Obsessions....

Sorry, no pics again......
Let's start with my stash and I mean, my stash of yarn...it has grown to rather ridiculous proportions.
I think that the worst part of it is, that I want to continue to make it grow. It's almost as though I'm afraid that I will...uhm....run out of yarn?!? I'm just crazy...the worst part is that I've trolling on eBay looking for stash enhancement. I think that Mr. Davananerd is going to kill me; he doesn't really understand my stash/crochet/knit obssesion.
I have good news. Since I've last spoken with you, I've gotten engaged, so Mr. Davananerd will soon officially, have earned that title. I'm happy....
Onto more yarnified subjects. I'm also in love with Herrschner's. They always have really great deals on a lot of yarn. It’s even good for yarn snobs, as they have natural fibers as well. Currently, they their mystery 32 oz. bag of yarn sale. It’s really great for stash building and just seeing what you get and having a nice surprise waiting for you at the end of the day.
I have many UFOs, but the active ones are a stockinette stitch blanket with a garter stitch border. I’m really working hard on practicing the basic stitches so that when I do a really project with nice yarn, nothing will be twisted, no stitches will be dropped, and it will just look generally good. The yarn is Joann’s Sensations Rainbow Classics in red/turq; it’s soft and fuzzy and works up quick.
My other UFO is the Layering Cardi from the current issue of Crochet Today! (jan/feb ’09). I’m using Red Heart Soft Yarn in Pool. I like the design, but I’m going to leave off the top above the yoke and the directions aren’t as clear as I’d like.
I am, of course, lusting after starting another project because, obviously the ones I’ve already started aren’t enough…..(insert ironic eyebrow raise here). I recently got the Crochet Pattern-a-Day Calendar. I want to whip up one of those projects so bad….ugh.
One more quick thing before I sign out of here. I’m anxiously awaiting a little spindle that I ordered from eBay; it comes with directions and some fiber to spin. I’m very excited…

It's been awhile....

Okay folks, I know that it's been some time since I've written.
I have a lot going on and not much that would interest anyone but me really.
So, I promise that I will add photos tomorrow when I post again.

I've been just been knitting and crocheting like crazy for Christmas and I still have a few things left to be completed.
So tomorrow, hopefully there will be some sun and I can take some photos.
The freezing rain we've had here all day makes it tough to take photos.

Take care!

MSW08 - Experience 1

So, I'm already behind. I dragged my feet ordering yarn because the yarn that was recommended and offered at discount, although beautiful and I'm sure very high quality was way out of budget for me. So, my naivete in buying lace weight yarn was following me around as I searched through chain stores for it. Finally, I was on yarndex...uhm...tonight and I decided to check out KnitPicks. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and I decided to purchase the recommended hank size for the project and some extra, just in case. I'm really excited.
So, hopefully, by next week I will start my swatching expedition and then get ready to knit up the first clue.
Wish me luck.
Also, a quick note, an update on all things knit and crochet is coming soon...I promise.

Christmas Crochet

Well, it's been a little while since I last wrote, but I've been good, and I've finished a bunch of stuff on my list.
I've finally finished my Body Pillow Cover, now it sits in my window for the kitties and me to sit on.
I finished a sweater for my mom and sis for christmas. I plan to make one more for each of them.
I finished a X-mas stocking for my hunny....I plan to make one for me and one for each of my kitties. I have a little pile of snowflakes and other such trinkets to starch and give out for X-mas as well.
I also started a new sweater, but this one is for me. I couldn't resist it any longer. Although I have made some heavy modifications to it. It's from Crochet Today! Sept/Oct 2008 issue. The Star-Studded Sweater. Only I removed the color changes in the yoke and started it at the fifth row. You can check it out on my ravelry page (Davana is my user name). I have many other things going on as well and I plan to update again soon.

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.