I know I told myself no yarn purchases for this year, but $24.00 for all this is a deal that could not be passed up. Don’t you think?

View from the top

Detail

On da Hook: March 14, 2011
Off da Hook: May 16, 2012
Pattern: ODH Designs
Hook: I
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Bright Yellow, Spring Green, Turqua, Pretty ‘n Pink, Pumpkin) and Caron One Pound (Iris)
Dimensions: approximately 58 inches square

First of all I must explain the time it took to crochet this afghan. I began in March 2011 using the above color scheme, separating each section with Red Heart (Bikini), a gradient yarn with the same colors as my scheme. After about four or five repeats I was not liking the gradient or the fact that I had used different weights of yarn, hoping to use some of my stash. So I frogged it and let it chill for a minute in the yarn freezer.

Back in January, after a bout of knitting fever, I decided to start it again, leaving the gradient yarn out, and hoping I would be able to finish by Mother’s Day. Well, about two weeks before Mother’s Day, I ran out of the Caron (Iris). I don’t move too fast these days, so it was about a week before I started looking for it and found it. Unfortunately, I did not take stock and a week later I had to find the Red Heart (Spring Green).

Mom was originally going to buy the afghan from me, but I decided to gift it to her for Mother’s Day. The blanket is valued at $180.00.

Special Deliveries for Crochet Baby Cocoon Patterns

With the spring and summer seasons upon us special deliveries are being made in the maternity ward. Baby fever is among us and with that comes baby showers. Get excited for some crochet baby cocoon patterns to swaddle your new bundle of joy.

May 14, 2012 – Northbrook, Illinois – Work up some fabulous free crochet baby patterns for that little peanut on his way. Whether you’re expecting yourself or know of someone who is, crochet baby cocoon patterns are an amazing item to have or give. AllFreeCrochet has happily put together this fabulous collection of crochet baby cocoon patterns to help make bringing baby home even more joyous.

Did you know that most newborns arrived during the month of September in 2010? Couples enjoy themselves more around the happy holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, hence the September popularity of baby of arrivals. According to Baby Center, other popular months are August, June and July and in that order. Many people enjoy having summer babies so they can plan birthday parties outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. Prepare yourself for baby with our brand new eBook, 11 Crochet Baby Cocoon Patterns.

With 11 adorable patterns, some of which you expected, and others very unique, you will find a cute and cuddly pattern you’ll want to make for your little one. If you’re not expecting yourself, these cocoons make great baby shower gifts. Crochet a set with a hat and booties or just crochet a simple cocoon to keep baby safe and warm. Whatever cocoon you’re looking for, we have it for you in this eBook. Download it for free at http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Free-Baby-Crochet-Patterns/11-Crochet-Baby-Cocoon-Patterns

On da Hook: May 10, 2012
Off da Hook: May 10, 2012
Pattern: Square Hat by Kalpna Kapoor from Cool Crochet Hats by Linda Kopp
Yarn: Michaels Loops & Threads Impeccable (White & Black)
Hook: I

My friend, The Cutter, brought a book she had purchased to the Playa Vista Yarn Crafters a while ago. A couple of days ago, I finally organized my files and came across the pattern she had scanned for me from the book. I thought I could make the hat fairly fast, so I set to business. As you’ll note above, I finished it in one day…actually within a couple of hours.

I followed the pattern and used a looser tension because I did not really think it would fit around my head. As it turned out, the hat fits my head perfectly, despite no fitting. I could make another, as I have tons of scrap white and black yarn. Actually, I think I will, though I think I might modify the construction because sewing the side seams in one color was too revealing on the outside and sewing the side seams in two colors was just to aggravating.

You know, the ironic thing about this is that Pink Fluffy Clouds Cocoon/Hat has been the number one search item that brings people to OffdaHook.net. I feel special!

This is the beginning of Mexican Radio, formerly Watching The Dectectives. Because I am in a different country the signals are not clear, as to the final outcome of this project. Right now, I am thinking cape. Why not, right? With such a bold pattern, I think a cape would provide a large enough landscape to reign in the boldness of the pattern.

