Flower Brooch

I have been itching to make a flower brooch!!! So today I sat down with a mission - to find an easy knitting pattern and make a brooch from start to finish.

Well, I almost did exactly that. I found a knitting pattern but after three tries, it just did not look right. I knew there was an easier way... I then searched the web for crocheted flower brooch patterns.

OMG! I stumbled into this great blog! Thank you LUCY! You all should know I can crochet, but I have no clue how to read patterns :/ This website has great step by step instructions for people like me :)

The flowers are great looking! I didn't have multi colors on the flower since my matching yarn is tied up in that grocery bag I have yet to finish. But the solid pink color turned out well anyway. I still have to go out and buy the pin to attach in the back but I am so happy to have found this pattern and to actually have been able to make it myself!

I will be making lots more of these and in all sorts of colors for Christmas presents this year. I know my sister has been hinting for me to make her something and this is just perfect!

Grocery Bag

Aug 8, 2009 - Passing time in San Jose and saw that my cousin was working on a grocery bag and I thought, what the heck, let me try it too!

One catch: my aunt crochets, not knit. So this grocery bag is another crochet project but to my surprise, did not bother my arthritis as much as the last time I worked with crochet needles. It's a smaller needle...maybe that's the difference?

Anyway, I am particularly happy with this bag so far. I am actually a more consistent (gauge wise) crocheter - who knew?
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Aug 15, 2009 - Back from NY and into San Jose again trying to finish this bag before I go home to Orange County. I'm on the body of the bag which is a pretty quick netting style. I just need to get it to the length I want so that my aunt can help me with the handle.

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Aug 18, 2009 - Back in OC. Didn't finish the bag :(

I copied the pattern but since I can't read crochet instructions, I have to find someone to translate it for me. I have a coworker that can BUT she is on maternity leave! When am I going to finish this bag!?
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October 19, 2009

Carolyne is back! My coworker can finally help me on this pattern! Let's see how long it takes me to finish...

Basket Weave Hat

Can't post pics until after Christmas ;) This particular hat is a Christmas present for my uncle since he is fond of beanies and can't seem to have enough of them.

I have been working on this hat for a looooong time and it's finally finished!!! :)

If I were to do this hat again, I will use a solid color. The yarn I used has an earthy mix of colors that I love; but, it hid the pattern a bit. In essence, I could've just done a stockinette stitch and would've been finished with it faster. You can still see the pattern, just saying it would have stood out more in a solid color.

All in all, I am happy with this hat.

Thank you Kody May for the pattern. I kept the basket weave in decreasing the stitches and I do think that works better than switching to stockinette.

Shawl

So school is cutting into my needle time but, I somehow find the minutes and slowly make this shawl. I am working with a crochet needle on this one, though I find that it actually hurts my hand more because of my crooked thumb. Pepper will be happy to know that knitting will be my needle work of choice from now on ;)

Pics coming soon.