Crochet: ZigZag Blanket

Well my lovely crochet friends, I know it is very satisfying when you finish a big project, like an afghan or sweater. Sadly, I am not there yet with my zigzag blanket! But I thought I’d update all of you on my progress!

It all started last winter before I left for Vietnam. My friend Stephen and I were hanging out and I happened to look up some different crochet patterns on YouTube (I’m not the best at reading patterns, so video tutorials are my favorite at the moment). We found that the classic crochet zigzag blanket really isn’t too difficult to make, so we gave it a shot! While studying abroad, I found out that my dear friend had started his zigzag blanket journey by using this video tutorial.

It is a beautiful blanket thus far, and I was so jealous! I kept saying I was going to steal the blanket once he finished. I figured that that wouldn’t be a good idea (all that work just for me to steal it, LOL!) so I decided to start my journey and make my own. I couldn’t really follow the previous tutorial from the beginning, so I found a different video tutorial that works just as well.

At first I was thinking of making the pattern to look like a sunset. But then I realized it looked a lot like my mom’s Vera Bradley “buttercup” patterned purse. Alas, I pulled the old thing out, and it was pretty much dead on! For a couple of days I couldn’t believe it, and as I worked on my blanket, the only thing I saw was Vera. Well, I hadn’t seen the blanket in a few days because of finals and the end of semester craziness, and once I started working again, I grew to love it even more—forgetting (almost!) about the Vera lookalike. I shall keep you updated on my progress, so far it is HUGE, and I am so excited!

Birthday Scarves: Current & Past projects 2012

So recently I have been feeling like such an old lady. I have decided to crochet scarves for all of my friend’s upcoming birthdays. (So beware, if you befriend me, then expect a scarf for your birthday!) I feel like it has become easy enough for me to crochet a scarf in a decent amount of time. I also think that something handmade and personal makes a much better gift than store-bought and not so personal. So here’s the rundown on what I’m working on or have finished:

Krista (turning 22 on March 5): A yellow/green/brown/cream colored granny square scarf that has a scalloped edging around it. The primary color of the scarf is yellow. It’s nice and bright, but also kind of yogi/hippie-ish in its coloring. I feel this is appropriate for Krista because she was definitely born in the wrong decade! She is a 60s/70s girl at heart and would give anything to go to a Janis Joplin or The Doors concert.

Laura (turning 21 on March 10): She is also getting a similar style granny square scarf with scalloped edging, as is Krista. Laura’s is a bit dressier in its coloring and style, less fun and free-formed (if you could say that about a scarf!). The primary color of this scarf is navy blue, with coral and cream accents within each square (varying patterns of the colors). I thought these would be good colors for Laura because she just got an internship with the county’s prosecutor’s office, so she will be in a somewhat business-like environment. She also has a dress coat which is navy, so it will match perfectly!

Jess (turning 22 on April 11): Jess is my penpal from England, and I know she likes anything cute, handmade, and thoughtful. For her, I am making this lacey-type scarf that is a dark coral color. It is a single color, but the design in the scarf is pretty, fun, and elegant. I think she will really love this scarf because it isn’t your typical granny square, and it isn’t your typical crochet either.

Stephen (turning 20 on June 28): For Stephen I am making a zigzag scarf. I haven’t decided whether I want to use muted colors, that would be fabulous for fall, or if I want to go crazy and use his favorite colors which are turquoise/aqua and orange; along with accent colors like cream, brown or black. I know that either way he will love it because it will be as unique as he is. I’m looking forward to this scarf a lot because Stephen is my crochet friend, and we can talk about patterns, current projects, our want for bamboo crochet hooks, and everything else that “normal” 20-somethings wouldn’t necessarily be discussing while chatting over coffee. I’m also excited because I have never attempted to make a zigzag pattern, but he assures me it isn’t too hard since he is making a blanket using a similar pattern.

Photos to come once each project is completed! Happy Crocheting & Happy Birthdays!

Speaking to the SCCC Business Club

Today I had the honor of speaking to the Business Club at Sussex County Community College. And it was so much fun! I loved going back to my old school and seeing professors and students that I haven't seen since last year around this time.

Some things I discussed with the group included: basics of Etsy, The Crocheted Cupcake and my goals, transferring to a 4-year institution, and my study abroad experience to Vietnam & Cambodia. I really had a great time telling everyone about these topics. I hope they enjoyed it also!

The people present really gave me a lot of ideas on how I could market myself and business more, items I could sell and ways I could sell them, along with other ideas about possible locations for a bakery after I graduate college. All in all, I would say it was a super successful visit and I loved every minute of it! Thank you Professor Donner, Miguel, and the rest of the SCCC Business Club & students who attended!