Post Santa Christmas Tree

Christian specifically requested that I post a photo of the Christmas Tree, with presents. So, here you go! The 2010 Post Santa Christmas Tree.

New Design: Let the Sun Shine In Vest

This design is available in the February 2011 issue of Crochet World magazine. Because of the open lace, it was surprisingly quick to complete, although it will take a little longer than something made with a heavier yarn, of course. I’ve used one of my favorite mercerized cottons. It’s larger than bedspread weight cotton, but still small enough to produce gorgeous lace. Perle Cotton from Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Company.

ETA:

I wanted to let you know that I’ve discovered a bit of the pattern that was incorrectly printed from my original version and we’ll need some errata.

This applies only to the small size pattern. It doesn’t apply to the separate larger size pattern.

On page 15, at the end of the Back instructions, in the last paragraph, it should not say “rep row 2”. It should say “rep row 13 (13, 13, 17).”

Hope that helps!

New Design: Toddler Hoodie Vest

What could be more adorable than this Toddler Hoodie Vest? So soft and comfortable, made with Red Heart Baby Clouds yarn. This is a quick knit project and would be suitable for someone who has been knitting a bit and would like to branch out to a little shaping in a garment.

You can find the free pattern here.

New Design: Circle-Edged Wrap

This lovely wrap can be found in the January 2011 issue of Crochet! magazine. It’s made in the lovely Naturally Caron Spa yarn, a bamboo blend. Using a larger hook, with nice tall stitches make this a really nice, quick project.

Although this wrap has been named “circle-edged”, it’s actually more like an almond shape. And, there is a bit of errata available for it. So, be sure to check the Crochet! magazine website before getting started.

New Design: Christmas Country Wrap

Well, I know that Christmas is over, but the name of the design shouldn’t stop you from making it anytime.

This design is available for free at the Caron International Yarns site here.

I’ve used the new Caron Dazzleaire yarn to create this L-shaped wrap. I love L-shaped wraps because they stay on the shoulders so easily. This design incorporates a really interesting stitch pattern that I’m sure you will enjoy.

Can You Spell Neglect?

Oh, my yes. I have been neglecting my poor blog. Things have been so very hectic! After the move, I was pretty overwhelmed and it’s taken me several months to get my “mojo” back. I’m still not where I want to be with my schedule, but things are starting to get better.

And, I have some BIG news! I’ve just committed to doing a new book! Woo hoo!

Almost all of the yarn is here for me to get started. Just two small projects to finish and mail in, then it’s book time!

Here are the boxes of yarn for the new book.

Christian had a wonderful time decorating the tree. I decided it would be best to put it up at my mother’s house since I’m sure Lexie, the Super Cat, would have it torn down in seconds.

Christian was so pleased with the tree that he took this photo himself. Isn’t it cute that there is such a bulk of Christmas ornaments at the 5-year-old level?

And, I was recently able to perfect my sweet & sour sauce recipe. I had been working on it for awhile. Several months’ ago, I had made the most outstanding sweet & sour sauce for chicken using one of the pepper jellies I had made and canned. I have been trying to duplicate it ever since (without the massive amounts of sugar needed for jelly). I think I finally have it and I made and canned 3 quarts.

I have several new designs to tell you about and I’ll separate them into individual posts for easier organization for later. I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy new year!

New Project: Owl Mitts

Being a designer for so long, it’s rare that I’m able to work on a pattern designed by someone else. My days are filled with hours upon hours of working on my own designs. I wouldn’t have the time to work on other projects.

For this reason, I really don’t have as many crochet pattern books as you might imagine. I *used* to have a lot. Not so much anymore.

But, last night, I saw this project on Ravelry and simply HAD to make it. Quickly. It was just adorable and I knew my daughter would love them. So, I went for a bit of stash diving and button finding. It took about 2 hours from seeing them online to finishing them up. So cute!

The pattern is available online. But, you have to be a member of Ravelry. Link to pattern.