Crocheted Sass

Organize your Stuff week#5

2011-11-17T07:51:00.002-05:00

Week #5~scraps Two Peas thread

It's gonna be an easy week. My scraps are pretty organized, but I don't use them much. I don't think of them because they are tucked away seperate from the rest of my paper.

Once I get my Expedit from Ikea the baggies will go into my color baskets. I'm also going to add baggies to each paper stack. So the scraps will stay with the coordinating papers.

Organize your Stuff week#4

2011-11-08T11:16:00.003-05:00

Week #4~Paper Tw0Peas Thread

This is how I have it right now. In Generations envelopes on wire cubes.

Top cube is metallic,white,cream,brown,grey & black.
In the boxes is themed paper & kit leftovers that need to go back into the stashNext row on the left is paper collections & cardstock to match.
Then on the right is pink,burgandy,red,orange,yellow & purple.
Bottom left is more paper collections.
Bottom right is green & blue.

While I need to do a little sorting & putting away this is how I want my paper sorted. By collection, theme or color. What I am changing (aside from the location) is the shelving. I'm getting this for the new room. Paper will be on here with embellishments to match.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00208646/

Organize your Stuff week#3

2011-11-03T03:46:00.001-04:00

Week #3~Clean Slate Bonus complete overhaul post TwoPeas thread

Now we decide whether we start small or go big. I am switching rooms so I'm going for broke. We have 3 spare bedrooms & when we moved in I took the smallest oddly shaped(bathroom juts into room)one, because my mish mash furniture & stash fit. Now I don't want to sound whiney cause I have a room & that makes me extremely lucky. It's just that I have more stuff now & some ideas for furniture & extras I want & they won't fit in this room. I asked Hubby if he'd mind & He said go for it. So I'm moving into the next bigger room. I'm pretty excited. The only problem I see is I have to have it all moved by Christmas because we'll have house guests. It won't have to be all put away, just moved. Here's hoping.

The door on the left is my current room & the one on the right is the new room. If I outgrow this room I might just have to knock the wall down between them. LOL

And this is the new room. Because there's no jut-in there's more floor space. And because of the way the door & closet are situated theres more usable wall space. I want line one wall with tables & I'm planning on getting a big Expedit & a comfy chair for crocheting or reading in. Did I mention I'm excited. ;)

Organize your Stuff week#2

2011-10-28T21:46:00.001-04:00

Week#2~Brainstorming. TwoPeas Thread
I think I need to arrange my room by stations.
*wall of stash~paper,scraps,embellishments,diecuts,pictures,albums,& mini album stuff
*workspace~most used tools,adhesives,nice rolling chair,& good sized work surface
*stamping~stamps,inks,embossing stuff,& work surface
*messy stuff~paints,mists,glitter,stickles,& work surface
*die-cutting~surface for machines,storage for dies,cartridges &embossing folders
*crochet~yarn storage,tool storage,& comfy chair

I'd also like my stuff to be more hidden & my furniture to be more cohesive & pretty.

Organize Your Stuff week#1

2011-10-20T20:34:00.023-04:00

Week#1~SpaceAudit TwoPeas Thread Wookiemouse's blog post

What works well~
*Alphas by letter in 2 tackle boxes.

*Chipboard by type in baggies in drawer. I don't have much so this is good.

*Embellishments by color in individual tackle boxes.

*Cards to sell or give away by type. Envelopes & card blanks behind them. Might move basket to a shelf so I can use the flat surface for stamping.

*Cards for personal use by month & type.

*Flowers by color.

*Stamps unmounted in cd cases. Sorted bytheme.(flowers,alphas,christmas,etc...) I would like to create an index someday.

*Paper by color or collection.

What works ok~

*Projects in progress & kits.

*Crop organization

*Alpha stickers in binder by color.

*Paints by type & color. Glitter in drawer. Need to get them all in one area for messy stuff.

*Scraps by color. Need to be with other paper so I remember them.

*Computer & scanner area.They take up a lot of work surface.

*Journaling pens & pencils by color in embellishment containers. Want to put on work space.

*My work space. I would like to divide it up into a couple of stations.

*Heat embossing tools & powders in drawers. Want them more accessable.

*Diecut machines & diecut, cartridge, & embossing folder storage.

*Die-cuts&punched pieces are here & there. Needs consolidated.

*Templates are in envelopes. Not accessable.

*Ribbon by color. I've run out of room & would like to get it condensed to a smaller space.

*Punches on shelves or in little drawers. Not sure what I want to do here.

*Adhesive & tools. Need to consalidate & make more accessable from work space.

What doesn't work~

*Pictures & negatives in shoe boxes. Needs organized by album. Then made into page kits.

*Memorabila is scattered hither & yon. Needs storage by date.

*Ideas are on scraps of paper & scattered about. I want to get all into 8.5x11 binders.

*Yarn & crochet stuff in guestroom closet. Need to find a place in craftroom for it.

*Ink pad storage.

Organize your Stuff Challenge

2011-10-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

I've been scrapbooking for 9 years & in this craftroom for 4 years & it has gotten out of hand. So I'm doing Wookiemouse's Organize your Stuff Challenge. Over on Twopeas Crisann is hosting a 5th round and there is a thread for each weeks challenge. So you can chat & share ideas. I'm really excited to do this. Here's a look at my messy room.

And the overspill into the guestroom.

