Bags...bags...

 Cross-body bag all finished!  I started making this one with just an idea in mind, no pattern.
I started out with the front/back of the bag, then made the sides (4 dc's wide) attaching the metal square-rings for the strap.  I then added a top flap to cover the zippered top (just rows of sc's edged with sc's) and made a lining out of blue minky fabric.  Adding the owl with a few stitches and it's done!  The last Christmas gift made!

Inside the flap, zippered lining

I've been making a lot of zippered makeup bags.  

This Seattle print fabric is one of my favorites!  It showcases highlights of the area so brightly!

 

Bits & Bobs into a girls bag!

Awhile back I found this pattern for a cute hooked Hearts Afghan and pulled out my red yarn, creating one of the squares.  I knew that I didn't want to create a full-sized blanket out of the pattern, so I tucked the square aside until the "right project" popped into my mind.  So yesterday I pulled out all my bits & bobs of yarn colors and tackled that "right project"! 
 I made a fully-lined with a zipper and everything bag for our youngest niece!

 The ubber cuteness almost got to me ;)  

but I love how cheery and bright it turned out!

My Girls Hooked Bag Tutorial O' Sorts:
I took my red heart square, sl st my red yarn into the bottom corner (red puffy heart/right side up!) hook 1 row sc, 4 rows dc, 1 row sc. (This is the base rows of the bottom of the bag).  Next continue on hooking the back of the bag with 30 rows of hdc's.  (When near the end I count to make sure the front and back are even!)

There you have it, a front/base/back of the bag.  

I started this in the evening thus the darker photos, but you can get the idea! 

 

Next I picked out a cornflower blue shade to create the bag strap. 

I created it 4 dc's wide and 24 inches long.

 

Now to attach the strap to the bag.  

I knew that I wanted the bubblegum pink as a trim 

so I used this as my yarn to piece it together.   

SLST into the bottom corner of the base, then sc around

 (4 sc's for the base bottom, adding an extra 2 sc's in each of the corners, and continuing up the side of the bag front.)  

Once you are at the top corner, 

continue with sc's across the top of the bag.

 

Continue down the other side, attaching the strap 

and making sure you don't have the handle twisted!  

I pinned it to the base bottom of the opposite side

 so I knew exactly where it would meet at the top right of the bag.
Keep attaching the handle to the bag with sc's around, 

up the other side of the handle and back of bag.  

SLST to beginning sc. 

 Next I created a zipper placket for the top of the bag.  

SLST your color onto the top corner, sc in same sp.  

Then hdc around in each stitch, with 4 hdc's in each end.  

It ends up looking like a long rectangle box.  

Now do any trims or designs to your bag that you would like.  Doing it now keeps all the ends inside the bag 

and not a hassle later after your lining is inside!  

I took white yarn and created cross-stitch pattern around the heart. 

And a row of slst border around the heart in lavender. I also took a sky blue and trimmed the handle with sc's.

This is what it looks like when finished:

 

Now you have a nice placket to attach your zipper to, 

making it all pretty and hidden! 

 Next take out your lining material.  

I used basic white cotton and a large white zipper.

 Make this as you would any bag or bag lining.  
(There are lots of tutorials out there if you need help! Some day I promise I will get to making a tut on a basic bags!)

 So just remember, you want the inside of this bag lining to be "pretty seams" and the outside is okay showing  seam ends as it will be inside the hooked bag.
 I squared off the bottoms of the lining, and added my label to the inside of the zipper lining.

Next slide your lining inside of the hooked bag and pin in place.  Hand sew it to the top of the blue rows of hdc's all the way around, giving it some extra attention at each end.  Make sure you keep your hdc's below the zipper line so it won't get stuck inside the zipper when using!

 

 Next add on any trims you would like.  

I made a basic flower and added a hooked heart to it's center.

 

 And all done!  I love how cutsie and girly it turned out!

Girls Vests!

