Just Make It: Handmade By Annabelle

Decorate for Fall with Buntings (Banners)

2011-10-19T10:12:00.000-04:00

Crochet Your Own Fall Bunting/Banner!

Use them Inside or Outside

One day last week, I had a few hours and decided to make my own Fall banner. And, my tool of choice is always crocheting. I don't have a pattern, per se, but here's what I did:

Flag Triangles:

They are all single stitches.

Crochet 20 single stitches - adjust to the size you want.

In the next 8 rows, single stitch but decrease each row by 1.

Make as many as you'd like - I made 10.

Crochet as many single stitches as you'd like - this will be the length of your bunting.

I single crocheted the row again so it would be thicker.

Attach (needle & thread or crochet it on) the flags to the bunting line.

That's it!

I hung mine outside since the bunting is washable. They would be cute for Christmas too. Maybe even make some small flags for the bunting and hang them on your tree.

Creative But Practical Gifts: Crocheted Handmade Washcloths - Holiday Colors - CraftStylish

2011-10-19T01:38:00.000-04:00

Creative But Practical Gifts: Crocheted Handmade Washcloths - Holiday Colors - CraftStylish

Handmade Gifts are the RAGE this Year!

2010-12-04T10:11:00.007-05:00

CREATIVE BUT PRACTICAL GIFTS

From HandmadeByAnnabelle

Holiday 4 Pack - 100% Cotton - $12.00

(Note: If you'd prefer to make your own crochet washcloths, here's the
pattern: Annabelle's Crochet Washcloth Pattern)

Creative but practical gifts! I think that's my theme this year -- something they can use and handmade. Here's a list of ideas from my customers:

Twist them up like cupcakes and wrap them in individual boxes
Twist them up like candy and wrap them in a pretty box
Twist them up like roses
Wrap small gifts with washcloths and bows
Simple delicate wrapping paper with a ribbon makes your family member or friend feel very special when opened
Add them to any gift basket
Add them to a bath and body gift basket
Wrap pretty for the hostess when going to parties
Stocking stuffers
Give them to those on your list who are eco friendly
New moms love receiving them - add to the baby gift basket

 

Luxurious ORGANIC Cotton - Cream - $11.00

100% ORGANIC Cotton - Walnut - $11.00

 

100% ORGANIC Cotton - Hunter Green - $11.00

Crisp White !00% Cotton - 8 Pack - $16.00

 

Holiday 100$ Cotton Christmas Colors - 4 Pack - $12.00

100% Cotton Holiday 4 Pack - $12.00

100% ORGANIC Cotton - $24.00

How To Make Your Own Rag Basket

2010-11-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Fabric Rag Baskets

How-To
(Last updated 10-28-10)

Making a rag basket is very rewarding. You can turn simple leftover fabric into a beautiful basket in a matter of hours. Use your old fabric - any fabric will work, but upholstery fabric works best. I love polka dots and tend to make quite a few with polka dot fabric. Although there are many methods for making rag baskets, I make my baskets by using hot glue, fabric, and cording.

Materials Needed:

1 yard of leftover fabric

1 yard of cording (fabric store) or rope

Hot glue gun and glue

How To:

1. Cut your fabric into long pieces (even up to a couple of feet). It's easier if the fabric is one long piece instead of broken up pieces. Cut the fabric into 1 inch wide.

2. Keep your cording or rope all together - do not cut it until necessary.

3. Begin wrapping your fabric around the cording glueing it to the cording about every 1-2 inches.

4. Continue wrapping and glueing.

5. Here's the fun part - once you have several feet wrapped, begin shaping your basket into an oblong or round basket, glueing the cording together as needed. There are several pictures in this post to show you your options.

Sorry that I don't have any how-to pictures with this post, but the next time I make one, I'll update this post with pictures along the way. Hopefully this will get you started for now. The pictures here are some of my most popular baskets from my ETSY shop. Enjoy and have fun making them!

Be sure to check out Craft Gossip's new Home & Garden page!

FINALLY Found Some Yarn I Love!

2010-10-21T01:17:00.001-04:00

** Update 10-21-10: I got some more yarn in ... this 'candy corn' yarn is 100% cotton chenille. Super thick and absorbant. I had quite a few requests for these washcloths, so here's the listing if you're still interested: Candy Corn Washcloths. If you'd like to make some for yourself, here's the pattern url. **

I've been looking for some new and different yarn to brighten up the handmade washcloths I stock in my shop. And FINALLY I found it! When I opened my USPS box yesterday, I began crocheting and loved the yarn so much my fingers wouldn't stop!

