06 January 2009

The Great Shrug Project...

I promised my sister almost a year ago (or maybe it was a year ago...ugh...in my defense, it has been an unusually hectic year) that I would crochet her a shrug to her specifications: green and lacy (and, of course, with her taste in mind). Unbelievably, it was hard to find a pattern matching what I knew she wanted. Everything I found was either too bulky, too short, or just wouldn't fit her personality. So, I decided to modify and blend some existing patterns to create something just for her.

I can feel that I'm not too far from being finished (though I had originally intended to have it done for Christmas...it just keeps taking longer than I think it will). I know that the reason it's taking so long is because I'm making it up as I go along and having to constantly try it on to make certain it is laying correctly and shaping the way it should.

This is the second project I've taken on that was this time consuming along with having a due date...the first one I ended up hibernating at the last minute and replacing with an easier, less time consuming gift. I've realized now, with two of these under my belt, that I have to have a stash of quick projects to go back and forth between. If I force myself to work on this project and only this project I kill it because I get too discouraged. I now know that it's better to take my time and finish the project than it is to force myself to focus only on the big project and end up OD'ing on the poor thing.

It really will be a huge triumph once I finish this piece, and I know my sister will have exactly what she wanted. And I learned a lot from this project...my own limitations and my need for at least something to give me instant gratification. I really can't wait to post the finished project...hopefully in the not too distant future!

02 January 2009

Sunrise Stroll Barefoot Sandals

Here is my first shared original design. I've crocheted several items that I've made up as I went along...just as I did with this pattern...but this is the first one I've ever taken the time to write down.

I decided to make these, first of all, because my cousin and aunt are moving to Orange County, CA, and I thought they would enjoy these in their new sunny home; and second, now that Christmas and New Years are behind us, the thought of creating something to enjoy on a sunny day was quite tempting.

So, here goes...please let me know if you have any questions or notice any problems with the pattern. You can find me on Ravelry, username: YarnSprite

I'd also love to see your finished objects!



SUNRISE STROLL BAREFOOT SANDALS
by Melissa Pedersen

Use Size B crochet hook and embroidery thread of your choosing (I used Prism Craft Thread, which comes in packs with 10 yd skeins…each sandal uses less than one skein). I also recommend variegated thread to give your sandals a little more dimension and interest.

(make two)

TOE: ch 20, sl st to join with first ch

ROW 1: ch 8, dc back into 3 ch from hook and do 3 more dc in same ch

ROW 2: ch 10, sl st into top of 3rd dc, ch 5, dtrc into ch before 1st dc

ROW 3: ch 3, dc into top of arch, ch 3, dc again into top of arch, ch 6, dc into top of next ch 10 arch, ch 3, dc into ch 10 arch, dc again into arch.

ROW 4: ch 11, sl st into top of ch 6 arch, ch 7, dc into top of ch 3.

ROW 5: ch 5, sl st into next ch, picot, ch 5, sk 2 ch, sl st into 3rd ch, picot, ch 7, sk 3, sl st into 4th ch, picot, ch 5, sk 2, sl st into 3rd ch, picot, ch 3, dc into next ch.

ROW 6: ch 3, dc into ch 5 arch 2 times, ch 2, dc into next ch 5 arch 3 times, ch 1, dc into ch 7 arch, trc into ch 7 arch 2 times, dc into ch 7 arch, ch 1, dc into ch 5 arch 3 times, ch 2, dc into last ch 5 arch 3 times. Ch 60 to form first tie, tie off.

For second tie, sl st to join with the first ch 3 of row 6, ch 60, tie off. Weave in all ends.

To wear, thread toe loop over your middle toe and tie the ends behind your heel.

*(I used pearl beads to add a little accent to the second tie by threading the thread with 3 beads and randomly chaining them in…the pearl accented strap should be worn on the outward facing side of the foot)