Book Review - Vogue Knitting Stitchionary

I learnt to knit first and then I picked up crochet.. between the two I found it easier to experiment with crochet than with my knitting simply because of the ease of carrying my crochet projects wherever I went. It is also the ease of picking up the craft that makes crochet very easy to introduce to first timers. I have enjoyed doing that over the last 3 years and I am glad that I could reach out to over 70 people who wanted to learn and create their own little yarn things.

As I spoke with my yarn friends, I found many of them interested in knitting. However, most of them were apprehensive where to begin, how to go on and how to deal with s many stitches on the needles ! Yes, it can be quite different when you are working with one loop while crocheting.

I began my search for the books that I could recommend to my friends. Books that would begin with the basics of knitting and then help beginners graduate into more complex designs. With that search began my series of experiments with what I read in every book as I tried out the patterns. Here is my series of Book Reviews. Hope you enjoy them and check out the books !

The first book that I have picked out for review is an exhausting collection of patterns which use varying permutations of Knit, Purl and Yarn Overs. The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume One: Knit & Purl by The Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine is the first in the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Series. This is a wonderful book for someone starting out with knitting. The patterns are a collection from the original Vogue Knitting Magazine. They have been carefully handpicked to form a gradual progression from the simple designs of knit and purl to lace and then to some unusual designs.

The patterns are well spelt out and are easy to follow. I have used this book to make a couple scarves and a number of swatches. I am looking forward to making many more and I hope to join them all together for a colorful throw, full of texture. This book is a great tool that will see you through projects. Just feel free to try out the patterns, make swatches and mix and match them for your own unique garment.

For Copyright reasons I will not be producing any of the designs here. I urge you to check out the book... have fun and get creative !!!

Wow ! Baby..

Hey Guys...

I've been waiting to put up my pictures and video and like crazy I have not been able to.. Anyways, I thought of writing to everyone here...

I have stayed away from the blog front coz I have been busy setting up my little store online. Its not done yet... once it is populated, I'll put up the link here. Not many yarn projects on for now... just one actually.

Anyways, I have decided that I will knit and crochet along with everyone here rather than finishing my project and then posting here. That ways you all will now see how many times I change my mind about a project and how many times my well thought out pattern changes as it reaches completion. So now on you will get to see a lot of unfinished project pictures, my trials and errors that I almost never post about. I feel those are the real fun things... my projects might seem neat and clean.. but they are never that ways while I am still working on them... :)

Currently working on a Baby Blanket which is a combination of knitting and crochet. Although simple, this is my first time mixing the two. And the project is my own design. This is a special blankie for my best friend Sangi. Yup, she's expecting her first baby in October. And we all just found out that its a baby GIRL !

So wait up for more updates on that and some funky pictures !

And we're back !

Hey Everyone..

The blog has been silent for a while.. but that wont be the case now on.
Spring is here and We're back with some old and new projects.

I will be posting pictures and patterns for a few things that I finished making in the last few months that I was away from the blog. That includes a couple scarves, a lot of baby stuff (Yea ! not just crocheted but knitted too !) and some accessories.

Welcome back ! and watch out for the fun stuff beginning this Friday.

On Vacation..

I have been away for a while... had an extended vacation. I'll be returning shortly with quite a few interesting projects.. Hope you'll be here then.

Best !

For the Love of KITTIES.....

This summer I worked with kittens at the local shelter. The kitten 'season' leaves a large number of unweaned litters.. with little kittens, often a few hours old who cant eat, dont know what they need to survive the day.

Their moms have either abandoned them or are driven away such that they cant find the babies anymore. These kittens are brought to the shelter and taken care of... I joined the group that takes turn in cleaning, feeding and nurturing these kittens. Here is my story -

I love animals!
I've been passionate about them all my life. Working with them, for their well-being has been very fulfilling. I've always found unconditional love and devotion in my four legged friends and it was for this feeling that I wanted to go back to do what I enjoy thoroughly.

This summer I met a cute litter of four kittens. They were so little that I could hide one in my palm ! They were fragile and vulnerable... In the first couple weeks the litter lost a brother and a sister.
This is what the babies looked like when they came to us -



Dont miss the food sticking to their faces... they dint know how to clean themselves and do the regular kitten stuff. Even then, aren't they just CUTE !!!
We had to syringe feed the kitties, induce them to go poopoo.. and keep them warm with heat pads below their beds to help them survive the night temperatures.

We struggled to feed the remaining two kittens - the orange one and the cute black with orange face :) Sometimes it was tough and required patience and perseverance.. in the end they made it.

