Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Baby Blanket Progress

Next row done. The third row on the squares. I have also decided that I am only making 9 squares. Twenty is too many to put together. :) Slow going since Christmas is here. But I will get it done and send it to her.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Two more squares...

Now there are four squares. My plan is to make 20 squares this size (to start). After I make these 20 squares, I will add two rows to each square alternating colors.Maybe not this many rows, depending on how big it gets and how much yarn I have (it is only a baby blanket and I have a tendency to make baby blankets too big) but this is the basic idea:

Monday, December 08, 2008

Beginning of Granny Square Baby Blanket

These are the beginning squares of the baby blanket I am making for my sister so she can give it to her friend. I am using Palatte 024/219 Baby Yarn in Snow Bunny and Boy Blue. It's super soft!

Stitch Guide Information

http://www.crochet-world.com/stitch_guide.html?content_cat_id=332&type_id=S

This is a great site online for stitch information.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Standard Afghan & Throw Sizes

Premiees: 1-3 lbs. = 12" X 12" or 5" X 15"

Premiees: 5-6 lbs. = 20" X 20" or 25" X 25"

Newborns: 25" X 30"

Babies: 30" X 35" to 40"

Toddlers: 35" X 40" to 45"

Children: 40" X 45" to 50"

Throws: 45" X 55"

Adults: 48" X 55" or 60" X 65"

Oversized: 60" X 70" or 70" X 80"

This information was received from a crochet group I am in. Thank you Deb.

Head Size Circumferences

Premiee: 12 inches

Babies: 14 inches

Toddlers: 16 inches

Children: 18 inches

Women: 20 inches

Men: 22 inches

This information was received from a crochet group I am in. Thank you Deb.

Shoe Sizes

Written in Inches:

Sock (slipper) Measurements:

Infant/Toddlers

3 to 5 = 5.25 inches
6 1/2 to 7 = 6.0 inches
8 to 8 1/2 = 6.25 inches

Children

9 to 10 1/2 = 5.25 inches
10 1/2 to 11 1/2 = 6.0 inches
12 to 12 1/2 = 6.25 inches
12 1/2 to 2 = 6.26 inches
2 to 3 = 6.25 inches

Women

4 to 5 = 9.75 inches
6 to 7 = 10.25 inches
8 to 9 = 10.75 inches
10 to 11 = 11.0 inches

Men

8 to 9 = 11.0 inches
10 1/2 to 11 1/2 = 11.5 inches
12 to 12 1/2 = 12.0 inches

This information was received from a crochet group I am in. Thank you Deb.

Friday, November 07, 2008

12 Point Star Afghan


Here is the afghan mentioned in my post from July 2008. There are also photos in Ravelry.

It took me a long time to complete this blanket because even though it turned out wonderful, the yarn was a pain to use. It unraveled very easily. So I put it down for awhile. After finishing it and weaving in ends, I washed it and it was even softer.

I used Red Heart's "Plush" in cream, country blue and sage.

It was made for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law for Christmas. Hope they like it!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Care of Doilies

Here are some tips below to care for your crochet heirlooms.

Washing Doilies

The doily should be washed in cold soapy water, pressing it slightly for a few seconds laying it completely flat, then rinsed. Never rub. If there is a stubborn stain, use a soft toothbrush with mild soap. To dry, roll in a towel to absorb excess water. Gently stretch to shape. Pin down center to keep it flat and let air dry.

Starch Recipe for Doilies

1/2 cup starch
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup cold water

Dissolve starch in cold water. Boil the 1 1/4 cups water, stirring constantly. Remove from flame, then slowly stir the starch mixture into boiling water, stirring constantly. Place back on flame until it thickens. As soon as the starch is cool enough to handle, dip doily and squeeze through it thoroughly. Wring out the extra starch. The doily should be wet with starch, but there should be no starch in the spaces or openwork. Pin center of doily in true shape and allow to dry thoroughly. After it is dry, press with a steam iron. If a regular iron is used, dampen the doily slightly before pressing. Pin folds of ruffle in position and leave until thoroughly dry.

Sugar Starch Recipe for doilies

This is the old-fashioned starch used for lacy doilies.

1/4 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Mix water and sugar in a small pan. Stir the mixture over low heat (do not boil) until clear and not sugary. Remove pan from heat, and let mixture cool.

Wet the lace doily. Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture and dip it into the mixture. Squeeze out excess starch, then shape. Allow to dry and iron on warm setting.

Doilies do not need to be ironed when you use this starch. Just smooth out and shape while wet on a clean flat surface.

Other Starching Techniques

These instructions are taken from The American Thread Co. 1948:

STARCH: Dissolve 1\4 cup starch in 1\2 cup of cold water. Boil slowly over a low flame, as it thickens stir in gradually about 1 1\4 cups of cold water. Boil, stirring constantly until starch clears. This makes a thick pasty mixture. As soon as starch is cool enough to handle, dip doily and squeeze starch through it thoroughly. Wring out extra starch. The doily should be wet with starch but there should be none in the spaces. Pin center of doily in position according to size and leave until thoroughly dry. If steam iron is used iron ruffle after it is dry. If regular iron is used dampen ruffle slightly before pressing. Pin folds of ruffle in position and leave until thoroughly dry.

More recent starching techniques are:

SPRAY STARCH: Lightly spray piece then use one of two methods: Press using a warm iron on the wrong side, covered with another piece of material or spray then shape and pin piece to a styrofoam board, cardboard or ironing board. Use only rust proof pins. Spray starch is great for doilies, tablecloths, edgings or anything that you want just a little stiff. They will keep their shape. It is not permanent and you will have to repeat this process anytime you wash the item.

