LiLu Studios

Just a tiny update and a warning....

2012-02-22T21:11:00.000-06:00

So I have been busy working working working on all these new things, and haven't actually had time to write! I'm nearing completion on three knitting patterns, as well as the blanket that I made for my kiddo so those should be coming up some time in the next week. I've also got some craft projects to post and have been working like mad on the Bernat Mystery Crochet Along!

Next project: Girls' Easter Sweaters :) Anyone know of any good patterns?

Bernat's Crochet Along! Are you in?

2012-02-20T18:23:00.001-06:00

Bernat just started their 2012 Mystery Crochet Along last Wednesday, and I'm doing it! I won't post anything until it's done, because I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone who is doing it.... but if you're one of my readers and you're participating, I would love to know!!!

*Edited to add: I realized I didn't put a link to the Crochet Along anywhere in this post, so here it is!

Bernat 2012 Mystery Crochet Along!

Just a short post today with an update...

2012-02-15T13:37:00.001-06:00

I have hit the end of all of the holiday crafting posts. I will have some valentines crafting posts coming up soon *crosses fingers* but the way life has been lately, it's been all doing and no refining patterns.

I'm working on several fun projects and here's what you can expect in the coming months:

The revival of "30 days of Hats"
I have been designing like mad, and am nearing completion on my 30 days of hats project! Get ready for an explosion of new hats that you can crochet!

Several Knitting patterns
Yes, I have ventured into the world of knitting and have written a couple of knitting patterns.

Crochet-a-thon for Charity
I am planning to do a marathon crocheting adventure- I haven't decided the length, but I think it will be at least 12 hours, of just crocheting for charity. I will be making a variety of items, such as preemie hats, bird's nests (for rescue centers), and hats for Cancer patients.

My first Afghan pattern
My eldest daughter requested that I make a blankie for her like her sisters. I made her sisters blanket from just a simple expanded granny square, and it was very easy. I thought about doing that again for hers, but then changed my mind, deciding that I wanted to make hers something a little more grown up. I ended up, as I usually do, designing my own pattern and am going to post it on here to share!

New simple crochet projects
I've got a couple of other simple crochet projects that I've worked on and will share here for you. :)

So be patient, there will probably be a little lapse in posts while I prepare all of these things, but I'm sure I'll also sneak some peeks in there for you all!

Sometimes you just have a day of Fail....

2012-02-13T09:22:00.001-06:00

As a crocheter, I love yarn. But I like yarn best when it is doing what I want and I'm not mucking things all up.

My eldest daughter asked me to make her a blankie that she could snuggle with. Naturally, I love making things, especially when one of my children asks me to. I set out to find a pattern that I liked and was relatively unsuccessful. I did find a picture of a blanket that I thought was really awesome, but the pattern for it was $28. RIDICULOUS.

Why, would I, someone who has been crocheting for years and years, ever want to pay that much for a pattern? I can understand if it was some dynamically awesome blanket that also did your chores for you, or perhaps crocheted itself, but really, that was ridiculous.

So, I did what I always do, and zoomed in and enhanced the photo of the afghan and began to test. I tried about ten different stitches, still am not sure what kind of stitch it is. I ended up doing a granny style version of it, and it's looking pretty good.

Except... there are a number of "fails"

Sometimes, I pull all the yarn out and remove the "fails" and other times, they serve to my advantage. None of the fails are going to make the blanket fall apart, they're just simple errors in my calculation that make the piece either not match the pattern, or they take on a life of their own.

Fail #1- I didn't swatch the colors to see how they would go together, and now, after having done the whole center of the blanket, I've decided that I wouldn't have done the color pattern this way if I had been paying attention properly when I began. So do I pull the whole thing apart or scrap what I've got and start over? No, I've decided that I'm going to embrace the color pattern in the center and continue on with what I had planned and let it have a unique middle to it.

Fail #2- I didn't check the brand or dye lot of the purple that I had been using when I started the afghan when I went and bought a whole new pound of yarn. They don't match, albeit they're close. I can't take the new yarn back because I've already ripped into it and started unraveling the skein. I could rip all of the piece apart and replace the other purple with this purple and fix "Fail #1" with this as well, but I've decided once again, to let my flaws shine a little and let it be.

Fail #3- After switching colors as I had wanted to (remember Fail #1) I started the next row with the wrong color! How did I do that? I certainly thought I knew what I was doing... And what's even worse is that I managed to get all the way through that color- 5 rounds, and three rounds into the next before I noticed and decided that this wasn't right. This time, I pulled out my error. I had only been working on one side of the piece and decided that this was worth pulling out the yarn. My bad. whoops. Hopefully when I reattach the yarn I do a better job of paying attention.

