Very Pink Baby Outfit

It has been ages since I've updated this blog! Things have been crazy with adjusting to the new city... but, even though I am going out more and just generally busier than I was in LA, I'm still finding time to crochet.

I made the following uber-pink baby outfit for my boss' baby. She is totally daddy's little girl and he is very interested in dressing her in pink.

So...

Pink it is!

A sweater, cloche hat, and mary jane booties.

I crocheted them in Bernat Cotton Tots- Pretty in Pink and fell in love with this yarn. It's super-soft, washable, and crochets up so well. You can really see the stitchwork even though it is a very soft, snuggly yarn.

To start the sweater and for sizing, I used the hooded jacket from Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies. But, I wanted to make a cute hat and so I did not make the hood. I also added a scalloped trim in white and made a bow out of two double crochet chains instead of the frog closure that the book called for.

The sweater is done in a v-stitch and each panel worked up very quickly. To keep the collar down and open, I stitched the lapel down on both sides.

I sized it for a 3 month old baby. She isn't quite there yet, but it should fit her soon.

For the hat, I just did a simple single crochet and added a shell edge. I added a flower that I made up as I went along.

I have seen this style of hat done before, so I'm sure that I'm pulling from a variety of sources. Which means that I probably won't write up this pattern.

Next up are the mary janes. This is a really fuzzy picture, but unfortunately, the only one that I have.

I pulled the pattern from a booklet that I have at home (and can't remember the name of - I'll update once I know). The booklet rocks because it has a dozen or so very unique baby booties. I had to adjust the pattern because I was not using fingering weight yarn, so the sizing was tricky. But, I think that the effort was well worth it. They are really cute booties. I added a flower of sorts on to the side in place of a button.

I thought it would add to the vintage, feminine feel.

John loved the outfit and I'm hoping that his lil' one loves it, too.

Currently, I'm working on a sweater version of this vest and many Christmas gifts ... which will remain a secret for now...

Green Grass Purse and Betsy's Skirt on...

Hello!

I have finally settled in Austin and am ready to start posting again.

Currently, I am working on a taupe purse in lion's brand suede and a monkey for Jeff (aka, Jewffrey).
I worked up a purse the week before last and have been wearing it around town. I used the same yarn that I used to make Bridgid's messenger bag (pictures pending). The color is "grass" and it's wool-ease thick'n'quick chunky yarn.

For the very first time, I actually lined a bag that I made. Which means that I can put pens in it and not be afraid that they are going to work themselves through the stitches of the bag. I used felt to line it and did a very rudimentary, pathetic attempt at a whip stitch. I figure it's practice. I'll probably rip it out and redo it at somepoint. I'm also planning on adding a pocket for a cell phone in there... and making a matching wallet.
In the meantime, here it is. I have been wearing it around this new town of mine and have been stopped and given lots of compliments... which is just awesome.

I also wanted to show a picture of Betsy wearing her skirt. It's not a great pic because it was taken in a dark bar... and even though Erik is a great photographer with a nice camera, the skirt was black. He probably would have given it a little more effort if he realized that I made it... but he didn't believe me until later :o)
Regardless, it does prove that it actually fits her. I am really thrilled that she loves it... and just so grateful that it fits her so perfectly.
She looked fabulous in the skirt and I hope that you get to see her wearing it someday - or I get a better pic ;P

Mom's Shawl

So... this project was done AGES ago (over 1 year ago), but I just got the pictures. My dad had taken pictures of my mom posing in the shawl that I designed and crocheted for her birthday. I think it was my first project without a pattern. Anyway, if you crochet, you know that this isn't all that special because a shawl is a pretty easy shape. The rest of you, please be impressed ;)
Anyway... I'm visiting in North Carolina and I stumbled across these pictures on my parents' computer and thought I might as well share them.
I used TLC Amore in Dusty Rose. This was given to my mom a year after she had become a grandmother for the first time. Now, she has two new grandbabies.
I did the majority of the shawl in one stitch. But then, I got bored and added some triple crochet as a way to break up the space. For the end, I did ruffles all the way around.
It worked up fairly quickly. It's a little more girly and feminine than my mother normally wears, but I think she likes it. The texture is soft and it's an easy way to keep her shoulders warm.
This has been such a great trip. North Carolina is beautiful and relaxing. It's great to see my parents and I got to meet Myla Rose, my first niece!
Quinlan is talking up a storm and interested in everything. It's just such a blast to be able to hang out with them.
It's going to be hard to go home and start prepping up for my big move to Austin. But, at least I'll go into it relaxed and refreshed... well, as relaxed as I can get...

