UCF Crochet Blanket

It wasn’t until very recently that I truly understood the saying “los hijos son prestados” – “your children don’t belong to you”. My eldest is leaving home for college on August 19^th and I cannot begin to describe the journey it has been for my husband and I to let go and to understand that it is ok, that it will be for his own good, that he will mature and become the man we have raised all these years. 

Back in March, and as part of this journey, I started a crochet blanket with the colors of UCF, University of Central Florida, gold and black. It took me more than 4 months to complete, but it is finally done. This is by far the largest project I have ever embarked and I am glad it was for him. As the blanket grew, I used it to cover me and keep me warm while crocheting, secretly hoping that every stitch carries all my love for him…. 

Materials and stats:

The pattern is from the talented and generous Lucy from Attic 24, you can find easy to follow instructions on her website under Neat Ripple pattern.

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html

 She even provides instructions on how to make the border. For the border I simply crochet 3 sides with single stitches. 
Initial chain: Starting with black yarn, 199 chains (14x14 + 3) (It should be in multiples of 14, plus an extra 3 added on for turning)

Total number of rows: 84 rows

Each color section is made of 9 rows of the same color with the exception of the last gold section with only 3 rows.
Gold Yarn: 3 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver (7 oz / 198 g) Gold
Black Yarn: 5 skeins of Red Heart Soft ( 5 oz / 141 g) Black

Border: single stitch around 3 sides of blanket (I did not crochet the bottom side of the blanket since it was already black)

 

Friendship Bracelet Update

This is the latest friendship bracelet in my collection. Do you like it?

The box is a recycled cigar box we got as a gift from Pao's Godfather. He saves us the most beautiful cigar boxes ever. I promise a post with our collection soon...

Crochet Pokemon Bulbasaur amigurumi - How to Instructions

Under construction!!! come back soon for the complete post

Alexandra, my next door neighbor challenged me with crocheting a Pokemon Bulbasaur by August 19, for his boyfriend Jan on their 3^rd year anniversary. August 19^th, the day my son, my only son, is leaving for College….and that is a whole another topic and post…

Thankfully, the never failing blogosphere  full of talented bloggers saved the day, once again, and provided us with 2 amazing patterns:

In no order of amazingness:

Pattern #1 Mummy & Annie (in Spanish) English translation provided below
http://www.mummyandannie.com/2015/05/bulbasaur-patron-amigurumi.html
Pattern #2 53Stitches
http://53stitches.tumblr.com/post/95316460702/bulbasaur-amigurumi-pattern

I have added a couple of notes and pictures that helped me build my friend Bulbasaur:
Head: used buttons for the eyes bought at Wal-Mart at their crafts section ($1.98 for 75 buttons)

Saw eyes and embroider mouth and green spots when you complete row 13, it is easier to work on those details before stuffing the head

Body: the pattern ends with 14 rows, however I added 1 additional row to make it more proportionate with the head.

Arms and Legs: I added 1 additional row to the legs

Plant on back: Also I kind of combined both patterns into one. For example the little green plant in his back is from pattern #2 found on 53stitches blog.

I liked the shape of the plant better, I thinks is looks closer to the original Bulbasour

I used pins to hold the pieces in place and make sure I was happy with the location of its legs and arms.
I noted where (which row) and saw his legs and arms, head, etc. just to add more details in case I decided to make a couple of “friends” for Bulbasour to play with.

I also embroidered his mouth, he definitely wanted to express himself, and added more spots to his face and body.

This little dude is full of personality, don’t you think?

I had so much fun creating this awesome creature I think I will try another Pokemon next, maybe Picachu???

What is your favorite Pokemon?

Florida Supercon July 1 - 4, 2016 Key Chains

Last weekend was Florida Supercon at the Miami Beach Convention Center and my son got me these cute key chains, aren't they adorable? Can't wait to find them a home! will keep you posted!

One more picture

Crochet Amigurumi Turtle

More pictures of Tortuga, for the pattern please see previous post.

Alex's Birthday Present - Crochet Amigurumi Turtle

Last summer I had the pleasure of spending time with a very special young lady. I have known  Alexandra for many yeas, she has been my next door neighbor for over 14 years, my kids' friend, my babysitter, and most importantly (for me at least) my friend. At only 21 she has many accomplishments in her life, she is a wonderful daughter, sister to 2 wonderful boys, a the best friend you can find. Did I mention she is working on her college degree, has a boyfriend, AND is the proud owner and creator of her Etsy shop AleArtGallery
Alexandra wanted to learn how to crochet so we started classes one afternoon and learned super fast! that same day she started working on a turtle patter (find full pattern on below link) but for some reason or other we never finished it. Yesterday was her birthday so I started working on it and it is done!!! please allow me to introduce you Tortuga!!!
the pattern is from the wonderful Yanina Schenkel and her Pica Pau blog