It’s that time again…

I’m very bad at finishing projects. I still have all my beads and supplies for when I used to make key chains in middle school (all that stuff is in a box somewhere at my parents’ house). Even after giving more than half away, I still have so many beads.

Basically something like this. I didn’t make this one though, all of mine are at my parents’ house.

I have boxes of unfinished crochet projects, cross-stitching, and earrings.

Maybe because I get bored easily?

Well for crochet, sometimes it’s because I get tired of seeing the same color. Most times, it’s because when making amigurumi (crochet dolls/toys), my hands cramp. Those types of projects require tight stitching to ensure that the stuffing won’t fall out. I remember I got calluses for crocheting three hours in a row…not making that mistake again.

So, I took up cross-stitching. It’s fun, easy on the hands, but takes a while.

As for earrings, it’s fun and quick. I can churn out a few pairs in half an hour. But my real joy comes from crochet.

I find that the closer Christmas comes, the more anxious I become. I will not have enough time to make everyone’s presents. I always say I’m going to start early in the year in order to give everyone at least something.

Yea, that never happens. Maybe that should be my New Year’s Resolution, to actually prepare ahead of time.

So far, these are the projects I want to finish for Christmas.

Macaw (for mom; can’t get the wings just right yet)

Toadette (present for my niece)

Leafeon (just never got around to putting on his eyes and the accents)

The first one is supposed to be a Macaw. My mother used to have a Paulie (from the movie) doll that would greet people when they came to our place. I think it broke, she had that thing forever. She loves parrots, so I figured why not make a fake one? No poop to clean (birds poop way too much), or maintenance of any kind. Basically, it’s going to be a place holder until I can buy her a real parrot. Don’t worry, it will be legal.

The second is Toadette for one of my nieces. She recently got into Mario at school. Two years ago it was Sonic, which I made for her birthday. This year, she’s into Pokémon as well (totally not my fault) and I made her a Snivy.

The third is a Leafeon, one favorite Pokémon of my best friend. He is still unfinished since last year…I’m that bad. Really the only things he needs are eyes and some accents, yet he is still unfinished…

The last two are of a cat plushie for my other best friend who moved to Colorado. She was unable to take her cat with her, so hopefully this will cheer her up.

For my nephew, I’m attempting to make a Great White Shark. Literally, all he talks about are sharks, robots, and cars. His favorite story is Goldifish and the 3 Sharks, which I have to tell him every night much to his sister’s dislike.

Yet, that still leaves my other nieces and nephew who are 13, 10, and 9 (too old for dolls?), my brothers, my sister-in-laws, my dad, my other friends, and so many others.

I like making gifts when I can, I feel they are more personal then just buying a gift, yet so many presents make my head spin.

Seriously, I have to start earlier to avoid all this anxiety.

 

 

 

Dumb Mistakes

In my last post, I mentioned Mistakes 1-3. This was an issue I ran into when I began crocheting. The following images are based on Bonita Patterns’ Crocodile Stitch Slouchy Beret. My skills cannot do the actual beret justice.

Let’s move onto the exhibits, shall we? Exhibit A: Mistake 1a and 1b.

Mistake 1a

Mistake 1b

Now, in patterns the recommended yarn weight and hook size are given. I tried to go the cheap route because sport weight yarn is so much more expensive than the worsted weight yarn I can get from Wal-Mart.

See where this is going?

The red was my first unfortunate mistake. The yarn actually ripped when I tried to close the hole. Twice. I had to sew it close. I might put a button on it to cover the weird marks.

Overall, it’s shape is weird and it is very heavy (for a hat). On the plus side, the color is pretty?

Yea…let’s go with that.

On to the second mistake!

This came out better than my first attempt. The yarn was listed as worsted, but it was so soft and shiny. I bought it anyways and here is the result.

Mistake 2a

Mistake 2b

 

I love the color because it makes me feel like a dragon >:3 but it’s also misshapen. I found that this yarn works best with simple berets. I’ve also used the yarn to make little kid’s hats. Unfortunately, I have none to show, for those were the first to be sold, and my shiny yarn stash has dwindled to almost nothing.

Thus, unto my most current attempt.

Mistake 3a

Mistake 3b

 

This one is the closest to my ideal but no cigar. Also from Wal-Mart, (not that I hate Wal-Mart, they just lack the variety that I need) is this Baby Sport Yarn. I thought it would work seeing as it is sport weight, yet what happened?

I guess it isn’t the yarn but my own inadequate skills.

Perchance I’ll make another attempt with my Mulberry Brava Sport Yarn.

I’ve learned my lesson. While it might be fine to change yarn weights for let’s say amigurumi, but when it comes to apparel, it’s best to follow the instructions.

 

 

 

 

It’s Here!

A few days ago, I received my yarn shipment from KnitPicks. I really like them; good prices and quick delivery. I can’t survive off of Walmart’s limited section (see Mistakes 1-3) and the craft stores aren’t near me so, I only go on special occasions (namely when someone else is driving).

I’m super stoked about the projects I’m going to make this winter. The Variegated yarn came out so much softer than I anticipated; it was worsted weight and here I am comparing it to my stacks of RedHeart. I wish I bought more because it was being discontinued, still I got two balls, so I’ll be good for a while.

New Yarn!!! I heart sales.

Umber Heather (love the grey undertones)

Mulberry (looks more eggplant to me)

This one is being discontinued. Wish I bought more than just 2

Larch Heather (my favorite)

Grizzly Heather

Thicket

I began my new project yesterday, mind you I have about twenty-or-so started projects that still require attention, but hey!

New yarn!

Arm warmer I started yesterday (^_^)

Unfortunately, I don’t have an E hook, so I used my D (hook, people). It’s coming out quite nicely. The pattern is from Bonita Patterns. I’ve already made a few projects based on their patterns. The Crocodile Stitch Hood is really popular amongst my friends and I’ve already gifted two. I’m planning to make myself one with the umber heather.