generation sue

A Foxy Stash Basket

2013-12-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

A last minute gift for a fox loving friend. All the details on my ravelry page.

A New Year

2013-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

OK. 2013 is THE year to get those UFO's done. I mean done. Yes, I mean it. This year. Yes.

I have been working on a number of new patterns, both crochet and sewing that I plan to share with you this year! Two new scarf patterns, a few pillows and a new clutch!

The end of last year just swished by. Not sure how the last two months got away from me as it did, but here we are!

Here is a sneak peek at one of my scarf patterns... The Caleye Cowl!

Look out 2013!

Rainbows and Flags Quilt Finished!

2012-11-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

I started this project over 8 months ago. Never thought it would actually take that long, but I like starting projects before finishing other ones. Anyone else out there like that??? :)

This is the Bundles of Joy quilt pattern by Ryan Walsh. When I first saw this pattern, it instantly reminded me of Swedish flags and I knew this would be the perfect gift for my Swedish sister-in-law and her expecting little boy.

My daughter helped me pick all of the fabrics. She wanted rainbow colors. We couldn't find a red we really liked for the blocks, so we added the red binding. Loved how that turned out. My son arranged the entire top and helped keep them in order. I was really so happy that my kids wanted to help out so much. I think it makes the quilt that much more special of a gift for their new little cousin!

I added the project to my Threadbias page. Go and check it out!

Chunky Green Circle Scarf

2012-10-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Another lovely scarf for fall. Although the weather here in California is not co-operating! In the 90's here today... ugh.

Another gift for a special friend. This time made with a superwash wool. Hope it does not prove to be too warm for her!

Details on making your own from this lovely pattern by Lindsi at People Webs can be found on my ravelry page.

Orange bright triangle cowl

2012-10-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Just in time for fall! The weather here is finally starting to cool down.

I just love the color! I selected a soft baby yarn, since it's receipient lives here in California where our winters are very mild. The drape is very light and because of the generous length of the cowl, it is easy to wrap twice!

Wonderful pattern, I plan to make one for myself too!

All the details can be found on my ravelry page.

The ears have it

2012-10-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

I just love Pinterest! Have I mentioned that before? I am completely amazed at the craftiness of some people. WOW. A few months back I stumbled upon this pin and I knew the right person to make it for:

via Restored Style

And, since I have never used spray paint before (oh my, I know, I have been missing out!) I just had to try it! Here is my version:

I gave this to a friend who just loves hooked earrings. I knew she would love it. The frame I selected was big, 8x10. Plenty of room for lots of earrings! She was thrilled and sent me a picture all filled up!

LOVE IT!!!

So, I had some spray paint left over and decided to spruce up my craft area a bit. What do you think?

Much better! :) Now, what else can I spray paint?

Monogram Leather Phone Clutch Pattern - It's Here!

2012-09-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

Pattern includes bright and colorful step-by-step photos so you can make one of your own!

The Monogram Leather Phone Clutch Pattern is available from my shop.

Happy sewing!

Summer is meant to last....

2012-08-24T14:59:00.002-07:00

We have been on a romantic getaway on the Northern California Coast celebrating our 10th anniversary; just the two of us....

And I have been working on perfecting my upcoming clutch pattern....

Still one more week of summer vacation for us with a trip as a family. And we plan to take full advantage of it!
Until then.....

Summer Quilting Update - Blocks 4-9

2012-08-14T10:29:00.002-07:00

I have been working slowly on the FreeSpirit Fabrics Christmas in July Block-a-Thon. I finished blocks 4-9. Here they are!


Block #4

Block #5

Block #6

Block #7

Block #8

Block #9

Go to the FreeSpirit Fabric blog to see all of the bloggers who put this Block-a-thon together.

Monogrammed Leather Phone Clutch Pattern - A Preview

2012-07-18T14:49:00.003-07:00

I have been working to finalize my newest pattern! A monogrammed leather phone clutch. Perfect for on the go! Fits a smart phone, chapstick and even has a pocket for a few cards or a bit of cash.

The pattern will also include options for adding a wrist strap.

Hope to have the pattern up in my shop in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted ;)

Hope your summer has been great!

More summer Quilting - Blocks 2 & 3

2012-07-09T21:44:00.001-07:00

Finished block #2 and block #3!

I really love how they are turning out. I am curious to see how the quilt top will look once all of these different quilt blocks are put together.

