New Project & Other stuff

Before I start talking about my new project, I'd like to mention that I went to my first knitting group last week and I absolutely had a blast. I can say that, I'm not the most sociable person and I really loved it anyway. The people were happy, relaxed, and just generally comfortable around each other. I know I had a plug in my last post about joining a group...but I will do it again. Join, it will be the best thing you do! They usually welcome "hookers" (crocheters) also.

Now, onto bigger and maybe not so much better things. I started the Lush Lace Pullover from Lion Brand free patterns. I would post the link, except that you have to be registered with Lion Brand to view their free patterns. So mosey on over to their website and check it out. I think it will be perfect for winter and I think I can finish it in time for X-mas, unless I get distracted.....

Knitting...to learn or not to learn

I've been sort of trying to knit. I think the hardest part, is learning how to hold the needles and the yarn. I keep switching back to the way that I crochet, and I think that is what makes it hard to for me to knit properly.
Hopefully, practice makes perfect....wish me luck.
I encourage anyone who wants to learn to knit or crochet, to get on Ravelry, and join some local groups. I can say that so far, I've interacted with many extremely friendly and rather lovely people. If you already know how to do one or both, I would definitely say to join. The free patterns are great! If you decide to join, definitely look me up!
Davana's Ravelry....

Tear/Rain Drops

Let me just relay a few warnings before attempting this pattern. Firstly, I'm the only person who has made it; I've made it twice, so if you find any errors, I apologize for it in advance. You're welcome to leave me comments if you find any errors (or if you just feel like leaving me some ;-o ).
This pattern is fairly crude and sort of awkward, but once you start with it, you get the point and can go off on your own, I'm sure. If you have any questions, please ask, but I can't guarantee a helpful answer. Okay, now that my disclaimer is complete, here goes nothing:


Tear/Rain Drops
Originally uploaded by aurentium

Tear Drop Pattern

Sz 10. Thread
Sz 5/1.7mm Steel Crochet Hook (Susan Bates)

Notes: ch 3 counts as first dc throughout
dec = decrease

Pattern:

Row 1: ch 4, 1 dc in first chain, turn
Row 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in next dc, turn
Row 3: ch 3, dc in same st, 1dc in ea next 2 dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn
Row 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in ea next 2 dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn
Row 5: ch 3, dc in same dc, dc in ea next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in ea next 3 dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn
Row 6: ch 3, dc in ea dc across (12dc)
Row 7: ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, (1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc), repeat until end; only 1 dc in last
dc, turn
Row 8: ch 2 (first hdc), hdc in same dc, hdc in next 2 dc, 2 hdc in next dc, 1 hdc in ea next 7 dc, 2 hdc in next dc,
1 hdc in next 2 dc, 2 hdc in last dc, turn
Row 9: ch 3, dc in next hdc, dec over next 6 hdc (2 sts at a time), 2 dc in next hdc, dec over next 8 dc (2 sts at
a time), 1 dc in ea last 2 hdc, turn
Row 10: ch 3, dc in next dc, (dec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc) across, 1 dc in last 3 dc, turn
Row 11: ch 1, sc in ea dc across, turn
Row 12: ch 1, sk first sc, sc in each sc across, sl st in last sc, turn
Row 13 - 15: Repeat Row 12; but at the end of Row 15, continue around edges to make it smooth, sl st to first sc.
Finish off.
Starch as needed.

More new stuff

Okay, well...there are many things swarming around in my brain.
Let's stick with crochet. Many of projects, both WIPs and FOs are on my Ravelry site. My Ravelry.
So, I'm all over the place with my WIPs. I have the doily, the rosemary sweater, the tunic (made a boo boo), the body pillow cover, and now, the Christmas pillows from the new Crochet Today issue.
I just started the pillow on Monday....I'm sort of excited, but only sort of. We'll see, I think I'll be more excited when they are complete.
My crochet to do list is very big.
I want to make a costume for Halloween....pfft...yeah right.
I want to make Fall/Thanksgiving type decorations (also pfft...yeah right)
I want to make Christmas decorations and gifts....that's my biggest aspiration currently. With the new house, it's easier for me to crochet gifts for everyone, rather than go out and buy something.
I also have aspirations to write up that tear drop pattern...
BTW, my loverly friend Jenifer loved her Tote bag (see previous entry).

I made stuff up...yay

I made up two patterns. Neither are all that impressive, and I haven't typed them up, so they aren't ready for the debut on my blog just yet. I'll try to get to that in the next few days, but I make no promises.

One of the patterns, the Tear Drop or Rain Drop pattern, I had been sort of throwing it around in my mind for a while. The shape of a drop is elegant and (for some reason) precious. So I gritted my teeth and wrote something up. Just doing that, which is something I've attempted before makes me realize how much work it is to design patterns. Some people are just so talented, I can't believe it!

The second pattern, which I may not type up, mainly b/c I've seen many versions of it floating about, is a hook case for Jen. It will be a gift to go with the 8 Pocket Tote that I made for her.

Pictures: First is the rain drop, second is the hook case, third is the Tote, and lastly is an update on the rosemary sweater.