Starting My 39th Year

2011-08-25T00:04:00.004-04:00

I decided to do a journal for the year from my 38th birthday to my 39th. It'll be part junk journal, part art journal, a little 365ish, & mostly all about me. I didn't do so well on my 365 album(only made it to April), so I hope this goes better.

I started with this journal I picked up on clearance somewhere.(???)It's Joe Boxer brand.

I took it apart. Punched bigger holes for the binder rings.

Covered the covers with patterned paper.

Cut a bunch of cardstock, patterned paper & water color paper for pages.

I'm also using some of the original pages for journaling. Covering up the boxer logo in the corner with various embellishments.

The front cover, titled & decorated.

Chipboard letters(painted & shimmer sprayed) & stamping for the title.

Silk flower & stick pins I made for a Counterfeit Kit. Go here for my blog post.

The title page.

My first day of journaling.

African Flower Bag

2011-08-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

I've been wanting to try these flowers. http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2010/05/african-flower-hexagon-crochet-tutorial.html So a CAL for this bag on ravelry was the perfect excuse. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/chitweed/african-flower-hexagon

Getting started.

Turning into flowers now.

Joining as I go on the last round. http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2011/02/african-flower-hexagon-join-as-you-go.html

Mine's shaped different because, well I apparently suck at placement while joining as I go.(sigh)

Just need to add handles & a closure, then line it.

A Kaldred in Every Color

2011-08-08T00:03:00.006-04:00

Okay, not every color........yet. But isn't this pattern just fabulous. http://www.fourth-edition.co.uk/2011/06/pattern-kaldred/ So simple & pretty. I think my favorites are with the #10 cotton.

#3cotton&D hook(3.25mm)

#10 cotton & 7hook(1.65mm) with glass E beads.

Aunt Lydia's Quick Cotton& F hook(3.75mm)

Worsted weight & G hook(4mm).

The Easy Peasy in Neon

2011-08-06T00:04:00.004-04:00

Found this great bag pattern.http://laughingpurplegoldfish.com/2008/08/14/easy-peasy-crochet-bag/ Mine is 2 strands of Sugar & Creme held together & using a M (9mm) hook. It worked up really fast. I changed up the straps. Like on this bag,but bigger. http://tangledhappy.blogspot.com/2010/11/granny-stripe-boutique-bag.html I chained 40 then did 1 round of single crochet(us) around top & straps & 1 round sc on inside of each strap.

The closure is just ch & sc to make the loop.

16 Years of Wedded Bliss

2011-08-05T00:09:00.007-04:00

I can hardly believe it's been 16 years, & we're still crazy in love.(well sometimes we're just crazy, but mostly it's the love thing) Here we are all fresh faced & dewy eyed on the day.

And here we are now. 16 years wiser(snort)

Hexagon Update

2011-08-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Just a tiny post to update you on my long neglected Lucy Hexagon Afghan. I got 31 more hexes added last month. Hoping to keep up the one a day thing for this month too. So far so good.

This pic is from about halfway through July.

My First Haekelbeutel

2011-08-02T00:08:00.001-04:00

I love, love, love this bag. http://www.stricksucht.de/anleitungen/crochetedbag.pdf I see many more in my crochet future. I did regular granny squares & joined as I went.(that took a little more thought) I used an I hook & Red Heart solid, Red Heart multi, & a mystery skein of burnt orange(gotta love inherited stash).

In progress pics.

The straps are each ch70 then half double crochet(us) around strap & top of bag twice(once in orange & once in green).

And finally TA-DAA! I'm just loving the color combo. So pretty. I might eventually line it, but not till I decide what I'm gonna use it for.

Giant Granny Ta-Da

2011-08-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

I finally finished up the giant granny afghan. I used this pattern to get started. http://iamtotallyobsessedwithyarn.blogspot.com/2006/01/granny-square-pattern-with-pictures.html Then grannied to my hearts content. It's so relaxing. Made with Red Heart Super Saver and an I hook.

The edging is just 4 rounds of single crochet.(us) I think it gives a nice finish.

VVS Baby

2011-07-31T13:30:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I hadn't been crafting for a while. I started crocheting again in June. There should be a few ta-daa posts coming up. I've been crocheting like crazy. lol

I've been wanting to make an afghan using this pattern. http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2006/11/vintage_vertica.html I finally did it. Using up a bunch of Bernat Baby Coordinates and Caron's Simply Soft scraps that I had left over from other projects. It's 90 stitches long & 55 rows wide. I held 2 strands together & used a N hook. I love how it turned out. It's so very soft & plushy.

The edging is a round of single crochet(us), then a round of reverse single crochet.(link in my sidebar under crochet 101)

I had a bunch of scraps left still so I started a giant granny to use some more up. Here's the start. 2 strands held together & a N hook. Have to wait for some more simply soft left overs to finish it.

Ripple TaDa!

2011-03-04T02:41:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the ripple for the livingroom. Hubby has already claimed it. LOL It's been 8 months in the making. The post I did at the beginning of this is here.

The trim is 2 rows of single crochet.

I had a bunch of yarn leftover so I've decided to do a giant granny to use it up. I might have to buy a little bit more. ;)

Another February Kit

2011-02-20T12:08:00.002-05:00

While I was digging through my stash for February, I also found these papers. I decided on the others but then went back & made these into a kit too. I just can't stop myself. LOL Go here to see what all this counterfeiting is about. http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/

Patterned Paper~I can't, for the life of me, figure out where this paper is from. It's from a stack of some kind. If anyone know's the manufacturer, please let me know. I love it though.

