Fiber Monday

 

In Which I Am Working Along

Last week I talked about how I was going to do another leaf, then work on the body of the pouch, and I'm absolutely doing that.

It's gonna take a bit.

See, I've upgraded to a 1.9mm hook, and the white thread I have is a little heavier than the red, which you'd think would mean it'd be a lot faster, right?

But I'm using 100% single crochet in each row of the pouch body.

I used a lot of double crochet on the leaves, and chain spaces, which work up faster and longer.

So the bodies will take a while. And the sides will take a while too.

I have options, of course!

I could switch to a 2.25mm hook! I could find another thread or yarn to use for the body! I could give up and start over (which I won't)!

Lots of options.

You know what I can't do?

Rush it.

It's just a rectangle. It's about as uncomplicated as a project gets.

But it's tiny, and I'm struggling against insomnia, and I am very easily distracted by trying to figure out how to get high enough to reach the monuments in Tears of the Kingdom.

Also I keep trying to find my book so I can read.

It's not lost - I'm looking right at it.

I just forget why I'm getting up every time I go to grab it, ending up sketching or crocheting or gaming instead of reading.

I'll grab the book tomorrow.

For now, I'll get back to crocheting - it's barely over an inch long at this point, even 15 rows in.

A strip of white crocheted tread laying on my laptop.
We're 50 stitches across, approximately 15 rows long.
It's about as wide as my hand.

I know I can bang these pouches out before September. I hope I can actually finish them, dye them, add their hardware (they need straps!) and test them before the Ren-Faire, though.

And of course, my brain keeps pinging me with other, much worse ideas lol.

For now, I hope you guys can all

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which I Have Made Progress on the Shawl...
But Have Nothing To Show For It.

That's right, I forgot to take pictures of the blue shawl I'm working on despite all the time I spent on it. Sorry, guys.

And when I say I spent a long time working on it, I mean it.

I spent over three hours crocheting one project this week!

Since I time myself using videos, that means that over the course of 8 sessions (eight separate videos) I crocheted a good 2" of length and probably 6" width. And each session was about 23-24 minutes long. I am thinking that I'll be trying to do more things using that Video Timing Scale.

I spend a lot of time watching videos. Maybe if I Did More Things while watching videos, I'd get more done lol.

Actually I'll try that tomorrow and we'll see what happens! As it is, I'll be doing more work on the shawl. Maybe I'll even remember to take a pic and post it on Twitter or something.

I'll be perfectly honest, my family and I took a trip to the planetarium at UMO on Friday and I've been completely wiped out since then. Some of that could be attributed to my overindulgence at Dysarts, but let's be real, you cannot underindulge at Dysarts.

You must fully indulge.

And you 100% must have pie.

So maybe that's why I'm a little draggy lately lol.

Regardless, tomorrow's another day, and I'll test my Videos=productivity theory and get back to you.

For now, Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which Progress Doesn't... look like much tbh

So the last couple of weeks (pretty much ever since I made that cute little Goblin's Purse) I haven't been showing much crochet. This isn't because I haven't been doing much crochet, it's because what I have been doing is so repetitive and plain that it doesn't look like I've been doing crochet.

That's why there aren't any photos this week.

Also because I'm super duper cozy and don't want to get up and take photos, to be perfectly honest.

It's been perfect weather to curl up and crochet lately (48-67℉/8,9-19,4℃), and I've been in long sleeves and flannel and pants and it's been lovely, but the patterns I'm working on (a pair of gloves, a shrug, the Mushroom Bag) are largely repetitious and same-y, so it doesn't look like I'm making any progress on them.

The Shrug is very close to completion - I'm at about 14.5" (36,83cm) wide with a goal of 17" (43,18cm) before I fold it and sew in the arm holes, then I have to do the edging, which I'm still not sure which one I'll use.

The gloves are just now reaching the thumb stage, which will be visible, but right now they just look like a weird beige lacy cylindar.

The bag is.... frustrating. Every time I think I have a solution, three more problems pop up. I think I can figure it out, and when it's finally done, I think we'll all be happy.

Boy is today the "I Think" day on the blog...

