Tunisian Crochet New Stitch

Good News - Donation Project Finished!

The donation project has been finished!  For this round...
Of course it was a flawless project from start to finish.  (of course I am teasing)
From idea to conception there were 3 drafts, 5 pattern designs, 3 shopping trips, and once "crunch time" weekend to get them completed.

Here is one of the monkeys that got it all started, made to match the nursery colors. The boys, of course, received a custom monkey designed just for them.  This is a 17" knit monkey pattern.  But knit monkeys this large wouldn't work for the donation as I was hoping to have the project done in a week not a month and I thought the size may be a bit large to carry around for donations.

Plan 2, The crochet monkey.   He was resigned to 13".  I loved the new size and design, but the crochet version still didn't lend itself to quick reproduction. (I do have a day job)  I am definitely keeping this pattern in the books though.  Love him!

Plan 3 was completely worked on the computer.  No fabric was harmed during this design.  Once printed I was able to see that once assembled he would again be more toward the 18" size.  My math was a little off that day.

Plan 4.  This monkey went through cut and sewing.  2 proto-monkeys into it I knew it just wasn't the right design.  Good features, but just didn't work for me, there were parts I liked and parts I really disliked. Sorry no pictures.  In my frustration this one went in the trash.

Plan 5, the final.  Due to my daughters encouragement I went back to the basics.  I simplified monkey who will perform his duties as needed.  Soft and hugable, very.  Sturdy enough to stand up to children, check, double seamed at stress points.  Appropriate for all age groups, yes!

And as you can see from the pictures the baby got into the work on crunch weekend.  I think she is happy with the final project.  I hope the monkeys can bring this much happiness and comfort to the children who receive them.

  

Work in Progress....

Work in Progress....

Well the title of this blog is "Craft for Real Life" for a reason, sometime real life does get in the way of your crafting time.  

So what have been my latest distractions.:

It is so easy to pick up your favorite craft and settle in for a long crafting session when it is snowing and there are inches on the ground.  As it turns out we have been lucky enough to have Spring like weather in Southern Ohio so I am soaking up the 50 -60 degree temperatures.  I believe I am solar powered so I needed to recharge my batteries.

Grandchildren.  For those of you who have grandchildren, enough said.  For those who take your children to their grandparents who suddenly act as if you are invisible, enough said.  For those of you who haven't experienced this, they demand your time and you happily give it.  I did get in a little crafting while the youngest little boy was here.  We made a micro monkey out of felt, just for fun. (4" tip of toes to top of ears)  He enjoyed the monkey and claimed it for his own, but we have to make one for his brother too.  There isn't a lot to this pattern, but if you would like a copy let me know.

Volunteer/Donation project.  Have you ever had one of those projects that came to you in your sleep or is it just me?  So in honor of my son I have started a donation project.  I'm very excited about it, but it is taking a lot of work to get it started.  I think Brandon would be happy.  I'm not trying to be 007 secretive about this, but it's like the first trimester of pregnancy.  I don't want to say anything until I know it's going to work out.  More on this later I promise!

New toys.  I HAVE A NEW TOY...ahem, tool.  My Brother PE 500 embroidery machine has arrived and I am happily learning how to use it.  As much as I would love to sit down and just start embroidering there are a few things you need to learn.  All in all I would give it a great review.  One night out of the box, followed the instructions and have added some embellishments to the donation project. 

So, my ball of beautiful spring colored yarn (it still reminds me of sorbet) is still in a ball.  It isn't one I have given up on, just put on hold.  Now let's hope the baby doesn't outgrow the sweater before I get back to it, because yes, this is Real Life.

It has been a busy, life changing time in the past year.  So much has happened, both good and bad.  Through it all knitting has been my go to stress management tool. Some of my saddest moments you would have found me sitting in the middle of my yarn stash mindlessly knitting.  I didn't complete many projects or ideas but knitting held me together through it all.  I hope to get active on my blogging again and share my journey of crafting for real life.

I have recently started a sweater for the newest addition to the family.  I'm loving the colors!!!!  I wish I could tell you the brand name, but I purchased this on sale with a generic label.  Still it is a beautiful yarn that has me looking forward to spring.

I'll put the pattern out here when I get it completed.  Which may or may not be the next few days depending on which way the latest snow storm blows!  My best days in winter are snuggled up with a great creative project (or many projects).

Ready for Spring!

It has been such a long, cold winter here in Ohio.  I know we are all ready to shed the sweaters, heavy coats, and boots.  But wait! I have been using those sweaters and coats to hide the side effects of a long, cold winter.  And judging from the fact that the produce section at the grocery store is now the "In" place to be and the happening social scene in this small town, along with the fact that I received a mass email about an upcoming weight watchers group would mean I am not hiding behind my big sweater and heavy coat alone.

When you look beyond the shades of brown, which seems to be predominant this time of year there is a bit of hope.  In my own backyard my flowering pear tree is showing signs of spring!

Since I am limited on how much power I have over bringing in spring color outside, which is sadly none, I decided to add some on the inside.  During yet another cold Sunday I whipped up some dishcloths in amazing bright colors.  Admittedly they don't match the color scheme in the kitchen, but I don't care.  Working with so much color made me happy.