Crochet Eagle Tapestry: From Start to Finish

Remember when I said I would have lots of pictures of Christmas gifts I made? Well.....I.....uh......got caught up in the Christmas season and didn't even think about pictures? (That's actually most of it). I pretty much wrapped everything right after I made it and enjoyed the absence of my computer/email. I didn't make anything too extraordinary, though...mostly washcloths and scrubbies and I have about 20 scrubbies at home I can take pictures of at a later date.

What I do want to present, though, is my huge tapestry project, and I actually took pictures from start to finish to document my process. I stumbled across the pattern in an old crochet book I picked up at an antique store. It was on sale for $1, which is a steal for a really nice hardcover book. Although some of the items were a little outdated, as soon as I turned to the tapestry page I knew I was getting the book and I had to make that pattern.

The project was made using what's called jacquard crochet (or tapestry crochet). Although I had never tried the method before or even heard of jacquard crochet, I naturally skipped the instructions/practice and dove right into the project. I've never even tried filet crochet before (although I have wanted to), and this appeared to be a lot similar. Essentially, I like tackling tough projects first so I really have to work hard and learn the skill. If there's a will, there's a way.

This was a fun project, and I probably worked on it when I should have been doing other things, but it was so hard to put down! As far as time, it took at least 25 hours and about 4 skeins of worsted weight yarn. The only color I ran out of was the grey, but thankfully I had an almost identical grey that I used for 1/3 of the tassels so I didn't have to run back out into the cold to fetch more. The rod was a $3 one I picked up at Wal-Mart, but it looks great!

The yarn types I used were:

• Sensations Sincerely yarn in oatmeal and turquoise
• Red Heart With Love yarn in grey
• Caron One Pound in black

The entire piece is a little more than 2 feet across and probably at least 4 feet high (I haven't measured the height). I rarely keep things for myself (and this was no exception), but I sure was tempted. This is my biggest crochet (and possibly craft) project to date and the recipient is lucky I think they're pretty cool. :)

Now for the pictures.....

I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I still have a couple things to adjust because I'm picky, but it's pretty much completed. I can't wait to give it to the recipient in person!!

It's December?

Yes, yes it is, and I'm happy with it so far. Today is sunny and beautiful and warm! I'm so happy to not see snow. My mom is wishing for a white Christmas, but I'm not, not at all.

Yesterday I ran some errands and went a bit nuts at the dollar store - they have tons of cute Christmas supplies! I love wrapping gifts and going overboard, but I really need to learn when to say no (it's hard to walk away from the adorable Santa/Snowman/etc. gift bags and cards). I did get quite a few cute containers and gft bags and such, so actually I think I will be all set for wrapping. I also stopped by Jo-Anns to pick up a few more supplies I needed.

I'm making most of my Christmas presents by hand this year, so I have a lot of work cut out for me. Yesterday I made a full list of everyone I need to make gifts for and what to make them. It's a little difficult because one of the gifts I am doing for multiple people should be made closer to Christmas, but I'll have plenty of time on my weeks off to take care of that.

My mom calls the gifts I give "Grandma Chadwick gifts" (my grandma, her mother) - and they are. My Grandma is so thoughtful and always gives gift bags full of assorted things she knows people will love - and she is so good at it! Last year I got my favorite candies, body wash, home supplies, and scarves. There was nothing I didn't want or need. My mom does the same and so do I. Instead of giving one big store-bought item, I like to get creative and give a mixed bag full of useful and fun things. I absolutely love gift giving, so I have a lot of fun with it. Getting gifts is fun, but I'd much rather give. There's really not a lot I need, and I just like to spend the time with my family.

I finished this project for my brother - I know he will love it. It's one of the rage faces and I found the pattern on Etsy from Steotch, one of my favorite shops.

Lately I've been thinking where I want to go with this blog - I definitely don't update it as much as I should, and I definitely don't update it with new shoes, like I should. Truth is, this blog slips my mind a lot and I want to devote more time to it once I'm done with school. I'll have lots more projects and posts over Christmas break, but I'm talking done with my degree (I'm almost 1/4 of the way there!!).

I also have a new thrift shop blog, and that is Thrift Shop Finds. My post content might overlap a bit, but if you want to see cool deals I've gotten, check there! I'm obsessed with thrift shopping and like really unique stuff. Anyway, my mom will be here soon, and I need to finish up some homework. Until next time!

New Projects

Another month, gone? Wow. I've only completed a few projects since the last time I posted. Christmas season is approaching though, so I know I will have more posts in the next month or so.

I really only have done cross stitch projects, and they are below:

(This one was a gift in return for the autograph on the right and yes, it's long overdue).

This one I made for work! We needed more decorations on the walls, and it goes perfectly with the business (online marketing).

Other than explaining my pictures, I don't have a ton to say - things have been busy, but well, and the end of the semester is approaching quick. I can't believe Thanksgiving is so close! Next year should be another year of changes, but I am looking forward to them. I'm so excited to see where my life is going.

I hope to update again soon. Take care!

Has A Month Really Passed?

My goodness. I would say I can't believe it, but I can. I've been a busy girl, but I've had a lot of fun so far and I really enjoy my classes. It's nice being around people who actually want to learn and want to be there. I still feel as if I am waiting to graduate and I still detest living amidst undergraduates, but as I keep telling myself, it's only temporary.

I've done some crafting projects, but not a lot. I've been doing more thrift shopping and traveling than cross stitching and crocheting, but I've had a lot of fun!