Cardstock~Some Bazzil Bling, some Imagine that, & a few other misc. pieces.

Specialty Paper~cream velvet paper, cream vellum, cream & brown mulberry paper, & brown mulberry paper with gold pattern.

Embellishments~includes buttons, brads, eyelets, shimmer sprayed flowers, misc. bling, chipboard flourishes, felt, handmade stick-pins, & bead charms, from an old pair of earings.

Also includes 5 ribbons, 2 fibers & 2 kinds of embroidery floss wound together to look like bakers twine.

Here's a close up of the faux bakers twine.

Also added, some shimmery sprayed punch flowers, brown faux dew drops(vase filler drops colored with Bic mark-it), & K&Company's life's journey words.

A close up to show the shimmer.

Alphabets~some chipboard letters & 3 stamps sets.

left to right~Treasured Memories"Traditional", Image Tree"Typewriter", The Paper Studio"Filigree". All have been in my stash for years.

Color Kit~more homemade shimmer spray, acrylic paint, Plaid's dimentional magic, Studio G's brown glitter glue, & Decoart's Pearlizing medium.

DIY Tutorials & Links

2011-02-14T01:30:00.000-05:00

I made some of the pieces of my Feb. counterfeit kit. I decided to make a post with links to tutorials & pics of my handmade stuff.

Stick-pins~I got my 2" pins at Wal-mart for $3 for a box of 90. They had pearl or crystal tops. The beads are misc. ones I've had in my stash for ages.

Shimmer Paints~ No tutorial necessary. Just mix pearlizing medium with acrylic paint. Mine is by Deco Art. A little goes a long way. I added a little water to the mix when I painted the flowers. It makes it more of a wash. I then covered a few pieces with the glitter paint. Wow, serious shine.

My messy glass mat.

Shimmer Watercolors ~I found a thread on 2peas years ago on how to make these. Scroll down to the 5th post on the link. I've made a bunch of different colors.

Shimmer Sprays~I've found you can use many different types of coloring in these. The 3 I've shown below are watercolor paint, acrylic paint,& Rit dye. They all turn out great. I use pearl-ex so I have to add glue to make the shimmer stick. I used Aleene's tacky glue.

Here's some test spray pieces.

This is the box I use to keep my space free of overspray.

Lace Flowers~Mine aren't decorated yet. I did spray one with my shimmer spray. The only difference between mine and the link is after I knot the thread I stitch the ends together. It gives a neater edge.

February Counterfeit Kit

2011-02-13T13:04:00.002-05:00

Edited to add a link to Counterfeit Kit Blog.

I know I haven't posted any January pages yet,(need to get pics printed) but here's my counterfeit kit for February. The inspiration kit is from Scraps of Darkness.

My patterned paper. From the ATD vibrant paper pad.

The stamps are Autumn Leaves Journaling & Hampton Arts Love's Post Script. They are in place of the Be Mine French Chronicle paper.

My cardstock. From various DCWV & Imagine That cardstock pads.

My matches for the main kit embellishments. Includes mini roses I've had for like forever(lol), handmade stickpins,cricut cuts from Storybook & Ashlynn's Alphabet, chipboard fleur de lis I painted, various lace & fibers from my stash, brads from Joann's brand & Marcella by K, & misc. square bling.

My matches for the add-on kit. Includes Heidi Swapp bling frames, Queen&co bling & pearls, Not sure on the copper & leather frames, the beaded trim is from Joann's kids line, handmade lace flowers, various silk flowers(taken apart & painted).

My color kit & masks. Includes homemade shimmer spray, homemade shimmering watercolors, dimensional fabric paints & glitter paints(cheaper then stickles & liquid pearls) my one liquid pearls in white opal, some acrilic paint, misc. glitter glue, Plaid's Royal Coat Dimensional Magic and a bunch of Plaid's stencils.

My alphabets are Making Memories Alphababies & Little Letters. I'm not sure on the square alpha.

My extra add-ons. Includes Offray & misc. ribbons, more painted chipboard, & misc. buttons & bling.

Counterfeiting

2011-01-28T01:00:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post I have a ton of scrapbook stash. I plan on using up a bunch doing my 365 album. I happened acrossed this challenge blog that I think will be a great help. Counterfeit Kits http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/ Instead of buying new stuff everytime you start a new project you use the inspiration kit & your stash to make your own kit. I plan on using each months kit to make the 365 pages for that month.

Here's my kit for January.

And here's my January add-on.

Project 365~ A Year of Photos

2011-01-27T00:29:00.001-05:00

The concept of project 365 has been around for awhile. Mostly photographers trying to learn different techniques. It was made popular for scrapbookers by Becky Higgins http://www.beckyhiggins.com/ She even has a kit for sale to make the whole process easier. I'm gonna do my own thing though. Not because the kits not gorgeous, but because I have an overwhelming amount of stash that I need to use up. LOL

Until I did the December Daily last month I hadn't scrapbooked in ages, but I'm really excited about this project so I hope I can keep it up. I have taken pics for every day so far, & I'm working on getting my journaling caught up. I need to get some pics printed so I can start my pages.

I'm doing a 2 page 12x12 layout for each week, with smaller pages for days with more pictures.(holidays, birthdays,etc...)I would also like to do little pages for BOM(book of me) & One Little Word pages.