Here's what I made and it's now in my ETSY shop:

Here's the free pattern: Annabelle's Washcloths - Pattern

Her shop name is "Crochet 4 U 2 Dye 4" and here's her url: http://www.etsy.com/shop/crochet4u2dye4?ref=top_trail. And here are a few of her other yarns:

Decorating Ideas for Your Front Porch

2010-10-11T12:31:00.002-04:00

DECORATE YOUR FRONT YARD

ON THE CHEAP!

The mailbox was decorated for about $10.00 total and has a pumpkin ($3.99) + mums (3.99) + 2 leaf rings ($1.00).

If you look at the front porch all the way to the left, you'll see a fall banner - it's kindof hard to see, but I crocheted triangles and attached them to a long string of single stitches. That's it - very simple. I'll have better pictures of the banner next week.

The front porch has a mum ($3.99) + a pumpkin ($3.99) + scarecrow sitting on the chair (2.00) + corn stalks ($5.99) + 2 small pumpkins above my door ($2.00) + scarecrow on the door ($1.00). Most everything was purchased at the dollar store.

Sweet Little Halloween Rag Basket

2010-10-06T08:06:00.001-04:00

I had forgotten that last year I made this sweet little Halloween basket to sell in my ETSY shop. I haven't made any rag baskets in a few months because I've been busy with my other crafts, BUT this sweet thing makes me want to start up again!

Here's a link to get you started making your own rag basket.

For now, ENJOY!

How to Crochet a Child's Poncho - 8 Quick and Easy Steps

2010-09-26T00:40:00.001-04:00

Quick and Easy Child's Poncho

Crochet Pattern

It's finally here! Fall! I've been wanting to crochet my little girl a poncho for the longest time. So last week was the week. This is my own design and I posted it on http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Crochet-a-Childs-Poncho-8-Quick-and-Easy/ because I've been trying to keep my own designs in one place.

It took 3 balls of chunky yarn (see "Materials" in the doc) and about 6 hours. If you're a faster crocheter than I am, you'll probably finish it up much quicker.

At any rate, I made a darling poncho for $12.00. Maybe it should be called "The Recession Poncho!"

** NOTE: Please come back and post a link to your poncho after making it! I'd love to see other ones completed with different yarn **

Halloween Decoration (Pumpkins) Under $1.00

2010-09-14T18:16:00.003-04:00

Easy Halloween Decoration

Pumpkins !!

Tutorial

Materials Needed:

1. Toilet Paper Roll

2. Newspaper

3. Leftover Fabric

Process:

Place a roll of toilet paper on top of a piece of newspaper.
Lift the newspaper and stuff it into the middle tube of the toilet paper.
Place the roll of toilet paper on top of the piece of fabric you have chosen. (Good side down.)
Lift the fabric and stuff it into the middle tube of the toilet paper.

NOTES: You may need to cut the newspaper and the fabric a bit. Use any fabric you'd like - it doesn't have to be Halloween fabric.

Make Your Own Red, White, and Blue Bangles for Labor Day!

2010-08-26T06:56:00.002-04:00

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN

RED, WHITE, and BLUE

BANGLES

I could make these for you, but better yet, how about you give it a try? If you're not from the US, you could use the colors of your own flag. I've shared this pattern on a few BLOG LINK PARTIES.

These are fun and super easy to make. You've probably seen my free crochet pattern for these bangles before, but I changed the pattern just a bit. Instead of using a double crochet in the middle, they are all single crochet stitches.

Steps:

Leave a 3 inch tail.
25 single stitches.
Loop the last single stitch back to the first one and stitch together to form a ring.
Single crochet in each single stitch you made above.
Turn.
Single crochet in each single stitch you made above (again).
Turn.
Single crochet in each single stitch you made above (again).
Finish off.

Super easy, right?

Hey, if you have 2 minutes, vote for this free pattern on CraftJuice. THANKS!

These little bangles take about 10 minutes each for an intermediate, and they can be washed with your cotton wares. The ones above are 100% cotton.

Email me here if you'd like me to make them for you - any color, any theme.

Here's another pattern for a quick and easy (but super cool) drink cozy.

Have fun!

Deborah Norville Yarn Review

2010-08-25T10:17:00.000-04:00

Deborah Norville Yarn

Review

Serenity - Bulky Weight
(Last Updated 8/25/2010)

I found a beautiful synthetic yarn by Deborah Norville yesterday at Joann's ($3.29 regular price) and decided to try this yarn to make "The Perfect Bath Puff (Pattern Link)". Before I get started, it's only fair to tell you that I'm addicted to fabric and have reviewed fabric quite a bit - this is my first yarn review. Nevertheless, let's get started!
Description:

Deborah Norville Serenity Chunky Yarn
100% acrylic
Crochet gauge: K-M
Color: Golden

Pros:

Because this is a chunky weight yarn, the project worked up much quicker than standard cotton yarn.
Super soft - doesn't have that plastic feel that some acrylic yarns have.
Beautiful colors to choose from.
Machine washable/dryable.
Yardage is enough to make 2.5 large bath puffs.
Very little splitting of the yarn when crocheting.
Light weight when wet and dry.
Getting help on choosing the right yarn for this project was easy and quick!

