Quilting time!

Well I thought my last post was going to be it for this year, but we all know you can't predict when inspirations and creativity will strike. So anyway... You remember my crochet o'clock, idea/pattern curtosy of "according to Matt..." Well introducing Quilt o'clock!
First I'd like to note that I did not use batting. Just like crochet o'clock, I used a piece of cardboard and my glue gun (2 things I love to use!) then I went through my scrap stash and pulled out some strips of fabric that fit across it, I sewed the, and pressed just like any quilt piecing then I sewed the vertical side blocks. After that I appliqués this block to a background material (old sheet, love that too). Finally I quilted the block to say "quilting time," though time is hard to see since I didn't have a good contrasting colored thread for that material. Now the quilting part is done and on to the assembly part. I glued the excess background material to he back of my cardboard then I cut a hole in the center of the clock for the mechanism. Now proceed to follow the mechanism instructions to put it together. After the mechanism is together I turned the dial each time to figure out where the numbers should go. The next step was crucial to the clock.... You must glue the clock mechanism to the clock. Then glue all numbers in their respective positions. And that's it! Nothin to it.

Happy threading!

Last hoo-rah! (of 2012)

°Today I have something new To show you, and a few patterns to share. As apart of my final crafting for Christmas I made an elf hat, complete with a pom-pom on top. The best part I learned that pom-poms can be made without a pom-pom maker, Previously I have used a cardboard method tonight I learned something new. Pom-poms can also be made by wrapping yarn around index and middle finger several times, not too tightly, You want to be able to open your fingers so that you may tie a string around the center. Once the string has been tied very tightly, the yarn  can be slipped off the fingers and the loops are snipped to create the pom-pom look. Give it a little shake to make it look messy and you're done! °Both of the hats' Pom-poms were made that way.. The other method for making pom-pom sister to cut out to circles of cardboard with holes in the middle. You want them to be fairly small because most pom-poms are going to be huge anyway, To use this technique you would want to wrap the yarn all the way around the cardboard covering it completely. Then continue with the next step by tying some yarn around the outside towards the middle then cut the loops off the outside of the cardboard.
°My next project I'd like to share with you requires no yarn and no sewing. °Simply cut out a ring from cardboard and cut a Strip of wrapping paper. Glue the back of the wrapping paper to the back of every then wrap the wrapping paper around from the middle to the outside in a continuous spiral around the wreath. If you need more wrapping paper cut more strips the strip should be about 3 inches wide. Remember to clear the ends down on the back of the wreath.This wreath can also be made using yarn.
° I almost forgot about my snowman. He is as easy as spreading peanut butter! I say peanut butter because his whole body is made out of a peanut butter jar covered with a sock. You Empty and clean the peanut butter jar then you get an old sock put the sock over the jar and cut the toes off, You could glue the sock to the jar if you want to but it's not necessary. I used a hairband to keep the sock on the jar. Then cut out some eyes, a nose, and a mouth, and glue them to the sock (we added a hat, you could make a scarf). We used felt for the face. And the snowman is as easy as that!
° My final project I would like to share with  you is a pattern for my awareness ribbon quilt. I made mine using 3 inch squares, some of the squares were cut diagonally to create two triangles and thus sewn together, the rectangles are 3" x 9".
Happy crafting!!

Quilting updates, plus more!

Well I wanted to assure anyone out there that I have not dropped off the map. In fact I have been crafting just as much as ever, I'm just a little discouraged with keeping this blog. If anyone out there is interested in any of my works I finally have an update from that Sept. 13th post about the quilt in progress.... I finally finished that quilt at the beginning of this month!
More recently I have been working on christmas gifts and decorations. I also have a special little project to share... A pair of knitted socks with pink ribbons on them. The ribbons were knitted on the top so the wearer can easily hide the ribbons in shoes if they so wish, while keeping feet warm and comfy. Instead of binding off I single crocheted (sc) all the stitches off the needles so they would be stretchy but hold their shape and not become droopy. And now that you've seen most of my completed projects... This is what I'm working on now. My next quilt is a teal ribbon, hopefully it's going to be a queen size.

