Jane: Can't resist amigurumi

As you can see, I've just finished another amigurumi, a tiny project to tide me over after that big sweater project (and the prayer shawl I didn't like so took to the frogpond). He's actually made with leftover crochet aran cardigan yarn.

The pattern's available . . . somewhere online; I modded it so this sheep would feel at home in one of Aardman's productions.

I don't know what's next, crochet-wise.

Jane: Kawaii

I think that's how you spell it. It means "cute" in Japanese, and it's a big deal in Japan, the land of Hello Kitty and Pokemon.

So when I saw this book,

I couldn't resist. It has all sorts of amazingly kawaii things you can easily make. "How fun!" says the text.

Here's what I made.

The pink coin case actually holds safety eyes for amigurumi (you would have guessed that, wouldn't you). The other little card case currently holds coupons, but it seemed too small.

I decided to use their ideas to make a bigger case, but I decided against kawaii and chose some whimsical decorations instead. I embroidered them on both sides with perle cotton.


Yeah, denim and embroidery, very 70s. But so am I.

Jane: Finished my cardigan!

It took me 1 year + and 2 major trips to the frogpond,* but I finally finished!

Thursday night I told Bruce that if I were single, I would pull an all-nighter that night to finish it. But I'm glad I didn't try that--I had to make some adjustments once I got the pieces sewn together. The neckline was much too big/wide, and I had to take out the collar ribbing (you do that last in crochet), fill in some space with single crochet, and redo the collar.

Overall, I'm pleased with it. It's a big, bulky sweater, which isn't particularly "fashionable" right now, but it seems like a good style for an Aran style sweater. I like the way these drop shoulder sleeves worked out--the sleeve stitch kind of melds with the body stitch near the shoulders, so it makes the drop shoulders less "dropped." The yarn worked great for the project--it's cuddly and warm! I plan on having it around for the many years.

Nerdy details for crocheters:
Pattern: "Rugged Rover" from Jane Snedden Peever's Crocheted Aran Sweaters.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (20% wool, 80% acrylic) in "Fisherman"
Hook size: H was recommended, but I had to use J to make the gauge work. All the amigurumi crocheting has made me a tighter crocheter! One size smaller hook used on trim.
Buttons: 5/8 (I think I may have to replace the buttons with bigger ones. 5/8 seem to be a bit small. I suppose I could also sew the buttonholes up a bit if I like these smaller buttons.

*Knitters and crocheters say they're making a trip to the frogpond when they have to rip something out. Rip it, rip it. Get it? :-)

Jane: Crochet Project

Remember that crochet aran sweater I was working on? Here it is, being blocked! Once it's dry, I'll put it together and do collar, cuffs, bottom band, and fronts with buttons (it was shown with a zipper; maybe I'll do that instead).

It's taken a while, and lots of ripping out . . .but I sense completion is near!

Jane: A Mom's Advice on Staying Warm

It's been cold everywhere recently! Here in Iowa, though, this is normal. We're used to dealing with icy temps.

The best advice is "stay inside," but sometimes you can't. So here's what you need to stay warm when it's way too cold.

From top to bottom:
Cute Hat: It's got to be cute so you'll wear it. That thing your mom told you about 90% of your body heat escaping from your head is not factually correct, but a hat really ups your warmth factor. Best places for cute hats: K-Mart (where I got the one pictured), Younkers.

Sunglasses: After it snows here in Iowa, we get sunny, clear, COLD weather. So the shades keep down the glare while also keeping the wind out.

Cute Scarf: Hey, this is your chance to show off knitting or crocheting skills! (I knitted the one in the picture with nubbly yarn.) For a while I wore a no-sew scarf I made with fleece. The scarf keeps your neck warm, can be pulled up over your face, and adds a note of style.

Down Jacket: I am not kidding. You must have down if the temp is below 25. I bought the one in the picture from Eddie Bauer a long time ago, Before Kids, and it's still nice. The other jacket option is, of course, fur, and don't knock fur until you've worn it on a cold day.

Fleece and Thinsulate driving gloves: I prefer mittens for warmth, but they're not as useful when driving.

Slacks: That is to say, not tights and boots, no matter how cute your tights and boots are. Wait until it's above 25. Cords and wool slacks are best, of course, but denim's OK.

Warm boots: I wear them whenever there's snowcover or it's below 20, pretty much all winter. Uggs are cute, too, but they are not waterproof. I wear my (fake) Uggs inside, as slippers.