Finished Object Friday - LEGO Baby Blanket

This post should also be titled, Oh My Goodness, It's Done! part 2.  Seriously, this blanket that you have seen in countless WIP Wednesdays is finally done.  When I found the pattern, the author said it was a bit time consuming but I didn't realize that it would take 4 months.  Granted this blanket was not hard, just a lot of repeating blocks and lots of seaming.

I can't believe how far I have come since that first baby blanket.  I re-read that post and realized I was hinting about the LEGO blanket even then.  In general, that feeling of accomplishment is pretty addicting.and I hope to get the other blankets I have in the works done.

Well for the final review, Here is the LEGO Blanket.

The Whole Blanket

I used the LEGO Baby Blanket Pattern from All Things Bright and Beautiful.  I found this blanket on Pinterest and fell so madly in love with it, I knew I had to make it.

My Pinterest Knitting and Crochet Board

So when I started it I chose similar colors from the pattern but switched the stone color for a green.  I used Lion Brand Cotton ease in, Snow, Maize, Lime, Turquoise and Cherry.

Of which, I used about 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 Skeins of each color to make the 9X9 rectangle blanket.

Close up of the Boarder

81 Rectangles later, I used a half double crochet stitch to join the blocks.  The boarder is another area that I deviated from the pattern.  I did a round of half double crochet and then a round of double crochet in white.  Then  I did a reverse single crochet in Maize to finish the boarder.  I love this finishing touch because it frames the colors and is very appropriate for a little boy.

So what do you think?  Does it look like LEGOs?

The blanket is really heavy but in a good way!

It looks so nice all folded up!

Even the back is lovely!

I am so happy it's done and I can share it with all of you!

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!
<3 Heather

Details:

For more detailed about the progress and a ton of pictures visit my project page on ravelry

Patten - LEGO Baby Blanket here is etsy site from the author
Crochet Hook - Size G/4.0mm may need to adjust to get gauge
Yarn -  Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Cherry, Lime, Maise, and Turquiose
Duration - 4 months
Size - 9 rectangles by 9 rectangles or 81 blocks
Gauge - You need to ensure there are no gaps in the rectangle,

WIP Wednesday - Seams and Cuffs

Hello again! I don't know where the weeks are going but here we are 1 day away from the start of summer and 2 days away from my Birthday and I haven't determined how I feel about that.

I don't know where my 20's are going but they sure are flying.  I remember that I couldn't wait to be 10 and in double digits and the wait to 16, 18 and 21 were annoying.  Now 30 is knocking on my door and it's scary.

Then of course this is the first birthday without my mom.  She would call me right at the minute that I was born every year to wish me a happy birthday.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.  My dad is taking me to dinner this weekend but it's hard without my mom.

Well then, enough of this melancholia it's WIP Wednesday and I have progress to show you!

LEGO Block Blanket

I made marked progress on the LEGO blanket.  I only have 1.5 seams left and just couldn't get to it last night to finish it up for today.  I want to get this done soon so it's not looming over my head, though I need to go back and swatch and test wash to make sure the colors don't run.  I like to wash baby blankets one time before I gift them and I don't want to destroy the colors and white borders.

Everything is really squaring up with the vertical seams

Diagonal Lace Socks

For the most part, the sock part of the first sock is done.  I am just working the pattern on the leg/cuff.  I really think 2 more pattern repeats will be enough.

The color got washed out in the picture.

They really are yellow but the color is washed out in the picture.  I didn't realize that the image was wrong until I uploaded it.  I will try and take another picture later on tonight and replace this one.

I do like that you can see that there is variation in the sock that isn't apparent on the image below.

This is closer to the real color

White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I picked these up again because I was a bit annoyed with the Diagonal Lace Socks and the heel.  (I am not to proficient at wrap and turns)  Anyway, I wanted to see how the edging looked on the squares and started to putz with the join method.  

I think the edging looks great and I like the whip stitch through the back look of the edging to join them.  What do you think.

I also did most of the end weaving too.

So I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you?  For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hello everyone!  It has been a busy week both at work and in craft.  I can't believe how nice it is to be back on daylight.  I had a bit of a blip this week cause I couldn't sleep Sunday night and as a result worked from home on Monday.

Now for the update!

LEGO Block Blanket

I got all of the blocks DONE and the Horizontal Joins are all DONE!!!!  (And the peasants rejoice!)  This is a serious accomplishment and now to do the rest of the seams and get the border done.

Diagonal Lace Socks

The socks are coming along and I started the gusset.  I am really annoyed because I wanted to get 1 sock done last week but I keep working on them.

