Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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 Although some of the items were a little outdated, as soon as I turned to the tapestry page I knew I was getting the book and I had to make that pattern.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.....











crochet eagle tapestry


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!!




Sunday, December 2, 2012

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!