Tom Turkey

Seems like this month has escaped from me somehow. I just finished reading a 1458 page book, so I guess that's why I have so little to show for myself this month. (When a long book like that ends in a way you disapprove of, there is definitely a period of anger to get through. I've given months of my life to these people, and for what??? No spoilers, I promise.)

This is Tom Turkey, a free pattern from Lion Brand. I made another one to give my mom when I was visiting her a couple of weeks ago.

Here's a closeup of his tail. None of the pattern photos show it in a helpful way (so you can arrange the colors properly), so I thought I would in case anyone is working on it and wants to see. . .

My other project is a secret for now, but I'll be able to post it after Thanksgiving. I need to work on making some online photo albums, holiday cards, and calendars over the next couple of weeks.

I have a tote bag in the sewing queue. I bought a couple of new Hot Patterns, but haven't gotten beyond studying them at night and falling asleep with them in my bed. Sad, but true. . .

Basketball season started, so that means I need to get out my tiny Christmas ornament knitting once again. I have a bunch of sock yarn leftovers to play with.

Haunted House

As you can see, it's looking a little haunted around here.

Ghosts and pumpkins all around.





These are some Free Crochet Patterns from Lion Brand Yarn's website. They were really fun to make, although mostly I used Caron Simply Soft to make them, since I have a huge stash of it in all colors. The pumpkin is made from Lion Brand Wool, because I used it a couple of years ago to make a felted pumpkin and had a little bit left over.

The candy corn is about the right size for a cat toy. I think I still have some catnap that is perishing in my shed, where I took it inside to protect it from frost and forgot about it. I might make a couple more and hide a little catnip inside. Fun projects, very quick and satisfying. Best of all, they're free patterns, and I already had the yarn and supplies on hand.

Amigurumi in the Garden

These were really fun to make. The Pattern was very well written. I planned to give them to a friend(who loves garden gnomes)'s dd for her birthday, but ds wants to keep them. I don't know what I'll do.

I used Caron Simply Soft yarn and an F crochet hook. There are some parts where my gauge seems really loose (the body of the dragonfly). You can see some large bits of polyfil coming through in places, particularly where I'm decreasing. I guess this goes with the territory, but maybe I need to try to search out some more tips, or a smaller hook.

I wanted to make the ladybug and the monarch butterfly, but I didn't have the right colors of yarn. I must say the little daisy looks delightful. I think she's my favorite.

I messed up the mushroom because my top and bottom pieces had differing numbers of stitches, so I fixed that by adding another increase round to the bottom. I think this made it more cup-shaped rather than flat. Next time I'll pay more attention.

I'm making a dent in my scraps, yay!