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Tag Archive | pattern testing
Day Seven: Your Time, Your Place
Day Seven (Sunday 17th May): Your Time, Your Place
Where and how do you take time out to knit and/or crochet? Maybe you don’t take time out at all and instead have your needles twirling as you try to juggle a multitude of other tasks with no ‘spare’ time to think of. Maybe you enjoy nothing more than to crochet whilst winding down from a yoga session, chatting with some friends in a nearby cafe.
Whether social or solitary, tell readers about your crafting time and space, and where you either most enjoy (or can simply find a few snatched moments) to turn yarn into something even more beautiful.
There are two main places you will find me with hooks and needles. Either on my couch in my living room (probably watching Golden Girls) or in Mom’s chair at my parents’ place. Or on the deck in either place. But it’s very rare that I leave home without some project in tow. I’ve stitched during my son’s swimming lessons and soccer games. During his Christmas concert. Waiting to pick him up at school. At the doctor’s office. At the dentist’s office. At Tim Hortons. At the movies. Camping. By the waterfalls. From scenic lookouts. In other words, there isn’t a place I won’t stitch. I think it’s more rare to see me without something in my hands that it is with!
This makes sense though because fibre is my career. Of course I’ll probably never make the same amount I would with a conventional job, but I’ve come to accept that. I would rather work 16 hours at something I enjoy than 8 hours at a higher wage at something that will stress me out, send me into anxiety/panic attacks and flare up depression. I’ve been there, done that. I won’t do it again.
So this concludes the 6th Annual Knit and Crochet Blog Week. I had a blast! I hope to see you next year! Thank you for dropping by.
Spike Stitch Baby Bonnet by Crochet by Jennifer
It was pattern testing time again earlier this week. I decided to use my “happy accident” yarn.
This is the Diagonal Spike Stitch Pixie Bonnet by Crochet by Jennifer.
The photo doesn’t do much justice for the texture of this stitch. It’s gorgeous! As with all her patterns, this one was also well-written, with detailed instructions. I would say that it’s for somebody a little more experienced than an absolute beginner, but don’t let that stop you! I was certainly pleased with the results.
Click here to purchase your copy of the Diagonal Spike Stitch Bonnet pattern.
Fire Truck Applique by The Perfect Knot
As with all true professionals in many walks of life, they strive to grow and improve upon things like technique, skills and communication. Reputable crochet pattern designers are no exception.
Michelle from The Perfect Knot decided that her fire truck needed an update. When a designer does this, I have even more respect for them that what I initially had. To me, this shows that they really care about their customers, they’re committed to their art and the feel a responsibility to continue to improve upon something they have already put out there. I think that really shows the human side of things (before I started pattern testing and getting to know designers, I thought they were a super-human species above us mere yarn-loving mortals, unapproachable and up on a pedestal. How wrong I was! I think there’s going to be a post somewhere about that at a later date… LOL)
So after Michelle did some tweaking and refining of the pattern, here are my results:
I think that turned out awesome! I’m very pleased with the results and that couldn’t happen without a great pattern!
You can purchase the fire truck applique pattern by clicking here. As mentioned on the listing, it is under revision (which how I came to do this test), but she will be sending out the revised version soon. If you already have a copy, be on the lookout for an update.
Angelina Pixie Bonnet (made with my handspun!)
I’ve been running around like a headless chicken lately, but I’ve been able to sneak in a few pattern tests. The test for Crochet by Jennifer’s Angelina Pixie Bonnet came up while I was pet sitting. Of course I didn’t have my yarn stash with me and I was in another town where I was unsure of where to find the yarn store(s) (I didn’t look because let’s face it… I have more than enough yarn to last three lifetimes!) So woe is me… I had to bust into my handspun. Don’t worry. I survived.
So here is the hat that I made. As with all of Crochet by Jennifer’s patterns, this one was easy to follow and well-written. It may be a bit of a challenge for the absolute beginner, but a challenge is always good.
I wanted to include a photo of the yarn I used. This one is one of my favourites to work with. I think it’s just so amazing to see the transformation from fluff to finished item!
