It's Cold Outside!

Hello again craft world! How has everyone been since my last update? Are you staying warm in this crazy weather? As many of you know, I live in Southern Louisiana where the temperature is normally just hot, but this year it has been crazy. In January it felt like March, and now that it is March, we have a freeze warning tonight! With that little rant, I believe it is time to share some blankets I've been working on.

First up, a spiral blanket worked in four colors. You can find the pattern for this here on Ravelry, but be warned, this is not for the novice crocheter! Working with four skeins of yarn at one time is challenging, even if the pattern itself is easy. 

Next up, a Mile-A-Minute project I started today. I've been wanting to try this technique for many years, but never got around to finding a pattern. While at Hobby Lobby today I found a book that show how to do this step-by-step. Now, I don't need such basic instructions, as you should all know by looking at my work, but I have a friend who is learning to crochet and while at her house the other day her grandma was talking of mile-a-minute blankets she used to make in her younger days. I think this book will help my friend once I'm done with it. 

In other crafting news, I'm now on Etsy! I have one pattern up for sale, with another on it's way. Click here to see my shop! It's only got one pattern for sale so far, but more are on the way. This next picture is of a coming soon pattern. It's Luther's Rose and would be wonderful for any church, pastor, or home!

And I've learned how to use a bead loom! Look how many bracelets I made in two weeks!

Ya'll be blessed and stay warm!

Passing on the Arts

Well, it has not been as productive of a weekend as I had hoped for, but I did get some work done.

First, I want to brag about my younger sister. She has been watching her three older sisters doing art work her entire life (all seven years) and has been wanting to learn how to cross stitch from me for the last two years. For her birthday, I got her a small kit with that in mind, then lost the kit. So I thought I would give it to her for Christmas... It got to her a week ago. Oh well. Here are some pictures of her work. Granted, I have to hold the fabric for her and remind her where to place the needle, but I think she's doing very well for her age ^.^                                                                          
                                                                                     

The first picture is of her progress so far...





     




...And this shows how neat the back of her work is.

 Here are some dish cloth bunnies that I made up quickly today. I plan on selling these along with lots more of their buddies in my church and on Etsy to help raise some funds for my upcoming trip to the LCMS National Senior Youth Gathering in San Antonio this July.







The only other project I worked on this weekend was a cross stitch piece for a family member that I don't want to reveal until after I have sent it to them and I am no where near the end of that project.

Good night for now everyone, I'm off for some more stitching before heading to bed.

First Projects of the Year

Hello again! Can you believe that we are already nearing the end of January? Where did the time go in this first month of a new year? Though I have not been posting, I have been busy. Here are the first two projects that have been completed this year, though they are by no means the only projects I have going at the moment.

First, a new Kindle jacket! The fabric features owls,
Butterflies and flowers, some of my favorite things!








Next, hot out of the hoop, is this cute owl picture! Sorry for the creases in the fabric, but I just had to share it and don't have time to iron it right now.

A side note about this piece, I challenged Amber to complete this same project, and the looser has to buy the other a frappe. Looks like I'll be enjoying one soon ^.^




I have this weekend off and plan on working on some of my other projects, one at least that I know can be completed in a few hours if I sit down and do it. More pictures coming soon!

Merry Christmas!

Well, I know it is late for Christmas day, but this post is delivered within the 12 days of Christmas, so here it is, my gift to you!

I designed this scarf as a gift for a friend. It is an adaptation of a pattern found in the Leisure Arts Little Books Beginner's Guide to Crochet Stitches and Easy Projects (green book) that I got at Walmart some years ago. I know that Hobby Lobby still carries this book. I have worked this scarf twice now, both times in Red Heart Worsted Weight and a size G hook. Use any yarn and hook combination that catches your fancy.

