a new book and… yarn

January 14, 2016 by 7 Comments

*shame face* I broke my resolution to not buy yarn already.  Well, sort of; I said I wouldn’t buy any unless I was commissioned, which I was, but I still feel bad.  Gonna do a 5th Chunky Circle Scarf for a coworker, and she wants a giant one!  It’s gonna be fun.  Got some Berroco Vintage in Smoke for it.

And I never said anything about not getting books, so I don’t feel so bad about this:

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There are lots of cute things in here and it really sparks the imagination.  Can’t wait to do some pixel crochet!  Chris will love video game themed items.

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first FO of 2016 & some yarny resolutions!

January 4, 2016 by 14 Comments

Happy happy new year!  I hope you all had a great holiday season and are off to a great start in 2016!

The FO:

It took less than a month to complete this (but still longer than I thought).  It’s Purl Soho’s No-Purl Ribbed Scarf, which was really fun to make, and as you can guess by the title there are no purl stitches!  I used 3 whole skeins of Malabrigo Rios (worsted, 100% merino) in the 850 Archangel colorway:

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The scarf is over 6″ long and SUPER cushy, thanks to the luxurious yarn in combination with the textured stitch.

Question though.  This looks like brioche knitting, which I haven’t tried before.  I know it’s not, but how can you tell the difference just by looking?

The yarny resolutions:

  • I will try REALLY really hard not to buy more yarn until I basically run out (or unless someone asks me to make something specific for them that I don’t already have yarn for); my stash is ridiculously huge and there’s more yarn on the way from online post-Christmas sales.  Chris is concerned that I’ll need another piece of furniture to hold it all, and I’m already taking up a small desk and the bottom of a small hutch.  Maybe I should resolve to find a cheap large secondhand dresser or armoire…  Anyone know of a good place to look?  Maybe Ikea…
  • I’m going to create & write up some crochet patterns (ideas include a convertible hat, more zippered clutches, 3 different kinds of cowls, a pillow in the shape of a beloved anime character, and one idea that nobody’s ever made before as far as I know; I can’t wait to share with you)!
  • I want to make more FOs this year than my 24 of 2015, even if it’s just by 1!
  • This year I’ll make Christmas projects GALORE.  For realizes, all my family & friends will be getting some cool crocheted items, and I’m gonna start as early as seems reasonable… maybe August?  Ugh, that already seems to early…

Did you make any crafty resolutions?  What are yours?

Thanks for stopping by, see you soon!

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a look back on 2015

December 31, 2015 by 7 Comments

2015 was a much more productive year for me than 2014 was, so that’s already awesome!  Here’s a recap of the [finished] projects from this year!

And there are a couple items I forgot to post about. I knitted a Fuego hat with some spare Berroco Vintage:

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And then there’s a secret project that I made as a Christmas gift for someone, but they might see it here so I’ve left it out and I haven’t been able to give it to them yet, so a photo will have to come later!

All in all that’s 13 crocheted projects (counting the Christmas gift) and 11 knitted projects.  Well now that I’ve totaled it up it doesn’t seem like so much, but it’s still better than 2014.

2 of those projects were my own patterns that I released, and I guess I’ve got the bug because there are SO many ideas I’ve got all of a sudden — there are definitely going to be more pattern releases in 2016!  I’ve already got the yarn and everything for almost all of my ideas, and can’t wait to get started!

Also of course there were some big life events this year!  I started working on my LPC licensure (to be a super-fancy licensed counselor) and, best of all, I got married!

I hope that 2015 was a good year for you, too, and of course I wish you the happiest of New Years and a great 2016!

Thanks for stopping by, see you soon!

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free pattern: not your granny’s granny square clutch!

December 23, 2015 by 5 Comments

not your granny's granny square clutch

The clutch I made is complete and I’ve written down the pattern and typed it all up for anyone who’s interested (for free, of course)!

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It utilizes the flower stitch sampler granny square I made recently (4 of them, stitched together in a special way) and pairs them with a fabric lining and a 7″ zipper.  A sewing machine is nice but isn’t absolutely required.  The clutch holds a checkbook or an iPhone 6 in a case.

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If you’re interested in finding out more, like the specifications, click here.

If you’re ready to download the free pattern in PDF form, click here!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comment box below or contact me using the contact form in the menu bar.  There will be even more awesome patterns coming up soon (I’m starting to get on a roll with this pattern thing!) so stay tuned!

I hope you all have the happiest of Holidays, wherever you are, and stay safe if you’re traveling!  See you soon!

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ready for Christmas 2016!

December 21, 2015 by 10 Comments

Well, almost…  I got this Annie’s Attic pamphlet for about $8 counting shipping on Ebay:

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Springtime Schmingtime (does that work?), I’m using these for Christmas ornaments that I will give as gifts next year, since I’m too late for this year.  I was inspired by these gorgeous creations and I aim to get close to those, although I still have some supplies to buy.  Well, all I have are the pins, actually, so I’ll need the beads, ribbons, crochet thread, and ornaments.

And speaking of, where on earth do I buy 3″ satin ornaments?  I found some old ones for sale on Etsy in a gold color and I found some on Wal-Mart’s website, but that’s it!

Another question: these patterns call for size #30 crochet thread and a #11 steel hook.  Well, I have a #12 steel hook and a 1.15mm steel hook, do you think one of those would work?  Also there’s some really pretty #10 crochet thread that I’d like to buy for this, but would that be too much of a difference?  I’ve never really done thread work before so any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks a bunch, and thanks so much for stopping by!  See you soon!

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