Tuesday, January 3, 2012

More "Spare Time" Projects

Happy 2012!

So far it has been a GREAT year weather-wise. Our December was one of the driest on record, which means instead of the dreary, wet, overcast, we've had clear (but cold) sunshine. So far, January is following the same pattern. I know I'll regret it later in the year when "the powers that be" declare we are in a drought, but for now, I really LURVE this weather.

I've been working hard trying to get my newest release up on Amazon. Unfortunately, I didn't make my Dec. 31st goal, but I'm still chugging away and planning for January. I didn't do much for the holidays since I was ensconced deep in my writing cave. But when I did venture out to watch a movie or the evening news, I made some gifts for a few family and friends.

Here are three scarves I did in a technique called "woven crochet." They were gifts for my best friend, Shirl, and my sister and her hubby. If you guessed the blue one was for my brother-in-law, give yourself a gold star!

I'm a very slow knitter because I do it with my non-dominant (right) hand. But this year, I got bitten by the knittin' bug and wound up making these three scarves for my niece, her hubby, and their toddler son. I haven't made it to the post office yet with these three, but I'm sure it will be plenty cold enough to wear them for several weeks still.

Did you make any hand made presents this year? Do you like to receive them? And how has 2012 started for you?

8 comments:

Kathleen O said...

No handmade project for me.. I am not a crafty person.. But I did give all my brothers a lovely picture of our Mom and Dad in a nice frame for Christmas.... This was our first Christmas without both Mom and Dad...

Margay Leah Justice said...

Funny you should ask - most of the gifts I gave this year were handmade! I'm a freak for knitting - I absolutely love it! I think you did a fantastic job, especially for it being with your non-dominant hand. I do believe you can find patterns/instructions for knitting with your left hand, though. I'm sure I came across some when I was trolling the internet for patterns/ideas.

Suzanne Lilly said...

Handmade gifts are the best! You called that technique "woven crochet." Is that the same as Tunisian crochet? You put yarn on a long, doubled ended crochet hook and weave it? Your scarves look awesomesauce!

Helen said...

Our summer hasn't been very hot over here this year which I like LOL

As for hand made pressies I do make 5 of my friends Christmas Cakes for presents and have done for many years now but I haven't picked up my knitting needles or my crochet hook for many years maybe this winter I might get them out LOL.

I am soo looking forward to your new book AC

Have Fun
Helen

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi All,
Sorry I've been AWOL. Since I got home from the last cruise I've had a terrible head cold. UGH! :-P Hope everyone else has managed to avoid the ickies.

Kathleen, I know this was a tough holiday season for you, but you and your brothers have so many lovely memories that you can treasure always. Pictures are a lovely gift.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Margay,
WTG on the handmade gifts! Yes, there are plenty of "left hand" instructions, but nothing quite beats watching someone do it and coaching you at the same time.

I actually taught one of my right-handed nieces to crochet! Either I was a better teacher than my mom and gramma (doubtful) or she was a better student (likely)!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Suzanne!

Nope, Tunisian crochet is something different, and I did know how to do it once upon a time. You're right about needing a special hook.

My woven crochet consists of first crocheting an open "filet" pattern and then using a big "darning" needle (I have a plastic, blunt end one that works great) and actually weave long strands of yarn through the crocheted piece.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Helen,
Your Crissie Cakes sound WONDERFUL! I used to make fruitcake for my BFF's father. He and I were the only ones who liked it. ;-) A couple of years I made jams and jellies. Apricot-pineapple was my specialty. I really need to do that again...

Thanks for the shout out about High Seas Deception. I will have it released on Amazon VERY SOON! ;-)

AC