The quilt-a-long has just started, so it's not too late to join here :)

Zig-Zag Blanket CAL - Week 6

2012-07-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Finally finished week 6! Now that summer is in full swing, these hot days are just not spent working on the blanket as much.

But don't you worry, I will keep at it! ;)

Full details of this blanket and where you can join in too are on my ravelry page.

Summer Quilting - Block 1

2012-07-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a Christmas in July Block-a-thon and decided to join in. I have this huge stack of old dress shirts that my hubby no longer needs now that he lost a lot of weight. Yay to more fabric!

Check it out and perhaps join in. I am setting aside the crochet a little bit, it's just too hot! Here is my Block #1!

It's not Christmas-y, but perhaps I can use it by then! :)

Wee Dots Pattern Winners!

2012-06-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

Kids camp this week is all about the Fourth of July. To join in the fun, I made a stool cover in good ole red, white and blue! Let the party begin!

The winners of the Wee Dots Stool Cover pattern from this weeks giveaway is homeschooljewelrymom and Kristine! Ladies, kindly email me at generationsue [at] gmail [dot] com and I will send you a copy of the pattern!

Wee Dots Stool Cover Pattern and A Giveaway!

2012-06-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Still working on this blanket! Added rows 9 & 10 (can you believe there are going to be 32 rows? yikes!). I must admit, this blanket is really hard on my hands, wrists and fingers. I tend to have a tight grip. Still trying to focus on loosening up. The small squares force you to really think about it. However, the bright colors sure are cheery and make up for the pain and suffering that goes into making it... ha ha

So easily I become a wee bit bored and have to start something new. I have been working on a new pattern for the IKEA kids Mammut stools. They have always been so plain and needed a new look.

See what I mean? dull, boring...

Now... cute, fun and colorful! Gotta love the pink legs sticking out. And no more sliding off for the kiddos or complaints that the chair is too cold... Love how crochet can solve my problems ;)

Introducing my Wee Dots Stool Cover!!! The best part about this pattern? It only took 2-3 hours from start to finish! Quick, simple and a stash buster.

To celebrate my new pattern, I am hosting a giveaway (my first, I am so excited!). Three lucky readers will win a free copy of my pattern! A few ways you can enter!

1. Become a follower and leave me a comment telling me you did (or if you already are!).
2. Follow me on pinterest and come back telling me you did.
3. Mention this pattern on your own blog and leave me a link telling me about it!

Up to 3 entries per person. Remember to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win! Giveaway is open starting now! You have until 10:00 am PST This Friday, June 29th 2012 to enter at which time I will use random.org to pick and announce the winner later that same day!
THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

You can find my pattern here.

Good luck!

As always, details on the zig-zag blanket CAL can be found on my ravelry page.

Zig-Zag Blanket CAL - Week 4

2012-06-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

One week late, but week 4 is complete!

The blanket is now a quarter of the way finished. My daughter and I are still very happy with how it is coming out!

You can see my complete progress on my ravelry page.

Have a great weekend!

Zig-Zag Blanket CAL - Week 3

2012-05-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on my zig-zag progress! You can really start to see the pattern now. :)

There is still time to join! Join the ravelry group here or here is a direct link to the Sweet Kiwi Crochet Blog!

Have a wonderful day!

Yarn Bombing

2012-05-17T14:59:00.001-07:00

I have heard of it.

I have seen many photos across the web about it.

But this morning, I happened upon this while walking the kids to school...

On my very own street!

Such a wonderful way to start the day. Enjoy yours!

Zig-zag blanket - Week 2

2012-05-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on my zig-zag blanket! Week 2 added 50 more squares. The bright colors are really growing on me and my daughter loves it!

The blanket will be big! Hopefully one she can cherish for a long time.

Enjoy your day!

I've been nominated in a contest!

2012-05-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

WOW! My blanket for the Bernat Waverly CAL has been nominated in a contest! I have been nominated in two categories: Best In Show and Best Original Layout.

So, head on over to the Bernat Forums and cast your vote. Preferably for me, but you pick which one you like best! ;)

Click these links!

Best In Show

Best Original Layout

**You must have a Bernat.com login in order to vote...

Zig-Zag crochet along

2012-05-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am starting another crochet blanket. This time it will be for my daughter. After completing the Bernat Waverly CAL blanket, she so sweetly asked when I would make her one. :)

I discovered a new crochet along being hosted by Sweet Kiwi Crochet. What I love about this CAL is that everyone is doing a different blanket, but we are all crocheting 2" granny squares. Easy!

