Diagonally crocheted blanket

On By CarynIn Craft

I’ve started a new blanket. I think I said I wouldn’t crochet a blanket again, but I am enamored with the construction of this Mary Maxim pattern that is worked diagonally. The stitch pattern is very easy and worked in counts of three, which makes me inexplicably happy.

Photo description: beginnings of a blanket crocheted diagonally with scrap acrylic yarn laying on a dilute tortie cat

I’m using scrap acrylic yarn to do 3 row stripes in an alternating pattern. The colors may get …interesting as I go. I’m using a K sized crochet hook and the resulting fabric is soft and flexible.

Throwback Thursday: combo apron

On By CarynIn Craft

In June 2017 I combined a couple ideas for an egg/harvest apron. I put small pockets on the apron face and put buttons and button holes so the apron could be configured to hold larger things than eggs.

Photo description: apron in calico fabric on a red mannequin stand with pleated pockets in two rows, and three buttons at the waist
Photo description: same apron with center bottom and bottom corners attached to the waist buttons
Photo description: back of the same apron with wide straps tied in a bow

I made three of the aprons in preparation for visiting my folks so my kids could gather eggs.

Crocheted Wisteria Wreath update

On By CarynIn Craft

I couldn’t take it. Looking at the crocheted Wisteria wreath every time I opened the front door, I couldn’t take the tri-colored “blooms”. I made more light purple elements and replaced the multi-colored ones.

Photo description: original “finished” wreath with two color schemes for the crocheted wisteria
Photo description: same wreath updated to have all light purple crocheted wisteria elements

Now to see how it weathers.

Less than a year

On By CarynIn Wildlife

I first attached a deer antler to the squirrel feeder tree in June 2025. Here is what was left after 11 months.

Photo description: small section of deer antler scored with squirrel teeth marks screwed to a Post Oak tree

I took one of the other antlers that I had already harvested parts off for craft projects and replaced the devoured antler.

Photo description: partially sawed antler screwed to a Post Oak tree

I watch the squirrels gnaw on the antler everyday. They get minerals from the antler and also wear down their constantly growing teeth.

Brioche cowl with color shift yarn

On By CarynIn Craft

Here is the finished brioche knit cowl that I made with yarn that had a long color shift. I absolutely love the play of color that appeared by knitting it from opposite ends of the same pull skein.

Photo description: brioche knit cowl side one in blues, purples, grays, and greens
Photo description: brioche knit cowl side two in blues, purples, grays, and less green
Photo description: brioche knit cowl folded to show parts of both sides

The yarn was two ply with each ply a separate color, so some sections were solid color, but others were purple and gray, or blue and purple, and the colored sections were long. As I was rolling up the yarn into two separate balls, I did find some knots from the manufacturer that put an abrupt color change in the yarn. I reknotted those sections to different areas of the yarn that had a closer match. It pays to rewind commercially spun long repeat yarn to check for inappropriate color changes due to knots.