In a League of My Own

So I decided to enter a few things in the local county fair's Home and Family Arts Show this year. Not knowing what the competition would be like I thought I'd enter one knit and one crochet item. I entered my original JoJo that I made for my daughter for Christmas and the Vineyard washcloth, my first continental knitting project. To my amazement... both won first place in their category! The thrill, however, was slightly offset by the fact that I was the only entrant in both categories. Hah! It was still fun, and I may enter again next year. The "real" competition was for the Best of Show ribbons, which I did not win. Its not too bad of a showing considering I decided to enter something the week of and used stuff that was already sitting around the house. Next year I may go for something that took a little more effort - if I have the time! So, without further ado... here are my two blue ribbons, proving I'm the best me I can be :)




Oh, and I forgot to mention. The only thing that irked me about the whole thing was the judges comment that the edges of my washcloth were "a little wobbly". Now correct me if I'm wrong, y'all, but isn't lace supposed to have a contoured edge? I mean seriously, I blocked the thing, but you can't go against what the fiber is doing.... Can I get an "amen!"??

Calorimetry

I just mailed off a gift for a friend who moved to Oregon this month as a part of a church plant through our church. I don't know what the winter weather is like near Portland, but I figured a girl's got to have a stylish way to keep her head warm, don't you think?!


I had seen the Calorimetry pattern when I first joined Ravelry, and vowed to knit it. My friend reminds me some what of the girl in the pattern photos on Knitty, so I figured it was meant to be! I used the recommended yarn, Filatura di Crosa 127 Print (I used color #33). I LOVED this yarn! It was a 100% wool single-ply worsted weight yarn. The base color was a dark grey-blue with these surprisingly bright and beautiful small sections of colors. All the colors of the rainbow it seemed! Its perfect to go with just about anything.


The yarn had a lot of stretch to it, but also lots of "memory" so it shouldn't stretch out too much with wear. I should have done a little more reading before casting on for this one, as it seems everyone else had the same issue I did with the pattern, it came out WAY too big! But, I figured, more wool-more warmth, and doesn't my friend deserve the best anyway? So I just attached an extra button to make the whole thing very adjustable and called it a day.

JoJo Blanket Pattern

This darling blanket is just the right size to use as a changing pad for a newborn, play mat for an older baby, and a toddler's "blankie". The texture and shapes are sure to hold a child's attention, while the drape of the material is soft and cozy. This pattern was made to go along with my JoJo the Giraffe amigurumi pattern. Make them both and give them together as the perfect baby shower gift or as a Christmas present to your favorite toddler!

The JoJo Blanket pattern consists of a chart for the body of the blanket, an edging pattern, and tips on making the blanket using your choice of either Tunisian or single crochet. The listed photos show the finished product using Tunisian crochet technique. The pattern has been tested by several independent testers to insure quality and clarity.

*Click link for pattern to JoJo the Giraffe*

The JoJo Blanket Pattern

The JoJo Chart Blanket Chart

Happy Birthday, Baby!

My nephew recently celebrated his 1st birthday. This little bundle was a surprise to the whole family, coming 10 years behind his older brother! He has been a blessing to the whole family too - one more grandson for my parents to enjoy, a completion of the family my sister always wanted, and the 3rd baby I'd love to have had if not for my terrible pregnancies! I have the pleasure of taking care of him while my sister is working, and as the typical fiber lover I had to make a few things for his big day!

The first is the Child's Striped Cap from Hooked on Crochet. I modified it to have only one stripe set.


The second is another Dino Hat. Again, there's no real pattern for the hat, but the dinosaur appliqué pattern is from Crochetville. My sister has informed me that he'll be sporting one or both on their trip overseas this winter. She said he'd be easy to spot with his little red head bobbing through the crowds in Rome!