Crochet Nirvana
  • About
  • Blog
  • Robin Reads & Writes
  • Booked for Lunch
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact

​

​

Crochet Pattern Indecision

10/24/2014

3 Comments

 
Bright granny Squares
Do you have trouble deciding on big projects? Once you decide do you second guess your decision?  I have wildly grand ambitions, and I know what I like when I see someone else’s work, yet somehow I get lost when I'm trying to do my own thing. My blanket project is the perfect example of this condition.  I have been in love with the Groovyghan since the first time I saw it, but when it came time for me to make my own I just couldn't do it. (You can read about in Tale of the Groovyghan.)

Realizing I need a new plan I did what I always do and hit the books. 100 Colorful Ripple Stitches to Crochet seemed to hold the answer - or at least offered a place to start!   It’s almost overwhelming looking through all those designs.  The smallest change to a stitch pattern can alter the entire look.  Introduce color and you add another layer of options to the project!  Talk about confusing!! I have a box of 9 bright colors of yarn - how am I ever going to decide what pattern to use?!
Three crochet ripple patterns
After much flipping back and forth I narrowed it done to these three.
Before committing to an entire blanket I wanted to make sure that I 1) enjoyed working the pattern and 2) was happy with the density and body of the fabric. After narrowing it down to these three choices I decided on Roman Blinds.  Using just one color I made a good sized swatch. It passed the first test. I could imagine spending hours with it. The second test was a moderate success. It was a little stiff, but looked like it would be nice and warm.
Random Stripe Color GeneratorThis is my random pattern!
Next I had to decide what to do with all those colors.  Creating a striping pattern is not easy! It takes a lot of effort to come up with a design that is visually appealing. Again the options are vast! The only thing I knew for sure was I didn't want to repeat colors in the same order. When I was writing the Granny Square Project I came across the Random Stripe Generator.  It's free and super cool.  You select the colors that you're using, enter the total number of rows and viola the program generates an image and a list. If you want to see another option, just refresh the page. It lets you see how colors work together and how incredibly different something can look depending on what color goes where.  I really encourage you to check it out. Even if you don't need it now, it's a terrific resource that will come in handy someday - plus it's fun to play with!  Of course you know it took forever for me to decide on the perfect sequence!  I started with 10, narrowed it down to 3 and finally made my choice. Yeah, it's that way for everything!

Alright, now I've got the stitch pattern and the color pattern. I'm ready to make myself the most awesome blanket ever! I worked 3 rows and knew I made a mistake. I am not in love. Not only am I having reservations about the colors and the drape of the fabric, I don't know how I'm going to put a border on the ripple without it being a major pain - and I really want a border! What am I going to do?!? Honestly I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever turn all this yarn into a blanket.  I know it has the potential to be spectacular, but I can't quite get it together.  

I'm not ready to give up. I poked around on the internet seeing what Pinterest and Ravelry had to offer. I kept gravitating to granny squares and granny stripes. Since I know that I will never complete a full sized blanket of squares I decided that maybe I should try a basic straight granny stripe. I spent so much time deciding on the random color pattern maybe the simplicity of this classic design is what I need.  With 9 bright hues a complicated stitch pattern might get lost and the whole thing could easily end up looking like "eeeww" instead of "aaaahhh"!

The decision made (again!) I devoted quite a few hours to getting started. The crochet work is truly effortless making it excellent for night time and when I'm concentrating on important things like what is going to happen next on Sons of Anarchy!  Of course after just a few rows I started to second guess (again!) my decisions about the color pattern and working singles rows of color instead of 2 rows of each for a stripier stripe. Aargh!!

Granny Stripe Blanket
I finally decided on a traditional granny stripe to show off all those terrific colors! This is the one - I know it!
This is my problem.  This indecision that thwarts my progress on big projects. It is one of the reasons that I stick with the small stuff.  I struggle to have faith in my choices and the patience to let things come together.  I think it's my inner child.  That part of me that wants to be done NOW! This is when I have to remind myself why I crochet. I like making things with yarn, and it is as much about doing as it is about the finished product. Maybe even more.

Writing today's post has helped me to remember some other important things about crochet. Things  like:
  • It's okay to change your mind.
  • If you are going to take on a big project be sure that working on it makes you happy.  Don't commit to hundreds of rows of Back Post Double Crochet if the stitch still feels awkward - even after you get the hang of it!
  • Relax and enjoy the time spent making.
  • Don't be so critical!!  Whatever this turns out to be it's going to be great because: 
    a) you did it!
    b) you love the colors!
    c) you love the yarn!
    d) there is no wrong when you're making art (yes, I think crochet is art)!
Of course it's an entirely different story if you're working under contract or have to meet someone elses guidelines!  But if you're not, don't let the fun and joy of your favorite activity get lost!

