Chevron Circle Aghan

While casually browsing Ravelry for new inspiration, I came across a great free pattern for a chevron circle afghan.  It was super cute, the price was right (free), and I had been wanting to make a chevron afghan.  So I dove right in. :)

I chose gray and white since it is gender neutral and I love the way it looks together.  I got two 7 oz skeins in each color and grabbed my h hook as the pattern calls for, even though the idea of making a whole afghan with a hook that small made me cringe.

The afghan took about a week and a half to finish but keep in mind I was not chained to it the whole time.  I definitely took my time.  The first few stripes took no time at all but on the last stripe, each row felt like an eternity!

I love the end result!  I'll probably block it even though I never block anything but I think it will give it a good finished look.

Here is the link to the pattern. Definitely give it a try!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-ripple-baby-blanket

As always, happy crocheting!

Perfect Pot Scrubber

While at a craft fair a few years ago, my mom and I came across some crocheted pot scrubbers that were absolutely amazing.  Every year, we made it a point to go back to the same craft fair to the same vendor and buy our yearly scrubber rations.  After our pot scrubber source decided to stop making them, it left us with only two choices:  either find an acceptable store bought alternative or learn to make them ourselves.  If there is a good store bought alternative, I couldn't find it.  So I bought some supplies and tried it out.

First, you need netting.  While most fabric stores have it, the best deal I found is at Hobby Lobby for $1.29 a yard.  Buy 8 yards and cut it into strips by folding in half lengthwise and cutting on the fold.  You should be able to get 32 strips each about 2 inches wide and 8 yards long.  If you are thinking about cheating and buying a spool of tulle, you'll be very disappointed.  Tulle is entirely too soft.  You need the scratchy, stiff netting.  8 yards of netting will make approximately 16-20 pot scrubbers...way more than my yearly scrubber usage. :)

You will most likely use 2 strips in each scrubber.  When you are finished, weave in ends and hide on the inside.  Ready for the instructions?

Size K hook

Ch 2

Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, do not sl st to close - (6sc)

Row 2: 2 sc in each sc around - (12 sc)

Row 3: (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (18 sc)

Row 4: (sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (24 sc)

Row 5: (sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (30 sc)

Row 6: (sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times - (36 sc)

Row 7: (sc in next 4 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (30 sc)

Row 8: (sc in next 3 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (24 sc)

Row 9: (sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (18 sc)

Row 10: (sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (12 sc)

Row 11: (dec over next 2 sc) 6 times - (6 sc)

Weave in your ends and get to washing.  Be prepared to see some squeaky clean pots and pans!

Crochet Appliqué Crown

While looking through Pinterest, as that seems to be my nightly ritual, I noticed one of my friends found a blog containing the instructions for crocheting a Crown appliqué .  I immediately repinned it and pulled out my crochet hook and my metallic silver yarn (that I actually had on hand I might add).  Since it took a whole 3 minutes before I was working the pattern, I didn't even notice that the author of the pattern had written it in English terms and not American.  How many of you knew there was a difference...show of hands...I myself only found this out recently and I've been crocheting for (dare I actually say it) 26 years now.  After a quick google search to make sure I was translating it correctly, I made an absolutely beautiful crown.

Now what to do with it?  The pattern gave a few suggestions but all of them included sewing it to something else.  Since it was now 15 minutes after initially finding the pattern, I had nothing else made up to use.  I may crochet fast but I'm not a miracle worker.  It did look pretty cute on its own though.  After holding it up to my daughter's head and playing with the positioning, I decided to sew it to an elastic strap and voila...a super cute crown was able to sit perfectly on my daughter's sweet little head!

As a courtesy for everyone, I decided to translate the pattern into American terms.  Definitely check out the original blog though!  The author has some great pictures.  http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/commemorative-crocheted-crown/

Royal Baby Crown

Ch 13.

1st Row: Work 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc into ea ch across, ch 1 turn.

2nd Row: Work 1 dc into each sc across, ch 1 turn.

3rd Row: Work 1 sc into each dc across, turn.

4th Row: Sl st into first 2 sts, * ch 3, skip 1 st, work 1 sc into next st, rep from * 4 times, sl st into remaining last 2 sts, turn.

5th Row: Ch 6, work 1 dc into ch-3 loop, ch 4, work 1 dc into next ch-3 loop, ch 6, work 1 dc into next ch-3 loop, ch 4, work 1 dc into next ch-3 loop, ch 6, sl st into last st, turn.

