Ah, how nice it is to crochet items for those who cannot refuse them (i.e. pets and babies). After crocheting a bow tie for my sister's cat, Chubbins, I realized I was hooked. Cat collars are the ideal project! They take about 30 minutes to make (maybe an hour if you add some details), and they're perfect for a good laugh. A few months ago, I made a few spiked collars like the one below while I was snowed in.

To my fellow hookers, wherever they may be: we do have some handy skills, yes? There's no need to spend an arm and a leg for baby shower presents -- just crochet some booties and a matching hat! These sea monster booties are sure to be a big hit at your next baby shower. The brilliant pattern comes from Sandyfroglegs Designs:

To anyone who doesn't crochet and would like to, I highly recommend looking through videos on http://www.youtube.com/. They have special tutorials for southpaws as well (go lefties!). I'm learning new stitches via youtube all the time! The latest one I've tried is the alligator stitch....I'm hoping it will make a nice scarf for the distant Fall/Winter of 2011.

Back in the Saddle

I have decided to dust off the cyber-cobwebs on this blog and continue posting my crocheted creations. I've given away countless little baubles and bibelots without bothering to take any photographic evidence, so bear with me while I post a few similar photos as a proxy. In 2010, I transferred out of the minor leagues by making a few articles of clothing. I started with this sweater (using brown lamb's wool) as part of my mother's Christmas present. The antique mall near my apartment had some cheap grab bags of vintage buttons that I couldn't pass up, so I bought enough buttons to adorn at least 10 sweaters. Such is the norm when I walk through antiques shops unattended. I ended up using a matching set of white/gold buttons that reminded me of pinwheels -- I'll take a picture of them one day, I will! They added an element of individuality and charm that made the sweater rather endearing.

After I finished the sweater, I asked myself, "now what should I do with the leftover yarn?" I was riding the garment-creation high and figured that a vest would use up the last skein without having to worry about sleeves and such. Here's a picture from the pattern I chose, though I'll probably replace it with my own picture shortly. I can't remember the last time I wore a vest, but this one has me thinking that they might not be a bad trend to bring back (quite unlike leggings and any derivative thereof). I actually saw a pair of corduroy leggings in a store not too long ago...corggings? I may hate on leggings now, but I did wear them constantly from about ages 4-10. That's 2190 solid days of cotton/spandex, folks.

What inspires you, craft-wise? What is the ratio of crafts you keep to the crafts you give away to others? I'd say that my inspiration comes from equal parts of family suggestions, boredom, and a general sort of whimsy that I'd say fuels a lot of what I do. Even when I follow patterns (this applies to recipes too, actually), I always change something up to see what happens. I'd say that my keep-to-give ratio is about 1:99 at this point. As my relatives grow tired of receiving random items, I'll have to expand the recipient circle a bit.

More projects

I learned how to crochet this summer, and I think I'm progressing pretty well! I started out using established patterns and deviating from them a little (out of creativity and inexperience), but I think I find the greatest satisfaction when I do everything myself--from pattern conception to the final stitch. Here are a few photos:

I tweaked a pattern I found on http://www.ravelry.com/ for these little cuties. I'll weave that last thread in, I promise!

This was my first attempt at a beaded necklace, and I have grown quite fond of it, actually. It took forever to place each little seed bead on the thread, but it's a pretty neat little number. It curves in at the edges (one of those unexpected surprises) which adds a little dimension.

This is another Elyse original, born from thread, beads, and stuffing. That's right, I stuffed the tubular number with stuffing from the rear section of a crab-shaped pillow :). I'll be giving this to Amber as part of her birthday present. Happy 27th, sis!

...and finally, this is the top portion of a purse I'm in the process of making. I can't take credit for the pattern, however. It's supposed to look like a 3-D flower emerging from the bag...maybe the multicolored yarn throws my eyes off a bit. It was a really fast project to crochet (especially after all of that intricate beading madness I was doing earlier!).

I've made a few hats, but I don't have any pictures of them on my computer. I'm a little nervous to start crocheting clothing (I think that'll put me in the big league, and I'm liking the minors right now). We shall see!