I'm ready. I've finished 23 rows. I don't know what it will look like when it's done, but that's okay. It will be as unique as I am and just as warm and snuggly!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
3 Comments

Crochet Granny Skull Pattern

10/15/2014

41 Comments

 
Picture
Welcome my little lovelies!

I've got a Halloween present for you! That's right, it's a free pattern for this ghoulishly gorgeous Granny Skull Square!  Last year when I posted the pattern and photo tutorial for the skull motif I had no idea how popular it was going to be.  Without any question it is by far the most visited post on my blog.  Who knew there were so many fans of macabre crochet!  I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that much. In stores there are skulls on everything from little girl clothes to shower curtains and kitchen accessories!

The feedback for the skull motif has been tremendously positive (thanks so much!). Other than a little confusion about making the eyes (work those stitches around the chain - not into it!) the question that I am most frequently asked is, "do you have a square pattern?" Now I can happily answer Yes - I sure do!

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or any of those other social media worlds, you know that it took a few tries to create a pattern that was good enough for you guys.  I feel pretty confident that this one will do the trick.  I wanted to make sure it was a universal size that will work with traditional granny squares.  That way you can have more options for mixing and matching your designs.

So there you have it! Just click on the button below for a downloadable PDF. The pattern will also be available (for free!) on Ravelry and I'll include a link in my sidebar.  If you have any questions or something about the pattern is confusing, please let me know.  I did the editing myself and mistakes are certainly possible!

I hope that you enjoy the Granny Skull. I'd love to see your finished squares.  Please feel free to share them on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram (I'm RobinBrz).  You can also use the hashtags #crochetskull, #crochetnirvana, #robinbrz.
Granny Skull PDF
Skull Motif PDF
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!
41 Comments

    • Greetings!

    I'm Robin and this is 
    Crochet Nirvana, where 
    laughter is essential,
    learning is supported,
    creativity is nurtured, and sharing is encouraged.
    Thanks for stopping by, 
    I hope you
    ​enjoy your visit!


    Picture
    Click to see what's new on the Craftsy Crochet Blog!

    Picture
    I - Timeline
    II - Classic Granny
    III - Color
    IV - Flowers
    V - Motifs

    Follow Along

    RSS Feed
    Subscribe by Email
    Follow on Bloglovin

    Tutorials and Patterns

    Granny Skull Crochet Pattern
    Skull Crochet Patter
    Picture
    Picture
    Shell Video Part 1
    Shell Video Part 2
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Invisible Join Tutorial Badge
    Daisy's Cloche Crochet Pattern
    Granny Square Bookmark Pattern

    On Instagram



    Read the Printed Word!

    Picture
    Look for me, I'm RobinBrz
    Picture
    Inspired Crochet July Cover
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Places I Post

    Picture

    Picture
    The Blog Farm
    Crochet Blogs
    Powered By Ringsurf

    Archives

    July 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012

    Categories

    All
    4kcbwday1
    4kcbwday2
    4kcbwday3
    4kcbwday4
    4kcbwday5
    4kcbwday6
    5 Minute Friday
    Accessories Home
    Accessories - Home
    Afghans
    Amigurumi
    Art
    Bags
    Beads & Beading
    Blogging
    Blog Reviews
    Blogtoberfest 2012
    Blog Week Iv
    Book Reviews
    Books
    Cables
    C A L
    Cardigan
    Chevron Lace
    Class Review
    Coasters
    Cowl
    Craftsy
    Creative Friday
    Crochet
    Crochet Lace
    Doily
    Doodles
    Downloadable Files
    Earrings
    Fabric
    Fiber Arts Friday
    Fingerless Gloves
    Flowers
    F O Friday
    Giveaways
    Granny Square Project
    Granny Squares
    Guest Post
    Hats
    Holiday Stashdown
    How To
    I Love Yarn Day
    Inspired Crochet
    Jewelry
    Kcco
    Knit Lace
    Knitting
    Library
    Mittens
    Nirvana Designs
    Patterns
    Pincushions
    Projects
    Recipes
    Sewing
    Shawl
    Shrug
    Socks
    Socs
    Stash
    Stitch Markers
    Thread Crochet
    Tunisian Crochet
    Tutorials
    Videos
    Watercolors
    Wip Wed
    Wrap
    Wrist Warmers
    Writing In The Raw
    Yarn
    Yarn Along
    Year Of Projects


    LINKwithlove

    Picture
    Thank you for visiting!
    My name is Robin.  I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith.  I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you.
    Did you enjoy your visit? Let me know by leaving a comment.  I love knowing you dropped by, and hope to see you again soon!
    Be Blessed and
    Stitch & Read with Love!
    Picture
    QRCode


    Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • About
  • Blog
  • Robin Reads & Writes
  • Booked for Lunch
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact