As if I didn’t already have enough to do, last year I took up crocheting again. My mom taught me how to do it when I was a kid. When I was little, I used to crochet clothes and blankets for my toys. I made a couple of blankets as an adult, but I never really took the time to figure out how to do more.
This second time around, with the help of the Internet and friends with wine, I’ve been inspired to try more ambitious projects. It’s been pretty fun learning new techniques and creating gifts for friends that they will hopefully cherish over the years.
Noah’s Ark Blanket
I may have peaked too early with this project. I made this in March for my college friend’s baby, whom he named – appropriately enough – Noah. This was a really fun blanket to make. I learned a lot on it, and I think it came out really great. It may be the best thing I’ve done so far.
Cupcake Hat
I saw this on a baby girl when we went to see the snow and decided to make it for Violet’s first birthday, even though I knew she wouldn’t keep it on for any length of time. Sure enough, she kept pulling it off almost immediately after we put it on, so I wasn’t able to get a great picture of her wearing it. Still, it turned out really cute, and it was really quick to make.
Hat and Shawl
When we were in Germany, I made this hat and shawl for my sister-in-law. For some reason, I always think of this color when I think of her. This yarn was super soft, and the shawl came out really cozy.
Boobie Beanie
I made this as a gag gift for my friend who is expecting her fourth baby. We met in breastfeeding support group, and I knew she was someone who would think it was funny instead of offensive. :)
Baby Blanket #1
No, I didn’t make this for my Jack. A mom from Jack’s preschool was expecting a baby boy in November, and she decided to name him Jack. This was a really cool blanket to work on, because I really learned a lot. I’d been wondering how to do color changes to work a design into a pattern. I was pretty pleased with the way this turned out, although for future projects I think I need to be more careful to choose a contrasting color that won’t show as much through the main color.
Baby Blanket #2
There’s been quite a baby boomlet at Jack’s preschool, and this blanket was for another mommy friend that we met there. I chose a moon theme with a blue background for this baby, because of the names in the family. This one was really gratifying to make, because the mom was so touched to have received something handmade. I used the same super soft yarn that I used for my sister-in-law’s shawl. The only thing about this blanket, as well as the Noah’s Ark one, is that there is a lot of sewing involved. All those little bits are sewn on to the blanket, and I do NOT enjoy sewing.
Toddler Sweater Dress
In the midst of all the baby blankets for our preschool friends, another preschool friend’s little girl celebrated her first birthday. I didn’t want her to feel left out of all the handmade largess, so I crocheted this cute sweater dress for her little girl. It turned out a little bigger than I was expecting, so she probably won’t be able to wear it until she is closer to two. If Violet didn’t already have so many clothes, I might have considered making this for her as well. Maybe one day when all our hand-me-downs run out.
Partridge and a Pear Christmas Ornaments
There is a group of moms with whom I have been having monthly get-togethers ever since Jack was a little baby. Every year for the past few years, we have had a Christmas ornament exchange. This year, I made a partridge and a pear as my contribution. For those who are interested and didn’t already know, this technique of making stuffed yarn doodads is called amigurumi.
Ruffly Scarf
This was my go-to Christmas present this year. I made one for my sister-in-law, Tom’s stepmom, and Jack’s preschool teachers. It’s kind of a tiresome pattern, but it turns out really pretty.
Wine Bottle Ornament
Our good friends, Erin and her family, have been hosting us every week for the past year for Wine Wednesday. I made this ornament for them for Christmas. I wasn’t really working off a pattern, and I think that pretty much comes through. The bottle ended up looking a little like a zucchini, and it’s not entirely clear that the little blue thing beside it is supposed to be a wine glass. But it was a fun attempt.
The one project that I finished that I didn’t post a picture of is a pullover sweater that I had made in the early part of the year. I have a picture of it somewhere, but I can’t find it and am too lazy to take another. I’m not entirely happy with the way it turned out anyway. It’s a little ill-fitting, and I didn’t do a great job sewing all the bits together. Plus, there are just some things that are better crocheted and others that are better knit. Generally speaking, I think that sweaters look better knit. It was an interesting project, though, and one that was just challenging enough to be fun to work on.
I have another couple of projects ongoing, but after the rush of all the holiday projects, I’ve been taking a bit of a break with the crocheting. Obviously, I’ve been blogging more instead. :)
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