Daily December 2010

2010-12-03T08:49:00.001-05:00

I've decided to try to do a daily December mini album. This is an idea from Ali Edwards. She does one every year. Basically in October, you make an album with a page for each day of December then take a pic or two & do a little journaling each day. It's a easy way to chronical the holiday season. You can see all her blog posts about it here. http://aliedwards.com/2009/12/december-daily-compilation.html

I didn't get my book made well ahead of time like she does, but I did have a day or 2 to spare. ;) I decided to do a 4"x4". Just a bitty one for my first try at this. Here's a pic of the base album. Sorry it's a little fuzzy. I'll try for a better one later. The covers are coasters covered with pattern paper. The pages are various cardstocks. It's held together with a 2.5" binder ring. I didn't buy anything new for this. It's all from my stash.

I have taken pics & journaled the last 2 days I just haven't gotten pics printed yet. I'll probably try to do that once a week or so. I'm having fun so far.

Help I'm a Ripple Addict

2010-06-23T10:41:00.001-04:00

I've started another ripple. This one is for our living room. I'm using Red Heart super savers in gold, carrot, buff, claret,& med. thyme, with an I hook. I'm using Lucy's pattern. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html & it's 11 chevrons across.

My First Lucy Bag

2010-06-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned the lovely Lucy of Attic24 before, for her wristie, snowflake, hexagon & ripple patterns. She also has a great pattern for a crochet bag. I changed a few things but used hers as a starting place. Her bag is here. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-bag.html

I used Suger & cream cotton, & a G hook. The whole bag is done in hdc, even the straps(3 rows each). I hope to line it soon. Here are my pics of the process.

Getting started.

Almost done with the bottom.

Almost there.

All done.

Here it is fulfilling it's purpose.

With just a little peak of my latest ripple. I'll try to post some progress pics of that soon.

MIL's Cro-hook Afghan

2010-06-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

I love cro-hooking . So very relaxing for me. And the blankies are so warm & snuggly. The link to the tutorial is in my sidebar, under Crochet 101 links.

I made this one for my MIL's b-day. I'm a little late.(it was in feb.) sigh.

I love how these blankies are double sided.

Finished & showing off my new hamock, hubby got for me.

The trim is just a simple shell stitch.

Keeping it together! Yeah right.

2010-03-17T20:20:00.001-04:00

Here is my organization for my crochet stuff.

This case holds all my steel & aluminum hooks. I got it at Wal-mart.

A Fossil watch tin, holds a tape measure, yarn needles, a needle threader, a mini grip pad, a row counter, & mini scissors.

This baby wipe travel container holds my bigger plastic hooks, stitch holders, stitch markers, & a gauge ruler. The onlt hooks I have that don't fit in here are my Q & S hooks.

They are all nice & compact for slipping into a bag with my current project.

Scarf for Hubby

2010-02-17T17:40:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile hubby whines "You never make me anything." LOL
I was making a scarf for my brother with this leftover yarn I had (no pics) & this is what I heard. It's not true, but you know. LOL So I had to make him one too. I ran low on yarn so he now complains that I didn't make his as long. (men ...sheesh)

ch22, Ihook, Redheart Plush(discontinued)

sc rows till is length you want changing colors for stripes.

WIPs Update

2010-02-15T17:28:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd post a few update pics.

Scrap Ripple~

Mom's Ripple~

Scrap Hexagon~

Snowflake Garland~

MIL's Cro-hook Afghan~

My Papa

2010-02-07T12:19:00.001-05:00

Preston Cathcart born 8/18/31~died 1/26/10

My grandfather, passed away last week. This is the eulogy I gave at the funeral.

I'm not really much of a public speaker, in fact it kinda terrifies me. But I was thinking about this the other night. And when Pastor John & any of you who want to get up to speak today. You'll tell about Pres Cathcart. Friend, coworker, ball player, leader in the church. And while those are all important, I thought you would be missing out on the most important parts of him. Brother, husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather. And while I can't cover all of them, I'd like to tell you about my Papa.

I'm the oldest of 9 grandchildren, spanning down 17 years to my youngest brother. So as each of us came along we had different perspectives, different memories, & different stories to tell. But there are a few things he taught each of us.

Papa was a great ball player,& he taught us all to play. Some of us excelled, some of us not so much, but we all knew how to play the game. And we all knew what we'd hear if we didn't make the play. "What in the Sam Hill'd ya throw it over there for?" & "If it hit your glove ya should'a had it!" But he always had time for a round of pepper or to come to our games.

He taught us to tell a story. Man could he tell a story. And you didn't even care if you'd heard it before, because you knew it would always be better the next time through.Now here again, some of us picked up the basics & some of us excelled.(pause for the finger pointing to die down) But we learned that sometimes a story is facts & sometimes its entertainment, & how to tell the difference.

He taught us the art of the snappy comeback. I've always told people that in our family we learned sarcasm before we learned to walk. And Papa was our greatest teacher. He was never so pleased or so proud as when one of us zinged him back. We had a little tradition among us grandkids & I don't remember who started it. One day Papa said some outrageous thing, as he was inclined to do, and waited for the reaction. And this sweet child with a perfect dry resigned tone, turned and said. "Yes Papa, whatever you say Papa." We all quickly adopted this phrase, because it never failed to make him laugh.

He taught us that family is family even when you want to ring their necks. You tease & you fight, but at the end of the day you are there for each other. When I was younger I didn't realize that not everyone's family was like that. I grew up with family dinners & cousins that were as close to me as most people are to their siblings. I think I was in high school when during a conversation a friend said, "That's my mom's family. We don't speak to them." and I thought. "That's an option? Why didn't someone tell me sooner?" Just kidding. We kids always looked forward to family get togethers.

