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?!

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.

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!!

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!

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.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!