Brown Stripey Blanket!

Here is the big unveiling...finally!
It has grown from this

and yes, I know that is a miserably bad photograph. I have posted about this blanket multiple times and it is good to finally have it complete.

to this...

It is made out of Vanna's Choice yarns, 100% washable. It is very masculine with all the men at my house wishing it was theirs. It is a big 65" x 42" rectangle which makes it a perfect size for the recliner. I love the basket weave pattern. It has taken me a long time to get this one finished but the wait was worth it. I put a very simple border on it of a blue stripe followed by a chocolate brown stripe.
I am so pleased that it is as beautiful completed as it was  a joy to make.
Talk to you later,
Karen

Yes, it is available in my  Chocolate Dog Studio shop.

Future plans

Ok, so here is where I tell you all my great and wonderful future plans....

I am going to make at least one large size afghan like this one.



I am going to finish this diagonal afghan. The brown one in the middle.



I know that the above picture leaves a lot to be desired but the afghan is so incredibly soft and beautiful. I will have better pictures soon. I am also going to make some more football team cup sleeves. Like this one only different teams than what I already have...

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I am going to clean out the studio...well, unpack it better and set it up. I am going to get ready for the Christmas buying season by creating more Christmas ornaments and cozies. All of this planning is making me hungry and tired at the same time. So I best get to work.

talk to you later,

Karen

WIP: Works in Progress Update

You are my accountability partner. Did you know that? I need accountability to finish what I start so today is my day to show you my current status on some long standing projects. I do have to say in my defense that I have been working diligently but have had some custom orders come in, in addition to regular http://www.ChocolateDogStudio.etsy.com sewing of cup sleeves and cup cozies along with all the aprons I have been finishing up for the shop. So here is my list of accomplishments.

• finished sewing 10 aprons have three left


• finished embroidery of one pillow top


• finished 5 - 3" embroidery hoop wall art.


• finished two crocheted baby blankets


• almost finished this blanket, I have run out of the blue yarn and I am searching for it.

• Started on this little beauty for fun and there is no deadline.

• Started this out of sock yarn, it should work beautifully for its purpose. (Shhh, it's a surprise!)

• Turned these into something new and fun. Which I will show you later.

• I am working on these to create a beautiful custom blanket for a friend and customer.

• And these to create a warm, cozy, baby boy blanket for a different friend and customer as well.

So that is my accountability list. I hope to have at least four of these off the list this week! I have a bunch of cozies that need to be sewn up and some shipping to do today, but other than that the crochet hook will be flying as I  wait on kids for different activities. I am not even going to start on the all the house chores sitting in front of me this week. I am pretty sure that you have a pretty good idea of what kinds of work it is.

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

 

 

 

 

Crocheting....

Crochet has been calling my name again, patterns are running through my mind and interrupting my sleep. I have been googling patterns and finding lovely items all crocheted. Lovely colors and items with texture and life. Moving is difficult even at the best of times, and I usually reach for yarn and a hook for comfort. That sounds a bit odd. I also pray deeply while I am crocheting and think. I let the yarn run while my mind is planning or thinking about the future. I have crocheted at least 6 blankets and numerous other items since Christmas.

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I find myself wanting to head in a different direction with the crochet. I am not sure which direction, yet. Possibly just a change in yarns and colors. I am craving the bright colors that I see from the European crocheters. They are light and bright while the US yarns seem a bit grayed and drab. Do you even care about this? It doesn't matter to me I need a place to talk about it and think about it. Is it worth ordering yarn from over the sea? Shall I venture out into wools or cottons?

Here are some of the items and blogs inspiring me at this point.

Lucy at Attic24

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Aren't they bright and cheery.

Jules at littlewoolie

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Gorgeous colors and great ideas.

Sandra at Cherryheart

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Wow, this one is just gorgeous and beautiful!

 

Well, there are others but these are the few that I visit, again and again. I am thankful that they share their days and projects with us. I have been through three computers in the past year, so I have lost many others that I had bookmarked.

Well, I will check back in another day. Today is waiting and there is much to be done. Thankfully, I don't need to solve this small problem today!

Karen