Snowman Jar Cozy Finished

I'm still plugging away on all of my projects-in-progress and I did manage to finish one up.  This is the Snowman Jar Cozy and is a free pattern on www.redheart.com.  Very quick and easy project and a lot of fun too.  I didn't end up using any felt for the face features and used all buttons instead. 
I thought that would be more durable from year to year.  I found the glass vase at Walmart for about $1, so it's also an inexpensive project. 

And on a whole different topic, I had to make some changes to the comment section.  I have been getting dozens of spam comments every day, which means dozens of spam emails in my inbox too.  I also discovered that if anyone had left a comment and chose to have follow-up comments emailed to them, they ended up getting copies of all those spam comments too.  I changed the comment section to require a google or open id account.  So far that seems to have solved the problem and I haven't received a single spam since.  Keeping my fingers crossed on that!  Spammers need to get a real life!  :)
 

So Many Projects.....So Little Progress

My blogging has been a bit sparse lately, mostly because not much has been going on, and I don't have any finished projects to show.  I've been busy though.  I am working on a new pattern, and I'm getting geared up for a new ring ornament series for Christmas.  I also have several personal projects in the works.  Since I rarely make anything for myself, I was suprised when I realized that all of my projects in process are for me!  It was a happy suprise though, and I am looking forward to getting all of these finished up so I can enjoy them.  My progress seems to be going slowly, but I think that's because I am trying to work on so many at the same time.  :)

First up is the The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief by Orange Flower, and is a free pattern on Ravelry.  You can't really tell by the picture (below), but it's almost finished.  I think I have just a few more rows to go.  I'm loving the yarn, it is Tosh DK by Madelinetosh and is SO nice to work with.  Hopefully I will get this finished up this week sometime.  Getting around to blocking it is a whole other story.  :)

 


Next is a fun little project I found on www.redheart,com, called a  Snowman Jar Cozy.  It's a quick, easy project to make.  You just work ribbing in the round for about 5 inches, then use felt and buttons to make a snowman's face.  It slides over a round glass vase and can be used as a candy dish.  I picked up a vase the other day, and once I get this finished, I will fill it up with peppermints.  :)

This next project is a kit I bought at Mary Maxim for an afghan called"Marcelle Afghan".  I don't usually buy kits, but this one is only available as a kit. I have had my eye on it for quite some time, and when Mary Maxim had a free shipping offer I took advantage of it and ordered it.
I'm making it using the yarn provided, which I'm not crazy about, but I am enjoying the pattern.  It's not a mindless project though, you really have to stay focused. I can't wait to see it finished, but this one will probably take a while to get done.

This project is called the Alpine Frost Scarf by Amy O'Neill Houck and is available for purchase on Ravelry.  I was looking through all the projects made from the pattern and I fell in love with this gorgeous project.  She made the scarf using Lace Lux yarn, which I found at Jimmy Beans Wool.  This yarn is to die for, it is so soft!  I just started this, so I haven't gotten very far, and the full effect of this scarf isn't seen until it's finished and blocked.  But it is a very easy, mindless project, perfect for working on while watching TV. 

The last project is a sewing project.  I was in my local fabric store, and they had gotten in some really nice dishtowels, and had decorated them by stitching fabric along the bottom and adding some rick rack for decoration.  So I picked up supplies to make two towels.  Once I take the time to haul out the sewing machine, this project should only take a few hours.  I bought fall fabric though, so I guess I better get going on it.  :)

So that's my list of projects and I hope to have some finished pictures to share soon!  :)
 

Winter Penguin Potholder - New Pattern In Shop

Winter will be here soon (darn it!), and this cute little penguin is all ready for the snow to fall! 

Pattern is worked in single crochet by following a color chart. The beak, earmuffs and scarf's fringe are crocheted separately and stitched on. The eyes are small black buttons.

Potholder is made using worsted weight cotton yarn, and has front and back pieces stitched together for double thickness.

Finished size is 8 3/4" wide x 8" high (not including ring at top)
Pattern is available in my etsy shop