But I've also been busy with other things, and hopefully you'll understand more in a few days what I've been up to.

Related - does anyone have any suggestions on what to use as a polishing compound if the green stuff that came with your rotary tool is solidified? I've read that toothpaste is okay to use, but I'd like to know more.

Anywho, I promise I have actually been working on crochet, but that's just how it do be sometimes, I guess. Sometimes you can work for 8 hours straight and look down at your project and think "Where is all that work I just did? It looks the same!"

Don't lose heart if this is happening to you, too. Just measure after every pattern repeat and try to maintain your gauge, and you'll get through. So will I.

I think that's all I have for today, so keep on hooking along, friends, and...

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which I Continue To Work Slowly...

It's been a long project with the Mystery Project aka Mushroom Bag.

And it'll be a few more weeks yet I fear.

See, it turns out that slip stitching 420 stitches by 12-24 rows is... a really long and boring process.

So if you have access to canvas straps or ribbons you like? USE THOSE.

Seriously. Use what you've got because it takes forever to slipstitch.

This is what 10 rows looks like:

It may look pretty decent, but I assure you, it's only about...
0.5" or about 1.3cm wide.

It's also fairly thick, though, so it should be very comfy to carry on the shoulder once it's completed.

And as for the zip-tie situation to hold the mouth open? I'm uh... I'm still working on that lol. I haven't gotten one from the basement yet, but I know that it should, theoretically, work.

We'll see!

Sorry this week's is short, but it's been insanely hot (85℉/29,4℃) for the last couple days and today was the first break from the heat that we've gotten.

Honestly, the rain was welcome and lovely, even if I did feel a bit cooped up and craved a walk.

If I don't have the project 100% finished by next Monday, I'll try to have another little One Day Make to show off instead, just so there's a little variety!

Maybe some flowers!

Tomorrow I'll have my thoughts more together, I think - today has been... very scattershot for me, so I'm not going to be able to write too much beyond my instructions for a slipstitched strap:

1. Make a row of chain stitches as long as you want your strap to be, then make one more as a turning chain
2. Slip stitch from the second chain from the hook to the end of the chain, chain one, turn your work
3. Slip stitch in every slip stitch - do not do what I suggested last week and slip stitch through both loops, the stitches will be waaaaay too tight, so just slip stitch in the back loop only! At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work
4. Repeat the previous row until your strap is wide enough.

If, like me, you find yourself getting highly distracted and cranky, pour yourself a glass of water. Every time you get cranky, pour yourself some water. It might not make your work less frustrating, but you'll have built-in breaks as you keep having to run to the bathroom and you'll end up well-hydrated as a bonus lol.

I think I should probably call it a night before I start losing what's left of my mind. Braincell number 3 may have retired today. I'll know better tomorrow.

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

Slow progress is still progress

So it's week 22 and we're still working on this "Secret/Mystery Project". Unless you're a better pattern engineer than me and figured out how to close & carry the bag on your own lol, then I'm the only one who's still working on this 22 weeks in.

I have, however, figured out what to do about the straps!

Good old slip stitches.

That's right, I made 421 chain stitches with my 1.9mm hook and I'm going to slip stitch each row (chaining 1 before I turn and slip stitch down each row) until it's wide enough for my liking. Will it be quick? No. Will it be stable? Heck yes.

This is nowhere near wide enough

But it is very sturdy!

I'll probably do 12-24 rows at 420 stitches for the main strap and then switch to red for a 120 stitch long 6-12 row wide loop for the top of the bag. Just something nice and short to hang the bag by!

And since I do not have any other zippers to sacrifice to the mouth of the purse where the cap & stem connect, I will be attempting to attach something stiff like maybe a plastic cable tie to the inside this week. And then it will just be time for spots and maybe a cute charm! We'll see...

Still, thank you all for coming on this journey with me!

I know this is the first week I haven't included the rest of the bag pattern, but in my defense, it's 10pm and I'm heckin sleepy. Yes, I've only got that much done since this morning. I'm disappointed in me too.

But hey, that's life sometimes. Sometimes you work all day on something and the progress, once you set it down, seems minute.