Cthulu 2.0

After sending pics of the mighty lil' cthulu around, I was informed that although my homage to the slimy, tentacled, elder god was impressive... it still wasn't "right". Apparently, without wings, my chtulu was just an odd looking crochet dude.
So, I went home and crocheted up some rudimentary wings (as described in wikipedia). It was all very last minute and done when I should have been packing for my trip to Seattle and NC... but, it was my last day at work and I figured that if I didn't attach them myself, Cthulu would never have wings.
I spent my lunch on my last day up at Greg's desk performing minor surgery on The Tentacled One. To help make the wings stand up, I straightened out two jumbo paper clips and inserted them in the wings. I had brought a blue pipecleaner for the job, but it showed a little too much. I was checking him out and realized how cool it would be if he had bendable arms. So, I cut the pipecleaner in half and inserted one half into each tubey arm. Voila! The Elder God, complete.
I must admit, my friends were right. With wings, Cthulu is much more impressive, creepy, and wonderful.
And, admittedly less cuddly.
Check him out. muwahahah. Oh, and there he is posing with Greg's vicodin for his yechy back pain.

Hats!

Last night, I was in Seattle with my sisters, Betsy and Bridgid. The three of us were watching endless episodes of Sex and the City... hours and hours of season 5-6... while stitching away. I had made a cabled messenger bag and a skirt for Betsy and spent the first few hours weaving in the ends (fun times...). Finally, once I had finished those projects, I started some hats and ended up making them each one in "grass" green by wool-ease. We had a blast and it was probably my most productive stitch 'n' bitch in a lonnnng time. Betsy made a scarf for our Uncle Tom which I'll be giving him tomorrow. I got her addicted to cables and super-chunky wool-ease yarn. Bridgid was working on a fabulous pillow in Alpaca Wool. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Bridgid, Betsy, and I went to a yarn store, of course, and drooled over beautiful yarns and patterns. I forget the name of the store... but it was great. The store used to be a house and you could meander from room to room and touch all sorts of lovely different textures. Lots of yummy, tempting yarn. But, we all behaved ourselves. (awww... no fun!)

Cthulu!

Hello! As pretty much everyone knows, I am not a sci-fi reader... but, everyone I know and adore totally is. I am pretty sure that everyone in my family and most of my friends have read and loved at least some sci-fi stuff. Anyway... a co-worker friend of mine is obsessed with the sci-fi classics - especially HP Lovecraft and this character/god named Cthulu. He's been working like crazy on a project for me and helping me immensely. In the meantime, he hurt his back and has a pinched nerve- and is attempting to work even though he's in a lot of pain Anyway, I wanted to make him smile, so I looked up cthulu on wikipedia and decided to crochet a version for his desk... I guess if you know what the bad guy in Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest looks like, you'll know the jist. Basically, he is supposed to be like a combination of a squid, octopus, bird, and reptile. Of course, he is tormenting the Lily-cat for added drama.
Enjoy!

Watermelon Baby Hat- and TIGGER :o)

Hello!

I previously posted this watermelon hat, made for my brand new neice Myla Rose. She now fits said hat and is modeling it for the camera! Also, her big brother Quinlan is cuddling with a spectacular Tigger made by my sister Betsy. Q adores his Tigger and you can see why :o)

Aunt Sheila's Shawl

It's about time for an update, huh?... with the imminent move to Austin, I have been running around like crazy. Trying to see everyone in my los angeles "family", revisit old haunting grounds, and get my apartment, cat, car, and self ready for the big ole move to tejas!

My parents visited my Aunt Sheila in Cleveland where she is staying at a place specifically for those with alzheimers. It sounds like she is incredibly happy and comfortable. Enjoying things like yoga, music, and all of the activities they have.

If you remember, I made her a shawl. To the left is the picture that came with the pattern from "Wrap Style" by Interweave Press.
It was a fairly easy pattern that worked up quickly, but looks lovely and complicated :)
Above, is my lovely aunt wearing her new shawl! She is sitting with my Mom who is wearing a top she bought when we were at Olvera Street (the original pueblo) for Cinco de Mayo.

