CAL #3: Traingles and Stripes Baby Blanket

Hi Guys! Happy February! So I've been wanting to make a bigger project. To be 100% honest, I like to make blankets in the winter. And only in the winter. I've managed 4 baby blankets since New Year's. I'm on a roll. But probably because it's been so cold here. I HATE having to sit down and crochet a blanket, in the middle of summer. But winter...I can make a blanket in a day or two.

And after chatting with a few people on Facebook, a blanket seemed like the most obvious way to go. I've been looking at a ton of patterns. I know a lot of beginner crochet peeps are following us. So I didn't want to tackle a king sized anything. Have you ever tackled that size? Me...not quite that big. It's a little heavy...in many terms...to tackle that size of a project.

So we're tackling a baby blanket. I figured it would be the best way to go. On top of that, Baby Season is almost here. So we better start getting ahead of the crowd. 

To be honest, I was searching for something completely different. And I came upon this picture. Followed a few links. And found the pattern. I thought it would be perfect for our foundation. So I'm being a little, I don't know the word for it...selfish? Because I need to start making items for our next fundraiser. 

As far as the CAL, I'm thinking this should be a fast one. The pattern is really easy. And I think many of us, will be pushing to work ahead. I thought of making this one of those CALs, that takes the entire month. But I think we can get this one done, in 3 weeks. 

Working 1-3 color section, every week. Basically 18 rows a week. By the end, we will be anxious to get that trim done. And call it a day. What do you say? Are you in? Is it too fast? Let me know your thoughts. 

Oh, and I'm completely stumped by my color choice. Initially, I was drawn to this pattern, because of the picture. I like the simple pattern. And feel like this pattern needs a solid color. No variegated yarn for me. At least for this project.

I really like this entire project. The color scheme used. The pattern. The design of the diamonds. But I have 4 large balls of Lion's Brand Baby Soft. 2 in Creamsicle. And 2 in Bluebell. I'm thinking one of those colors would be a nice option. I can't really tell you how much yarn you will need. The designer doesn't state. But I'd say less than 4 skeins total.

I'm making my blanket a little larger. Starting with a chain 102. Instead of a 90. I find when selling, this is a good size. And while I'm thinking about it, I have a large amount of a cobalt blue yarn. Ugh! The decisions...

But in a nutshell, 3 weeks. We'll have a baby blanket! If you're like me, you might work ahead of schedule. Because I HATE having undone projects laying around.

Don't forget to print the pattern, get some yarn, and work rows 1- 18. That's the first 3 color sections. 💕

CAL #1: Sweet November Shawl

Happy Friday! And happy CAL#1 of 2018!!! I'm so excited to start the year, with our CALs. 

I got a bunch of emails and PMs, via Facebook. Regarding the speed of our CAL. So I'm going to make a few adjustments. And we'll work this shawl, in 2 weeks. Instead of 3. 

First up, our supplies. I've made this a million times. To be honest, this week I've made 3. One to get pictures of. The other 2, because I'm starting to stock pile our stash. :) 

You will need a size J crochet hook. For the life of me, I could not find mine. So I did what any other crafter would do. I dug in my stash, for 3 hours. Gave up. And pulled out a K. To be honest, I liked it more. I also found that I needed about 8 oz of yarn, to complete this project. 

I used this Mainstays yarn. And I also used some Big Twist. Both required just over a skein of yarn. Where exactly did I run out? Putting fringe on the last third of the shawl. Two quick things. I used a slightly larger hook. And instead of putting 2 strands of yarn, for the fringe...I put 3. Oh, I also added another row. I have this weird thing about the way this pattern ends. So I work 45 rows..instead of the 44 that it calls for. 

If you follow the pattern, and have a similar gauge, to the pattern...I'd say one 7oz skein will be more than enough. I'm always cautious...and buy 2 skeins. You just never know!

As far as the pattern, this week we are working rows 1-25. And before anyone gets too nervous about the pattern...let me say something. It's basically a double crochet, chain 1, all the way across. You work in the chain 1 spaces. And at either end, you make an increase. Simple. The wording of the pattern can be a little tricky. But it really is easy! 

This was my Sweet November Shawl. Rows 1-25 done. I sat and worked on this, during A Hallmark movie. If I'm not mistaken, it took me about 30-45 minutes. I'm not sure. I had the entire SNS worked, with fringe, by the end of the movie. It really does work up fast!

Lastly, don't forget about our Facebook CAL Group. If you have questions, and are on FB, go there. It will be faster for me to answer. And I encourage everyone to post pictures of their work. Happy Friday!!! 💕

Sweet November Shawl

Happy 2018! I hope everyone had a fun and safe night. My Mom and I went out for dinner and ice cream. Then spent the night watching movies and crocheting. Y'all everyone but me, was asleep by 9PM. I managed to finish a couple of more hats!

