The Remix Bag

Meet the Remix Bag, so named since I took a little of this and a little of that from different things I've done in the past and wove them together to get this. I don't have a pattern per se. You've heard it from me before. I wing. But, here's a brief description.

The Remix Bag
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn (2 complimenting yarns)
crochet hook E
needle, ribbon, drawstring toggle (and I embellished a smidge with beads)

Base
Chain 62. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each CH across. CH 1 and turn(turning chain counts as 1 SC).
SC approximately for 10 rows.
From here you are continuing the base following the technique from NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED MARKET BAG. SC around the entire piece, making sure that the opposing sides have the same number of sc. Follow instructions from NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED MARKET BAG starting with Row 11. Keep in mind that I am using SC and not HDC and chaining 1 instead of 2. Continue with Row 12.
Next row, SC all around. Change color yarn. You will be weaving in ends as you go. SC around (ending with SL ST for each round) for 4 rows. Switch to primary color. SC 1 row. Now onto the mesh.
**CH 2. Skip one SC space and SC in next.** Repeat ** to end. Mark the starting chain.
Continue for about 8 rows. SL ST to join. Then 2 sc in each 2 chain space around. SL ST to join. SC in each SC for 1 row. Change yarn and SC for 4 rows. Switch yarn and SC around. Repeat process from ** until desired height of bag. SL ST to finish.
Mark on both sides of bag where handles will go. Insert hook and start handles. I did width of 5 SC. SC rows to desired handle length. Attach end with SC.
I found 2 nice ribbons to use as accent and as a drawstring closure. The ribbons were just weaved into the mesh part. I slipped the ends through a drawstring toggle, added beads and tied off ends. Weave in any loose yarn ends.
Hope this was enough of a tutorial to get you through. If you are trying to make this and get stuck...do what I do ...do whatever you want!

Faggot Stitch Scarf

I've reconnected with the crafty side of me. It's been good. I'm not good, but the activity has been good for me. Here is my first knitted FO. Well, still UFO since I plan to add some crocheted flowers to it. But, the knitted part is done. If you can't tell, it's a scarf.

It is made with a faggot stitch. (Don't ask me about the name. I have no clue. I'm assuming it meant something else once upon a time. British origin maybe? Perhaps it was a smoking scarf...as in a smoking jacket?) I used this pattern. The yarn was an acrylic 4 ply ww, variegated. The needles were size 9.

I'll post the finished finished finished piece later...when it's finished. Right now I have two more knitted things I'm working on. Plus all the other crocheted thing. *sigh* So many projects...so little time.

I Found it!

I found it! Now, the question is...What the hell is it?

No, it's not a noodle.

It's about 5 inches long.

It is kind of squishy.

You hold it in your hand with your fingers.

It is a must have if you have cramping.

GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!

Does this image give you a better clue?

I found this at the Marukai Superstore which is similar to the 99c stores (except items may cost more). This was $1.50. I don't read (or speak) Japanese, but I can see. This is used to help add bulk to whatever you are gripping so you can hold things easier (and it's non-slip). Great for people with arthritis or other fine motor problems. Me being me, I'm always on the lookout for stuff like this. I find it especially great for crochet hooks. It works so much better than the puny things they sell in the craft stores and pencil grippers. Just thought I'd share.

Unfinished and Finished

So, I finally got around to taking photos of my current FO's and UFO's. Finally got around to uploading those photos. Let me preface by saying I suck at following patterns. Most of what you see (and will see) starts with a pattern and takes a left at Albuquerque. Why? Because I can't figure out the instructions so I wing it from there. So, that being said, here we go!

Baby Bucket (or Sun) Hat

I used the Cross Bucket Hat pattern to get me started (using a smaller hook for the smaller head and 4 ply cotton). Then I took flight.

Crochet String Bag

bag in mid work looked like a shawl or rug

finished

If you make this and it doesn't look like mine, that's because it's been altered slightly from the original pattern. I did warn you!

Burst of Spring Square

I think it will be part of a bag. Just haven't finalized that thought yet. I used cotton 4 ply and I hook.

No Assembly Required Market Bag

This is the same pattern I used on my trip to Hawaii. I do love it! It's great to start a tote off with. Once I get to the mesh section, I kinda do my own thing. This one is finished with 6 rows of hdc white and 6 of yellow. Then the handles are about 48 rows of hdc.

Okay. That's it for now. I am STILL working on a knit scarf. It's too ugly to post now but when I am done and have doctored it up, I will.

