A FO and another on the way

Ta Da! A FO for me! (That's a Finished Object for the uninitiated.)

Sorry about the dark photos. Although we have windows throughout the house, there isn't really any space that's good for shooting crafty photos.

This is the best shot of the front I could get. I don't think you can see the stitching as well here. The shirt has a V-neck collar.

This is Jane Snedden Peever's "Surf and Turf" pattern from "Crocheted Sweaters: Simple Stitches, Great Designs."

I made a tan crocheted hoodie like this last year for my sister-in-law. Mine is burgundy and a size larger. I debated whether to leave off the hoodie, but decided it gives it more character than just a plain ol' vest. I also added two inches to the bottom for a longer fit and I really like that.

The color is off, but here's the hoodie without me wearing it. I took some close up shots to try and show the stitching but they didn't turn out all that great. I really need to figure out a good place to shoot photos!

I did not, however, make the tie/belt that is included in the pattern. I didn't think it was needed and it would just be something I'd have to try and keep up with each time I clean the shirt.

On the hook now is the Hot Cross Slouch Slouch Beret by Jennifer L. Appleby, which was published in Interweave Crochet's Winter 2007 issue.

This yarn may prove to be too stiff for this pattern. I've got six more rows so we'll soon see how it works out!

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Here's some books from Jane Snedden Peever. I don't know much about these books, but I enjoyed making the Surf and Turf pattern (I did make it twice after all!) and these books might be really cool to check out.


I've also included "Interweave Crochet" and "Interweave Knits," both really good magazines filled with all kinds of patterns and inspiration.

       

How-to: French Napkin Fold

When I packaged the Christmas napkins I made for family members this year, I used a French Napkin Fold I saw in my parents' "Food Network Magazine" issue. You can see the magazine's instructions here and my version follows below.

Here's a nice way to package up napkins for gift giving.

Start with the napkin right side up.

Fold the napkin up, with right sides touching.

Then fold a quarter of it down (right sides are showing).

Carefully flip the napkin over so the wrong side is showing and fold the napkin into thirds.

Now you have a little pocket where you can slide in silverware. You can stop here or go to the next step, which makes the napkins easier to store or package.

Fold the top half of the French Fold Napkin over and you have a perfect square for storing or wrapping as a gift.

Christmas napkins

As you're reading this, we're probably already on our way to Indiana to enjoy Christmas with the hubby's family. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the company of loved ones!

Ta Da! The final crafty Christmas presents of 2010 (minus some last minute baking) -- napkins! These are four sets of 9 napkins made out of fabric Chris selected earlier in the year (scroll to the bottom of that post to read about it).

(From top left, clockwise) American flag and bird fabric for Chris' parents, vine-y fabric (which I think looks sort of Christmas-y) for Chris' aunt and uncle and butterflies for my parents. All this was bought at Mountain Plains Fabrics in Fancy Gap, Va.

I cut out 14-inch squares and rolled hemmed the edges with my serger. This is a quick and easy project if you're still looking for something to make as a last minute gift.

To make more fancy napkins, cut out squares that are at least 15 inches and create mitered corners (here's one way to do it, as seen on BurdaStyle). You can also make larger napkins, if you like.

Fold and tie them with extra yarn or ribbon and they're ready for gift giving!