My husband tells the story of how at our wedding, Papa came up to him before hand & said "You can still run for it." & then after the ceremony, when we were in the recieving line, Papa shook his hand, leaned in & said. "To late now." I think this pretty much summed it up for him. We're all in this together, always.

As you've listened to me ramble on you might have heard things like sarcastic & stubborn. And let's face it Papa was a bit of a rascal. But I hope you also heard honest, generous, loving, teacher, friend, family. Because those are the things I want you to know about my Papa. What better things can we say about someone then that they were loved & they will be missed.

This is where Papa would tell me to quit my yappin & park my kiester, so we can get this thing moving along. And with a well practised sigh, i would say. "Yes Papa whatever you say Papa."

Snowflake Garland

2010-01-18T01:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make some of these snowflakes by Attic24. While I was messing with different colors I decided to string some together. They are made with #10 crochet cotton & a #7 steel hook(1.65mm) & joined "as you go" style. Here is her pattern. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html I think it's gonna make a lovely garland for next Christmas.

Lucy Scarf

2010-01-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

Lucy of Attic24 posted her scarf. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2009/09/cicles-scarf.html I just had to give it a try. This was a Christmas gift for a friend. I used Caron's simply soft & H hook. It's not as wide as hers & I had to make about 40 circles for the length.

Warming our Wrists in the Attic

2010-01-16T01:51:00.001-05:00

Lucy recently posted her lovely stripey wrist warmers. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2009/10/wrist-warmers.html

So I had to make a pair or 2. I paired them with scarfs to give as Christmas gifts. Mine are made with Caron's simply soft & an E hook. They turned out lovely. One change I made was to use reverse single crochet for the bottom trim instead of the bobble edging. I also used it around the thumb hole.

Scrap Ripple

2010-01-09T15:52:00.001-05:00

I have so many half skeins & balls of leftover yarn that I was running out of room in the yarn closet. So in addition to the scrap hexagon, I'm starting a ripple afghan too.

The pattern I'm using is here at Attic24.http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html

I love how easy it is once you get it started.

I wasn't sure I would like the "scrap" look, but I think it's quite pretty actually.

To my winners...I hope to get your packages sent out on Monday. ;)

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T00:22:00.001-05:00

Hope you all had a lovely New Year's Eve. Hubby & i went to a family get-together & ate way to much. My waistline is so ready for the holidays to be over. LOL

Okay enough chit chat, on to the giveaway. ;) Our 5 winners are.

Ukka said...
Hi!What a sweet Candy!!!Fantastic!!!I added a link to the sidebar http://pishitejulie.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for the chance to take part!!!

Greetings from Russia,
Ukka

nonnAnna said...
Ciao
ti ho scoperto grazie a MaestraLaura e partecipo molto volentieri
Ti metto tra i blog che seguo
Se vuoi leggere o fare leggere favole inedite per bambini passa a trovarmi
AUGURI PER UN NUOVO ANNO PIENO DI POSITIVITA'
nonnAnna

Rosa said...
Many compliments for your wonderful blog! I knew it thanks to Barbara. I'm very happy to have a chance to win your great creations.
Happy new year Shelley!

Bulika said...
Hi! I have posted your blog candy in my sidebar! http://bulkabul.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for the chance to take part!!!

Vicki said...
Congratulations, Shelley! So happy for you! And hoe nice of you to share blog candy! Thanks so much! Happy New Year and many blessings to you!

If you girls would email me your addresses I'll get your package out to you as soon as I can. Thank you to all who commented.

Blog Candy

2009-12-27T18:40:00.000-05:00

WOW!!!I've made it to a 10 thousand hits. So I think it's time for some candy. I'm gonna be giving away an assortment of my crocheted flowers , leaves & butterflies. I've got 5 little bags of pretties & on New Year's Day, I'll draw 5 names to win them. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by noon on 1/1/10. Please spread the word.

I hope you all had a great holiday. Hubby & I have been to so many family get-togethers in the last few days that I feel like I'm in a tizzy.LOL I finally got a bit of a slow down today.

2 Little Grannies

2009-12-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Working on afghans for a nephew & a great niece for christmas. Don't ya just love those colors?

Here's the Neon Granny.

And the Girly Granny.

I forgot to get pics of the finished afghans before I gave them, because it got rushed right before Christmas.

Skinny Spiral Scarf

2009-12-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

I made another spiral scarf & pattern.

This one is a little different then the others. It's made with Caron's simply soft & it's thinner.

Skinny Spiral Scarf~
with H hook & simply soft
ch220, 2hdc in each ch, turn

2dc in each hdc, turn

2sc in each dc, finish off.

I changed color on each row. It turned out so soft & pretty.

Leaf Choker

2009-12-07T18:52:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty excited about this. A few months ago I posted about leaf chains. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-found-pattern-for-leaves-leaf-chains.html While I was making some the idea accured to me to make them into a necklace. I played around with it for a bit & it turned out pretty cool, I think.

I added a chain to either end to attatch the clasps to. I used cord ends, like these. http://www.firemountaingems.com/shopping.asp?skw=KWFNTERMINATESPENDCAP

Just remember to take the length of your chains & clasp pieces into account so you don't make the necklace longer then you want it.

I can't wait to try some other colors & different configurations with this idea.

