back in the saddle

I've gotten so spoiled using other people's patterns that I nearly forgot how hard it is to write the darned things myself. I used to use my own exclusively but then I got entranced with the ingenuity and creativity I saw from other writers.
I have plans to make two projects and keep the patterns for later use. First, I want to make a play-mat for the boys. they love that sort of thing and it's really hard to find in crochet.

I'm going to make it with~
*a train track
*tarmac roads
*a lake
*surroundings with green and brown as grass and dirt.
*I'm also going to make a few little things to go with it, like vehicles, buildings and animals.

Graph paper is definitely in order for that one! Any suggestions are welcome.

Secondly, I want to make a vest for myself. Finding a vest pattern that isn't a spiderweb or a big blocky thing from the 70's or 80's is difficult enough, but a cute vest in my size is nearly impossible. I did find a few, but they're not really my style. I have a short waist and a large bust as well as a large rear, so the long vests are not exactly flattering.

I am looking to make a pattern that has~

*narrow straps (not spaghetti strap, but I would like to avoid the big wide shouldered 'sleeveless' look)
*a deep V neck that covers my belly button, but not that covers to my collarbones
*large arm openings so that there isn't any uncomfortable rubbing or conversely, tight arm seams that restrict movement
*a waist that falls naturally on my own with a hem that ends at mid hip.

Right now I have a couple of projects to send out, but I'll be updating daily from rough drafts, to the WIP, to the finished object.

Pretty Posy of Bobby Pins

I love doing fun things with my hair and one day I was window shopping online and came across some silk flower hair pins. They are definitely my style, but since I crochet, my thoughts quickly turned to how I could make some in crochet. Since I am using average size bobby pins, thread was the way to go. I used a size 7 hook, DMC or size 10 thread, average bobby pins in black and brown, and a hot glue gun. I didn't find mine after recently moving, so I bought one. Don't worry, not spendy! The minigun was only $2.49 and the mini glue sticks were the same price. I didn't even really need the glue because the flowers stayed on ok alone, but these pictured are going to be worn by children.

I finished it!

I actually remembered to take pictures this time. I never seem to remember that. The color is a little off, don't know what I did wrong but it's more the color of a scrub jay, not a grape. The pattern was a bit tricky for a few rows but then it got easy and repetative so I could finish it while watching From Russia With Love and not miss a stitch. I took two full days to make this, grabbing yarny-time whenever thte kids and pets (and Mike) would let me. Fast AND gorgeous, I think I'm in love. *wink wink*
Look at the cool mum-like detailing. This pattern was created as a crochet version of Kool Haas, a gorgeous knit hat.

Hats are the thing

Fall has been over in our neck of the woods since October 2nd, and winter was making itself felt. Poor Winter must have felt ignored because there was a snow fall yesterday and today that really illustrates how 'fall' is an apt description. The dogs were out for a few hours and I panicked when I stepped outside to call them in and couldn't see them in the snow. They did finally hear me calling and startled me because I was looking for them to come running, not pop out of the piles of snow directly in front of me.
Today Mike needed to go to the bank and then check the mail... of course we needed snow chains. Ahh, the habits of winter. Getting bundled up to go outside, putting on chains to check the mail, Keeping the dogs in the house for the greater part of the day to avoid frostbitten pads.
In keeping with the weather, the next thing on my list of projects - HATS. Amazing how much a little boy's noggin can grow over the summer. I don't have a pattern picked out for those three quite yet. Mike needs a new driving hat, too, since that 30 miles drive to work can get COLD. I think I have a good pattern in mind for him. Of course I';; have to adjust the dimesions a smidge, but the Boy's Crochet hat from Coats and Clark is good and simple, but cool looking.
I've already started on a new hat for myself last night, the crocheted version of the koolhaas. It's called the Diamond Ridges hat and while it was a little hard getting the first 7 rows right, the rest is easy as could be and I should be done today if the kids and pets can stop needing me desperately for an hour or so.

Mini purse swap, here I come!

I am getting started on a project for a swap group I joined on Ravelry. Shocker, ME doing a swap. Hahaha.
The Mini Purse Swap is going to be so much fun! I have a ton of reclaimed yarn I want to use and so many cute patterns out there. The only problem is that the person I am sending to has a severe cat allergy.... and I got two cats over the summer. She says as long as I don't crochet a purse for her from cat dander and hairballs, I should be ok. LMAO, all righty then, time to get started! It needs to be sent by December 4th, so I have plenty of time. I did mention I am fast, right?
I'm thinking of making a variation of bag no. 2793 from Free Vintage Crochet. It could be so cute and since my partner likes bright colors, I am going to make it a felted red lambswool with some contrasting color. I was thinking black, but the only black I have is in cotton. Might have to rethink it.

I'm going to love making this and buying stuffin's to put inside, too.
When that is done I have half a sleeve for a green cotton gauntlet to finish and then I want to start on that crossword puzzle purse for my Nanny. OH, and a purse for a dear friend, as well.