Fashion Forward and Festive

Look what I made last night!

I used the pattern found on the Lion Brand site. The pattern was really easy-- worked totally in the round. This was also my first attempt at felting. It did not turn out, sadly. The handles worked out fine but the bag itself still has very pronounced stitches and the gaps that come with crochet.

Here is what I did: I used Lion Brand Wool Ease (80% Acrylic, 20% Wool) as the pattern called for. Unlike indicated by the pattern, I used two strands for the ensure project because I was worried about the bag's stability (I wanted to use it as a handbag for the week). I washed the individual pieces in detergent and warm/hot water with a load of towels (to help agitate the yarn). I placed the crochet pieces in the dryer and pulled them out a little early so they were still slightly damp. I then placed the bag on top of a water bottle to allow it to complete air drying. Anyone know what went wrong?

An Emmett Corn!

Look at my festive, adorable bunny, Emmett. He is so sweet and tolerant of his mama’s crazy antics. I have five rabbits with five very unique personalities. I think that Emmett is the only bunn that wouldn’t try to chew up the yarn or shake his head to dislodged the hat until he is dizzy. Emmett is sweet and laid back—I like that is a bunny.

I was (am) in the process of making a whole bowl of the crochet candy corn pattern I got from the Lion Brand site and noticed that before stuffing and whip stitching the bottom seam closed, the candy corn would make for a cute little hat. I think I will try it in black or dark purple with a band near the bottom of the cone and try to fashion a brim for a witch’s hat. That would be pretty entertaining and fairly east to do by modifying the corn pattern. I’m going to give it a whirl! I’ll post the pattern and results if it works out!

Festive Amigurumi Rabbits!

Something that I have really been enjoying this October has been the blog Moon's Creations. She is running a series called "31 Amigurumi in October". These rabbits are *too cute* and I am not just saying that because I completely love bunny crafts. These creations are really detailed and well thought out. Each new moon bunny has a specific person (or thing) that is being emulated. Very cleaver! I think that so far, my favorites have been Edward Scissorhands and Edgar Allen Poe (pictured above).

Jump over to her site and see what new creations she posts as the month is winding down. I am really excited to see what she comes up with next!

Candy Corn: The Saga Continues

Excitment! My ever-loving boyfriend pointed out that I could crochet a few festive candy corns to decorate the place. Yay!

I found two cute patterns on Lion Brand.com. I am starting this one tonight. I thought that I'd make a bowl full of the amigurumi candy corn (they work up to be 3 inches)... and then maybe make a few for the neighbor kids. Take a look; doesn't look too complicated.

Amigurumi Candy Corn (follow the link for complete instructions from Lion Brand)

Supplies Needed
1 skein of Wool Ease Yarn: White/Multi (620-301)
1 skein of Wool Ease Yarn: Gold (620-171)
1 skein of Wool Ease Yarn: Pastel Yellow (620-157)
Lion Brand Crochet Hook – Size G6
Large Eyed Blunt Needle

CANDY CORN
With A, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in first ch. Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around – 8 sts.
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around – 12 sts.
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 6: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around – 16 sts.
Change to B.
Rnd 7: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 8: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around – 20 sts.
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around.
Rnd 10: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around – 24 sts.
Rnd 11: Sc in each st around.
Change to C.
Rnds 12-16: Sc in each st around.
Fasten off.

FINISHING: Lightly stuff Candy Corn and sew lower edge closed.Weave in ends.
Just imagine a bowl full of these delights on your coffee table! (Nice to have a non-breakable decoration there isn’t it?) For those looking for something else, check out the links below.

Attack of the Candy Corn!

Dear World,

HAPPY CANDY CORN SEASON!

I am not sure when it started but I have love-love-loved delicious candy corn all my life. This season, now that I am established in my own home and can do whatever I care to to celebrate the holidays, I plan to celebrate by paying homage to this tasty, autumn treat.

I came across a recipe yesterday in my Internet wanderings. I am not sure why it has never occurred to me to make my own candy corn at home versus purchasing some packaged at the store but now that the idea is in my hear-- I can't resist. I want to try Cakespy's Homemade Candy Corn recipe this weekend (hopefully). I haven't ever really made something this "homemade" at the house so I suspect that there are quite a few things I need to purchase to make this happen.

For more information on the history of candy corn, visit the National Confectioners Association website. Yum. History can be delicious too. ^_--

For more candy corn recipes, take a look at: Candy Corn Cordial, Candy Corn Martini, and Candy Corn Parfait

Yay Autumn!

Miss Matatabi Giveaway

Miss Matabibi has an ongoing Autumn Sale with everything at 40% off! If you're planning to create something handmade and heartfelt for your loved ones this holiday season, there's no better place to visit than Miss Matatabi. There are lots of gorgeous fabrics to choose from for any handmade project.

I heard about this awesome sale on Sweet Tidings. Mss Matabibi's ETSY shop is also having a very special promotion for Sweet Tidings readers! Any Sweet Tidings reader who purchases fabric from Miss Matabi ETSY shop between October 14th - October 21st will receive a free fat quarter fabric surprise! Please enter the code "I love catnip" in the "message to seller."