Persistence Pays Off

When I found this pattern for a lion amigurumi, I couldn't wait to get started and add this guy to my collection of favorite finished objects.  Little did I know he was to become a thorn in my side for weeks.  I don't remember exactly why, but I became a little bored with the project early on and kept picking up other things to work on instead. 

Finally, about a month ago, I finished all of the body parts and construction and had a nice, female lion.  I grabbed the yarn for the mane and started reading through the pattern and promptly put "her" up on the shelf in my room.  I was so confused by what they wanted me to do, I just decided it was good enough. 

So, I saw "her" sitting there every day for the last few weeks and it really bothered me that I couldn't finish what I started.  I decided to give it one more try and dove into the pattern head-first just following instructions one row at a time.  Unfortunately, it wasn't to be quite that easy.  I ripped out my work twice and decided to set "her" down again. 

Then, as I was laying in bed that night meditating, an alternate way of creating the mane came to me, and I saw clearly how to make it work.  I started last night and it came together even better than I had pictured in my mind.  So, through the magic of modern yarn technology, "she" has finally become a "he" -- I present to you, Leo the Lion!

A Little Coffee Wisdom

I joined a new group on Ravelry (Breakthrough Crochet) and found this pattern on their Summer Crochet Along.  It was a quick little project that really adds a nice bit of whimsy to a coffee mug.

V-Stitch Headband by JuliChu

I found this pattern a while back and stuck it in my queue on Raverly.  I was looking for something quick and easy to crochet yesterday while I was watching the NASCAR race and decided to pull it out and give it a shot.  It was really simple and repetitive, which made it a great TV watching project.  I finished it up today and had Cindy choose a button she liked.  She liked it so much that she wants me to make more in a variety of colors.  I think I will try it in cotton next, so she has one that is a little more summer friendly.  If you want to know more about JuliChu, check out her blog.

Thanks Juli!