Here are also some close ups of the shawl (previously posted)...

Brand New Nephew - and Lil' Devil Baby Hat

My sister Megan and brother-in-law Matt became new proud parents last week! Baby Atticus Zane (seems to be going by Zane so far) is doing well and adjusting the to world just fine.

I crocheted him a lil' devil baby hat a few months ago and had to wait patiently for them to be able to open it! I wanted to make something unique, funny, and cute all at the same time. There is above, in a hat that is right now giant on him! I wish I had taken pictures of the hat next to a tennis ball or a mug or something - just to give you an idea of just how tiny this hat is.
It's amazing how tiny this lil' guy is!

I found this hat in a knit pattern, but knew I could make a version that was as cute or cuter in crochet. I think that crochet lends itself to shaping better than knit, so the horns hold up really well. The hat isn't an original design, but it is an original pattern. The picture to the Right make the hat look asymmetrical, but that's just because of the weird angle that the hat was photographed. I'm not sure why it looks ike that. Both sides are the same length and width in each part.

Thanks for looking :) Congrats to Megan and Matt on their beautiful baby boy!

baby hats

Here are a few baby hats that I've been working on. All were done without a pattern for the most part. (I used this precious sunhat pattern to start off the watermelon hat, but ended it my own way).

The first is a lil' flower hat. Originally, it was made for Myla Rose. However, she has quite the noggin' for a newborn and the hat didn't fit her. So, Sue sent it back to me and it will be worn by my coworker Crystal's baby girl due in October. I made this cloche-style hat in a sc spiral in yellow (Caron Simply Soft). Then I made little white petals. I stitched the petals around the brim of the hat. Then I added a lil' pansy to the side of the hat as an accent. It's Crystal's first baby gear and she loves the warm color.

For Myla, I have a larger hat which will hopefully fit her in the fall :) Right now it's a little too muggy in NC for a hat. Using Caron Simply soft, I made the top in red. Then I made a white stripe to start the rind. The rind is a lime green. I took black yarn and added some seeds.
The last hat, the purple, is a bellflower for Casey, another coworker's baby. She was born early and had a rough time at first, but is finally home with her mom and dad. I am going to make them another hat or maybe a dress to celebrate that she is home now. She was there in the hospital for 7 weeks, which was very difficult. She's a beautiful baby and very healthy and strong.
Next week, I'll be able to add pics of a baby hat that I made for Baby Gallagher Clark... but I have to wait until after the shower.

'Nother Monkey!

This one was for a co-worker/friend named Katherine who loved the Monkey that I made for my friend Josh.
The monkey is sitting next to her phone in the first pic and next to a ruler (to show you his height) in the other. He's a very lil' guy.
I made him with wool-ease in the "woods color". I sewed on a red heart button and embroidered his face on tan felt (although, it looks white in the pic).
Enjoy the pics :)

80's Kball Prom

Here is a picture from my 80's kball prom. Both Michelle and I were nominated for Prom Queen... and it was an honor to be nominated. I feel very blessed for the honor and want offer my congrats to Lisa. Heheheh.
I put together my outfit the day of. I'm wearing a blue mini-skirt (3 tiers of ruffles) over black spandex/leggings. I bough a red 80's sweater from a thrift store and cut off the sleeves. I wore the sleeves as legwarmers. And I wore white socks with black pumps (complete with a cheesy bow). I cropped the sweater and cut it down the front. I wore it over a zebra striped tanktop that was ridiculously cheesy. I also crimped my hair and wore hoops. Oh... and I crocheted myself a fingerless glove with fur trim for my right hand. There is nothing more fun than looking ridiculous!

Just for Fun...

If Lily-cat were a cartoon character, this is how she'd be drawn. Note that she is lording over me.

Purses and Yoga Mat Bag - From Christmas

So... I finally have some pictures of the purses and one of the yoga mat bags that I made for Christmas. This first one in aran colored yarn with a red bow, I made for Sue, my sister-in-law. The inspiration for the purse came from these designer purses. I found a pattern on Crochetville, but mixed it up to get a shorter, wider bag. I bought rattan handles from Joann's and painted them a warmer, darker brown. I also made the same purse in heather gray for my sister Betsy. The yarn for both is red heart... which means that I spent less than $5 (handles included) to make each purse. Not a bad deal.

