Saturday, April 9, 2016

Beginnings, middle and end.........

The title of this post sounds a lot more ominous than it should.  Let's just say I have had a busy week with work, extra appointments for Little Buddy and myself, and some more time consuming things to do with my Dad's estate.  It is frankly amazing anything has gotten done at all, but there is a finish, thus the, "end" in the title above.

Maybe we should start with the beginnings..........


As there was a finish this week I was able to start something new.  The South Bay Shawlette, which of course many of you have been making for years has finally found a place at the top of my project list.  I have been wanting to make this a very long time, and frankly can't explain my delay.  Such an easy pattern, with just a two row repeat once you get going.  I knew this recently purchased sale yarn would become this shawl as soon as I spotted it in the store.  It is sunny and warm, just the thing I need right now, a bit of splash in my life.  I started this last night an intend on getting a lot done on it this weekend.  The beginnings of a project is so much fun to experience.


Lovey Lamb number two was started way back when my sister was still visiting.  I am making slow progress on this one as I felt the need to get other things completed.  I keep this project in the car for when I have a spare few minutes between patients.  Made with Lion Brand Wool Ease, a perfect yarn for this type of project.  It is soft and washable, and made with only a wee bit of wool so won't cause irritation when hugged close to your face.  I am using an H hook, smaller than the yarn advises, but I wanted the stitches to be close and intact so the fluff on the inside won't poke through when it is all done.


If you can't handle another Hitchhiker then look away now.  I love this latest one.  Made for one of Little Buddy's therapists for next Christmas. Yup, I have two of the four presents completed for next Christmas and it is only April.  I am pushing myself now so I won't be any more crazy then I already am come next December. 


Want the specifics on this Hitchhiker?  This fun scarf was made with Cascade Yarns Tangier in color 09, with size 9 needles.  I made 25 of the teeth in the pattern before casting off.  The pattern calls for 42 teeth, as it was made with much finer yarn.  I used approximately 300 yards of yarn, so maybe a skein and a third to make this 72 inch long scarf.  Tangier is made from silk, acrylic, rayon and cotton, it is lovely and soft to work with.  Hope you are not completely bored with this pattern popping up on my blog, I just looked and 23,777 of them have been listed on Ravelry so apparently I am not the only one making one or two, or in my case six of them.


And speaking of ends, looks who's backside was quickly crawling away from me this morning as I tried to take his picture, I will give you one guess!

Hope you all had a great week and are enjoying your weekend.

37 comments:

Janet said...

Three lovely projects. I had the South Bay Shawlette in my queue for ages and finally made it last year. It's a great pattern and I wished I'd made it earlier. I definitely will be making it again. I hope you continue to enjoy the pattern. The Hitchhiker is beautiful. Everyone you make has such beautiful colours. You certainly have an eye for picking lovely yarns. Have a lovely creative weekend. X

Lynne said...

Your Southbay is going to be beautiful out of that yarn. I've been thinking about starting another one! And good for you getting a jump on Christmas presents with those pretty scarves. Love the Tangier!

linda said...

I love all of your projects Meredith, the shawl Is such a lovely colour and the sheep will be cute when it's done. As for the hitchhiker it's a lovely pattern and I would love to make a couple for Christmas presents too but I need the right yarn and I haven't found it yet. I love the colours in yours all of them have been lovely. I'm trying to make one thing at a time for the first time! It's hard going I can tell you, I'm itching to start something new. Have a great weekend. Xx

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Love the colors in the hitchhiker! I especially love how you have it draped on the mannequin in the second picture.

I don't know how many times I've chased my daughter around with the camera, catching only her backside. She thought it was a game, and who doesn't love a good game of chase!

Enjoy your weekend, may it be restful and restorative.

Andrea

Babajeza said...

Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully, someone is spoiling you. Regula

Betsy said...

How do you do it Meredith? Your life is so full and crazy busy! And yet...you have time to create such beautiful things. Mandy wants me to makeover of Alicia's lambs for Piper. I need to order the pattern soon. Your hitchhiker is beautiful, you always choose such pretty yarns. The pattern for your new shawl looks complicated. A two row repeat? I think I could do that! I hope your weekend is relaxing my dear friend. Take care of yourself.
Blessings,
Betsy

kathy b said...

Cutest little butt in the world! What is it with BOYS and not wanting to be in a photo!???/

LOVE the latest hitchhiker. SO glad you are ahead on gifts. I have some sock gifts done for the great nieces and nephews.

Love the color of the crochet shawl.

I was bummed out that I didnt get a good plane landing picture for Lil B last week at ohare. I was too slow on the draw ! But soon I'll send him some plane/train goodies!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith I love seeing your projects. The colors and patterns are always so pretty. Oh that backside photo made me laugh! I get many of those with both my Grands being whirlwinds right now!
hugs,
Linda

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

A very cute end! :) I really don't know how you manage it all. The scarf is gorgeous. I've not done the South Bay but have seen tons of posts on Instagram about it. The yarn you are working with is really pretty.

Anonymous said...

That Baa in the first photo is SUCH an elegant color!

