45 DC)

Round 5:  Chain 2, work * 1 DC, 1 DC, 1 DC, 2 DC over the next four DC's, repeat * around work 1 DC in the last DC, and then slip stitch to the top of the chain 2, tie off (56 DC)

Hold the two rounds together with the right sides facing out on each side and SC (single crochet) them together.  Do not tie off.


Head and Outer Body foundation

With the body color, work 10 DC in the first DC, then work 6 DC in the next DC, skip 2 DC then work 2 SC.  Now switch to the feather color.  Work 14 SC down the circle, skip 1 DC then  work * (3 DC, chain 2, 3 DC) in the next DC, skip 1 DC, work 1 SC, skip 1 DC, now repeat * around.  Tie off (10 shells)

To finish off the body SC around starting at the first of the two SC's done in the body color.  Work 3 SC in the chain 2 of the feather shells.  When you reach the top center of the body, work in a chain 10 (hanger) then finish working the SC's to the top of the V shape tie off right below the 10 DC cluster. 


Cowl

Using the red cotton, work a chain three in the first DC of the 10 DC cluster, then work 2 more DC's in the same space, slip stitch in the next DC, * work 3 DC in the next DC, slip stitch in the next DC, repeat 3 more times then tie off.  (Five 3 DC groups)

Beak

Using the yellow cotton, work a chain 2 in the DC next to where the cowl ended, work a HDC (half double crochet) in the same space as the chain 2, then work 2 DC's in the next DC.  Tie off.

That completes the Mission Chicken hot pad.  If you find any issues feel free to let me know.  You can contact me at theflyinghook@live.com.  Enjoy!!

An Easter Crochet Must Due

I so have to make the spring bunny tutorial on Love the Blue Bird's blog for Easter this year.

Crochet To Do List Entries

Found the cutest pattern for a crocheted lovey blanket on Brittas Ami's blog.  Joanne loves her lamby she got from somewhere else but these would be lots of fun to make.

This scarf made with the angel stitch on Meladora's blog looks like an interesting stitch.  I picked an different pattern for my scarf fair entry but want to try this one some time in the future.

Over on Crochet Dynamite's blog, I found these cute crocheted pen covers that look like pencils.  These would be a fun gift to add to my goodie bags for my co-workers at Christmas.

This baby hat is too cute.  It is called the Trendy Elf hat from Cre8tion Crochet's blog. 

Chicken Mission - Complete

Need to play around with the head a bit to make it lay better then I will write up the pattern and share it on my blog since so many people on instagram have asked for the pattern.  This was fun to make trying to figure out the stitches from the picture.  My co-worker loved it as is but I if I don't play with it a bit more it will drive me nuts.  :)

Chicken Mission

I came into work the other day and found some pictures with a note "I want these chickens" from one of my co-workers.  Luckily the picture was clear enough for me to count out the stitches to try to make her this chicken since I could not find the pattern on the internet.  The other two pictures that were attached I was able to find patterns for to make them.  Her kitchen colors are apple green, apple red and country yellow.  

While watching The Hunger Games last night I got started on my chicken mission project.  I normally crochet very tight but I had to make sure that I stayed loose on this little guy other wise he would have been a very tight mess.  So by the end of the movie here is what I completed.

Just have to figure out the head and then the placement of the shells around to finish off the chicken.  Have to look up how to do a french knot to make the eye.  It has been forever so I just need to refresh myself.  Will keep you updated on the chicken mission.

2013 NC State Fair Crochet Entries

It is never too soon to start working on my projects for this October.  I am almost done with my second project as we speak, baby sweater, done in pink, brown and white.  Here are some progress pictures:

 

I was good on this project and went shopping for the yarn in my stash which made honey very happy.  When I told him I did not have to by any yarn for this project I believe he said "thank god!"  Is having a bunch of yarn such a big problem????  :)  I am going to have to block this project for sure to make sure it looks perfect.  I am so wanting another blue ribbon.  It has been since 2007 so please, please, please.

Yesterday I went to AC Moore and purchased the yarn for my next fair project.  Used my gift card I got for Christmas and a bonus point coupon and came home with 5 skeins of Homespun in a pretty purple color.  I plan on making the Seraphina shawl that can be found on the Crochetville website.

