Frogging, Knitting, and a Missing Square

Well, Melissa's tote is coming along. . . slowly. See how my sidebar says 10%? See it? Well, that was yesterday! I've frogged it in an effort to make a tighter base, as cotton yarn often stretches a bit and I was worried that even a liner wouldn't fix the problem. So, here we go again! The yarn is a really gorgeous dove gray/olivey color, and I'm using cream for the secret design. Sorry, but no pictures until Melissa's received it! It's Jo Sharp's Soho Summer in Crete and Calico, from Herrschners. I'm also working on the Booga Bag from Julie Anderson, in luscious Noro Kuryeon (color 95, just like the pattern. . . there's a first!). I got three skeins of it from mom and dad for the holidays, and am finally getting around to working on it. See the pretty print in the background? That's my new Vera Bradley bag, courtesy of my lovely sister Hannah, and it's the perfect size for toting around small projects! Thanks, Hank! Now, with all this happy news there's some sad -- Valerie's February square is apparently MIA. That's the first and LAST time that I send anything without delivery confirmation, or at the very least a little insurance! I'm really bummed, because I'd included a few extras and some candy for her kids. Hopefully it'll show up soon, but I'm going to work up a replacement square to ship out if it's not there by Tuesday (the last day to send for this month's swap!)

And the surprise. . . was a scarf! The pattern is from Vogue On the Go! Crocheted Scarves.

Sometimes it's good to be a poor grad student. . .

. . . because you meet other grad students who are moving and selling really great stuff for super cheap! John and I were lucky enough to pick up a cordless Craftsman drill (complete with extra battery and an extra bit set!) for all of $20 last weekend from a nice guy out in Phoenix.

Why is this so great, you ask? Because I can make zillions and zillions of earrings now!

Speaking (ahem. . . writing) of earrings, Hannah and I have already sold four pairs! Etsy seems to be working out well, assuming their server remains functional and my store site isn't deleted (again). Two of my fave pairs are pictured below!


In other news, part of my Herrschner's order finally arrived this week, so Melissa's bag is officially under way. It's definitely smaller than the last one, but will have a nice long strap and such a cool design that I don't think she'll mind toooo much. Just gotta find time to work on it!!!

Tote 2: Revenge of the Aran!

It's finished! Yay!!! This tote is a good bit smaller than my last one, measuring approx. 11" x 4" x 13" tall, excluding the strap. I just need to line it, and then off to Hannah it goes!

The pattern is written (terribly exciting, I know), and is in the last stages of editing. I hope to submit it to the Crochetville "Round the Ville" newsletter by Monday. . . so look for it there, and eventually on my blog!

Thank you again for all the encouragement and support throughout the creation of this tote, and thanks for your patience while I finish the pattern!


And an announcement. . .
Check out my very own Etsy store!

New Project. . .

I've joined the "63 More" CAL, but this time with a twist. . . Julie is collecting one square from everyone, along with a postcard, and assembling an afghan and postcard album to be raffled off sometime this fall in support of Crochetville. Here's my contribution, Square #26:

I've also selected my yarn for the CAL. . . Simply Soft Brites in Berry Blue, which is actually a really lovely french blue/periwinkle color. This project is meant to be worked on a little bit each day, on my bus rides, etc., as my other afghans have become unwieldy!!!

February Square Swap!

My February square, made by Robin, arrived yesterday! Here it is, in all its lavendar glory:

She used the "Racing Stripes" 12" pattern from Crochet Pattern Central, and SS yarn! Robin also had impeccable timing, as I had just finished my February swap square before going to get the mail. This square (see below) will be heading out to Valerie in TN tomorrow:

Mystery Project!!!

Hannah's tote is progressing along, as is the written pattern! I hope to have it finished up by next weekend, and plan to have at least three testers (two have volunteered already! I love Crochetville!) You can see the newest photos below. . . along with a mystery project I finished yesterday to tuck into the tote before I ship it off!

Don't you just love the button?! Here's the back and front flap, with an opening for the button. Each one of the diamond repeats takes 36 yards of yarn!!!


Here it is. . . the mystery project!!! Can you guess what it is? C'mon. . . try!