Goal Progress: February

February was a busy month for Grandma Duck Designs!   One of the fun highlights for the month was entering my Dreaming of Spring Dishcloth pattern into the Hookin On Humpday - A Yarn Linky Party sponsored by Moogly and  Petals to Picots.

I made significant progress on most of my crafty goals.  It's been a little scary to put my designs out there, but I"ve had some great feedback so far.

My craft related 2019 goals include the following:

• Crochet, knit, or sew fifty items.  
• February: 17 crocheted items including 4 Lumpy Lemonade Dishcloths, 9 baby Tub Time Trio washcloths, one heart-shaped washcloth, one lemon peel dishcloth, and two dusting cloths.  
• Total year to date: 28
• Blog twenty-five times.
• This is my 20th blog post!
• This goal should be increased since I"m on track to meet it in March.  What should my new goal be?
• Design 12 crochet patterns.
• Total year to date: 4
• New February Designs:
• Lumpy Lemonade Dishcloth 
• Tub Time Trio: Baby Washcloths  
• Design twenty-five graphghans or graphghan block patterns.
• Total Year-To-Date: 38
• This goal needs to be increased as well.  Below you can see 36 of the 38 designs. 

• Blog update: 
• 1147 total page views, 540 of them in February.  I"m anxious to see what March brings.  (Hopefully warmer weather!)
• I'll be blogging soon about both the heart-shaped dishcloth and the dusting cloths.  Stay tuned!

 Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Flannel Burp Cloths: Quick Sewing Project

What do you do with extra bits of flannel?  I make burp cloths!  These are all made from scraps that were either given to me or leftover from other projects.  This pattern is super flexible:  you can make rounded corners, add rick-rack, change the width or length.  Commercially made burp cloths tend to be around five to six inches wide and fifteen to eighteen inches long so that's around the size I make.   I did make some extra wide to use as changing pads for those times when I had to use a public changing table for my duckling.  

I typically make 2-3 dozen at a time

  

Basic Instructions:

1. Cut or piece fronts and backs to be roughly 6-7" x 18".  
2. With right sides together, sew all the way around the outside edges using 1/4 inch seam.  Leave a four-inch opening to turn.  
3. Turn right sides out making sure to push the corners out.  
4. Pin the opening closed.  Top stitch around the outside with 1/8 inch seam, making sure to catch both sides of the opening.  

To Make Rounded Corners: Use a dinner plate or other large circle to round the corners.  Sew as above. 

  

To Add Rick-Rack Edging: Complete step one above.  Using a 1/8" seam, sew the rick-rack to the front side of the burp cloth, lining the rick rack up with the outside edge and nothing hanging over.  Proceed with steps two, three and four above.

 Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Poncho Vest - Pattern Alteration

One of my challenges for this year was to make some sort of sweater, top, poncho, or shawl for either myself or my granddaughter. 

I started with the fabulous Misty Morning Poncho Top pattern.  I then altered it to fit from adult to little girl size.  Some of you are going to cringe, but one of my favorite parts of crocheting, knitting, quilting, and sewing is using my math teacher skills to alter patterns.  In this case, it was a simple ratio problem to figure out a starting chain to fit my duckling.

Once I completed the two panels, it was time to try it on.  I used stitch markers as "pins" to hold the pieces together so that I could figure out how long of seams I needed for the front, back and sides.  It was at this point that she decided that she did not want a seam up the front, but instead, she wanted button closures.  This made the poncho top into a poncho vest.  You can see in the pictures the fitting process with stitch markers.   It worked great! 

   

After completing the back and side seams, our next step was to pick buttons.  After sewing on the buttons, I then slip stitched up the front, making loops of 9 slip stitches to form the closures.   Next, I added one row of single crochet and one row of half double crochet to the bottom edge before adding the fringe.  

She loves how it turned out and is especially pleased that I let her help plan the project and make all the decisions.  I am in the process of making myself one of these poncho tops.

Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Tub Time Trio: Baby Washcloths

Are you looking for a fun and fast addition to a baby gift? New moms will love these soft washcloths for giving babies baths or washing sweet little faces.