So why am I sharing this with you? For two reasons-

1: My whole pattern creation process more or less defines why I offer my patterns up for free. Chances are, if you're a crocheter, then you have a basic knowledge of the stitches and can do exactly what I did. You too can look at a picture and design your own pattern based off of it, and perhaps even come up with something cooler than your example. I figure, I did it, you can do it too, so I may as well save you the hassle and share it with you as well. After all, crochet love is universal, right? (And a mighty shout out to my peeps from the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany who all popped up on my visitors list!)

2: I am also sharing this with you because sometimes it's okay to have "Fails" in your craft, and it's also okay to embrace those failures and learn from them. Sometimes you have to do the right thing and backtrack, and other times you can let that little fail be your signature on the piece. The important thing is to enjoy yourself and to not let the little fails be something that stops you from doing something you love.

Very special gloves for a very special lady

2012-02-11T08:23:00.000-06:00

If you can't tell, I'm all about gifts of the homemade variety. I always try to make something special or unique that you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else and usually make it something that is unique to my gift receiver. This year, I knit my very first pair of gloves. I made them for my grandmother in-law who is one of the most wonderful women that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone being able to call family. Many years ago, she worked for a factory. One day, she had the misfortune of the machine clamping down on her hand and cutting off the fingers of her right hand. They went straight to the hospital, with her fingers, but were unable to reattach them. Ever since, she has lived, and done quite well with just one good hand. (She cross-stitches, and she's amazing at it- a true inspiration)

On one of my visits to my husbands' hometown, I was testing out a knitting pattern, trying to see if I could get the hang of it. I finished off one fingerless mitt (wasn't really happy with it, and to this day, this particular mitt is still sitting in the bottom of my "to-finish" stack). Well she tried it on, and made an offhand comment that she hadn't ever had a properly made pair of gloves. She couldn't wear gloves because they didn't fit her bad hand, and fingerless mitts left her cold.

I took it upon myself to try and find a pretty pattern, and to work making a pair of gloves that would serve her needs. I made the left hand just as the pattern described, which was hard enough itself, as this was the first time that I had ever made fingers. It took weeks of putting it down, picking it up, getting frustrated, getting over it and putting it back down again before I was finally done.

Then, I left it alone for about week, wondering if I would ever be finished with them. Then in a sudden burst of inspiration, I started and finished the second glove, which turned out to be much easier because instead of fingers, all I had to do was keep knitting and then close off as if for a mitten. It worked great.

Overall, not my finest work, the fingers were a wee bit funky, and the cuffs did this weird thing, probably because I didn't do a garter stitch for long enough, but the reaction was all worth it. She laughed and hugged me and tried them on many times for everyone to see. It is this sort of gifting that makes all of my crazy labor over the year worth while.

Why don't you try finding one truly unique thing you can make for someone this year? You might be surprised at how it makes you feel!

Flying Birds Stitch Washcloth {Crochet Pattern}

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Here's another pattern that I've written, this one also meant for my holiday gifting from Christmas 2011. It's a really simple washcloth that can be embellished by adding a border or you can make it wider or taller in any way you see fit. If I had been smart and gauged it out a little better beforehand, I could have gotten the colors to line up in rows and make it look a little more finished. Either way, I still think it looks nice and the v stitch gives it a really nice texture.

Materials:

I like using cotton yarn for my bathroom items, and for this I used Sugar and Cream yarn in this pretty ombre.

A size H crochet hook

Instructions

Pattern:

Ch 30

Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc* repeat to end, turn.
Row 2: ch2, hdc in next st, *ch1, hdc dec* to end, turn.
Row 3: ch1, *sc, ch1, sk next st* repeat to end, turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your washcloth is square.

My Sister In Laws House Rules plus Canvas Transfer

2012-02-07T10:36:00.001-06:00

Sometimes, when I get an Idea in my head, I can be a real idiot about it. I had planned on making my sister in-law something crocheted, but bombed at my first attempt and then just couldn't think of anything better to make. Well, one day, like an idiot, I'm going through pinterest (perhaps someday I'll talk about why pinterest is oh so very dangerous to my productivity levels) and see these great house rules. Then, I see a canvas transfer and I'm like "Wheeee! I'll put them together and it will look AWESOME! Plus, it will be way easier than crocheting something!"