I took Monday off for my birthday and plan on starting the shawl.  From reading the pattern it looks like I could maybe finish it in one day if I am lucky.  **Fingers crossed**

Crochet Weekend

On Saturday, Mike and Joanne left for Hickory to go to a toy show for the day.  I got some much needed alone time that every parent needs from time to time.  I got the yard mowed, listed product on our Amazon storefront, did laundry and then got to crochet!!!  I decided to work on some of my other fair projects that I have been dying to try.

Crochet Newborn Top Hat: pattern designed by Topsy Turvy

This was such a blast to make and it was done in no time.  Did not see in the instructions that she used elastic lace for the band, so I have to go looking for some to finish off the headband.

Baby's Rippled Sweater Set: from Purple Kitty Yarns

I usually stay away from making any kind of clothing except for hats because my gauge is usually way off but I just had to try this one.  It is going to be in pink, off white and purple.  Will post more pictures as I progress through this project.

NC State Fair Afghan Update

Here is my progress on the remaining block over the weekend.  Just have to edge the other white block and then make two more of the light brown blocks and then they are all done!!!  Just have to edged them all in black and then the fun blocking process begins.  

I am really liking how the purple, turquoise, light brown and white are looking together.  This might be the color scheme for my baby blanket entry this year.

2012 NC State Fair Afghan - Status Update

Now that HeroesCon is over for this year, I am back to working on my state fair entries.  The blocks are going so fast.  I have about nine more colors to go and then I get to start doing a round in black before single crocheting them together in my mirror image design.

Here are the colors I had done as of Saturday afternoon.  Managed to finish off the blocks for two more colors on Sunday.

Joanne and I got to play outside for a little bit before it go too hot outside.  We drew a hopscotch on the front walkway and played for about 30 minutes before the heat chased us back inside.

 

Links to posts on other blog

I have decided to bring my blog back to this url since everything else I have is theflyinghook so it is less confusing.  Here is a list of links of the posts from the other blog I started:

Free Pattern: Chain scarf/cowl pattern

World's largest crochet blanket

Crochet Wish List: Starburst Hotpad and Granny Heart

Crafting Wish List: Snowflake Soap & Wall Art

Crafting Wish List: Love Bug Valentines

Mini Pita Pizzas

Crafting Wish List: Make your own tutu

Crafting Wish List: Snowflake Coasters

World Preview: New Red Heart Yarn Lines

Recycled Idea: Magazine Coasters / Bowls

Crafting Wish List: Paintbrush Santa

Possible Baby Hat Pattern for 2012 NC State Fair

2012 NC State Fair Scarf - completed

Sock Monkey Goodness

Manual Photography Cheat Sheet

Weekend Family Outing - Feb 2012

Sock Monkey Complete

Marshmallow Bunny for Easter

Dreaming of Pollock

This is so cool!!

Bunny for Brandon

Brandon's bunny is completed

2010 Daycare Photos

Crochet Inspiration: Slimey the Worm

Completed project: Tardis Hat

Crochet Inspiration: Dalek Hat

Crochet Inspiration: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Capitals Walking Tour: '99 and Beyond

Hobby Lobby Goodness

Princess Time

Capitals Tour Update

Watchmen Hat

Happy 2nd Birthday Joanne!

I was very bad today!

At lunch I was heading out to get a gift for our daycare provider for her birthday today.  My car kinda steered itself to the left instead of the right and pulled up to the fixture store where they sell all kinds of cool stuff.  I picked up some pink t-shirt bags to make the Mad Willy Hat by Red Heart.

Chain Scarf Pattern

Chain Scarf

by Angi Swartzendruber

Design Idea Date: 01/09/12

Materials Needed:

2.5 ounces of yarn

I Hook

8.5 x 11 piece of paper

Directions:

Cut a 36 inch length of the yarn and set it aside for later.  This will be used to bind off the scarf.

Leave a three inch tail when starting the chain on your hook with a slip knot.

Crochet a chain using up the 2.5 ounces of yarn.  Stop when you have about three inches left at the end.

 

Lay the 8.5 x 11 piece of paper on a flat surface.  Starting in the middle of the piece of paper leaving about two inches out, wrap the chain around the shape of the paper to create the scarf.

