Floppy Bunny

Last weekend I was a vendor at a Shop Local event.  I just have the best time at these shows!
I have lots of inventory on hand since I am always making something and my speed has improved 1000% over the past few years.  But I still try to make a few new things that might fit that season more appropriately than bulky woolen hats and such.
So first on my to do list was a bunny.  I knew right away which one I wanted to make too!  Of course I am referring to the newly released pattern from 1dogwoof.
This particular pattern is well written and includes lots of pics.  If you are going to use homespun thick & quick, make sure you have stitch markers on hand since you will be mostly feeling your way through this one!

And the finished product!  I embroidered the eyes and added two rows of sc to the tops of the legs for some extra floppiness!

I just love this floppy bunny!  It worked up pretty quickly too, I will be making many more of these!  It would make a great baby shower or first birthday gift ❤

Free pattern available from 1dogwoof

Thanks for looking and happy hooking!!

Gamer Pouch

This past weekend we celebrated another birthday at our house.  My youngest daughter has turned 8! Sadly that means I am also 8 years older.  Time really does fly once you have children!
Instead of a party this year she asked for a new video game system.  Hubby and I found a great deal on a Nintendo 2DS with Mario Kart included.  It wouldn't fit into any of the cases we have here at home and the store we were at didn't have any in stock.  Cue lightbulb moment.
I made this gamer pouch in under an hour!  It is very easy and you can make it any size you need.

Gamer Pouch

2 colours worsted weight yarn

US L 8mm

US I  5.5mm for finishing

Guage: 1" = 2.5 sc stitches

Finished size: 7 3/4" wide × 7" high

Holding two strands together and using large hook

Row 1: Ch 20, turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn (19 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc across row. Turn. (19 sc)

Repeat row 2 for a total of 36 rows. Fasten off.

Fold in half. Rows 1 and 36 should be the top of the pouch.  Whip stitch sides closed, leaving rows 1 and 36 free for drawstring.

Weave in ends and flip inside out, this will keep your seams hidden inside the pouch.

Using smaller hook, ch 70. Use darning needle to weave chain through top of pouch.  I wove through every other stitch.  Tie ends of chain in a knot, voila!    

Our gamer girl loved her gift ❤.  Use your favourite colours, add some beads, have fun with it!  

I hope you enjoy this free pattern, thanks for looking and happy hooking!

Busy Hands

Happy Thursday everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Day celebrations.  We don't celebrate it at my house because it is my oldest daughter's birthday!  February 14th is all about her.  My husband and I go out a few weeks afterwards for a date night.  Honestly though, he shows me so much love everyday that we don't need a special day to tell us to do so. 
So last week I was busy planning a birthday party for our now 10 year old.  I still can't believe I have a 10 year old!!!  We don't do birthday parties every year, but 10 is a big deal!  Darling daughter wanted an Emoji themed party, and here in Canada I was so disappointed in how difficult it was to find anything.  I went to several different stores and even ended up making some of our own games.  It was a great success and seeing her happy face was worth all the trouble. 
In the evening hours my hands have been busy finishing up custom orders for my shop.  I still have one baby sweater to finish, sleeves to be added to another baby sweater, a philly flyers beanie and a messy bun hat.  I have also just finished a braided earwarmer and mitten set for a favourite repeat customer.  I am truly lucky and blessed to be able to do this, if you have a gift or talent, USE it!

Brave New World

Good morning!
Look at me updating two days in a row...I told you I was back 😉.  In yesterday's post I mentioned being a vendor at local craft shows.  This has been a great experience for me and I am pretty proud of myself for doing it.
I, like many crafters, have issues with social anxiety.  So putting myself out there is a big deal and takes some time to prep for.  Any possible scenario, good or bad, runs through my head and I have to imagine what I will do if this or that happens.  It can be exhausting inside my head and insecurities!  Luckily crochet and knitting certainly helps to calm my nerves and keeps my head busy!
At my first show I was surprised to see at least 5 other vendors (out of 25-30) that were selling crochet and knit goods.  Now when I signed up, I watched the vendor list like a hawk.  I have to prepare afterall for every scenario.  There was only one other vendor listed as having yarny merchandise so I felt confident that I would do well.  Imagine my shock when everyone was setting up!
Lucky for me my wonderful hubby who also happens to be one of my greatest friends since childhood was with me to help out.  He kept me cheerful all day and kept my coffee full ❤.  I did awesome that day.  My first show, a goal checked off my list.  I made lots of sales and met some great people.  I'm not sure how everyone else did but I left feeling pretty good and hubby was so proud, I even brought us out to eat afterwards.  So the next goal for me was to open my Etsy shop.  Can you imagine the torture I put myself through to prep for this big step😨.  I am currently listing on hand stock while I finish up some custom orders and then I will open that option for buyers.  I am also getting some more shows lined up for the upcoming months! I truly love this brave new world!

