Swap name: Granny’s Daughters Swap R5 Craftster member who is organizing this swap: craftADDchick Sign-up date range: December 6, 2009 to December 30, 2009 (sign-ups will close at midnight) Date to send item by: January 19, 2010 Limited to a certain number of people? (optional):
Restricted to people who all live in the same country? NO If so, which country?
Additional Age requirement? None
Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions: - Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: YES - Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: YES - Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: Only this one! - Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: YES - Is at least 18 years old: YES
Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions: - Has been a member for at least one month: YES - Has posted at least 15 times: YES - Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: YES - Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: YES - Does not have any negative feedback: YES - Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 16 years old: YES - If yes, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: YES - If no, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: YES
Details of swap:
This is Round 5 of the Granny’s Daughters Swap! If you don't know how to make a granny’s daughter, it's pretty easy! A granny’s daughter is the first round of a traditional granny square.....that's it! The pattern can be found HERE. A child's afghan requires 240 motifs and an adult size afghan requires 720 motifs. As stated in the pattern, each motif should measure 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". So it's important to check your gauge so that all motifs will be the correct size.
You will send 40 motifs in assorted colors to 2 partners (for a total of 80). This is a great project to use up those little bits & pieces of scrap yarn you have laying around. Note: If you would like only 1 partner or would like a 3rd partner (first-time swappers are limited to a maximum of 2 partners), make sure to indicate this in your questionnaire. If you would like a 3rd partner, it may depend on the number of folks who sign up.
All motifs MUST be made in 4-ply worsted weight yarn, or if you're in the UK the yarn equivalent will be 10-ply aran. Please be sure to check your gauge to make sure your motifs are the correct size. We wouldn't want to receive some motifs that are 1 1/2" and some that are 2 1/4". Your motifs should measure 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". Size is important!!! REMEMBER: It only takes a few minutes to make one granny’s daughter. If you get started when you sign up, you’ll have the bulk of the work done by the time partners are assigned
Weaving in the tails: The directions call for a 6" tail to be left at the end. Depending on their joining method, some folks might prefer to have that outside end woven in. There is a question on the questionnaire for you to express a preference. All starting tails must be woven in!
Positive feedback on this swap will be left once your partners have all received, and once you have posted pics of what you have received. You must remember to PM the organizer when you SEND and RECEIVE (a post in the thread is not sufficient)! Poor communication and failure to post pics of what you received will be noted in your feedback if you do not. Thanks!
If you want to participate, information to send to organizer:
QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER: Name of swap: Granny’s Daughters Swap R5 Craftster username: Email address: Your real name: Mailing address including the country (formated as it should appear on the package): Would you be willing to ship to an address outside your own country? YES/NO Confirm that are at least 16 years old: YES/NO Confirm that you understand that a DC# is required on your package (outside of the US, retain a copy of your shipping receipt as proof of mailing): YES/NO Do you have any allergies (cats, dogs, smoke, etc.)? YES/NO If YES, please indicate allergies: Do you have any allergens in your home (cats, dogs, smoke, etc.)? YES/NO If YES, please indicate allergens: Number of partners (1, 2 or 3): Do you agree to post pictures of what you have received (or make arrangements with your partner to post pics for you)? YES/NO Do you want your outside tails woven in (all starting tails must be woven in)? Yes/No/Doesn't matter Confirm that you understand that: A) All starting tails must be woven in: YES/NO B) If your partner does not want their outside tails woven in, you must leave a tail of at least 6": YES/NO Anything special you’d like your partners to know?
IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.
Also remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find out how to ship your item and other details about participating in a swap.
Swap name: Granny’s Daughters Swap R4 Craftster member who is organizing this swap: craftADDchick Sign-up date range: September 18, 2009 to October 3, 2009 (sign-ups will close at midnight) Date to send item by: November 2, 2009 Limited to a certain number of people? (optional):
Restricted to people who all live in the same country? YES/NO If so, which country?
