Spring is Here!

Well, Spring is finally here. The flowers and trees are starting to get some color and it's nice to see the leaves growing back making everything look alive again. With Spring comes allergies, and they are definitely in full force. While I love Springtime, I don't love the sneezing, watery eyes, and all the things that come with allergies. However, I'm in good health so I'm not going to complain about the little inconveniences.

Update on the last post: I finally decided which Spring doily to make for my sister. I chose the Rose Garden Doily by Katherine White. It was published in a book by Annie's Attic; I believe this book may be out of print, and I'm not sure that you can buy the individual pattern. This had some interesting techniques such as the "padded ring". This wasn't one of my favorite techniques because you wrap the already tiny thread around a larger crochet hook to make a ring, then you have to hold that ring together while you attempt to single crochet into it. By the time I did 13 roses and 12 padded ring cords (the thing in between the roses) I was finally getting the hang of it, and it wasn't so bad. This was a fairly fun pattern to work (after getting over the one technique), and had some really nice features to it. Each round was straightforward and easy to memorize for the repeats. I gave this one to my sister, and she loves it. I'll have to get some pictures of how she uses it when she puts it out.

This week, has been Spring Break for me. I have enjoyed every moment of it. Getting to sleep in, getting some home projects done, and best of all...getting to crochet! This week, I decided to do some amigurumi. The first piece I made was a Razorback by Ryli Middendorff. I made him out of Yarn Bee Velvety Smooth Chunky Thread. The red had silver sparkles in it so he really shines. He was made for a friend, but after finishing him, I will have to make another one to add to my collection. He is just too cute! The design is free here on Ravelry.

The next amigurumi project I decided to make was the Cuddly Buddy Owl. For the owl, I used Yarn Bee Cozy Occasion in Nice to See Blue; Ivory, and humus. This owl is so cute and squishy. I didn't love working with the chunky yarn, my tension is a little tight for it especially after working with crochet thread; however, I LOVE how this little guy turned out. The design is by Featherby and Friends. I follow this designer on Ravelry and have worked several of the mix and match lovies including: fox, rabbit, owl, bear, elephant... I love the way this designer approaches her amigurumi. One feature I love is that she attaches the pieces such as the arms and tail as she is making the body. Many designers will attach after the item is stuffed using a tapestry needle and a long tail of yarn. Both techniques are effective, I just find it easier to attach as you go. If I attach after the fact, it looks pretty messy.

For the last 3 days of my Spring Break, I'm going to try to get the rest of my home projects done, and catch up on my BAMCAL squares. Every year, I join the BAMCAL (Block A Month Crochet A Long) on Ravelry. Every year I get behind and never get quite caught up. Life happens and you just have to roll with it. That's what I love about the group. You get to see a ton of great block designs as well as other members color placements and ideas for their afghans. I got behind on the last block in February and haven't done a single March block. So, if I can get even 2 done, I will be super happy.

Stay healthy! Happy Hooking!