I finally got a few crochet things accomplished this past week. Don’t you just love it when this happens? To be honest, I didn’t have a choice in the matter. Our living room and dining room and exterior of our house were being painted, the painters did a good job, but the organization was off and we couldn’t use most of our downstairs for four days. This was frustrating, especially since we don’t have a big house and both rooms were actually painted in one day, it was the prep work that took forever because only one person was doing it! This meant I was either banished to the basement, where my craft area is, or my bedroom, where the TV is. Guess which one I chose?
The best thing about having the house painted, besides the finished product, was that I had nothing else to do except crochet (well, I could have cleaned the upstairs bathroom, but come on!). My excuse was set, so I got to work. It felt so good to check these projects off my “to do” list, especially since one of the projects was for me :).
My “me” project was the granny square top. It was almost finished last week when I posted this pic. All I had to do was weave in the ends, which took some time, block it, which took some more time, and take some photos. I’m not in love with this top. I like the color, and the yarn is a cotton acrylic blend, so it is perfect for the 70 degree weather we are having, but I underestimated my size (I may have been smaller last year when I started the dang thing ;). I should have made it longer, or something. It’s basically one big square, and I got the instructions here. I added a single crochet around the arms and neck, and an extra inch border on the bottom. Overall, I will wear it (I’m wearing it right now), and it was a good start to other projects that could be this shape, etc. Plus, it was so simple, it was an easy beginners top, and the first actual shirt I’ve ever made. Here it is on.
My second project is another pair of fingerless gloves. I haven’t taken pictures yet, but they are pretty cool, neutral colors. I will post about them soon.
My last project was one I had been putting off completing for a while. Remember this freeform purse I was making for my mom?
Well, I had finished it a few weeks ago, even sewed a lining with interfacing, but I needed to sew a zipper (and I was so nervous I was going to screw it up). So I put it off, one week became two, and my mom was asking where her belated birthday present was, so I had to finish it. Scaredy-cat, as I was, I decided to hand sew the zipper to the liner, I also sewed the bag strap to the liner.
I then hand sewed the liner to the actual purse and ta-da! I was done. The zipper worked, the bag looked awesome, and my mom loved it. Ahhhh, I love it when things work out. What do you think?
What crafts are you doing to get ready for the change in weather? Hope everyone is having a good week! Happy Crocheting!
I really love your idea of sewing the pieces to the liner after getting the liner all sewn up with a zipper first. You did a great job on your first zipper! Also, it’s probably nicer to sew the zipper to the fabric. Hand sewing a zipper to knit or crochet is annoying. Totally worth it but annoying. The top you made looks fantastic on you!
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You’re sweet 😊. I am happy with how the zipper turned out, and sewing the strap to the lining definitely made a difference!
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It looks fab! I’m looking at hats and so on, especially since my son does football now so my Saturdays will be spent at the playing field. It’ll be chilly in winter!
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Yes! I am ready to start making hats too!
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Those are both great project Brenna! I think the top looks great as is, but I understand that desire for more length! The bag looks awesome. Next time, maybe try hand baste your zipper in, so you know it is secure, then sew down your basting line. That might give you more confidence with using the machine in zippers.
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I read about that, I will definitely try it next time. Thanks!
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You will be a champ at this, and before long you’ll be able to pin and sew in a flash. More zips, more bags, more $$. 🙂
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I like your thinking Kathy!
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What lovely projects and it’s always a good feeling to finish things off. And I’m totally with you about hiding in the basement rather than cleaning! Your top is very pretty and looks like it will be great for the changing seasons.
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Thanks! I would choose crochet over almost anything any day!
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Ahh it looks even better on! We’re not starting that ends-hanging-out trend then? What a shame 😉
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I’m not that fashion forward! But maybe we can still design something where the ends just blend into a fringe. Wouldn’t that be cool 😎?
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That top is really cute Brenna!! And the design is perfect for making it into tons of different looks! The rusty gears in my brain are going a mile a minute now. I really love that purse! I’ve made a couple of bags but they are just sort of boring market bag style. You are starting to get me inspired to try to make some purses! 😀
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You should play around with purses. They are the perfect project because they don’t take forever to make and you can play around with all kinds of stitches. I would love to see what you come up with for the top. Yours are always so cute!
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Both final results look great! 🙂
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Thank you!
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Your top looks gorgeous on. I’m so glad you’re enjoying wearing it. I love the bag you made too, and I hope your mum does too. I often put things off because I’m worried they’ll be too tricky, but you did a great job with yours.
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Thanks! My mom loved the purse, which made me happy 😊. You should give it a try, the great thing about crochet is that you can always rip it out if you don’t like it!
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That is true. The other great /annoying thing about crochet is that there are always so many amazing things to try! I need to stop being inspired by other people’s projects 😉
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You just got to make a “wishlist” and start checking the projects off! There is so much great stuff out there, it’s hard to choose which to start first!
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I know! I bought the wool to work on Sophie’s universe but haven’t started it yet. Plus I really want to get involved in a CAL, which would be another big project. Plus I’m working on a corner to corner single blanket. My wish list really just needs quick and easy projects on to balance these,but they may end up being crafts other than crochet… There are just too many things I like and want to do!!
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You do have your hands full! But that’s not a bad thing, I’d rather have too many creative projects than none at all!
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I love the purse, Brenna 😍 It looks absolutely fantastic. Great job on the zipper too…they can be tricky. So much so that I usually do a loop and a button 😂
The top looks great on you…I understand the desire to add more length. Have you considered a row of Granny Squares? Sorry…I’m obsessed with them, I wanna add them to everything 😜
Or what you and Hannah talked about…fringe! 😃
You could make the ends part of it LOL
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Fringe! I never thought of that😀. The purse turned out so much nicer than I could have hoped, thank you!
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YAY you did it, you kicked the zips arse! Never actually sewn a zip ever so ill come crying to you when i need help haha. I get 70’s vibes from that purse i love it so much ❤ – The top is also super cute, i love those kind of tops you can just throw a vest underneath it and boom you have a look. OR if your a Playboy bunny you could just wear it and allow yourself to feel the air.
Hats seem to be a thing to make now its Sept and then cold weather will arrive, so hats and things for babies. Hope you enjoy the rest of your week!
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Thanks! That zipper never knew what hit it! I too have been in the mood to make hats, it must be the cooler weather. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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I loved at purse, it looks spectacular!
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Thank you!
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I love the hand bag!
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Thank you!
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☺
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Love that top!
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Thank you!
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Great looking purse! I really love the patten on it.
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Thank you!
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