Additional Age requirement? None
Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions: - Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: YES - Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: YES - Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: Only this one! - Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: YES - Is at least 18 years old: YES
Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions: - Has been a member for at least one month: YES - Has posted at least 15 times: YES - Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: YES - Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: YES - Does not have any negative feedback: YES - Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 16 years old: YES - If yes, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: YES - If no, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: YES
Details of swap:
This is Round 3 of the Granny’s Daughters Swap! If you don't know how to make a granny’s daughter, it's pretty easy! A granny’s daughter is the first round of a traditional granny square.....that's it! The pattern can be found HERE. A child's afghan requires 240 motifs and an adult size afghan requires 720 motifs. As stated in the pattern, each motif should measure 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". So it's important to check your gauge so that all motifs will be the correct size.
You will send 40 motifs in assorted colors to 2 partners (for a total of 80). This is a great project to use up those little bits & pieces of scrap yarn you have laying around. Note: If you would like only 1 partner or would like a 3rd partner (first-time swappers are limited to a maximum of 2 partners), make sure to indicate this in your questionnaire. If you would like a 3rd partner, it may depend on the number of folks who sign up.
All motifs MUST be made in 4-ply worsted weight yarn, or if you're in the UK the yarn equivalent will be 10-ply aran. Please be sure to check your gauge to make sure your motifs are the correct size. We wouldn't want to receive some motifs that are 1 1/2" and some that are 2 1/4". Your motifs should measure 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". Size is important!!! REMEMBER: It only takes a few minutes to make one granny’s daughter. If you get started when you sign up, you’ll have the bulk of the work done by the time partners are assigned
Weaving in the tails: The directions call for a 6" tail to be left at the end. Depending on their joining method, some folks might prefer to have that outside end woven in. There is a question on the questionnaire for you to express a preference. All starting tails must be woven in!
Positive feedback on this swap will be left once your partners have all received, and once you have posted pics of what you have received. You must remember to PM the organizer when you SEND and RECEIVE! Poor communication and failure to post pics of what you received will be noted in your feedback if you do not. Thanks!
If you want to participate, information to send to organizer:
QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER: Name of swap: Granny’s Daughters Swap R4 Craftster username: Email address: Your real name: Mailing address including the country (as it should appear on the package): Would you be willing to ship to an address outside your own country? Confirm that are at least 16 years old: YES/NO Confirm that you understand that a DC# is required on your package (outside of the US, retain a copy of your shipping receipt as proof of mailing): YES/NO Do you have any allergies (cats, dogs, smoke, etc.)? YES/NO If YES, please indicate allergies: Do you have any allergens in your home? YES/NO If YES, please indicate allergens: Number of partners (1, 2 or 3): Do you agree to post pictures of what you have received (or make arrangements with your partner to post pics for you)? YES/NO Do you want your outside tails woven in (all starting tails must be woven in)? Yes/No/Doesn't matter Confirm that you understand that: A) All starting tails must be woven in: YES/NO B) If your partner does not want their outside tails woven in, you must leave a tail of at least 6": YES/NO Anything special you’d like your partners to know?
IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.
Also remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find out how to ship your item and other details about participating in a swap.
I had the opportunity to test out EssHaych's Amigurumi Jellyfish pattern. I finished up a while ago, but with all of the rain, combined with a busy schedule, I haven't been able to take pictures! I was at a friend's the other day, and the sunshine and setting were perfect. So, finally... here she is!
Getting some sunshine... (But not too much! Don't want to dry out!)
Lounging by the pool...
And posing with the hydrangeas...
This pattern was so much fun to make! Quick, easy and cute, too
For the Scavenger Hunt Crochet Motif Swap (gallery), one of the themes was a heritage motif. One of my partners is part Sicilian, so I found out the colors of the Sicilian flag, and learned that the triskelion (or triskele) is the symbol of Sicily (the one on the flag is made with the head of Medusa, three legs, and wheat stalks, I think). I couldn't find a pattern for a crocheted triskele, so I made my own. I was inspired by the interlocking rings in the Waldo's Puzzle block.
And another one with rings of 3 colors:
And... in case you'd like to make one, here's the pattern. The pattern hasn't been tested by anyone but me, so any feedback would be appreciated. It ripples quite a bit in the beginning, but flattens out as more rounds are added.
Crochet Triskele
Materials:
-I used a size 7/4.5 mm hook for the rings and a size G/ 6/4.25 mm hook for the rest. I didn’t intend to, but I grabbed the wrong hook by mistake. They are pretty close in size, so it probably doesn’t matter either way.
