It’s Almost Christmas so I Think I’ll Crochet an Afghan…
Because obviously I don’t have enough to do a week before Christmas… guess I’ll make an afghan… This is me with Kizmet and the afghan that inspired it all…
Christmas is less than a week away so I think I’ll make an afghan as a gift. Yes, when you’re me, that’s the insane kind of thing you decide to do. It came to me out of nowhere – I was pondering the gifts I had gotten everyone and I just didn’t feel I had that “home run” gift for my youngest son, Joe, who will be coming from Upstate New York to be with us for the holidays.
This was me with my boys – Joe and Chris – back in 2011. I am so excited that both boys will be with me for Christmas this year too!
I got him some practical stuff he wanted, but nothing that really came from the heart. The inspiration came to me by just “listening” to what was around me – I was sitting on the couch in my office, surrounded by my cats and an afghan I had made several years ago. This afghan is especially special to me, as it is the afghan that I snuggled with on the last day I spent with my beloved angel, Mr. Jazz. Joe is a huge cat lover and Mr. Jazz was a major part of his life. I knew at that moment that he needed an afghan from me (and don’t worry, I’m not spoiling his surprise – he’s one of the few people on earth that is not addicted to the Internet and he won’t be reading this).
This afghan will forever be precious to me… I am seen here in my final moments with Mr. Jazz. Sadly, I did not know on that fateful day that Harley who is also in this picture (along with Kizmet) would pass a year later…
Throwing any sense of practicality out the window, I did a search on Google for “Quick and Easy Afghans” and found one that I really liked. And I must say, despite that Google is stalking my every living, breathing move and letting me know in a not so subtle way based on my searching patterns what I can’t live without it my life, I still love Google. I love how convenient it is and I love how well it knows what I want in the three words or less I type into my search engine.
Google and I found a nice pattern and we also found an online coupon to save a few dollars at Michaels Crafts. Thanks Google! Off I went and I honestly don’t know what’s more crazy – deciding to crochet an afghan in a few days, or braving the holiday crowds at Michaels… Or maybe deciding to crochet an afghan, going to Michaels, and then writing about it and putting a blog post together…
Victory! I made it back from Michaels unscathed! I chose a variety of textured yarns in tones of cream, brown, and black.
Anyhow, as you can well imagine, I have been madly crocheting like a possessed lunatic since I came up with this hair-brained idea. I will also tell you at this point that Google and I strongly disagree on what we consider “Quick and Easy.” The person who shared this pattern must drink a lot of Red Bull, because this is not going to be a few days project…
Sorry Jazmine – this particular afghan is not for you, but you can certainly help me make it!
Oh well. No big deal. It probably won’t be finished in time, but I’ll wrap whatever is done nonetheless. Right now it looks like a really big scarf and if I can’t get it done, I’ll just mail it to him when I do. But regardless, the best part is that he has a sweet cat in his life that I know will appreciate this gift as much as he does. Just like me, cats are drawn to afghans and knowing that I will be bringing such simple happiness to both of them is the greatest gift of all.
So that’s how I rock and roll – by throwing sensibility and caution to the wind. How about you – what crazy thing have you done for the holidays?
I really like how it is coming out so far (and Zoey seems to approve too). The design is comprised of 12 long panels that will be stitched together. The pointed ends will be capped off with fringe.
Hey, Deb!
You asked: “How about you – what crazy thing have you done for the holidays?”
I suddenly decided to make holiday wreaths for 7 people 3 weeks before Christmas. I also braved the crazed crowds at Michael’s — twice! I didn’t buy enough Christmas-y do-dads and had to go back for more. I broke my scissors and had to go out and buy wire cutters. I cut myself on the florist wire and bled for my art! My coffee table looks like the remains of a children’s gathering. But, 7 people will have gotten a home-made gift from me and that makes it all worthwhile. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Your afghan looks beautiful! Your son will love it.
Oh my goodness Beverly!! Thank you for sharing and join the club!! That is quite the ordeal you’ve gotten yourself into, but yes, it will be worth it in the long run and I am sure the wreaths are absolutely gorgeous! Since I started the afghan, I also ran out of yarn (the direction for this pattern are dreadfully written) and had to go back to Michaels… and now that I have been crocheting more and more, I think I have too much yarn and will have to return some! And the first batch of yarn that I got was wound in such a way that it got hopelessly tangled with just heightened the frustration!!
Oh Deb that will be a FABULOUS afghan and I know your son will just LOVE it (if you can get it away from the kitties that is!). Anything “homemade” is always a perfect present…..it’s got YOU in every stitch and that makes it very special. All these years whenever I’ve given something I’ve made myself to anyone, it touches a special place in them AND in me to have done so. Glad your boys will be home for the holidays – may you all enjoy every single minute of being together – MERRY CHRISTMAS and happy, healthy new year.
Love, Sammy and Mom Pam
Thank you Pam and Sam – and I love your mindset – that there is my love in every stitch!
I continue to be impressed that you are even able to crochet with cats. I used to knit, but I’d have to lock myself in a separate room! 🙂 The Afghan looks beautiful, but it sure does not look like a simple and easy pattern to me, either. Sometimes, Google seems to be overly optimistic…
LOL Ingrid – years ago I’d have to add months to any crochet project I did because my cats were so invested in “helping” me. My kitties now – they get such quality play time with me every night that I think they find the crocheting too boring to participate in!
That afghan love and snuggies sure looks great!
The afghan is going to be beautiful ! Purrs
I can’t wait to see the finished product! I am a crocheter as well and just started my first afghan a few months ago… I don’t know how you could ever finish in just a few days!!! At the rate I’m going, it will take me all of next year to finish! Anyway, have fun and Merry Christmas!!! 🙂
We know Joe is gonna love his afghan…because it truly is a gift from the heart. 🙂
That afghan is certainly being made with love (and kitty fur) TW made several afghans in the past and knows the hard work that goes into them. Merry Christmas!
I love homemade afghans! They are so comfortable and very special because they are made with love.
I like how it is coming out too and I give you lots of credit for braving the stores on the last Saturday before Christmas. Good luck- I hope you finish it. PS: Ravelry.com is a great place with lots of free patterns.
You can make an afghan in a week? MOUSES! Your paws must be able to move, lickety-split. Very impressive, indeed.
Purrs,
Seville
My late mother used to crochet, and her birthday is Christmas Eve, so your post really made me smile! I’m unsure which is braver… going to Michaels this late in the holiday season or taking on this project now. Either way, big props to you. Please be sure to post the results so we can admire it!
Wow, that’s terrific, Deb! Not only is that afghan beautiful, it’s being made with so much love. Wonderful!
Ooooooh We luv those colors. Dat’s gunna be purrfect. Have a Merry Christmas.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi