We got a snow day here in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's amazing how 5" of snow can make everyone so happy and child-like. We spent the morning watching kids sled down a hill just past the woods in our back yard and the afternoon watching a whole pack of squirrels forage for sunflowers seeds on our back porch. Ben took some shots of the squirrels and this one's my favorite.
Okay folks, I've had a zillion requests on Ravelry so here it is. I'm giving you the tools and the design is up to you!
Yarn: I used worsted weight acrylic in the brightest colors I could find. Red Heart Super Saver works well and is quite color fast. I used Turquoise for the sky, Carrot for bricks and goomba, and Spring Green for the hill. The rest are pretty self-explanatory.
Crochet Hook: Around a size I works well.
Other supplies: You will also need a tapestry needle.
Basic construction:
The entire afghan is single crochet with details cross-stitched over top afterwards. To begin start at the bottom edge (Carrot yarn) and I believe I chained about 200 stitches. Basically, just go until it feels wide enough for you. Turn and single crochet into the second chain from end and in each chain across. I literally made the rest up as I went along. The only part that is actually crocheted is the orange at the bottom, the green hill, the bricks (orange & yellow) and the sky. Everything else I added later. I apologize to all of you OCD folk that want detailed directions but frankly, I don't have any and I don't have the afghan anymore so I'm doing my best:) Before you actually start, sketch out where you would like the various elements on a piece of graph paper. That's what I did. It's crude but this is what I started with:
Here is a link to all the little graphs I did for the various characters.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomcatdesigns/sets/72157612493583253/
I didn't use them all in the afghan so feel free to use any you want. As far as the crosstitch part, use the character graphs and each square translates to an 'X' of crosstitch over one chain stitch. Whew! I know that's vauge but I hope this at least gives you a starting point!
I've also got a series of process shots here for reference:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomcatdesigns/sets/72157607204480386/
Good luck and I'd love to see your pictures!!
A lot of times what makes art truly wonderful is the way in which an artist can see something completely different from what's in front of them and express it in an interesting and creative way. I found this picture on the web, thanks to my hubby, and it's simple in it's expression but in my opinion is the epitomy of creative genious. Oh, and it made me laugh A LOT!
Pie Area
I think I've made it past the worst of a cold I've fought all week but now I've given it to my dear sweet husband. It looks like he may not do as badly with it as I at least I hope so. I was, however, able to get some knitting done this weekend and need to sort out who is getting what. I've also posted a few more things for sale on etsy! Yay Holidays!!!
I've been knitting like a fiend lately! Here's a pile of things I've made recently. Been doing a lot of little cowl/neckwarmers.
I've found a cool knitting project for some of the folks in my life to receive for Christmas. I won't give too much away but it does involve super bulky yarn which is awesomely warm and works up super fast. Yay!!
Hi all! I got some new pictures taken of my most recent creations and added a bunch of things to my etsy site. Check it out at: thomcatdesigns.etsy.com!
