February Update

Even though I haven't updated in over a month, I *have* been crocheting. In addition to writing up more Calvin & Hobbes snowmen (Snowman House of Horror) that I'll post when I finish the set, I've also finished (or almost finished) a couple of other projects.

Viking Helm

I made a Viking helmet that I intended as a gift, but decided that I deserved the first one.  I'm currently in the process of making three more - one as the gift I stole, and two others for friends who want one.

Space Invaders Potholders

Another friend saw a picture of my very rough Space Invaders potholders, and asked for a set.  I've recently discovered Tunisian crochet and decided that this it was perfect for this.  I made two panels for each potholder then sc'd around each panel with black to give me a clean base for the green edging. I joined the left with slip stich and the the right with single crochet. I'll use slip stitches in the future.

Pac Man Ghosts Coasters

Tunisian crochet is perfect for translating 8-bit designs. These are a single panel that I plan on attaching to a cork backing after I block them.  Again, I single crocheted around the edge in black before adding the blue edging.  I tied and cut the ends (there were so many!) instead of weaving in my tails, and I hope that the knots don't present a problem once I glue/sew the cork on. 

They worked up quickly, and I made four sets while I was at it.

A couple of projects I finished up over the weekend.

Fuzzy Purple Hat

We'll start with the hat, as modeled my wife.  I forget what look she was going for, but there you have it. All she needs is some cats-eye glasses to complete the retro look.

I bought a couple of skeins of Yarn Bee Haute Fur on clearance at Hobby Lobby, thinking to make a monster or two when with a skein of aubergine Red Heart With Love that migrated from my wife's stash to mine.

I was told that I'm not allowed to buy any more yarn until I clear my stash a bit, and the Haute Fur was low-hanging fruit.  Rather than create monsters, I whipped out a hat. Then another.

The hat is heavy, and a bit warm for Nashville's typical winter, but it is fun to wear.  I'm not sure who will wind up with them, but if I have no takers, I can always add straps and a face. 

Voila!  A handbag!

• Yarn: 
• Red Heart With Love - Aubergine (  .2 skein ~ 77 yards )
• Yarn Bee Haute Fur - Grapette ( 1 skein ~ 93 yards, with a wee bit left over )
• Hook: I/5.5mm
• Time: 5 hrs
• Construction:  There is no pattern - it's just a beanie/toque worked in the round, top down, with double crochet. I crocheted with both yarns from the beginning, and increased one row beyond my intended size (on accident), then slowly reduced the rows until I had my desired length. The result is a bit bulbous, but with some finagling, it can be worn several different ways.

Percy the Penguin with Junior

The other project is from a pattern I found on Ravelry and purchased through Etsy.  Percy is larger than I expected, but he'll sit nicely on the shelf above our television.  Junior is absolutely adorable, and I've already had a few requests for both. (That'll teach me to post pics on Facebook!)

• Yarn: Red Heart Solids - Black ( .5 skein ), Red, Green, White, and Heather
• Hook: G / 4.0mm
• Time: 20hrs
• Extras: Fiberfill ( 3.6 oz), Safety Eyes ( pattern calls for 6 mm, but since I made him larger than the design, I used 9mm ), yarn needle
• Construction: Since it's a purchased pattern, I can't give many details other than it's worked in the round. Well written pattern, though. You can get your own here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WollMafia