I received a question from a blog reader from Canada (welcome, eh!) that read:
"I have started a blanket with the Tunisian stitch. The dilemma I am having right now is that I did not stitch enough rows. I am wondering, can I somehow add rows to my already half done blanket? Thanks for your time."
I did respond to this reader, but thought, "This looks like a job for...*dun da da dun* Super Gege!" After images of my glorious cape gracefully waving in the wind subsided, I decided that the only proper way to demonstrate how to do this was via video. Sooooo......without further ado, here's my first installment of "Ask Gege"
You can see the last remnant of my Neti Pot mishap, but as you can see, my Monkey's Paw has healed rather well. I do hope this video helps! I'll try to do more of these videos for questions that come my way.
Now I'm off to my creative hovel...and to make dinner. On the menu? Salmon en Papillote by Alton Brown. Healthy, quick, easy and SOOOO YUM!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Finish Friday-ish
This Finish Friday!!! definitely was not as successful as the last one. At least in the "finish" sense. I did want to work on lining my Watermelon bag; however, I found that the auction isn't until next weekend. When given the opportunity to procrastinate, I always say, "Yes, please." I don't look a gift horse in the mouth. The tartar buildup is disgusting. Also, I was very distracted by two different projects.
The first one is my variegated experiment that I've been doodling with. I figured that combining the Squooshy yarn with a solid plum color would temper the color blotches and hopefully calm the uneasiness I was feeling.
The color changes were definitely a lot subtler and the new yarn matched perfectly. I used a worsted weight wool/acrylic blend with 20% wool. The Squooshy is 80% wool, so combining them gave me 100% woolly goodness. (It's yarn- my math is supposed to be fuzzy.) Even though I was liking the color, the bulkiness of the combined yarn wasn't feeling right for what I have in mind. I used a J hook at first but the fabric was a little stiffer than I was hoping. So I frogged it and tried with a K hook. It definitely had better drape; however, it wasn't the same as the light and fluffy feel the sock yarn had. So, I decided to frog it yet again and start over, yet again, with just the Squooshy. (Ok, yes I do love this yarn because of the purple color and feel, but I must admit that the name just makes me happy. Squooshy. Squooshysquooshysquooshy! It's what Charo would say if you gave her a crochet hook instead of a guitar.)
The second project that had me distracted is one that I'm VERY excited about. It's my Geekling's baby blanket and I was finally able to buy the yarn for it. I also had to finish planning it out (with hopefully non-fuzzy math), so that took a bit of time. However, I am pleased to say that I have started it and it will most likely take up most of my time for the next couple weeks. SO EXCITED!
I took the variegated project with me to the movies tonight and, in honor of NatCroMo, I happily crocheted in public while standing in line at Chipotle and while waiting for the movie to start. (We saw Battle: Los Angeles. Spoiler alert: Los Angeles is saved at the end. You may rest easy tonight.) As I mentioned before, I really haven't been crocheting since September, so it really does feel good to have those creative juices flowing again. Even my Mister asked me tonight, "You have your mojo back, don't you?" Yeah, baby, yeah! I got my mojo back!
So, even though I didn't finish a project this Friday, I did check two things off my list: I finished planning the new blanket, bought the yarn, and startedobsessing about crocheting it. Huge win!
Wait.....*counting*. Stupid fuzzy math.
Squooshysquooshy!
The first one is my variegated experiment that I've been doodling with. I figured that combining the Squooshy yarn with a solid plum color would temper the color blotches and hopefully calm the uneasiness I was feeling.
 |
| AKA: Yarn Maalox |
The color changes were definitely a lot subtler and the new yarn matched perfectly. I used a worsted weight wool/acrylic blend with 20% wool. The Squooshy is 80% wool, so combining them gave me 100% woolly goodness. (It's yarn- my math is supposed to be fuzzy.) Even though I was liking the color, the bulkiness of the combined yarn wasn't feeling right for what I have in mind. I used a J hook at first but the fabric was a little stiffer than I was hoping. So I frogged it and tried with a K hook. It definitely had better drape; however, it wasn't the same as the light and fluffy feel the sock yarn had. So, I decided to frog it yet again and start over, yet again, with just the Squooshy. (Ok, yes I do love this yarn because of the purple color and feel, but I must admit that the name just makes me happy. Squooshy. Squooshysquooshysquooshy! It's what Charo would say if you gave her a crochet hook instead of a guitar.)