Warm and cozy

Things have been slow in my crafting world lately (mainly because school has been crazy!) so I have not been crafting quite as much as I'd like. Recently I have completed a pair of socks and an extra-wide earwarmer headband with an oversized flower. I also sewed up a trash sack for my brand new truck, oh yea and I made a steering-wheel cozy for my truck too!

I made these socks this week. They are toe-up from the pattern two-at-once, toe-up socks by Knit Picks it is a free PDF downloadable pattern on their website. I didn't like the heel design, it just seemed like too much work for nothing so I changed the heel to one I got from the Toe-up fixation footies
I had to rip back to the heel and add some stitches between the heel and top stitches because the stitches got really big and made a gap between the stitches. So I ripped back and added 4 on each side, then completed the socks one at a time. I used “jeny’s super stretchy bind off” method… But I wasn’t impressed. I can get them on and off and they maintain their structure, but its really not That stretchy. So I think when I make these again (which will be soon) I will try something else.
If you'd like to see more of my notes on Ravelry you can get that page here

This headband/earwarmer is awesome! Of course it is because I keep making them! I have made 4 of these earwarmers and this is number 5. I love how cozy and warm it is and how it can be customized with a flower. This one I made wider than the others because the others didn't stay over my ears completely, that is a bit of a pet peeve for me, hats and earwarmers that do not cover my ears. So anyway, my hair gets in the way of a beanie when I run and I decided it would be far easier to wear something just on my ears rather than my whole head. So this is what I decided would solve my problem. I casted on 10 sts (though I recommend using an odd number) rather than the 7 the pattern calls for. You can find the pattern for this earwarmer here and you can also see my Ravelry notes on this as well.
The flower was crocheted using the Mother's day flower pattern from Lion Brand Yarn's website. I used an "I" hook. After looking at their picture and comparing to mine, I guess mine is inverted. But it is still cute! so this flower can be worn however you think looks best!

Vera Bradley? Yea right!

Where have I been? Here, there, everywhere, and of course no where at all! I have been preparing for an on campus craft fair to sell some of my goodies. My most favorite recently completed (tonight) project is a copycat vera Bradley tote. Who needs vera Bradley (and her prices, like $57) when you can sew?! Not this chic! Also I made some cute little (also vera Bradley ripoffs) key chain wallets, but these have cell phone cases on the back, hint they fit an iPhone with a case on! Then I made this little coin purse... And these ribbon key rings. Oh and these huge drippy bows (they're hair barrettes). Also an ear warmer/headband. All of which will be featured at the craft show, except for the tote bag.

Nap mat

This has been my latest and greatest. There were quite a few little mistakes, but they are ok. my kiddo likes Thomas the train and recently he has notice d that some of the other kids at school have these nap mats that he calls "lunch boxes." I used 1.5 yards of Thomas and 1 yard of the blue fleece (although I would recommend 2 yards for the base, since I had no room for cutting mistakes). I also used a coordinating thread (I know that might go without saying, but mistakes will be visible). I was able to use some of the blue fleece for a binding. I didn't create a tutorial for this, but you can find one here. For the cushioning I used a twin size folded 3 times, I had extra on the top that I used for the pillow (it was rolled in the 3 layers). And the buckles are quick clip, push down the button and slide. These are easy for my (now 3-yr old) kiddo to unclip. I didn't want to use a button and risk it tearing.
 

A new adventure in quilting

My latest adventure is quilting. I am working on a basic patchwork quilt. Most of what I have so far has been assembled using scraps from t-shirts and some old material that I had... But I have quickly depleted my stash and have bought some fabric in the last couple of days. I have really enjoyed working on this. Tomorrow is my kiddo's bday (he's 3!) and I will be making something for him. I will post a pic as soon as it is done.

T-shirt mod: from square to curvy

I found a cool t-shirt mod on the Internet a while ago that I had been putting off until I got my new machine. Well Betty is finally here and she is prepared to do anything I can throw at her. So tonight I finally attempted this really neat idea to turn a regular t-shirt into a feminine/chic shirt that is flattering to a woman's curves.

This t-shirt was big and loose, it even looked kind of funny to me. Now it looks curvy and cute! I really like how it turned out. I found while sewing that you have to stretch the sleeves a little bit while sewing it since your refurbed sleeves are going to come out smaller than the armholes. It's really not a huge problem though. This pattern is actually for a surger, so if you have one of those this could be a quick pattern to put it to some use... But if not, then you could always set your machine to zig-zag.. Which is what I did.. Unfortunately no sooner had I finished my shirt and the site was gone.. Just like that. I don't know what happened, but it can still be found on YouTube here.