*disclaimer: when you can crochet a hat in an hour, attempting any new project such as this definitely should not be classified as "easier."*

Durrr. I spent probably a total of 10-15 hours working on this blasted thing, partially because I couldn't find the rub-off letters that I wanted (which in hindsight, should have looked harder for) and ended up doing stencils on the whole thing. By the time I had all the white stenciled, I had smears and splotches and had to go back with the black.

Let me state, photo transfers are awesome. They're fun, they're cool and I guarantee that I'll be doing a lot more of them in the future. I did two when I first made them, "Just In Case" and boy was I glad I did. The first one I glued down onto the black and it looked terrible. Their faces pretty much disappeared and I ended up painting white over it, and putting down the second transfer.

They got their final coat spray the night before we left to go back to visit them, and wrapped sometime around 4 am....

My Mother in Law's Lapghan

2012-02-05T10:22:00.000-06:00

This was the first Christmas present I started last year and also the first one that was done. I started it at my mother in law's house over our christmas vacation because her house can get very cold in the winter. She asked me what I was making and I said, "A blanket for your cold house," we laughed and I don't think she thought of it again. I'm sure she remembered when she opened up the box!

This one seemed to take me much longer than things usually do, but I think I just couldn't work on it for very long. I tend to like variety, but this one is pretty much the same pattern all the way around, so it worked up pretty easily, but very tediously for me.

My Mothers Decorative Afghan

2012-02-03T10:27:00.000-06:00

When I set out to make my mother's gift this year, I wanted to make it something different. She knows how to crochet and she's made herself afghans in the past, so I wanted it to be something that she would never make for herself. I found a great pattern on Lion Brand Yarn's website, and modified the colors and removed some features to make this decorative afghan for her. It is called the removed the tassels that hung from the sides and attached things a little differently than they had.

I still feel that the afghan is missing something, if I were keeping it, I would probably add a border all around the outer edge, and I offered to do this for my mother if she wanted me to. I told her to take it for a test drive and if she wanted me to modify it in any way I could.

It was a challenging pattern, but visually striking I think! (And my mother loved it, btw)

Holiday crafting, Loofah {Crochet Pattern}

2012-02-01T23:01:00.001-06:00

I made a couple of these Loofah's for inclusion in my holiday crafting this year. They're so easy to make and are such a great gift!

Materials:

Size H, I or J Hook
A cotton/acrylic blend of yarn. (You can also just use cotton, I do not recommend using straight acrylic yarn however)

Instructions:

ch 4, form a ring by joining with a sl st in first st

ch 40

sl st into center of ring (this forms the loop for hanging the loofah)

R1: ch2, dc 40 into center of ring, join with sl st

R2: ch2, dc 3 in each st around, join with sl st

R3: ch2, dc 3 in each st around, join with sl st

R4: ch2, dc 3 in each st around, join with sl st

Bind off. Weave in ends.

You can play around with the thickness of the loofah here too, by in the last row, working 2dc, then 3dc around instead. It will give it a more ruffly texture and be a little looser.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Sugar Scrub

2012-01-30T01:03:00.000-06:00

Sugar scrubs are so easy to make that it is ridiculous. I have to say that after making them for everyone, I will never buy another one for myself. The ones that I made came out wonderfully and I was so pleased to give them as gifts for everyone!

Begin my mixing 2 1/2 Cups of Sugar with 1 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Add in 4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice {or scented essential oils to your liking- I made three varieties, Lemon, Peppermint and Jasmine}. This mixture will make enough to fill a 12oz. Mason Jar.

You can add color to the mix or any vitamin oils for the extra benefit to your skin, such as Vitamin E or B (or really any that you desire).

The sugar and the oil will separate, so instruct your gift receivers to stir the mix thoroughly before using!

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Reindeer Poop Cookies (Toffee Blondies) in a Jar

2012-01-28T00:24:00.000-06:00

I thought these cookies just sounded amazing, so I converted them into jar cookies! These are Toffee Blondies, and they're incredibly easy to put together and just look amazing in the jar. I thought they deserved a naughty name and thus they were called...

"Reindeer Poop Cookies"

Ingredients for the jar:

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup Heath Chips
1 quart size mason jar
To make the Toffee Blondies:
the contents of the jar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 lightly beaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

How to construct the Jar:

Layer the brown sugar, chocolate chips, flour, baking powder, salt, Heath chips, and pecans.