At the end of the season, these two are healthy, playful and adorable kitties looking for a loving home. I wish they get adopted together coz they love to catch each other by the arm and do a rumble-tumble! They love to sleep on each other... throwing paws at each other... and do a lot of other things together !

From that day to this... it has been a fun experience.
Here is how lovely they look now...




I just love the gorgeous blue eyes !
This picture was taken after the kittens had a full meal and were about to take their afternoon nap and the orange kitty got thirsty. If you've had kittens you'll know its difficult to catch them on a cam coz they are so swift !

On the last day of the season, I crocheted a little orange fish toy especially for my fave kitties. Its to wish them luck and love for all times to come... and guess what! I think they like it !!!



I grew up with dogs and always thought I was more of a 'Dog-Person'. My experience with these kittens has changed that thought !

Truly, love knows no bounds......


UPDATE:  These two lovely kittens got adopted together. They found their forever home and loved the little Fish toy so much that they had to take it with them. I am so happy for them! Everytime I see their pictures, they make me smile. Love'em.

Baby Booties

I was going through websites and found a picture of a cute Baby Bootie pair. The pattern was knitted, so I made up my own Crochet version. :-)



Enjoy the pictures, the pattern will be up soon !!!

If you really like this, leave me your comments..
Here is the Knitting pattern -
http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf

Crochet Hook Sizes

I've been asked about US Crochet Hook Sizes...
Here is my list -



There are many charts online that can give you a comparison of Crochet Hook sizes, with the variation of US, UK, Vintage hooks etc.

Here are some links -

http://www.geocities.com/nornsneedlework/crochet/hookchart.htm

http://www.yarnforward.com/crochetconv.html

Crochet Classes for IHM - Part 3 - Class Information

Hey Friends,

A lot many people took the poll... the number is larger than what I expected ! Which is always a great thing :-)
So I've decided to have classes on both days -
Wednesday, 16th Sept and
Friday, 18th Sept

The classes will be an hour long, give or take a few minutes. They will be just the same as far as content is concerned. Sometimes I get different set of questions from the participants in different classes and I assimilate them in the Follow up post for the class (which you will see on my blog soon after the class) just so everyone can read about what we learnt in class.




These classes are for BEGINNERS ONLY. If you are new to crochet or if this is your first time holding a crochet hook, you are MOST WELCOME TO THE CLASS !!! We will be talking about yarns, learning about crochet basics and we'll practice as many stitches as possible. This class will be aimed towards getting you ready to begin your first crochet project.



WHAT TO GET FOR THE CLASS -

1. YARN - 4ply worsted 100% cotton yarn
2. NEEDLE - US Size G crochet hook (4mm or 4.25mm)

Cotton yarns are the best to begin with because -
a. They are not very stretchable so you will be able to work with it without issues;
b. They are best to practice with since they are thick enough;
c. They come in such a variety of color... you'll be surprised.



So when you go looking for this yarn, just look for "Sugar n Creme" or "Peaches n Cream" cotton yarns (I am adding a few pictures of the cotton yarn that we will be using in the class). These are readily available in stores like Michaels, Joann, Walmart, Hobby Lobby etc.... these are fun to work with.. and you can choose from a wide variety of colors !!!

Feel free to leave me your questions and comments.

Crochet Classes for IHM - Part 3

Hey Everyone !

Welcome to our new online class !
This is going to be for BEGINNERS. Yes, we are going to do the very basics of crochet.. I hope all those who missed out the last classes will be able to join us this time.

You are required to fill out the Poll here. I guess you all have voted in the IHM Poll. I have created this one to ensure that your details can be kept confidential.

CLICK FOR THE POLL HERE

Crocheted Coaster Set

A simple and sweet project to begin crocheting...
thats what this is - COASTERS.

As seen in the picture, this is a set of 6 round coasters that fit into a round crocheted box with a lid. Making the coasters is very simple. All you need for this project is -

-2 skeins of 4ply worsted weight 100% cotton yarn
('Sugar n Cream' or 'Peaches & Creme' cotton yarn are good options)
-F sized Crochet Hook
-1 carpet needle
-1 big bead or button



COASTER PATTERN

4 ch, sl st in 1st ch to make a ring.
Round 1: 2 ch (counts as first hdc), 11 hdc in ring; sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (12 st)
Round 2: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each st; sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st)
Round 3: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in the next st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (36 st)
Round 4: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (48 st)
Round 5: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 3 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (60 st)
Cut yarn and finish off.

