Gilmore Girls CAL – Week #5

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Thanks for being patient with me while I got this week’s squares out. For those of who don’t know, I ended the holiday weekend with a trip to the hospital that ended in having my appendix removed. While it was a little more complicated than just that, I am on the mend and home with my family again. I fully expect to be back to normal in no time at all. So, because of this, there was a slight delay in getting the graphs out for this week. Because of the little detour, I was unable to finish my own squares to show you all at this time, but I think the squares are simple enough this week that you get the idea from just the graphs.

Any true Gilmore Girls fan knows that Rory’s heart used to belong to Harvard, but that all changed when she decided that Yale was the place for her. So, to pay tribute to that great institution where many many things happened for Rory, here is a square for Yale:

 

This week starts the tribute to each of her main squeezes in the original series run (I still haven’t seen the revival yet–wifi at the hospital was not good enough to allow me to catch up while recovering). I have a square planned for each of her big love interests from the original series. Now, I won’t take sides with the whole #teamdean #teamjess #teamlogan thing. I think that each guy came into her life and fit her story just the way it was. Just like our own lives–the people we meet shape us and contribute to who we are today.

With that said, this week is Dean’s turn. Ah…first love. This was such a sweet and innocent time for Rory. Something I could never get over was the car that Dean built for her! Seriously, who does that?! I thought it fitting that Dean’s square be a tribute to Rory’s first car built with love and sweat by Dean himself.

I have both graphs available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Yale 25×25 PDF

Yale 25×25 PNG

Rory’s First Car (Dean) 25×25 PDF

Rory’s First Car(Dean) 25×25 PNG

Here are the colors needed for these two graphs, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT FAQs DOCUMENT.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Gilmore Girls CAL – Week #4

The rebels. This week pays tribute to the rebels in the Gilmore Girls–the Life & Death Brigade and Hep Alien.

One of my favorite episodes in the entire Gilmore Girls series is season 5, episode 7, “You Jump, I Jump, Jack.” In this episode, Rory is whisked away for a weekend with the Life & Death Brigade so she can cover a story for the Yale Daily News. My favorite scene is when Logan takes Rory by the hand and the two then jump off of a scaffolding in a stunt. This iconic GG scene symbolizes Rory’s awakening, where she is opening herself up to adventure and stepping outside of her comfort-zone bubble. Many will argue that this is symbolic of her relationship with Logan, but I think it goes beyond her relationship with Logan.

And what better way to incorporate Rory’s BFF, Lane Kim, into our graphgan than to add Hep Alien? We all remember Lane’s penchant for hiding forbidden music, clothes, make-up, and food from her mother in the floorboards of her bedroom. Lane followed her passion for making music by rebeling against her mother, and met her husband and the father of her twin boys in the process.

Now, I know a true fan will argue that the umbrella Rory used in the ‘You jump, I jump, Jack,’ scene is black. But I went with the vibrant blue of her scarf. So if you were wondering why I used that blue, well, that’s why.

I give you the rebels of the Gilmore Girls, the Life & Death Brigade and Hep Alien:

In Omnia Paratus, Latin for ‘ready for anything,’ is the motto of the Life & Death Brigade, and has become quite a memorable quote from the series. You don’t have to do the quote, but if you want to, here’s how I did it. To do this writing on the umbrella, I simply made a long chain and sewed it on! Simple as that. I placed stitch markers to mark the tops and bottoms of the rows I used to place the motto on to help keep the letters as even as possible. It was a lot of trial and error with the placement, but my patience paid off. Here are a few progressive photos:

I have both graphs available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

In Omnia Paratus (Life & Death Brigade) 25×25 PDF

In Omnia Paratus (Life & Death Brigade) 25×25 PNG

Hep Alien 25×25 PDF

Hep Alien 25×25 PNG

Here are the colors needed for these two graphs, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT FAQs DOCUMENT. **NOTE: I had originally scheduled Ivory as the background for the Hep Alien square, but switched to the Light Gray while making it. Either would work!