On da Hook: April 11, 2012
Off da Hook: April 18, 2012
Pattern: Kid Afghan (ODH Designs)
Yarn: Kids Rock (KR-05)
Hook: US J
Dimensions: approximately 3 feet square

Wow! What I hoped would be a two-day project turned out to be a one-week project. I continually kept screwing up the stitch pattern and would have to frog 1-3 rows each time. The border presented a couple of problems as well: the first time I did not like what I had done, the second time I ran out of yarn. The pattern is available as a PDF or you can view it below.

I bought this yarn at a “yarn store” and despite the fact that it is 93% Acrylic / 7% Polyester, the price per skein was hefty. Even I am surprised by the price of this blanket: $180.00.

Materials

• 902-984 yards worsted weight yarn
• US J Hook

Special Stitches: Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)

Instructions

Chain 99.

Row 1: 5 dc in sixth ch from hook (5 skipped chs count as first dc and

2 skipped chs), skip next 2 chs, dc in next ch, *skip next 2 chs, 5 dc in next ch, skip next 2 chs, dc in next ch; repeat from * across.

To work FPdc: YO, lnsert hook from front to back around post of st indicated. YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). (YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. FPdc video.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), turn; 2 dc in first dc, skip next 2 dc. Work FPdc around next dc, * skip next 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip next 2 dc, work FPdc around next dc; repeat from * across to last 3 dc, skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in last dc.

Repeat pattern for total of 42 rows.

Border

Row 1: double crochet around border.

Row 2: single crochet in each double crochet; three sc in each corner dc.

Row3: alternate 2 dc in front loop/2dc in back look of each dc.

A couple of days ago, I ran out of Caron One Pound (Iris) for the Puff the Magic Dragon Afghan. As I have, technically, three knitting projects on needles — now two, with the recent completion of the Talking Tina Slouch Beanie, I decided to start crocheting the Kid baby blanket. I am using an Embossed Shell Stitch, which I modified slightly. I got through the first skein on the same night I started, but yesterday I had to repeatedly re-do rows because I kept screwing up.

I was so proud of myself the other day. First of all, I noticed a purled stitch that should have been a knit stitch and was able to correct it before knitting into it on the next row and secondly, I was able to fix a drop stitch over two rows before knitting into it.

I also just noticed that I have reached 100 projects on my Ravelry profile. Technically, I must complete three items to have actually completed 100 projects, but I will be there soon.

Cast On: April 1, 2012
Cast Off: April 13, 2012
Pattern: Naked Star Hat by Irina Bil
Yarn: Patons Lace (Porcelain)
Needle Size: US 4 & 5
Dimensions: 8 x 12 inches

Loved the hat pictured when I found the pattern and then discovered that it required seaming. Aiyaa! When I asked a more experienced knitter if I could make it in the round, she said the pattern would require much modification. Boo! I finally got behind  the pattern and started. Despite some problems with the pattern — described below — I really like the way my project came out, except for the seam. I may try again, this time making it in the round and rewriting the pattern. Stay tuned.

Here are the problems I had with the pattern:

• Ribbing
  After the first 2 rows of ribbing, the instructions say “Work in rib as indicated for further 26 rows, ending with WS.” This was a bit confusing. I made the assumption 1 was the right side, so when I got to row row 28, ending with the WS, I started the second section on the right side.
• Section Two
  I was unclear from the picture in the PDF if I was progressing correction because I could not identify the pattern in the second section. I actually like the pattern on my hat, as the reverse is just more ribbing. When I reached 26 cm, I had just completed row one. Instead of knitting row two as instructed, I purled the last row, so I could begin the final section in stockinette.
• Shaping The Top
  Pattern reads: More confusion with instructions after Row 2, where the pattern reads “Work 2 rows in st. st.” To me that would be rows, as stockinette requires two rows for pattern. Yet the next line of the pattern reads Row 5. I just did one row of stockinette (rows 3 and 4).

This hat, along with the Talking Tina Mobius Cowl were commissioned by my cousin. I hope she likes them.