Jean skirt and shirred top

I have been working on more odds and ends and some not so odd as well. I made an Anchor square for my afghan (and in case you're wondering how many I need, the count will be 108), I also made a jean skirt and shirred top outfit with 1 yard of fabric, and a toy storage hammock. I was so excited to accomplish the jean skirt. And I fixed my purple skirt that was a little too big, it's perfect now!

What time is it?

What time is it? Well its not tool time! (hehe) Crochet time of course (or quickly becoming craft time in my house)! And how will you know? Because this clock speaks crochet time ALL over it! Any craft studio needs this whimsical addition! His idea happens to be one of the most unique ideas I have come across on the Internet! The whole set up was actually really easy, and fairly cheap too. The pattern calls for a pre-made crafting clock face, I didn't find anything like that. So I simply bought the clock mechanism and cut out a clock face from cardboard, of course mine being made of cardboard has its ansymetrical qualities. Then really all you do is make a circle big enough to fit over the face. (I really didn't look at the pattern, so if you do and this sounds odd that is why). After I made the face I hot glued it to the cardboard face and cut a hole in the center, in the middle of my crocheted ring and inserted the mechanism. Then I made appliqués for the numbers, and since I really can't stand clocks without numbers I used the ones that came with the mechanism and glued them on top of my appliqués. To make placement easier I moved the hands on the clock to the corresponding hour so I would get the appliqués placed in the correct positions. The rainbow was crocheted into the clock face. Everything else I glued on top since I had already glued the face to the cardboard when I made the appliqués. So the pattern and tutorial can be found on According to Matt...

Sewing and crocheting

I have been a very busy bee lately, sadly much less so in the crafty realm. I finally mastered the yoga waistband skirt. I am also still working on my graduation storyboard afghan. Both of my afghan squares can be found on the Crochet N' more website. And the skirt can be found here

T-shirt skirt

Tonight I tried another variation of this idea. The last one I made came apart, sadly. I am not (yet) a seamstress. I had a successful attempt at a variation which I used elastic for the waistband but it was too short for me. In this variation I cut the sleeves off first and then sewed the top of each hole together. I used the sleeves to make the pockets, I also hemed the waistband and then sewed 1/2" elastic to fit over the hem. And the bottom hem from the shirt was the hem for the skirt. it's not exactly the prettiest skirt, or even pretty seams, but it worked and I'm proud of myself for making something.

Sew easy t-shirt skirt

So my new friend Jessica has gotten me a little bit off hooking granny squares :) and has recently inspired my to rediscover sewing (machine style)! So today I took a stab in he dark with some (Really) basic techniques she taught me and also some stitches on my sewing machine and I found this cute pattern for t-shirt skits from the Internet. I also found another cute skirt on a different blog with a yoga band, so I combined ideas since I don't have any elastic thread (but I will! I'm getting there!). And this is what I came up with, a t-shirt shirt with a yoga band from a dress I had recently cut off since it was too short for me, I hemmed it into a blouse. Now I have a completely new outfit. Oh and all those old tan army t-shirts have been repurposed into my civilian life! So apart of me that won't go away is here to stay! T-shirt skirt pattern yoga waist skirt

Grannies, granies, everywhere....

With a knit stitch here and sc there, purl here, double crochet there... Stitch stitch everywhere! Old grandma had a studio, click click click click sew! Hehe! So as I said in my pervious post I would be finishing some more of my granny square projects. I really don't know what got me on this kick, I was never really fond of granny squares, ever (and I've been crocheting for about 12 years now)! So below you will find some pics of a flower power shawl/vest that I made (also relatively unlike me) and a dinosaur Blankie buddy for a friend's new baby. If you would like to see the pattern for the flower power Vest please click here please note that this pattern is available as a free Ravelry download. Therefore a ravelry login is required (but don't worry it's free!!) also if you would like the pattern to the Blankie buddy you can click here this pattern can be reached externally as well as on ravelry. And if you read this post just to find out who's baby gets the cute Dino... The answer is my friend and neighbor Christine's new baby boy Elias.