The Reclusive Crafter

So that is probably what I should change my name to!
Hello interwebs, I have decided to come out of hiding!  I hope you will all still accept me as one of the pack :)
With 2016 finally in the rear view mirror I am ready to be me again.  My original goals with this blog all those years ago was total world yarn domination, but life gets in the way.  The past few years seem blurred and oh so busy with growing kids and trying to find a peaceful balance among the chaos.  Rest assured fellow fiber addicts that I not once left the art behind.  It has saved my sanity most definitely and has helped pay the bills!
After some health issues (nothing life threatening!) and child care costs, Hubby and I decided it just made more sense for me to be at home. I have loved all the extra time with my family, being able to get the kids on the bus, be here when they get home, having dinner together, helping with homework, etc.
This has also given me the chance to follow my heart and do what I love the most, craft.  I have been selling my crochet and knit makes locally for 6 years now!  That is pretty wonderful and I am so grateful.  With the support of so many friends and family members I feel that I am ready to take the next step and have opened an Etsy shop for all my makes.  I have even started as a vendor at local craft shows.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I am so excited to see what this year has in store.  Also, I look forward to having the time to update the blog again with free pattern reviews and hopefully I can get back to designing as well!
Follow me on Instagram @featherwing_83 and Etsy Featherwing for new makes and listings.        

8-bit Penis Scarf

8- Bit Penis Scarf

By Connie Stieler


Inspired by a post seen here…8-Bit Penis Scarf.



This scarf will amaze and dazzle, or terrify people wherever you go!  The ultimate gag gift or bridal shower accessory!  This pattern is available for FREE to Knotty Hookers everywhere! Yes I did take quite some time to get this beauty ready but in the end it was not my original idea.  There were no apparent resources included with the original photo even after days of searching so this is simply my interpretation.  This pattern has not been tested but I feel my notes were accurate, I will not claim them to be perfect I am human after all.  Please enjoy and post your pics online, I would love to see what you come up with!

Please note that this is pattern is better suited for intermediate/experienced crocheters and isn't beginner friendly.

 You will need to prepare bobbins in advance or use separate skeins for colour changes as you do not want to carry your yarn in this project, just simply drop until you come back to it on the next row when you will need it again.
When changing colours, do so by finishing previous stitch with the new colour.

Loops & Threads Impeccable
Lippy for main colour = P
Rich Orchid for head  = O
Black                           = B
J or 6mm hook

Ch 2 counts as first stitch throughout pattern unless otherwise stated.
On return row, you will sc in to 1st ch of turning ch 2.

Starting at widest part of testicles.
- Starting with B ch 3, P ch 29, B ch 1, P ch 29, B ch 3. Ch 2 turn.

- Working in purl bump behind chain (this helps tremendously when finishing bottom portion of scarf) sc in 2nd ch from hook and across row, changing colours as needed.  End of row should read 4 B, 30 P, 2 B, 30 P, 4 B. Ch 2 turn. ( 70 st )

- Repeat 9 times more ( 10 rows total ).

Continue in this manner for 6 more rows, eliminating the 2 B in the middle of the row.
At end of 6th row ch 1 instead of 2. Turn.

- Sl st into 1st 4 st and 1st P st. Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in next 3 st. P sc across row to last 4 P st of previous row. 4 B sc, ch 2 turn.
End of row should read 4 B, 54 P, 4 B. ( 62 st )

- 3 B, 54 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 2 more times ( 4 rows total )
At end of 4th row, ch 1 instead of 2. Turn.

- Sl st into 1st 4 st and 1st P st. Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in next 3 st. P sc across row to last 4 P st of previous row. 4 B sc, ch 2 turn.
- 3 B, 46 P, 4 B, ch 2, turn.
Repeat 4 times more. ( 6 rows total)
At end of 6th row ch 1 instead of 2. Turn. ( 54 st )

- Sl st into 1st 4 st and 1st P st. Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in next 7 st. P sc across row to last 8 P st of previous row. 8 B sc, ch 2 turn.

- 7 B, 30 P, 8 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 3 times more. ( 5 rows total )
At end of 5th row ch 1 instead of 2. Turn. ( 46 st )

- Sl st into 1st 8 st and 1st P st. Ch 1, sc in same st and next 3 sc, P sc across row to last 4 P st of previous row. 4 B sc, ch 2 turn.
End of row should read 4 B, 22 P, 4 B. This row sets you up for the shaft of the scarf.

