It is a beautiful fall day outside. I am sitting in my craft room with my New laptop, looking at all the beautiful colors and watching the leaves blow off the trees. The last couple of months have been busy with so many things; weekend trips, yarn shop hopping, a wonderful visit from my mother in law (it was way too short) unpacking boxes and finding places for things, internet issues and my Surface tablet decided to stop working 😦 But I still found time to create 🙂 So I am doing my first blog post on my laptop, so please excuse any typo’s. The keyboard is pretty flat and I am not used to that at all, especially with long nails. I’m not very techy, so I am still learning how to use this thing. Hubby has already received several “help desk” calls from me this morning. So onto the fun stuff.
I can confidently say that I am now a crocheter. I have crocheted off and on since I was 11, but I am not very good at it. While I have made some crochet items, they had issues. Especially in keeping my sides straight. And I have never been able to crochet a granny square. Until now!! It all started with this pumpkin.
A few weeks ago I took a class to make this pumpkin. It’s not very big. As you can see in the photo, it is sitting on top of a candle stick. I thought I would get it done in class, but no. I had gotten the tiny circle that is the bottom and one strip up the side. I was very frustrated in class and had no idea what I was doing. A couple of days later, I whipped this thing up like I had been crocheting all my life! I can’t explain it, other than the one who tried teaching me when I was 11 was working through me. I can’t tell you how excited I was to have done this. So then I had to pull out the new CAL patterns from Cherry Heart, ( I have such a weakness for her patterns) Nature’s Walk Blanket.
I fell in love with the look of this blanket the first time I saw it over the summer. I had printed out the first few patterns and ordered some yarn through my local yarn shop. I thought since I crocheted a pumpkin, maybe I can crochet a granny square. So last week I pulled out the patterns, read through the intro and pulled out my yarn and hook and began crocheting the gauge block. With some tips from the sweet gals in the Black Sheep Wool group, I was able to crochet my very first ever, granny square!!!
It’s not perfect, and I know where I made some mistakes. I was so geeked and proud of myself for making a square I didn’t even realize it had hearts in it until someone pointed it out to me. Duh! I may just use this pattern for some of my squares. It is so cute! My gauge was close enough and I was confident that I could get started on the first part. And boy did I!
I stitched up all 8 of the Gates squares and the first Berries square in a week. I am over the moon!! They still need blocking. Hubby made me this nice box to put my squares on to block them. He doesn’t usually do things like this, so it is even more special that he did this for me ❤
Last night I started crocheting a square from the most current pattern, the Star.
I’m not going to lie. This one was a bit difficult. One of my points is a little off, but I do know what I did wrong. I will finish this one out and then get back to the berries and make 7 more of those. I am loving this CAL and am looking forward to having a beautiful blanket of granny squares out of these colors:
I’m using Berroco’s Comfort DK. I was able to get 5 of the gates squares out of a skein. This CAL is free from Sandra of Cherry Heart along with Black Sheep Wools. I believe you can still get in on it if you are interested. You can get more information at the Cherry Heart Blog
I also finished cross stitching the Sunflower Pillow I was working on. It turned out beautifully and the recipient was quite happy with it.
I also stitched the July thru October sections on the 2019 Mystery Sampler, so I am all caught up on that and can’t wait to see what the last 2 border sections look like. This is also free through Linen and Threads.
And I started stitching on a little Baby Princess Tiana from Les Petites Croix De Lucie.
She is so adorable!!! My favorite princess, too 😉 But she is a lot of work! Lots of crazy backstitching. She was the first of 9 little Princess Babies. I believe the 6th one just came out.
So that is what I have been up to the last few months. What new project are you working on or what project have you finished?
My Time Stitching 
lovely squares ^^
I’m also following the CAL, but am finding I need to crochet a swatch for each pattern and change hook size depending on the pattern.
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Thank you, Claire93 ❤ So far my squares have been pretty close in size. I'm sure I will have to change hook size at some point. But I am having fun. Hopefully I will have a beautiful blanket at the end 🙂
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Ginny you rock! Your crocheted squares are pretty, pretty, pretty. I’ll be waiting to see the completed blanket.
The sunflower pillow is exquisite, and I love it!
As usual, you’re making good progress on your other cross stitch projects. Great going!
