Tie Front Top

I enjoy crocheting clothing and this was particularly fun. It was easy to follow, easy to make since it only had two stitches, it was plain enough that it could be dressed up with flowers or a funky edging, something to make it unique, but it was pretty enough to be worn without any additions. The sizing was just about spot-on, and it was easy to adjust the gauge to accommodate my rather larger-than-size-large self. Since it went to large and I needed a 2x-3x, I simply used the gauge given and my measurements to make it my size. It was really VERY easy.
There was a negative - the edges of the front were too far apart and didn't even cover half my breast. It felt oddly like being on display even though I was perfectly modest, lol. So I added 2 inches of edging to the neckline and fronts, now it's just right.
No pictures of me in it since, after all, I did just tell you I was plus sized. My husband and kids thought it was rather nice, though, so I must have gotten it right!

A shawl for spring

Since I usually cast around and then don't finish a project -or even start it sometimes- I decided to make it and then tell you all about it. All of the 2 people who read this blog. (thanks by the way)
I started a Pineapple Shawl. I got the pattern on Ravelry, of course. It's crochet and I am using a reclaimed fingering/dk weight yarn, a reclaimed merlot colored lambswool. It went together really fast, I did about 3 hours of work on it Friday and about 3 more on Saturday. Today I have to finish the current row of edging and start the last row, then work in the ends and block it. It went much faster than reclaiming the darned sweater! (get it, darned... hehe)



It's not quite as long on me as it is on the model, but I am bigger than she is and using a smaller yarn. It covers my shoulders and 3/4 of my upper arm. I love the way it hugs my neck and drapes in the front.
I might have to make a couple more for friends as a spring gift.
I still have no camera, so my pictures are dependent on Mike's camera being available to me and of my knowing how to use it.

Egglpant is the color or the day

I have a love of purple that is mainly unrecognized. My first love is green, but apparently from my clothing and yarn stash colors, I am carrying on a rather torrid affair with red and purple, too.
I decided to use a purple mohair and a purple cotton with random and tiny slubs of colors like red, yellow, blue, and pink, matched up with some bright purple buttons (all of which I already had sitting around) and let the muse take me.
I started and stopped several times before I finally created a little girl's sweater/cardi. It's about a size 7, but with a loose, bell like sleeve and waist. Almost swing. I tied the sleeve with a bit of the cotton yarn to make a cuff. It's a rather unique combination of shades that is dark and vivid all at once and I think it's just perfectly suited to the large scallop pattern I used for the body and sleeves. I would share the pattern link or name, but it came out of my head so I don't have one for you. Just a raglan yoke followed by three rows of scallop (one pattern repeat) and then I divided for sleeves and body. No edging, the scallops create a pretty edge on their own I think.

I'm already casting around

I have 4 of the 5 swiffer covers made and now I am casting around for another project. I love crocheting girly stuff, so I think I'll make a toddler dress. I have a few coffee cup sleeves and a purple child's jacket made and ready to sell, but I have to get my store started up again before that can happen. I am really feeling the SPRING people! I want to make stuff, I want to create and accomplish. i am so happy to be crocheting again. With the stress of events over the winter I was not able to keep my mind focused on a hook and yarn. Now I can and I am raring to go.

I have been wanting a new project

It's not really new, it's more swiffer covers, but I didn't even realize how badly I wanted to get crocheting again. I haven't been able to for a while. Just... stuff.One thing after another happened and were big enough that I wasn't interested in crocheting at all.
Suddenly, out of the blue a friend admired a swiffer cover I made last year and blogged about and wants me to make her a bunch. Of course I will! She not only gave me something to make again, bless her heart, but then she overpaid me as well. Mike came home with the yarn last night. I was supposed to get it the night before that, but the kids were sick as dogs, poor things.
Tonight I'll make up the covers. I can't wait! I wonder to myself if I'll ever start up Melanie's closet as a store again... who knows. There is a regular crafts market in my little town, big Christmas fairs in the towns nearby, a freakin' wonderful Saturday market in Eugene and there's always Etsy and HyenaCart. I need to get serious about it.
I have such a list -
I have a gift to send to Lisa from Granola Chicks, another for Aubrey, also from Granola Chicks, almost done.
I need to send off Sophia's gauntlets and hat, been sitting here forever it seems, and then I need to make my cousin some new booties for her little girl since she outgrew the last pair.
Then I need to figure out what I'll be making to sell for spring and get my butt in gear!