I’ve been doing my best to use up the yarn in my stash before I dive into my handspun. It’s getting harder and harder though. I think it’s mostly the colours that’s making it difficult. I’m seriously considering having a yarn de-stash…
Pattern Review: Shell’s Travel Case (and some other rambling)
First of all, I want to apologize for my absence. I’m trying to get my orders completed before I start my spinning course in August and make sure that the Kinmount Artisans Marketplace is stocked up. I’m also still dealing with a lot of emotions regarding Mom’s passing. I’ve found myself dealing with it by working on things with bright, vibrant colours. It’s hard be down when you’re surrounded with that!
Onto the review…
I had the honour of testing Shell’s Travel Hook Case. When I looked at it, I thought “Mama needs a new hook case!” So of course I had to do it in purple! AND… I had been saving a very special button for a special project. When I was a little girl, I LOVED going through Granny Girl’s button jar. There was this one button in particular I have admired for as long as I could remember. It had grapes on it. Of course I loved it because it was purple! So I figured that it was time. I used it for this project.
This pattern is clear and well-written. It’s flexible too in that you can adjust the size of the compartments to fit a standard hook or the ergo hooks with the bigger handles. I was able to fit my whole set with polymer clay handles, along with two others that I frequently use. There was also room for my scissors, tape measure and WPI gauge. But do you know what I REALLY love about this pattern?
THE TEXTURE!
Yes, this pattern makes my inner texture junkie sing.
I LOVE my new case. I would certainly recommend this pattern to a friend! You can purchase the pattern for Shell’s Travel Hook case here.
On The Hook Last Week
Last week I was house/dog sitting, so while I was able to update a little bit, I didn’t share many photos because, well… I didn’t have internet access with my computer and frankly, I’m spoiled. There. Said it.
Anyway, these are a couple of items that were on the hook:
I know I’m a week late with this one, but this little guy is a freebie courtesy of The Perfect Knot. The pattern was well written and he works up quickly.
This is a new pattern, the Diagonal Weave Cowl, that I’m testing for Crochet by Jennifer. If you’re interested in purchasing this pattern, you can follow the link to her Ravelry store. It’s not released yet. I will provide a link when it is to a photo of my finished test. I’m in LOVE with this texture. My initial plan was to sell this cowl, but I’m not sure if that’s going to happen now. As for the pattern itself, once again, Jennifer has done an amazing job. She thoroughly explains the steps and there are photos illustrations as well.
I also have her Diagonal Weave Leg Warmers on the hook as well. I’ll post photos when I’m finished those too.
I have some wool that I need to get on my wheel too. I have dyed some wool, but haven’t had opportunity to post photos or get it on the wheel. That will be happening shortly. I also have an order for a TARDIS scarf. That’s going to be a lot of fun. Never a dull moment around here!
I’ve been quite busy these days between tests and requests. I haven’t officially opened my order book up, but I will accept orders with the understanding that I’m unable to give a concrete completion time. I’ve been doing my best to keep my crojo flowing, but it’s been hard some days with missing Mom so much. I just keep chugging along. My customers have been very supportive and very understanding. I’m grateful for that.
So stay tuned… Fun colours, project and gorgeous textures are coming off my hook, needles and wheel daily.
Bubbles’ Wrap
I tested this beautiful wrap and just finished it up today. You purchase your copy here.
Diagonal Weave Baby Bonnet
I just finished up a pattern test today. I LOVE the texture of this little hat! Jen’s on a roll with this stitch. As always, her patterns are clear and concise with photo illustrations as needed.
This pattern is available from Crochet by Jennifer at this link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diagonal-weave-baby-bonnet
I’m testing another hat with with this texture as well. I’m planning on having it done sometime tomorrow. Tonight is Minion time… I have a little guy going out on Tuesday. I also have a pattern test that I’m finishing up for a gorgeous wrap. I’ll post photos of it when I’m done too.
What I’ve been up to…
This is the Willow Beanie. You can find the pattern from Crochet by Jennifer here
And some more Minions on their way to their new home…
I have a Minion on the hook tonight 🙂
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