Fingerless Mitts

So, as usual, I'm way behind on trends, but I've been working on some fingerless mitts the last couple of days, and I have to say, they're fun!  I don't know that I would wear them, but they're so much fun to make!

Of course, as I type this, I realize they'd be awesome over my biking gloves in fall and way cuter!

Ok, so maybe I'll be keeping a pair or two or ten.

Well anyway, I'm planning on listing them on Etsy, as soon as I can talk someone into modeling them for me so that I can get pics with both hands showing!  But in the meantime, here's a couple of snapshots of me wearing them!

Link List Edits

Hello and good morning!

I just wanted to let you know that I've edited "Links You'll Love" and everything is working again!  I've deleted the outdated links, or links to sites that no longer have much of any crochet content.  I've repaired a few broken links!

And most importantly, I added 2 new ones!

All Free Crochet

Crochet Pattern Bonanza

I also realized just how long it's been since I spent some time playing and find you new links, so I will try to do a little bit more of that in the next week or so!

Photo Journal: Addisyn's Birthday Doll

So, Michael and his painting and all has got me all inspired and motivated, and I needed a gift for my cousin's little girl Addisyn's 1st Birthday.  So, perfect timing, right?

Apparently, it's even better for me than I thought to spend time with fellow artists!

DAY 1:

A good start on the first wing.

DAY 2, 3:

Realized the original wing layout was not going to work and frogged quite a bit of work and redid it for a much better result.

DAY 4:

Feet and legs are done, including cuffs on pants which will match shirt!

DAY 5:

Body is finished, including sleeve and hem ruffles on shirt.  Heart design on shirt is simple colorwork rather than embroidery.

DAY 6:

All crochet work is done, most ends are finished, wings attached.  Note shoulder straps.  She is not a pixie or a fairy, but a little girl wearing butterfly wings.

DAY 7:

Finished doll.  Light hair and blue eyes like the recipient!  

All in all, it was great to be making a doll again, so thank you to Michael for the motivation and Jeremy and Sue for the occasion!

And, BONUS!  She was a huge hit!

A Doll-making State of Mind

So, I have to say, I've not been as slackerly as it looks from my lack of posting.  This spring has been pretty rough.

But, I'm stepping off on the right foot now.  I've designed a couple of new patterns for the Etsy shop and with the encouragement of an artist friend that I've been spending a good amount of time with/talking to, I've gotten back into a mindset where I can start creating dolls again!

Dolls are hard for me when I'm not in an overall happy place.  I can do it, don't get me wrong, but especially for projects like the one I'm currently working on, coming from a positive place makes it a lot easier.

Like the movie, The Cat Returns, I believe that an artist imbues their creations with a lot of heart and a little bit of soul.  So, for example, you wouldn't want to work on 1st Birthday Gift for a little girl when you're sad and angry about everything.

I can't post pictures of my doll yet, because she's still a surprise for the person/family she's for, but as soon as the birthday party is over, I will be posting a photo journal of her at the aforementioned artist friend's request.

I just need to get her head and details done and she's ready to go, and I'm off and running!

Kitty Beanie

 

materials:

worsted weight yarn

size "I" hook

notes: 

with no changes, this pattern fits my large orange cat perfectly (he weighs about 15 or so pounds).  for a smaller cat (like my black cat, about 10lbs) substitute half double crochet for all double crochet in Rounds 1-3.  you may find you want to reduce the beginning chain by 1, also.

pattern:

ch 4,

Rnd 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st at top of beg ch

Rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in ea st around, join with sl st to 3rd beg ch

Rnd 3: ch 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc, 2 dc in next st) around, join with sl st to 3rd beg ch

Rnd 4: ch 3, dc in next st, ch 9, skip 6 sts, dc in next st and next 6, ch 9, skip 6 sts, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st to 3rd beg ch

Rnd 5: sl st around beg ch, ch 3, working on opposite side from slip st - work dc around post of next st, 8 dc in ch-sp, working opposite last post stitch - work dc around post of next st, continue alternating front and back post sts, 8 dc in ch-sp, working opposite last post stitch - work dc around post of next st, continute alternating front and back post sts around, join with sl st to 3rd beg ch

Rnd 6: working on same side as last round - sl st around beg ch, ch 3, working back post double crochet in back post sts, and front post double crochet around front post stitches - alternate front and back post double crochet around, join with sl st to 3rd beg ch.

finish off and weave in ends.

By completing this pattern, you acknowledge all responsibility for any and all injuries incurred in the course of trying to make your cat wear a beanie.  I cannot be held liable for your bad ideas.  LOL.

Slacking, again. or What else is new?

I've been super lazy about posting, so you get a TABBY BELLY!  as an apology.

Forgive me.

Video How To: Fat Quarter Roses

I've never done a video tutorial before, it's only recently I have a half decent webcam.  I hope this comes across as clearly as I feel it did, but if you have any questions about the project or hints for the video beginner, feel free to comment!

Materials for this project:
1 fat quarter
1 quilting pin
2 silk rose leaves (with wire)
1 9" piece of stem wire
floral tape
yarn or ribbon

Happy New Year!

A few quick updates.

The new guy stays!  Chase has gained a ton of weight since we brought him in and except for an annoying need to try to escape into the backyard, he's fitting in pretty nicely.  

I've been really busy with projects like this in addition to lots of scarves for family Christmas gifts and baby shower presents.  Unfortunately, none of is has resulted in much in the way of patterns or designing anything.

Lehigh Valley Polar Plunge

Two weekends from now, I'm participating in the 1st ever Lehigh Valley Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics.  If you have an extra $5 click the above link to sponsor my plunge and support a good cause.

Things have finally calmed down at work and I'm looking at having a little bit more time for my yarn, so hopefully some patterns will come down the pike before too much longer.

Happy New Year!  I wish you all the best for 2013!