Overall the progress is pretty substantial and I can't wait to finish since I see the light at the end of the tunnel for both of these projects.

So I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you?  For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - It’s a sunshine DAY!

GOOD MORNING!  You have no idea how excited I am to be back working during the day.  Even when that  day starts at 7 AM.  Thankfully summer is practically upon us and waking up with sun isn't a chore.  I was supposed to work the swing shift this week (3p - 11p) but it got switched over the weekend.  As far as I know, I will be back on daylight for the duration, so keep your fingers crossed.

Now for the update, here is what I have done this week.

Progress Pic for 6/6/2012

There are 3 projects on the table, Diagonal Lace Socks, LEGO Blanket and White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I started the Diagonal Lace Socks on 6/1/2012 for Nerd Wars.

Nerd Wars is a ravelry group that divides members into teams and provides 6 categories a month for 3 months.  You gain points for completed projects that meet the challenge theme and that have a tie into to your team.  Of course all of the teams are based on nerdy culture!  I am on Team Bazinga which celebrates all that is awesome about The Big Bang Theory tv show.

I am working with a ton of yellow this week...

Anyway, this sock is using the Diagonal Lace Sock Pattern from Wendy D. Johnson and Candy Skein Yarn in Banana  I think the pattern looks like shooting stars which will help me satisfy the Scientific challenge.  What do you think?

The LEGO blanket is coming along.  I have 5 more blocks done and joined another row to the blanket.

The view from the back of the blanket.  I love this view too!

For the White Centered Granny Squares, I finished the blue skein and got 7 squares out of that and started the orange skein.  I really like how the colors are working together.  Debbie Bliss just has great yarn.

I think the Orange is my favorite so far...

So I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you?  For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - In the Dark of the Night

Ugh the graveyard shift again but this is the last one for awhile, if my boss has anything to say about it.  Anyway, I know for sure that I am working the swing shift next week so thank goodness for small miracles.

In the meantime let me show you what I have gotten done this week!

Progress Pic for 5/30/2012

There are only 2 projects on the table that are still WIPs. I still have my mountain of WIPs but these are the only projects that got measurable work done.  I did get some other things done but I am saving that for Friday.

Shown above are the LEGO Blanket and White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I am in the home stretch of the LEGO blanket.  I got the red completed and have 9 of the 21 yellow done.  The great thing is that I have 4 rows put together and I love the result!  It really has me motivated to get this thing done.

LEGO Blanket

The other project that I have been working on is White Centered Granny Square Blanket.  I really like how this project is coming along.

Aren't the colors pretty together?

I am done with the teal and am working on the blue and gold.  I think this is going to be a pretty piece with the Pink, Purple, Coral and Red skeins I have waiting to be used.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - In the Midnight Hour

Hello again from the graveyard shift. It's been a long month and I am just kind of tired.  The bright side is that I have been pretty productive on my crafting.

LEGO Block Blanket

I got the 2 blue blocks I needed to finish done and finished 3 red blocks.  I only have to finish off the red and get to work on the yellow.  I showed some of the blocks to the parents and they loved them!  I can't wait to get this blanket done.  The baptism is in July so I have a deadline to get it done.

White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I finished off the teal.  I got 8 blocks out of the skein.  This means I should get at least 48 blocks with the 6 colors I chose.

Aquaman Square

Aquaman Square

I got a ton of work done on the Aquaman square. The A is turning out a bit puffy and it's more rectangular than square but I think it will all turn out in the end.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Midnight Madness

I am once again a night dweller for work and my days and nights are all mixed up.  I am annoyed that I missed WIP Wednesday last week and had really good intentions to update you but unfortunately that didn't pan out.  I have been busy though since during work I can craft while answering calls so I have lots to share.

Alas, I didn't get a group shot this week but here is the individual progress.

LEGO Block Blanket

Sample of the blocks created

I have 20 of the Green blocks done 18 of the Blue blocks done and 13 of the Red Blocks done.  Just 2 more Blue to make, 7 more red and 21 yellow.  I have taken a bit of a break because I am blocked out but I am so close to finishing this blanket.

 Gryffindor Scarf

So much progress on the scarf!

I got so much done on the scarf and I think it is going to be really awesome!  This has been an easy go to project to do while working.

White Centered Granny Square Blanket

Isn't the Teal and Gold pretty?

I got some of the White Centered Grannies done.  I love these and they look so nice together.  I really love using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino.

Short Row Toe and Heel Basic Socks

I really like making Toe Up Socks

These are my first toe up socks and they are going fairly well.  I am pleased at how they are turning out. I had a false start but then figured out what the directions were saying and am now at the foot for rounds and rounds of stockinette.

