'Mixin it up with DaPerfectMix'

The Versatile Blogger Award

2012-02-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

I got a blog award! I was awarded The Versatile Blogger by Lovestitch from Stitch of Love. Thank you Lovestitch! She has a craft blog full of free patterns, and her beautiful creations. Check it out sometime. The rules of this award are as follows:

1 Add the award to your blog

2 Thank the blogger who gave it to you

3 Mention 7 random things about yourself.

4 List the rules

5 Award to 15 bloggers

6 Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

My 7 random things:

My alter ego is Lolita Loca - manager to professional wrestler Lobo Loco.
I was a true tomboy growing up.
My first real job was at Hershey's Chocolate World. I love Reese's! mmmmm
I graduated high school, year of 1997, and have never been to college full time.
I love to dance.
I was in the marching band in high school and was still cool. ha, glee club too!
I am easily distracted and get bored. Gotta have variety!

I'll pass this award to the following blogs (in not particular order) who may or may not participate:

Free Patterns Sraight to your Inbox

2012-02-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

I love getting free crochet patterns emailed to me, even if I don't get to try the patterns right away. I save them in a folder in my email just for crochet patterns. Sometimes I email links to myself for later use. If it's not in my email, it's in my favorites on Ravelry.com. Patterns that I've used, make it to a folder on my hard drive, unless I just didn't like it.

If you don't know about this site already, it's a pretty good one to keep on hand or you can subscribe to their newsletter. I subscribe to get "Hooked on Crochet" in my email regularly. The website is called All Free Crochet. Not only do they have free patterns, they also have tutorials, tips, reviews and more. Check it out sometime. I enjoy it and maybe you will too!

Braids and Twists

2012-02-01T20:37:00.002-05:00

I haven't had a hair post in a super long time. Newer followers probably have never even seen my hair posts. Not only can I manipulate fiber, but I can manipulate hair a little bit as well. So I'll leave you with some images of my cosmetology skills and my precious hair models.

Two-Tone Shrug Pattern

2012-01-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

I found another free pattern to try out, the Two-Tone Shrug, designed by Erika and Monika Simmons. This is a pretty quick shrug to whip up. I can see it over a summer dress or something like that. I used a multicolor yarn instead of two different colors like the pattern suggests. So I guess mine is a multi-toned shrug. I used Hobby Lobby's "I love this Yarn!" The color is called Blue Camo.

I really need to check the gauge when I do projects. I don't know why it's such a problem for me. Maybe because I just want to jump right into the project. I must crochet a little tighter than the twins do because it's just a bit small. It didn't come out too much smaller, but I will definitely use a larger hook next time. I used the suggested size H crochet hook. This will probably look better on my daughter than on me.

My big lesson from this project is learning how important gauge really is. Does anyone else skip checking your gauge, or is it just me?

Halter Top

2012-01-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

If you've been following my blog for a while you might remember my unfinished halter top. Here's a pic if you haven't seen it.

I finally picked it up and decided to work on it again. I wanted to undo the bottom part because I thought it was a little too ruffly. I think I'll keep it as it is and make it into a dress instead of a shirt. Hopefully it will come out the way I imagine it in my head.
So here's what I'm working with so far:

Anyone have any suggestions? Is it too ruffly? Should I keep going? What do you think? Thanks for any input.

V-Topper Completed

2012-01-20T07:08:00.001-05:00

My V Topper is complete! The pattern was very easy to follow and well written. If you'd like to try it, you can find the free pattern here. I haven't blocked the sweater yet, so I think it will look better after I do that. The bottom kind of rolls up a bit, so blocking will eleminate that. The only thing I might do different next time is to make the sleeves a little longer and maybe not as wide. So here is the final product and a sneak peek at the 3d wall art in my new craft room. (The room is still not done yet.)

Stitch Markers Tutorial

2012-01-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

This pattern that I am working on called for some stitch markers. Usually I would just use a paperclip or another color of yarn or anything that will work. I had nothing on hand at the moment and decided that maybe it's time I had some real stitch markers. So I made some, and this is how I did it:

Start with some materials:

findings
beads
tools

Thread some beads onto a headpin.

Bend the pin as close as possible to the last bead so the pin is at a 90 degree angle.

Cut off the access leaving about 1/4 of an inch. I just eyeballed it.

Using round nose pliers, bend the pin back towards itself to make a loop.

Now add the jump ring and the clasp.

Another variation would be to have the beads on separate headpins or eyepins so the piece will be more dangly. You can go as long or short as you'd like. There are so many possibilities.

Work in Progress - A Garment

2012-01-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

I think garment patterns intimidate me. I don't know if it's because I think they will take forever or because I think they will be too difficult, or because I might get bored and never finish. I've only made one garment. It was decent, but could definitely use some improvements. If you'd like to see my purple cable jacket, click here.