Here are some pictures of my sister Sheila's yoga mat bag made from this great pattern. I hope she's able to use it. Here are some different angles. For this one, I also used Red Heart. It's super-washsable... which is great considering how much it rains in Scotland (where Sheila lives). The texture of the yarn is not very soft, but being that these are bags, I figure that it is mor important that they are sturdy! If you are a crocheter, I really recommend both of these projects for gifts. They are useful, easy to make, and work up quickly... plus, the materials are fairly inexpensive.

Mom's Market Bag

This was my first felted project! I made Crochet Me's Pike Place Market Bag for my mom. My mom and my dad love to go to the nearby market in NC for organic food. I'm not sure that they can fully stock up on their groceries with this bag, but it's a start :) I think that this will probably be a great bag when my mom is taking Q and brand new Myla Rose around on adventures. The pocket is the perfect size for a baby bottle! I chose purple yarn because it's my mom's favorite color. I used Cascade 220 (in order to felt, the yarn must be 100% wool. For those of you who don't know what felting it, it's actually kind of a neat process. Basically, you stitch up a bag in a super-large size in wool yarn. Then you put it into the washing machine inside a pillowcase that is zipped or tied shut. Along with the pillow case, you put some items in the load to create friction (I used some plastic sandals, a tennis ball, and my old paint jeans from my set construction days). You add some baking soda to the load and wash it on HOT. The result is that the wool shrinks (ever wash a wool sweater?) and kind of fuses together into a firm fabric. Felt!
Anyway, I made this awhile back, but never got around to fully attaching the handles. I need to use my friend Kate's sewing machine for that :) Since she's been hard at work on her thesis, I haven't been pushing to get it done. I guess that the thesis for her lil' biomedical grad diploma from UCLA is kind of a priority for her right now. Don't ask me why.... obviously my opinion doesn't matter ;)

Spiderweb Lace Skirt

This project is dangerously close to being finished. I have yet to weave in the ends or add the elastic to the waist. I also haven't blocked it (but I think it'll be best if Betsy blocks it so that it fits her perfectly). I kind of got distracted by the plethora of baby hats that I've been making for the lil' ones in my life... or soon-to-be in my life :)

I got the pattern for this skirt here. I don't looooooove this pattern. It's fine, I did it... but I had some problems with the joining of the rounds. It turned out fine, but if Betsy looks close enough, she'll be able to find the problem. Because of the many layers, I don't think that the mistake matters. I think that if I were to do it again for someone else, I would make it in different yarn and also change up the lace on the skirt. I thought it would be a little bit more lacey, honestly. I think Betsy will like it - and it will be a good skirt to wear in the Cold Seattle winter. It's made with Wool Ease and can be worn over a lighter skirt, leggings, or it can be worn alone (oooh la la!). Oh, I also had immense problems with the top of the skirt because no matter what I did, I couldn't get my stitching to match size wise with the pattern. So, I didn't follow the pattern for the top portion.
I don't know that I will remake this pattern, because that much sc in such a tight stitch is kind of annoying :P The top portion took me a VERY long time. The bottom portion probably took me about a week. The top portion (non-lacy) hits at the upper thigh.
My sister Betsy is phenomenal and deserves this skirt... which is right up her alley. I hope she wears it when she dances! Once it's blocked, it should hit to about mid-calf/ankle (the bottom is not straight, but wavy in length). If she doesn't mind modeling the skirt, I will post it here.