- 3 B, 22 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn. ( 30 st )
Here’s where things get boring for awhile…
Repeat 217 times more or longer if you desire.

Head:

- 3 B, 4 P, 13 B, 4 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 4 more times. ( 5 rows total )

- 7 B, 13 O, 8 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 5 times more ( 6 rows total )

- 3 B, 22 O, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 4 more times ( 5 rows total )

- 3 B, 10 O, 2 B, 10 O, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 5 times more ( 6 rows total )
At end of 6th row ch 1 instead of 2.

- Sl st into 1st 4 B and 1st O. Ch 1, sc in same st.
3 B, 6 O, 2 B, 6 O, 4 B, ch 2 turn.

- 3 B, 6 O, 2 B, 6 O, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 5 times more ( 7 rows total )
At end of 7th row ch 1 instead of 2.

- Sl st in 1st 4 B and 1st O. Ch 1, sc in same st. 5 B, ch 2 turn.

- 5 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 2 more times. ( 4 rows total )

- Using next B bobbin, sl st in 1st O st. Ch 1, sc in same st. 5 B, ch 2 turn.

- 5 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 2 more times ( 4 rows total )

FO.

Finishing Testicles

- Join B with sl st to 1st P st. ( Your work should be upside down now.  If you worked your 1st row into the purl bump of the chain as recommended you should have a nice row of ch st to sc into.  This will make your scarf appear seamless, no one will be able to tell where you started. )
Ch 1, sc in same st. 3 B, 22 P, 10 B, 22 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.

- 3 B, 22 P, 10 B, 22 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 4 times more. ( 6 rows total )
At end of 6th row ch 1 instead of 2.

- Sl st in 1st 4 B and 1st P, ch 1, sc in same st. 3 B, P sc across row to last 4 P of previous row. 4 B, ch 2 turn.

*** - 3 B, 15 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 2 times more ( 4 rows total )
At end of 4th row ch 1 instead of 2.

- Sl st in to 1st 4 B and 1st P, ch 1, sc in same st. Sc across row to last P st, ch 2, turn.


- Sc across row, ch 2 turn.
Repeat 2 times more ( 4 rows total )

FO ***

Second Testicle

With B, sl st in to P st. Ch 1, sc in same st and next 3 st. 15 P, 4 B, ch 2 turn.

Repeat from ***.

Pockets - Make 2

- Ch 18 + 1. Turn

- Sc in 2nd ch from  hook and across. Ch 2 turn.

Repeat for a total of 17 rows.
Leave long tail for sewing pocket onto scarf.
Use picture for pocket placement or attach where desired.
Pockets are made for a few small items and not for a huge hand, feel free to change it up!

FO, weave in ends.  Enjoy your hard work and expect a few laughs!

My finished scarf measured in at 69.5" long 19.5" wide at full ball span.
Happy Hooking,

Connie

*** ATTENTION!! I am so grateful and excited to add a graph for all you visual folks out there! Many many many thanks to Jenn and her team from Yankee Yarns who actually graphed this pattern and have given me permission to add them to my pattern for all to use.  I am completely overwhelmed with the response to this pattern.  Please remember that I am not a professional pattern writer and I have offered this for free based on how I deciphered it from only looking at a photo.  I sure hope the graph option will be helpful to everyone, happy hooking!***

What's New?

Hello there Hookers!  Life has been super busy and I have been neglecting my wonderful blog.  I have been working a lot and crocheting/knitting way too much.  That's right TOO MUCH!! The winter months had me filling orders from here to the moon and because of this I injured my left hand.  Carpal Tunnel is setting in and I don't like it one bit.  Luckily I am right handed, but you don't notice how much you use your other hand until it becomes an issue.  So I have decided to stop doing custom orders.  The extra money was wonderful and having so many people interested in my work was a great feeling.
 It came to the point where I was feeling much like a machine.  The joy of yarn work was fading in to the background as I just tried to get 'this' project done quickly so I could start on the next.   I was unable to just peruse Ravelry/Pinterest and choose something I would like to create for myself or someone I love.  I wasn't able to experiment and design my own patterns.  I miss the yarny adventures!
And now that I am 'free' from the demands I have no clue what to make lol. That's the way it goes right?  I have become a good little knitter in the past two years and I hope to make a sweater/cardigan for myself.
Let me share what has been keeping me so busy...
Minions!!!
I was asked to make a few different minions for different folks, it was fun because each one is unique so that certainly helps with my getting bored of doing the same thing over and over!

