Little Visitors and The Big Ugly

Remember when my blog used to be fun and I'd show you pictures of stuff I had made because I thought you might like to make something like it, too?

This post has something I made, but I'm not sure you'll want to make something JUST like it.

If you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I've been trying to learn how to crochet for about five years.  I finally did learn, but then I realized I couldn't read a pattern.  I put away the crochet hooks for about a year. Then I saw a pattern for a crochet scarf I really liked, and decided to try again.

I started with a skein of a yarn and a crochet hook.  My only goal was to crochet a piece that was the same width at the top as the bottom.   One of my problems with my previous crocheting was I'd start with 25 chains, and end with 40.  Where did those extra chains come from?

So I carefully counted and hooked, and ended up with the blue piece on the right.

Then I realized that I didn't really want a blue crochet scarf... but, one of the great things about crochet is that you can add on...

...anywhere...so that's what I've been doing, without a lot of regard to color, stitch or size of the block.

I've been calling it "the big ugly". 

My sister in law is a grade school teacher in North Dakota, and has recess duty in the winter.  She usually is very fashionable and chic, but for recess she wears one of those big round Michelan Man type parkas that she calls "the big ugly", but it keeps her warm.  This afghan is kind of ugly, but it will keep me warm, so it's my own "big ugly"

With a little bit of planning, I think this style of afghan could be fun-imagine a mix of  pastel or different shades of white and ivory.

Dorothy and Albie, Karla's 3 mos old Yorkie's have been staying with the past few days and they seem to like it. 

All those hours spent crocheting were well spent if I can make dogs happy.

Those dogs are so darn cute and happy.  All you have to do is look at them and they wag their tails and start dancing.

When they stop playing, they curl up together on top of each other and fall asleep, and they seemed to think The Big Ugly was just fine.

In other crafting news, I was lucky enough to have two articles in the next issue of Sew Somerset.  I got my preview copy last week, and I think the issue will be at the stores on Dec 1.

I'm honored to have pieces published, and love to get the newest magazine early--- but once I start reading it, I get all sorts of ideas and inspiration, and works in progress get set aside so I can try something new.

In between playing with puppies, keeping puppies warm and cleaning up after puppies, I've listed a bunch of vintage jewelry in my Etsy Shop-including lots of pretties for Christmas.

Comments

[Mitzi Curi]

I love crochet because it's much more forgiving than knitting! Congratulations on your projects being published in Sew Somerset! And last but not least, those puppies....dancing? That's way too cute!

[Karla]

I don't think it's ugly, it's really pretty cool. Congrats on the articles! Tell the pupeesh that I'll see them in the morning.

[jeanie]

Well, I admire the Big Ugly and it doesn't look so ugly to me. Especially with puppies on it! And congratulations on the Someseret pieces! Nice!

[Lisa]

Love the big ugly. I'm with karla tho let's call it the big cOol instead. Lily wants a yorkie for Christmas, can't let her see this post. Congrats on the articles I can't wait to see them! Lisa

[Pallas]

Congratulations on having your articles published in Sew Somerset. It is my favorite magazine, and I will be looking for it at the bookstore. Look forward to reading your articles.

[Sheila R]

I just have to laugh about the big ugly! Too cute. Congrats on being published! Can't wait to see it in print.

[Sharon Penney-Morrison]

We all have those "big Ugly's" somewhere in our secret places!! hahahaha I have the same problems you have with things getting bigger and wider.
Love the "warm thing" and pics of the puppies.
Congrats for being featured in Sew!
hugs...Sharon

[leann]

Well I give you credit finishing. I've been trying to learn too and my things are always crooked - must be the miscounting thing:)

I'd love to snuggle with those puppies!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Leann

[Annette]

Congratulations on being published in Sew Somerset!! Wonderful news. I think the big ugly looks cozy and warm. It could catch on!

[Cheryl]

Well... you could call it a "depression blanket" made with scraps of yarn.... or you could call it a "sampler" if you've used different stitches lol. You should head over to youtube and watch video's of different crochet instructions. When ever I have a stitch I don't know how to do, I find a video that shows me how and I play it over and over until I get it figured out :-) works like a charm!