The weather has turned chilly and it is time to break out the sewing machine, crochet hooks and all my other crafts that I tend to pursue in cooler weather. Let's face it sitting under a couple of pounds of yarn as you crochet a bedspread is no fun in 90 degree weather. Struggling with a quilt while sweat drips off your nose tends to make you hate quilting.

So my planned projects are:
Find a way to get the stupid guitar straps to not stretch when holding a 40 lb bass.
The crocheted Dalek
A quilt large enough to block the fireplace for February and one I will enjoy looking at when we are snowed in.
Soap (of course)
A quilt for ME
A crocheted bedspread for my bed for the summer.
Gi's
Cosplay costumes for Acen 2009

First Glove

Okay so I started the typing gloves based on a pattern I found on Ravelry by Nichole Verville. As I suspected my small hands are a pain. Hers crochet up to medium. So I am following her's atm with an eye to making it a small.

So far instead of Ch 18 13-14 looks like enough. And instead of 8 rows for the thumbhole it lookes lie 5 or 6 would do it. The pattern is so far fairly easy to follow But I am about to try making it for the OTHER hand now I will try with my changes. If it fits better them will make in some nice black wool blend or maybe even a thinner chenille.

New project

So I am looking around ravelry.com and I came across the perfect gift for many of my friends. A crochet Dalek. There is a knit one as well. The pattern is free (of course you can't sell it or BBC will get after you) There is only one small catch, the author asks for a donation for a family. No you don't have to, but if you don't you will probably feel guilty!

Here is the link. I'll post a picture when I get it done. Crochet Dalek

Yarn and Other Snobs

I teach and indulge in crochet. Lately, I joined a small group of like minded crocheters that are tired of yarn snobs and knitting snobs. These are the people who ask why you are not using the top of the line wools and are using that junk.

Here is my answer, I crochet because I enjoy it. I can create things that I like. I am allergic to most wools, so I use non wool yarns since it is difficult to crochet when you are crying. I work part-time at Jo-Ann Fabrics. They sell yarn. I get a discount and of course coupons. As a result I buy what I can afford. Yes, that is right not all people who crochet have tons of money to put into their hobby.

I have had some luck with wool-ease and cotton and wool blend yarns. But others still affect me. I do not crochet to impress people. The purpose of our group is camaraderie, sharing and a reason to get out of the house. One of the members started it because she tried to find a group in her area. Most were knitting groups and told her not to come if she did not knit. One said they would LET her come. Finally she found a group at a yarn shop who when she pulled out her WIP asked why she was using such a low grade yarn.

So for everyone who believes you MUST use a hand spun and dyed yarn, I suggest you move on. For anyone else who loves crochet and will put up with my woes when I try to knit (I am a rotten knitter). Welcome. This blog will include crochet, my soap making and other projects. Other members of Sunflower Unlimited who have items for sale or on display on the site are welcome to join the blog as well. Just ask Zeta to send you an invite.

Now without further ado, let me direct people to this site: www.ravelry.com It is a website devoted to knitting, crochet and who knows what else. Once you get there you have ask for an invitation. Mine took 5 days to come, but I have seen the list as short as 2 days. It has tons of projects. Lots of information and links to sales. It also has ways to keep track of your stash and projects. So for all of you knitters and crocheters looking for more projects or help with one it is worth it.