The second project that had me distracted is one that I'm VERY excited about. It's my Geekling's baby blanket and I was finally able to buy the yarn for it. I also had to finish planning it out (with hopefully non-fuzzy math), so that took a bit of time. However, I am pleased to say that I have started it and it will most likely take up most of my time for the next couple weeks. SO EXCITED!
I took the variegated project with me to the movies tonight and, in honor of NatCroMo, I happily crocheted in public while standing in line at Chipotle and while waiting for the movie to start. (We saw Battle: Los Angeles. Spoiler alert: Los Angeles is saved at the end. You may rest easy tonight.) As I mentioned before, I really haven't been crocheting since September, so it really does feel good to have those creative juices flowing again. Even my Mister asked me tonight, "You have your mojo back, don't you?" Yeah, baby, yeah! I got my mojo back!
So, even though I didn't finish a project this Friday, I did check two things off my list: I finished planning the new blanket, bought the yarn, and started
Wait.....*counting*. Stupid fuzzy math.
Squooshysquooshy!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
To Variegate or Not to Variegate, That is the Question
This week has really been a great, creative week for me. I was able to finish another bag (for me!) and have been working on a project that was in my "need to frog and reuse the yarn" bin. Lyteyz talked me into finishing it when she was over Saturday and I'm glad she did. New projects have been tumbling through my head, as well, which is always fun. Granted, that usually means I'm going to go through a spurt of Crochet ADD which means my Mister is going to start getting stressed as the yarn slowly but surely takes over our house again, but, meh. He'll get over it.
Actually, this week has been full of "new." (Like when I said, "Well, that's new," when I sneezed and was surprised by a wee bit of wee that squeezed out. Being pregnant just keeps getting better and better.) I am working on a new project utilizing a new yarn in a sock weight, which is also new to me. However, what is not so new is that it's a variegated yarn. I've had some bad experiences with variegated yarn (see blog post here)- it was the yarn I learned to crochet with and....well:
The pattern for that purse was made with two strands of yarn held together. I held two strands of different variegated yarn together because, as my crochet newbie mind reasoned, if they were pretty individually, they must be mind blowingly beautiful together. Obviously I was wrong. Had I held one of the variegated with a solid yarn, the outcome would have been much more tempered rather than seizure inducing.
This is the first round ripple I made:
I made it for my sister because she loves pink. That middle pink/red variegated yarn was one of my first yarn purchases (surprising, no?) and I loved it. However, I've always had a little "off" feeling with this blanket. Don't get me wrong- I was extremely proud of myself since I had just learned to crochet and made my first large item and my sister does use it. I like the stripe of variegated yarn that separates the colors, but that large puddle of variegated yarn in the middle has always bugged me. It just feels like it somehow doesn't quite belong there- center stage. Granted, now that I'm preggers, all I can see is a darkened areola on a large pink boob. I hope my sis doesn't read this post- all she'll think about is her boob blanket.
I've since learned how to use variegated yarn sparingly which has resulted in much better results:
But, other than felting with it (I have quite a few variegated wools in my stash), I'm a little gun shy about pulling out the multi-colored yarn.
Which brings me to today. I had won a skein of Zen Garden Squooshy Yarn as one of my Bobby Awards last year (generously gifted by DodgeCreations.). The colorway is Grape Burst and it's in purples (my love!) and pinks, so of course I fell in love with it right away.
Doesn't it seem like it is going to be a self striping yarn? The colors seemed spaced a good distance apart, so I was not bound with fear when I thought of using it. Self striping? Bring it. Color puke stain? Makes me clench tight with nervousness- just like sneezing now.