6th Row: Work 6 sc into ch-6 loop, work 4 sc into ch-4 loop, work 4 sc, ch 3, 4 sc into ch-6 loop, work 4 sc into ch-4 loop, work 6 sc into ch-6 loop.

Fasten off.


Again, I am by no means trying to claim this pattern as my own.  I'm just trying to make it more accessible and spread this great pattern to more people!

As always, enjoy and happy crocheting!

Pea pod cocoon

You never know when inspiration is going to hit.  I randomly came across a picture of a crocheted cocoon yesterday that I absolutely loved!  It was made for twins and was absolutely precious.  Well I knew it would be perfect for a close friend of mine who is expecting twin girls.  So after I got off work yesterday, I ran to Joann's.  I had the exact yarn in mind for the project and boy was it my lucky day because it was on sale too!

After coming home with my perfect yarn, making dinner, playing with the kids, and putting them to bed, I had some time to sit down and work on it.  I didn't have a planned pattern, I just started crocheting and look at the result...

Hopefully my friend will be able to get some awesome pics of her precious little girlies in their pea pod.  Now I just need to write down my pattern before I forget it. :)

Minion Hat

I alway's make it a priority to celebrate every holiday to its fullest.  This year for the 4th of July, despite coming down with strep throat, I was determined to still have a great day.  After getting out for the local parade that morning, we took the kids to the theater to see Despicable Me 2.  I let my son wear his minion hat, even though it was scorching hot outside.  He was adorable!  Even a father in the theater asked where we got the hat.  I love watching the look on people's faces when I say that I made it. :)

Watching the movie and seeing how adorable my son was in his hat has inspired me to try to finish up the pattern.  I never realized how involved the hat is and how many different colors you need...yellow, black, white, grey, brown, red, and blue.  Crazy, huh?!  Who would have thought this cute little creature would be so involved!

I hope to finish the pattern soon but in the meantime, I brought the custom hat back to my etsy shop.  Check it out!  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/115320026/crochet-minion-inspired-hat-custom-made?ref=shop_home_active

Free Pattern - Knit Layette (Part 3)

I finally did it!  I made the sweater to go with this free pattern that I have been talking so much about!  It wasn't all smooth sailing...I did have some hiccups but WOW!  There is no denying that the end result is amazing!

I started this project on June 4, 2013.  I used Bernat Softee Baby in the soft peach color.  It took me a little longer to do the pattern than expected...mainly because I had some etsy orders I needed to finish up as well.  You can see the photo progression below...

I used size 1 needles for the ribbing to make it tighter around the foot, then switched to size 3 needles.

One leg done.

Both legs done and connected.

The torso is complete.

The shaping for the arm holes.

The arms are done.  I had to make a few changes...the pattern calls for you to seam it together once it is finished but I chose to knit in the round on double pointed needles.  I also made them longer.  The pattern suggests to increase 1 stitch every 4 rows until you reach 47 stitches for a newborn size.  At 7 inches, i still didn't have 47 stitches so I just had to stop because the sleeves would have been way too long.  As it was, I made them longer than the pattern called for.

The finished product!!!

Next time I make it, I think I will knit the legs in the round instead of doing the buttons down the legs.  I think I will also shorten the torso since it seemed a little long for a newborn size.  Lastly, I will make the arms a little wider.  All in all, it was a great pattern and I love the end result!

The Perfect Hat Sizing Guide

Would you like to know how to crochet hats into the perfect size every time?  It's actually pretty easy.

The first step is to check your gauge.  ALWAYS check your gauge!  Two yarns may be the same brand but even a different color dye can cause your yarn to work differently so always check even if you think you know it.

Once you know your gauge, you can calculate the number of stitches you need using easy math (well, I think it's easy but I'm also an accountant).  :)

The next step would be to know how many inches around you need to make your hat.  I use the size chart below to approximate head size...

Newborn - 15"

0-3 month - 16"

3-6 month - 17"

6-12 month - 18"

2T-4T - 19"

Child - 20"

Teen - 21"

Adult medium - 22"

Adult large - 23"

Crocheted hats are usually made 2 inches smaller than the head circumference.  Therefore, a newborn size hat will need to be 13".

Now you are ready to calculate the number of stitches.  If 3 single crochet are in 1 inch and you need a newborn size, calculate as follows...