My daughter picked the zig-zag design, but asked that I take out the green and add purple instead.

Week one is completed! I ended up using a join-as-you-go method for the joining. I just loved learning about this technique when I completed my kaleidoscope blanket. I had to modify the technique a little to make it work for me, but I am very happy with the end result.

This CAL has us making 50 of these little squares per week. Hope you join in!

More details on my ravelry page.

A First Knit

2012-04-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

I completed my first knit project! A bright and cheerful washcloth that I mentioned before. It proved to be simple for me, all except casting on. I have to try a few other techniques for the future.

As in crochet, it seems as though I am able to keep the stitches nice and even as I go from row to row. The simplest part was casting off and weaving in the ends.

Complete and ready for use! I plan to knit a few more to make a set. I'll keep you posted.

Full details on my Ravelry page.

Hooked Cluster Border - A Tutorial

2012-04-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

A few of you have asked how I created my border on the Bernat Waverly Crochet Along blanket. I decided to put together this simple tutorial to show you how!

To get the border look above, first complete a round of single crochet before following this tutorial. If you do not need pictures and just want the text, scroll down to the very bottom of this post.

Abbreviations used:

ch - chain
sc - single crochet
sl - slip stitch
yoh - yarn over hook

Step 1: ch3

Step 2: yoh and insert hook in back of the 1st ch in ch3 (see arrow below on where to insert)

Step 3: yoh and draw through 1 loop on hook

Step 4: yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook (you should have 2 loops left)

Step 5: next, yoh and insert hook through back of 1st ch in ch3 again (The top of my hook is resting right at the 2nd sc that I will insert the hook into for the next step)

Step 6: insert hook in 2nd sc from hook, yoh and draw through 2 loops; this is what gives the cluster it's hook (you should have 4 loops left)

Step 7: yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook

Step 8: yoh and draw through the remaining 3 loops on hook

Step 9: sl into next sc.

One Hooked Cluster made! Continue working steps 1 - 9 around your blanket or crochet piece. Slip stitch in the base of the first cluster made and fasten off.

This Hooked Cluster is a variant of a cluster within Clue #6 in the Bernat Waverly Crochet Along (CAL) 2012. I loved the look of the cluster, but it seemed to be very loose for a border. There was quite a gap when tugging slightly on the original cluster as shown below.

With my Hooked Cluster, when tugged slightly, the cluster is securely attached. Yay!

Can you spot the difference? There is one cluster in the picture below that is based upon the Bernat Waverly CAL cluster and all the rest are my Hooked Clusters. :)

And here are my Hooked Clusters on my Waverly Bernat CAL 2012 blanket!

For those of you that just need the pattern:

*ch3, yoh and pull a loop through at the base of ch3, yoh and pull through 2, yoh and insert hook into base of ch3, insert hook into 2nd sc from ch3, yoh and pull through 2, yoh and pull through 2, yoh and pull through 3. Hooked Cluster made. sl in next sc. ** Repeat from * to ** around border until complete. sl into original base of ch3 and fasten off.

Please let me know if you try it! I would love to share with everyone! Or, add your project to the ravelry page here.

Bernat Waverly Crochet Along 2012 - Finished!

2012-04-19T13:33:00.003-07:00

My blanket is finally finished! Yay!

I really, really love how this blanket turned out!

I did make a few modifications from the original CAL. First, my layout is slightly different to make it more symmetrical. I must have symmetry. :)

Second, I added an additional round on the border. I used a variant of the cluster from Clue #6 to soften the edge a bit more and give it a little more bulk. I really love how it added to the femininity of the blanket.

I was really sweating and near tears towards the end though. I almost ran out of my main color of yarn. Phew! I made it!

Now, just need to figure out who to give it to..... a giveaway perhaps?

You can see all of the details of this project on my ravelry page.

Bernat Waverly Crochet Along 2012 - Clue #5 & Clue #6

2012-04-04T08:21:00.003-07:00

Finally finished all of the blocks for the crochet along!

Clue #5 was a version of a granny type square, simple and will be a great filler.

And clue #6 turned out to be my favorite one. Just love the airy feel and I bet it will fan out wonderfully once the blanket is put together.

Playing around with all of the blocks, I came up with my best guess for how the blanket is supposed to be put together. I am heading over to the forum to check out today's clue and find out if I was close!

More details on my ravelry page.