The Big Reveal: My Lazy Daze Crochet Poncho

Those who crochet or craft regularly usually spend the bulk of their time creating items and gifts for other people. If you're like me, you delight in knowing that you're investing your time, craft and heart into something that others will find use in. Because I'm so far away from family much of the year, crocheting things for them makes me feel closer. But in the midst of finishing a soft, cozy lapghan for the couch in my Chicago-area home and the last of four infinity scarves made for my recently released pattern eBook, I also found time to make something special for myself!

It all started when I spied this single skein of yarn...missing its label and slightly unraveled...in a bin at Hobby Lobby. After a bit of detective work, I discovered that it's Red Heart Boutique Treasures in Watercolor. Isn't that a scrumptious sounding name?

Although I was already up to my eyeballs in crochet projects, I instantly knew what this yarn wanted to become and added the project to my list. From start to finish, it was an inspired piece of work I've called my Lazy Daze Poncho.

I designed the Lazy Daze Poncho with my Q hook in mind, which I inherited from my grandma, because the yarn has an airy look to it. The combination of extra-large crochet hook, the yarn and a chunky stitch makes the Lazy Daze Poncho ideal for keeping extra warm in the winter or as a lighter cover-up during spring and fall. Here it is as a work-in-progress....

And now for the Big Reveal! Are you ready?! Drum roll, please.....

Big Reveal: Lazy Daze Poncho by Go Crochet Crazy

After having to completely unravel my first attempt (I miscalculated my measurements and made it too long), I've perfected my pattern directions and was able to have this finished and ready to wear after four days. It kept me warm on the flight from Chicago to Rhineland, Germany and I've worn it on a few other occasions. Each time, I've received compliments on the colors and design.

The Lazy Daze Poncho pattern is part of another upcoming crochet pattern eBook that I'm currently working on. Additionally, I want to encourage you to check out Red Heart's Boutique Treasures line because the yarn is to die for and their color combinations are gorgeous. I think, like me, you'll be inspired to crochet something beautiful that you can wear and enjoy often. 

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Crochet Addict What You Doing Wednesday?
Small Things Fiber Arts Yarn Along Wednesday
Oombawka Design Link and Share Wednesday
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 
Four Seasons Blog Hop 
Hello Little Home Birthday Link Party
Natasha in Oz Say G'Day Saturday

Wintery Weather & Exciting Crochet Projects

Snow was falling lightly when I woke up this morning. I could feel the crispness in the air as I opened my eyes, so Sophie (one of my cats) and I snuggled down under the heap of covers for a little bit longer. She's always happy to oblige when it comes to snuggles. :) Judging by the amount of snow on the ground and the bunny footprints going through it, the snow must have started an hour or two before waking time.

Neither the rabbits or birds seem to be too concerned about the snow.

Meanwhile, I continue to play a game of Tag-You're-It with this nasty head cold. One day I'm nearly better, and the next day it's gotten the best of me again. Having managed to avoid every illness in the past three years, I believe this cold has decided it's time I get caught up!

But you can't keep a good woman (or avid crocheter) down, can you? I'm armed this morning with a large cup of dark Italian roast coffee to remind me of warm summer days in Verona or along Lake Garda. Even my coffee cup is willing me on toward health.

And I have two crochet projects I'm very excited to share with you! One is nearly finished...it's the last of four infinity scarves (here's the first) I've created for an upcoming pattern book. Here it is in it's work-in-progress state.

Another project has been on my Crochet To-Do list, which I talked about here, and I'm excited to allow myself to start on it today!!! I'd forced myself to exercise self-control until I was coming down the home stretch of the final infinity scarf. Now that I'm there, I can begin working with this scrumptious yarny treat to make myself an asymmetrical poncho.

As I sit here on this wintery March morning, with my hot cup of coffee and cozy blanket, I can almost imagine my poncho -- in lovely hues of purple, blue, green and pale yellow -- keeping me warm like a favorite blanket. I envision myself wearing it inside to keep warm on a chilly day and outdoors to keep the slight chill of springtime or autumn away. I'm looking forward to showing you the finished project and sharing the pattern with you! In the meantime, it's another good day for "cozies", just as it was this past weekend. Happy Wintery Wednesday, friends!