Yumminess in Book Form

2009-12-05T22:33:00.001-05:00

Took a break from my mad crocheting & went and did a bit of christmas shopping today.(bought more yarn ) We are getting so close to done. I can see the light. I think at one point hubby tried to shove me into it just so he could be done shopping. LOL

Anywho while I was wandering through Borders bargain section looking for a cookbook for my SIL(didn't find what I wanted aargh) I came acrossed this little gem for $3. So I just had to pick it up for me as a reward for doing so well on my shopping. (heehee)

Twist and Loop by Annie Modesitt

It's full of advice & patterns & how-tos. And pictures, beautiful lovely pictures. I'd have bought it for the pics alone. I'm feeling all kinds of inspired. I can't wait to dig into my wire & bead stash.

Pretty Little Hat

2009-12-04T21:35:00.001-05:00

This little cutie goes with the crohook scarf I made. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/11/crohook-scarf.html

It's the same pattern as the other beanies I made except I used WW soft yarn which is a little thinner so the hat is smaller. I also used the shell trim from the crohook scarf instead of the reverse sc for trim. Here's the link to my beanie pattern. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/11/now-on-to-hats.html

shell trim~slst into first st, *4hdc in next st, slst in next st* repeat from *to* around.

Crohook Scarf

2009-11-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

Cro-hooking(double ended crochet) was the first type of crochet I learned to do. And for me it is the most relaxing form of crochet I've found. I love to get into a blanket, find my rythym & cruise along.

And the blankets made this way are so warm. It also makes very cozy scarfs & shawls. Here's a little one I made for a niece for Xmas. I think it turned out cute.

Here's a link to a tutorial on cro-hooking. http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/crochet-double.htm I work through the horizontal loop like in the second sequence.

Cro-hook scarf ~
caron simply soft & K double ended hook
ch15, work 125 rows
keep trim color attatched & finish off other color. With trim color slst in corner st, *4hdc in next st, slst in next st* repeat from *to* around (on sides each row counts as a stitch) finish off & weave in ends.

Ripple is finished.

2009-11-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

Remember when I started this pretty blankie. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/10/fun-afghan.html Well, I'm finally getting around to posting the finished pics for the granny ripple. I really enjoyed this pattern & love how the color combo turned out. My Mumsy loved it so much I wasn't sure it would make it to the charity auction. LOL

Close-up of the trim.

And here's a fully laid out shot.

Hexaghan update #3

2009-11-19T00:44:00.001-05:00

I've gotten a bit more done on my scrapghan, so I thought I'd put up some pics.

This is such a fun pattern, & I'm really using up some scraps.

Here's the bag I'm keeping everything in.

Here's the ones that are done & joined.

2 & 3 rounds in.

And a pile of yo-yos.

Now on to the hats.

2009-11-17T22:27:00.006-05:00

Well now I've got to make hats to match some of these scarfs(in my last 2 posts). I tried to find a pattern for what I wanted, but ended up making my own up. It's pretty basic so it's probably already out there, but I couldn't find it. **edit ** This makes a hat with an 18" circumference.**

Beanie Pattern~
ww yarn & J hook
magic ring (link in sidebar)
r#1-ch2, 11hdc(12), slst into top of ch2.
r#2-2hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each next 11 hdc (24), slst into first hdc.
r#3-hdc around(24) slst into first hdc
r#4-hdc in same st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st* from* to *around(36) slst into first hdc.
r#5-hcd in first 2st,*2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2st* from *to* around(48) slst into first hdc.
r#6~18-hdc around, slst into first hdc
r#19-reverse sc around

Here's a video on reverse single crochet.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_DPQw2Dykg

Striped Scarf

2009-11-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

Here's that pattern I promised. So simple, but I love the look.

Striped Scarf~with ww yarn & J hook

row#1~ch150, sc in each ch (150sc)

row#2~change yarn & turn, sc in each sc

row#3~turn, sc in each sc

rows#4-10~repeat rows "2&3" 4 times. finish off.

attach first color to last ch of beginning ch, sc evenly across end of scarf.

ch2, hdc in every sc acrossed, ch2, sc across end, finish off & weave in ends.

Ruffles, Stripes & Hexes, Oh my!

2009-10-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween all!!! I thought tonight I'd get caught up on project pics.(i've fallen behind...bad shelley)

Here's all the ruffled girly scarfs I've done. Aren't the colors just delish.

And here's my stripey boy scarfs. Plain & simple, but oh so stylish. I'll put up a pattern soon.

And yummy scrap-granny-hexagon-afghan progress. I'm having way to much fun using up my scraps.

Scrapghan

2009-10-27T09:34:00.000-04:00

Well my bits n' bobs of leftover yarn are threatening to take over, not just my craftroom, but the whole house.(next the world mmwhahaha) So I've decided a scrapghan is in order. I think this hexagon one by Attic24 will be just the trick. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/hexagon-howto.html

I'm not sure how big I'm gonna make it. I guess I'll just keep adding on till I run out of scraps or it gets to big to haul around. (heehee)

Here's my first hex. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

OMG!! It's nearly Christmas!

2009-10-26T10:14:00.001-04:00

I say every year that I'm gonna get done with presents early. That never happens. LOL I've just start on some projects for all the nieces for Christmas. I'm gonna make them winter sets.

I first saw these scarfs over on scrapbook.com in ScrappingGal57's gallery. So I googled to find a pattern, but once I got the concept, I just kinda made up my own. The same with the wristies. These work up pretty fast, so I should have plenty of time before the holidays.