 

I love love love Cascade Yarns Pima Cotton, 

it is so unbelievably soft and yet light-weight.
I received this pretty soft lavendar yarn for my birthday and 

knew that I wanted to create something for our 3 nieces with it.  

I had recently finished the Hooded Weekend Sweatshirt and thought about using that basic netting pattern for vests.  

I have to say, that they turned out so cute! 

Details:

I followed the pattern creating the front and back, not finishing off but continuing into connecting the side I was on. SC into one side, SC into the other until I was up to the armpit area. Next I went around the armhole with sc, ch1, sc, ch3. Then the 6sc's in each ch3 space. I finished off there and reattached at the next side, using the same method. Then onto the neck and bottom row. Adding in a button and button loop on one vest, a pretty basic flower and pearl button on the other.

Our youngest niece wanted an owl on hers, so I used an owl button and on the other I did a basic flower with a pearl button.

One more niece...so back to the yarn I go! 

This one I created using Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Quatro Wool in aqua.   I added a row of sc trim at the edge of the sleeves in Deborah Norville's Serentity Garden Yarn in hydrengea. 

I love this pattern!

I found this pattern on Craftsy and knew that I had to give it a try! 

I am SOOO happy that I did!

Not only is it easy peasy, but I found myself moving on to create my own little finishes to them...no hood just a collar, and vests! Very versatile and fun to play with. Basically the netting pattern, so a great project for the evening "unwind/relax" time. 

 Back of sweater

 I added a row of sc trim at the edge of the sleeves in Deborah Norville's Serentity Garden Yarn (in Hydrangea) to add a little pop of color.

Shawl Pattern transformed into a Lap Blanket

I started with this group of yarn thinking I would be happy creating it into a small blanket out of squares. A step up from the granny squares, yet it still just didn't do it. So when looking thru the Autumn issue of Crochet! Magazine I knew I loved the motif pattern for the Fall Garden Shawl. So instead I made it into a lap blanket!

I took the pattern (on page 55 of the issue) for the Fall Garden Shawl and made it into this lap blanket.  I used Deborah Norville's Premier sock yarn in 2 shades (violas was one!) and mixed in a few motifs done up with a pink wool blend that I had tucked away.  It made the violet purples seem to pop so much more!

The pattern has you hook/join the motifs together as you go, working in rows of 5, 6, etc up until the last row of 11 motifs.  
To make mine into a lap blanket I took the motifs and joined just as instructed, yet created a blanket of 9 motifs x 11 motifs. 
Once it was all together, I finished it off with a simple edging of sc's around. (I did 7 sc's in each 5ch sp.) 

2 UFO's Tackled makes for an AWESOME Tuesday!

Today I actually tackled not one UFO...

but TWO! 

Extreme excitement here, as they are also to be Christmas gifts! 

(Fellow crafters will understand the excitement about finishing UFO's!)

 I was very excited to find the pattern for the Bohemian Stevie Nick's Vest (from www.theedgeof17.com) that I found  while looking thru www.ravelry.com
The pattern starts off centered around the back, working in armholes and then the edging.  The pattern seems to be a write-up of the older pattern that I found at the very bottom of the pattern.  For those of you like me that just like a chart to follow, not each row written out, then skip to the bottom!

                                                                      Front


I knew that the Deborah Norville's Serentity Garden Yarn (in Hydrangea) would be perfect with my tucked away Paton's Silk Bamboo (in coal).  The Hyndrangea blend is amaing! AMAZING! The perfect blend of my favorite colors! I had to order this yarn, as I can never find it in any local stores!
 

                                                 Back

I didn't like how it focused so much on the center motif circle that the pattern originates from, so I decided to add two belt loops and a basic sash tie belt. 

                                     Detail of the edging

I decided early on that it was just going to be wayyy too long.  It definitely is for taller people! 

So I skipped a few rows, adding hdc's instead of dc's etc.  The edging I even cut short.  I will definitely be playing around with this pattern again, lots of ways to change it up!

