Weekly WIPs: Crocodile, Feather and Fans

Even though these are not FOs, I am still linking up with Tami today :)

Pattern:  My own - Feather and Fan Cowl

Yarn:  Random 70's looking acrylic

Needles:  Size 11

I needed an easy travel project since my crocodile stitch shawl is getting a little too big to throw in my purse.  I also needed a break from the shawl occasionally, so I started a cowl.  I am knitting it flat in one of my favorite stitches, feather and fan, over a multiple of 24 stitches. I think it looks good so far.

 Pattern:  Triangular Crocodile Stitch Shawl
Yarn:  unknown natural fiber
Hook:  I
This shawl is so much fun.  I am unsure how big to make it, as I am sure it will need some serious blocking and will grow in size.  I have been thinking about blocking what I currently have just to see how large it really is, but I am feeling so unsure.  The color is not clear in this picture, but it's tweedy green color with flecks of red and white.  I love it so far.

What have you been making this week? What do you think about blocking a project before it is complete?

Crocodile Stitch

For more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis

I've been trying out the crocodile stitch this week. My first attempt refused to lay flat.  I kept looking at pictures online and thinking "That's not what mine looks like."

Hmmmmm, what was I doing wrong.  I searched and searched... until finally I discovered that crocodile stitch requires a larger hook, just like amigurumi are best with a smaller hook.

I started over with some much thinner yarn and an I hook.  With blocking it should lay flat perfectly.  Yay! It's such a fun technique!  I am working on this pattern and hoping to be finished by the end of the week :)

Have you ever tried crocodile stitch?  What is your favorite pattern for this stitch?

Christening Gift for the Twins

Pattern:  Migi The Whale
Hook:  F
Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft

Meet Migi.

He really wanted to take a dip in the pond.

Thankfully I stopped him at the last minute.

His elephant friend was there, too, wanting a drink from the pond.

They are soaking up as much sunshine as possible before the cold trip to Illinois.

Migi and Nellie will be travelling together with some scarves and mittens for my twin nephews.

Patterns:  Banana Squish Scarf and Two Tone Baby Mittens

Hook:  H

Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft

What are you making this week?

WIP Wednesday: Loopy Infinity Scarf

For more WIPs, go to Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  My Own
Needle:  US 8 circular
Yarn:  Random Craigslist Acrylic

Needed some mindless knitting, so I cast on 150 stitches and started some stockinette in the round.  Knitting and knitting and knitting.......

I really like how it's turning out.

What are you making this week?

Cabbage Patch Kid-Inspired Hat

Pattern:  Personal pattern based on a pin from Pinterest

Hook:  H

Yarn:  Random acrylic from a yard sale

Here is the original pin:

My SIL used to love Cabbage Patch Kids when she was a kid, and we often send her weird Cabbage Patch dolls that we find on Craigslist.  I just couldn't resist crocheting her one of these :)

I am not 100% in love with the shaping, but I will keep perfecting it because I love the idea of this hat.  I am mailing this one to my SIL and I have already started a Raggedy Ann-inspired hat.  So much fun :)

WIP Wednesday: Crochet Loop Stitch

To see more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  My own, inspired by an image seen on FB

Yarn:  Random stash acrylic

Hook:  H

This project forced me to learn how to do the crochet loop stitch.  I am really proud of how it is turning out.  My loops are surprisingly uniform in length.  It took me a long time to figure out what exactly to do with the working yarn and my fingers, but I found some great tutorials on the web:

*This link on freshstitches.com was the most helpful to me.  I prefer photo tutorials, but this one also includes a video.  And who knew you could use this stitch to make hair for your amigurumis??

*This link on craftpassion.com has a video and some great tips.

What are you making this week?

Nellie The Elephant

Pattern:  Padma

Yarn: Caron's Simply Soft

Hook:  F

I hooked a little amigurumi elephant as part of a monthly CAL on Ravelry.  It took me a while to decide what to do for the eyes, but I finally decided to crochet them.  He's a little shy :)

I keep thinking of the song "Nellie the Elephant," so that's his/her new name.  Nellie will be part of a christening gift for my sister's twins in March.  

Now I get to decide what cute little critter I want to make for twin #2.