"Sometimes the littlest things take up the most room in your heart." --Winnie the Pooh

Supplies:
1 skein of cotton yarn 
I used I Love This Cotton 205-Too Pink & 240-Delicate
H size crochet hook
yarn needle 
Scissors




Stitches and Abbreviations:
SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
CH = Chain
ST = Stitch

Finished size about 5" square each

Tub Time Trio #1: Half Double Crochet Washcloth
Uses approximately 25 yards
Chain 20
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from Hook and in each CH across. (19 stitches)
Row 2: CH 2, turn, HDC in first ST, HDC in each stitch across (19 stitches)
Repeat Row 2 until the washcloth is square

  

Tub Time Trio #2: Lemon Peel Washcloth
Uses approximately 28 yards
Chain 19
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook, DC in next, [*sc in next, dc in next] repeat across row (18 stitches - 9SC, 9DC)
Row 2: CH 1, Turn, SC in first ST, DC in next, [*sc in next, dc in next] repeat across row (18 stitches - 9SC, 9DC)
Repeat Row 2 until the washcloth is square

  

Tub Time Trio #3: Textured Washcloth
Uses approximately 36 yards
Chain 26
Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from hook, HDC, 2DC in same chain, skip three chains [*SC, HDC, 2DC in next ch, skip three chains] repeat across, ending with 1SC in last CH (25 stitches - 7SC, 6HDC, 12DC)
Row 2: CH 1, Turn, SC, HDC, 2DC in first stitch, skip three ST [*SC, HDC, 2DC in next ch, skip three chains] repeat across, ending with 1SC in last stitch (25 stitches - 7SC, 6HDC, 12DC)
Repeat Row 2 until the washcloth is square

  

One skein of I Love This cotton was enough to make two Half Double Crochet, two Lemon Peel, and one Textured washcloth.   

Add this pattern to your favorites on Ravelry.

Pin this pattern on Pinterest

Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Kitchen Scrubber

Scrubbing pots and pans is no one's favorite job, but this project sure makes it easier!  After Christmas last year, I found an awesome deal on spools of green tulle.  I knew you could make scrubbers out of it.  In my research, I ran across this fast fun pattern.  The pattern can be found in the YouTube video below.  This scrubber pattern is easy to follow and works wonders for cleaning in the kitchen! 

I have been trying to be more eco-friendly with my cleaning products and supplies.  This includes using dishcloths in place of paper towels and scrubbers in place of store-bought sponges.  My other favorite scrubber is this Kitchen Sponge pattern.  

Supplies:

6-Inch Wide Tulle

Size N-Crochet Hook

Large Yarn Needle

  

 Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

A Pig for my Duckling

We are currently "Pig Obsessed" at my house.  Duckling LOVES pink and pigs!  When I ran across this pattern, I knew I had to make it for her.  The pattern is well written and easy to follow.  

The pattern linked below has sizes newborn to adult.  

She was so excited to receive the hat.  She wears it all the time.  Win - win for me!  I love to see her using and enjoying the things that I have made.  

Pig Hat for Duckling

Pattern: Crochet Pig Hat from Repeat Crafter Me (sizes Newborn to Adult)

 Happy Stitching!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Lumpy Lemonade Dishcloth

The Lemon Peel stitch is one of my favorites.  I've been using it regularly for over a year, both for dishcloths and for scarves.   It's a versatile stitch, I've even seen it used for completing a graphghan!  If you want to try the lemon peel stitch, I blogged about it earlier this year.

I thought that the stitch, in combination with a puff or popcorn stitch would make a fun textured dishcloth.  It was more of a struggle than I imagined it would be!   This particular version was my sixth attempt to get the picture in my head to work with yarn and hook.

Supplies:
45-60 yards Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook size I (or size recommended for chosen yarn)
Scissors
Yarn Needle

Stitches:

CH = Chain 

SC = Single Crochet 

DC = Double Crochet 

LUMP Stitch = yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two stitches (two stitches on hook) yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two stitches (three stitches on hook) yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two stitches (four stitches on hook), yarn over, pull through three stitches, yarn over, pull through remaining two stitches.  Lump stitch made.

Look at the gorgeous texture on this dishcloth!  All those fun bumps for scrubbing.  It would also make a great spa cloth packaged with handmade soap. 

Instructions: 
Chain 27

Row 1:  SC in the second ch from the hook, DC in next [*SC in next, DC in next] repeat across ending with a DC. (26 stitches)

Row 2: (Lemon Peel Row) CH 1, Turn, [*SC in next, DC in next] repeat across ending with a DC. (26 stitches)

Row 3: Lemon Peel Row (26 stitches)

Row 4: (Lumpy Row) CH 1, Turn, SC in first two stitches, LUMP stitch in next [*sc, sc, LUMP]  repeat across until two stitches remain.  SC in last two stitches (26 stitches)

Rows 5-7: Lemon Peel Rows
Row 8: Lumpy Row
Rows 9-11: Lemon Peel Rows
Row 12: Lumpy Row
Rows 13-15: Lemon Peel Rows
Row 16: Lumpy Row
Rows 17-19: Lemon Peel Row

  

Add this pattern to your favorites on Ravelry

Pin this pattern on Pinterest

 Happy Stitching!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Designing My First Solo Crochet-A-Long

I started designing graphghans and graphgan blocks in June of 2018. My first designs were created for a joint project with the other designers.  This was a great learning experience for me!  I can't tell you how much fun I had seeing my designs come to life by other crocheters.  Last fall, I worked on creating the blocks you can see below.    