At least 2 colors of worsted weight acrylic
Stitch markers
3 small safety pins (optional)
Special Stitch: SC Spike Stitch (sp st): Instead of inserting the hook in the top of the stitch in the previous row, you will skip that row, and insert the hook into the top of the stitch directly below. Yarn over and pull up the yarn to the height of the working row, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook.
Directions: Make 3 interlocking rings using color A:
Ring #1: Start with a magic ring (or chain 10, sl st to join) and sc 15 into the ring. Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Ring #2: I started my magic ring by looping it through the first ring. If you start with a chain 10, loop it around the first ring before you sl st to join. Sc 15 into the ring and sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Ring #3: Lay the first 2 rings out flat, side by side, front sides facing up. You will loop the 3rd ring (red) around the first 2 (blue and black) like this:
I started my magic ring by looping it through the first 2 rings as in the diagram. If you start with a chain 10, loop it around the first 2 rings before you sl st to join. Sc 15 into the ring and sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
If you used magic rings, tighten each ring evenly so that the rings are the same size, are not bunched, and sit fairly flat.
Weave in all ends before continuing.
Arrange the rings in a triangular shape, keeping all of the front sides facing up. It may help to pin them together with safety pins to keep them from flipping as you work.
Round 1: Change to color B and join with sl st one sc to the right of “center” of top ring. Use a stitch marker to mark the sc 5 stitches before the point at which you joined the yarn. Chain 5 (counts as hdc and ch 3),** skip next sc, hdc in next 4 sc. Ch 1, sk next sc. Dc in next sc of ring and ring behind it, ch 1. Working in next ring, Sk next sc, # hdc in next 4 sc, ch 3. ** Repeat from ** to ** once. Skip next sc, hdc in next 4 sc. Ch 1, sk next sc. Dc in marked sc of first ring and the sc in the ring behind it, ch 1. Working in first ring, Sk next sc. Hdc in next 3 sc, sl st to 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
Round 2 Sl st to ch 3 sp. (Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch 3 space. **Dc across in each hdc, sp and dc. (11 dc)# In corner sp, dc 2, ch 3, dc 2.** Repeat from ** to ** once. Repeat from ** to # once. Sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch 3. Fasten off.
Round 3 Join color A to any ch 3 corner sp, (ch 1, sc 1, ch 3, 2 sc) in corner sp. **Sc in next 4 dc. Sc spike stitch into hdc of Round 1. Sc in next 2 dc, sc spike stitch into dc of Round 1. Sc in next 2 dc, sc spike stitch into hdc of Round 1. Sc in next 4 dc. # (sc 2, ch 3, sc 2) in corner sp.** Repeat from ** to ** once. Repeat from ** to # once. Sl st to starting chain. Fasten off.
Round 4 Join Color B to any ch 3 corner sp. (Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in corner sp. **Dc in next 19 st. # (2dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in corner sp.** Repeat from ** to ** once. Repeat from ** to # once. Sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch 3. Fasten off.
Weave in ends. Note:I found it easier to weave in the ends at the end of each color.
A couple of weeks ago, I took a workshop on glass fusing at a local shop. We were able to make make 3 projects- a night light, a 4" X 4" tile and a pendant. So I made:
A carrot night light for the kitchen (It was fully framed in green, but one little piece of green glass must have fallen off):
A flower pendant:
And, my favorite, a robot!
We didn't have any control over the actual fusing process, but it was a lot of fun to put everything together! I may have to go back and make another robot tile...
I decided that I wanted to make shirts for the kids who come in every morning and take care of my classroom animals and track the weather. I also wanted to make shirts for the kids who did the recycling, but I ran out of time. And, I volunteered to make the team shirts that my trivia team wanted for the nights we play in the charity tournaments. It was almost 50 shirts (knocked down to 25 when I eliminated the recycling shirts), and I figured that the Yudu would be so much easier than cutting out freezer paper stencils
This is the very first shirt I printed (white ink on a green shirt):
Then, I started messing up the next few shirts. So, I scrapped the screen and started again. I did a bit of reading, and realized that I needed to flood the screen after each shirt, so the rest of the Critter Care Crew shirts came out okay.
So, with renewed confidence, I moved onto shirt design #2 (white ink on a light blue shirt):
I was ready to tackle the team shirts, which had a large design on the back, and a smaller design on the front. Most were orange on yellow, but a few were orange on white. This is my shirt after I wore it and it landed in the laundry pile. So, it's a bit wrinkled...
