Can you say horder?

I guess I could be called a hoarder of yarn. Although not to the extent of the hoarders of the show “Hoarders, Buried Alive”, I do have a large supply of yarn.

I took this weekend to completely go through my yarn stash. I was amazed at how much yarn I had. I really only had 4 whole skeins, the rest of it was partial skeins and small balls of yarn.

I came across many items, besides the few I’ve posted on here, that I had made quite a while ago. I came across two baby blankets, three afghans, two vests, some hats, and quite a few partially made items.

I didn’t want to have to go “rummaging” through the stash to try to find a particular yarn so I, once again, organized my stash.

When I started, I had about 16 bins of yarn, knit/crochet books and supplies. I was able to cut it down to about twelve, and that was with throwing a lot of small remnants of yarn away.

I separated everything. I have one bin for baby yarn, one for cotton yarn and thread and novelty yarn such as fun fur, etc. I have a couple of bins with finished items as well as unfinished projects (hopefully to finish one day). I have about 3 bins of crochet books and magazines and patterns. I have a bin for my full/almost full skeins of yarn. Then I have a couple of bins with leftover yarn, sorted by colors so when I’m looking for a specific color, I’ll have all the variations of that color in the same spot.

My task now is to try to come up with some projects that I can use a lot of this yarn up. I will be doing a lot of socks, hats, slippers and some scrap busting afghans. And for the baby yarn, I’m going to find some preemie patterns to use up the small amounts of baby yarn I have. I am going to try to find some thread patterns to use up my thread, even though I’m not crazy about working with thread. But who knows, I just might find that gorgeous thread pattern that I just can’t pass up!

What is good about this whole thing is that I can keep doing the thing I love to do most, and not have to spend any money doing it, at least until the stash is gone.

X Scarf Pattern

posted by:

Bende

I’ve always wanted to design my own patterns, but always felt it would take so much of my time to first of all think of a project, figure out what kind of design I want and then to try to make it and write it all down on paper. It just seemed like such a daunting task.
I decided over the weekend that I really wanted to try it out and that I would just start with a smaller project. I thought maybe scarf would be something I could attempt. And the finished product could be a Christmas gift, if it came out ok!
After a couple of tries, I came up with a pattern I liked and here is the final result. I think it makes a pretty scarf and I have a person in mind that will get it for Christmas! I think next I will make a pattern for a matching hat!
This scarf is a narrow scarf (approximately 3.75”) and made with the cross stitch which I refer to as “X stitch”. If you wish to make the scarf wider, you just need to repeat the pattern until it is as wide as you want it.
This scarf pattern is using the cross stitch with rows of double crochet. I used Simply Soft yarn, but you could use any worsted weight yarn. I hope you enjoy this pattern!
Supplies:
Size “I” hook
2 oz. Simply Soft yarn
Instructions:
Chain 238
Row 1: DC in 3^rd chain from the hook and in each ch to the end of the row. Chain 3, turn.
Row2: DC in first 3 stitches, skip next stitch, dc in next stitch, dc in skipped stitch (X made). {skip 1 dc, dc in next stitch, dc in skipped stitch} to the last 3 stitches. DC in last 3 stitches. Chain 3, turn.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2
Row 4: DC in each stitch to end of row, Chain 3, turn
Row 5: Repeat row 2
Row 6: Repeat row 2
Row 7: Repeat row 4
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Slipper Socks

Now that I have a couple of patterns under my belt, I’m feeling a little more confident that I can do this. I was planning on doing a slipper pattern, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that so I decided to do a pair of socks. Since I was not quite ready to attemp socks with a heel, I made these slipper socks without a heel. They turned out ok and seem pretty comfortable.