Make six of these.



COASTER HOLDER BOX
We begin making the box from the base. Here is the pattern -

Round 1 to 5: same as above.
Round 6: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 4 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (72 st)



Now to make the side of the box -
Round 7 & 8: 1 ch, sc in every st around (72 sc)
Round 9: 4 ch (counts as 1dc and 1 ch), dc in the same st(V-Stitch made), *skip next st; dc in next st, 1 ch, dc in same st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of 3rd ch of the first four chain to join. (36 V-Stitches)
Round 10: 1 ch, *sc in the 1 ch space below, sc in the next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of 1 ch to join. (72 sc)
Round 11 to 15: 1 ch, sc in every st around, sl st on top of first ch 1 to join.
Cut Yarn, Finish off.

Lid of the box -
Round 1 & 2: same as above
Round 3: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 ch, skip next st, * 2hdc in next st, 2 ch, skip next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st, with ch 2 gaps)
Round 4: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 ch, skip next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, 2 ch, skip next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st, with ch 2 gaps) Note: in this round we work only in the ch 2 spaces of the previous round.
Round 5: 2 ch, hdc in the same st, 3 hdc in the ch 2 gap, *2 hdc in the next st (these hdc are worked between the two hdc in the previous row), 3 hdc in the ch 2 gap #, repeat from * to #, sl st on top of ch 2 t join.
Round 6: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 4 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join.



Loop -
10 ch, join in the first ch with sl st.
15 sc in the loop, sc on top of first sc to join.
Keep 6 to 8 inches of the yarn intact, cut yarn, bind off.

Putting it together -
Use carpet needle to sew in the ends of all coasters.
Sew the loop to one side of the lid.
Sew the other side of the lid to the box.
Check position of loop and sew the button / bead on to the box.
Sew in all ends, cut extra yarn.
Place coasters in the box, close box.

All done !!

The box could be kept soft or made stiff by using a stiffening product available at your local store. Hope you enjoy this simple project as much as I enjoyed making them. This crocheted set of coasters makes for a cute housewarming gift too.

Shell Stitch Bookmark

I enjoy making Bookmarks, specially coz they are small projects and get done in no time ! Plus I get the opportunity to experiment with new patterns.

This one is a crocheted bookmark. The basic pattern comes from a book called 'Crochet Inspiration' by Sasha Kagan. I've used this book for several projects and I highly recommend it. Whether you are new to Crochet or have been working with yarn for a long time, you'll enjoy reading and creating from this book.



This pattern is called : Shell Stitch Square
I have used the basic pattern and incorporated some bead work also. I will not be posting the pattern here for Copyright reasons. You can look for this book in your closest library. I will however, use the beading work in some other project which I will share here for the benefit of everyone reading the blog.

Enjoy !

Baby Jacket

This is a very special baby jacket that I made for a friend whom I hold very dear. My friend and her hubby make a cute couple :) we've been great friends and its an exciting time for them... and for me to create something custom for their baby!

This was a surprise gift for them and it has been very difficult for me to keep from letting my friend know that I already know that they are soon to be parents !
Now that the package is on its way... I can finally write about it here :)

I'm hoping they'll like it as much as we do !!




The jacket idea is inspired from the following project:
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=25621a

For my project, I used -
Lion Brand's Pound of Love Yarn in Soft Pale Green color as the main color for the jacket and Read Heart Soft Yarn in Off While color for the lacy edging and the ties at front. I also used a Pale Green Button on top of the snap buttons used to attach the right and left collars.
Crochet Hooks - I/9 (5.5 mm) and G/6 (4.25 mm)




I made several changes to my jacket and it looks different from that in the pattern.
I like how the top panel looks and adapted it to a gauge that was preferable for my project. My Baby Jacket fits a 3 to 6 months baby. The pattern in the above link has a bigger lower half as compared to the top part. Since I like the top half more, I adjusted the gauge to make the top part bigger. I also tweaked small bits of the armhole to make the jacket without sleeves, so it could be used as a top layer on whatever the baby is wearing. For the bottom part, I made HDC stitches instead of the DC stitches suggested in the pattern.

Hope you will like the pictures and find it easy enough to try !
Feel free to ask questions...

:)

White Water Rafting

Summer is so much fun !!!
We went white water rafting today and what fun that was !!

So for all of you who have not tried it yet.. you really are missing out on something. :)
Enjoy !
Hope to hear about your summer adventures!!

Happy Father's Day !!

