Here is a picture of my recycled silk scarf.  I used black  # 3 cotton yarn to add some strength to the scarf.

The hank of recycled silk had 80 yards, however, I believe there was more than that.  Especially since I am working on a headband to match the scarf.

I am working on the 2nd ball of cotton.  Each ball of cotton containing 125 yards.

Haute Sari Silk

Ever see a skein or hank of yarn that was so beautiful you just had to have it?  Of course you have. 

I was in Hobby Lobby shopping for some red worsted weight yarn to make 100 ( yes I said 100) small Christmas stockings for a Nursing Home Veterans Christmas Party that is sponsored by my American Legion Post and Auxiliary.

There were 2 long checkout lines when I walked in so I decide to browse the yarn department for a while. I picked up my red yarn and started looking around.  In a small area I saw some Yarn Bee (Hobby Lobby brand) Haute Sari Silk.   I have never crocheted with 100% silk before.  The colors of Blues, Greens, Yellows, and Pinks were glorious.  There was only one skein/hank.  I had to have it.  The price for this wonderful yarn was $7.99.  Not bad I thought.

Then I remembered that there are coupons on Hobby Lobby’s web site. The coupon was for 40% off one regular price item.   I pulled up the coupon on my phone and realized that the other items I was purchasing were also not on sale.   I knew they would take 40% off of the $1.99 small wreath frame I had purchased.

I checked out and when the discount was taken it was off of the most expensive item the Sari Silk!!!  I ended up paying $4 with tax for this wonderful silk. 

NOW what do I do with it???  I did some research as I only have 80 yards.  I need another yarn to mix with it to give it strength.  Perhaps a black sport weight for a skinny scarf?

That will have to wait as I have 95 more stockings that have to be made before December 11^th. 

I attended the Knit and Crochet Show, Friday October 4th in Concord, NC.  It is sponsored by by TKGA and COGA.  I had a good time. There are a lot of talented knitters and crocheters out there. There was an area dedicated to designs that people made.

There was a fashion show.  Several workshops as well.  The only sad thing was one item that was displayed during a workshop about Sashay yarn did have a pattern however, it was not free.  We were given the impression that we could get the free pattern.  I even bought 2 skeins of Sashay to make it.

I enjoyed the Red Heart / Crochetville booth.  They had samples of the new Red Heart fabric Sashay yarn.  We even got to crochet a flower with it.  It was nice to have some hands on time with a yarn I have never seen.

I stopped in the Lion Brand Yarn booth.  I saw some of the new Fettuccini yarn.  I believe that it used to be called Zpaghettti.  It is a super bulky t-shirt yarn.  I saw two skeins of red and gray.  I decided to buy it because I may not get the chance again.  I decided I would make an envelope purse out of 1 skein. We will see what I make with the rest of it.

Convertible Cape Crochet Pattern by Double Stitch Twins for Red Heart Yarns

I saw this pattern on the Red Heart Yarn web site.  I thought it looked cute and was going to make a similar one. 

I wanted to make it in purple and red which are the colors of the Red Hats. I was making this as a Christmas present to a friend. 

I ordered the same yarn that was used in the pattern just in different colors.

I can honestly say that I am not thrilled with the results.  Why is it that projects always look better in the pictures than when you make it?   I just cannot get the same results as in the picture on the website.

So as not to infringe on copy writes here is a link to the red heart web site. http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/convertible-cape

Here is a picture of mine.

  

  It is close, however, I am still not pleased with the results.

In the meantime, I have to get busy on making 30 butterfly magnets.  Here is a picture of them. 

I am using Red Heart Stars and Stripes yarn.  I made a similar one in I Love This Yarn Old Glory.  I like the starrs and stripes better as the colors seem more vivid. 

I receive the newsletter from The Crochet Crowd.   From March 15 to April 15 they are having a crochet a long (CAL) for Red Heart Yarns Spring Fling Pillow.   I decided to join along and do the pillow in an Americana theme. I had a really good time making this pillow. 

I decided that I would donate the pillow to the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Tent # 23.   This fall Tent # 23 is hosting the Department (State of Ohio) fall conference.   I thought this could be used as one of the door prizes. 

I  sent in a photo of my project.  I saw some pics in the gallery and there are a lot of talented crocheters out there!!! 

PGH Knit & Crochet Festival

I got back yesterday from the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival.  The event was held in Sheridan Hotel in Mars, PA March 15-17.  There were classes for both knitters and crocheters.  There was a market area as well.

I was attending the market on Saturday and had a crochet class on Sunday morning, so I was spending the night at another local hotel.  Sorry but $120.00 a night for a hotel room is a little too much for one person.

I arrived on Saturday at about noon.  There was not a parking place to be had.  There was a shuttle bus but nothing indicating where it was going.  I later found out that it shuttled back and forth from         Wal-mart.    That’s nice, if you know where the local Wal-mart is located.

After driving around for awhile, I finally parked in the church next door’s parking lot.  I went inside.  I was excited when I saw a poster advertising that Author, Knitter, and Crocheter, Debbie Mcomber was going to be attending the festival. For a split second I thought, gee, I would have brought a book for her to sign. However I then noticed that nowhere did the poster state what time and where she would be.  I thought what was the point of letting people know Debbie Mcomber was going to be there if you don’t know where and when?

I proceeded to registration where of course there was a line.  I did not ask about Debbie Mcomber as the line behind me was getting longer.  I received my credentials and headed to the market.   There were so many people I was actually surprised that someone was not watching how many people were allowed in.  I visited a few booths.  In one booth the owner recycled knitting needles and crochet hooks into jewelry.  I bought 2 shawl pins and a crochet hook necklace.  I was there a grand total of 45 minutes, before it just got to crowded and I left.  If this was how the weekend was going to go I was going to be very disappointed.  If you would have asked me if I would be back I would have said NO.

I returned Sunday morning for a scheduled class by Robyn Chachula.  It was called Unusual Stitches.  I can now do extended and linked stitches.  I was shown how to make broom stick lace and the Solomon’s knot.  Neither of which I could do before.   I also learned how to read a chart!  This class actually made my weekend.

During our break I decided to run into the market.  Robyn had copies of her book Simply Crochet at her booth and I wanted a copy.   The market place was practically empty!  I walked around a bit and bought a few more things. Sorry to say that they had run out of copies of her book.

If it had not been for Sunday I would not have wanted to return.  Next year I will check classes and may return on Friday or Sunday.   

OK, so I have stated before that I do not like the ruffle yarns.  However, the yarn companies keep coming out with different styles, I just have to try them!

I purchased some of the Sundance Frill brand found at herrschners.com.  I purchased the frill in Americana.  I have made two scarfs and have 2 skeins left.  I am debating between a pillow or a purse.

The first scarf is super easy.  Using the yarn just as it comes off the skein, make a slip knot around your first two fingers and thumb.  Make a chain stitch and continue to chain until the end of the yarn. The scarf came out a lot longer than what I expected.

I also made another scarf with a P (11mm) crochet hook.  I crocheted 10 plain chains then did 5 chains as a ribbon yarn.  I think I like this one better.

 I tried doing an all ribbon scarf but just can not seem to get it to look the way I would like it to look.

I have ordered the new color way of tie dyes in the Sundance Frill and will update soon with those colors.

Next weekend is the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.  This is the first year I am going to be able to attend and I am so excited!  I am even taking a crochet class on Sunday morning!  So I may have another long hiatus before I blog again so I can crochet!!!