Xmas Scarf

Ch. 25

Sc in 2^nd ch. From hook. 1 Sc in each Sc across. Ch. 1, turn (24 Sc)

Row 2. Working in Front loop of each stitch, 1 Sc in each Sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3. 1 Sc in each Sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 4. (Right Side)1 Sc in first 2 Sc. FPdc in 3^rd Sc of row 2. 1 Sc in each of next 18 Sc. FPdc in Sc of Row 2. Sc in last 2 Sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 5. Repeat Row 3. (Work this row every other row)

Row 6. 1 Sc in first 2 Sc, FPDC in FPDC below. Sc In first 2 sc, work Fptr arround first sc (next to Fpdc) on third row below, skip next 4 sc on third row below, work Fptr around next sc on third row below, *skip next 2 sc from last sc made, sc in next 4 sc, work Fptr around sc on third row below, skip next 4 sc on third row below, work Fptr around next sc on third row below.* repeat * one more time. Fpdc in Fpdc below. 1 sc in last 2 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 7. Repeat row 3

Row 8. Repeat row 4

Row 9. Repeat row 3

Row 10. 1 sc in first 2 sc, Fpdc in Fpdc below. Work Fptr around third sc on third row below (row above last set of Fptr) Skip first 2 st, sc in next 4 sc. *work Fptr around next sc on third row below, skip next 4 sc on third row below, work Fptr around next sc on third row below, skip next 2 sc from last sc made, sc in next 4 sc. * repeat from *, ending with a Fptr and Fpdc around Fpdc below. 1 sc in last 2 sc. Ch. 1, turn.

Continue working rows 3-10 until scarf is desired length.

Last row. Working in front loop only, sc across.

Weave in ends and add a fringe if desired. Enjoy!

Book Review: Crochet Stitch Bible

Hello again Dear Friends!

It's time to add a new feature to this blog, a weekly post of a book review!

This week I am going to talk about one of my favorite crochet stitch resources, The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden.

This book features full color photos of each stitch along with clear written instructions and easy to follow charts, a true gem when trying out a new stitch! With over 200 stitches included, you're sure to find the perfect stitch for that scarf or afghan you have been trying to design.

I have been using this book for several years and always have my beat up copy nearby when I begin a new project. This book can be hard to find at smaller bookstores, though most full size book stores have a copy on the shelf. Best bet? Buy it below in the AStore on this site.

Stay tuned for more great book reviews and crafting updates!

I Voted Free Pattern

Hello Again Everyone!

With the presidential election just under twenty-four hours away, I have come up with a free cross stitch pattern perfect for the day. This is small enough to be made into a button, as I did.

What a perfect way to show your pride in voting and remind others to go vote as well. This took me about an hour and a half to stitch, then I mounted it on a circle of cardboard and added a safety pin to the back since I had no pre-made button forms on hand and no time to go get some before tomorrow.

 

Enjoy!

Happy Halloween! Free Pattern

Hello again Everyone!

While I don't celebrate Halloween as most people do, I do enjoy the dressing up part. Here is a very quick and easy costume for last minute.

 




Skill Level Beginner

Supplies for Ears
Small amount of fluffy yarn of your choice
Hook of your choice to create a nice tension on yarn
Needle for weaving in ends
A few bobby pins

Ears (make 2)
Ch. 4, join with sl. st. to form a ring
Row 1: Ch. 3 (counts as 1 dc for whole project) 3 dc in ring. Ch 3, turn
Row 2: 1 dc in first dc and in each of next 2 dc. 2 dc 3rd ch. of previous row. ch. 3, turn.
Row 3:1 dc in first dc and in each of next 4 dc. 2 dc in 3rd ch of previous row. ch 3, turn.
Row 4: 1 dc in first dc and in each of next 6 dc. 2 dc in 3rd ch of previous row. ch. 1 turn.
Row 5: 1 sc in first dc and in each dc across. tie off and weave in ends.
Pin to hair with bobby pins and have fun!

Collar Supplies
small amount of yarn
Hook for yarn
1 button and one bell

Make a chain long enough to go around your throat and overlap by a few stitches plus 3 ch.
work 1 dc, ch. 1, sk next ch. 1 dc across. cut thread and weave in ends. attatch button on opposite side from button hole and bell near the middle. Add any other fun things to your collar to make it your own!

I hope you enjoy this project!