Hitchhiker looks great! That Tangier is a great yarn. Who doesn't love a bit of silk!

Guess Little Buddy didn't want the paparazzi hanging around this morning!

kristieinbc said...

Your projects all look great, Meredith! I think that the crazier life gets, the more we need our crafting projects. I love the fact you keep a project in your car for the extra few minutes between appointments.

Jo said...

I have never made the south bay shawlette because I am still a little in love with the Elise. It will be out of my system soon enough and I can move onto the Hitchhiker. I saw some yarn in a lovely wool shop the other day but didn't know how much I needed for it. I will write it in my little note book. Love to you Jo x

Amy at love made my home said...

Wonderful beginnings, middles and ends!! Love all the things that you are crocheting and your new shawl too! That is gorgeous! Hope you are all OK and having a great weekend! xx

Danette Bartelmay said...

Oh Man... I am loving this shawlette!
I have been toying with the idea of doing one of Alicia's darling little lambs too. I can't believe you are on a second one already! I love those gorgeous Hitchhikers Shawls you do... keep em' coming!
And as for the backside...what could be cuter?!!!

Araignee said...

Your crocheted projects are gorgeous! I am miserable at the hook thing and soooo admire those who can tame it!

Teresa Kasner said...

I think your new shawl is going to be awesome and will look especially good in the fall. I will NEVER ever EVER get tired of seeing your HH shawls.. I love each and every one of them.. they all have their own personalities. It was fun to see little guy's caboose as he launches himself away from the camera. I'm sooooo tempted to do a lamb. But don't want to get in the position of having to make 6 of them.. one for each grandkid. LOL! Enjoy your weekend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, I have been trying to catch up with my friends tonight. I have enjoyed reading your blog and seeing what little buddy has been up to lately. If you are like me, the hands have to stay busy every opportunity that you get. It is my stress reliever. I love all of the shawls that you have been making. Take Care Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley.

Bridget said...

Oh wow, I think all of your projects are amazing! And since I cannot get the hand of crochet, I'm especially blown away by those.

Uh oh, Little Buddy thinks you are the paparazzi! :-)

mamasmercantile said...

I am so impressed, Christmas presents already done wow! Bertie visited today and all I got was screwed up faces, scowls and side views. Take care.

Gracie Saylor said...

The South Bay Shawlette, is elegant, especially in the golden color you chose, and the latest Hitchhiker is so pretty as well. Hear my sighs of admiration? I appreciated the finale of this post also, Meredith :) Please enjoy some restful stitching this weekend ~ ~ ~ xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

It all looks gorgeous!

Rose said...

Love the "end"! ❤️ Also loving the Hitchhiker pattern, it's so versatile and interesting despite it being an easy pattern, isn't it? Glad you made it to the beach, so restorative.

Suzan said...

Love your hitchhiker and the colors you used!! Will go with anything!!
Adorable ending and very nice beginnings!!

Joyful said...

I love your beginning. I really love to crochet :-)

Jo said...

I think the Hitchhiker is such a lovely pattern so it's no wonder you've made a few of them, I'm sure the recipient will be thrilled to bits with her gift. I love the pattern in the shawlette and the yarn is perfect, I look forward to seeing your progress with this one.

Caffeine Girl said...

Goodness! No I am not tired of your Hitchhikers. They really are stunning. If I wasn't on a strict yarn diet, I would order some Tangier and make one myself!
I had a busy week, too. I imagine you are as tired as I am this weekend!
And that little rascal at the end ...

Jennifer Hays said...

What a cute little backside, and so quick too! :) You're doing so well with those Christmas presents, good for you! I'm very impressed. I love that gold yarn in the shawlette, it's so pretty. I hope you're having a good weekend, Meredith!

gigi knits said...

You have to love that ending picture. Have a great week

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

I purchased the Hitchhiker pattern after seeing you make so many. I will be making them as Christmas presents too. You always produce lovely things xx

Unknown said...

Before being taken away by a pattern test I began making a South Bay Shawl too - amazingly easy pattern, really fun! Love love love this new Hitchhiker too, stunning colours!

Amber said...

All of your lovely handmades!!!

handmade by amalia said...

I suspect you get a lot more done than you realize, Mer. I'm always amazed that you show us so many new and lovely things. But where is my Little Buddy fix?
Amalia
xo

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I love your hitchhiker scarfy shawls, they make me want to knit again. Maybe I should give one a go ?
Jillxo

elns said...

Your crochet work is just so wonderful. Such polished stitches. I'm always impressed. I love the lambie pattern and I think going down a hook size to reduce the loss of stuffing is brilliant. Give that cutie LB a big squish for me. Take care!

Kris said...

Hi Meredith! I have got to get my needles fired up again. Been idle too long!
Lynne mentioned the shawlette, and I assumed it was knit. But I see you crocheted it. I have not been playing with yarn lately, and I am missing it!
xo Kris

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith-- such lovely projects you have started-- beautiful yarns!!!you really are amazing. No way could I take on those challenging patterns!!

That boy is as cute as can be. I'm sure he keeps you on your toes!
Vicki

Jodiebodie said...

Congrats for being so organised with your Christmas crochet!