July 27, 2013

Crocheting Ponchos for the Spring Weather

Oh the Spring weather is the perfect time for crocheted ponchos. 

The weather is not cold enough for a coat (but if you count the last couple of cool Spring days you could even wear a mid length sweater underneath) but just to keep the chill off the poncho is just the right accessory.  Being a 60's child I remember wearing my crocheted ponchos a lot while I was in Junior and Senior high school even crocheting some ponchos for my classmates.



 This particular poncho is 100% wool including the edging. I got the inspiration for this poncho from a television commercial. Of course the favorite part for me was the cowl neck. I decided to give this crocheted poncho a different look in that it is not the hanging type cowl. Stiffer yet soft but can be worn up as a high collar. The cowl sits right on your shoulders. I placed a thin elastic inside right around the bottom of the cowl to keep it right on the shoulder or it can be worn off one shoulder as well. To be entirely crocheted in the rib stitch with 100% wool it is quite light yet warm. I had been dying to use this one skein of orange wool that I bought just to use as an accent. With the picot stitch I loved the way it added a uniqueness. To add even more flair I added two hand craved wood buttons done by the talents of  William of OruAka's Wooden Jewelry and Accessories. William's buttons caught my eye last year as I was searching for unique buttons. I have a shawl pin I'll be ordering soon for a new wrap. As a bonus  to the readers of my blog....... William is offering Free shipping for his items to ALL of my blog readers when they use  the coupon code "FREESHIP" . You are sure to find a lot of quality crafted wood items handcrafted by William in his shop.


Crocheted poncho accented with African wooden beads by Purple Butterfly Crochet Collection

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Now for part of me that celebrates me as unique, and proud of my heritage. My rendition of an crocheted "Earthy type" poncho accented with African wooden beads.  I had a lot of fun choosing the beads which came from crafter: Nia Yaa on Face Book. I used the single crochet stitch and accented at the bottom with a row of Block Net crochet stitch.....* Just a little note: as a crafter I purchase for myself handcrafted items. I try to buy my items from those small business persons like myself. The beads were so assorted I changed my mind about which ones to use several times before deciding on the arrangement you see here. For orders I can add the same beads or I can add completely different beads (various colors, shapes or all the same color). This particular poncho is not as thick as the crocheted poncho above but warm. Just the accessory for the chill in the movie theater, train or airplane trip or a night on the town.
Both of the poncho are very easy to wear. They are also quite easy to carry right in your tote bag. For care both need just cold or warm water washing, roll out the excess water and lay flat to dry. I always recommend that crocheted items never be hung for storage.


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Until the Next Time 
Keep the Faith and Plenty of Yarn

~ Cheryl
                                             

July 22, 2013

New Sandals and New Yarn



Nothing like the summer for me, especially when I can wear sandals. Went shopping with my Mom and couldn't pass these up. They may not look like it but they are very comfortable. They are in a pewter shade which I think goes with everything. I really like the looped design, almost looks like crochet ribbon doesn't it? 


Last but not least....I spotted yarn and on sale.

A crocheter in one of the Google groups listed that Walmart was having a yarn sale, so curious I went by and found one of my favorite yarns  ~ Caron yarn. I used this for many of my designs. The Caron yarn wears and washes well. Did you see the price?  So with those 3 skeins I added 20 other skeins from Lion Brand. I have  projects  in mind all of them of course.

Stay tuned.
Where are some of your favorite places to find yarn sales


Until Next Time ~ Keep the Faith and Plenty of Yarn ~

Cheryl

July 18, 2013

Update for My Vintage Crochet Hooks

 I have been busy, really learning about piecing my blog together. I just designed my header. Not too bad for a complete blog novice but for now I like it. What do you think? Suggestions?
Planning to get a logo design by the end of the year.



Well I recently stated that I would be sharing information about my new collection of vintage crochet hooks. Still waiting for two of those to arrive, hopefully by Saturday.
This is one made of bone. Once I show my other three, I plan to share information about their backgrounds and some history.


 Also busy finishing up 2 head wraps for the summer.

Until Next Time Keep the Faith and plenty of yarn ~

Cheryl

July 16, 2013

Stevie Wonder Reacts to Zimmerman Trial Verdict

Before posting this I thought to myself about this event that has occurred. Before I am anything else I am a mother and so I share this belief.

God Bless,

 Cheryl


July 12, 2013

Crochet Cable Stitch Head Wrap



 Summer is here and so I reach for the cotton yarns. Still trying a variety of yarns. I have heavier weight cotton yarn and the lighter weight yarn (some with a slight sheen to it). I had several balls leftover from another project and wanted to crochet a new head wrap. I wear my hair naturally and nothing like a cotton head wrap to hold my hair up and back. Added advantage is did the cotton yarn soaks up perspiration, stays in place and keeps me cool. (Some African-American women who wear Their hair in its natural state might also argue that) Others june question why I say head wrap .... well it is apart of my culture, I simply wrap it around the top part of my head and secure it. This Particular one I am working on; I have a new idea as to how to secure it on my head instead of using a tying method or tucking it in.
Here is part of the head wrap. I wanted to see what the crocheted cable stitch would look like in a cotton yarn. It has a bit of thickness but still quite comfortable. and holds well.



Hoping to be finished by Saturday. Stay tuned!

Until next time Keep the Faith and plenty of yarn!

Cheryl