The Pom Pom Conundrum

Yesterday, I headed to Jo-Ann to purchase a pom pom maker.  I settled on one from Clover.  I know there are a slew of instructions to make pom poms on the web, but I figured a ready-made tool would be better.  The resulting pom poms were a bit wonky, so the jury is still out as to whether this was a wise purchase.  At least I was able to use a 50%-off coupon.

Before I used the red and black yarn from my project, I tested out the tool on some worsted cotton.  Here's a tip...don't pull the knot too tightly when using cotton.  The yarn promptly broke off.

Ah well...I pushed forward.  This time I used the yarn needed to complete the project.  I'm still not convinced the knot will hold...but I'm also overly paranoid. 

The shape isn't completely spherical either, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist.  For now...I have decided to leave it alone and keep it attached to the project, but I may change my mind in the morning.

I may also try the method of just wrapping the yarn around a piece of cardboard.

I suppose I need to decide soon.  My goal is to give this to the mother-to-be on Sunday!

May Day Mayday

Okay...so it isn't really an emergency, but I do have a finite amount of time to finish the projects photographed in this post, since all 3 items are for friends having babies this month.


At some point in time, I hope to have a listing of all my unfinished objects on this blog, but I thought I'd get my feet wet by showing off the projects with immediate deadlines.

The red/black item and yellow item aren't too horrendous.  I just need to finish the crocheting, block 'em and weave in the ends.  Oh...and I need to figure out how to make a pom pom...

But, the green item may have me in a little over my head.  This object will need to be stuffed...and I need to figure out how to sew the insert.  Maybe I can bribe someone to do the insert for me.

I'll go into more detail for each object in the days ahead, but I thought I'd be more mysterious for now.  I have this paranoia that the moms-to-be will happen upon my blog and see their gifts before they're suppose to.

But...for those who like to play games...any guesses on what each item is?

Creating Goals

I'm notorious (in my own mind, at least) for starting things, but not completing them.  I have a few pieces of metal jewelry that need to be filed, some lampwork beads that need to cleaned out and a home office that has yet to be used...inadvertently turned into a storage unit.  I could go on and on, but I shall spare you the comprehensive list.

My lack of follow through is also quite evident in my piles of crocheted UFOs (unfinished objects).

I have wanted to get back to blogging for quite some time and wanted the blog to be focused on my love of crochet.  It may take some time to get into a proper writing rhythm, but as of today's launch, my goals are these:

• Finish my crochet projects
• Create a space to encourage others to complete their own projects
• Explore the finishing techniques that seem to freak me out
• blocking, seaming, weaving in ends...
• Showcase new finds and new techniques
• Express opinions on yarns, patterns and tools
• Write consistently

If you have read this far, then I'm glad this blog is of interest to you.  Welcome.  =)  Feel free to look around, comment away and let me know what else you'd like you see here.