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 Shop: LazyTcrochet

LazyTcrochet has wonderful handmade clothing, accessories and more! As a novice to crocheting I can really appreciate the creativity and hard work that went into her beautiful products!

I picked this Blue Skies and Puffy Clouds scarf as my favorite item in her shop. I love the design and the colors. Just dreamy!

Be sure to check out www.LazyTcrochet.blogspot.com for more Etsy-related goodness, team features, recipes and more

I've put together a sampling of LazyTcrochet items to make a Spotlight on ByHand.me. Below are just a few. Go to this Spotlight to see the whole selection and to leave a comment.

Crafty Projects: Cat Pillow

Here is a simple (but rather tedious) crochet project I did for my cat (Leo). Actually it is for both of our cats, but I'll admit to a little favoritism. Leo is my cat from before getting together with my husband. Leo and I have been together about seven or eight years now. (I'm not good with remembering anniversaries or birthdays either!)

Anyway, my idea was to crochet a pillow case to turn a regular pillow into a comfy cat bed/pillow. I didn't think about it until I started measuring that pillow cases are huge!! When I was out crocheting in the dentist's waiting room someone thought it was a blanket. And my little dachshund kept trying to cuddle under it while I was working on it. :) It was an easy project though, just single crochet with stripes to make it more interesting. I did each side separately and then sewed them together.

Here he is just getting used to it. I know he might rip it up a little. He does have all his claws. But if he likes it, then it's worth it!

Crafty Projects: Bag Swap

I recently got involved with a bag swap, organized by Audrey's Country Crafts. The participants were paired up by Audrey and we each sent someone a bag. These could be handmade or bought. It was great fun!

I'm not sure if the bag I made has been received yet, but I'm dying to show it off!

It's a simple crocheted purse, about 8" by 8". The closure is a loop that goes around the silver button in front.

I got this lovely tote bag from Paige at Lenox Knits. She also included a hand-knit headband and wristcuff. I love everything! Check out Paige's blog too.

So thanks again to both Audrey and Paige! I love these crafty swaps! :)

Crafty Projects: Crocheted Purse/Backpack

Just a few months ago I took up crocheting. I find it relaxing and fun! I've been working on pretty simple projects so far. This has been my most ambitious project. It's a drawstring style purse/backpack made from cotton yarn.

I made it because I've been wanting a small, light bag that I could use to hold things like a pair of flip flops and bottle of water. And I wanted it to be a backpack style because when I'm on an extended walk or hike I hate having a bag that smacks against my hip.

Sorry I can't pass along the pattern because I'm still not even very good at *reading* patterns, let alone writing one. To tell you the truth I wouldn't even be able to even describe the stitch I used for most of the bag. I started out trying to do a double crochet but I knew I was getting it wrong. But then I liked how it looked so I kept doing it wrong! :)

Featured Shop: Crochet by Kerri

I recently got one of these great handmade coffee cozies (coozie) from Kerri at Crochet by Kerri. It's well made and a beautiful lime green color. The picture does not do it justice!


Crochet by Kerri has a great selection of crocheted cozies, scarves, and blankets. The colors are great and the prices are affordable! Be sure to also check out her blog at http://crochetbykerri.blogspot.com/

I've put together a sampling of her items to create this Spotlight on ByHand.me. Please feel free to go to this spotlight to see the whole selection and to leave a comment.

New Favorites!

I have some new favorite items and artists I'd like to share with everyone!

Here are some great origami boxes from RetroFlowerChick!



And since I love turtles I love these turtle kitchen scrubbies from Deb's Crochet!



This dichroic glass pendant and earring set from Fire and Ice Inspired Designs is just stunning!



And perhaps my favorite of all is this gorgeous glass wind chime from Azure Fire.



That's all for today. I'll be checking in again later this week. :)