What's on your hook?

Today, the yarn I ordered online came! I love getting packages in the mail-- it's like Christmas, only I paid for it and generally know what is inside...
I am pretty excited because I have been dying to try my hand at felting again.If you remember, I tried to make a felted candy corn bag back in October-- it didn't turn out quite right. One of my readers explained that I had probably used a wool-blend yarn. Well, this time I bought the 100% stuff so I hope all this itchiness in July pays off in the final product.

 I found this cute pattern on Lion Brand's site last week called a felted rose handbag. Pretty darling-- I bought different colors though. The hot pink-and-red look doesn't really suit me. I purchased Ranch Red as the overall color and Scarlet as the accent in the rose petals.

So what's on your hook?

Sent: Christmas in July

I would expect that by now, my swap-mates at Craftaholic's have received thier gifts.I didnt want to ruin the suprise by positing them too early but anyway--here are some pictures of what I sent out! I have patterns for most of what I sent out (Or I could write one if I don't). If anyone is interested, let me know.

I had a ton of fun making presents for this swap-- I love to swap!! If anyone hears of any other swaps coming up, please let me know. Getting and sending presents in the mail is the best.

I'll post a picture of what I recieved later tonight. I am still waiting on the international package to arrive from Italy.

Yay!

Christmas in July

I participated in a Christmas in July swap this month. I found this cute little tree ornament to make for my swap partner. It was a quick work up and fun to make in the off-season. The tree is made in one piece with the star and the snow garland added after the tree is made and stuffed.

Enjoy, my friends... and make one yourself! It only took a half hour, before adding decorations.

Stick a Needle in me... I'm Done!

I have been meaning to make a new pin cushion for myself as I have been doing more and more sewing. The idea to make a cactus pin cushion from crochet hit me several weeks ago so I set out to write up a pattern. Please let me know if you have any questions with the pattern I made. It is untested other than in my own wild-brained logic. 

Enjoy!

To make a Mr. Cactus pin cushion:

You will need:
Brown Yarn (B)
Dark Green yarn (DG)
Light Green yarn (LG)
Polyfill stuffing
Crochet hook 3.5 (E)
Terra Cotta pot or other small pot

Base (Dirt):
In B, make a magic ring
Round 1: 10 sc in loop
Round 2: *1sc in first st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 3: *1sc in first 2st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 4: *1sc in first 3st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 5: *1sc in first 4st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 5 times
Rounds 6 - 9: 1sc in each sc (30 total)
Round 10: *1sc in first 4st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 11: *1sc in first 3st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Stuff
Round 12: *1sc in first 2st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 13: *1sc in first 1st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail

Trunk:
In LG, Make a magic ring
Round 1: 8 sc in loop
Round 2: *1sc in first st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 4 times
Round 3: *1sc in first 2st, 2sc in next st* Repeat (*) 4 times
Rounds 4 –13: 1sc in each sc (16 total)
Stuff
Round 14: *1sc in first 2st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Round 15: *1sc in first 1st, sc2tog * Repeat (*) 5 times
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail

In DG, Chain 52. Verify length fits around entire cactus prior to cutting yarn
At chain 26, attach yarn with a slip stitch and chain 25 (6 times)
Sew chain cluster to cactus trunk, leaving space for branches


Branches (Make 2)
In LG, Make a magic ring
Round 1: 8 sc in loop
Rounds 2-4: 1sc in each sc
Stuff
Cut yarn, leaving long tail to join with trunk

In DG, chain 30 (Make 2) and leave them aside

In DG, sew length of 9 chains to each branch side (in quarters)

Sew branches to trunk, sew remaining lengths of chain to the ends of the branches where they meet the trunk

Sew cactus to the dirt patch.

Secure in pot with hot glue, tacky glue, or your favorite adhesive

Help a Shanny Out?

Every year, my department at work holds a basket raffle. The proceeds go to our Adopt-A-Family fund. In December, we take the money we earned at various events and go shopping for a local family in need.
I usually make a basket on my own and also join at least one other team in making a basket (I like to give back, what can I say?).

This year, I was thinking this may be a good opportunity to de-stash my craft room considering how tight funds have been as of late and also the fact that I can barely walk around in there anymore. Would you mind taking a 3 question survey to help me figure out what theme the Craft Basket should have? I was thinking I'd throw in a little bit of everything but that doesn't sound like it would appeal to anyone but myself. Most people have one to three crafts they love and maybe a handful more that they dable in.

Take the survey, please?: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q88R6Q7

Starburst Hot Pads

I started making these little beauties and couldn't seem to make myself stop

At first, they appear complicated but in truth-- they are quite easy to work up. They are actually five separate granny squares that are seamed together via the surrounding single crochet row. It seems that there isn't such a thing as a bad color combination with this pattern.
I got the pattern here if you would like to make some of your own. Just remember-- use natural materials (preferably cotton) in making them if you intend to use them as pot holders. They have to be able to stand up to the heat!

Beta Testing

I was selected to test out SmoothFox's newest granny square pattern, Fox's Ripple Star Square, 12x12.

I had a good time working on the pattern was alot of fun. I really enjoyed how it worked up. I have never done a 12x12 pattern before. I think that I may have to make a few more in the future.

Take a few minutes and check out SmoothFox's site. There are a ton of patterns there-- afghans and squares for sale and for free.

Good stuff!