Wishing all the Daddies around the world....
A Wonderful Father's Day !!!


My Dad and Father-in-law are bookworms.. alwez reading something.
What would make a better gift for them than a bookmark...
so here is what I made for them -

BOOKWORM ON A STICK !
Yes, thats a bookmark :)



The Bookworm idea came from - http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/bookworm.html

Although I really like the bookworm pattern, I did not want my bookworm to have a tail... so I crocheted a stick with deep brown yarn, slipped a wooden skewer inside so it stays straight like a branch and added my bookworm on top.

Enjoy !!!

Zizi goes to Yosemite

Yosemite is B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L
... to put in one word.

We've been there a few times and the views are breathtaking each time.
Sorry for being away for long and not keeping everyone informed. My family was visiting (YAY !!!) so we got busy doing a lot of outdoorsy stuff. Zizi of course had her own share of fun... most of all, she had a wonderful time with a Full House !!

I will soon bring on some of the (yarn) experiments we did as we traveled... plug in for more...

Baby Booties

These are baby booties made of Dusty Rose Acrylic Yarn.
These were especially made for a dear friend who had her first baby girl!! We shared some very interesting yet dreaded classes in law school. :)

The booties fit a 6 month baby. The pattern that I followed for this one is right here -

http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/02/blog-post_24.html

This pattern inspired me to create some of my own. I am currently working on a Baby Booties pattern, trying to simplify it so that I can share it with everyone here !
Hope you guys will enjoy making these !!

Baby Boy T-shirt

It has been great fun working with all the colorful yarns this month !!

This is my first attempt at making a T-Shirt for a Baby. Hope you all will like the pictures. The pattern is as simple as making 4 square blocks and joining them together. A border was crocheted into the arms, neck and bottom for added cuteness factor.

Close up of the Arm:


Close up of the Border:


Close up of the Neckline:


I will add to this post, please check back for more details.

Baby Blanket - Granny Square Variation

How could we have a Baby Month and not have a special blankie on the occasion !
This is a Baby Blanket that measures 24 x 24 inches and is made of 4-Ply yarn. I used two colors for it... pastel green and lemon yellow. These have become my favorite over time.

Zizi loves the colors so much, she even wanted her special hair clip made with the same yarn ! :)




The baby blanket is made of 16 squares - 6 x 6 inches each. The pattern for this square is a variation of the traditional Granny Square. It has front post double crochet stitches which give it the 'x' look. The pattern is from Teresa's Blog -
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/

I'm a great fan of Teresa and have been following her thread for a while now. She's real fun to watch. I really enjoy trying out her patterns.


A close-up of the blocks:


For my blanket, I altered a few things in the pattern, like-

* Using the colors differently from Teresa's sample.
I've used Color A for rounds 1 & 2;
Color B for rounds 3 & 4
Color A for Round 5 & 6

* I added round 6 to the pattern.
After finishing round 5, Ch1, make 1sc in the next stitch to the end of the row.
In the ch 2 space make 3 sc, continue making sc around on all four sides.
To finish off, sl st in the beginning sc, cut your yarn.

* Added Tassels.
These were added to finish off the Blanket.

Adding the 6th round makes for a good finishing. The edges are well defined and not roundish anymore. Its also easy to join these squares together coz the lines are so straight.



Hope you will enjoy this project as much as I enjoyed making it !
Enjoy the pictures... Do leave your feedback !

For Momie with Love...

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms around the world !!!




This video is dedicated to the two amazing ladies in my life... My Mom and My Mom-in-Law.
You make us laugh, you make us cry... We love you so much... miss you so much..
We have half the world between us.. wonder why?

Missing you both on this very special day..

Love,

All your Children.

Baby Girl Dress

Crocheting a full baby dress can be time consuming. I came up with some easy options to create something fun for your baby in no
time !!




In this picture, Zizi is sporting a white cotton skirt with its un-attached top with two little pockets. The Top part and the pockets of this dress are made with 100% mercerized cotton thread in Rose color. The Pattern is called 'Tipsi Blocks' and has been adopted from a book called 'Crochet Inspiration' by Sasha Kagan.

Its a great book for anyone who is looking to create their own patterns while trying out some lovely variations of the basic stitches. The author has some very unique designs and projects as part of this book. I recommend it a 100% !

The idea of this dress is to have some parts that are crocheted while the skirt can be simply sewed on. This is just one of the many ways of achieving the same result - a Great Summer Dress !!

A close up of the pattern - Tipsi Blocks


Enjoy the Pictures.