LIQUID STARCH: Dilute with water unless you want it really stiff. The more water you add, the less stiff the piece will be. Dip piece into the starch, let it sit in the starch for a few seconds, then squeeze out excess (do not twist). Lay it flat on a hard surface, pin into shape. Use only rust proof pins. You can also dip the piece into starch, roll it up in a towel (like a jelly roll) until it's almost dry. Then using a warm iron and covered with another piece of material, press until dry. The piece will be very stiff or just a little, depending on how much water you added. This is not permanent and will have to be repeated every time you wash the item.

SUGAR & WATER: Use equal portions of sugar and water. Bring sugar and water to a rapid boil, remove from heat and cool slightly. Dip the piece in, then squeeze the excess out. Shape according to pattern instructions. The sugar mixture can get grainy if not boiled to the correct temperature. Sometimes yellowing occurs to the piece.

GLUE & WATER: Mix equal parts water and white glue together. Dip piece in and squeeze out the excess. Lay on a hard surface and shape according to your pattern directions. This is a permanent finish.

STIFF STUFF: This is available at most craft stores. You just spray item and pin or shape according to the pattern directions. Let it dry or you can use a blow dryer to speed the process. It makes the piece very stiff! It's not permanent and will wash out.

SHELLAC: Shape piece according to the pattern directions then coat, using a small sponge or brush, with a thin layer of clear shellac (follow directions on the label of shellac). Allow to dry completely between coats. Best to use 2-3 coats. This is permanent and very hard. It would be good for baskets, angels or anything you want permanently shaped.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Stuffed Balls Pattern ©


After reviewing several patterns and not being happy with any of them, I have created my own pattern. Although the idea might not be original, the trial and error of getting it right are.
They are very cute little stash busters!

Stuffed Balls
(make two halves)

Materials: small amount of yarn, hook, stuffing, bells (optional)

**In the picture above, I used an F hook. It depends on the type of yarn you use, though. You want the stitches to be tight so the stuffing doesn't come out**

Round 1: ch 2, 6 sc in 1st st, join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sp around (12 st).
Round 3: ch 1, *2 sc, 1 sc in next sp* around (18 st).
Round 4: ch 1, *2 sc, 1 sc in next 2 sp* around (24 st).
Round 5: ch 1, *2 sc, 1 sc in next 3 sp* around (30 st).
Round 6-8: ch 1, sc around (30 st in each row).

Leave a tail about 20-25 inches long. Using this tail, whipstitch the pieces together. Before completely sewing shut, stuff. You can also add bells (or catnip for a kitty toy) to the center.

Copyright Dragonfaeriee Crochets! 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Bernat Granny Dishcloth #3

Bernat Cotton Lazy Daisy.

Bernat Granny Dishcloth #2

Bernat Cotton Lavender Ice.

Bernat Granny Dishcloth #1

Sugar 'n Cream Faded Denim.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

CD Coaster Set #2

This one used Red Heart Monet.

Monday, September 08, 2008

CD Coaster Set #1

I have a TON of old CDs. So I decided I would make a few sets of CD Coasters. This yarn was in my stash...label long gone.

Bushy Stitch Dishcloths 3 & 4

Here are the other two dishcloths made with the "Bushy Stitch" pattern from Ravelry. I really like how they all came out. I will definitely be doing more of these in the future. They work up so quickly.
These ones are done in Bernat Lazy Daisy (above) and Bernat Lavender Ice (right).

Friday, August 29, 2008

Bushy Stitch Dishcloths 1 & 2

This pattern works up quickly and with the variegated yarns (seems to be all I have right now) they turned out really nice. I have two others I am working on. As soon as they are finished I will post again.








The colors shown here are Faded Denim and Winterberry

Potholders

Finished another pair of potholders. This time in the Bernat Cotton Lazy Daisy.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Yellow Cotton Bath Pouf

Another bath pouf.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Green Arm Warmers

Wanted to try to make some arm warmers. My daughter is always cutting up her socks to wear on her hands. Teens. :O) Anyway, I followed the pattern and they came out a bit small. Perfect for her though.







She asked after I finished these if I would make her purple ones. It's a good thing I have some stashed purple yarn.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Topflappen (Potholders)

Found this wonderfully easy potholder pattern on Ravelry. The design is from http://gilraen.myblog.de/gilraen/art/172959740/. It is in German, translated to English. It was very easy to understand. I really like it! I have made two so far. I am making another set. I will be using up some cotton yarn to make gifts also.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Crocheted Bath Pouf

Made this in a day. Since I finished the afghan, I want to make some small quick stuff. This worked nicely.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

12-Point Star Afghan

Finished. I have to wash it and weave in some ends, then take pictures. After that it will be put away for a christmas present for a family member.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Recycled Bag Rug


Well I finally managed to get this project completed. And just as I was finishing the last row of this rug, I went to my Mom's house and she had 4 or 5 bags full of more......(you guessed it!) bags!

I do want to make more bags and maybe a couple more rugs. That way I can use the bags at the grocery store.


Copyright Dragonfaeriee Crochets! 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Baby Blanket for Julie


The colors chosen were based on the classic Pooh she decorated the baby's room in. It was not as wide as I would have liked, but I was pressed for time. It still came out really nice and super soft.

Copyright Dragonfaeriee Crochets! 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Matching Doilies










These two items are matching doilies. I made them to cover the two end tables that were my grandma's....even though I have tons of coasters, certain family members...still can't figure out how to use them!

So I figured, I'll just make a HUGE set and cover the table! Since my livingroom is blue, they fit in nicely.

This is also the first project I have finished since joining Ravelry.com. Check it out sometime.

This doily pattern is Pretty Shells found here: http://web.archive.org/web/20011004113830/http://
crochetmusings.freeservers.com/pats/pshells.html

(this is not 2 different links. It is all one, but won't all fit on one line!)