Charlotte's Web {Banned Books Week}

Alright! Let's get to work, day one of  Banned Books Week!

Day #1: Charlotte's Web

There is something that is particularly endearing about talking animals. At least I've always thought so. I remember reading Charlotte's Web in elementary school. As well as making a paper mache pig out of a soda bottle, and going to Charlotte's Web the play, and watching the movie! Lots of great memories. It is a bit crazy to me to think that this heart-warming and charming classic is frowned upon by some.



The reason for the banning: some folks believe that talking animals are blasphemous, sacrilegious, and disrespectful of God. Also, the book has been criticized for the tragic fate of poor Charlotte being "inappropriate for children." Although very sad, I think it is an important lesson as even children have family and pets die. I think it is important theme of the book!

It's been so long since I read the book. Now I feel nostalgic and eager to read it again. I do remember Charlotte and what a great friend she was. I always felt she was so creative in coming up with the scheme she did.

 To honor this book, I have create two little friends to share.

A Charlotte (and her web) bookmark




AND a little amigurumi Wilbur.



For the web I used extremely fine crochet thread. That's a 2.25mm hook!

 

I love how tiny and cute they are. I am also currently working on a Templeton rat to add to the mix as well. Never enough time for all my ideas! 

Items are listed for purchase in my Etsy shop here!

Spider pattern courtesy of  © 2008 Sandyfroglegs Designs. And Wilbur pattern courtesy of Vivian Clotilde of  Primarily Patterns.

Sophie's Universe Grand Finale

Well Folks-The day has come.

Sophie's Universe is officially FINISHED!

I've done a whole series of posts on this project as it has been a rather large one. I have included links below for easy reading. 

Beginning the adventure (read here)

Half-way through (read here)

Finishing up details (read here)

Wet blocking process (read here)

Update on blocking (read here)

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I know it may sound corny, but it has been an incredible journey. I started this way back in January as a project to work on for 2016. I worked on it casually as I was also trying to fill custom orders, beef up my Etsy Store inventory, work full time, and battle chronic headaches. In May it was boxed up for my move in June. Then shortly after settling in I started working on it again. Just in time for the wrath of Phoenix summers. With the AC on and a fan directly on me, it still felt sweltering to have this huge afghan on my lap. But I plugged away and kept it all in perspective.

 Speaking of perspective, I wanted to share 5 things that I learned from this experience. With of course, some photos of my favorite details of the project.

1.) Challenge yourself! Great things start with your willingness to try. My crazy works for me. My crazy allows me to look at a huge project like this and think, "Yeah. I could probably do something like that." As heartbreaking as it is to me, I wasn't born with a crochet hook and the wisdom of a crocheting granny. I had to learn. And it started with that same crazy idea, "Yeah. I could probably do something like that."



2.) Be stubborn! If I'm two things, it's crazy (aforementioned) and stubborn. They say that practice makes perfect but really stubbornness makes perfect. There were times when this project wasn't exactly rainbows and sunshine. But I kept at it.



3.) Double-check your work! I feel like I'm back in college statistics when I say that, but it's true. This project involved lots of patterns and numbers. Everything has to line up and measure up exactly. If you made a mistake four rows back, you will pay for it. The more diligent I was at counting and checking, the smoother things went.

4.) Anything worth doing is worth doing well! This really means something coming from a cheapskate like me. Because sometimes But this project taught me that it is worth it to do the extra work and make your project look great. If this sounds too vague, check out my post for my first (real) time wet blocking. 

5.) Yarn! I learned so much about yarn during this project. That may sound silly coming from someone who works with yarn everyday, but it is true. Some people are purists and work with only one brand of yarn, different colors, for an afghan. This ensures sameness. Me, I suppose I am more of a loose cannon. I wanted a variety of colors, so I ended up going with multiple brands (see my post about that here). But I quickly found out that some yarns handle wear and tear better. I learned my favorite from this project are: Hobby Lobby, Red Heart Love, and Deborah Norville.  

But now the moment you have all been waiting for, my final reveal!

Sophie's Universe Stats 

as crocheted by Kristen @ Kwid Creations (pattern by Dedri Uys) 

53,200+ stitches

116 rounds

1,000s (at least!) of hours of work over 7 months and 2 states

17 different colors of yarn 

3 different size crochet hooks

And like a bajillion trips to the craft store for more yarn, so I won't even attempt to add up the yardage (maybe another day). 

Thank you everyone for the input and likes and comments on my posts. And thanks to my husband who answered countless questions of, "which color should I do next?!" I appreciate your love and support. 

You might have a feeling this isn't the last time you will see of this project... I feel the same! ;)