Thursday, January 8, 2015

Year in Review- 2014's Finished Crochet Pieces


   This past year brought many changes for me and my family. I didn't get nearly as much crochet accomplished as I had planned.  I still have a notebook full of patterns that I just haven't had the time to type up and get tested. I am hoping to get to a few of these soon, and to get back into the swing of things.
   I also have not posted here very much this past year and I hope to change that too. I don't seem to have much luck with New Year's resolutions, but I do hope to get more accomplished with my crochet business in this coming year.
   Despite the busyness of 2014, I did manage to create a few things.  Here is the majority of my finished crocheted pieces (the ones I photographed) from the year.

The Amber Infinity Scarf/Cowl was my second pattern release of the year.  The first was my Lucia Legwarmers (posted about earlier, but couldn't find my photos)
I finished this pattern test for Simply D'Best, and I absolutely love it!  I actually lined it too, which I usually don't bother to do with my crocheted bags.  I admit, I'm not a huge fan of sewing, but the lining looks wonderful and the bag is fabulous!

 This cute little tiered/ruffle skirt that my daughter is wearing, I had intended to write up as a pattern, but it may not make the cut.  She loves it, and it is a one of a kind.

 This year my daughter began ballet, and she is so excited about it.  I just had to make her some leg warmers to go with her leotards and tutus. This is a pattern that will definitely be available this year.  I am in the typing stage right now.
These sweet little crocodile stitch booties from Bonita Patterns were for a custom order in the beginning of the year, and they led to a few others as well. This pair was created with Chroma yarn from Knit Picks(sorry, the color has been discontinued). I made a red pair for my daughter with leather soles, which I hand sewed on myself (next time I will punch holes in the leather first). I also had another custom order for an adult pair.  I love this pattern in all the sizes, and I will definitely be making more of these in the future.

One of my absolute FAVORITE pieces created this year was my daughter's birthday present, this Rainbow Dash hooded sweater!
I am so proud of how this turned out. I took a very basic sweater pattern, made some modifications to it, and added a hood.  I then created pockets and made the cutie mark with felt, which I then heat bonded to the pocket.  I also added the ears and mane to the hood.
My daughter was so happy, which made the two weeks of constant crocheting completely worth it. She wears is a lot, and we get tons of compliments on it when we go out.


 This was a modified version of a Mon Petit Violon pattern.  It is intended to be a dress, but I made it a shirt.  I used Patons Bamboo Silk and Knit Picks Comfy Pima Cotton.
 Finally decided to make one of the many patterns I purchased.  I have so many in my library, and I am definitely trying to make more of them.  This was the Chunky Cables Slouchy. I think it came out pretty cute.
 This was a HUGE achievement of the year! A friend's husband asked me to make him a scarf like that of the 4th Doctor from Doctor Who.  He was going to Comic Con and wanted to dress up.  This scarf took FOREVER!!!! I quite began to hate it. I like fairly quick projects usually; instant gratification.  I like results, and this damn scarf was never ending.  I believe it was about 20ft with the fringe attached.
   Well, it was all worth it. The scarf was a big hit, and even captured the attention of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) himself!  He posed for a picture with the scarf I made, wrapped around his neck!
   I am still giddy about this.  Totally worth the monotony of creating this monstrosity.

This infinity scarf was a pattern test for Grammy's Creations, and it's a really cool design.  I am really into scarves and cowls these days; they are my favorite accessory.  So I kept this one for myself. It's nice to treat yourself every now and then. 
 I made this cool convertible cowl and it is now listed in my Etsy shop.  I have another like this one in different shades, just waiting to be photographed and listed.
 Doctor Who makes another appearance. A friend requested a special Dalek hat for her son for Christmas.  Such a fun new challenge.  I must say, I never thought to make one of these, but I love how it turned out!  I see more of these in my future and in different colors too.
 This was my daughter's Easter cardigan this year.  I used some vintage buttons that belonged to my grandmother, which made it extra special.
 I have been wanting to make crocheted snowflakes for years now.  I always find working with thread a bit intimidating, but this was quite simple.  I found the pattern through Pinterest (sorry, I'm not sure where) and I used the white glue and water stiffening method.  Next time I plan to try cornstarch.
 Another new item added to my Etsy shop this year, was these wristwarmer/fingerless gloves. I combined two of my patterns to create a new one.  Debating whether or not to type this one up.

 This lovely granny slouchy made its way to my Etsy shop as well.  I love the shades of purple and grey so much in this hat, that it inspired me to create an afghan for my bed.

So, not a bad year for crochet really.  And there were definitely a few more that just didn't get photographed.
I already have 3 afghans (yes 3!!) in progress for this year.  I vow to finish all of them, as well as the afghan I started five years ago for my daughter (while I was pregnant). I guess this will be the year of the afghan.
What are your crafty hopes for the new year? Anyone else plan on starting Christmas presents super early?