March Project

March's project will be another attempt at a cowl (new pattern this time).  The new Scalloped Cowl pattern I found on the Lion Brand website uses a thicker yarn which I think will solve the hook sizing issues I was having before.  I'm going to try starting this with one of the new colors of Bernat's Alpaca yarn, and if this doesn't work I'll stick with the recommended Lion Brand Jiffy yarn. 

Finished: February Scarf

It's the last day of the month and I barely made it.  I finished sewing in the ends of my February project earlier this morning.  The pattern called for a border around the edge of the scarf, but when I tried it out it made the scarf look too chunky.  I tried modifying the border a few times, but I still thought it looked out of place, so I decided against a border.  Here's the finished piece:

Progress: February Scarf

I've completed all eight squares and have sewn them all together in a long row using a whip stitch.  The only thing left on this project is to crochet a border all the way around the scarf.  Here's what it looks like now. (Side note: It's amazing - in a bad way - how much a camera flash can alter the colors.  The scarf colors look most like the bottom picture.)

First Look: February Scarf

The scarf for this project is made by connecting eight squares.  Four of the eight squares are complete.  Here's what they look like:

February Project Materials

Yarn:

Berroco Comfort DK:

Liquorice

Aunt Martha Green

Crypto Crystalline

Caron Spa:

Berry Frappe

Hook:

Susan Bates US I9/5.5 mm

February Project Take 2

The cowl I picked for my February project was not turning out as I had hoped.  For some reason the recommended hook size just wasn't working for me.  I tried using a larger hook, but then the detail of the stitches weren't coming out the way I wanted.  I decided to scrap the project and found a new one for February.  February's new project is the Mirror Lake Scarf (pattern here).  I'll be using the same yarn that I planned to use on the cowl.  Instead of making the scarf a solid color, I'm going to use four alternating colors.

Branding

Since my Etsy store is officially open for business I decided it was time to do some branding.  I wanted to make tags to put on all of my pieces, so I headed to the craft store for some materials.  My goal was a handmade eco-friendly look using earth tones.  After searching for a while, I finally found some cream colored cardstock that has the recycled look I had in mind.  I also bought some letter stamps and "lettuce" green and "espresso" brown ink pads.  To finish the tags I found a tiny bird shaped hole punch to place a piece of hemp twine into.


I spent some time experimenting with different tag layouts and sizes and found a look that I'm happy with.  If you'd like to see the tags on my pieces, visit the danae crochets store on Etsy.