Autumn Afternoon

AKA "The Manly-man Blanky." The camera makes the black look glossy, but it's really not, under normal lighting conditions. The blanket is pretty thick and heavy, and done in sc's. I changed the pattern just a little bit, because I wanted it to be larger than 35 8" squares. I increased the pattern on the bottom and right side to add 13 additional squares, enlarging the pattern by 8" on each side.

This was a very quick blanket to make. Each square took only 20-30 minutes because Homespun is so thick. This one is based on Lion Brand Yarn's "Autumn Afternoon Afghan" free pattern. My local craft stores didn't have the right colors, so I used Homespun #373 Black as the main color, and Homespun #338 Nouveau as the contrasting color.

My writing

Since this is my own personal blog and all, I do have the right to brag and self-promote! Right??

Right! I won a contest in January hosted by Amber Quill Press, and as the prize, they have published my historical erotica fiction story, "Spoils of War." Please feel free to check out my story's site, for information and a short excerpt from the story, as well as purchasing information! (It's only 3 bucks, what a deal!)

Here are some reviews for the story:
From "Coffee Time Romance" (5/5 Cups!)
From "Romance Junkies" (4/5 Blue Ribbon Rating)
From "In the Library Reviews" (9 gargoyles of 10)

Collage Close Up & Hat

I was lucky enough to find a hat pattern that would match the Rainbow Collage blanket. I love the little tassle on top! Next to try matching booties...

Rainbow Collage

Another completed project! This is "Rainbow Collage" also from "Over the Rainbow Baby Afghans" from Leisure Arts Leaflet #3229. I used Lion Brand "Baby Soft" yarn in color 217 Candy.

Rainbow Blocks

I've finally finished "Rainbow Blocks." It's from Leisure Arts Leaflet #3229, "Over the Rainbow Baby Afghans." I simply adore the design! I used Caron Soft again, in colors Off-white, Lt. Country Peach, Soft Green, Soft Blue, Soft Pink, and Orchid.

Blocks Problem

Perhaps I'm being a bit overly concerned, but I know how "grabby" babies can get, and how amazingly strong they can be. I'm worried that the little tyke for whom this blanky is intended might somehow grab a loop, pull it, and somehow get tangled in the loop. If a loop is pulled, it also makes it frustrating to smooth the blanket out. I haven't figured out yet how to secure the strips without ruining the cuteness of the blanky. Here's a picture of what I mean:

"63 Easy-To Crochet Pattern Stiches"

"Combine to make an heirloom afghan," from Leisure Arts Leaflet #555. I used Caron Soft Lt. Country Blue, Med. Country Blue, and Dark Country Blue. This was my first full-sized crocheted afhgan. Ok, ok, my first crochet project at all. Still, it turned out pretty nice. The nice ladies at the 63 Square crochet-along on crochetville.org helped out immensely!