This pattern is using just the basic stitches like double crochet and single crochet. The majority of the pattern is alternating the double crochet and single crochet…doing a single crochet in a previous double crochet and doing a double crochet in a previous single crochet. I made this to fit a woman’s size 10 foot, however since there is no heel, I think it will fit any size foot. If you wanted to adjust the size, you could always change the size of your hook.
SUPPLIES:
I Hook
Approximately 3 oz of each color, worsted weight yarn
With Color A, Chain 4 to begin. SS into the first ch to form a circle, ch3Round 1: 10 dc into circle, ss in top of beginning ch3Round 2: Ch3, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around. SS in top of ch3. (15 dc)Round 3: Ch3, (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) around, join (20 dc)
Round 4: Ch3, (dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) around, join (25 dc)
Change to color B
Round 5: Ch 3, *dc in next st, sc in next st, dc in next st, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from * to last 3 sts. DC in next st, sc in next st, dc in last st. Join
Round 6: Ch 3, sc in first st. *dc next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * to end of round. Join.
Round 7: Ch 1, *dc in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * to end of round. Join in ch 1 at beginning of round.
Change to color A
Round 8: Ch 3, *sc in next st, dc in next st. Repeat from * to end of round. Join in top of beginning ch 3.
Round 9-31:  Repeat round 7 & 8, with last round being round 7.  Change colors after 3 rounds of a color is made.
Round 32: Ch 3, sc 2 tog (decrease made), *sc in next st.  (dc in next st, sc in next st) 3times, dc in next st, sc 2 tog.*  Repeat from *to* 2 more times.  SC 2 tog, dc in next st, sc in next st, dc in last st.  Join in top of beginning ch 3.
Round 33:  Ch 1, dc in first st, sc 2 tog, dc in next st, sc in next st, dc in next st, sc 2 tog, sc in next st, dc in next st, sc 2 tog.  (dc in next st, sc in next st) 3 times.  SC 2 tog, sc in next st.  (dc in next st, sc in next st) 3 times.  Dc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, dc in next st, sc in last st.  Join to beginning ch 1.
Round 34:  Ch 3, dc in all stitches around.  Join in top of beginning ch 3. Fasten off.
Tie: Chain 80, fasten off.  Weave tie through dc’s in Round 34.

Baby Due

Well, another baby is due in my family so I will be starting on a new baby project. If it was a girl, I would give her the green baby outfit I showed you the last time I was here...but she found out it's a boy so I've been on the search for a baby boy outfit. I went to the site where I got the green baby outfit pattern from and found just the perfect outfit to make. I started it last night and look forward to completing this really cute outfit. I will post a picture of it as soon as it is finished. In the meantime....here are some hats I've made over the winter:

Baby Outfit

I was doing a search one day on baby outfits because that is one of my favorite things to crochet. I came across a designer's site and found the most amazing baby outfits I've ever seen. I read that you would get a free pattern if you sign up for the newsletter so that's what I did. I got the pattern and made it and was astounded at how beautiful it came out and how easy it really was to make. I don't have anyone to give it to so I may put it up for sale. I went back to the site and ordered 2 patterns since I've found out that my niece is pregnant and is having a boy. I received the patterns via email...within seconds of ordering. I can't wait to get started on the boy outfit. I will post a picture of it when I'm done.

Shelled Fingerless Mitts

I have published my first pattern. I love the fingerless mitts and wanted to make my own. Check out the pattern here

Brimmed Hat

I made this hat with no one in particular in mind. I saw Miley Cyrus on t.v. on New Years Eve, and she had one of these hats on (her's was knitted) and I thought it looked so cute on her, so I had to make one to see if I could because I think my 2 niece's tween/teen daughters would love one, especially if Miley has one! This one is an adult size one so I will have to make smaller ones for the girls. However, I now have to also make one for my mother in burgandy since she saw this picture and had to have one! Go figure!

This hat was really easy and did up quick. You can find the pattern
here

Lacy Dishcloth

Here is yet another dishcloth I made for a Christmas gift (along with other cloths). This one worked up so quickly and was very easy. All the dishcloths and other items I made for my family in Maine for Christmas has been shipped out. I'm glad I was able to get it all done in time, however, I will be starting on next years gifts after the holidays. I was just a little stressed this year that I wouldn't be done in time. Next year, I'd like to make some clothing rather than dishcloths and small items like that, so that's why I need to start early.

