I was asked to write about someone that I admire, for my online visibility class. I am choosing to write about my friend Katie. She is amazing. She is strong, independent and not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in. I don’t think she even has the capacity to feel embarrassed or ashamed, so she just does what she wants and what will make her happy. I love her take charge attitude and I wish in some ways that I could be more willing to just do whatever and worry about the consequences later. I think that’s a necessity sometimes in life, to be able to take risks and try, and if you fail, then at least you can say you tried.
I’m back!
It has been far too long since my last post. I was so caught up in working 35 hours a week, on top of school work and classes, it was hard to make time to blog, let alone crochet. I haven’t started any new projects recently, or finished any. Once graduation hits I will have much more free time to blog and finish some projects! I plan to make a little cozy for my guinea pig to sleep in, cause I think that would be adooorrrabbllleeeee.
I will see you guys soon!
The best way to use yarn
If you’re like me, then you loooove animals and crocheting. I’ve found out recently about the many ways to donate your extra scraps of yarn and really make a difference. Last summer I began volunteering at the Humane Society of Chittenden County here in Burlington, VT. I was walking dogs, cleaning cages and just helping out however I could.
From the HSCC website
School work soon began to pick up, I got another job and just generally lost my free time. I’ve been trying to reconcile how I can still volunteer while still working 40+ hours a week. After my last post I noticed my huge pile of scraps of yarn and thought to myself, “blankets are easy enough, why don’t I make some and donate them!” And since I usually crochet during classes, it didn’t take time out of my day.
This idea mixes my love of crocheting and animals and is an awesome way to get rid of yarn that otherwise won’t be used. You can also use this to practice new patterns!
I have found through searching Google and other yarn blogs, that there are tons of different programs across the country that collect and donate items to shelters. And if you can’t find one in your town, start one! All you have to do is call your local shelter and see how you can help. You just have to be mindful of cage sizes, donation policies and how much they need! You’d be surprised how many people in your community knit or crochet, and how much they’d donate. Always make sure that you use the right type of yarn, like cotton or acrylic, as wool will probably shrink in the drying process. You also need to check with them about making stuffed pillows or cage comforters, because some shelters will not accept them. This is due to the thought that since the stuffing is not easily cleaned that they can transmit diseases and bugs to otherwise healthy animals.
I know from volunteering that cats and dogs (and other critters!) don’t take well to the shelter process. It’s stressful, noisy and not at all ideal. But shelters work with what they have, and any little bit you can do is awesome! If you don’t have enough yarn to make a blanket, think about making some little toys! If you’re concerned about sanitation, as I mentioned above, consider stuffing the toys with plastic bags to help. Fleas, ticks, or other bugs won’t find a nice home among plastic. They’re so cute, so why not make some!
Click the image to see the pattern!
I’m going to attempt to make one of these toys today or tomorrow to see how they turn out. I’ll post a picture and any advice I have once I finish!
Happy Crocheting!
A new blanket!
I’ve decided to share this with all of you, because I was sad that I didn’t find this before I started my blanket. I’m going to finish the one I’m doing now, and then try this pattern. I’ll post pictures when I’m done! 
Lion Brand pattern
Yarn!
One of my favorite yarns - all photos by me!
There are a lot of different things that make great yarn. The feel, the thickness, the texture and material. I work with a lot of mostly Acrylic and Polyester blends of yarn. (pictured left)
I usually pick my yarn by feel mostly, I have a soft spot for Caron and LionBrand “homespun” yarns. I also test new yarns by pulling a small section out from the skien, and rubbing a fingernail across the yarn a few times. If the yarn easily frays or tears easily, then I usually don’t purchase it. There are many benefits to wool yarns, such as ease of cleaning but some wool yarns are a bit too scratchy for my taste.
Lion Brand Homespun Yarn
The Homespun yarn is a little more difficult to work with when you need to count stitches. I tried making a hat out of it, but I found that I could not manage to keep track. I plan to give another try at it, but that’s another day. My first project is making a patchwork blanket for my mom out of the homespun yarn pictured to the right. I’ve used 4 skein’s of yarn on it so far, and I’m still debating on making it bigger. It’s such a soft yarn and it makes a very thick blanket. I recommend it to anyone who wants a nice blanket to snuggle up with. I will post a picture once I’m done!
If anyone has any suggestions for yarns or patterns let me know!
A pile of some of the yarn I have
Hello blogging world!
I think I should start out my blog with just a little background about who I am and all that jazzz. I am 22 years old and I have been crocheting since I was about 14. My friend taught me how one day in study hall and I haven’t looked back. I started off the simple way, by making scarves upon scarves upon scarves until I had made more than I knew what to do with. Then I upgraded and made a hat! pictured below
Me wearing my first hat
After that I tried making some finger-less gloves…which didn’t turn out that terrible until I tried making one for my left hand. I wasn’t using a pattern, so maybe I’ll post a video tutorial on how I did it after I perfect my method a bit.
My next post will be all about my favorite yarn! if you want me to post any tutorials or anything just tell me!
PS: I have a crocheting Pinterest board! click here!
happy crocheting!
Emily