Cons:

After washing 4 times, the yarn frays a bit. However, I took my scissors to it and trimmed off the fraying. Looks like new now.
While the yarn makes great bath puffs, I have to admit that cotton yarn does work up a better lather. BUT, cotton yarn is much heavier when wet.

Bottom line -- I absolutely love this yarn. It works great as a bath puff, but might even work better for a blanket or sweater. And, it gets softer with every washing. There are several free patterns on the Premier Yarns website, but I have to admit that I'd love to see more free patterns! Deborah Norville yarns are fairly inexpensive and are not in all the stores yet. Because I wanted to make sure I had the right yarn for the job, I sent an email from the web page and got a response the next day -- from Deborah Norville herself! It doesn't get much better than that!

I'll definately be buying this yarn again and adding these bath puffs to my ETSY shop!

Weekend Link Party - Link Up Your Latest!

2010-08-13T12:50:00.007-04:00

WEEKEND LINK PARTY

PARTY ON GARTH!

When you link up your projects please be sure to:

Link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog, so people can easily find your project.
Link to a craft/art project.
Show some love! Visit some of the projects linked up and leave a comment!
Become a follower on my blog.
If you don't have a blog, feel free to link one of your ETSY items!

Super easy, right? What are you working on?

Free Crochet Pattern: GO GREEN! Tan, Green, and Walnut Ecofriendly Wash Cloths / Washcloths

2010-08-11T00:00:00.002-04:00

Here's What I'm Working on Now:
(Last Updated 8/10/10)

Be sure to link your latest project to my Weekend Link Party!

One of my customers requested my crocheted organic washcloths in three colors: light brown, hunter green, and walnut. So, I got busy right away making them and here they are completed.

She likes these particular washcloths because they are sooooo soft. And, she's right -- they are super, duper soft. But, what she doesn't know is that I have an even softer washcloths that I'm making up for her and will send to her with this order -- bamboo! Seriously! Bamboo! It's softer than cotton and I think she'll really like it.

What do you think? Should I offer this combination of washcloths in my ETSY shop? I kindof like the combo!

Here's the free pattern: http://handmadebyannabelle.blogspot.com/2010/04/crochet-pattern-not-your-grandmas.html

8/10/10: Here's a new set of organic 100% cotton washcloths that I added to my ETSY shop today. These sold immediately, so I made another complete set tonight.

The Great Crochet Coaster Comeback!

2010-07-18T03:51:00.002-04:00

THE GREAT
CROCHET COASTER
COMEBACK!

Free Crochet Pattern:

I could make these for you, but how about you give it a try?

Row 1: Leave a tail approximately 6 inches. Chain 3 and add 12 dc in the first chain. Join with sl.

Row 2: Chain 2, 2 dc in each stitch around, join with sl in the first dc.

Row 3: Chain 2, * 1 dc in the next stitch, then 2 dc in next stitch and repeat from * around.

Row 4: * Chain 1, single stitch, and repeat from * around.

Finish off.

That's it.

Use these as face scrubbies or as dish cloths too!

Crochet Pattern: Fluffy Bath Puff

2010-07-12T06:00:00.005-04:00

The Perfect Fluffy Bath Puff

(Updated 07/12/10)

Because these bath puffs are made from a cotton blend by Lion Brand (50% cotton, 50% acrylic), I make them tight, but medium sized. Double crocheted (larger) 100% cotton bath puffs tend to get too heavy when they get wet. This size is good for a child or adult.

Materials: 1 ball of medium weight 50% cotton/50% acrylic and crochet hook K.

Round 1: Chain 3, loop the chain back to the 1st chain. Add 15 single stitches in the center of the circle you just created. Chain 40 -- This will form the hanger. Loop the chain (hanger) back to the beginning of round 1 and add 1 single stitch to connect the hanger and with the ring.

Round 2 thru 6: 6 single stitches in each chain of the 15 chains.

Finish off

NOTE: It takes about 1 hour for 'intermediate' crocheters.

Make Your Own Drink Cozies

2010-07-05T17:28:00.000-04:00

Simple Crochet Pattern for Crochet Drink Cozies

I posted my pattern last week for the Red White & Blue Drink Cozy which is a super easy pattern to make. This week I've been making the same drink cozies but with different yarn and appliques. Here are a few to give you some ideas of what you can make for your own home:

I have a few of these in my ETSY shop if you'd like to take a peek.

Red White & Blue Linky Party

2010-07-02T20:00:00.008-04:00

Link Up Your Favorite

Craft, People, or Scenery Pictures

of the 4th of July!

