Straight from the Life of Kel

Sandal Socks, another FO and some life stuff!

2007-07-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of these. I love my sandals but after wearing them all day I get sore areas where the straps touch so this is a great idea. I found the pattern on Ravelry...love that place!

Pattern
Flip-Flop Socks in Crochet

By Leigh Manson-Brown at Knit-Errant

Yarn

Knit Picks Simple Stripes .5 skein for two

Worked up quick and easy. Was a great little pattern. BTW: Please forgive my not so pretty feet.

Life Stuff for those interested. I have suffered with major anxiety for many years. I never spoke to anyone about it until recently. I have been unable to focus on anything or get anything finished. My anxiety had started to move into a very bad direction. Well... I was coaxed by my mother, husband and best friend to see my doctor about it. Well... I am happy to say that I am so glad that I did. He started me on Zoloft and I cannot believe the change. I feel relaxed for the first time in many many years. I don't feel antsy, edgy, anxious, etc... I feel relaxed and I am beginning to understand that my axienty levels were unhealthy and affecting everything in my life. I have been sleeping beautifully and feel rested and have energy. I want to do things and get things done. If it wasn't for my family's support and encouragement, I would still be in denial that anything was wrong with me. Thank you to them for seeing the unhealthy behaviors and not giving up on me.

Well, friends, I will have many more FOs in the next few days... I am on a roll. I hope everyone's weekend was lovely, and now I need to go wash my car because Caleb said so ;)

Breana's Blanket~ The Story of an FO!

2007-07-21T00:02:00.001-07:00

This is for my niece who is due in November. I have wanted to make this for a long time and finally had the chance but it ended up being the blanket from hell. I ended up ripping it out 4 times because I wasn't happy with the color or it was getting too big and I need to decrease the rows etc etc. But the big kicker was when I left it out over night and Caleb woke up before me. He decided to "help" mama and he cut ALL the ends to about 2 inches long. There is a color change every 2 rows and I was almost done. I cried but knew it was my fault for leaving it out with scissors. I was lucky the yarn was savable. I am glad this blanket is done and I do like the way it turned out. It did end up big about 60" but hey it is a baby blanket that can be used for a very long time.

Pattern: Round Ripple

Yarn: Bernat Baby Coordinates..lost track of skeins with all the problems

Hook: K

2 Strands together throughout.

Rows 1-3~ 2 white

Rows 4-5~ 1 white, 1 yellow

Rows 6-7~ 2 yellow

Rows 8-9~ 1 yellow, 1 peach

Rows 10-11~ 2 peach

Rows 12-13~ 1 peach, 1 pink

Rows 14-15~ 2 pink

Rows 16-17~ 1 pink, 1 purple

Rows 18-19~ 2 purple

Rows 20-21~ 1 purple, 1 blue

Rows 22-23~ 2 blue

Rows 24-25~ 1 blue, 1 green

Rows 26-27~ 2 green

Cro & Go Bag aka Cosmetic Bag

2007-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Kelly's Cro & Go Bag

I used a free Cosmetic Bag pattern located here.
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter in Blue Haze 1.5 skeins
Hook: G
Quick Crochet and an added bonus...stash buster!

I did 30 rows instead of 19 for larger bag. I also crochet very tight so it wouldn't need lining. I sewed the bottom up really well so I wouldn't need the "base" but I did add a CD inside for added structure. I like the way it turned out. I originally made this for my sister but of course decided to keep it. I crocheted the drawstring handles instead of using ribbon.

Slouchy Purse FO

2007-07-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

The lining and the button (lower right corner)

Slouchy Purse by Drew Emborsky
Interweave Crochet Magazine Spring 2007

Cotton Ease 1.5 skeins

G hook

Lined before slouch which made for a lot of layers to go through...I ended up using an upholstery needle but it still required a bit of work. I love the color and the lining, but I think I should have lined the handles since I really dislike the stretch..Oh well you live you learn. The pattern was very easy to follow (but the blo/flo slowed me down some) and I will definitely make this purse again just with a less stretchy yarn.

The Lastest Fat Bottom Bag

2007-06-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

An FO!!! Yay for crochet content. I made the Fat Bottom Bag AGAIN! My 4th if anyone is keeping score. I love this pattern and I wanted one in back with shoulder straps. So here it is.