There are twenty-four blocks in total, eight farm animals, eight jungle/safari animals, and eight forest animals.  I can't decide which one is my favorite! The most popular blocks so far have been the cat, dog, monkey, duck, sheep, and bear.  

All 24 blocks can be found here.

 Happy Stitching!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Kleenex Holder - Quick Sewing Project

Designed to hold those travel size packages of Kleenex, these are perfect for purses, backpacks or stashed in the car. This quick pattern only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish! My life-long friend Michelle shared this pattern with me. I like to make four to six of them at a time.

Supplies: 

• 2 coordinating small pieces of fabric
• Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, coordinating thread, pins
• Scissors or rotary cutting supplies
• Ruler
• Iron

STEP ONE: Cut (1) 6" x 7" piece of fabric. This is the outside fabric. Cut (1) 6" x 8.5". This is the lining and forms the accent edge in the center.

 STEP 2: With right sides together, sew the 6" sides together using 1/4" seams. Flip right side out and press. Even the excess lining fabric so that about 1/4" shows on each side.

STEP 3: With the outside facing up, fold one side down about 1.5 inches and the other up to meet it. Sew the sides making sure to backstitch well over the edges of the opening.

STEP 4: Form a mitered corner by sewing a seam 3/8" from the corner. Repeat for all four corners. Trim the excess fabric at the corners. Flip right side out and press corners out. And that's it! You are finished!

 Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Flower Power Dishcloth

Drop what you are doing and make one of these Flower Power Dishcloths right now!  It is one of my all-time favorite dishcloth patterns.  I have made dozens of them.  It also makes a fantastic washcloth.  This would be an awesome addition to a baby shower gift or a just for fun gift.  Making some sets of these to package with some beautiful handmade soap is on my list for Mother's Day too.

You can find the pattern here: Flower Power Dishcloth, Designed by Doni Speigle and posted on Ravelry

   

I learned the hard way that I have to count the stitches every row.  I also figured out that, for me, making several at a time works best.  I can do the same round on all of them and then move to the next row. You can see several stages of construction in the picture below.

 Happy Stitching!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗

Goal Progress: January

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I don't!  Instead, I think about what I want to accomplish for the upcoming year and set goals.  I need something concrete that I can follow and work towards.  This year, I want to work on building Grandma Duck Designs and my crafting productivity.

I started this blog just after Christmas.  (I mean, who doesn't consider it to be the new year once you are through the holidays?)  As a new blogger, I was unsure of what to expect.  I've been pleasantly surprised.   So far I've had 607 page views - AMAZING!  Next on my list is to set up an online store for digital downloads.  If anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

This year I set some stretch goals for both Grandma Duck Designs and for myself.  My craft related goals include the following.

• Crochet, knit, or sew fifty items.  
• So far I've completed eleven.  See the picture below,
• Blog twenty-five times
• I published 3 posts in December and six in January.  
• Design twenty-five graphghans or graphghan block patterns
• I have four rough drafts so far: a Mary Poppins silhouette, a pirate ship, a rose, and tulips.  These will be finalized and published soon.
• Design 12 crochet patterns
• I have completed two.  Both can be found on my blog and on Ravelry.  
• Dreaming of Spring Dishcloth 
• Sedge Stripe Dishcloth

Projects Completed in January 2019

• 1. Soap Saver.  I used this pattern from Jada In Stitches.  It worked up quickly!
• 2. Sedge Stripe Dishcloth.  This was made from my first ever published design!  I love how it looks.  Expect to see more projects this year using the same stitches.  
• 3. Poncho Vest.  This is an adaptation of the Misty Morning Poncho by Simple Things Crochet.  I sized the poncho down to fit my duckling.  She wanted buttons up the front so I slip stitched and created button loops with slip stitches.  This was so much fun to make!  I have yarn picked out to make myself one later this year.
• 4-7.  Dreaming of Spring Dishcloths.  This is my second published design!  I love to make dishcloths, and round ones are so much fun!  I particularly love the way that the center feels like a flower.  
• 8-11.  Scrubbies.  The scrubby pattern comes from Daisy Cottage Designs.  The larger ones are made with one strand of cotton yarn, one of scrubby yarn and a J hook.  They are perfect for the kitchen!  The smaller ones are made following the pattern with one strand of cotton yarn and are perfect as a face scrubby or make-up remover.  Eco-Friendly!

I'd love to read your crafty goals for 2019.  Please add a comment and share what you are doing this year.  

 Happy Crafting!

💗 Grandma Duck 💗