So, imagine the knot in my stomach when I finally found a simple stitch pattern to showcase the purple and pink loverlies and, instead of self striping, I saw this:
My nervous tic subsided a bit when I tweeted this pic earlier today and received feedback from @CrochetAllDay who said she thought it looked nice and from @CrochetKim who said she thought it was pretty. (Btw, Kim Guzman just happens to be one of the most gifted and awesome crochet designers out there. If you have ever been on Crochetville or seen any crochet magazine, you've seen her work. Her Luna Sweater is going to be the first garment I make myself once the Geekling arrives.) Since two crocheters that I very much respect voiced their approval, I find myself second guessing my original apprehension.
So, I'm going to continue on with this new project. I think it's going to be yet another stole/wrap. Yes I keep making them. No I don't use them. (Sadly, not even my L.A.D.Y. Stole of Transformation from last year. However, I actually want to add to its length but need some more Moda Dea Bamboo Wool, which just so happens to be discontinued. I contacted someone on Ravelry who wants to destash it, so keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get it.) Since I have just one skein of this Squooshy yarn, I'm a little concerned about the finished length. I'm sure blocking will help with that, and I do have an idea for it if it is too short. I'm hoping blocking will also help with the color distribution, as well. We'll just have to see how it ends up. Hopefully it won't be another variegated abomination that leaves another color puke stain on my crocheting career. (Deep breaths, Gege, deep breaths.)
Does anyone out there have some examples of good finished objects from variegated yarn? Anyone? Bueller?
Actually, this week has been full of "new." (Like when I said, "Well, that's new," when I sneezed and was surprised by a wee bit of wee that squeezed out. Being pregnant just keeps getting better and better.) I am working on a new project utilizing a new yarn in a sock weight, which is also new to me. However, what is not so new is that it's a variegated yarn. I've had some bad experiences with variegated yarn (see blog post here)- it was the yarn I learned to crochet with and....well:
 |
| Yes. I know. Shut up. |
This is the first round ripple I made:
I made it for my sister because she loves pink. That middle pink/red variegated yarn was one of my first yarn purchases (surprising, no?) and I loved it. However, I've always had a little "off" feeling with this blanket. Don't get me wrong- I was extremely proud of myself since I had just learned to crochet and made my first large item and my sister does use it. I like the stripe of variegated yarn that separates the colors, but that large puddle of variegated yarn in the middle has always bugged me. It just feels like it somehow doesn't quite belong there- center stage. Granted, now that I'm preggers, all I can see is a darkened areola on a large pink boob. I hope my sis doesn't read this post- all she'll think about is her boob blanket.
I've since learned how to use variegated yarn sparingly which has resulted in much better results:
 |
| First purse I made for her- makes up for the boob blanket |
 |
| Made 3 of these- one for me! |
Which brings me to today. I had won a skein of Zen Garden Squooshy Yarn as one of my Bobby Awards last year (generously gifted by DodgeCreations.). The colorway is Grape Burst and it's in purples (my love!) and pinks, so of course I fell in love with it right away.
 |
| Purple AND Pink- swoon! |
So, imagine the knot in my stomach when I finally found a simple stitch pattern to showcase the purple and pink loverlies and, instead of self striping, I saw this:
 |
| Et tu, loverlies? |
So, I'm going to continue on with this new project. I think it's going to be yet another stole/wrap. Yes I keep making them. No I don't use them. (Sadly, not even my L.A.D.Y. Stole of Transformation from last year. However, I actually want to add to its length but need some more Moda Dea Bamboo Wool, which just so happens to be discontinued. I contacted someone on Ravelry who wants to destash it, so keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get it.) Since I have just one skein of this Squooshy yarn, I'm a little concerned about the finished length. I'm sure blocking will help with that, and I do have an idea for it if it is too short. I'm hoping blocking will also help with the color distribution, as well. We'll just have to see how it ends up. Hopefully it won't be another variegated abomination that leaves another color puke stain on my crocheting career. (Deep breaths, Gege, deep breaths.)
Does anyone out there have some examples of good finished objects from variegated yarn? Anyone? Bueller?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Well, Whatcha Gonna Do?
