I'm Baaack!

Yes, I know. I kind of fell off the map for awhile, but before I go visit my Mom for her 92nd birthday, I felt I should throw a post together - just to make sure you all don't think I've retired to some remote island somewhere. So, this is what I've been up to during my posting absence

 As you might recall, my nephew's wife is due in December (a girl!) and this is what I will be gifting her with at the shower this Saturday. The Unicorn Lovey I designed myself and the pattern is now available in my shop. The booties pattern still eludes me - sorry. The sweater is a free pattern offered by Caron Simply Soft yarn here. Lilleliis' doll pattern is sold here, but I did add the crocheted heart applique based on Pink Milk's free pattern. The baby blanket is based on the pattern by Debra O'Leary Patterns, Arielle's Square, available for purchase here. The edging is different than her pattern - row 1 - sc around; row 2 - *hdc, skip one sc, ch 1, hdc in next sc*, repeat * to * around; and the bobble edge is *sl st in next st, sl st in next st, 3 dc's in next st*, repeat * to * around. A simple but cute border, even if I do say so myself. And you could weave a ribbon in the hdc row if you wanted. The squares were whip-stitched together.

 I am still totally in love with Lilleliis' Cuddly Baby Amigurumi doll. The one on the right is being given away and I'll list the middle one for sale in my shop. The one on the left is the first one I made. He has button eyes and a button heart on his chest, so he wouldn't be any good for a baby/toddler. I think I may just have to keep him for myself!

I love doilies but really don't have much of a use for them. I do like the idea of framing them or attaching them to hoops for decoration, though. This Wispweave pattern by Julia Hart really caught my eye, so of course I had to try my hand at it. She has much better lighting in her photos to show off the textural stitches, so go take a look at her post. Above is my version. I plan to try this in multi-colors - this could make a great base to a dream catcher. It is an intricate pattern and a little fiddly, but well worth it

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In trying to keep with my resolution to use up my stash, I have delved into my collection of Loops and Threads Woolike yarn and began this cowl. It has been inspired by the very lovely and economical Botanica Cowl Kit being offered by Willow Yarns (anyone say "Christmas"?). I love the little "bobble-ish" texture my cowl is taking on, and I'm very happy with the colors. Plus, since Woolike is a fingering yarn, the weight of this cowl is perfect for the mild California winters.

Well, I hope this proves that even though I may be very behind in my blog posts, I certainly keep moving forward with my crochet projects. I hope everyone has a great Halloween, and I'll see you in November. Till then, happy crocheting!