But we're not here to discuss that. Not today. We're here to talk about CAL #1! The Sweet November Shawl. As I hinted to yesterday, I've made this a bunch of times! Like a ton. I've never once sold them. Just made them for my friends and family. But I thought it would be a fun project to begin 2018 with.

I don't know about you. But here it has been unseasonably warm. Like 15 degrees warmer than normal. That might be, why I never got into the holiday spirit this year. But I haven't wanted to tackle a ton of wintery projects. This is something, that you can use 3 seasons a year. And it works up so fast!

Here's a couple of things. I always use Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn. I buy 2 skeins. I never use more than 7 oz. It just depends on how large you want to make this. I also like to lean on the side of having more yarn...and not running around trying to find the same color to finish up a project. If you are using a varigated yarn, remember there is always less yarn in these skeins. But I always buy 2 skeins. Because Hobby Lobby is on the other side of town. And I'm generally finishing a project last minute...in the middle of the night.

Once I made this, using Red Heart Super Saver. It doesn't really change a whole lot. I think I used slightly more than 1 skein. And the shawl/scarf laid a little differently. It was a bit more bulky and stiff. Something maybe you'd wear in Winter. But not Spring.

I can make one, in a sitting. Put on a good movie or two, and let me work. It ALWAYS takes more time to cut and attach the fringe...than making the shawl. ALWAYS!!! But I want to take it easy on everyone. I think we are all still recovering from the holidays. So we'll take 3 weeks to make this project.

Friday we'll begin. With rows 1-20. We'll work this section from January 5th-11th. Until then, print the pattern and get your yarn. I think I'm going to try something new. I bought some Big Twist at JoAnns. During the crazy yarn sale this week. I'm going to make it in a dusty pink. See you Friday!!! 💕

New For 2018

Hi guys! I hope everyone had a good Christmas. And has a safe New Year's. Me? I've been buried in crochet orders. My Mom and I have managed a little Christmas fun, with our friends. And some quality time with my grandma.

But I've been thinking about so much for this year! beginning with our CALs. One of my favorite things. And about getting a bit more organized. Also, having a place for people to reach out, and chat a bit. So I'm starting some Facebook groups.

For those of you that participate in our local Learn to Crochet classes...we've got a group. I know it can be difficult, when we only meet once a month. So I thought this would help a bit. I think it will help me as well. I get a lot of the same questions. And I just feel like, this will be an easier way, to communicate with everyone.

For our customers and fans, I've also started a group for you. A place where I can let you know where we will be selling. Maybe show some of the items we are working on. Be more interactive with our customers.

Lastly, I started a group for our CALs. This group, should be the most fun. A place to interact while we make things. And speaking of CALs, I've already picked the first 7 for the year! Of course, I'm using free patterns. With one exception. For the first time ever, you'll have to purchase one pattern. I think it is for $5.

Here's a quick look of our Two Crafty Hearts 2018 CALs...

This is one of my favorite, go-to gifts. I think all of my girlfriends, my Momma, and a few church ladies have all been gifted this Sweet November Shawl. It works up so fast. And darn, I can't find any of my pictures. But it is a beauty!

This sweater...I fell in love with it! The moment I saw it. This is the one CAL, that you will need to purchase the pattern for. But I think it is well worth it!

I'm always wanting to make blankets. I find it a little difficult to stay motivated. You know, past a baby blanket. So I think this shall be fun. And a ripple. I do love the look of a ripple. Although, I think I've only ever made 3 in my life!

I came across this Hopscotch baby blanket on Facebook. I saved the picture to my phone...but not the link. And it took me a while to find this. Once I knew what the pattern was called, it was no problem!

I just like the look of this blanket. A little vintage. A nod to the Call the Midwife blanket, that was so popular a year ago. Something that I can imagine my great-grandma creating.

I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with monkeys. I don't know what it is. When I saw this, I wanted to make it immediately! It really is cute. :) But the pattern is only for the applique. For our CAL, I want to include a Granny Square blanket as well.

I've also been quite obsessed with amigurumi food lately. I think it is always a good thing, to throw in a quick CAL. You know, after making a blanket. Or something large.

Lastly, I picked a dog. Why? It's the Year of the Dog! And let me tell you, it took me a looong while to pick a pattern. All the ones I wanted to make, required you to buy a pattern. But I was really set on making a dog.

As always, I'm open to your suggestions. What would you like to see? As far as CALs go, I try to stay with free patterns. I try to have a variety of projects and skill level. But if there is a pattern that you are interested in...please let me know!

Come back tomorrow, and I'll let you know what CAL #1 is. I'll be posting the pattern link and materials needed. On Fridays, I'll be posting our goal for the week. I think it will be better than Sundays. See you tomorrow! 💕