But especially with crochet, any progress you can see is going to be way smaller than the effort you put in, because you can't see the sixteen times I had to frog it or the six attempts at mushroom lace I failed at or the many many many curses I uttered while stabbing myself in the thumb with the pointy end of my hook because those stitches are super tiny and I can't stop making them super tight. I need to chill lol!

So that'll do it from me for today!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

It is time once more for the SECRET PROJECT!

No major update today, guys, but it seems we have finally arrived at the REDUCTION ROUNDS on the red part of our project!

I bought more red thread, and it's a good thing, too. I got two rounds past the second reduction and uh... oopsie, ran out of the original spool. Yeah, seems like I could've kept working :|

Now the biggest problem I'm facing is that I have the pattern saved as a document and copy/pasting can be... fraught. Apologies ahead of time if the formatting gets a bit borked.

THE PATTERN SO FAR:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

THIS WEEK!

This is perhaps slightly smaller than the pattern as written (by 10 rounds...)

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

That's as far as I've gotten so far, but you should notice that the top of this is... very big. We want it fairly big, but if at any time, you think it's getting too big for you, feel free to eliminate some of the straight single crochet rounds or reduce more often!

I cannot wait to finish this project. My finishing it will involve something slightly firmer inside the red portion to stiffen up that disc so it can hold some more weight. I haven't decided exactly what I'll use (possibly a piece of plastic covered in fabric from a worn out tee?), but I'll whip-stitch that in, and I still have to find a way to close up the bottom pouch (probably a loop & cord closure, but we'll see - we're a ways off yet).

And after the red part is done I'll use some white thread to make some decorations! And all three colors may be involved for the final part, which will have to be stitched on.

That's a few blogs away, though!

Gonna have to keep hard at work, though - these are the long sections.

For now, though, I'm gonna settle in and listen to authors talk about their books, curl up under cozy blankets in my fuzzy pants and sweatshirt, and slowly slip into slumber, possibly before 3AM lol.

Go Enjoy Something, guys!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

Secret Project Continues To Grow

I have been working on the Secret Project, but slowly. After all, it is now the Gifting Season, which means my little hands are hard at work trying to make nice things for my friends and family. I... might include a group photo (after Christmas!) of the things I made this month for friends & family, but I will still be pecking along at the Secret Project!

Hence why we're continuing from last week!

Here's the whole pattern:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)
R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)
R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)
R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)
R6: sc around (30 sc)
R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)
R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)
R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)
R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)
R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)
R12-13: sc around (60 sc)
R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)
R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)
R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)
R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)
R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)
R19-21: sc around (90 sc)
R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)
R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)
R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)
R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)
R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)
R27-30: sc around (120 sc)
R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)
R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)
R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)
R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)
R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)
R36-40: sc around (150 sc)
R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)
R42-47: sc around (144 sc)
R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)
R49-55: sc around (138 sc)
R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)
R57-64: sc around (132sc)
R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)
R66-74: sc around (126 sc)
R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)
R76-84: sc around (120 sc)
R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)
R86: ch3 (counts as 1^st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)
R87: ch3 (counts as 1^st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1^st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12^th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1^st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)
R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)
R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)
R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)
R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)
R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)
R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)
R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)
R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)
R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1^st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)
R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

This week:

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

If you have the pattern (dc in the top of every stitch, fpdc in fpdc), then you can take this as wide as you like. With a crochet thread and a 1.9mm hook, I have my disc at 7.5" (19.05 cm) in diameter, and you can keep that going as wide as you want, because we'll be changing colors once we get it to our desired width!

I might go another 5-10 rounds (depending on my attention span lol) before my switch, but as long as there's some overhang, it'll work!

It still doesn't look like much, sure, but I promise we're making gains!

As for the gifts I'll be working on... I strongly suspect one or two of my readers are on that gift list, so I cannot post them until after the gifts are given and opened, but rest assured, I'm having a blast with them!

How is the Christmas Crunch going for you guys, by the way? Any Nightmare Project stories you have to get off your chest? Did Aunt Ethel demand a whole-ass afghan for your cousin who set your Barbies on fire as a kid at the last minute? Or are you progressing calmly through your list, more concerned with how you'll wrap your masterpieces than how you'll finish them in time? (I hope it's the latter - after the last couple years, y'all deserve some rest!)