I did this discloth with peaches and cream cotton yarn, that is usually what I use for my dishcloths. You can find the pattern for this dishcloth here.

Baby Hoodie

Here is a hoodie that I made for one of my great nieces. She is one and this would be just perfect for her. Another Christmas gift done! Time sure is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. I have only 1 more gift to do and then I can ship them all out to Maine! The last gift is for my great nephew who is 7 and he has been the hardest one to think of something for....All the gifts for my family in Maine (14 people total) are crocheted....and the 7 year old boy was the hardest to decide on. I think I've decided on a hackey sack and possible a alien space ship with some aliens if I can get the pattern for it.

I'm still planning on opening a shop selling all my crocheted items after the new year. That is my goal for 2008..........It would be great if word got around and people were coming to my store to buy my handmade items. I love crocheting, and although I have many family members to crochet for...it's still not enough people for all the items I want to crochet. I want to have a slew of different items from clothing to toys to trinkets.........

Dish Cloths

I've made some dish cloths for little "side" gifts for family members. I know my mother really likes them so I've made some for her. These were quite easy and are really pretty patterns.

This next one is the climbing shells dishcloth. I really like this one alot. You can use this pattern for so many things like scarfs, afghans...it's really a pretty pattern.

Socks..again

Well, my husband conviscated that last pair of socks I made since his older pair had given out and his feet were cold. So I had to do up another pair to replace the last pair which was a Christmas gift. I actually like the 2-toned pair better. I have one more pair to make and I think I will make that 2-toned as well.

Time is slipping away, but I'm making progress on my christmas list. I've been working every single night crocheting my fingers off...they are even feeling a bit sore and stiff in the morning, but I'm not letting that stop me.

Socks

Here is a pair of socks I crocheted for Christmas. It was actually a gift for my brother-in-law, however, my husband told me there was an emergency, and that he needed another pair of socks right away.......his older ones had worn out! I was just about done with this pair, feeling like I was making headway on my Christmas list!

Anyway, my husband got the socks and now I'm working on another pair for my brother-in-law. I will also be making a pair for my nephew. I have one sock done, 3 to go! I got the pattern for these socks
here.

Stocking Stuffers

Well, Christmas is getting so close and I am trying so hard to get items crocheted for gifts. There are so many things I want to make and I just hope I can make them all in the time left before Christmas. Problem is, most of the things I need to make are for family members out of state which means that gives me even less time to get them done since I will have to ship them out early.

What I am doing is just making small projects for everyone...I have so many family members that it would be impossible to make some thing big like sweaters and other items that take alot of time. So, small quick items are the theme for this holiday. I will desperately try harder next year to get things going earlier. In fact, I'd like to think I will start working on things right after the holidays for next year.

Anyway, these pocket kleenex holders are a small "side" gift for my mother, sister and 2 grown nieces. I am also making one for myself! I got the pattern here.

Candy Cane Lapghan

This is called a Candy Cane Lapghan. I just finished this last week. It really didn't take all that long to make. It's made with 2-tone circles and sewn in a way that makes the designs. I thought it was different and I love to make afghans. I've steered away from afghans for at least a year now mostly because I had my new nephew coming and I wanted to make him alot of things since I do love making baby items too!

I'm pretty much caught up with the baby items (until spring) so I want to get back into making more afghans. I like to make each of my 2 sons a new afghan every year. I haven't even started any for them this year yet, but I think I will browse the pattern sites and see if I can pick out a couple of afghans for them. I'm thinking the mile a minute afghans are supposed to be quick, so I may go that route. But I first have to get Christmas gifts done...Where am I going to find the time to do all of it???

Fingerless Mitts

Here is a pair of fingerless mittens that I made for my youngest son. I also ended up making a pair for my oldest son as well. Their hands get cold while playing on the computer and these keep them warm and leave their fingers free to move the mouse without it slipping.

