Search Results for: label/Crochet

My pumpkin orange crochet cowl

October 5, 2011 22 Comments

When Rachel at Maybe Matilda announced her awesome idea for a crochet along last month, I loved the concept and wanted to participate. I took a few crochet lessons at a local yarn shoppe a few years back and really enjoyed the craft. But, like many things, it took the back seat when I got busy with my master’s program and renovating a house and life.

The crochet along was a fabulous way for me to jump back in, just in time for cold nights. I liked crocheting because it’s much more portable than some crafts I enjoy (like sewing) and it’s really easy to pick it up on the sofa in the evenings, on breaks at work, during car rides….

With that said, I didn’t start the crochet along when everyone else did like a normal person. I had some valid excuses, like moving, and vacationing and settling into the new house. And procrastination.

Then, last Friday night, I decided that enough is enough. I headed to Ben Franklin and picked up a new hook (Franco chewed up my old bamboo hook) and some beautiful chunky orange yarn, perfect for fall. I don’t have anything in this autumn color, so I’m psyched to wear it. (The color is even called pumpkin.)

After a little practice with Rachel, I got to work. I started the Time Out Cowl she chose on Friday night, moved into the second ball of yarn on Saturday afternoon and wrapped it up on Monday night. (These images show it doubled up. It’s super long.)

Not too bad for a beginner, and someone who hasn’t crocheted in months.

I finished just in time to take photos to share today over at Maybe Matilda. She graciously offered a free pattern from her shop for everyone who completed the challenge. And there will also be winners. I don’t expect to be a winner, but I’m excited to see what everyone else came up with. (And you can certainly vote for me if you’d like. I won’t argue.)

I’m really pleased with how the cowl turned out. I, however, don’t like it long. It just doesn’t look right on me. I probably should have shortened the pattern, but I just double it up and it is extra cuddly and warm. I think it will be a great piece as the days and nights get cooler. I can’t wait to wear it. And it’s totally Chicago Bears football appropriate. Bear down!

In other news, I’m now considering a broad range of modeling offers. I’m quite talented, if I do say so myself. Nothing as professional as taking a quick couple pictures in the kitchen with a self-timer.

Anyhow – head over and check out the entrants on Maybe Matilda. And if you’re feeling generous, vote for your favorite. (Which will obviously be NewlyWoodwards, right?)

What do you think?

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The wife’s September goals – How’d I do?

October 1, 2011 12 Comments

30 days has September. Does anyone else recite this over and over in your head to remember how many days are in a month? I do it all the time.

Anyhoo. One less day this month. And September really did fly. Between packing, moving and visiting Montreal, the entire month seemed to pass in a big, happy blur.

So, let’s see how I did.

The Wife’s September Goals
Read or listen to two books.
Ryan’s Return and Then We Came to the End - a must-read if you work in an office environment. One of my favorites this year.
Have a ball in Montreal.
We had a fabulous time!
Pack up everything and MOVE! (Dear Lord.)
We are in.
Start getting settled.
I think this is going pretty well. It is definitely beginning to feel like home. 
Fix and fill all nail holes and clean old house before closing.
The house looked like new the day we closed.
Make curtains and put them up in bathroom and kitchen.
I’ll share soon.
Put up chalkboard in the kitchen.
Almost done with this.
Work out ten days in the month.
I’m giving myself partial credit on this one. (It’s my list and I make the rules.) I didn’t go to the gym, but between miles of walking in Montreal, loading tons of boxes and other projects, I think I got at least ten days of exercise. Gotta get back to it in October.
Eat at home as much as possible, particularly on weekdays. (Totally vague, but it’s my list.)
Doing pretty well.
Try a new recipe.
Taco pizza, taco casserole, homemade slow cooker refried beans
Make something.
I’m counting the curtains. And a home.
Work on Christmas quilt.
Not at all. I’m not sure this one is getting done by the holidays. Year three.

Pretty good. All things considered. Onto October…

The Wife’s October Goals
Read or listen to two books.
Make dining room curtain panels.
Make back door curtain.
Paint back door.
Paint porch.
Put up chalkboard in kitchen.
Work out ten times and try Zumba.
Plan a month’s meals.
Make a new recipe.
Eat at home for breakfast every weekday.
Increase savings for the month by lowering eating out, grocery and personal spending budgets.
Quilt or craft something.
Start Maybe Matilda’s Crochet Along (one month late) and make a cowl.

What are your goals for October?

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