As you see in the first pic I have finally acquired a model for my hats!! So I apologize for the quality of the last two pics but I didn't have the head yet!!  The hats were well received by all and I was happy. 

I based my designs using this free pattern Minion Beanies, I used HDC instead of DC, but used the pattern as called for when making the eyes. The closed mouths were done using surface chain.  The open mouth was created by using black SC, making a mouth shape, I used white BOBBLE stitch for the teeth and the tongue was red SC, HDC, everything was sewn on.  It was a little bulky for my liking but it isn't bothersome while wearing.  Free pattern for the bow can be found here Petite Bow. 

My kids were crazy when I was making these and fully expect to have their own Minion Hats for next season :)  

For those on Ravelry ConnieS Minions

Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!!

Monster Monster High!

Ooops, has it really been that long since I last posted??? Oh life, you get in the way sometimes!  I've been busy busy busy these last few months, I'm back to work almost full time and my wonderful hubby is back in school!  We are very much looking forward to all the great changes coming our way.
With everything going on I still make time daily for crochet or knitting.  That's right, knitting!! I have taught myself how to knit and have fallen in the deepest love with my trusty circulars <3
My daughters are growing much too fast for my liking, and with growing comes new hats of course.  But I must confess, I've done so many hat orders recently I'm really getting sick of them!  My abilities stretch far beyond head wear and so I'm taking a much needed break from orders so I can just make what I want for awhile.  I  have a few hats I've made for the girls that I will post, and then no more hats until next year!!
My oldest daughter is probably the biggest Monster High fan out there, so when I came across a free Skullette appliqué pattern on Ravelry I was over the moon.  I surprised her one day after school with a funky Monster High inspired hat and she loved it, which makes me one happy Mama!
I also seem to spend too much of my spare time on Pinterest looking for yarny inspiration and such, so I thought it would be cool to pin something of my own.  I hadn't done this before but I saw so many projects from other people, so why not??  So I pinned this hat and I'm almost at 100 pins!  I was so excited that I decided to pin some other projects from my blog only to discover that other people already had!  So I'm out there and I didn't even know it!  Very flattering, so thanks to whoever that was, random strangers or loyal blog followers ;)

The appliqué is a free pattern from Ravelry, found here Monster High inspired Skully.  I used Red Heart Comfort from my stash.  The bow and the rest of the hat were made with Caron Simply Soft.  For the hat I used Neon Pink and Black held together throughout using a J hook with a basic HDC hat pattern.  

Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!

Owl Mobile

So there were a few new babies born in our extended family this year and I couldn't wait to create something magical for a tiny new person.  I didn't want to make the usual booties and blankie, so over done.  Nothing at all wrong with that, I will always enjoy making anything baby related, but I wanted something really special.  Around the same time on Ravelry there was a beautiful owl mobile being featured.  When I found out this new baby was going to have an owl themed nursery I knew it was the perfect project! 
This particular pattern was available for sale but this year has been especially difficult financially and buying a pattern is completely out of the question.  So this is where my crochet experience (and the ability to scour the darkest corners of the internet) came in handy.  I was able to make this completely with found free patterns online.
I worked on it for about a week and my wonderful father made me the wooden top for the mobile.  I was so pleased with how it turned out.  I knew that the recipient is a beginner crocheter, so I knew that she would appreciate all the time and thought of this gift.  I wasn't prepared however to have her open it in front of 40+ people.  I was sooooooo nervous.  Its so ridiculous I know, of course she was going to open it in front of everyone lol.  I guess I have it in my head that most folks look down on the handmade items.  I feel that most folks enjoy seeing everything being purchased off of their registry. 
I hid the mobile in the bottom of a large gift bag and covered it with a cute outfit and some pretty socks that my daughters and I had purchased earlier, so when she uncovered the mobile I saw her true and pure reaction, all the while I thought I was going to have a heart attack.  To my great joy everyone in the room loved it.  She later came up to me and said that she was so in love with it.  She had realized as the shower began that she had forgotten to put a mobile on the registry and was hoping that someone would get one for the nursery.  My nerves were calmed and my heart was happy.

 

 The cute little owls were made using this pattern; Little Owls.

.

I crocheted two small circles and then joined them together, they kind of looked like cartoon eyes, then added matte black buttons.  I embroidered the noses and feathered tummies.  Not shown, there are cute little colored buttons sewn to the tops of the wings. 