Stitching and Bitching

*whimper* No one told me I needed to lift weights before my knitting meeting. My left forearm is sore and I smell like an old person. *groan* Crafting is making me feel old and weak. The other night I bandaged my fingers to protect myself from getting burns from the plastic twine I was crocheting with. This morning I'm putting Bengay on the arm to ease the ache from knitting. *sob*

On the positive side, I learned how to do k1,p1. And I learned I have been doing my knit wrong. It only took 2 months to learn that one. *grimace*

I'm hoping to have something knitted by the end of the year. Something that resembles something. I know. How ambitious of me! Maybe a potholder. Or a wash cloth. I wouldn't hold your breath though. I suck.

Note to self: I cannot knit for 2 hours straight.

Hawaiian Vacation FO's

While I was on vacation, I managed to complete some projects and hand out gifts.
I made 2 bags using this pattern as a quide.

My nephew had a blanket that he loved. A little too much?

I made him a new blankie, so his parents could throw the old one away.

Tangerine Bag

Finally completed another bag. This one is also "winged." Sorry, no pattern to share. It's unlined, intended for use as a shopping bag or beach bag. I haven't learned to do the lining yet. Sewing...ugh! Let me tackle knitting first! I will be sending it to my SIL so I hope she likes it. Now to start a project to give to my other SIL. And on my way to Hawaii so no picture blogs till I get back home.

Knitting in Air

Yes, knitting needles are supposedly allowed in your carry-on according to the TSA, but note there is a caveat. Copied from their website:

"However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers. Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security."

I'm not going to risk it. I'll just hook on the plane.

Some UFOs

"Z" Bears: different crochet patterns



...no faces to protect their identities...
*hee hee*



knitting project...
keeping it easy so garter stitch
let's say it will be a scarf...




KK piece...long loom
maybe a bathmat or mat for Lucy...
any ideas??

UFOs and FOs

Apparently there is a whole 'nother language I have to learn. The hooker language. No, I don't mean that kind of hooker! Hooker as in crocheting!

I had quite a few Beavis and Butthead moments giggling as I read through some crochet forums. If you get your mind in the gutter, anything can be funny! For example, did you know some women are tight hookers?! Got you giggling too, huh? You Beavis!!

So to my non-hooking friends, I may educate you as I learn a few things. (Even hookers from L.A. can learn something new!) For future references: UFO's are unfinished objects (I think). FO's, therefore, are finished objects. Also, if you see KK it refers to Knifty Knitting. Here are a few of my FO's!

2 Knifty Knitted hats (to be donated to charity)

5 golf club socks/covers (going to my mom)

the 2 on the left are crocheted and the other 3 on the right are KK

another KK doggy sweater for Lucy

My yarn stash is growing at an alarming rate as my interest blossoms in this area. They are like Tribbles! (Who's a Trekkie?)

I am currently learning to knit. I think I figured out I do better with smaller needles, and I am working my first garter stitch scarf. It gained a stitch somewhere, but I'm not frogging! (I think frogging is the correct term. Tanya? A little help?) I'm just going to press on...unless you look carefully, you can't tell. And that is what I am banking on or I will never finish!!

I'm trying to keep my UFO's to a minimum. I've got two small stuffed crocheted animals that need faces, and a crocheted beach bag to finish. Then I get to start something else. Yaaay!!

I'm still deciding what to bring with me on my trip to Hawaii. Knitting needles go in the checked baggage. I'm not risking having to mail them back in case they don't allow me to carry it on. Yes, that means I'll be hooking on the plane.

A pooped pup pouch

Here's a bag a crocheted a few months ago. I styled it after those sling/tote bags. It all evolved from laziness. Lucy would get tired from walking, so I would end up carrying her. I got tired of carrying her in my arms.
I walk till she is tired or I see a store I want to go in. I pop her in and we are in business.
Note: Not recommended for dogs named Baxter or Roscoe (or those over 10 pounds)!

Knifty Knitter Dog Sweater

Using my blue round loom, I knifty knitted these sweaters for my girl. The first one was just a bit too snug. I think she did the whole "gasping for breath 'cause my pants are too tight" thing. So, I made another...same loom but made the stitches as loose as I could. Looks much better.
For those who are curious as to how I made mine, I used regular acrylic yarn, 4-ply, 2 colors, blue loom. I started out making the neck part. This was done as you would for a hat, making the brim. Then I continued on. The leg holes were done using the technique I found here. At Off the Loom Linda discusses how she made her's. I haven't tried the stretchy bind off but if you are better at this than I am, it probably makes dressing your baby easier.

Creative Crochet Dog Sweater

Here's a sweater I crocheted for Lucy. I sort of winged it but it fits pretty good.