Aquaman Square

It's a little hard to tell but there is the bottom of the A.

So, I was inspired by The Big Bang Theory Show, Episode 11, Season 4  The Justice League Recombination.  The premise is that the gang all go to a New Year's Eve party at a local comic book store dressed as the Justice League of America.  It was recently re-broadcast and an idea struck to make a blanket with all of the super hero characters that were portrayed.

Well needless to say, I think this blanket is going to be Super!  I hope to publish the charts when I (and my wonderful test knitters) are done with the first rounds to make sure the chart turns out the way I expect.  Stay Tuned for the progress of this and other squares.  Oh can you tell how excited I am!

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - After Midnight

So I am working an off schedule this week so my days and nights are confused for the time being.  While I burn the midnight oil, I have been checking out some new  blogs and making new friends from Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2012.  I had so much fun but was definitely, blogged out for the time being.

Anyway, it's WIP Wednesday so here is my weekly round up!

Progress Picture for 5/2/2012

The following projects are what has been worked on recently.  Starting with Gryffindor Scarf, LEGO Blanket, White Centered Granny Square Blanket, and Hummingbird Sock.

I also made some progress on putting together the pieces for a Square Swap I did last spring.

Spring Ahead Blanket

Anyway,  finished off the skein of green for the Lego Blanket and now have a whole slew of little Lego squares.

So close but so much more work to do!

  

I turned the heel on my Hummingbird Socks!  Now the foot and the decreases.  I plan on starting a toe up sock in a plain pattern then I will start to tackle more challenging socks.

The White Centered Grannies are coming along.  They really area project that I do when I want to craft but have no desire to work on anything else.

Lastly, I have planned a bit of a secret project.  It really is Super!  I mean I don't know if I can do it Justice, but I will try.  I hope to make some progress soon but I was nerdy and already did my swatch!  

Check out other WIPS at  Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Method to My Madness

Hello all, it has been a particularly busy week this week but I did manage to cast on some new items and get a good progress on other projects.

Progress Picture for 4/18/2012

The following projects are what has been worked on recently.  Starting with Cabled Square, Gryffindor Scarf, LEGO Blanket, Falling Water, Gryffindor Beret, and White Centered Granny Square Blanket.  (Missing is the Hummingbird Sock)

Really looking at that picture is very intimidating and I wonder what I got myself into.  But I do have a reason for some of my madness :)

The Cabled Square was really just a test knit for cables and I was using Lily's Sugar and Cream Cotton but realized that I loathe knitting in cotton.  Crochet is perfectly fine but I just hate knitting with it.  So I went to my stash and pulled out some Vanna's Choice Lime I had in my scrap box and got to work.  That's when it hit me.  I need to make another 12 inch square to finish my Spring Forward Block Swap from the Vanna's Choice Fan Club on Ravelry, and here I am making a square!  Granted it's only going to come out at 9 inches but I can add a border and get that blanket done!  Oh happy day!  (See there are methods to my madness)

Doesn't look like much now but I think it will look great with the rest of the squares.

I didn't really make much progress on the Falling Water Scarf and the Gryffindor Scarf.  I know that scarf is going to be a labor of love but I wanted some instant gratification for the Gryffindor set I am planning (Scarf, Hat and Wrstlets) so I cast on the beret.  (See another method to my madness)

Sorry the picture is blurry.

I made a lot of progress on the Lego blocks.  I finished off the skein of Turquise and moved onto the Lime Cotton Ease during the Hockey Game on Sunday.  I was so excited to see them all laid out for once.  Don't the colors look nice together!  I just can't wait to add the Maise.  I ordered the remaining yarn I needed so that should keep me motivated to get more blocks done.

It's really coming along.

Last but not least are the White Centered Granny Squares.  I mentioned my big yarn purchase on Friday but these little guys were the start of my test crochet to see if it would work to my liking.  I am really excited to make this blanket as I have never made a colorful blanket for my self.  I think it's time don't you?  (See justification is just another method!)

These are so striking and so soft in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

I do realize that all the little bits of time that I put into all of these different items would probably equate to a finished object by now but I like my methods because while I do want to craft everyday, working on the same thing can get a bit boring. (See there in is the main reason for my madness)

Do you like variety while crafting or are you a very linear project kind of crafter?

So are you mad for WIPs?  Check out some more on Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Block Party!

Here we are again at WIP Wedneday.  This past week was a bit hectic with Easter but it turned out nice.  I made a really great dinner and pie for the family and had a great time with my dad during the weekend.