I used this pattern for the Little Flowers and Leaves .  I used some fine thread and some well placed knots to string them all together.  This is by far one of my most favorite projects completed.  

Thanks for looking and happy hooking!

County Fair

Hello Hookers, I hope things have been well!  What a busy summer it was for my family, we didn't get to go on any fancy vacations, but did a lot of day trips and fun outings.  A few years ago I posted a thread about a Round Ripple afghan that I had started for my oldest daughter.  I always have such great intentions when beginning an afghan and then after getting in about 20 rows I remember how much I hate dedicating my time to something so colossal.  But it was for my daughter after all, so I kept on trudging however slow it may be.  Well my local county fair is at the beginning of August and after having such a stressful year I decided to have some fun and enter a project.  I have never entered before so I was pretty excited.  Now being that I decided to enter just two weeks before the Fair I had to get my butt in gear.  I picked a small quick project that I knew would only take a day to make. I chose the Angel Wings Pinafore.  When I was quickly finished and satisfied I started eyeing up the afghan sitting in my project bag.  I swear it was crying out to me, "Please finish me already!!".  So then I started thinking, how awesome would it be to enter two projects in the fair and actually finish this afghan?!  And then I never crocheted so fast in my life lol.  But I got that sucker done!!  I was soooo pleased to finally bring this project to life.  The Round Ripple Afghan was finally finished!! It only took about 2 years *hangs head in shame*. 
Well for my first time ever entering, I was happy to receive second place blue ribbons for each project.  Now, I don't want to seem ungrateful but I know that I should've won first place.  I entered the pinafore in the category, Dress For Under 2 Years.  The dress that won first place was honestly made crudely from an old pillowcase that had shoddy embroidery and random buttons haphazardly placed all over.   The afghan lost to another ripple afghan, the only differences were the colours and that mine happened to be round.  Now nepotism runs rampant in this area, so again for the first time ever entering, winning second place is not bad at all.  It just makes me want that big pretty red first place rosette even more!!!

This picture best shows the colours in the afghan, all picked by my daughter (her favourite colours)

Don't let this picture fool you!  The finished afghan measures over 6 ft from point to point.  My daughter thinks it is so cool that her afghan is award winning :)

 Here is the Pinafore.  I stayed with a neutral palette, not shown so great in this picture.  It is tan and cream.  My daughter claimed this also and put it on her giant teddy bear Honey. 
My hubby and kids thought it was so cool to see my creations on display, and of course it felt great to put them out there for all to see.  I loved entering the fair and can't wait until next year to do it again!!
Thanks for letting me share,
Happy Hooking!!

Ear Warmers

           In the depths of Winter I was tasked with creating cute crochet ear warmers/headbands for a former coworker.  In total she asked for 6 through the holidays to give as gifts.  She found exactly what she was looking for on Pinterest and sent me the links.  I just love Pinterest, so much worldy inspiration right at your fingertip! Ear warmers quickly became a favorite project of mine.  They work up so quickly, talk about instant gratification!  You could easily finish one in just a few hours if you have the time to spare.  Perfect traveling project as well. 
The first ear warmer was my favorite out of the two.  It was a lot quicker and I think it was cuter too.

 

 This pattern is free from Red Heart, here is the link: Crochet Flower Headband.  The pattern called for Red Heart Shimmer in Royal, I was pleased to have some waiting for me in my stash!! The green I used is Red Heart Comfort. This headband has two buttons on the back.  

The second ear warmer is really pretty.  It was requested in dark grey, I used Red Heart Soft.  

I really like the end result of this ear warmer, but I didn't like making it lol.  It was just too boring for me to really get in to it and get it done quickly!  Although I will probably make it again since so many people ended up liking it. This headband has two buttons on the back as well. The pattern is free here: Bow Headband.  This blog is really enjoyable and she has some other free patterns too, check it out! 

So if you're bored or need a portable project, check these easy patterns out.

Happy Hooking!!

Winter Enchantment

One of the best things about having daughters, for me, is that I get to relive and enjoy all the wonders of fairies, mermaids, princesses, faraway castles and all things magical.  These were some of my most favorite things as a child.  Being able to share that with my daughters is most enjoyable!  We love snuggling on the couch and watching the latest Tinkerbell movie or some magical movie from my own childhood.  Last year in late spring while browsing Etsy and Ravelry, I happened upon the most beautiful Unicorn hat.  I knew that I just HAD to recreate this for my oldest daughter.  Being too late for winter I promised that I would make it for her to wear this winter.  Quickly I made my way to Michael's to purchase the yarn I would need.
Oh Michael's, I could just spend the whole day there.  Don't even get me started on my first trip to Hobby Lobby, my family is lucky that I ever found the exit!  (cannot wait to go back!)
Now, this wonderful hat was a purchased pattern.  Luckily for me I have been crocheting for about 11 years now and knew that I could just figure it out and so I did.  I did not take notes with this hat because I don't know about copy right laws and I really don't need the trouble of some wonderful designer coming down on me!  I will post a link for the pattern found on Etsy for those of you who would like to give it a go.  If you have some experience with crochet you might just wing it yourself by looking at the pictures like I did. 