I think I should do more garments this year. I would learn a lot more and it will surely make me a better crocheter. I was looking through some books that I have for something that I can see myself wearing. I started making a gypsy duster. That pattern was made by the Double Stitch Twins, Erika and Monika Simmons. I'm not sure if I was doing it right or what, but I'll have to come back to that one another time.

I found this free pattern on Ravelry and decided to give it a try. It's called V Topper by Renee Barnes and can be found here on the Caron International Yarns website. So far so good. I haven't had any problems yet. Hopefully I won't, and it will be a smooth ride the whole way. I even learned something new, this pattern features a double slip stitch (dsst), which makes the textured stripes going across. This is the back side, so far. The pattern goes up the back then will continue around the shoulder area and down the front.

Happy Three Kings Day!

2012-01-06T08:58:00.003-05:00

image from http://www.sundayeducation.com/

My Gift from the Gift Exchange

2012-01-06T06:39:00.000-05:00

I'm really late with this one, but I wanted to show you what I got for the gift exchange that I was a part of recently. I was partnered up with Holly. She was really nice and sweet. You can check out her blog here and she has a tutorial on how she made my gift. She made a wreath for my front door! It matches perfectly. The hubby made a face when I took it out of the box, but after I put it on the door he said it looks good. (That's a huge compliment coming from him.) I love it and think it looks great! I probably should have put it a little higher, but it still looks good.

Zeke wanted to get in the picture

I wasn't sure what to make Holly. I decided to be safe and made her a headwarmer. Then I thought that wasn't enough, so I made a scarf to match.. and while I was at it, I threw in some earrings. Hopefully they get some good use. It's actually starting to feel like winter these past couple days. I'd rather have the heat, but at least my crocheted stuff will come in handy now.

2012, It's a New Year!

2012-01-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy new year celebration, vacation, and all that jazz! Now it's time to get back to our normal work schedules, fighting traffic, school, and other activities. Be glad if you don't have traffic to fight. Hopefully everyone is back with a new year attitude and being extra nice and considerate. As for me, I am trying to get over this horrible cold the just keeps morphing into something worse than it was before. Maybe the saying is true that it will get worse before it gets better? What a depressing statement.

Anyway, this year I will have a new craft room which will hopefully inspire new projects and designs. The craft room has been in remodeling mode for a while which is why I haven't told you about any new projects lately. I was going to post a before picture, but I was too embarrassed of the mess I had. Maybe I will change my mind when I have an after picture to show. Well, here's to the new year, new attitudes, and new ideas!

image from http://www.youknowwhereyouare.com/

Marble Nails

2011-12-28T21:30:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! This post is out of the ordinary crochet talk, but I thought it was interesting enough to post here and tell you about it. I found this crackle nail polish as I was doing some last minute Christmas shopping and thought I'd give it a try. I was looking online to see how other crackled nails had turned out and came across this video for making marble nail designs. It's actually pretty easy to do. All you need is a cup of room temperature water, some nail polish, toothpicks or a pin, and a q-tip. The design is made on the surface of the water with the polish. You can see the video that I saw here, and there are many more tutorials and designs out there. Here is my first try at it, I think it came out really neat and I will probably try different colors sometime. I only had a few colors since I don't do my nails regularly, but after I did it I bought these tiny bottles of polish to try called Bon bons. Has anyone tried this technique before? It's new to me, but I'm sure it's not new. I really like how it looks.

Show n Tell, Headwarmer

2011-12-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

Here is Shelly's headwarmer made from my free pattern found here. It looks great! Thanks for sending me pics!

Crochet Christmas Trees

2011-11-30T09:21:00.001-05:00

I found this great pattern for crochet Christmas trees by Teresa on her blog. I used Hobby Lobby's "I Love this Yarn." Isn't that the perfect name for great yarn? I love it! I used all the same color since it had the sparkly ribbon already in it. I also had to make my chain longer since I wanted a bit fuller tree. I think it came out great. I'm still contemplating if I want to decorate them any further.

Lizzy's Blanket Final Update

2011-11-14T09:17:00.001-05:00

Home Gift Show

2011-11-14T09:08:00.001-05:00

I only got a few pictures of my booth at the Home Gift Show in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, the battery in my camera wasn't charged. It was a fun time but I didn't sell much. There wasn't that many people that showed up either. At least, I learned a few lessons. For one, I need a table cloth. I also need to have customers prepay when they order something. I need to come up with new designs, and I need to market my stuff for the season. I'm sure there is much more I need to learn.

Handmade Gift Exchange

2011-11-04T09:47:00.001-04:00

I just joined the Handmade Gift Exchange on http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/! This is my second time signing up. I had a lot of fun the first time and I'm sure this will be just as fun. There's still time to sign up and join in the fun!