Preparation Instructions:

To make the Toffee Blondies, melt some butter in a bowl. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.Pour in the contents of the jar. Even that looks pretty doesn’t it? Pour the batter in an 8x8x2 pan coated with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the blondies are set and start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool in the pan and cut into 16 bars.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Jingle Your Bells Coffee (Snickerdoodle Coffee)

2012-01-26T01:18:00.001-06:00

I created this recipe to be reminiscent of Snickerdoodle cookies, using many of the same things that you use to make the cookies themselves, and I think it's downright delicious!

"Jingle Your Bells Coffee"

Ingredients for the Jar:

1 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons powdered instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Construction Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients together well and put into jars. Decorate the Jar with cloth, ribbons, or labels and make sure to attach the preparation instructions!

Preparation Instructions:

For single serving place 3 tablespoons mix in mug and add 3/4 cup boiling water.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Stocking Stuffer Stomach Pumper Coffee (Toffee Coffee)

2012-01-24T01:14:00.000-06:00

Once again, another great name thought up by my husband, and another great recipe that I've put together! This one is for an instant drink mix that is Toffee Flavored Coffee! I hope you enjoy!

"Stocking Stuffer Stomach Pumper Coffee" (or Toffee Coffee)

Ingredients for the Jar:

2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup non-dairy creamer
1 cup brown sugar

Assembly Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and place in a jar. Decorate the jar with ribbons, stickers or cloth and make sure to attach a tag with preparation instructions!

Preparation instructions:

To serve, place 2 to 3 teaspoons of mix in a mug and add boiling water.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Colored Coal (M&M) Cookies in a Jar

2012-01-22T22:59:00.001-06:00

Here's a simple recipe for an M&M cookie mix in a jar! We used the red and green m&m's for the holidays and the mix was very easy to put together. My only wish was that we had saved the m&ms for the very last layer because they almost got lost in the layers of flour and sugar.

"Colored Coal Cookies"

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

Mix together flour, baking soda and baking powder.
Layer ingredients in jar in order given in a 1 quart ''wide mouth'' canning jar. Add the flour mixture last. It will be a tight fit when you add the flour mixture so be sure to pack everything down firmly.
Instructions to attach to jar:

M & M's Cookies.

Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix.

Add 1/2 cup margarine or butter softened at room temperature. Mix in 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands.

Shape into balls the size of walnuts and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are slightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes then remove to wire racks to finish cooling. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Joy to the Cookie (Cranberry Nut Cookies) in a Jar

2012-01-20T00:30:00.002-06:00

I really wish I had taken a picture of just the jar here, because this mix, when layered, looks gorgeous. The cookies themselves are lovely!

Joy To the Cookie

Ingredients for the Jar:

5/8 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Assembly Instructions:

Using a canning funnel, layer the ingredients in a 1 quart canning jar in the order listed. Decorate the jar with cloth, stickers, ribbon or other accessories. Make sure to include the cooking instructions!

Cooking Instructions:

Ingredients not Included:

1/2c. softened butter

1 Egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet.

In medium bowl beat together the ingredients that were not included with the jar until fluffy. Add the contents of the jar and mix together until blended.

Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto baking sheets, bake for 8-10 minutes.

Cool.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Christmas Tree House Fire Coffee (Bavarian Coffee)

2012-01-18T01:11:00.002-06:00

This coffee was designed with the crafting of my "naughty" gifts. My husband named it, I thought it was hilarious and had to use it. It is actually a bavarian coffee, which is often used with mint of some sort. Making the coffee was very easy.

Christmas Tree House Fire Coffee (Bavarian Coffee)

Ingredients for the Jar:

In a bowl, mix the following ingredients:

1/4 cup instant nonfat powdered dry milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Assembly Instructions:

Then, using a canning funnel, pour the mix into a canning jar, tapping the jar on the table to settle it a bit. Then, decorate the jar however you like, with a square of fabric, a piece of ribbon, sticker, tag, whatever that you like. Make sure you include the directions on how to serve a cup!

Cooking Instructions:

To serve combine 3 tablespoons of mix with 1 cup boiling water; stir to blend.

Hello to my readers!

2012-01-17T14:07:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for being my readers, and following me through all my crazy exploits. I have made the decision to split this blog, in a way, where this blog, tied to my business "LiLu Studios: Photography, Crafts and Mayhem" will become the primary focus for my personal crafting and artwork.
I have started a second blog, called "Fantastic Finds for the Fam{ily}" and it will contain things that are meant for Families and Children to do. This part of my blog will contain more of my personal life, more activities and crafts for kids, reviews on products and books, and kid friendly cooking. I am doing this to separate my work and personal life in a way, and I hope that it doesn't affect anyone in a negative fashion. Feel free to follow both, if you happen to be a mom and a crafter, and I hope to see you here and there!
You might also see me over at My Nerdy Mom, which will slowly become my headquarters for all the nerdy technological things in my life... but this is going to be a longer process than my new family blog. It doesn't have any actual content yet, but it's coming... I've got several articles in the works right now, and they'll be coming up soon.