Quick post -- This is one of my favorite July 4th pictures. We were at a local parade and this cute lady was so proud to be American! I just had to get a picture of her.

Linky party rules:

1. Post anything red white and blue - link to the post, not your main blog.

That's it - super easy, right? Let's go! What 'cha got?

Make Your Own Red White & Blue Cup Cozy

2010-07-01T05:32:00.000-04:00

Super Easy Beginner Crochet Project for the 4th!

Make these for all of your guests! Like my Red White & Blue Bangles, this cup cozy is super easy.

Supplies:

100% cotton yarn (use your leftover yarn from another project)
Crochet hook - J
Buttons, iron on patches, ribbon (any embellishment)

Pattern:

Chain 15.
Single crochet into 2nd stitch from hook.
Single crochet until end of chain.
*Chain 1 and turn.
Single crochet each stitch above, but only crochet the back stitch This will produce the ribbing effect.
Repeat from * until it measures 8 inches.
Fold the cozy in half with the last row and the first row together and slip stitch closed to form the cozy.

NOTE:

You are crocheting sideways - as if you were to turn the cozy on it's side. (I hope this makes sense.) This tan organic cotton cozy only crocheted 11 stitches instead of 15, making it better for smaller glasses/cups.

((Shhh ... I'm sending this red, white and blue cozy to one of my best customers - I think she'll like it.))

If you have 2 minutes, please vote for my beverage cozy on CraftJuice.

Email me here if you'd like me to make them for you - any color, any theme.

Craftzine.com blog : How-To: Crochet Bangles For 4th of July

2010-06-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

Yea! My little Red, White, and Blue Bangles made Craftzine Magazine: Click here to see: Craftzine.com blog : How-To: Crochet Bangles For 4th of July

Blog Link Party - Share Your Craft

2010-06-21T21:25:00.005-04:00

CUTE and PRETTY FINDS

From Last Week's

Blog Link Party

Find these cute little custom made magnets at Vintage SHOUTING

Sweety Bird has such wonderful knitted baby blankets.

Grandma's little dress is so, well, I just want to have it!
Hope you join the party this week!

Making Friends on ETSY !

2010-06-17T17:42:00.002-04:00

I Love Surprises!

Andrea from Swan River Stone surprised me today with a feature on her blog about my ecofriendly organic washcloths. She probably found my blog through ETSY or maybe even FaceBook, not sure, but she has a beautiful blog! Here's what she wants us to know about her and her blog:

SwanRiverStone's blog is "based on the three elements above- Grace, Balance, and Strength that is the story behind the name of my business SwanRiverStone. The Swan is a bird who goes through alot of hell and clumsy growing pains in order to become the beautiful, graceful bird that it is- This is me."

Check out Andrea's beautiful jewelry - here's a quick sample of her 'prettiness:'

Blog Party! Show off Your Craft!

2010-06-14T20:36:00.008-04:00

Click here for the free pattern to make these washcloths: http://handmadebyannabelle.blogspot.com/2010/04/crochet-pattern-not-your-grandmas.html

Super Easy Chunky Crochet Bangle

2010-06-03T18:20:00.016-04:00

5 Quick Steps to a

Great Chunky Bangle / Bracelet

Materials:

I used "Loops & Threads, Charisma, 100% acrylic yarn". Just use up your scraps for this project. Any yarn should work (cotton, bamboo, acrylic, etc.)

Steps:

Leave a 3 inch tail.
25 single stitches.
Loop the last single stitch back to the first one and stitch together to form a ring.
Double crochet in each single stitch you made above.
Single stitch in each double crochet above.

Good luck ! Please leave a comment if you make these - link to your picture so we can see how they came out.

This is my own design! Feel free to post it on your blog!

Willie Got All Wet! (The Cutest Cat Ever)

2010-06-01T20:14:00.000-04:00

We had a huge storm the other night and Willie got caught in the rain. When he came in, we wrapped him up in a duckie towel and dried him off. He loved it - can't you tell !?!?!

Crochet Pattern: Not Your Grandma's Crochet Dish Cloths

2010-05-31T07:18:00.003-04:00

Crochet Pattern

Not Your Grandma's

Crochet Dish Cloth

(Last updated 8-11-10)

Leave a 3 inch tail
27 single stitches
* Double crochet in 2nd stitch from hook (Total of 26 double stitches -- it's okay if it's 25, 26, or 27)
Chain 2
Turn *
Continue from *
Make as many rows as you'd like, but just make sure that your dish cloth is square. It should be the same size all the way around. The size usually comes out to 5x5, 6x6, ...

I used Sugar and Cream yarn for this tutorial. And an "H" or "I" crochet hook is fine. It's inexpensive and you can usually get about 2 wash/dish cloths from one roll.

NOTE: This is my own pattern. You may post it on your blog, etc.