Crochet compulsion

It's been busy around here getting ready for the new school year to start.
I have bought all the supplies, labeled them, sharpened something like 48 pencils and packed the bags up for the first day. I bought new shoes, jeans and reusable sandwich bags from a great shop on Etsy called johnsonfamilyzoo.
I am ready!

There's something else that seems to be taking up a lot of my time lately.
Crochet.
I have been on a tear, making afghans! I have no idea why I am making afghans all of a sudden. I made a ton a few years ago and really like to make them, but now I am just obsessed!
My green one is almost done. Yay! Then I can start on the next one.
I plan to crochet two baby blankets -- one for boys in blue, green and white, and one for girls in a pinky peach. I have the patterns all picked out and ready to go. I also found a pattern for a knit afghan that looks gorgeous! It's just a simple lace repeat, but so sweet for a baby girl. I have pink yarn for that one, plus an antique white to edge it. I've already picked out the crochet edging, too.
Does anyone else get this excited about yarn and projects?

Call for pattern testers

Looking for pattern testers. Possibly knit or crochet, not sure yet.

I would be using English abbreviations and these would be fairly simple patterns.

You would be using your own supplies, but I will supply the pattern.

Anyone interested?

Apple slice coasters revised

I finally got the apple slice coasters the way I want them. Check it out!

And here they are in their coordinating basket:

The only problem is the embroidery. Does anyone out there know a method of embroidering on the seeds without making the back messy? Here's a pic of the back:

If worse comes to worse I guess I could always make a second apple slice and sew the two back to back so the wrong sides are hidden. At that point they'd be thick enough to be potholders. Hmmmmm... getting another project idea!

Until then, this set is available in my shop at justyarning.etsy.com in case anyone is interested!

Apple basket with coasters

Today I've been working on a small crochet basket that looks like an apple and some "apple slices" for the inside. These are going to be the coasters. I think it's looking pretty good. I just need to remember how I made the slices so I can make more of them. Have a look:

The consensus around here is that the seeds and stem were necessary to really make the coasters look like apples. Otherwise my sample was mistaken for a heart. Not so bad, really. Maybe I'll make a set of heart coasters, too!

I think the coasters still need a little work, but hopefully I'll get a good design and be able to list them in the shop soon.

Free umbrella stroller handle cover crochet pattern

Eek! I started this blog, then abandoned it. Forgot all about it. Sorry excuse for a blogger am I.
What can I say? As a former reporter, I really need deadlines for motivation. ;)
Well, as penance I am offering up a free pattern to anyone who checks this out. Don't forget to let me know how your project turns out! That's the best part.

Stroller handle covers!

I made these a few years ago to combat hot plastic umbrella stroller handles in the Virginia and Florida sun. My Ohio hands were sweating like crazy and the cotton covers not only helped to absorb the excess moisture, but also gave me a nice grip on my stroller handles.

I have these for sale in my shop. They are super simple, but kind of monotonous to make. If you want a set, but don't want to make them yourself, check out my shop at www.justyarning.etsy.com
I have crocheted and knitted covers, and will happily accept custom orders to make you a set in your particular color scheme.

If you want the joy of making them yourself, read on!

The Pattern

I have not tested this out on anyone yet, so I can't say whether it makes any sense whatsoever to anyone but me. So, speak up if you need help or have suggestions for improvement. Thanks!

You will need:
Small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors -- two 2.5 ounce balls of yarn will yield several covers
Size H crochet hook, or size needed for gauge

Gauge -- 4 sc and 4 rows per inch

Abbreviations used:
ch -- chain
sc -- single crochet

Finished size -- about 11 inches long to fit the hooked plastic handles on a standard umbrella stroller

Special note: This project is made in a spiral, so you will not be turning or slip stitching to join at the ends of rounds. After a few rounds, check to see if the cover is going to fit your stroller handle. If not, start with more or fewer chains as necessary.

Let's go!
Make two -- one for each handle!

Starting with Color A, ch 12
Round 1: Sc in beginning ch and next 11 ch for a total of 12 ch, place marker in last st made
Round 2: Sc in each sc around, place marker in last st made
Round 3: Sc in each sc around, then switch to Color B (to switch colors, use new color to draw up final loop in last stitch made with old color)
At this point, you can continue to mark your last stitch, but with the color change it is easy to see the end of your round and the marker is unnecessary
Round 4: Sc around with Color B, then switch to Color A
Rounds 5-42: Sc around following AB pattern for stripes -- you should end up with a round of Color B
Round 43: Sc around with Color A, placing marker in last stitch
Round 44: Sc around, placing marker in last stitch
Round 45: Sc around, slip stitch in next stitch and fasten off
Weave in ends

That's it!
If stripes aren't your thing, make this in a solid color, or variegated color. Like these:

If your covers slip and slide around, add a little elastic at the ends.
Thanks for stopping by!