As you can see there was a lot of work going into this one!  My daughter never takes this hat off.  She wears it to school and then keeps wearing it, me and hubby have to take it from her at bedtime.  
I used Red Heart Super Saver for the basic ear flap hat, ears and braids.  I used Vanna's Glamor in Silver for the magical horn and Fun Fur for the crazy mane.  The Fun Fur I purchased was a medley of pink and light and dark purple.  I decided to just use the pink as that is my daughter's favorite color.   We get so many compliments on this hat and I have told so many people that I will not recreate this beauty!  Well if I ever did it would be for a good amount of cash!  Fun Fur is a nightmare!!  I just used surface chain stitches to attach the mane, its on there pretty good!
You can find the pattern for purchase here Glimmer Unicorn.  I applaud the designer for this wonderful hat and hope that you will all give it a try.  The end result and the happy face on my daughter made all of the effort completely worth it. 
Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!

Silly Snowman

Oh my poor blog has been neglected for awhile now...life has been super busy and I'm sure you can all relate!  Lately I have finally been able to breathe and slow down a little.  With some recent job changes I have once again become a stay at home mom while DH is back to a full time job. And next fall when my youngest starts full time kindergarten I will be out hitting the pavement again but for now I will enjoy my time at home and hopefully can start designing some more original patterns.  During the holidays I was busy pimping out my crochet skills for some extra cash and loved every minute of it :)  I was happily surprised to see so much interest in everything handmade.  In between orders I made a few new hats for my girls so over the next few days I will keep updating my page with a few projects recently finished.   This is one of my favorites! 

This Silly Snowman was made for my youngest daughter.  We get so many great comments when we are out and about and she looks so cute in it.  I absolutely LOVE the little top hat.  The pattern is written wonderfully and it's free!  The only thing I did differently with this pattern is leave out the pompoms on the end of the ties.  Why?  Because for some reason I just cannot make pompoms!!  I will be the sucker that has to go out and buy the pompom maker and I have no problem with that!  Another simple thing that I have never been able to master is the french knot. I really don't understand how this has eluded me for years but I'm not bitter :) Anyhoo, getting back on topic...
I really enjoyed this pattern and have found a new blog that I love.  This was the first time I used Loops and Threads: Charisma from Michael's.  It's a bulky weight yarn and is super soft reminding me of cotton balls.  I look forward to using this yarn again in the near future. 
You can find the free pattern here Repeat Crafter Me. 
Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!

Fall is Coming...

               Well happy summer everyone!   I apologize for my neglect during these past few months, but my goodness I am having such a wonderful time :)   Hubby and the girls and I have had a great summer this year, lots of fun and excitement.  I have been crocheting and knooking, but haven't had much computer time to share any posts.  I have completed a very cute hedgehog pillow, progressed quite nicely on an afghan and even started knooking a pair of socks!  Again I could go on and on about how great the knook is.  I went on to Etsy and bought some smaller knooks so that I could make socks and mittens with real intricate knitting patterns!  This has brought much joy to my life lol.
                At the beginning of summer on a lazy hot and humid day, I sat with a steaming hot and delicious cup of black coffee ( I prefer Folgers), waking up and surfing Ravelry <3.  My oldest daughter was sitting with me and she seen a very cute and simple creation, an apple cozy.  She just fell in love with it.  She almost immediately began insisting that I absolutely must make this for her teachers.  With summer vacation already started, it was too late to give this as an end of school year gift, so I suggested giving them to the teachers as a Welcome Back from summer gift.  She really liked that idea, and I like the twist on the classic leaving an apple on the teacher's desk.
                This is a free pattern that I found online.  I tried a few different ones, but this one looked the best when finished.  There is an optional leaf attachment in the pattern, but I decided not to use it this time, I don't have the right color green on hand.  But it is really cute.

               I found the free pattern here, Crafty-Anna.  This quick little project only took me a couple of hours to finish.  I plan on making at least 6 more.  I highly recommend this one.   I used Bernat Handicrafter yarn and an H hook.  It fits an average size apple.  The pattern is easily adaptable to make a smaller or larger cozy. 
Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!

