Blocking an Acrylic Yarn Project

Yey!  I finally finished crocheting my Granny Stripe blanket.  I am so loving the colors and I've been crocheting around 5 stripes at a time.  However, I've noticed that my tension isn't very consistent and after the 4th stripe, I am crocheting a lot looser and the rectangular blanket is starting to look more like a trapezoid.

So, I measure the width after every 4th stripe just to make sure the blanket is not flaring outward.

I added a scalloped border and really liked how this blanket ended up.  However, no matter how I tried, the shape wasn't quite a perfect rectangle and the border was wavy - much like a lettuce.  I was really disappointed. 

So after much research (thanks Google), I decided to block this blanket.  Normally, I wouldn't think twice about blocking as I've done that many times before.  But, blocking acrylic yarn is trickier.  In fact there were countless warnings about blocking acrylic and how you could potentially kill the yarn.

So here is how I did it.

Step 1- I washed the blanket and tumbled dry with no heat.

Step 2- I pinned the blanket down onto the carpet and pinned it down, making sure the width and height measurements were consistent.

Here's an area I was trying to stretch out a bit.  See the yellow head pins?  By the way, it really helps that the carpet has a square pattern so I can block my projects without a ruler :-)

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Strep 3:  Heat steam the blanket to block.  Make sure not to touch the acrylic yarn with your hot iron.  I used an inexpensive metal trivet that I had.  It is about 3/4 inch tall so it comes very close to the project and ensures the iron does not touch the yarn.  Then just press the steam button and let the steam heat block the area.  

I repeated the process all around the blanket and just left the pins on overnight to set the shape. I will post a photo of the blanket in a few days so you can see how it turned out.

Right now, I'm putting on the finishing touches of my Abundance quilt.  Quilting is done, binding is sewn on so I am glad this quilt is almost done.

Are You an Innie or an Outie?

So apparently, when it comes to using yarn, there are those who pull the end of the yarn from the top of the skein - what I'd call an Outie.

And those who pull the end of the yarn from the inside of the skein- what I'd call an Innie.

Before this turns into the great over or under  toilet paper debate, I will stay on neutral ground and say that either method is correct.  The advantage of using yarn from the outside is that the end is definitely easier to find.  The disadvantage is that when you pull on the thread, there is a tendency for the skein to roll off and travel across the room.

Using the yarn from the inside is a bit trickier because you have to stick your fingers in and find the little ball where the end is tucked.  It's sort of like taking out the bag of turkey giblets stuffed inside the bird.  But the advantage is the outside stays neat and you can keep the yarn label on.

At any rate, I was inspired to start a new crochet project and my colors were inspired from this swatch of fabric from Lecien.  I think it's from the Flower Sugar collection.  Love, love, love!

So, here's the yarn I gathered together.  They're from Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Don't you agree they're yum, yum, yum?

I couldn't wait to get started and I chose to go with an easy Granny Stripe pattern.  You can find the pattern here.  I love Lucy of Attic 24!  

Here is what I've made so far.  I can't wait to finish this.  

Speaking of finishing things, I'm almost done quilting my Abundance quilt.  Will post photos soon!

A New Winter Scarf for Me!

After I completed dad's scarf, I made one for myself in a bright, cheery, holiday red.  This is a free pattern from Red Heart designed by Kimberly McAlindin.  You can find the pattern here

Here's the photo from Red Heart's website.  I liked the way it goes over her shoulder so next time I will make mine using a larger hook.

I did use Red Heart's Shimmer yarn in red.  Took up 1.5 skeins.  (Available at Joann)  Love the feel of the yarn. Personally, I found the pattern difficult to understand.  But, largely because I am a beginner.  I just started learning how to crochet this summer and all I've really made are scarves and hats.  I got the measurements pretty close to what the pattern indicates.  However, I didn't get the top part as narrow as the pattern's.  I guess I could have done more decreases for a more narrow opening.  But, I didn't want to lose the scallop pattern on the top edge.  It was too complicated for me to figure out.

I wore this last Friday to a Christmas party with a black shirt underneath and a black blazer. Glad I was able to wear it before the 81 degree heatwave we had in Southern California on Christmas Day.

Hope y'all had a wonderful holiday!  

New Winter Scarf for Dad

Over the summer, I learned how to crochet and I've been working on a few hats and scarves for this winter.  Dad wanted a  white scarf but definitely not in wool (because of the itch factor). So, I found this interesting scarf on Ravelry and made it with Red Heart Soft Baby Steps yarn in White.

The pattern itself is not difficult but it can get confusing because you are starting with a front post double crochet and back post double crochet alternating in every other row.  So, you definitely need to  keep track of which row you are on to ensure that the basket weave pattern is correct.  A bit time consuming but the pattern is really unique- not something you can just buy off the shelf.

The scarf ended up to be quite thick, soft and cozy.  You can find a tutorial on the basket weave stitch here.  The blog even has a video so you can follow along.  I used up about 2 1/2 skeins and made 166 rows.

And here is dad modeling his new scarf.

Pretty Little Blue Birds Sing Me a Song

Long name for a quilt but I like it better than "Berries and Bluebirds".  It sounds like a children's rhyme.  Maybe that's why I like it.  It could also be the first line of a song.  Anyway, I am so glad that it is finally quilted, bound and done!

So, I guess I need to start another applique project.  But wait!  I still have a few other things to complete.  

Here is my UFO list:

1. Start quilting my fall quilt (Abundance). It's already basted so hopefully, I can get this completed by the end of October.  

2.  Finish my rose pillow.  This is a project from my crochet class.

3.  Finish Diamond quilt top from Kaffe Fassett workshop. This has been in the design phase since last October.  I think need help with this because I am over analyzing and obsessing over the color placement.

Goodness gracious!  I've got too many hobbies!!!  Not to mention my new obsession with cross stitching.  

It all started because I found a boatload of patterns on Pinterest and wanted to try a small project or two such as these.

Before I knew it, I was tackling on a much bigger project.  Since I don't drink, I can't blame it on Tequila.  Here's a sneak peek.

To be continue...