Napkins…take 2

I was a bit afraid after yesterdays first disastrous attempt at making a napkin that I wouldn’t be able to do this. But last night I showed Eddie how I measure and cut my fabric and he showed me the correct way to do it so it comes out straight and to size. (He is even letting me use his ruler from the garage.) He is pretty awesome because I know he was tired after work and didn’t really want to be cutting out fabric. Also, he didn’t laugh, which was nice. lol

First Eddie showed me how to use a ruler.

Then he cut the fabric for me, the right way.

This morning I got up and finished it before going out to lunch. It went a lot quicker than yesterday. After I got home I made another one all by myself. A scary thought…
Doing it the way Eddie showed me was so much easier.

I made a square! I can’t believe I cut a straight line.

I’m noticing an extra bit of fabric at the corners and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I left a comment for Rachel, but I’m guessing it’s something that a bit of practice will solve.

Still, I’m pretty proud of myself. Who knew using a ruler could be so hard. lol
Three finished napkins.

I can’t wait to make more! Thanksgiving is at my house this year.

frustration, the word of the day

Okay, the Home Ec class started today and I’ve already called Eddie twice to cry about how frustrated and stupid I feel. I love that the class is go at your own pace because it gives me time to master each skill before moving on. (and when I say ‘master’ I mean ‘Eddie doesn’t laugh when he sees it’.)
Now, onto the pics!

Getting started:

everything I thought I needed. I ran back upstairs a few times

Doris, all ready to go

I can’t cut a straight line. And having a cutting mat that is smaller than my material is not helping. I plan on buying a new bigger one tonight.

too small mat

I messed up and had to re-pin the seams a half-dozen times and then ripped out the stitches 2 times but eventually I got something that resembled the project picture.

a fuzzy picture of the first completed side

2 1/2 hours later the finished napkin

a napkin to match my plates

Tomorrow I will try the single fabric napkin again. I tried the two fabric one but the ric-rac was too hard for me to use. I think I might make double-sided ones without it first. I plan on working on one project a week, but we’ll see. Otherwise I’ll cry.

Two more down, one to go

I’ve just finshed two more bridal afghans. Only one left and then I can start on gifts for the Fall. And then I can start on Christmas.

for Katie

for Jenny

Look who decided to help fringe afghans…

Charlie actually closed the pattern book that was resting on the end of the chair with his nose and then climbed up to sit with me. He has his moments for sure.

where I finally get the chance to crochet something that isn’t an afghan

I got some time this afternoon while downloading Gilmore Girls for my iPod to finish the handles on my yellow market bag. (you can find the pattern here) I love this pattern because it is super quick and easy to make and I can modify it to meet my needs. I shortened the handles on the yellow bag from ch70 to ch55 because I plan on using it as my library bag but I’m still not sure if I like this length either. I love the length of the green bag for produce and other groceries though. I’ve used it twice and even got complimented by the woman at the checkout last week.

every pic should have a dehumidifier in it

...and a treadmill

the beginning is the end is the beginning

I’ve decided to use this blog as a place to keep a record of my projects. I have pictures saved on every computer and random hard drive in the house (with the intent of creating a scrapbook with them) but as that is never going to happen this seems like the next best thing. And now that I’m taking a short break from crocheting (and by short break I mean crocheting 3/4 days a week instead of 7) and learning new skills (knitting! sewing!) this seems like the perfect time to do this. And it might help me remember to take pictures of the finished project before giving it away.

Recent afghans:

for Katlyn

from Crochet Today magazine

for colleen

for colleen again

I modified this pattern (http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90545AD.html?noImages=&r=1)

for Steph

for Steph again

And because it is nice to see Eddie using his Christmas present…

Eddie and his Twins blanket