Knook Crazy

Happy Spring to everyone!  It has been absolutely beautiful lately, I can't get enough of the sunshine and birds chirping :o)  I hope you all have been receiving great weather also.  
I have been an avid crocheter for almost 11 years now.  I love every loopy stitch, and I love to challenge myself with new techniques.  I have not been so successful in my attempt at knitting however.  Those long needles are too awkward and my stitches always fall off the points, and the stitches seem to be kind of backwards compared to good ol'crochet.  Until now!!  I have seen this wonderful product advertised for months, and finally found it at my local Walmart.  The Knook!

I've had it for about a month now, and haven't been able to put it down.  I'm actually truly knitting!  Not in the traditional way, but in a way that works for me.  I cannot even describe in words how happy this makes me!  Leisure Arts also has lots of instructional videos for left and right handers to get you started.   Including cables, knooking in the round, increasing and decreasing, as well as basic garter, stockinette and knit stitches. Knook Videos They offer a few basic projects in the included booklet, but I wasn't satisfied with something so basic of course.  I went right for it and found a nice easy knit pattern on Ravelry for a cute little fuzzy lamb.  Fuzzy Mitten Lamb   I finished it in a few days, and have been knooking a sweet little sweater to go with it. Sally's Sweater.   The lamb took more concentration being my first official project.  The sweater however is absolutely hypnotic, just stockinette stitch.  So relaxing!  There is an advanced beginner kit also available that includes different size knooks and longer knook cords for bigger projects.  I might just try my hand at making my own knook hook!  And I can't wait to try knooking some socks :o)  I could honestly talk about knooking all day long lol.  You must try this product, you will not be disappointed!

Pretty Petal Pixie Hat

Hello out there fellow hookers!  Today I am posting a new hat that I made for my youngest daughter.  I am quite pleased with this one I must say.   These girls of mine have so many hats, it's quite ridiculous really!   But they are so quick to whip up and there are sooooo many possibilities, how can I resist?  With that in mind, I am going to start making hats whenever I possibly can and donate them to charity and to hospitals.
But anyhoo...I have tackled and succeeded in conquering the beautiful 'crocodile stitch'!!!   This one technique has been showing up on Ravelry for quite sometime, with a price unfortunately.  But thanks to the power of Youtube and a wonderful free pattern found deep in the corners of the internet it has been done!!  Now for me, the written pattern I found was a little confusing, but as soon as I watched the youtube video it all became so clear, and soooo easy!! 
I started fiddling with the stitch and made a beautiful neck warmer for myself.  It is all black to match my coat, so I didn't take a photo because you can't see the stitch definition.  So after that I decided to figure out how to make a hat. 

I started from the bottom, making my base chain long enough to fit around my sweet girl's head and starting working upward.  Now here is my trick!!  Instead of decreasing in the round as I neared the crown, I simply made an extra row and then weaved (wove?) my yarn back and forth to cinch the top closed like you would a hooded sweatshirt.  And voila!!  I used Bernat Satin yarn for the whole project.  I improvised the leaves (there are 3) and the cute little curly vine on top.  
My daughter loves this hat!  She thinks it looks like something that Tinkerbell or one of her friends might wear :o) 
Here are the helpful links that I used. Crocodile Stitch video tutorial , please keep in mind this video shows you how to start a neckwarmer.  With some adjustments you can make whatever you like!  But this video is super awesome at showing you this technique so check it out!
And this link, Crocodile Stitch Hat  is for an adult size hat.  I just made my adjustments to make it a lot smaller for my 3 year old. 
I had so much fun with this project, I hope you all give it a go.  The end result is worth any headache it may cause you!  If you have any questions I am always happy to help, just send me an email!   A big thank you to http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com for posting the free pattern. 
Thanks for looking and happy hooking!!

Urban Shells Beanie

         Wow, February already?!  I have noticed that once you're older, time just flies by!  I'm not sure that I like that lol.  I have been crocheting like a boss lately, I am so happy to have had some extra time to be crafty.  Lots of hats, cowls, and I'm still working on a ripple afghan.  I think that next time I feel brave enough to accept the daunting task of making an afghan I will make one made up of squares instead!  I just get too bored on such a big project! 
         Today I would like to share with you my new hat.  I received a beautiful new coat from my wonderful hubby for Christmas, and of course had to make some matching accessories!  I have had it finished for some time now, but am just getting around to sharing it today.  I found the pattern for free on Ravelry, so I hope everyone will check it out and make one for yourself or as a gift. 
The pattern is available in many sizes from baby to adult.  Here is a pic of me wearing my new hat. 