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Thank you, Anita 🙂 I am so geeked that I am actually making granny squares. I can’t wait to have a beautiful blanket.
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🙂 Your crochet work is gorgeous, and welcome to the world of granny squares. They can be pretty addictive, but i guess by now you have already realized that. Judging by the amount of square and yarn. And already a blanket on the go. It is going to be stunning.
That box your hubby made is just perfect. I love the idea.
Beautiful sunflower cushion, so cheerful. It should keep the receiver happy and cheerful for a long time.
And how cute is that little Princess. But so tiny, I can imagine a lot work in that.
Have a fun and fabulous day, and enjoy the new laptop. They are pretty easy to use once you get used to them. 🙂
xxx
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Thank you, Joey 🙂 I am enjoying making granny squares. For so many years I have tried and was not able to make them. I am so excited!! I can’t even begin to explain how it happened. It just did. I am learning my computer slowly. Luckily my hubby is a computer programmer and can help me out 🙂
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I am contemplating that blanket also, it’s so pretty!
Your squares look great & how nice of hubby to make you a special box.
The Sunflower pillow is gorgeous.
Great progress on the L & T piece.
I too am in the crochet mood.
I am currently crocheting a cowl to match my winter coat.
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Thank you, Marilyn. The blanket is so beautiful, isn’t it? I am enjoying making granny squares. Finally 🙂
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I’m having crochet envy…
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Aw. Why, Paula? Do you crochet at all? It has been so many years that I have tried and wanted to crochet granny squares and understand crochet. I am over the moon happy 🙂
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It’s like knitting for me. I simply can’t control my tension
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Paula, have you tried holding your thread in a different way? Are you too lose or too tight?
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Oh my goodness I almost chose that exact blanket, its stunning! Your squares are working up beautifully enjoy the process and colors! That pillow is stunning!
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It is such a beautiful blanket and I am so proud of myself for being able to stitch up some granny squares. The pillow did actually turn out really nice for all of the confetti stitching that was in it.
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Wow! You have been doing so much! I love the blanket, it will be so pretty. As will everything you have been working on!
I have been working on lots of cash projects. A friend of mine is having two granddaughters this fall, so wanted several hand knit things. I am nearly done with a blanket, then there is one more tiny dress to make. I have also been making hats for a craft fair in November, I need to shift over to ornaments when the baby dress is done.
I also have a simple shawl nearing the end, and I cast on a sweater in a knit along! Plus I have a skirt needing its waistband and hem if I get near the sewing machine, and some napkins are on the loom! A lot and no time. Sigh.
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Wow! You have a lot going on. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with our projects. You will get them done. One project at a time. Thank you for your sweet comment about my projects. I am trying to take them one at a time, too 😉
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One at a time is the only way to go!
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Congratulations on your new laptop. I hope you’ll spend many a happy time using it.
Congratulations on your re-found joy of crocheting. Isn’t it fun when you reach the point that the dynamics of crocheting clicks and suddenly you’re creating with fun and comfort?
Love the pumpkin. Your granny squares filet crochet looks great.
Wonderful blocker box your hubby made. What a great fella, he must be. He’s a talented woodworker too.
The sunflower pillow is amazing. You are very multi-talented.
‘2019 Mystery Sampler’ is amazing. It looks like a rich tapestry from days-of-yore.
Baby Princess Tiana, what a cutie.
You have been a busy crafter. It’s fun to visit with you and share in all your creations.
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Thank you so much, E.C. for your sweet comments. The laptop has been very kind to me so far. No major issues. I cannot explain the lightbulb moment with crochet, but I am so happy to have had it and I am enjoying the granny squares immensely. I am glad the pillow project is behind me. Confetti stitching is not fun. But it did turn out well. Hubby isn’t really a wood worker, but every now and then he gets the urge to make something and surprises me. He definitely is a keeper 😉 Thank you for taking the time out to visit me and see what I have been up to. I really appreciate it ❤
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So beautiful! The blanket, squares and the cross stitch projects! How awesome that you have a “tribe” of people to support you in your creative pursuits!
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Thank you, Jennyskip. 9 more squares to go and then I can try putting them together. I am so excited. I do appreciate all the love and support I get for my crafting 😉
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