Mission: Make Slouchy Beret

So I'm searching all over the innanet to find a cute slouchy beret pattern. I have some mustard Vanna's Choice left over from the capelet that I think I've decided to stop making *hangs head in shame*. I think I just fell out of love with it. Anyway, I just love the color- which probably means I'll be frogging that whole darn thing so I can use the yarn for another project. I'm picturing a lovely slouchy beret in that color, maybe with a little brown in there too.

Since this is a worsted weight yarn, I want to find a pattern that has a little airyness to it so I don't suffocate my head while trying to look cute. First stop: Google Search (of course). Turns out Threadbanger had quite a few listed on one of their Weekly DIY Roundups.

Now, I've seen the Pretty Puffs Slouchy Hat several times, and I think it looks pretty cool, but I'm hesitant about working it up in Vanna's Choice.

Then there's the Mesh Beret by AngryOlive. OK- weird pic I know, but it showed the best "hang" of the beret.

I think this would look much better in the yarn I have, but we'll see which one I end up feeling inspired to make. Maybe both!

*Womp Womp*

Sooooo, apparently my comments link is not working. Looks like I'll be taking a trip into HTML land to try to figure out what's wrong. If you don't hear back from me soon, call the authorities!!

Do it A'Ghan

A baby is coming! A baby is coming!

A couple of months back I was talking to my old friend Tony. He and I didn't grow up together, but we pretty much spent ages 12-16 or so attached at the hip. We were like two peas in a pod, ebony and ivory lol . . . Around his sophomore/junior year of high school we kinda lost touch as he went to find his way in life and I did the same.

I was at his parent's house and he came by. We joked and teased each other as ususal, and he ran downstairs and called, "Li'bit, come here, I've got something to show you." Lo and behold, it was an ultrasound picture! OK . . . so his mother and sister had already told me that his girlfriend was expecting, but I was obliged to act surprised.

And really, I was. It was all a little surreal, but last week when I received an invitation to the baby shower, I was reminded that my little Tony is going to be a father soon. Wow. Of course, a baby shower means gifts- what ever shall I bring for this bundle of joy? AHA- A cute little baby afghan!!! I think that'll be the perfect gift, as I've been waiting to try my hand at an afghan, and what better occasion than this?

I went on Crochet Pattern Central to look for a pattern, and I found a couple of cute ones. Well, I found several cute ones, but I think it'll be between these two.

Bubbles Baby Blanket

This one appeals to me because it's easy, quick, and it's worked up in a cute stitch.











Circles Stripes & Squares
This one, however, is simply ADORABLE. That is some beautiful work right there, and I could use lots of colors that would make it suitable for a boy (which is what they are expecting) or even a future baby girl. It'll be a lot more work though, and I think the shower is this month.

All I know is that they'd better keep it forever. For real.

Also, I know that Son' is also expecting a baby this year and I am considering making her an afghan as well. Again, I think that the Circles, Stripes, and Squares would be an excellent choice *nod*.

Last but not least, Tria just had her 21st birthday and we're having a grown-folk style sleepover to commemorate. All I'd planned on bringing was the jello shots *grin*, but I'm feeling a little inspired to make her something as well. The problem is, I don't know what. A scarf would be super-easy and quick, but scarf weather is almost over. I don't think she really wears hats either :( I thought about doing a pair of socks (I've been wanting to try those as well) in her favorite colors, pink and white, but I'm not sure how my first attempt at socks will come out. I'd like to eventually make use of my Speed Hook, so maybe a simple shawl or lapghan.

All I know is a sista is gonna need to shell out some dough for yarn :(. Donations are always accepted :D *grin*

Crochet Capelet

Soooo, while perusing the patterns on the Lion Brand Yarn website, I found this beautiful capelet.

I love capes and capelets, and this one looked so charming that I knew I had to make it. This would be my first big crochet project, everything else has been simple, like hats, scarflettes, flowers, etc. But this. . . this is unique enough to be selected as my first serious project.

Okay, it's pretty easy so it's not a SERIOUS serious project. Anyway, I can see myself in this on those breezy spring days, just getting my swag on . . . so I started making it. Tell me why it looks like a BIG DOILY?!?!?

Everyone says, "It's not done yet" and "Wait until it gets a little longer" but I am just NOT getting the vision. It's a little discouraging, I was so excited about this project. I actually went out and bought the yarn for it, 4 skeins of mustard Vanna's Choice. My first yarn purchase that I actually already had a pattern for. Everything else is just made from the stash I'm always adding to. . . All that for a big yellow doily :-( But you know what? I'm going to keep making it because I don't want another unfinished project (Isn't there an acronym for that? UFP?) because that would be a waste of time and money.

I guess it's not looking so bad when I try it on. I wonder if I should have used a different color, but i love goldenrod/mustard colors against my skin, and I wanted something that would pop.

Eh, we'll see what happens.

I'm Heeeere!

Ahhhhhh, nothing like the feel of a fresh, new blog. *stretches* This is a pretty nice spot, if I do say so myself. I've been thinking about starting a craft blog ever since I started crocheting again. This second attempt has been successful, unlike when I was 10 years old fumbling around with a hook, leftover yarn, and an old crochet book I found. I didn't get too far, just a whole bunch of long chains and a few rows of SC and DC.

I also sew and have been doing that since I was a little girl. I'm no pro, I just like to have fun with it but since lurking craft blogs I've been thinking that I need to get more serious about it and maybe take a class or something, hone my skills. I also need to make use of the new Singer I purchased last year. I bought it from a lady in the local paper for only $100. She'd bought it new and used it for just a few months when she got a really nice fancy schmancy $800 one- I was happy to take this off of her hands, but I told myself, "If you spend money on this machine, you'd better make it make money for you." Actually, so far it has, but it's just been a few dollars from alterations. Every little bit helps though right?

I'll be posting lots of links to some other inspiring crafters. These folks keep me motivated. I'm the type of person who works off of pure inspiration, but it needs to be constantly refueled. So let the inspiration flow!!!!!

Anyway, welcome :-)