Hello there!

Well, I thought since our last post was in 2009, it was time for another!

In all honesty, I haven't done much crocheting lately.  I started on a lunch bag but then the handles got all wonky, so I quit.  I might pick it up again when I have more patience to try to figure it out.

I have, however, been knitting.  Unfortunately, I can't divulge the details of my latest project since it's a Mother's Day gift for my mom...obviously.  I promise I'll post about it after she's received her gift.   

I finally found a fiber arts group in my area that meets weekly to crochet and knit, so my enthusiasm for the craft has been renewed.  Some of my favorite crafting sites for ideas right now are Pinterest, Ravelry, and Craftgawker.  If you haven't already, check them out!  I've found some really neat patterns and ideas.  If only I had an infinite amount to time to try them all...

Until next time, 

What I've Been Up To

I've been making these for Christmas gifts. I'm completely enamored of the pattern because it looks so much more difficult than it is! That is, it looks really great without having to use a lot of complicated techniques. I hope to get all the gifts done and then get a pair or two on the Etsy site. And a pair for me!!

So my ears don't freeze!

The headband started it. Once I finished that, I wanted another quick project. This one was quick, but not as quick as the headband. And definitely not as simple.

I did this in a weekend, on our trip to Nashville to go to the Grand Ole Opry, which was FABULOUS, but I digress.

I had some trouble with finishing the rounds, so I plan on making another one to get the technique perfected.

I think it's pretty cute & not your typical run-of-the-mill crocheted hat. Definitely fun to make!

Crocheted headband

I couldn't stand it any more. I had to crochet something. And quick.

I generally like to crochet big projects and that means: I don't crochet anything. They take too much time and energy and I've been in short supply of those two things for quite a while. But don't worry, I have huge plans for projects after I defend my thesis!

I discovered Ravelry today, and found a super simple and quick headband pattern that I thought was just adorable! It took me a whole of, what? 20 minutes to make? 30? Enough time to watch Oprah talk about 4 millionaires.

I have been satiated. Now I'm off to the Holiday Pops Concert!

Happy Holidays!

What's in the bag, I can't read!

Yes, it's a bacon scarf. Artharpy commissioned this scarf for her father-in-law, who is a meat-judger at county fairs. I think that's how she explained it. I looked online for patterns, and what was most common was just red and white stripes. I thought I could do better than that. So I purchased off-white and "paprika" yarn, in 100% wool. I then free-handed the stripes, changing direction, using mostly single crochet, but changing it up sometimes. It took a long time, because I wanted it to have some size once I felted it. And that's the key to how great this looks, I think, because felted, the stitches aren't very visible. It was a fun project to work on, and when I look at it, I can't quit laughing!

Yarn Wreath

If you're a knitter or crocheter and are anything like us, you're probably swimming in yarn. You can make the obvious pot holder, dish rag, scarf, throw, etc. but what about something more creative? I happened upon a great use of yarn just a few minutes ago and was so excited about it, I just had to share it with our readers.

Next time you have more yarn than you know what to do with, make a yarn wreath!*




*From mintagehome.blogspot.com. A wonderful blog!

Cream Baby Blanket

This was wonderful to work up--I used a supersoft yarn. This was for a friend of mine, but I've still got the pattern, so feel free to custom order!!