Lots and lots of Grannies!

So I decided I'm finally going to get my granny fix. I'm currently working on a granny square blankie buddy for a friend's baby. But he still needs a face, he's not done yet. And I made this cute little kerchief that can be made to size. I also started a retro 70s style circular granny vest last night that I hope to finish soon. So since I only have pics of the kerchief you can find if below. But more pics to come in the next couple days, so stand by!

Pink Ribbon sweater

So I have been working on this for a while now. I even put it away for a few months. I actually started it March, I just recently broke it back out a couple of weeks (or so) ago. So I am finally happy to say it is done! But... I didn't like the pattern much, and the sleeves are weird to me. I have never done a raglan before, but this will probably be the last. I like simple sleeves better, they are easier to put on and I don't have to make the armholes of the sweater match the shape of the sleeves. It was really just weird for me. But I am a little happier with the way it came out than I was when I tried it with the sleeves attached, now that it has a collar it looks a lot better! Also I just finished this bracelet on Friday, it took me about 20 minutes to make the flower and a little bit to wrap the bangle with yarn and hot glue it down. So about a 1 hour project.
 

upcoming projects

Well I have all of sudden gotten this wild hair to make granny squares and granny patterns. So in the upcoming month I think that will be my feature. Right now I am currently trying to wrap up a sweater I have been working on (and has been hibernating for a few months) for my mom before it gets cold again. Also I need to make something for a friend's baby for their baby shower. I found two cute little blankie buddy patterns I might make. One of which satisfies the granny pattern that I'm craving! So here are the two links. The first one is the Granny square blanket buddy that's not the actual name, but I like it and I'll remember it. The next pattern i have is from the Lion Brand website Eco Bunny blanket I have made one of these for my own son, except mine was a bear. This bear is not one of my recently completed projects. I made him a year or so ago.

Granny had a craft table and...

Well I may not be a granny (yet), but this cover for my bar stool at the craft table sure is.. If you like granny patterns, you might like this! So I found this cushion at JoAnn's and it just so happened to be only sale for half price (don't know why, there was nothing wrong with it) so I bought it. I also needed a chair that would be easily hidden under my craft table so it wouldn't be in the walkway. I grabbed a simple bar stool, took this cushion, made a granny circle and this is what I came up with. You might notice a tie hanging down, I strung an I-cord through the last rnd to secure it to my bar stool, that way it is easily washable or removable!

Well in light of my recent post of crochenit (that's the name I prefer) I designed a simple little dishcloth pattern. I've been on a kitchen project kick lately. I plan on making table placement sets (place mats, coasters, ect) and a few dishcloths, also towel toppers. The towel topper is made from The lion brand website.

Grande bag

This bag was made from a free pattern on the lion brand website. It is made with 4 balls of super bulky (6wpi) and 2 wooden 12"x15" dowels on size 11 knitting needles. This bag is a great size for a knitting bag or overnight bag, or simply an oversized purse! But be aware, if you do not line this bag it will stretch, A LOT. I also highly recommend lining the handles as well. I didn't follow this pattern exactly. I crocheted the sides with a K hk because the pattern recommendation didn't work for me. I also crocheted the handles and the button loop.

In honor of memorial day

I wanted to share this project. I got the idea from the lily cotton yarns website. I did not follow the pattern though, I just looked at the picture and came up with my own spin off of the design. I'm really happy with the outcome, but it's too bad I didn't finish in time to hang it up for memorial day. But no big deal, it will definitely be hanging up for flag day, independence day, and possibly displayed on campus for our veteran's day celebration.

Afghan squares update

In honor of memorial day I made the next square on my checklist, old' glory. I also went one step further and did a lone star square. I also have two more squares to update on because I forgot to. So this first one... Is it knit... Or crocheted? So the obvious answer is the stitches are knit stitches, but the not so obvious answer is they were done on a crochet hook known as a Cro-hook, afghan hook, or Tunisian hook. It is a long crochet where all stitches are put on and then taken off. In the knit stitch technique the work is not turned. This technique is also known as crochenit. This one is known as the Tunisian simple stitch in two colors. When working with two colors the work is turned and then all stitches are slid to the opposite end then taken off with the contrasting color. This stitch can also e some with one color, then turning would not be necessary. Happy crochenit!