Chevron Circle Aghan

While casually browsing Ravelry for new inspiration, I came across a great free pattern for a chevron circle afghan.  It was super cute, the price was right (free), and I had been wanting to make a chevron afghan.  So I dove right in. :)

I chose gray and white since it is gender neutral and I love the way it looks together.  I got two 7 oz skeins in each color and grabbed my h hook as the pattern calls for, even though the idea of making a whole afghan with a hook that small made me cringe.

The afghan took about a week and a half to finish but keep in mind I was not chained to it the whole time.  I definitely took my time.  The first few stripes took no time at all but on the last stripe, each row felt like an eternity!

I love the end result!  I'll probably block it even though I never block anything but I think it will give it a good finished look.

Here is the link to the pattern. Definitely give it a try!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-ripple-baby-blanket

As always, happy crocheting!

Perfect Pot Scrubber

While at a craft fair a few years ago, my mom and I came across some crocheted pot scrubbers that were absolutely amazing.  Every year, we made it a point to go back to the same craft fair to the same vendor and buy our yearly scrubber rations.  After our pot scrubber source decided to stop making them, it left us with only two choices:  either find an acceptable store bought alternative or learn to make them ourselves.  If there is a good store bought alternative, I couldn't find it.  So I bought some supplies and tried it out.

First, you need netting.  While most fabric stores have it, the best deal I found is at Hobby Lobby for $1.29 a yard.  Buy 8 yards and cut it into strips by folding in half lengthwise and cutting on the fold.  You should be able to get 32 strips each about 2 inches wide and 8 yards long.  If you are thinking about cheating and buying a spool of tulle, you'll be very disappointed.  Tulle is entirely too soft.  You need the scratchy, stiff netting.  8 yards of netting will make approximately 16-20 pot scrubbers...way more than my yearly scrubber usage. :)

You will most likely use 2 strips in each scrubber.  When you are finished, weave in ends and hide on the inside.  Ready for the instructions?

Size K hook

Ch 2

Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, do not sl st to close - (6sc)

Row 2: 2 sc in each sc around - (12 sc)

Row 3: (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (18 sc)

Row 4: (sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (24 sc)

Row 5: (sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (30 sc)

Row 6: (sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (36 sc)

Row 7: (sc in next 4 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (30 sc)

Row 8: (sc in next 3 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (24 sc)

Row 9: (sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (18 sc)

Row 10: (sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (12 sc)

Row 11: (dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (6 sc)

Weave in your ends and get to washing.  Be prepared to see some squeaky clean pots and pans!