          I love the scalloped edge, so pretty! You need to be comfortable with fpdc, if you aren't familiar with this stitch, look it up online, there are great tutorials out there! The FREE pattern can be found as a Ravelry download here, Urban Shells Beanie . Unfortunately the link directly to the designer's blog isn't working right now.  I will check it out later this week and post it if it becomes active.  So please go to Ravelry and check out this pattern, there is even a matching scarf! 

Thanks for looking and Happy Hooking!

Funky Monkey

     Hello out there!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are enjoying the new year so far.  I had a great time visiting with friends and family.  I think that may be the best part of the holidays for me!
     So I've been a busy girl crossing items off of my w.i.p. list.  I haven't been so great at sharing everything :o(  But I will catch up!  My latest item to fly off the hook is a sock monkey hat for my oldest daughter.  I was browsing on Ravelry (what a surprise)  and found this cute pattern.  It works up quickly and you can add so many personal touches to make each one as unique as the lucky girl or boy you will be giving it to.

 

        I opted to go with a pink monkey for my daughter.  She absolutely LOVES it.  And nothing feels better than when someone truly appreciates the work and thought that goes in to creating a gift made especially for them.  I posted this on Facebook and I am getting so much wonderful feedback from friends and family, so thank you if you're reading.  I always enjoy the confidence boost lol.
        The pattern can be purchased through Ravelry .  If you're not on Ravelry, what are you waiting for??? But seriously, here is a link for you, Sock Monkey Hat .  The pattern is very well written and includes many sizes and even an optional flower for a pretty finishing touch.  Well I'm off to enjoy my day off making another hat for my youngest daughter! 

Thanks for looking, and happy hooking!

Work In Progress

Happy Fall to everyone!  I especially love this time of year.  I am a creature of comfort all the way.  Sweaters,  afghans, slippers ahhhh.  Anyhoo, this time of year is also pretty busy.  My oldest daughter just started junior kindergarten this year.  And in our district that means all day every day.  Some kids aren't adjusting too well to their new routine, but my girl just loves school!   With being so busy I have been neglecting my crochet :o( 
Not by choice of course, I'm just too darn tired!  I have a few projects on the go, and the strong urge to keep starting new ones. 
On my w.i.p. list I have, a ripple afghan, a throw cushion, a large pineapple table topper doily and a gorgeous cowl I found on Ravelry.  With the weather turning cool I have requests for hats, scarves and afghans.  And the new issue of Interweave Crochet has me doing cartwheels to start the cover project "Lace Canopy Cardi Wrap" (if you haven't seen this beauty check it out on Ravelry!), not to mention The Best Guy Hat Ever, and the Turtle Tracks Blanket.
What's a girl to do?  I absolutely love crocheting, and when I haven't held that hook and yarn in my hands for awhile I start to get cranky.  I feel like crochet is therapy for the soul. You somehow get lost in the loops and it is so relaxing and satisfying.  Does anyone else have a few projects on the go?  What are you working on?

Happy Hooking!

Carry Me Away Market Bag

Hello everyone, I hope your summer has been yarny!  We just got over a major heat wave here in Southern Ontario.  Our temperatures peaked near 120 degrees fahrenheit on July 21.  What a scorcher!  I have been very grateful to have a working air conditioner :o)
So with all of this steamy, hot and sticky weather I don't really feel like working on a heavy afghan, can you blame me?  Smaller projects are perfect for hot summer days.  I just started a great throw cushion that will look amazing when I'm done. I love watching it come together stitch by stitch. 
On my search for smaller projects, I came across a beautiful market bag on Ravelry.  I just love Ravelry, if you're not a member, what are you waiting for?? Check it out!! Anyhoo, I have quite a large yarn stash so I dug out some Red Heart Super Saver and got started. 

I just love the design on this bag. The picture doesn't do it any justice.  The structural design on the 'arches' are reinforced and made strong so you won't have any sagging while your bag is full of goodies.  And it works up quickly, I finished mine in the evenings on a weekend after the kiddies were in bed.  I love bringing it to work as my lunch bag, or just roll it up and keep it in my purse for unexpected trips to the store.  The pattern offers two sizes, I made the smaller bag.  The pattern can be found here, Ravelry Carry Me Away Market Bag  If you aren't a member of Ravelry use this link, Etsy Carry Me Away Market Bag 
Thanks for looking, and Happy Hooking!