Aunt Sheila's Wrap/Shawl Finished Pics

Here are pictures of the shawl that I made for my Aunt Sheila. The pattern for this lovely wrap is from "Wrap Style" by Interweave Press. I used TLC Baby Yarn in Powder Lilac and the result is a really quite pretty. I am very happy with it and can't wait to send it to her. My Aunt Sheila was an OB/GYN nurse for decades and actually helped my mom through all of her pregnancies (6!!) over the years. Aunt Sheila's house was the best place for sleepovers! She'd wash our hair with her "special" shampoo and conditioners that always smelled amazing and made my hair feel like a million dollars. She'd give us little make up cases with Clinique eyeshadows and lipsticks :) She'd let us eat Dove Bars for breakfast and stay up late giggling. We'd play "fairies" on the stairs and pretend like the stairs were the hill where the fairies lived. She'd play these old records like the Red Baron and Peanut Butter and we'd dance like crazy.
Everything in her house always smelled so good. They always say that smells are your strongest memories, and I remember her place so well by the smell of the soap, the kitchen, even the smell of the couch. I also remember the way everything felt. So warm and cozy. The fabric of the pink chair in the room that everything was a dusty rose. I remember sitting in Grandpa's chair (which was in her living room). And I could smell this mixture of tobacco and time. Hard to explain, but that is the closest thing to a memory of Grandpa Gallagher that I have.
The majority of my memories of my Grandmother are in that house, too. My aunt was my Grandma's caregiver for most of my life. I would go over there on Saturday's and take care of my Grandma. Combing her hair, listening to her memories of growing up in Ireland and coming over here... praying the rosary with her and watching way way way too much Frank Patterson and singing along.
My aunt gave up a lot through the years, but never surrendered her personality, values, ideals, or interests. She loved budweiser over any of the fancy schmancy beers my dad brought over for family parties... and was the only woman I remember drinking bud or any beer when I was growing up. The image that that creates, though, is so contrary. She really loved all things exquisite and pretty. She loved fashion, but loved the fashion of Kate Hepburn and the images of the Victoria catalogue above all. She kept every outfit she ever loved. I remember her showing me the dress that she wore to my parents wedding - a smart outfit with a darling short, short skirt. An outfit that Jackie Kennedy wore, too. She'd tell me stories about going through great lengths to get THE outfit that was just the style. And laughing her marvelous laugh. Following up with a, "ohhhh gad!"
Right now, I live in the neighborhood that she lived in as she came of age as a young woman starting up a nursing career. I walk the streets that she walked... and both times that she visited me, we went to The Apple Pan, the first place she ate at in Los Angeles.
The story is that she drove out here from Ohio... seeking a change of scenery and a job. She drove with her friend Min (I am pretty sure), who told her that she could drive part of the way since my aunt was a brand new driver (my dad had taught her the prior week!). As it turns out, Min couldn't drive... so my Aunt drove the entire 3,000 odd miles in her in her pretty lil' vw bug . When they arrived, her feet were aching tired. First thing they did was have a burger at The Apple Pan.
My aunt did amazing things during her time here and really learned so much about life and the world. She read up on buddism and learned yoga. She met people from all over the world and so many cultures. She discovered yogurt, artichokes, and avocados :) And mexican food! Cleveland didn't get Mexican food until the latelatelate 70's, so, this is pretty impressive.
She and her friends from the Newman Center at UCLA formed a group of young, social activist Catholics. They posted flyers and worked together on various causes attempting to make the church a more welcoming, progressive place and helping those that were down on their luck.
When my aunt came out to visit a few years ago, I got to meet most of the members of this group. I felt like I was witnessing something truly unique and powerful. I was able to see her through their eyes - as a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman who changed other peoples lives through her thoughts and beliefs.
Recently, my aunt was diagnosed with alzheimers. She came out to visit with my Aunt Kay and Uncle Bob to help her cultivate her earlier memories, which frequently are the strongest. I was so terribly hurt and saddened to see that someone who was so articulate was having trouble with certain words and phrases. She gave me a package of yarn, some insanely 70's patterns and asked me to send them to my sisters who crochet (Bridgid and Betsy). She can't crochet anymore because of the alzheimers. She told me that if I wanted to learn, that I could learn from her books. I did send them on, but first I taught myself how to crochet... wanting desperately to connect with her.
She now is living in a community that specializes in alzheimers, and it is a truly amazing place for her. I know that it is the right thing, but it's hard because I wish that her house could remain as is. From what I hear, she is doing beautifully and very happy. She is able to do things like yoga (which I doubt she ever thought would come to Cleveland) and dance and make friends. I have been told that she is very much like herself, but like herself when she was younger... which is kind of nice. It's as if she gets to have a carefree adulthood and feel like a little girl.
Sure, that's idealizing it, but it is the only way that I can cope with it right now. I think that alzheimers really throws my faith (already dwindling) for a loop. I am trying to see that her soul is untouched by this disease. That the amazing soul that loved me and made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world (c'mon... dove bars for breakfast!) is still there. I just really hope that the powers that be can git their sh** together and come up with a cure!
Anyway, the shawl made me think of her as soon as I saw the pattern. It's so intricate and complicated, but yet decidedly feminine and girlish. I hope that I can get some pictures of her wearing it, but I can't promise anything. If I can, I will post them here.