WIPs anyone?

If you are anything like me, you probably have more than one project going at a time. Maybe you need one for "on-the-go" types of crocheting--the portable ones you can do while waiting. Maybe you need the mindless one that you can work on while you are binge "watching" your favorite Netflix show. Or maybe you've got that one that takes a bit more focus--counting or interesting stitch placements--that you work on when you are feeling motivated and inspired to make something really incredible. And don't forget those that you're getting ready for the next craft fair or as gifts for the arriving new one. I've got one in almost each of these categories right now! (Sadly, I've got several I can't show you just yet. But I will soon, I promise!)

Here's a peek at some of the yarn I'm working with right now.

I picked up this incredible yarn last Fall while shopping with Atty, my fellow Scheepjes Blogger in Amsterdam. I didn't even hesitate when I saw it. I snatched it all up and giggled the whole time.

Early crochet design by Susan Carlson of Felted Button using Undercover Otter Yarn

This is one of my WIPs in a very early version. I love the texture. I love the colors. I love the join-as-you-go. So far so good. I'll show you more as it develops. (Just to note--this originally started out as a triangle and went through maybe 20 revisions to get to this hexie. But I'm tickled with it now.)

Carlton Alpaca Divine -- used to make Berniolie Izumi shawl

Just the other day I happened upon a LYS (local yarn store) just down the street from me. The first yarn I picked up was this. Carlton Alpaca Divine. Although this is my first encounter with the yarn, I'm really pleased with its softness. I'm not super stoked about the gradient changes, however. I think they are a bit abrupt. (More about this later.)

Here's what I'm making with it...

Izumi shawl crochet pattern by Bernadette Ambergen of Berniolie

The shawl was designed by the talented Bernadette Ambergen of Berniolie. She is the queen of shawls, lace and intricate work. But she's got some lovely blankets, too. You can take a gander at all of her lovely work here and get your hooks into the Izumi pattern above here.

Scheepjes Secret Garden Yarn --Work in Progress by Susan Carlson of Felted Button

This is such a teaser of what I'm making with my *Scheepjes Secret Garden. (I'm not sharing the "colorful" part of the design yet.) But this cotton/silk/polyester blend is so nubby and wonderfully soft. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with it. And I'm using a fun slip stitch pattern for oodles of texture. Again, keep watching here for more on this one.

Scheepjes Nooodle -- crochet pattern WIP by Susan Carlson of Felted Button

Scheepjes Nooodle Yarn -- Work in Progress by Susan Carlson of Felted Button (Colorful Crochet Patterns)

Scheepjes Nooodle has also been on my hook lately. Super soft, fun colors, and a practical project in the works. (See that nifty yarn bowl? I got that as a Christmas gift from my friends at Scheepjes. You can snag one of your own *here. I loooove mine!)

Now back to the Carlton yarn I was using above. Like I said, the gradient color changes are not nearly long enough, in my humble opinion. It makes things look stripey and choppy. But this--well, this is absolutely brilliant. Maybe you've seen these *Scheepjes Whirl cakes around the web and been as astounded as I. I've stepped out of my color zone in a HUGE way with this colorway, but I'm surpisingly happy. Must be the most subtle gradient color changes I've seen in a yarn yet. As I understand it, there is no other yarn out there like it! Watch for this design to come and many more using the beautiful colors available.

Finally, I've been working away on my Felted Button Temperature CAL blanket. I chose the Plaited Throw and am making a historical one of my daughter's first year of birth. Fun colors of *Colour Crafter with just a few manageable rows a day makes it the perfect choice for me.

Plaited Throw by Susan Carlson of Felted Button Temperature Blanket CAL

If you are interested in seeing the many blankets being made in the CAL or making one of your own, join the Facebook group here. You can read more about the Crochet-A-Long here.

Are you tired yet? Haha! Indeed, I've got a lot on my hook right now--enough that it should make me tired. But, honestly, it energizes me to have so many fun things going. I would love to see your WIPs, too, so please share on my Facebook page!

I hope you find lots of time to crochet and do the things that bring you joy! Big hugs!

| On the Board | -- For maximum happiness, peace and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude. ~Thomas S. Monson