Rockin' Out The Projects

Time to check in an let us see what you are working on. Join our facebook event and share a picture (one per person please) and description of what you are working on. These are projects for Christmas presents, not just current things you are doing for orders. The point of this project is to encourage everyone, especially myself, to work on Christmas gifts a little each month.
In addition to our monthly sign in events, I am setting up a Ravelry group so we can keep in contact all month long and share tips, ideas, suggestions, etc. This will also be a way for those continually working on things to be rewarded as well. I should have the group finished really soon and will post the link for those that want to join. It is totally optional and up to you if you want to join.
Keep up the great work! I am excited to see what you have been doing.

Haven't started yet or have no idea what I am talking about? Check out past posts and get started today! Each month I will randomly give away things too.

Project Time

Red Heart Tree Skirt

I worked on the tree skirt today. I was debating on changing to traditional Christmas colors after completing the first block...because it is kind of a frightening color combination and those skeins are not living harmoniously in the tote. Snappy peeps had mixed thoughts on the subject so after much consideration...actually, more laziness and cheapness then anything...I have decided to stick with the original plan and use the colors as listed in the pattern. I already have the skeins. I have one block made and what would I do with a trapezoid granny? So on we go...
The pattern lists instructions for one block, listing a color code to follow. To save time down the road I decided to create a cheat sheet rather then hunt for which letter I should be on each time. 

This has saved oodles of time. Once you get to the third round you do the same thing each time so its one of those no-brainer projects, great for working on when distractions (aka family) are in the room.

 I have finished three squares...well, kind of square-ish/trapezoidal shapes. I put each in a numbered baggie to make final assembly easier.

I decided to start the "inner ring". I wasn't going to do this until last, but noticed it has like 14 rows so I better add it to the monthly "to do" list.

 

So as far as my "Rockin' out the Christmas projects" goes this month, I can check off "work on tree skirt". I only finished one slipper last month...nope, not one "pair", just one lonely slipper...so I need to finish the other one and make another pair of slippers. I have done a GREAT job of collecting patterns I want to try on my slipper quest. Hmmm, I think I will do Doris Chan's Slippers...since I seem to have an addiction to ganny squares lately. Maybe this year should be the year of the granny square. ...that sounds much more pleasant then the year of the snake.
Are you working on things each month? If so, watch for a check in around the 24th of each month on my facebook page for a chance to win awesome prizes. Last month two winners won Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks!

12 x 12 x 12

A 12" square never seemed so big! I started my first square for January as part of the "Crochet Block a Month" and it felt like I just kept going and going. These would make gorgeous pillow tops too.
I got 2 squares done.

The first one, "12" Granny", I did all in one color.

The second one, "Woolly's Snowflake Square", was supposed to be the 6" for this month. To be 6" it needed to be made of DK weight yarn. My blanket is WW so it ended up bigger and I turned it into a 12". This one definitely needs blocked.

I think I will do 3, 12" squares and two 6" squares (stacked on top of each other) for each row. So I need to find some patterns to finish January's blocks.

February's patterns have been posted! Check them out. I am excited to get caught up and start on them. How are you doing? Take a look at what other people are doing in the group. Lots of lovely things.

Fun things to do

As the new year approached, like many of you I started making resolutions. Besides the typical "loose weight", I added some crafty ones too....and hope you will join me in the fun.

A few years ago I worked on Christmas presents and holiday boutique items a little each month and it made for a less stressful fall and winter. For most of us the holiday season is super busy, even more so if you have a shop. Finding time to spend with family is scheduled among making gifts and finishing orders.

So...join me in "rockin' out Christmas" as we work on things month by month.
I would LOVE to set up a fb group for everyone to share ideas and keep inspired, but I am VERY leery of groups at the moment so I am still working on this idea. I do know that the 24th of each month will be check in day where you will be encouraged to share pix of your projects and a short story about your adventure. You will be entered to win fun prizes (you never know what we will be giving away!).

As part of our quest, I hope you will join me in "12x12x12". This project includes making 12"x12" squares each of the 12 months. Originally I was going to post different patterns I found, but then came across an awesome group on Ravelry already doing this in a fun way. They post two different 12" square patterns plus a 6" square pattern to use as a filler. How awesome! The group is called "2013 Crochet Block-a-Month" and is open to everyone. Along with that I will also post fun patterns (in case you want to make a larger blanket or substitute squares) I come across, as well as pix and notes on my own creation...mostly to keep me working on this.
This project can be included in the "rockin' check in" on the 24th each month.

For my afghan, I found a varigated yarn in colors that will match the person's home I plan on giving it to. I am not a fan of variegateds but it will work nicely with solids. I chose colors from the yarn to go with it. Normally I would have used something softer then Red Heart, but it is readily available to me in case I run out. I also will wash the blanket before giving it and that will help to soften the yarn.

First 12 x 12 and start of 2nd one. I also copied the patterns and put in a binder I am going to use for all the patterns I need for my Christmas projects.

 

My decoration goal is this awesome tree skirt from Red Heart. I absolutely LOVE it! I like the colors...but after pulling the skeins I am very surprised at the palette. Should be fun seeing it come together. I would not have put these together. I still need to find one more skein. For this project Red Heart will be fine because a sturdier yarn will hold up better for this use.

I gathered all of the skeins so they are together in one place and ready to go.

My gift goal is to make slippers for each member of my extended family and some friends. I got the most gorgeous crocheted pair from a friend and decided THAT is what I am going to do. If I wait until fall there is no way I will get more then a couple pair done, but if I make 1-2 pairs each month I will have awesome gifts all ready to go. Plus, by buying the yarn a little at a time I can afford to buy nicer quality.

I hope you will play along. I LOVE having a challenge and it will be fun seeing everyone's creations.
I will post updates here, on my blog. I have decided to do away with newsletters...since i haven't sent many...and instead would like to encourage you to sign up for email updates on the right side. You should receive emails in the mornings IF I have posted or updated.