3 x (15-2) = 39 single crochet

Easy, right?  Want to make an adult medium and you have 5 double crochet in 2 inches, it is a little tricker but still easy.  Divide your number of stitches by the number of inches...

5/2 x (22-2) = 50 double crochet

Now you know!  It's not magic, it's math!  Happy crocheting!

My Toolbox

An artist is only as good as his/her tools.  Over the years, I have collected a nice collaboration of items that I use on an everyday basis.  Without these tools, life would be much more difficult.  If even one thing is missing, it completely throws me off.

This was my first crochet case...

It is filled with Susan Bates hooks ranging from a C hook to a N hook.  I also keep my yarn needles and my lace weight needles in here.  This case has been with me through thick and thin and questionable college apartments.

I recently discovered a new hook from Clover and I LOVE them!  I am still working on my collection since they are kind of expense (for crochet hooks) but they are definitely worth it!

The green hook on the end is a Crochet Dude hook.  Do not be fooled...they are not as good as  Clovers.

For my double pointed knitting needles, I needed a case but couldn't find anything I liked.  So I went to etsy and found a seller who was willing to create exactly what I wanted.  This is my custom made case...

Pink, animal print, and flashy...this is 100% me!!!  Here is the link to the shop...

Stitch Obsessed Etsy Shop

I'm still working on my double pointed needle collection too but they are excellent tools to have!

My other must haves:
Sharp scissors
Knit stitch markers
Crochet stitch markers
P and Q crochet hooks
My 9" circular needles (the perfect size for baby hats)
Pom pon makers
Measuring tape
AND...

My Little Frills project bag...

My bag goes back on forth to work with me and keeps me organized!

Lastly, I would not be able to survive without my iPad mini.  It keeps all my patterns nicely organized and allows me to take pics of new products, update etsy listings, and respond to customers.  I can't take a pic of my iPad (because I am currently using it to write this post) but it is decked out in pink, as if it would be any other color :)

What's in your toolbox?  Do you have anything you can't live without?

Happy Birthday To My Handsome Husband

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday!  He has been my best friend for almost 15 years now.  Even after all these years, we still enjoy each other's company and hardly ever choose to do any activity without the other, including grocery shopping. :) He is the most loving, affectionate person ever and is always quick to admit when he is in the wrong.  He is an amazing father to our two adorable children and is a huge help at home.  While he is the person that can frustrate me the most (and the fastest), at the end of the day I would still choose him every time.

The first hat I made for my husband was about 11 years ago.  It was way too big for him but he wore it for several years and said he loved it.  Since opening my etsy shop, I have made up for his first hat by making him a few more.  His favorite hat right now is his newsboy hat.  Doesn't he look so handsome in it?  :)

My husband has been a huge help with my business by taking care of the kids so I can finish orders, making supply runs for me, and bringing packages to the post office.  If anyone asks how I am able to juggle working full time, being a mom, and running a business, I always tell them that I get a lot of help from my husband.  Happy 29th birthday!!!  Enjoy your last year in your 20s!  :)

Cabled Newborn Mitten Pattern

I found a free pattern on Ravelry for a knit baby layette.  It was absolutely beautiful!  The pattern included instructions for a hat, booties, and outfit.  After making the hat, I realized that little mittens would be absolutely precious with it...so I came up with my own.  It was fairly easy so I decided to write it down for others to try too.  It follows the charts from the original pattern so follow the link bellow and definitely try it out too.

http://www.eileencaseycreations.com/free-patterns/baby-aran-body-suit-hat-booties/

This pattern is written in a newborn size but you can easily alter it for larger sizes.

I used Bernat Softee Baby and size 3 double pointed needles.  I know the original pattern calls for size 5 needles but I had to adjust after checking my gauge.  Check your gauge with the original pattern before you begin.

Follow cable chart 1 for the first mitten and cable chart 2 for the second.

CO 28 onto double pointed needles.  Be careful not to twist your work.

Row 1-9: Start ribbing by working k2, p2 around

Row 10:  p4, mo, p1, k4, p1, mo, p8, mo, p1, k4, p1, mo, p4 (32 st)

Row 11-29:  p6, work cable chart 1, p12, work cable chart 1, p6

Row 30:  p4, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p8, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p4 (28 st)

Row 31:  p5, work cable chart 1, p10, work cable chart 1, p5

Row 32: p3, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p6, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p3 (24 st)

Row 33:  p4, work cable chart 1, p8, work cable chart 1, p4

Row 34:  p2, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p4, p2tog, work cable chart 1, p2tog, p2 (20 st)

Separate work onto 2 needles and turn inside out.  Bind off using same method as pattern calls for on the hat.  Take the remaining yarn tail to sew both corners of the mitten together, cinching it towards the center.