I hope to see you all either here, there, or everywhere!

Holiday crafting, Tutorial, Cream of Elf (er... Mushroom) Soup

2012-01-16T23:00:00.000-06:00

This is yet another soup that was made for my "Naughty and Nice" gifts. This soup is just amazing, and the kudos for the awesome name goes to my husband, who giggled for a long time before he was even able to share it with me. It's easy to put together, and it looks incredible in the jar.

Cream of Elf (er.... Mushroom and Wild Rice) Soup

Ingredients for the Jar:

1 package Country Gravy Mix (2.75 ounces)
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped dried mushrooms (I used Oyster and Porcini)

Assembly Instructions:

Pour Pioneer Country Gravy Mix into wide-mouth pint jar. In small bowl, stir together bouillon granules, onion, celery and parsley. Pour into jar to make second layer. Add layers of wild rice, white rice and mushrooms. Seal with lid.

Decorate the jar with cloth, stickers or ribbon and don't forget to include a tag with the cooking instructions!

Cooking Instructions:

Empty contents of jar into a large saucepan. Add 7 cups water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Makes 6 servings.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Oh Soup Divine - Soup in a Jar

2012-01-14T00:11:00.002-06:00

This again is a mix of a few different recipes that I had looked at for my "Naughty and Nice" project, and after a little fine tuning, I must say that it is a delightful mix! Without further adieu, here is my "Oh Soup Divine" mix in a Jar!

"Oh Soup Divine"

Ingredients for the Jar

1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup uncooked small shaped pasta
1/4 cup barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/3 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup uncooked tri-color spiral pasta

Assembly Instructions:

Use a canning funnel to fill your jar with ingredients. Using a wide mouth 1 quart canning jar is easiest. Layer the ingredients in the order provided, tapping the jar on the table occasionally to help items settle.

Decorate the jar with fabric, stickers or ribbon and make sure to attach the cooking instructions.

Cooking Instructions:

In large kettle, brown 1 pound ground beef or stew beef cut into bite-size pieces in a little olive oil. Remove tricolor pasta from top of jar and reserve. Add the rest of the jar contents to the kettle with 12 cups water. Let come to a boil and simmer 45 minutes. Add tricolor pasta and simmer 15 minutes more. Serve with your favorite bread or rolls and a tossed salad.

Holiday Crafting, Tutorial, Santa Sweat (Spiral) Soup in a Jar

2012-01-12T23:48:00.001-06:00

I knew from the moment that I started the "Naughty and Nice" project that I wanted to do a spiral noodle soup in some form. I did a lot of research into what jarred soups people had made and what recipes there were to choose from. Armed with all of this knowledge, I used the basic form from a couple of different recipes to design my "Santa Sweat Soup" to be included in my "Naughty" packages. Here is the way to make it, I hope you enjoy!

Santa Sweat Soup (Spiral Soup) in a Jar

Ingredients that you need for the jar:

1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup beef boullion granules
1/2 cup dried minced onion
3-1/2 cups of tri-colored spiral pasta (or enough to fill the jar)

Assembly Instructions:

Mix all the powders together to blend, and add to the jar using a canning funnel.
Add the Spiral pasta (for added fun, separate the colors and layer them for a unique look)

Decorate the Jar with fabric, stickers, or tie a ribbon around the top. Include cooking instructions and gift away!

Cooking Instructions:

Ingredients:
8 c. Water
2 c. Crushed or Diced Tomatoes
1 Jar of Soup mix
Optional: Veggies of your choice

Instructions:
Bring water and tomatoes (and veggies if desired) to boil in a soup pot. Add the Jar of Soup mix and simmer for about 15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Garnish with crackers or Parmesan cheese.

Holiday Crafting 2011- Naughty and Nice Themed Gifts

2012-01-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

This year, I thought it would be appropriate to

ask my gift recievers to contemplate whether they have been naughty or nice this year. With no indication of what was in the box, random selection was going to tell them if they've been good or bad.

