Merry Christmas and a Crocheted Christmas Afghan!

It's been so long since I've written something here at Hooked On Needles that I need to figure it out all over again! So how have you all been these last many months? Needless to say, I've been a bit preoccupied, but not with my needlework! Two more courses complete, which were the last of my prerequisites, my application has been submitted and I should know by March if I will be starting the nursing program at our local college in the fall. I also started working three days a week at a local doctor's office and besides providing some help with the family finances, it is also a great social outlet for me. As much fun as my quilting and bag making and other needlework is for me, it's not exactly the same as face-to-face contact with other humans! So I'm enjoying my job very much and am so grateful to have it. But I do miss being able to spend hours at a time working out a new bag design, or piecing a pretty quilt, or whipping up a new supply of little zipper bags for my etsy shop. I hope to get back to all that soon.

Even with all the homework and studying I had to do this semester in between working and running kids and keeping up the household, I was able to find time for a little Christmas crochet. Isn't it amazing how we can always make time for the things we really love to do? Here's what I made as a gift for my parents...

This is a throw size afghan made in Red Heart Holiday yarn from this pattern that my mother found on line and fell in love with. She sent me the link and gushed about how beautiful she thought it was back in early fall, so I promptly ordered the yarn and made it as their Christmas gift! Whew! That was easy!

The yarn was quite nice to work with and the interesting not-quite-granny squares worked up quickly. The pattern as it is written could use a little help, so I would not recommend this one for a new crocheter to try. I ended up having to figure out a few things on my own and rework some things, which I think would be so frustrating for someone new to crochet. But I liked the way it turned out and my parents have already received it and opened it, with permission of course! I thought it would be nice if they could enjoy it throughout the Christmas season.

I hope you and your families enjoy a very Blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy and crafty 2014!

Happy Stitching!

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