That'll do it for me today. I'll have excuses and blather for you all tomorrow, so stay tuned!

And Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Thursday Art Walk

 

Art Walk? More like Art Block!

So I was being a bit optimistic in thinking I could catch up to where I was on my previous piece, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I don't have any progress to discuss because I haven't added anything new, exactly.

I did end up adjusting some colors - instead of having an overlap of 50% opacity colors and choosing the center tone, I now actually make an average between the RGB values of two different colors, which means my orange is more orange and my pinks are redder.

I also learned that I can highlight specific areas of color (specifically the ring around two different colors!) without the highlight spilling into any of the other colors by reducing the Tolerance to 10% from the standard 50%. This is especially important for the combos of Rose Madder/Arylide Yellow and Imperial Red/Bone.

I'll have more color updates next week I think, but I'm going to be making progress (proper progress!) starting tomorrow!

Very excited!

I also need to get this new computer hooked up to my scanner so I can scan physical drawings and show them off without my terrible photography "skills" getting in the way lol!

Hopefully you're all working on art (unless that stresses you out!), and hopefully if you have lost power you can find somewhere warm to be. I'm so sorry this crisis is going on out west and I hope it's over soon :(

Be Well, Be Safe!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday - Slowly But Surely

 

In Which Work Proceeds Very Slowly

It's been... quite a week since Tuesday. I'll talk about the whys and wherefores tomorrow, but suffice it to say I have not been in the most creative of moods, and because of that, I've only got a couple of lil horn nubs on my stocking project to show for it. I plan on working on it more, but for now, I just have to apologize for going radio silent after Tuesday (unless you're on my Twitter account, where you got to see me live Tweet my frustrations...).

I look forward to getting back to work on my creative endeavors this week, though.

I learned some new tricks with my Bonkbubble art!

I came up with a new story idea I won't be working on for a while!

I even, as mentioned, got started back up on the stocking project!

But all that has only been in the last 48 hours, and I'm still catching up on my lost sleep (yes, I know that's not actually a thing, but my body's pretty good about letting me know how much rest it needs, so I'm going by its requests!)

I'll talk about more general life stuff tomorrow, so for today, let me just say:

Work proceeds as it can, and right now, the pace of the work is slower than usual.

If you're in a generally-warmer climate and facing the winter storms today, I'm very sorry that you're going through it, and it's 100% ok to be freaked out. Please try to put towels/blankets over your windows and under your doors to help insulate, bundle yourselves up, and don't drive if you can help it.

If you're up North and you're used to the inclement winter weather, please don't poke fun at your southerly neighbors - they don't have your experience, and I'd like to remind you that every year some yahoo or another who's lived in snowy conditions their whole life will inevitably fail to remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean "invincible in snow" and gets themselves and/or others hurt.

In short, be kind to each other, please!

And Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday 323: Giving Up

Uh, just to be clear, I'm just giving up on my internet today. Sorry for the clickbaity title.

I've been trying for the last hour to upload pics of what I've done this week, and it's just not going well - internet has been a real turd today.

So let me just tell you how today has gone, crochet-wise:

• Another repeat on the Downton Abbey shrug! I'm 1/4" closer to being done!
• I did a few repeats on my hair scarves, which means I'm closer to completion on those, too!
• I made another arm for my very colorful sasquatch/yeti doll I'm working on
• I did some work on a vest
• I did some work on some shorts, decided I hated the way they looked, the fiber I was using, and the pattern itself, so I ditched those. Translated patterns are always a crapshoot.

So I'm being productive, I just... don't have the best internet today :|

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday 314: DA Lady Again

In Which I continue the work

Still working on that Shrug, guys. It's taking a loooooooooong time.

But I like the lighting on this image, at least...

I still hope to finish it in the next two months, which is possible, if I just focus on actually doing it instead of getting distracted every five minutes.

I hope you guys are keeping up with your creative endeavors, where possible. I hope you're staying inside when you can. I hope you're well.

Go Enjoy Something!
FC