Pattern: FBB from SnB: Happy Hooker

Yarn: Cotton Ease Licorice 1.5 balls
Hook: I

Adjustments: I continued decreasing the body until I had the width of a strap I wanted. I continued with the strap to desired length and started increasing to match other end's width. I whip stitched the strap to the other end. I lined both the body and the strap. I then finished the bag with a sc with the gathering on the sides.

Happy Rating: ***** I not happy with the gathering because it left gaps which I hate so this only gets 4 stars.

Summer Loving and Crochet Dreams

2007-06-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Yay for summer! We have been busy since school got over last week! We are getting ready to go to the ocean for 3 days as well! I am so excited! We will be camping and Caleb is besides himself with glee. That boy loves the sand and campfires. He asked me yesterday if there will "sharsellows and sticks" Marshmallows and sticks translated! He loves roasting marshmallows and always eats so many I think he is going to get sick.

Let's see....I received my official acceptance letter for the Physical Therapy program.. yays for that. But I do have about load of things to get done before classes start. Background check, CPR, immunizations, TB test, malpractice insurance, etc.

I started this sock using Knits Picks Simply stripes. It is working up quickly but I had to frog it back to the heal because I wasn't happy with it.

I also started another FFB (Fat Bottom Bag) Yes, I know this will be my 4th but I want a black very badly. So I will torture you with the details of course but no pic right now. I plan on making handles out of yarn and making them longer for a shoulder bag style. I am going to play around with it after the body is done. I will let you have that turns out.

Capelet~ DONE!

2007-06-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

I finished this up last night. Please forgive the it's too late to take a picture face!

Pattern: Cool Weather Capelet in The Big Book of Weekend Crochet

Yarn: Lily's Elite Cotton, 3.25 skeins "Moss"

Hook: F

Changes: Made a few changes to the patterns. My row gauge was right on but the capelet was getting longer that I wanted so I did 6 pattern repeats instead of 8 before decreasing. I did only one patt repeat after each decrease except the last one and I did 2 patt repeats instead of 6 for a short collar. I can roll it over or leave the collar up. I also didn't add the border.

I wore it today and got a few compliments and it is very comfortable, I am still not sold on the color.

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I am loving ravelry. It is such a great tool and I am utilizing it to the fullest!

When there's a problem...

2007-06-01T20:29:00.001-07:00

Make the solution! Yesterday while out side laying in my lounge chair working on the caplet, I had to lie my cell phone/MP3 Player on the ground...I didn't like that at all so I quickly winged this little pouch sling for my phone. I like it a lot because I can easily changed songs. answer calls, etc. I worked it in rounds, 3 rows dc and 2 rows trc.

See I do crochet, I just forgot to tell you all about it!

My bad!!!

2007-05-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry my blog friends..Deneen pointed out that I didn't post where I got the pattern.. I checked the book out from the library.
The Big Book of Weekend Crochet is the book I got the pattern from. I only like a few patterns. Most were hideous, but of course that is my opinion! I basically only loved this pattern.

Actual Crochet Post

2007-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

I started this caplet. Why a caplet in the middle of Spring? I felt like it, it was speaking to me. I am using Lily Elite Cotton in Moss (here it is the first pic, right side). I had to start over the first time because my gauge ended up being so off that I was 10 inches too big. WHAT? I know, that is my response, 10 inches! So I went down a hook size and a pattern size so I think it will fit nicely.
The yarn is a dream to work with, nice smooth stitching. And of course I love cotton and working with it so I say that about most cotton. But this stuff is especially nice. Not like cascade's cotton, where the yarn splits and not like sugar cream, where the yarn is stiff. Just nice and smooth.
I really should be studying, I do have a lab final today but I really have just brushed this class off these last few weeks. Spring Fever is in full force. The weather has been in the 70s in WA so we have been outside most of the time. I even have a pink face to show for my forgetfulness. You know I forgot I was very white and burn very easily. I forgot that spending even 30 minutes in the sun will pink up my face. =) Lesson learned for the summer ...well that is until next Spring when I do the same darn thing ;)
Have a great day my blog friends. I am sorry I haven't been posting comment, my blogger comments have been messing up like crazy so some go through some don't. Happy crafting!

A Sewing FO but still crochet related!

2007-04-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I made this roll up hook case to hold all my hooks!
Rolled Up

Unrolled

All the hooks in their spots
Close up

And the mailman brings another....