Good news: This morning was the first morning in nearly two weeks that I was not jolted awake by a five minute coughing fit of death. I think my cold is FINALLY on its very last legs.
Bad news: It was a very sadistic cold and I think it was trying to end my crocheting career. I bought a Neti Pot last Monday in hopes that it would magically cleanse the virus from my sinuses with its eastern medicine voodoo. I was following the instructions to sterilize the Pot by using water that had been boiled and then swishing it around with dish soap to clean it. However, the instructions did not say to let the water cool before pouring it in, clamping on the lid, blocking the spout and then shaking vigorously like a maraca. The stupidity of my actions clicked in my brain in slow motion as the lid flew off, releasing the built up steam and scalding water all over my crocheting hand. My sister said it looks like The Monkey's Paw. I don't like her. And I feel like an idiot.
Good news: My hand is healing very well now and it did not impact my ability to crochet. I also did not need a bionic hand transplant like I washoping fearing.
Good news: Sewing Saturday was a good idea.
Bad news, but Good news, too: Sewing Saturday did not result in any sewing. My friend lyteyz was able to come over but, instead of sewing bag linings like we had hoped, we instead ate and talked and laughed and ate some more. Then I showed her some of the things our sewing machines can do. Then we talked some more. And ate. It was a good Saturday and, even though I didn't get to finish lining my bag, we did have a lot of fun. I also showed her my Bag Lining Tutorial which covers basically everything we were supposed to do but didn't.
Good news: I was productive before lyteyz arrived Saturday morning and I was able to felt all three of the bags I finished on Finish Friday.
Bad news: I used Cascades 220 wool on one of the bags, as well as my beloved Patons. I had asked the LYS owner if Cascades would felt with Patons well and she assured me it would. She lied. Patons is the clear winner in the feltability department. It felts faster with no stitch definition. It is also softer in the hand and costs less AND it comes in a ready wound skein instead of a hank. I really don't see what all the fuss is about Cascades, especially since it left my bag a little wonky. I fart in its general direction.
Good news: I think my next Finish Friday!!! will be utilized in finishing my bags. I will finally be able to use my Watermelon Tote this weekend! It'll be mine, all mine!!
Good news: A friend from church asked me to donate one of my bags for a charity auction this coming weekend.
Bad news: The only bag I'll have finished is my Watermelon Tote.
Good/Bad news(?): Time to use The Monkey's Paw.
Bad news: It was a very sadistic cold and I think it was trying to end my crocheting career. I bought a Neti Pot last Monday in hopes that it would magically cleanse the virus from my sinuses with its eastern medicine voodoo. I was following the instructions to sterilize the Pot by using water that had been boiled and then swishing it around with dish soap to clean it. However, the instructions did not say to let the water cool before pouring it in, clamping on the lid, blocking the spout and then shaking vigorously like a maraca. The stupidity of my actions clicked in my brain in slow motion as the lid flew off, releasing the built up steam and scalding water all over my crocheting hand. My sister said it looks like The Monkey's Paw. I don't like her. And I feel like an idiot.
 |
| Wish for $200. I dare you. |
Good news: My hand is healing very well now and it did not impact my ability to crochet. I also did not need a bionic hand transplant like I was
Good news: Sewing Saturday was a good idea.
Bad news, but Good news, too: Sewing Saturday did not result in any sewing. My friend lyteyz was able to come over but, instead of sewing bag linings like we had hoped, we instead ate and talked and laughed and ate some more. Then I showed her some of the things our sewing machines can do. Then we talked some more. And ate. It was a good Saturday and, even though I didn't get to finish lining my bag, we did have a lot of fun. I also showed her my Bag Lining Tutorial which covers basically everything we were supposed to do but didn't.
Good news: I was productive before lyteyz arrived Saturday morning and I was able to felt all three of the bags I finished on Finish Friday.