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Gilmore Girls CAL Bonus Square #3

You guys. This is getting a little out of hand. I keep making bonus squares. It’s like I can’t stop! I have a ton of them ready to release and I keep thinking of more! So, needless to say, my finished project is probably going to be massive.

The Gilmore Girls left us with a ton of fun one-liners and memorable quotes. One I see most often on the internet is, “Oy with the poodles already.”

Since you asked for it, here it is:

I have this graph available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Oy With the Poodles Already 25×25 PNG

Oy With the Poodles Already 25×25 PDF

Here are the colors needed for this graph, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Another Unicorn Lovey in the Books

After making my first African Flower Unicorn Lovey, I was itching to make another one. So when my cousin’s due date approached, I was more than happy to start another unicorn lovey. I got her mom (my auntie) to send me this adorable photo of her soon-to-be-born baby girl’s nursery so I could pick out some colors to go with the theme. And let me tell you, I’ve never had such a difficult time picking out colors. I even went as far as to ask my favorite Facebook crochet group for suggestions.

I finally settled on a color combo that I was more than pleased with. Isn’t the combo lovely?

I used the same techniques as I did on my previous African Flower Unicorn Lovey, with the exception of my joining method. This time around, I got smart, and did the join-as-you-go method. Here’s the link to Heidi Bears’ great tutorial on how I accomplished this. She also has a video for those of you who are more into video tutorials. The only thing I did differently, was join in EVERY stitch, rather than just the few times she instructs you to. I wanted it sturdy since this is a lovey.

I used my favorite yarn–I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby for its soft and workable qualities. My colors for this project included: Menthe, Ocean, Soft Pink, Pink, White, Greybeard, and Yellow for the horn.

Love this one. The colors worked out perfect.

Gilmore Girls CAL — Week #3

What would Gilmore Girls be without the iconic Stars Hollow Gazebo? Many a festivals and events take place around the center of this quaint little town–from the Revolutionary War renactments (where Kirk dresses as a woman) to the Old Muddy River Bridge Knitathon. The festivals are some of my favorite events in Gilmore Girls and it is only fitting that the gazebo has a spot on our graphgan.

The same sentiment goes for the Dragonfly Inn. A staple in the town’s bed and breakfast industry, the Dragonfly Inn deserves a spot as well.

I give you the Stars Hollow Gazebo and the Dragonfly Inn for week #3:

I have both graphs available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Stars Hollow Gazebo 25×25 PDF

Stars Hollow Gazebo 25×25 PNG

Dragonfly Inn 25×25 PDF

Dragonfly Inn 25×25 PNG

Here are the colors needed for these two graphs, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT FAQs DOCUMENT.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Gilmore Girls CAL Bonus Square #2

In keeping with the junk food aka Gilmore Girls diet, our bonus square this week is…insert Lorelai’s not-so-good drumroll…PIZZA! One of the top contenders in my Facebook group for this CAL was pizza, so it’s only fitting to include it here.

Bonus square #2:

 

I have this graph available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Pizza 25×25 PNG

Pizza 25×25 PDF

 

Here are the colors needed for this graph, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.

 

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

New Crochet-a-long coming January 2017!

I‘m in need of a little pick-me-up today, so I thought I’d share some super duper exciting news with you all. As you may know, we are in the beginning stages of our Gilmore Girls crochet-a-long (CAL). This week is Week #2 and we’re going at it with full force.

Well, I’ve had this other project up my sleeve for some time now, and I feel like today is the day to announce it. Coming in January 2017, I give you the Chaos & Chop Suey FRIENDS graphgan CAL!!!!

I’m not joking. The Friends tv show has been and will probably always be my favorite television show. I love it. I can’t wait for this to start early next year. This CAL will consist of a weekly graph release which you can work up as you please (I will be doing it in a mini c2c fashion with a 5.00mm hook). The weekly release will either be one larger graph for the week, or two smaller graphs. I am designing this to have a lot more color changes than my current Gilmore Girl CAL with some shading and contouring in several of the graphs. Graphs are not all squares, as some are rectangular in nature and will be put together in whatever arrangement you please. If you are a beginner to crochet, I would suggest you practice your c2c technique prior to starting as this project is for an intermediate crocheter (or a super ambitious beginner).