2007-04-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

SWAP PACKAGE!

Thank you Thank you Melissa. I am so happy with my swap package. Everything is wonderful.

Melissa sent a crocheted recipe caddy(her original pattern is here) with some recipes already inside, crocheted round hot pad, 2 knitted dishie, a crocheted dishie and she also included salad tongs , a silicone bashing brush, magnet chip clips, 3 packets of herbs, a scrubbies pattern book, a ring caddy, and a sheepie measuring tape.

Thank you again for the wonderful swap package. I am very happy with this swap!

Will finish Summer Tops CAL

2007-04-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

because I scrapped the tank top pictured below and started on the Seafoam Vest from the Spring Interweave Crochet

I am 3/4 of the way done without any major problems. I hoped to have it finished tonight.

Rippit

2007-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

I continue to frog this stupid tanktop! AWWWWWWWW

I Don't Need No Stinking Gauge

2007-04-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

said the woman who spent the morning ripping out all last night's work.

*Note to self* When making wearables..gauge is the most important thing!

I am working on a summer top for a CAL over at Fiber Freaks. I am making the tank on the cover and using the cotton yarn Pearlin sent me last month, it is a coraly color that screams summer to me. It actually said very nicely to me "Make me a tanktop" and I cannot deny yarn when it speaks to me.

Just to share!

2007-03-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Remember this FO. Well here is the baby with the blanket and his mommy did some fun photo shop stuff to it! I loved it and thought I would share!

Car News, Test Anxiety and a Package!!

2007-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

The car is running right now BUT still needs 4 O2 sensors replaced. Which will be taken care of on Sunday.
Fuel Pump: $200
New Brakes & Rotors: $200
4 New O2 sensors: $250
Having a Car that runs: Priceless
Thank you to everyone for the good car vibes! Sorry I haven't been around much. I am overwhelmed with school and well life!

I had an exam today and I am now recovery from my worst case of test anxiety ever. I blanked the entire test and I know that I did not do well. I need to ace the next 2 exams to make up for it. 1 week left of school. Then Spring Break...a much needed break!

So this weekend: Study, birthday party, getting car fixed, sounds like a good time. huh??

Now onto the fun stuff!!! In my mailbox today was a slip because I missed the postman well I saw him up the street and chased him to retrieve this!! A package from Pearlin. I won a blog contest and I was thrilled to get the prize today!

The prize included the following:
Handmade Doily
Beading kit
Apple Crisp Scented Pillar Candle
Drawstring Beaded Purse
Green Gem Brooch
Decorating stones
Bamboo Purse handles
Bamboo Knitting Needles
Embroidery Greeting Card kit
Pony Glitter Size I crochet hook
And the following yarns:
1 peach Big Value Baby DK
1 variegated pinks/greens Cannon size 8 crochet thread
1 variegated peachs/yellows crochet thread
5 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Catania" 100% mercerized cotton in Fl amigo
2 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Catania" 100% mercerized cotton in Pink
1 DMC "Babylo" Crochet cotton in pink
1 Gedifra "Korella" 53% Flax/47% Acrylic in peach
2 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Punto Boucle Color" in Tan/teal variegated

Also included were a few gifts for Caleb:
A package of 3 cars and 2 packs of stickers He wouldn't wait until I was finished opening everything to take a picture so I just took of picture of him with the gifts and sent to play with his toys while I "played" with mine!
Thank you so much for the wonderful prize and I have some projects in mind. I may not start them until after this quarter but you never know with me. This made my day and also Caleb's day!

Follow-Up From Last Post!

2007-02-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

So the craziness of college is slowing down as we move into more in depth chapters so we are not speeding through material plus we are caught up from the snow days. I got my test back and I did so much better then I thought. With the extra credit and 2 thrown out questions(which I got right so it means double points) I got 110%. YAY!!! A big sign of relief...I now officially have the highest grade in the class of 40 students. Trust me, I am earning every stinking point, I have no life whatsoever and I am not even doing my hobbies because I feel like the time is better well spent studying.

Car....GOOD NEWS!! It wasn't the transmission, it was the fuel injectors and that will be a lot less expensive fix. It is still running badly but we elected to take it to another shop and now have to wait until they can fit me in. I can't be without a car so they said to put a fuel cleaner in it and they can get me in next week which is when they would be able to get it done, they are very backed up.