 

 

Tie one end of the 36 inch string you cut before making the chain.  Secure with a knot making sure to catch both ends of the chain.  Wrap tightly moving forward slightly then back to where you tied on so you can make a knot to secure the wrap.  Tie a double knot to secure and then trim the ends even leaving a small tail.

You could make the scarf into a cowl by wrapping a smaller circle with the chain.  This would be a great way to use up your small leftover scraps.  You could even tie several different colors together to give it a more funky feel.

Enjoy!

Sock Monkey Designs

I still dream of sock monkey ideas from time to time.  Right now I am working on monkey's in the superhero theme.  I really like the look of the old Super Friends heroes so I am starting with this series.

Right now I have Batman and Wonder Woman worked out on my design sheet.  For the logos and detail work on the uniforms, I am going to have to use felt pieces for the first time.  The yellow wings, headband and white stars on Wonder Woman's costume will be too difficult to crochet on so I will have to make a template once I have the monkey crocheted.  The Batman bat emblem will be done in felt also.

Last night Mike suggested that I make a sock monkey based on the Tardis from Dr. Who.  Not too sure how that one would turn out.  Might trying drawing up something to see how it looks. 

It is kind of funny me mentioned something Dr. Who related because the idea for a Dalek themed sock monkey came to me that day too.  Could use bobble stitches on the legs to make the circles on the base of the Dalek's body.  This is another one I really need to think about. 

Here are some more ideas floating around my crazy sock monkey loving brain:

1. Santa 
2. V from V for Vendetta
3. Hellboy
4. Spawn
5. Beaker
6. Silver Surfer
7. Angelina Ballerina (one of Joanne's favs)
8. And a few others I can not list as they will be presents

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Sweet Mocha Sock Monkey for Joanne

Since I had to give away the sock monkey I made for the NC State Fair because I glued the eyes and mouth on instead of sewing them, I have started a new one for Miss J.  I am doing a pattern change up from the Red Heart sock monkey pattern to the basic sock monkey pattern in my copy of Monkey Business by Patons.  This pattern is working up great now that I have learned to be really careful on the round where you start the body by crocheting around the legs.  I went back and counted the stitches twice before continuing. 

Yarn I am using for the Sweet Mocha Sock Monkey.

The first leg of the sock monkey.  Funny how the colors made a stripe pattern.

Body section about half way done in this picture.

Since the monkey is turning out much larger that I had envisioned, must go off to AC Moore today at lunch to get some larger gauge safety eyes so I can get them attached and start closing up the monkey's head.  Keeping my fingers crossed that I will not run out of the Sweet Mocha yarn.  Still have two arms, one tail and four ear pieces left to make. 

First rectangle completed!!

Finished up the first rectangle today on my break.  Not looking forward to having to block all 40 of these things but the ends are curling bad so it must be done.

 rectangle #1

Bought the yarn for my 2012 afghan

Went to AC Moore  today at lunch to pick out the colors for my afghan entry for next year's NC State Fair.   After taking the picture I changed my mind about the gray yarn on the top of the picture and went with a burgundy instead.  After the toy show this weekend I will start working on the rectangle blocks for this project.

 

Testing for my 2012 NC State Fair Afghan Project

After giving myself some time to get over not finishing my last monster afghan for the fair I have started working on an idea I came up with for next years competition.  I saw a picture of a quilt done in the fence rail pattern I really liked and decided to try crocheting something similar.   The quilt has rough edges where the blocks are attached together so I am making a single crochet edging around each rectangle that will stand up to imitate the rough edge.   There will be 40 rectangles in the afghan so I will pick 20 colors to used for this project.  Nothing like getting to go yarn shopping!  I am thinking of using 5 varigated and 15 solids.  I have not decided on a color scheme yet.   Here are some pictures of the test rectangles I have made.  I am going to go with the second one done in single crochet.

First test - done in the Trish Stitch

Second test - done in single crochet

Special Order Sock Monkey Completed

This one has been fun to make.  Little Noah's Dad is in the military so went with the camo yarn and made him a special ops monkey with the black hat.  He goes to his new home tomorrow.

Special Order - Sock Monkey

One of my co-workers like the sock monkey I made for the NC State Fair so much he asked for a military themed one for a friend who was having a baby boy.  Just have to make the felt piece with Noah's name and birth date on it then I can finish the body and attach the head.  I played around with the hat and made this guy a Special Ops soldier.