The back:
The front:
I was really impressed with how nicely it printed the letters. The only detail it didn't quite get was the very small spiral that dotted the letter "i" on the back of the shirt.
I designed the images using Microsoft Publisher and copied them onto transparencies at Staples. The spiral image was in a shade of dark grey, but it still blocked the light well enough when burning the screen.
I did a few things to make things go a little more smoothly for me, since I was working alone:
- I cut the emulsion sheet to the size I needed. I found that I had a much easier time working with a smaller section. - I bought a bunch of cheap plexiglass sheets (11" X 14") and sprayed them with adhesive spray. They were just tacky enough to hold the shirts in place, and they were small enough to fit inside the youth-sized shirts (size L and XL... I didn't try anything smaller, yet). I made a stack of shirts with the plexi inside, so I could just plop the next one in place without any fuss. - I flooded the screen, and then used a small, plastic putty knife to scrape the ink off and used it to print the shirt. Then, I raised the screen, used the putty knife to scrape the ink off again to flood the screen before I swapped out the shirt. By scraping and re-using the ink on the squeegee, I was able to use a lot less ink.
Ironing the shirts to heat-set them just about did me in. I did the 16 shirts for the morning helpers, but gave my trivia teammates their shirts with instructions on how to heat-set their shirts.
I'm definitely happy with my results, and I'm glad I got myself a Yudu. Now that I've gone through the process, I'll be able to plan things better for my next round of printed items
So, in the first round of the Amazing Crochet Motif Swap (here's the gallery), MareMare suggested that we do it as a scavenger hunt, with categories that the motifs need to fit into. She suggested a few categories:
Quote
Oh, and I totally hope this becomes a frequent swap, I just had an idea that it would be really cool to maybe combine it with the scavenger hunt type swap?? Where there are a couple categories to fulfill?
Like~ 1. 1 motif is a flower 2. 1 motif has at least 3 colors 3. 1 motif uses ____ stitch (front post double crochet ,puff, double triple crochet, bouliion) 4. 1 motif is lacy 5. 1 motif is tiny (less than 3 inches) 6. 1 motif is worked _________ (diagonally, in the round, in rows) 7. sender's choice
Something like that? It's fun to randomly pick them all out, just thinking it might be fun to have a bit of a challenge too, especially if we did this every couple months? I had a blast and it totally fits into my schedule to have this kind of on the go project!
Anyone else interested? Do you have suggestions for any other themes?
I have several Nalgene bottles, and I love them. With all of the recent hubbub about chemicals leaching out of the bottle, I figured I'd play it safe, and switch to a bottle made from another material. But, I didn't want to just throw out the bottles. I decided to convert a couple of them into small "yarntainers" to carry around some small projects.
They were very easy and quick to make (under 2 minutes each!), and I've included the tutorial, should you need it
How-To:
Materials: Nalgene Bottle Drill Drill bit (I used a 3/8 ") Exacto knife Safety goggles Short length of yarn Vise (optional)
Directions: 1. Put on your safety goggles in case of flying plastic bits. 2. Securely clamp the bottle in the vise (which I didn't do) or hold it securely with one hand (which I did do). If it isn't held in place, the bottle will spin around once the hole is drilled and if you aren't careful, it could fly off and hit something. 3. Screw the top onto the bottle tightly (this makes it safer for you because you can hold the bottle further from the drill, and it conveniently catches most of the little plastic bits). 4. Holding the drill as straight as possible, drill into the center of the lid (there is already a conveniently placed hole to help you get started). 5. Unscrew the lid and use the Exacto knife to trim away the excess plastic. 6. Run the short length of yarn through the opening to check for rough edges, trimming with the Exacto, if necessary.
And that's it!
It's nice to know that I can carry my crochet projects with me when I go hiking
The only drawback so far is that the opening to the bottle is on the small size, and it can be tough to squeeze the yarn through. A longer, skinnier skein works better than a shorter, rounder skein. I can easily fit in a partly used skein of Caron Simply Soft.
Now, I still have a few more bottles to use, but I don't need that many yarn containers. So, I'll be trying to come up with other ways to repurpose a Nalgene bottle... let me know if you have any ideas!
Show Topics