So here is a picture of that crochet edged blanket I finished and mentioned in the last post.

And I am saving the best for last......a swap package arrived a couple of days ago! On Fiber Freaks, we had a Magic Ball Swap and I received from Lori. She really spoiled me. She sent a very rich orange variegated wool yarn, notepad, mints, towelette, magnet, lovely card, muscle soak, bunny note holder, handmade needle holder, 4-leaf clover cutter, a gorgeous rosewood G crochet hook, woolie stamp, wax melts, scissors with a knitted bead tassel.

In this bottom picture is the handmade items closer up. The knitted bead tassel was handmade by Lori as well as the purple clay needle holder.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful surprises Lori. I could not be happier with this swap. {{big hugs}}

Another FO and a bonus Baby Picture

2007-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have been busy with my hooks recently and I think it is a distraction from Anatomy. This is a blanket I made for a friends newborn son. I again choose colors that can grow with him. I used the random stripe generator for the color pattern. I can't find the pattern but it is a basic ripple. It is 36" x 36" and can be a lapghan later for Ryan. I used Jiffy which turned out so soft and cozy, I wanted to keep it for myself.

And speaking of Ryan and because we all love seeing pictures of babies.

Ryan Erich

Born January 5, 2007

8lbs 5 oz 20 inches

This little guy belongs to my dear friends. This is their second child. Their oldest and my Caleb are only a few months apart in age. We are so thrilled for them.

Congratulations, Christina and Erich!

A Blanket for Baby Curtis, a FO

2007-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

My sister is due in April with her second baby boy Curtis. I finished his blanket today, I still have ends to weave in but I wanted to share my FO with you all. I used two strands SS throughout, 2 white 4 rows, 1 white/1 blue 4 rows, 2 blue 4 rows, 1 blue/1 dk blue 4 rows, 2 dk blue 4 rows, 1 dk blue/1 white 4 rows, 2 white 1 row. The pattern was simple and I didn't refer back after the first few ripples.

By My Own Design

2007-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

I finished a scarf for my lil sis to match a hat I made for her birthday in November. I didn't post a FO picture of the hat. I used Cascade Sierra and I winged the pattern as I went using dc and the half double herringbone (which is my new favorite stitch). My sister will love the curly Q fringe. So here it is....as modeled by Leo the Lion.

Close up of stitches and curly Q fringe

CAL FOs

2006-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

There was a CAL at Fiber Freaks for cold weather sets. I made a hat and scarf set for Caleb using this hat pattern in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. The scarf is a tunisian style crochet pattern I made myself. Ray's hat is the same pattern as Caleb's but I used Cascade Yarn's Sierra.

Don't my boys look adorable?

Actual FOs

2006-12-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

I finished the snowflakes. I was able to get all the stains out of the 13. I only have a pic of 10 as I had to hurry and package up the others to mail in time....so here are the snowflakes.

From the 99 Snowflakes book. I used the recommended thread size and hook. I also sprinkled clear glitter on them after I blocked them and they were still wet. So now they have a sparkle. I am going to make a bunch for my tree next year. Snowflakes are fast and easy to crochet but the prep after is the hardest part.

My First Felted Project

2006-11-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

I used Deneen's Pattern "Marvelous" Fulled Mini Tote Bag . I just love her patterns, well written and easy to follow.

I used Bernat Lana (100% wool)~ 1 natural, 1 beige & 1 chocolate (1/2 skein). It felted nicely. I was impressed about how easy it did so I am very happy with my results.

Prefelted 14" x 14"

Felted 9" x 11"

With stuff inside

This pattern was a great first felting project and I will more then likely make it again. Thanks for the pattern Deneen!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2006-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

I has been raining almost non-stop here for the last 2 weeks. Not little showers but down pours!
Right at this moment, it is pouring buckets. See below. I circled where I am which is the center of the RED(heaviest rain) zone.
Rainfall in inches
Thurs 11/8 0.52 Normal 0.19
Nov (8 days) 8.88 Normal 1.58
Since 10/1 10.43 Normal 4.77
Since 1/1 34.37 Normal 27.13

How do you entertain a 3 year old while it is raining so hard that you can't even see passed your driveway?

Build a fort and "camp" indoors. Fire going and all! He "roasted" marshmallows and hot dogs, the works!

Caleb loved the indoor camping and he has such a great imagination that he went fishing and picking berries. We had a good time this morning!