I learned to crochet!

I've been really busy shopping for gifts and wrapping, but I still couldn't resist starting a new project. I never learn :) I have never crocheted before, but I really wanted to make a blanket this year. So I watched some tutorials on YouTube on how to do the basic chains and then made a practice granny square. Although it's a little tricky at first, crocheting is definitely easier than knitting!
After I felt like I had the technique down, I began to look for a blanket pattern. I stumbled upon Purl Bee's Neverending Granny Square Blanket project- which was perfect because I just learned how to make a granny square! I worked on it until I had about a five inch by five inch square. But something about it felt off. The corner's seemed too tight and the colors were coming out a bit wonky. No doubt some of this was due to my beginner technique, but I felt like maybe the counting of the chains in the pattern may have been off too. Plus I am not very good at working with the laid back free-form color scheme that was featured in the project. I work best with a more anal, repetitive pattern lol.
So after searching a bit on YouTube, I found this awesome version of the never ending square. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17BJOIef2k&feature=endscreen&NR=1

This pattern features a spiral technique using only three colors. Perfect for me. The chains on the corners was a little more forgiving on this one too. I just started crocheting this, so it will be a while before I finish. I'm excited about it though, and I will be sure to share when I'm done!

Inspiration

Everytime I go to get floss for my project, I always end up picking the regular DMC cotton kind. I have never tried any other type. I always look at the new flosses that DMC comes out with, but I'm too scared to try them! I have a hard time with changing my routine lol. Anyway, I saw the color variation floss while at the fabric store the other day and I really want to try them. So today I went on DMC's website to see what colors they offer. They are all so pretty! And I found out that they have inspiration pages on their website with free downloads for projects too. I really want to try this one.
Falling Leaves Inspiration Project
Maybe one day I will get up the nerve to change my routine!

New Project Started

So I started a new project from my quilt design book. This time I just a simple repeating pinwheel pattern, which is actually harder than it looks because it's making me a bit crosseyed lol. Anyway, I chose a cute teal color so the things would be nice and bright. It is DMC floss color number 958.

Obviously I'm not done yet. I can't wait until the whole thing is filled with the pinwheels. I think it is gonna turn out really cute! Of course I will post the results when I'm done!

Traditional Quilt Designs

I went to a yard sale a few months ago and picked up a great book about traditional quilting designs done in needlepoint. It's called Needlepoint from America's Great Qult Designs, and I picked it up for only 50 cents! Since I bought the book, I have been stitching some of the old school designs in bright, fun colors. Here is my first attempt.

I really like how the simple pattern is made more interesting with the bright pink color. It's funny how just changing the color of the thread can make a classic design look new and modern.