I can crochet!

I finally decided that crochet is a skill that all knitters should have, and I gave it a try.  YouTube has been a wonderful resource.  The problem with it, as with most things on the web, is weeding through all the crap to get to the really valuable information.  I have learned three stitches:  single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet.  I can reproduce these at will, but have not learned how to integrate them into a pattern or alternate them in a row of crochet.  Right now, all my crochet projects are rectangles!  I hope soon to be able to read a pattern and make something besides squares, but at least I can pick up a hook and make a credible item.

The picture below are my two most presentable squares, alternating rows of sc, dc, and hdc.  The towel is the Retro Rib kitchen towel.  All of these are in I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby.  I think it is the best cotton yarn available from any box store.

More doilies -- I keep cranking them out!

I decided to try a doily in Number 3 crochet thread (equivalent to fingering weight yarn) to see how many rounds would create what size doily.  This is the Sternbluten pattern, available on Ravelry.  It is 90 rows deep, and measures 25" across.  So, by my calculations, I will have to find a pattern of about 300 rows to make a tablecloth for my 60" dining room table to have some overhang.  And I will have to put some extra lengths on my interchangable needles!

It is photographed on my stovetop.  Not the most pleasant backdrop, but the best I could do at 11 p.m.

Glad when someone appreciates handmade gifts

I made this jumper for my friend Kim's little girl Maddie for her 5th birthday.  She's the princess of Disney (her mama being the queen and grandma the queen mother of Disney!) so giving her Eeyore only made sense.  We met them for dinner last night, and when Maddie took the jumper out of the bag, she was so excited she asked if she could wear it to school tomorrow.  Then she reconsidered and asked if she could wear it then.  So we pulled it on over her clothes, and she walked around the restaurant modeling it for the other diners!  She's a dear child, and it is so lovely to have someone excited about my handmade presents.