Yarn Along {One}

I am trying something new out. I found a web group/blog that posts what they're reading and projects they're working on. The majority of the projects consist of knitting and crocheting, but occasionally you find other crafts as well. I figured with all the projects on my to-do list, this may help me get projects done. You can follow her blog here at Yarn Along .

I decided the first project I wanted to work on would be a crocheted shawl. I originally got this project as a birthday gift from my sister-in-law. The kit included a beautiful bamboo hook, two spools of yarn, and the instructions. Don't ask why I hadn't gotten to it sooner, because I have no idea.

I started working on it two nights ago. To say I was aggravated is putting it lightly though. The hook is a 9.00m hook, and the yarn is more like thick thread. I knew the patter said it was an "open/airy" shawl, but wow, I could barely make the chain for this. Mind you, I've been crocheting since I was in grade school thanks to my Mom showing me how. Its what I did on my hour long bus rides (and read). I'm sure most everyone can agree that working the second row is generally the most "irritating," but the chain, by far the simplest! I could make out front from back. It was constantly twisting. When I finally made it to the second row, the only thing I can say it reminded me of was a bunch of pretzels. I looked at the pattern again thinking maybe I was doing something wrong, and nope. Even better, the pattern was categorized as easy. At least I knew that it wasn't me, it was just the thread/hook combination that was frustrating. I did eventually get it, and once I finished the second row, I put it down for the night...

... just in the wrong spot.

My three year old daughter decided that it was just too pretty NOT to play with. I found it in undone, and in one giant knot. No, I wasn't happy. I put it away, and later last night, with the help of my husband, untangled the mess. It took close to an hour, and I wasn't willing to cut away at the knots just to make it easier. I got the chain and the second row done quite quickly. After that, the pattern started moving quickly. I didn't put it down until my sixth row (or something like that).

As far as reading goes, I'm currently reading Ask Supernanny: What Every Parent Wants to Know by Jo Frost. Not that I really think my kiddo is that much of a pain, but a suggestion here and there can't hurt. I'm really picking up some good ideas, and she conveys it in ways that make it seem completely doable.