Scarf Pattern~

With ww yarn & H hook ch200.

row1~sc in each ch, (200sc)

row2~ch3, 2dc in each sc (400dc)

row3~ch3, 2dc in each dc (800dc)

row4~ch3, 2sc in each dc (1600sc)

finish off

Wristie Pattern~

With ww yarn & H hook ch24

row1~sc in each ch (24sc)

row2~sc in each sc (24 sc)

row3-7~ch3 dc in each sc (24 dc)

row8~ch3, dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc, *dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next dc* repeat from *to* around. (30dc)

row9~ch3 , *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc* repeat from *to* around.(45dc)

row10~ch3, dc in same dc, 2dc in each dc around(90dc)

do not finish off. with right sides together, slst ends together. finish off. turn rightside out. The slipstitch line should be on the inside.

Visit the Attic!

2009-10-19T13:10:00.003-04:00

I found this lovely blog a few weeks ago. I've had so much fun stopping in to visit Lucy at Attic 24. I absolutely adore her whimsical style & cheery outlook. Every post is like a wonderful get together of friends. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/
She is a very talented & inspiring crocheter. There is even a flickr account for people to post their projects inspired by her. http://www.flickr.com/groups/attic24inspired/ I'm gonna give her hexagon granny a try. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/hexagon-howto.html

Reading through her blog is encouraging me to try to put a bit more of myself into my blog. So here are a few random things about me.

*My favorite drink is chai tea. I'm addicted.
*I'm claustaphobic.
*Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the smell of dry leaves.
*I've been married to my best friend for over 14yrs. He still makes me laugh harder than anyone else.

Fun Afghan

2009-10-06T03:26:00.001-04:00

Sorry I haven't been posting lately. I didn't do much crafty stuff for a bit. I'm working on a granny ripple afghan right now. These are so easy once you get them started, & I love the look.

Here's the pattern I'm working on. http://www.citiusa.com/grannyripple.html

Here's a pic of my half done afghan.

Dyeing Your Flowers

2009-09-12T12:15:00.001-04:00

I found a couple of tutorials on dyeing your crochet flowers. I don't have reinkers so I had to fudge it. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxsPcWMIH4c&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fandreawalford%2Ecom%2F%3Fp%3D3064&feature=player_embedded

http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/2009-07-20-how-about-some-thread-crochet-leaves/

And here's my take. I used rit dye, water, rubbing alchohol, pearl-ex, & gum arabic. Mix it all up in a spray bottle & spray on flowers. I already had this mixed up to use like glimmer mist. I probably wouldn't use the pearlex or gum arabic if I was just mixing this up for flowers. The pearl-ex didn't show much.

Daisy Variations

2009-09-10T19:29:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to my original daisy pattern.
http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/08/daisy-pattern.html

There are lots of easy variations for this pattern.

From dc to sc in the center.

These are 10 dc in center ring, *slst,ch2,skip dc* around, then work petals into ch2 space.

You can also add or subtract petals easily.

Or you can shorten or lengthen the petals, by using taller or shorter stitches.

Choker Pattern

2009-09-08T23:05:00.001-04:00

I posted some pics of a choker I made here. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-first-crochet-necklace.html

I made more & finally worked out a pattern I like.

Choker Pattern~

With #10 crochet cotton & #7 steel hook ch91,

slst in 2nd ch from hook,

slst in next 4 ch, ch6

*skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch3* (25 times)

ch6, skip next 2 ch, slst in next 6 ch,

finish off & weave in ends.

Add clasp. I use cord tip endings. Like these.http://www.firemountaingems.com/shopping.asp?skw=KWFNTERMINATESPENDCAP And a lobster claw clasp.

Optional flower: I made a single layer flower from Nichole Heady's pattern with # 10 thread & #7 hook. Here's the post I did on her flowers. http://crochetedsass.blogspo t.com/2009/08/flowers-by-nichole.html

I just left the end threads a little long & don't work in. Tie the flower to the 13th dc, add some clear glue to the knot in back. When it's dry trim ends.

Here's a pic of the new necklace.

Flower Scarf

2009-09-02T00:24:00.001-04:00

I saw this idea over on Applehead's blog, to make a scarf out of flowers. Here's her blog. http://applehead.typepad.com/applehead/
Here's her original post that inspired me. http://applehead.typepad.com/applehead/2006/05/100_flower_scar.html
Here's the pattern for her scarf. http://applehead.typepad.com/applehead/2006/05/100_flower_scar_1.html

Here's my take on that. It's not the same, but definately inspired by hers.

The small & medium flowers are made first then you connect them together with the large flowers in the last round.

Small Flower~with color 1 & hook G make 4. start with magic ring method. 5sc into ring. slst into first sc. Tighten ring. Then in first sc *ch 2, 2dc, ch2 slst back into sc* repeat from *to* in each sc (5 petals) finish off & weave in ends.

Medium Flower~ With color 2 & hook H make 4. Start with magic ring method. Ch 3, 9 dc into ring, slst in to top of ch 3. Tighten ring. *Ch2, 3dc in next dc, ch2, slst into next dc* repeat from*to* around.(5 petals) Finish off & weave in ends. This is the flower pattern I got on Little birdie's secrets blog. Here's my post with a link to it. http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/08/little-birdies-flowers.html

Large Flower~ with color 3 & hook J make 9.(attaching in the 2nd & 5th petals, except for the end ones attach those in just the 5th.) Ch3,9dc into ring, slst into top of ch3, *ch3,skip next dc, slst into next dc* repeat rom*to* around. (5 ch3 loops) In each ch3 loop^sc, 4dc, sc^. To attach flowers after second dc in petal make a slst in to the tip of the other flowers petal. slst into first sc of first petal. Finish off & weave in ends.