In other news, today starts the NHL Playoffs.  As I mentioned around the Super Bowl, the hockey playoffs are one of my favorite times of the year.  Hockey is on every night and multiple games are being shown, plus the excitement and level of play is just at a paramount.  My blood pressure is rising just thinking about it!  The best part is that this is a blank slate and what happened in the regular season goes out the window!  Seriously, this is the best part of hockey season.  Can you tell that I am a fan?

Jenn and I at the first game at the Consol Energy Center last year

For those that are unaware, the race to the Stanley Cup consists of 4 series where teams meet in a best of 7 match up.  There are 16 teams between 2 conferences that between April and June are narrowed down to 2 for the finals to win the cup. The Penguins meet the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round and it is set to be an intense match up.  I am so excited and can't wait for the game tonight!

Given everything that was and is going on, I managed to get some crocheting done. ;o)

Progress Picture for 4/11/2012

The following projects are what has been worked on recently.  Starting with Falling Water, then the Gryffindor Scarf, the Hummingbird Socks, and Lego Blocks.

The most work for the week was done on the Lego Blocks for the Lego Baby Blanket.  I have to get 81 done but I finally started to get into a rhythm and have cranked out 8 blocks in a week and a half.  I am almost done with the skein of blue and will move on to the green.  I am really glad to see the little pile of rectangles start to grow from a lot of red to a nice balance of red and blue.

Look at the lovely little stacks of bobbles!

I want to keep pushing to get to the finished product on this one because I think it is going to be amazing.

I feel like this is a great little project to keep going while working on my paper and studying for my exam and watching hockey. I tend to do one or two at night so when I get sick of studying I will pick this up.

For more WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Pay No Attention to the Woman Behind the Yarn!

Where are these weeks going?  I have so many plans but time ticks on and not meeting my (self - set) project deadlines is annoying.  So here I am on another WIP Wednesday with no real progress to show because I finished my socks!  Here is a sneak peak of Friday's post!

I am in love with my new socks!

I have to say, I got some new sock yarn and it's really hard not to cast on another set but I really need to finish my other WIPs. (Really that is dedication for someone with Craft ADD)

Anyway, my plan was to finish these on Sunday and get cracking on those Lego blocks for the baby blanket.  Needless to say that hasn't happened but I plan on working on them quite a bit in the future. Hopefully next week's post will be full of Lego block stacks.

The frustrating thing is that I need to make 20 blocks and one skein of Lion Brand - Cotton Ease only makes about 13 blocks which means I need more yarn.  I don't need it right away but I will need another skein eventually.  Alas, the challenges we crafters face.

So please, pay no attention to woman behind the yarn, she is just trying to catch up this week.

Check out other blogger's WIPs at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Can you spot the Difference?

Hello all!  I love WIP Wednedays but this week is a little challenging for me.  This past weekend my fingers flew on a project but it's still a WIP so I am asking you to spot the difference.  Shown below is the group picture from last week.

Last week's progress shot

Here are recent pictures of each project showing the progress I made.

Falling Water Scarf

Gryffindor Scarf

Karina Vest

Lego Blanket

First Socks

The difference should be obvious and there may also be a red herring in there.  So let me know which one you think is different and if you can't guess all will be revealed later in the week.

In other WIP news, I decided to take some inspiration from According to Matt and start a scrap blanket.  I had some yarn left over from my Green Merlot Hat and decided to make some Granny Squares.

Granny Squares (These are not what's different :P )

I also went through my stash to see how much scrap yarn I have and I was surprised at just how much was there.  I have come up with a dilemma though, what do you consider scrap?  I have some skeins of yarn that could feasibly be used in other small square projects and others that probably would only make 1-2 squares.  Where do you draw the line?

But, in general I really can't start putting them together as the colors right now are all pretty similar (Darn my love of Green!) plus I really don't have time right now to put them together.  This is definitely a long term project!

For other progress on amazing creations, check out the links at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - WIP Overload!

I have freely admitted that I have Craft ADD.  I tend to start a ton of projects at once and then work on them over a long period of time.  Really I do this because one night I may want to work on something easy and mindless while watching a Penguins Game, other weekends I want to work on something that makes me think and pay attention.  Having lots of projects in motion helps me to meet my craft needs at any time.

Okay, that may be a lot of BS but that is how I justify the crazy :)

Anyway, in an effort to push through and see more finished objects I am going to show the progress of my WIPs each week and try and spot light the main progress I made during the week.

WIPs for the week of 3/4/2012

So in clockwise order, I have a Gryffindor Scarf, my Karina Vest, my First Sock, Lego Baby Blanket, and Falling Water Scarf.

I really got quite a bit done on the Gryffindor Scarf and the Lego Blanket.

