When Rachel at Maybe Matilda announced her awesome idea for a crochet along last month, I loved the concept and wanted to participate. I took a few crochet lessons at a local yarn shoppe a few years back and really enjoyed the craft. But, like many things, it took the back seat when I got busy with my master’s program and renovating a house and life.
The crochet along was a fabulous way for me to jump back in, just in time for cold nights. I liked crocheting because it’s much more portable than some crafts I enjoy (like sewing) and it’s really easy to pick it up on the sofa in the evenings, on breaks at work, during car rides….
With that said, I didn’t start the crochet along when everyone else did like a normal person. I had some valid excuses, like moving, and vacationing and settling into the new house. And procrastination.
Then, last Friday night, I decided that enough is enough. I headed to Ben Franklin and picked up a new hook (Franco chewed up my old bamboo hook) and some beautiful chunky orange yarn, perfect for fall. I don’t have anything in this autumn color, so I’m psyched to wear it. (The color is even called pumpkin.)
After a little practice with Rachel, I got to work. I started the Time Out Cowl she chose on Friday night, moved into the second ball of yarn on Saturday afternoon and wrapped it up on Monday night. (These images show it doubled up. It’s super long.)
Not too bad for a beginner, and someone who hasn’t crocheted in months.
I finished just in time to take photos to share today over at Maybe Matilda. She graciously offered a free pattern from her shop for everyone who completed the challenge. And there will also be winners. I don’t expect to be a winner, but I’m excited to see what everyone else came up with. (And you can certainly vote for me if you’d like. I won’t argue.)
I’m really pleased with how the cowl turned out. I, however, don’t like it long. It just doesn’t look right on me. I probably should have shortened the pattern, but I just double it up and it is extra cuddly and warm. I think it will be a great piece as the days and nights get cooler. I can’t wait to wear it. And it’s totally Chicago Bears football appropriate. Bear down!
In other news, I’m now considering a broad range of modeling offers. I’m quite talented, if I do say so myself. Nothing as professional as taking a quick couple pictures in the kitchen with a self-timer.
Anyhow – head over and check out the entrants on Maybe Matilda. And if you’re feeling generous, vote for your favorite. (Which will obviously be NewlyWoodwards, right?)
What do you think?
Great job jumping back on the crochet bandwagon! Love the orange, you will get a ton of use out of this for the fall!
So pretty! And the color is just perfect for fall. I think I’ll need to learn how to crochet!
Love it! That color is great. I wish I could crochet. My sister has tried to teach me, but I keep ending up trying to knit.
You are the most adorable thing on this planet. And this cowl reminds me that I never picked up my giant pile of things you have made me over the years. You *have* been making me all these things right? Just add a pumpkin cowl to the pile 😉
And besides the bangs, our haircuts are pretty darn similar. I know you asked for a pic but I’m not in love with it yet. Hopefully this weekend I come to terms with it.
Su capucha tiene un color precioso, me gusta mucho el naranja.
Un saludo.
Susana
How fabulous! I adore this colour it’s not too bright and the cowl looks super comfy
Tee hee, you’re too funny. :0) I love the cowl, and the color is PERFECT for fall. It looks great with the outfit you have on, too…especially with that cute skinny belt. Good job! And to think, you whipped it up so fast!
Such a great fall color. I, too, recently rediscovered crochet. Forgot how much fun it was. Glad we could “meet” on Maybe Matilda!
I love it! The color is perfect for fall 🙂
but the again I’m a Hokie and kinda bleed Maroon & Orange lol
I love the color you chose for your cowl. It looks fabulous. I have a bag that same color. So much fun.
Ruth
Looks awesome!!! 🙂
I *love* your color choice!! Your cowl turned out great and it looks so cozy!
That looks great! Impressive; you get my vote =) Now I want to make one, lol. Go Bears!
love it! great job kim.
my favorite photo is the one of you holding a pumpkin! haha.
I love it – perfect for the autumn!
Great job! The color is fantastic–and you did a beautiful job–you’ve been busy! 🙂
Love that! Very fall and very Bears! I have always wanted to learn to crochet, but I really dont have anyone to teach me…(I tried to teach myself to knit and while I got some of it down, I couldnt get the important parts)
Love it!! The pumpkin color is so perfect for fall. I don’t crochet, but I knit- one day I’ll post some knitting stuff on my blog. Have you checked out Ravelry (www.ravelry.com)? It’s a great resource for patterns (free and paid)- check it out if you haven’t!!
Woohoo! Not only did you finish it in time (very impressive), but it’s beautiful! I LOVE the orange color! And your modeling is fantastic–are you even holding a pumpkin in the picture?! Excellent use of props! Great job–I really, really love your cowl!
Also, I made your Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza recipe for dinner last night . . . and now I’m eating it again for breakfast this morning. It is AMAZING!!! And making me seriously regret not going to Happy Joe’s while I was in Iowa. What a waste of 3 years 🙁
How did you know I’d been looking for an orange scarf??? You have my address, right? Ha – kidding, but I love this! Gonna have to teach myself to crochet and copy you!
Man. I wasn’t prepared for modeling competition in the Quad Cities. You look all Martha Stewart natural in that kitchen.
I LOVE your color choice!! My cowl was short because I was lazy. Laziness prevails once again!
Very beautiful! I love the color.. perfect for this time of year. I have no skills in that department!