 UFO Take Two

Awhile ago I came across this blanket done in cheery colors, making rows of pretty hearts across the blanket.  So when I was going thru my yarn basket at the time, I picked out the soft baby pink & cream wool.  I wasn't sure if I liked how it was turning out, the thick wool and only two-tones just wasn't "doing it" with using that pattern.  So I tucked it away...until today!

Yay! 

I do have to say that I'm happy that I just tucked it away 

and that I didn't tear it back and start over with something else!

I started making this summer tote out of my little bits & bobs of crochet thread. Hooking it until I have the perfect size to toss in a book, sunscreen, bottled drink...and head to the beach! 

Summer starts tomorrow...so I better get hooking!

Blankey O'Colors Finished!

 All finished!  

I absolutely love how it turned out!  

Stripes of bright colors, no pattern just fun and bright!

 The basic afghan stitch of days by-gone...Old Shale.

Cold outside...warm inside!

Woke up to some snow flakes floating down!  

The day warmed up a bit, but not for those up north of us.  More snow for them!  

So many complaints about "where is Spring?".

The trees are in bloom, the flower bulbs are blooming, 

it's all around us...just not in the precipitation! 

I started this blanket for my hubby and I awhile a go.  Something for us to use when it's chilly on the couch as our eyes glaze over as we zone out at the boobtube.  
It's now long enough to keep my legs warm as I work on it!

It's using the old shale stitch pattern in a variety 
of colors of Stylecraft yarn from Deramores.

Soft, bright, and colorful!    

This trifecta makes me one happy hooker!  

My Hooked & Woven Baby Blanket Pattern

I have been seeing some amazing woven crocheted/hooked blankets out there, and they really are a "new take" on hooking for me.  They really do resemble the Scottish Plaid Afghans.
So I decided (after following one pattern and having to expand the size of it for my liking) to create my own pattern in the size and striped pattern that I wanted.  
The yarn I love using is Deramores Stylecraft. I picked the colors Aster, Aqua, Lipstick, and Saffron for this blanket.  They really stand out together and are awesomely bright for a baby boy blanket in which I was creating! 

  Front of Blanket

 Back of Blanket

For those of you who need more instruction than my basic steps,
please search "how to crochet" online via basic search or thru youtube.com!

My Hooked & Woven Baby Blanket Pattern:
Step 1:
Using Hook US G6/4.00MM ch 143

Row1: dc in fifth ch from hook (this is your first dc and ch1) *ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch.  Repeat from * across to end with dc. Ch 4 (counts as dc & ch1) and turn for next row.

Row2: *dc in dc, ch 1. Repeat across, ending with dc. Ch 4 and turn.  

Repeat this pattern creating your "mesh" background using Row 2 until you have a total of    67 rows.  

This gives you a "mesh" background of 70 "squares" wide & 67 "squares" tall.

(Mine is approx. 28" square.) 
Be sure to weave in the ends of your yarn at each start of a new color, as this saves you time later! Unless you plan on adding an edging to your blanket that will work them all in. 
  

Color Pattern for "mesh" background:  8 rows Aqua, *2 rows Saffron, 1 row Lipstick, 1 row Aster, 1 row Lipstick, 2 rows saffron, 4 rows aqua, 2 rows Saffron, 1 row Aster, 1 row Lipstick, 1 row Aster, 2 rows Saffron, 4 rows Aqua, repeat from * ending with 8 rows Aqua

Step 2:

Using Hook US H8/5.00MM Start your rows of weaving.  To do this you are simply doing a row up sl st's up the mesh background.   (color pattern at end of photos)

The first patterns that I found do this process, using vintage crochet sites, were just printed out words and I was at a loss!  So here are some photos to help you along!

You make your slip knot & insert hook into first "square" of the mesh.
Draw up a loop, and keep working into the next "square".
SL ST each time and working your way upwards from the bottom first row of the blanket.

Be sure to hold your yarn behind your blanket, or you will have a tangled mess!  

