Rug and Done

I finished my rug for the foyer a few days ago and here are the photos.  I am really happy with how it turned out and I would like to make another one for the bedroom.  I used 4 skeins of burly spun 100% wool yarn in oatmeal from Brown Sheep Company.

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Pattern:
Using a size P hook.

Start with 8 chain stitches (ch) and close them to a ring with a slip stitch (sl)

Round 1: ch 1, 15 single crochets(sc) to the ring, 1 sl to close the row

Round 2: ch 6, skip one stitch, *1 double crochet (dc), 3 chs, skip 1 stitch*, repeat *-* 6 times, 1 sl to the 3^rd chs to close the row (=8db)

Round 3:  ch 3, 2dc, 1ch, 3dc into same space, *ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, 3dc* for entire round, at end of the round ch1 and join with a slst to 3rd chain of original 3ch.

Rounds 4 and 5:  ch3  into the same space, make 2dc, *ch1, 3dc into next space* repeat until end of round and join with a slst into 3rd ch of original 3ch.  Each 1ch space should be filled with 3dc each cluster separated with 1ch.

Round 6:  Just like round 3 but increasing every 2.   Ch 3 into the same space, 2dc, ch1, 3dc, *ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, into next space 3dc, ch1, 3dc* repeat for the entire round and at end of the round ch1 and join with a slst to 3rd chain of original 3ch.

Rounds 7, 8, and 9:  No increases just repeat round 4 

Round 10:  Increasing again but every 3. 

Rounds 11, 12, and 13: No increases repeat round 4 

Any subsequent rounds repeat sequence of rounds 10, 11, 12, and 13 until it is as big as you want it.

Note: Don't end on an increasing round make sure you follow it with 3 regular rounds.  Increasing rounds are a little misshapen and it takes 3 regular rounds to normalize.

I am not exactly sure how many rounds I did, I stopped when I ran out of yarn. 

Edging:
Ch 3 into the same space, 1 dc, *ch 2, into next space 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, into next space ch 2, 2dc, ch 2, 2 dc* repeat for the entire round then ch 2, 2 dc into the same space as the first st.  Join with a slst and fasten off.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Birthday

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  I slept in, received a package of burly spun yarn from my in laws, used the yarn to get started on my rug for the foyer,  ate my favorite dinner marinated lamb and red skin potatoes, drank a bottle of cab, and watched 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, and the Office.  Not my most eventful birthday but just as good as any other.

The pattern is a combination of 2 different  patterns.  I found one that I really liked and started it but couldn't figure out one part of the directions.  I really liked the center so I kept it and  just started doing a granny circle.   The round shape is perfect for in front of the spiral staircase in the foyer.  I will be posting pictures as soon as I finish!

100% wool....Love!

Card from my Mom.   Perfect for me,  I laughed so hard.  Although my husband kind of liked the idea.

Spinach salad with my homemade vinaigrette.

I made the marinade the day before.  Its ever so simple but oh so delicious.  I start by heating EVOO in a pan then add onions, once they are translucent I add garlic, rosemary, and pepper,  let it cool  then add balsamic vinegar. 

Peanut butter rice krispie treat with chocolate and butterscotch on top.

Making Progress

When I was home a couple of weeks ago my Mom taught me how to crochet a granny square. It was her second attempt at teaching me and I was determined to figure it out this time.  After a few successful granny squares  I started this blanket.  I was making it for the dogs, but my husband refused to let me give it to them and suggested I give it to him instead..  I decided to make a giant granny square instead of a bunch of little ones because I thought it might be a little easier and go faster considering this is my first blanket.  Its almost finished.