I sent a picture of these to my mother and she showed my sister and my sister said she'd love a pair. Well, I made her a pair this weekend and just sent them out to her this afternoon...she has no idea I made her a pair, so I can't wait for her to get them. She's in Maine so I'm sure she'll get some good use out of them. I will probably make her some for Christmas as well. I also want to make myself a pair because my hands get cold while I crochet and with my fingers free, these would keep my hands warm so I can crochet in comfort!

I also hear these are becoming very popular with the young kids so I may make some to put on my "crochet store" when I get that up and running.

Elfin Stipes Sweater

I finished this sweater and hat finally! It's for my nephew who will be one in about 3 weeks. This sweater was so easy to make and it came out so cute. I found the pattern here

Now I am on my quest for my next "big" project. Right now I'm working on some dishcloths for Christmas. I will work on those while I search for my next project. I want to make a sweater for myself, but then I also want to make a vest to wear on christmas (I saw a few vests I liked).

I also have a bag I want to make for Christmas along with some cell phone holders. Too many projects, too little time!!!

Crochet Business

I've been thinking about this for a long time now and I think I'm finally going to do something about it. I want to open a store with the handmade items I make. I did it awhile back for a short time and did sell about 3-4 afghans, but really didnt' keep up with it.

I think after the holidays, I'm going to really get my store going. I already have many items that I have made that would go up for sale. Right now, I have to finish up birthday and Christmas gifts before I can get started on the store. Maybe over time, it can develop into something big, who knows.

As for right now, I am still working on the "Candy Cane" afghan which is almost done. After that is done, I will finish up the baby sweater for my nephew that I started. His 1 year birthday is after Thanksgiving so I want to get that sweater done in time for that. Then I also have a jogging suit for him which will be for Christmas, plus an afghan I want to make him as well as some other sweaters/clothes.

Hopefully the next time I post, I'll be able to show the "Candy Cane" afghan.

Another set of hands

For those of you that crochet, I'm sure you can relate..I need another set of hands. I am constantly looking at patterns and wanting to do almost every one I see. And it gets very frustrating because there are many that I would like to do for Christmas gifts, but I know I won't have time to do them all!!!

I now have a 2 baby sweaters, a baby jogging suit and an afghan in the works, all at the same time. I want them all done by Christmas besides another baby jogging suit, another baby sweater set, a bag, a few cell phone holders, some dish cloths and an afghan or two that I want to get done. I know it's not going to happen and it just makes me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed that I will sit and not work on any of them.......not knowing which one I want to work on!!!

I think what I need is more time...I need to quit my job so I can spend more time on my crocheting. Well, I guess that's not an option at this point.......boy..I can't wait for retirement!!!!

Winter Crochet

As I mentioned before, my favorite things to crochet are baby items and afghans. Well, I crocheted this winter gear for my nephew. I was so tired of using the same colors like green's and blues for him, so I wanted to use another color that I've never used before. I think gray was a good choice. This is made with Caron Simply soft, my favorite acrylic yarn. It's perfect for babies! I just hope I have tons of grandchildren!

I am still working on the baby jogging outfit and my crochet quilt. I hope to finish the jogging suit soon. I think though, it might be a tad too big for my nephew...he may have to wait a year for it to fit him.

Snowflake Afghan

This snowflake afghan is one of my favorites. It was really not that difficult to make and the outcome is just beautiful. I'm waiting for the right person and right occasion to give this afghan to. It's really a heavy warm afghan. I love the contrast of the burgandy and white yarns.

This afghan took me about 2 1/2 weeks to make. I wish I could remember where I got the pattern from. I believe it was a pattern online, but for the life of me, I can't find it anymore. I would like to make another one in a different color. I will have to look through my crochet magazines....maybe I am remembering wrong and I actually got it out of one of the pattern books I have. Ok, I'm off to search for the snowflake afghan!