Crocheted Blanket in Progress

I'm really excited about this project I've been working on that is finally starting to take form. This is a small blanket/throw made up of many rectangles sewn together. So far it is about 1'4" by 2', so I've got a long way to go yet.

Since I have a hard time following crochet patterns, I do pretty much everything freeform. I watch the examples of friends' work for new ideas. So I'm sorry but I can't really provide a proper pattern, but I'll let you know generally what I'm doing.

I found five colors of the same texture of very soft synthetic yarn. I wanted to incorporate them all together somehow, and that's how I came up with the blanket idea. I like easy projects, so I thought I'd start with making a lot of small rectangles and then go from there. I said I like easy - that doesn't mean it's not tedious! Actually, crocheting is one way I relax, so I prefer projects that are very simple and repetitive.

Using the single crochet stitch, I make the rectangles about 6" wide by 4.5" long. I haven't been exact - I measure each rectangle against the last one to make sure it's the right size. I don't even count the stitches or the rows. Insert here the shocked gasps from experienced crocheters! ;) So no they are not exact, but even still, it's fitting together well.

I then put a border of beige around each rectangle. And then using the beige yarn, I sew the rectangles together.

I don't have a pattern in mind, other than keeping the colors well mixed up. I'm not sure how big it's going to end up. I still have many rectangles that need to be added, and I still need to make more rectangles as well.

So even though it's not done yet, I just wanted to show it off! I'll follow up here when it's done. And I think I might want to hunt for more yarn after and make another one! This is definitely a long-term project, but working on the little "squares" is so easy in waiting rooms or airports or wherever you have free hands. Of course it's also possible that I won't want to see another crocheted rectangle as long as I live! I'll keep you posted. :) This blanket is for my house, but if I make another it'll be a gift for some lucky friend or family member.

Featured on Etsy Item of the Day!

Today my beeswax tea lights and my shop are featured on Etsy Item of the Day. This site is beautifully organized and a great resource for all of us who love Etsy!

They included a picture of my tea lights in the gorgeous wood holders made by Peg and Awl.

This has inspired me to get back into my work on this blog! So expect to see more entries soon.

In the meantime check out this great feature!

Ren Faire Vending!

This weekend (September 18-19) I will be vending at The Village Renaissance Faire in Wrightstown, PA. This Faire is a blast! It's a great family event with lots to see and do for a low entrance price.

I'll be sharing the space with a friend of mine. We did this faire last year and it was lots of fun! My friend sells jewelry and bellydance accessories (some handmade). Her stuff was a hit last year! You can see her site at Crystal Kini Designs.

Hope you can join us there!

Here are a couple of pictures from last year.

Giveaway!

Mrs. Nespy's Frugal World is running a bunch of great giveaways in September for back to school. It's a great opportunity to pick up some fun free stuff!

One of these great giveaways is from my shop! Click this link to find out how you can win a $15 credit that you can use for anything in my shop.

Don't forget to check out the other giveaways while you're there. Mrs. Nespy's is one of my new favorite blogs!