That's it!  Pretty simple, right?  Happy knitting!

Free Pattern - Knit Layette (Part Two)

After trying the hat in this awesome free pattern a week ago, I was pretty happy with it but I wanted to make a few changes.  So I decided to make a trip back to the store for more supplies and try once more.

I got a different yarn this time...Bernat Baby.  It is a very light weight instead of just a light weight.  To compensate for the difference in yarn weights, I went up to a size 3 needle instead of size 1.  I also used 5 double pointed needles this second time instead of only 4.  By doing this, I was able to better separate the work and hide my breaks better.  I still used only 4 needles for the beginning ribbing though.  It was just easier to juggle...

At the beginning, it looked the same as before.  The size was fairly consistent, which is good because I liked the sizing on the first hat.  As I went along I noticed a few differences.  The lighter weight yarn and larger needles made the piece have some extra bounce to it.  It also felt more delicate and soft...just like how you image a baby item should feel.

I was also able to cut my production time in half since I knew the pattern now.  I seemed to fly through this hat!

All in all, I'm really happy with the second hat.  While the first one was pretty, I like that this one is a lighter weight, a softer feel, and the cabling seems to show up better.  I even made a pair of newborn mittens to go with it!

I plan on continuing with this yarn and needle combo to make booties too.  Just a warning though...after reading through the pattern for the booties, I will most likely be changing it slightly.  I very rarely stick to a pattern 100%.  :)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Today my baby girl turns 2!  She is such an amazing little girl.  She is a diva through and through.  Her creativity and curiosity get her in trouble most of the time and her temper and stubbornness can be very trying but someday I know she will take her passionate, strong willed personality and accomplish amazing things!  I am so blessed to have her and I am thrilled that I get to watch her evolve into the amazing person she is!

My little girl was my first model for my etsy shop.  Since I opened my shop, this child has worn more different kinds of hats than I'm sure most wear in a lifetime.  Even her first article of clothing worn was a mommy made hat just seconds after she was born...

I want to thank her for putting up with all of the head measuring, trying on hats, and countless photos all for the sake of my shop!  She is a pretty great model though and a very good sport!  I love you little girl!

Pretty Pixie Hat

When I first saw pixie hats, I hated them!  I thought regular rounded bonnets were so much prettier and I was amazed that anyone would even make a boyish colored one.  Who would ever put their boy in a pixie hat?  Well I'm not entirely sure how it happened or even when it happened but they have kind of grown on me.  I even decided that I needed to make my own pattern.

So one evening, I sat down and put one together.  It required a few tweaks as I tried out different sizes but all in all, I was amazed how fast the hat design came together.

My first design was very boxy.  The end result looked fine but when I tried it on my daughter, I quickly realized that the fit was all wrong.

I needed to change the bottom so that it fit tighter around the back of the neck.  The second version worked much better.

Doesn't my little pixie just look adorable in her mommy made hat?  I'm really happy with the end result and was very lucky that it came together so easily.  If only all patterns worked so well.  I'm still not all on board for putting a boy in a pixie hat though but then again, you never know...I could always change my mind...

Click here to purchase the pattern at my etsy shop

Happy Birthday My Boy!

Today my son turns 4!  I can't believe how fast it has flown by!  He is everything that a mother could want in a little boy.  From day 1, he was a mommy's boy.  He loves to cuddle, is super affectionate, super smart, and he never ceases to amaze us!  He has this smile that just makes you melt and his little mischievous eyes just sparkle.  He showed his creative side at a really early age by showing a love for music and books.  He even beat boxed as I sang him "Happy Birthday" this morning.

It wasn't until he was 2 years old that I opened my etsy shop but I did get to make him a few great items...

Here he is in the first article of clothing that I made for him.  This was my first attempt to knit a sweater without a pattern.  It was challenging but very rewarding!

His hat for his first fall and first time at the pumpkin patch...

Helping mommy organize her yarn...

My little guy has grown into quite an amazing child!

I love you so much my boy!  It's impossible to look at your little face and not smile.  I feel so blessed that I get to be your mommy!