Small things...

This week I've been working on several projects, but everything is still in WIP status.

The thing that got the most attention is still my cross stitch.  The partridge is basically done, though some back-stitching is needed to define the wings a bit. I just need to decide on or buy the right color floss for that.  I also need to not forget to give that bird an eye!

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Besides time spent on cross stitch, I also worked on some small crochet projects (that were Crochet-A-Longs in Our Happy CAL Place).

First, were a couple of bookmarks crocheted with thread:

These take me back - to the 1970's to be precise.  

Gotta love granny stitches and fringe.  Though I felt compelled to braid my fringe...

Because I was feeling all retro, I tried use colors that reflected the 1970's (and that I had in my stash).  I love these and think they would look fun made in more modern colors, too.  I'm sure I'll be making more before I've gotten these out of my system.  They'd make great little gifts to have on hand to maybe tuck inside a card  - or a book, of course.  But these two are for me.  😊

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Mid-week I realized I was going to need to host a CAL on OHCP, so I picked a quick-ish project that I've been wanting to try.  Scalloped Edge Hanger Covers:

Now, I'm not one who previously thought I'd crochet hanger covers, but ever since I saw these on Ravelry, I've been curious about them.   Who doesn't have at least a few garments that are prone to slipping off the hanger?  I thought I'd find out if this is a way to resolve that issue.

I'm happy to say, Yes!  These crocheted hanger covers are a total success.  The cuteness factor of the scallops is honestly what convinced me to give these a try, even though the scallops add not one bit of purpose to the non-slip factor.  

To be completely honest, the whole thing is a bit fiddly to make, but I think I'll make at least a few more.  If you're at all interested, I seriously recommend watching this video (of Mikey from Crochet Crowd) to walk you through it. It explains how to start the crocheting - something I was struggling with before watching the video.

I'll go ahead and explain that in following the video, one will end up with a piece of yarn across the front of the hanger - like this: 

 At first that was off-putting to me, but then it occurred to me (or maybe Mikey mentioned?) that that piece of yarn is a great place to  thread a ribbon:

So that's what I did, and then tied it into a bow.  While I'd use a bit thinner ribbon if I had it handy, I have to say I think my wide brown ribbon is kind of cute on my new pink hanger in the first hanger picture above.  😉

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I also did some crocheting on my Bertie Baby Blanket, and I'm sooo close to being finished.   I'll hold off with a picture because until I add the border, there's really nothing different about it (from the first picture I showed weeks ago) except that it's larger.  Hopefully, next week I'll be able to check that off my WIP list.

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And finally, I am going to join the chorus of voices that are amazed that another YOP year is nearly over.  While some YOPers begin their YOP year in January, July 1st is the traditional start date of each new YOP year.   I mention this in case anyone reading has been considering joining the fun.  July 1st is a great time to jump in.  All that is needed is a blog, a free Ravelry membership, and the desire to join the Year Of Projects group and share progress on projects throughout the year.   Check us out here!