Bad news: I used Cascades 220 wool on one of the bags, as well as my beloved Patons. I had asked the LYS owner if Cascades would felt with Patons well and she assured me it would. She lied. Patons is the clear winner in the feltability department. It felts faster with no stitch definition. It is also softer in the hand and costs less AND it comes in a ready wound skein instead of a hank. I really don't see what all the fuss is about Cascades, especially since it left my bag a little wonky. I fart in its general direction.
 |
| Smells like....watermelon?? |
Good news: I think my next Finish Friday!!! will be utilized in finishing my bags. I will finally be able to use my Watermelon Tote this weekend! It'll be mine, all mine!!
Good news: A friend from church asked me to donate one of my bags for a charity auction this coming weekend.
Bad news: The only bag I'll have finished is my Watermelon Tote.
Good/Bad news(?): Time to use The Monkey's Paw.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
FINISH FRIDAY!!!
I'm very pleased to report that my first Finish Friday!!!! was a rousing success. Not only was I able to finish my two Felted Watermelon Totes (whoo me!) but I was also able to finish another purse that I started and had almost completed over a year ago. All I had to do is finish the flap- why I put it off for so long, I'll never know. Especially since I was making it for one of my BFFs. I even showed it to her and she loved it. And then I put it away and never gave it to her. I'm such a tease.
But now all three bags are ready to be felted which makes my heart happy. (I was hoping to have them felted today but my washing machine was otherwise engaged in what is called "laundry day," or as we call it, "I really need clean underwear NOW day".) Even though the crochet work is complete, the bags themselves are not finished per se. They still need to be lined and, well, finished. Blerg. So, I'm thinking of implementing yet another NatCroMo Resolution....at least for tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be (drum roll please!) Sewing Saturday!!!!
I'm hoping lyteyz will be able to come over tomorrow. She has the same sewing machine I do (the very awesome Brother XR900) and we're hoping to have a day of discovery to see what this baby can do. Oh, and line some bags. I have quite a few to do, but I'll be happy if I can knock out one, but hopefully two....or more....unrealistic? Moi?? Never!
I must admit, I really needed this day today. I had been neglecting my hooks for much too long. Sure, I've picked them up here and there, but to actually spend a day with them really got my creative juices flowing. So much so that I finally made a decision......I know what blanket I'm going to make for my Geekling!! Squee!!! I've been planning it today and really cannot wait to get started on it. Even though I was only supposed to focus on finishing things today, I just couldn't help myself which is a good sign, indeed.
Not bad for my first Finish Friday!!! Three UFO's are out of my bucket, I now have a new blanket to start obsessing about, and my Mister and I don't have to use our swimsuits as underwear anymore. Here's hoping next week's Finish Friday!!! will be as full of win as this one was.
But now all three bags are ready to be felted which makes my heart happy. (I was hoping to have them felted today but my washing machine was otherwise engaged in what is called "laundry day," or as we call it, "I really need clean underwear NOW day".) Even though the crochet work is complete, the bags themselves are not finished per se. They still need to be lined and, well, finished. Blerg. So, I'm thinking of implementing yet another NatCroMo Resolution....at least for tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be (drum roll please!) Sewing Saturday!!!!
I'm hoping lyteyz will be able to come over tomorrow. She has the same sewing machine I do (the very awesome Brother XR900) and we're hoping to have a day of discovery to see what this baby can do. Oh, and line some bags. I have quite a few to do, but I'll be happy if I can knock out one, but hopefully two....or more....unrealistic? Moi?? Never!
I must admit, I really needed this day today. I had been neglecting my hooks for much too long. Sure, I've picked them up here and there, but to actually spend a day with them really got my creative juices flowing. So much so that I finally made a decision......I know what blanket I'm going to make for my Geekling!! Squee!!! I've been planning it today and really cannot wait to get started on it. Even though I was only supposed to focus on finishing things today, I just couldn't help myself which is a good sign, indeed.
Not bad for my first Finish Friday!!! Three UFO's are out of my bucket, I now have a new blanket to start obsessing about, and my Mister and I don't have to use our swimsuits as underwear anymore. Here's hoping next week's Finish Friday!!! will be as full of win as this one was.
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