Intimidated by a project

Why is it that even after 35 plus years of crochet experience I am intimidated by a project? It seems to me that with that much experience I should be able to look at any project and say "let's do it".

However I find myself intimidated by a simple thing. Socks. I want to make a pair of socks that I can wear in shoes, but I find myself at a stand still.

There is a part of me that knows I can do it, and another part of me that says, "yeah you can do it but they will be so bulky they will be like slippers". And that is exactly what I do not want.

If you google crochet sock pattern, you will end up with some great looking patterns, but they are all done in worsted weight yarn. I did find one that was done using sock weight yarn, so that might be a possibility.

The book "Crocheted Socks: 16 fun to stitch patterns" seems like it might be a possibility. I think I am going to head over to Michaels and get it since I have a %50 coupon.

So what else intimidates me as far as crochet projects? Not a whole lot... I have done sweaters and mittens so this should not intimidate me. I've decided that I will conquer socks. I will not be intimidated any more by a project that some of my friends say is easy.

Veterans Poppy Pin Patteren

I have had many people ask for the pattern to my Poppy pin. This is the first time in about 6 years that I have posted a pattern due to people stealing my creations. Pleas Please Please respect the copyright on this pattern. Give me credit if you sell them. Thanks, Lori


Veterans Poppy Pin Pattern

Supplies:

Small amount of brown thread for center. (you could also use black)
Small amount of red for petals. (Orange could work also)
1 Small safety pin
I used a size 6 steel crochet hook, use what you are comfortable with since there is no gauge. The pin is about 5 inches when it lays flat.

Center:
ch 6 sl st to close ring. ch 2 11 hdc in ring to make total of 12 hdc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Petal:
1. ch 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. continue across (5 hdc) ch 3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next st 2 dc n next repeat across ending with 2 dc in last st. ch 3 turn
3. repeat row 2 ending with ch 3 turn
4. increase 1 st at beginning of this row and end with 2 dc in last stitch. 1 dc in all other st across. ch 3 turn
5. work 1 dc over first 2 st, 2 dc over next 2, 2 decrease clusters over next 4 st, 2 dc in next 2 st. end with 1 decrease over last 2 st, ch 3 turn.
Noter: at this point the petal should start to cup slightly...
6. work 1 decrease over first 2 st, 1 dc in next st. repeat this pattern across. DO NOT CHAIN, turn
7. in first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 5 of these petals.

Half Petal:
1. ch 5 work hdc in 3rd ch from hook across. (3hdc) ch3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 st, ch 3 turn (4 st)
3. dc in first 2 st (3 dc) increase in last st, ch 3 turn
4. 1 dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in top of next st, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc over next 2 dc ch 3 turn
5. work 2 dc over first 2 dc (ch 3 counts as first dc, decrease over next 2 st. 1 dc in next st and decrease over last 2 dc ch 3 turn
6. work 1 decrease , 1 dc, 1 decrease at end of row. DO NOT CHAIN, turn.
7. n first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 1 of these half petals.

Assembly: with either red or brown (it is going to be on the underside so it doesn't matter) sew 3 petals on the back of the brown disc. The brown needs to be raised and in front of all petals. In the spaces left sew on the remaining petals ad half petal. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Shaping: Most of the petals should cup toward the center of the flower, however one or two from the back row should be turned back.

Using safety pin fasten on clothing and get compliments.

Hope you enjoy this pattern. I have many others that I have designed over the 38 years I have been crocheting.

Lori