Tollway Tatters to the rescue!

We had our monthly Tollway Tatters meeting via Zoom this morning, and it was just what I needed. Despite my efforts to be very careful, I tatted one too many spokes on this round of Renulek's Snow Doily.  I didn't want to cut the treads, so I was very slowly untatting 13 rings and the adjoining chains. Let me tell you, that was a very frustrating and painstaking task. 

When I was trying to decide what to work on during our meeting, I decided that untatting while chatting might be just what I needed. I was right! It took me almost three hours to finish taking out the rings and chains, and then tatting them correctly. In fact right before signing off, I realized that I had twisted the final chain. I said my goodbyes, took a few minutes break, and then fixed that final mistake.

Mistakes seem to be my thing lately. Yesterday, I finished the back pane of my Harvest Cardigan... or so I thought. When I started crocheting the first front panel, I realized I had crocheted more than half of the back panel using the wrong stitch. That's what I get for setting a project aside for a couple of weeks. My plan is to finish the first front panel, and then I will rip out the part that I crocheted incorrectly. There's not a big difference in the look, but there is a big difference in the drape of the fabric.

I'm thinking that's it time to focus on one project at a time!

Keepin' busy

Last week was busy with routine doctor visits, car maintenance, shopping, and crafting. With all of the activity, I simply forgot to blog. Yesterday, I decided to take some pictures of what I've been doing.

I purchased some inexpensive plastic wast baskets to sort project that I'm cranking out on my Addi circular knitting machine. One is for gnome bodies, one for gnome hats, and one for twisted headbands/ear warmers. Yes, I am trying to organize my crafts!

Inspired by daughter Joanne, I went Christmas shopping at Cracker Barrel after my car maintenance appointment. We're not decorating for Christmas yet, but there's no reason why I can't get a little shopping in!

I worked on Renulek's Snow Doily while watching the Bears game yesterday. I've been neglecting it for the past few weeks. It felt good to make progress on it yesterday!

Mom and I went yarn shopping on Saturday. We found these baskets on clearance at JoAnn, and Mom was inspired by some beautiful yarns. She'll be busy cranking out more throws in no time!

A former student was visiting at school last week, and I admired the sweater she had made. She sent me the link to the Harvest Cardigan pattern. I purchased it right away, ordered the yarn, and started it on Friday. It's crocheted in panels. This should keep me busy for a while!

I'm making good progress on this Ruddock scarf for my 7th grade girls. I have one more to knit once this one is finished.

I finished the Double Crochet panel for my Mix & Match afghan. Yes, I have started another panel!

While straightening up my craft corner, I found a gnome I hadn't finished. I added the bell to his hat, gave him a beard, and he is now in my basket of gnomes waiting for a new home.

I'm having a little bit of fun!

Finishing projects

 

This was a great week for finishing projects. I started this beanie months ago. It sat in a basket by my chair pretty much neglected. The color is unsparing, and it just wasn't a joy to use. Still, I was determined to finish it, and now that it's done I think it looks pretty good.

I finished the second scarf for my 7th grade girls. Yes, I have started the third one.

I had enough of the uninspiring grey yarn left for another beanie. I decided to crochet this one. I still don't like the yarn, but I've used it up! I'm sure someone will like this color, but it sure looks blah to me.

Renulek's Snow Doily is coming along nicely. I just love the way this round is worked!

Weekend work

Mom and I were busy this weekend. Mom has been making blankets on her circular knitting machine, and I have been dabbling.

Mean Green Goes Pink is at the end of October. I finished this granny throw over the weekend as my donation to the fund raiser.

Mom finished this throw, which is super soft and cuddly.

I have a lot of yarn in my stash that doesn't work well with the circular knitting machine, so I'm using this book as inspiration for using up some of my yarn.

The idea presented in the book is to crochet strips that will lie horizontally instead of vertically. The strips can be any width I choose. I'm making them 40" long. My first strip is single crochet with 21 stitches. The second strip is single crochet in back look only with 30 stitches. I plan on making strips in a variety of colors and then I will mix and match them.

Renulek's Snow Doily is coming along well. Round 4 looks complicated, but it's really very simple. I am thoroughly enjoying this pattern!

Snow doily

 

I started Renulek's Snow Doily yesterday. I can't believe I have three rounds done already. This is so much easier than keeping track of where I am in a heart pattern!