My dad's birthday was last weekend, and I made this for him:

I used metallic floss for the silver parts, and it turned out really cool-looking. That thread is an absolute pain to work with (it's very wiry and tangles easily) but it really does give the final piece some sparkle. I bought a bunch of the metallic and satin floss from Hobby Lobby on clearance. It will was 3 to 4 times as much as normal floss, but it sure looks cool.

I made this baby hat with some yarn I picked up at Goodwill. I've made this hat before, and it's just as cute every time.

I also FINALLY finished the viking hat and beard. It took quite a while, but I'm so happy with the outcome. What am I going to do with it? No idea. It was just one of those "this is cool and funny so I have to make it" projects.

Other than that, I've been collecting antiques from thrift stores. I can't seem to put down old books when I find them! I want to read some, some just look cool, and others I want to read but they're so old and fragile they will have to look neat on my shelf.

I also found this SUPER awesome set of globe bookends at The Salvation Army! They are so gorgeous and I only paid $4 for them! 

I have a couple other projects I've been working on that I will post soon. One I made to put on the wall at work, so I hope my boss likes it!

Labor Day Weekend

It's sure nice to have a 4-day weekend! I had a wonderful time at my friend's birthday party on Saturday and made the trek back to Muskegon yesterday. I still had some things to pick up at home and I wanted to spend Labor Day with my family. I'm currently sitting in a coffee shop by my house and am taking a short break from my first homework assignment for grad school.

I had a great first week despite being understandably nervous. I found all my classes, got settled in, and went back to work. This new routine will keep me quite busy, but I don't mind so much. Having Fridays off makes it worth it. Hopefully grad school is everything I expected and more - I've been having a bit of a "What am I doing with my life?" crisis lately. I know I made the right decision by going, and I'm eager to establish some sense of direction. I need to meet more people, too.

I've cross stitched a bit, and these are the two projects I've completed. They have yet to be framed - I find a lot of rectangular frames while thrifting but not a lot of smaller circular ones. I'm keeping my eye out though, so I'm bound to find one eventually. I love how these turned out!

I started a small crochet project, so I should have that finished soon, too. While I'm home I'm picking up more of my yarn since I didn't bring that much with me. It's hard to believe Christmas is in a little less than 4 months!

I found a super cool thrift store by my apartment, and they have the absolute BEST book section. They organize all titles by subject which makes it much easier to find things! You also can request books/titles and you'll get a call if they ever happen to come in. I bought a bunch of regular and antique books.

Last but not least, I had some delicious sushi last night! I know, typical Instagram item, but it was so nicely put together I just had to take a snapshot.

And yes, it was quite delicious!

New Places, New Faces.

I am officially all moved in to my new place! I start graduate school tomorrow and I'm excited and anxious at the same time. It's going to be a bit difficult at first to get back into the class-homework routine, but overall I know things will go great.

I had this past week off since it was my 21st birthday and I also had a lot of packing/moving to do. It was nice to have the time off and be able to take care of everything I needed to get done. I finally am an adult! I got to spend my birthday with my dad and best friend and enjoy some sun. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

My dad's girlfriend bought me this SUPER cool bamboo chest for my birthday - I am so in love. I have just the place to put it in my new apartment. I actually have a lot more room here than I thought, as there's tons of storage space!

As far as crafts go, I was able to get some cross-stitching in - it has helped me relax so much. I absolutely love these pieces. Slowly but surely my small frames are getting filled - and of course I bought another one since I've been here.

I also finally got the amigurumi Leia I made to my friend! He has quite the collection of Star Wars crochet figures from me now. I just had to snap a picture - it's like a family reunion!

I have most of my cross-stitch supplies here, but not a lot of yarn. I hope to bring more soon and continue on more projects. After this week is over I think I will feel a lot more settled in. Only 1.5 years to go until I will be done with college!

It's My Birthday...Almost!

Yes, I'm actually remembering to update this blog. I've been cross-stitching up a storm lately! I found some great books at Goodwill (and they're in color, too!) and got a bunch of supplies from my mom for an early birthday gift.

I just love the little patterns...they're so cute and simple and I have a massive collection of small frames they're perfect for. In fact, I need to quit buying small frames...(I bought 3 today). Here is a picture from a trip I took last week...I am craft crazy, I know.

I was absolutely elated to find those towels - they are brand new and I got them for less than $1 each AND another 20% off of that! Same with the cross-stitch floss...those bags each had a TON of floss in them and they were marked at .60 apiece, with another 20% off they were practically free! I'm just addicted to bargains. One of my friends wants to start cross-stitching, so I am giving her my extra supplies.


With the holidays coming up and some of the spare time I will have, I plan on filling all the frames eventually. Most will go in my craft fair pile. Plus, the thrift stores in my area donate the proceeds to good causes so that's always a nice feeling, too.

Here's what I've finished lately:

All these patterns came from the same book - Donna Kooler's 555 Country Cross-Stitch Patterns. I got it for $3 and there are TONS of great designs. Such a steal! You can get the book for super cheap on Amazon.

As far as life goes, things have been great. My best friend is back, my birthday is next week, and I also move in to my new place next week. I will miss being home, but I know I will enjoy being so close and living in a great city. A new life for me is starting and I am so thankful to be in the place I am today.

I'm hoping my busy schedule will allow for lots of craft time. I'll make time if I have to. I hope to update again soon with more creations!