Here's how I set it up. I chose six packages to be "naughty" and six to be "nice." On the nice items, were nice names such as "Oh Soup Divine" and "Winter Wonderland Bath Icicles" and "Jingle your Bells" coffee. The naughty names (which were mostly thought up by my husband) were names such as "Cream of Elf Soup" and my personal favorite, "Stocking Stuffer Stomach Pumper Coffee."

After having named all of the items, I put them all into random boxes, along with my crocheted washclothes, potholders and loofahs, stamped the box with either "Naughty" or "Nice" and then wrapped them all in plain brown Kraft Paper and tied a simple ribbon around them. I then attached my "Have you Been Naughty or Nice?" stamped tags that Lily and I made, and voila!

Needless to say, even if someone was deemed "Naughty", they still thought I was very nice! It was a lot of fun making them, and is an excellent project for children. I recommend only doing one item at a time, having all the stuff ready before hand, and your child could definitely help you on this too! I know Lily really enjoyed helping everyone make their gifts!

My Total House Makeover (on a budget!)

2012-01-08T11:13:00.000-06:00

My house has just got me down right now. I figure, what better time to revamp than with the coming of the new year! I've been cleaning and trying to pare down some belongings, and as part of my blog, I'm going to cover some of the projects that I'm working on, things I have planned, things I re-purpose and all sorts of other goodies for your home that will surely involve a bunch of crafty stuff!

Here's a sneak peek at a few of the ideas that I am taking inspiration from:

Mossy Water Washcloth {Crochet Pattern}

2012-01-05T12:01:00.000-06:00

In yet another one of my holiday crafting mad moments, I created ANOTHER pattern! I just can't seem to stop, and I LOVE it! Today's pattern is a very simple washcloth, made using the Moss Stitch that I have loved so much during this holiday crafting season. I really enjoy using nice ombres and cotton yarn to make this super nice, scrubby washcloths.

Materials:

Size H Hook

A ball of yarn: I use cotton, because it washes and dries very well as well as it acts more like a towel than with most yarns.

Pattern:

Ch 30

R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk1 ch, sc* to end, turn.

R2: ch 2, sc in the frist ch1 space, *sk sc, sc in ch1 space* to end, turn.

R3-?: Repeat R2 until your piece is square.

Pattern Notes:

Easy ways to change this pattern:

Add a border! A border is a great way to finish off a project and can be as simple as an sc row all the way around, or as complex as stacked shells.

Thick and Easy 1 Hour Potholder, Version 5 {crochet pattern}

2012-01-02T13:49:00.004-06:00

So I'm back, with yet another Thick and Easy 1 Hour Potholder Pattern! This time, I've made up my own stitch for fun, which is called the Popped V Stitch. Please reference the original version of the Thick and Easy 1 Hour Potholder, as once you have it mastered, the principle for the entire series is evident.

Materials:

Size H hook
Cotton yarn- THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Cotton is able to withstand very high heat and will not melt. It will catch fire if exposed to flame, but it will not melt. Acrylic yarn will melt when coming into contact with very hot items from the oven and is not to be trusted as an actual useable potholder material. Acrylic yarn is fine when used for trivets, provided that your dish has cooled slightly prior to being used for it. I personally used Lily: Peaches and Cream Yarn. I really like the Peaches and Cream yarn and Sugar and Cream for kitchen items because it gives a thick and durable feel.

Pattern Notes:

Popped V Crochet Stitch Tutorial

This pattern is mostly a free form spiraling round pattern. Do not get hung up on where you are on a row, you can figure out if you are right by laying it as it will go together as shown in the pictures. You may end your potholder before or after i do, depending on the yarn that you use and the tension of which you crochet. The important thing is that it meets together as shown in the pictures.
You will not join rounds, instead moving on to sc in the top of the last round directly.

Pattern:
ch30
Row 1: 1 sc in back loop of chain, sc across to end, ending with 2sc in last loop, turn
Row 2: 1 sc in what is now the back loop of chain across to end, ending with 2sc in last loop.
*work in continuous rounds to the end of pattern, do not join at the end of rounds, just continue working in tops of stitches.
Round 2: Follow Popped V Stitch around the piece for 12-13 rounds. Lay piece as will be constructed in order to verify that you have enough rows. Finish off.
Sew up seam and hide tails.

Notes: Blocking will help this potholder flatten out a little, you may also iron it on a low low setting or tack it together in a couple of places if it gaps out. :)

Another note! Once you understand this pattern, you can make these in any size! Follow the same formula, but increase your starting chain! By making it bigger, you can make yourself a bigger potholder!