I have mentioned the Gryffindor Scarf in a previous post but I made some progress and now it with the switch in colorway, it is starting to resemble the scarf from the movie series.  This is my mindless project as the 1X1 ribbing is easy enough to watch hockey while making progress.  It also helps that this is a gift so the pressure is on a bit.

The gold really makes the burgundy pop!

I also made progress on my Lego Blanket.  I am so excited to show the little stacks of rectangles, but I still have a long road ahead.

Stacks of Rectangles!

The original blanket is 9X9 which means 81 blocks.  I altered the color a bit and replaced the taupe color with green but I am still keeping with the 81 block theme.  Here is the breakdown of the numbers

• Red    -- 13/20 (1 Skein of Yarn Used)
• Blue    --  1/20
• Green  --  0/20
• Yellow --  0/21

As you can see, its still a mountain of crochet left to complete.

Speaking of completing I finished something this week that I have never showed before but I am super excited to share on Friday so please come back and check it out!

I hope to get some more progress on these but I am also trying to make headway in my "To Be Read" pile so finding balance is key.  How do you balance multiple hobbies?

Check out other wonderful WIPs on Tami's Amis Blog

<3 Heather

Week in a Day

Hello all, I know for many it is Finished Object Friday (check out Tami's Amis Blog for wonderful finished objects) but I was sick all week.

Tuesday started with the headache that wouldn't go away and Wednesday and Thursday was the stomach flu.  I didn't have a fever but I was not a happy camper.  Luckily I took my work laptop home and was able to work from home.  The good news is that my project is rolling out this weekend but that means I had a ton to do this week and being sick was not a motivating factor to get that and my blogging done.

I usually don't mention work here but I have to crow a bit because I have been working on this project for 2 years and am so happy to finally see it come to light.  I am really happy and nervous for the system to turn on.

Anyway, now that I am feeling better I figured I would condense a week of posts in a day and update everyone what's been going on.  This past weekend was so much fun,  I attended the Section 65/66 Alpha Phi Omega Conference. Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed Service Fraternity that I pledged in college and am now an alumni volunteer.  Really the conference was great, students got to network and learn how to make their chapters great.

Sunday, I didn't do much.  I didn't make it home but was able get some laundry and house cleaning done as well as crochet 5 more Lego Blocks! I mentioned them here and got a bunch more done plus all of my yarn has arrived.  I hope to get 20 done this weekend.  Wish me luck!

Monday I went out to dinner with a friend and Tuesday my headache prevented me from looking at monitors, screens, lights, sunshine so I became a vampire and hid in the dark.  My flu hit on Wednesday morning and I had all of these plans for WIP Wednesday but I didn't get around to it.

Aside from working on the bobbles, I was able to get some work done on my socks.  The ankle portion is about 3 inches and really I don't cuff or like tall socks so I think I am going to start on the heel. I admit this is a little scary but I think it will be okay.  Hopefully I will have more to show next week.

I love this yarn, the colorway is awesome and so soft

I started the next project after last WIP Wednesday but I found the pattern and couldn't wait to use the yarn.

It Sparkles!

  I bought Space Cadet Creations - Lucinda Yarn in the Mars Colorway at The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival in February.  This is hand dyed locally and I love supporting local artisans plus really its gorgeous yarn.  I could not wait to get it on my needles the trick was finding the right pattern.

I found the Falling Water pattern on Ravelry and knew this would show the yarn well.  Okay, I needed a bit of encouragement today from Samie but as I look at the picture I can really see it coming together.  The picture doesn't show the color to it's fullest potential but it does show off the pattern and the sparkle.

Lastly, I started on a scarf for Katherine.  Katherine is a huge Harry Potter fan and is graduating this fall and I wanted to make her a Hogwarts Scarf as a present.  I got the yarn in this week and had to start.

It doesn't look like much but Gryffindor colors will shine through once I start adding the rows of Gold Stripes.  I am using the pattern from Year's 3 and 4 from Charmed Knits.  I got the book from my friend Amy but hadn't started to knit yet.  I am so happy I am able to use it now.

I haven't been reading as much as I like but have the following books in my queue:

• The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen
• Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
• Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman
• So Shelly by Ty Roth
• Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
• The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

I have a proclivity towards romances but I have still read 17 books so far this year.  The aim is always 100 so I need to remember to put down the knitting needles and pick up a book every so often.  Perhaps, I need a timer to have equal reading and yarn time.  Thoughts?

Well, hope you all have a good weekend and I hope to have some good pictures of recipes on Monday!  I am thinking of baking a pie this weekend.  Yummy!

<3 Heather