January was a great month to finish up some big projects, and also start work on Christmas gifts.

I stocked up on some new yarn, and organized my stockpile into projects.

My goals for the month were to finish the King-sized blanket once and for all, finish up the grey throw, and make a few Valentine’s Day pillows for the Summer daybed.

I made a quick three hour scarf as a gift for a very kind teacher.

I worked on some grannysquares too.

I also started working on a third blanket for Christmas.

I see lots of little squares in my future.

I practiced the triple-crochet stitch.

A little more practice here and there, and I think I’ll get the hang of it.

I was thinking that the house could use a few more pillows. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I decided that Valentine hued big and comfy granny-square pillows would do the job.

I made enough for four pillows. Now I just need to sew some liners, and stuff them.

The Grey Throw was next on my list to complete. This project was fairly quick.

I’ve been working on it here and there during the evenings.

It is one of the big kitty’s favorite nap spots.

The finished throw is extra cozy, and there is plenty of snuggle room.

I really liked this project. It was easy to crochet, and it added a little more warmth to the bedroom.

Lastly, the beast that I have been working on for about a year-and-a-half-or-so.

I decided that this was the month that I was going to complete the king-sized blanket once and for all.

I crocheted until I ran out of yarn, weaved in all of the ends, and called it done.

I love it! This was my biggest project as of yet, and I am really happy with the completed project.

It fit our bed nicely, and I love how warm this blanket is. It is perfect for cold Kansas weather.

Now that February is in full swing I’ve found myself working on the three Christmas blankets whenever I have a free moment. I also started a project for me. I’ll have some more photos up soon.

One thing that I really love about the cold weather is that it is a great reason to stay indoors and work on my many crochet projects. Last night’s count I had three upstairs, two downstairs, and I was starting another one for a very kind teacher who helped out my boys on Monday.

This year I’ve decided to get started extra early on Christmas projects. I have a goal in mind to crochet a throw, blanket, or afghan for each of my family members. I’ll need to make six to gift.

One is getting closer to being done…

I crocheted lots of grannysquares for this big blanket.

I stitch them together on Sunday afternoon during the Football games.

I also started another throw for our bedroom. I really loved the color of James’ scarf that I made for him. I decided to start another one, and turn in into a throw.

This throw is coming along nicely. I hope to have it finished soon.

I’ve been wanting to learn how to crochet African Flowers. I found an easy pattern to use, and got started.

It took me about fifteen flowers to memorize the pattern.

I love the look of the flowers, and I’m gifting this blanket next Christmas.

I’m crocheting the flowers a little here and there. I’m edging them in a soft grey. I hope to have this blanket done in the next few months.

And yes… I’m still working on this one.

Over a year of work, and I still have several rows, and several feet to crochet…

This one was really quick though.

I love this chunky light grey yarn.

It took me just about two hours to crochet this chunky and very warm cowl. I really need it today, the wind chill is -10.

Agnes likes it too. I might have to make her one too.

I’m trying out a few new things for the upcoming new year over here at NicoStuff.com . Maybe some will take on the blog, maybe some won’t. ..

Whenever I’m not in the kitchen, I’ve usually got a book, or a crochet hook in hand. I thought it might be fun to share what I’m working on month to month. Perhaps it will keep me motivated to finish up some of my bigger projects that are still hanging around.

Looking through my photos, I decided to start with November. Here’s what was going on around the craft table at my house.

I finished up the ocean-hued throw that I started way back in April.

I added a few rows of solid colors at the end. I was unable to find the yarn that I needed, so I improvised. The end result is a crazy-cozy throw perfect for snuggling up with a good book.

Agnes brought home a note from school, 21 little gifts were needed for the gift exchange at preschool. I headed over to Pinterest and started looking for some ideas. I came across a few different variations of granny-star patterns, and decided to give one a try.

It took me just a few hours to make enough for the entire class. I need to work this pattern into a blanket. I think it would make a super cute addition to Agnes’ bed.

I’m still working on this gigantic king-sized blanket for our bed. Seriously, I’ve been working on it for over a year, and it is showing no sign of being completed anytime too soon. Just one row takes me forty-five minutes to complete. I’ve lost count of the amount of yarn that has gone into it too. I told myself, I would have it done and on our bed by this winter, I don’t think I’m going to accomplish this goal…

Back to gifts. I made a whole bunch of scarves in November. I made up this little pattern that takes me just about three hours to complete a scarf, and I went to work.

I crocheted six scarves for the kid’s teachers. They turned out beautifully. The preschool teachers really appreciated them. I just hope the scarves keep everyone nice and toasty this Winter.

I made one for James. He loved it. I used the same easy pattern, but made it a bit longer. It took me just about four hours.

I made a few granny-squares for an ongoing blanket.

I also made one last scarf. This one is for Mike, Jill’s boyfriend. This one took about four hours too. I think I know have all of the family members set up with winter scarves.

I liked the look of James scarf so much, I decided to start another one, and turn it into another throw for our room. It is cold in Kansas, and we could always use another throw.

I’ve been finishing up teacher gifts, and I’m currently crocheting a few extra scarves for family gifts too. They have been quick and easy to crochet.

One scarf takes me around three hours to crochet. Just the right amount of time for a Football game.

I made a grey one for my hubby.

I have one scarf for each of the kid’s school teachers. Agnes has three teachers at preschool.

The big kitty has been keeping me company. He has his own blanket to snuggle up on the couch. The big guy just celebrated his 15th birthday earlier this month. He celebrated be taking an extra long nap on the couch with me. He is a pretty cute little craft-buddy.