You can follow along on my blog or my Facebook page for updates. Heck, come and join our Facebook CAL group now so you’re all set to go come January 2017!

EDITED: Our FRIENDS CAL will be starting on January 30, 2017 and will run for 13 weeks. You can purchase the pattern for this crochet-a-long here on Ravelry. Once you purchase your pattern, you will see everything you need to know located inside the FAQs PDF. See you soon!

Could I *be* more excited? See you in January!

<3, Angela

Gilmore Girls CAL–WEEK #2

This week is an ode to the Gilmore Girls’ diet. You know, one of the things they’re known for…their ability to eat copious amounts of food with zero nutritional value. And then wash it down with coffee. And more coffee. And more coffee.

What would a Gilmore Girl graphgan be without a Poptart or a cup of Lorelai’s “coffee coffee coffee?” So, paying tribute to their iron stomachs, I give you the graphs for Week #2 of this GG CAL:

Isn’t this yarn perfect for the frosting and sprinkles on a strawberry Poptart? This yarn is in Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn line. Well, was in their line. I just found out last week that this color is discontinued. The closest you can get to it is their Pastels Tweed. Pretty bummed because I love this color and use it often. If you cannot get your hands on this yarn, white would work, but you’ll need to add your sprinkles with some strategically placed colored yarn bits. Or have a go with it and do your Poptart up in whatever your favorite flavor is!

I have both graph available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Ode to Junk Food aka Poptart 25×25 PDF

Ode to Junk Food aka Poptart 25×25 PNG

Coffee coffee coffee 25×25 PDF

Coffee coffee coffee 25×25 PNG

Here are the colors needed for these two graphs, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Finishing off your CAL squares

As our week is winding down, you should think about how you want to join your squares together. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are consistent throughout your project. This will make joining your squares together at the end much easier.

I am finishing my squares off with a simple sc border in the same color as my square’s background. My mini c2c = 2 sc in each chain 2 space + 2 sc evenly spaced out in the 3HDC + (sc + chain 2 + sc) in each corner. After all the squares have been completed, I will be using one single color (probably white) and will be doing a simple sc join. I like the simple raised edge sc joins give it. Plus, I despise having to sew squares together.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela

Bonus square #1 is here! It’s…Sookie!!

I just couldn’t wait 4 more days for the next graphs to be released, so I’m throwing an alternate square at you today. In my Facebook group for this CAL, we had a poll going for our favorite characters and moments on Gilmore Girls. Sookie St James was by and far the clear winner with the most votes. I hadn’t planned on releasing a Sookie square, but I knew I had to after the poll.

So, in tribute to Sookie St James, I give you her square:

 

My favorite part of her graph is her funky headscarf. You can always find Sookie in a fun and funky printed bandana on her head in leiu of a chef’s hat. And I love that about her! And since Jackson Belleville had such a big part in her role at the inn (being the produce man and all), I threw in a tomato to represent Jackson.

I have this graph available in several formats–PDF and png. Below you will find the links for them via Google Drive documents.

Sookie St James 25×25 PNG

Sookie St James 25×25 PDF

Here are the colors needed for this graph, but for more information on the colors (alternatives), layout, and schedule for this CAL, check out this IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.

While my Gilmore Girls CAL posts will stay up and remain free, for convenience, I have also combined all of these graphs into one giant PDF file for those that would like to purchase a copy of it condensed, rather than having to hunt thru my posts. You can purchase this pattern for a small fee here on Ravelry.

Feel free to make and sell products using this, but because I put a lot of time and love into this big CAL project, I ask that you give me credit or if it’s online somewhere, you link back to me. If you’re not a part of our CAL FB group, come and join us here.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this! The official hastag for this CAL is:

#CHAOSANDCHOPSUEYGGCAL

Copper Boom!

<3, Angela