This is what takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it's a very fast process! Also keep it loose, you will want this to be worked loosely, or you will end up with a tiny tight blanket.   (I loose about 4" in the height during the "weaving" step, so keep it loose!)

The stripes pattern for Step 2: Starting from the far bottom left corner of the blanket, work from left to right.
*4  rows Aqua, 2 rows Saffron, 1 row Aster, 1 row Lipstick, 1 row Aster, 2 rows Saffron, 4 rows Aqua, 2 rows Saffron, 1 row Lipstick, 1 row Aster, 1 row Lipstick, 2 rows Saffron, 
*Repeat to edge at right-side ending with 4 rows Aqua. 


For those of you who notice the pattern/or are overly OCD about things...you can adjust this so the pattern is centered. I.E.  the red/aster stripes start and finish with offsets.

Next go thru and knot each start/end of the stripes rows.  You can weave them in & trim, or leave them hanging as I did.  I did, as I mentioned, gave each one a good double-knot and then trimmed them all neatly the same length.  This gives it a nice fringe, just like the Scottish Plaid blankets that this is patterned after. Or you can add your own edging pattern, simple or extreme...up to you!

Finished!

Approx. 28" wide & 24" tall

 

I hope that this is easy for you to understand and helps you create a quick & very pretty patterned woven blanket!  Please feel free to share your creations, sell your creations, etc.using my pattern.

Just please do not sell my pattern. Please link back to here for my pattern.

Sometimes it's all about the colors...

Dinner is ready...a colorful mix of grilled veggies!

I love when I stumble upon wonderful blogs full 

of amazing hooked creations!  

I have seen this type of blanket done on a few other hooking sites, 

but love the colors that she chose here!  

(And now I know the Swedish term: vävvirkning)

 Here I go...

The changes that I did:  For the end of each row I did ch4 (instead of her ch5 and turn).  This makes it ch3 (for the dc) + ch1 (for the ch1 space)= the ch4 and turn.  
I also added 7 more rows (for a total of 61 rows, instead of the 54) and after starting the "next step"/weaving in of the stripes, I wish I had added even more rows.  It does tend to 'shrink' it up a tad, even with making sure my stitches are loose for this step.  
She does mention that wool works better, and I am using premium acrylic.  I love the softness & colors that I have found by Stylecraft, so I stuck to these and will just add more rows next time!  
I used a US G6/4.00 MM hook for the mesh netting of the blanket and a US H8/5.00 MM hook for the stripes step.  Colors of Cloud Blue, Aster, and Turquoise.  
For the weaving/stripes I decided to alter my pattern a bit as I did more rows so the count would be off a bit to use her pattern.  So I marked the center with a yellow bow and worked out from there. From the center out to one side (repeated for the following side): CB center row, 2 rows CB, 1 row Aqua, 1 row Aster, 4 rows CB, 1 row Aqua, 1 row Aster, 1 row CB, 2 rows SB, 1 row CB, 1 row Aqua, 1 row Aster, 1 row CB, 2 rows SB, 1 row CB, 1 row Aqua, 1 row Aster, 1 row CB, 2 rows SB, 1 row CB, 1 row Aqua, 1 row Aster, 1 row CB, 2 rows SB,
1 row CB, 1 row Aqua, I row Aster, 1 row CB, 1 row SB, 2 rows CB, 2 rows SB.
For the edging I did a row of sc around both sides.  For the top & bottom I did 2 sc's, ch1 around, pulling the ends of the rows out to knot where the ch 1 spaces are.  

Finished!!!  

I love how it turned out! 

I ended up using a sky blue shade to make the blue stripes pop even further! 

 

Baby Shoes

SO many babies arriving this Spring and Summer...so I started getting busy making some blankets and tiny baby shoes!  I love being able to add my own touch, like another row of trim...or a tiny heart!  

Valentine's Day Hearts

I love making hooked earrings!  

These make great last minute gifts...especially for the lovey holidays!