Hope my pattern is clear. Feel free to ask questions & I'll do my best to answer them.

Flowers by Nichole

2009-08-22T11:30:00.001-04:00

Here is a cute little flower pattern by Nichole Heady. http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html

I've used just the one layer on my necklaces & a card.

http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/08/crochet-trim-on-cards.html

http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-first-crochet-necklace.html

She also has a list of DMC color matches for Papertreyink's colors.

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/dmcpti-color-coordinates.html

My first crochet necklace.

2009-08-16T17:18:00.002-04:00

Here is my first attempt at crocheting jewelry. Ididn't like a few things about it, so i'm gonna work on the pattern a bit. I'll post it when I figure out all the changes.

I used #10 crochet cotton & a #8 steel hook.

The flower is a pattern by Nichole Heady.

Crochet Trim on Cards.

2009-08-16T16:42:00.000-04:00

Here's a little trim piece I made to use on a card. I used #10 thread & a #8 steel hook.

Close up of trim.

Trim on card.

Close up of trim & flower. Flower is made with pattern from Nichole Heady.

Trim Pattern~

ch even number(to length you want)
Then ch3 (counts as first dc)
dc in 4th ch from hook & in each ch across.
ch1 & turn
sc in first dc
*sc, picot in next dc, sc in next dc*
repeat *to* across
cut thread & finish off.

Little Birdies Flowers

2009-08-15T22:35:00.000-04:00

This link was posted on the "crochet your own fleurettes" thread on SplitCoastStampers. http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-crochet-flower-video-tutorial.html These are simple flowers, but they have great impact. There is also a video tutorial to help you learn this flower.

Here's the link for the thread on SCS. It's a great resource for patterns, tips, & chatter about crochet flowers. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412822

Here are a bunch that I did. You can vary the size of the flower with thread & hook size. It's also fun to change colors after the first round, or use varigated threads for a different look. The first row is #10 crochet thread & size #7 steel hook, second row is embroidery floss & # 5 steel hook, third row is #3 crochet thread & #2 steel hook, and the last row is 2 strands of #10 held together & #5 steel hook.

More Leaves

2009-08-15T22:17:00.000-04:00

I posted a link to a pattern for leaf chains earlier. (go here to find it) http://crochetedsass.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-found-pattern-for-leaves-leaf-chains.html

Then Cindy (cvansluys on scs) mentioned doing them in fall colors so I did a few different chains. The top one is done with different crochet threads (size 10) changing colors after each leaf. The bottom 2 are done with varigated floss. I think they're both cool effects.

Here is a close up of the chains.

Daisy Pattern

2009-08-05T19:42:00.001-04:00

I made up this daisy pattern & thought I'd share. It makes such pretty flowers. It uses the magic ring method of starting. Here's the link.

http://www.crochetme.com/Dec_Jan_0405/reads_round.html

I'm also posting a link to a turorial for the treble treble crochet stitch.

http://crochet.about.com/library/bltrtreble.htm

Daisy Pattern~

Use magic ring to start.

slst into ring

ch 4

(dc, ch1)5 times into ring

if using 2 colors finish off.

continuing or starting new color

in ch 1 space work (slst, ch 5, 2 trtr ,ch 5, slst)

repeat in each ch1 space around

slst into first ch1 space

finish off.

Leaf Pattern

2009-07-25T18:33:00.000-04:00

I found a pattern for leaves & leaf chains here. http://www.fablehandmadegoods.com/Crochetpattern-leaves.html

I made a few samples to try them out with different threads & hooks.

Here's a chain I used on a card with a flower. I can see tons of possabilitiesfor these leaf chains

And here's the whole card. I had fun with this one. Used a bunch of scraps I had laying around. Love this color combo.

Cards

2009-07-14T00:44:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd post a few recent cards with my crocheted flowers on them.

This is grumpabella colored with gamasol & colored pencils. The patterned paper is from a DCWV stack.

The butterfly & stems are Martha Stewart punches.

These papers are also from the DCWV stack. The punches are Martha Stewart too.

Butterfly Pattern

2009-07-12T20:04:00.001-04:00

I'm having so much fun with these little guys. Can't wait to use them on a card.

I used the magic ring method but you could use another method to make your starting ring.http://www.crochetme.com/Dec_Jan_0405/reads_round.html

Pattern~

Make ring then into ring

chain 3

3 treble crochets(yarn over twice)

chain 3 & slip stitch into ring

chain 2

2 double crochets

chain 2 & slip stitch into ring

slip stitch into ring

chain 2

2 double crochets

chain 2 & slip stitch into ring

chain 3

3 treble crochets(yarn over twice)

chain 3 & slip stitch into ring

finish off & tighten ring if using magic ring

I tie the ends & trim.

Then using contrasting color wrap twice from head to tail pull tight & tie into square knot for head & antena. I use a dot of clear glue to secure knots. Then trim antena to length.

First Post!

2009-07-12T17:06:00.000-04:00

Yay! I finally got around to joining the cool kids. This blog will be mostly about my crochet projects, but I'm sure there will be some crossover with my stamping & cardmaking. I'm a little quirky & a lot crazy so try not to take me to seriously( I certainly don't) & I'm sure fun will be had by all.