Touch Phone Cozy

2011-10-06T07:31:00.002-04:00

I had previously made a cell phone case, but being that my phone has a touch screen meant that I hardly ever used it, because I would be constantly pulling it out of the case. So I decided to try to make something that would still give my phone some kind of protection, but keep the screen accessible. I ran with the idea and this is what I came up with.

Back view

Front view

I used "I Love this Yarn" by Hobby Lobby, sport weight. I don't really have a pattern, but I can give you an idea of what I did. Using a size G hook, I chained about 20 then worked back up the chain with hdc stitches. I worked in the round, using the back loops, and increasing only on the ends to keep an oval shape. Then when it was a little bigger than the phone, I weaved in some round cord elastic into the last round. Then it fit on the phone like a short sock. If I make another one, I would cover the elastic better, and maybe make it a little smaller. This is just the prototype. I also want to add a pocket to the back and some kind of handle that won't make the phone fall out.

The only con that I've found with this cozy so far, is that it just covers the sensor at the top, left corner. It senses when you have your ear to the phone which makes the screen go black so you're not pressing any buttons on the touch screen with your cheek. So when I'm done with a call, I have to uncover the sensor so my screen comes back. I can deal with that.

Lizzy's Blanket Update

2011-09-14T11:12:00.000-04:00

Before I start this post, I would like to thank the requester for this challenging project. I definitely learned a lot along the way. I'd also like to apologize for taking forever! This is my first huge project so hopefully I will be faster in my new experiences with future projects.

Someone had asked me to make a 5 by 7 feet blanket for her daughter a while back. She's probably wondering about it. I didn't think it would take this long and it's way more difficult than I thought it would be. She wanted a lacy flower pattern lined with fleece. I started with this flower.

I thought I could make a bunch of flowers and put them together somehow. That didn't work out so well. They didn't seem to fit right any way I tried to put them together, so I had to start over. (Gotta figure out what to do with all those flowers later.)

I searched for a pattern that I could follow so I didn't have to think so much. I finally found one online and got to work. I made a bunch of panels over a couple months. When I was ready to put it all together, somehow the panels were all different sizes! It was very frustrating. Apparently, I used different hooks which caused them to be different lengths. So, I had to start over again. This time (learning from my mistakes) I was sure to document what I did so that I could pick up where I left off with the right hook and implement whatever changes I made to the pattern. I also put the panels together as they were completed instead of waiting until I had them all finished.

I've been so preoccupied with this blanket project. Every time I think I'm close to being finished, I get excited then I find something else wrong. This is the blanket on a queen size bed. I measured the blanket and it looks like I need one more panel. Ugh.. Well, at least I don't have to start all over again. I'm so close! One more panel and then the lining... Oh, the satisfaction of finishing will be sweet.

Work or Crochet

2011-09-13T07:09:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wish I could quit my job and just stay at home all day and crochet. Ok, maybe I wish that more than sometimes. Unfortunately, if that were to happen I wouldn't have any money to support my habit. (We're still talking crochet here.) So I have to squeeze in crochet time whenever I can in between my full time job and my other full time job of being mom. (Too bad I can't get money for that one.)

Here is another floppy sun hat I made with cotton yarn. I like it much better with the cotton. I bought 2 skeins of Sugar and Cream Yarn from Walmart. One wasn't enough, but I didn't use all of the second one.

Flower Pattern from 150 Knit & Crochet Motifs

East Coast Earthquake

2011-08-24T06:54:00.000-04:00

image from http://www.nytimes.com/

     I have lived on the east coast in the US for most of my life and have never felt an earthquake. We had a small one a couple years back in Maryland. I was on the road, on my way to work, and didn't feel a thing. This one that hit us yesterday was pretty huge as it was felt from Georgia up to New England! The epicenter was in central Virginia and it was a 5.8 magnitude quake.

     I still have never felt an earthquake, not that I'm complaining! I was driving on the road again on my way home from work this time. The quake hit around 1:50pm EST. I left work around 1:40pm. I didn't even know we were having an earthquake until I heard it on the radio! When I got to the baby sitter's house to pick up my kids they were all shook up. Literally! When we got home, I assessed the damage. The only noticeable things were two broken picture frames that had fallen to the floor, drawers that were shaken open, and a bottle of conditioner that had fallen in my shower.

     As for damage in other places, some buildings were hit pretty hard. I'm sure there was more significant damage at the epicenter in Mineral, VA. In DC, specifically the National Cathedral had damage, and they found a crack near the top of the Washington Monument. Power was lost in some places and traffic was a hot mess after all that.

     Did you feel it?

image from http://www.virtueonline.org/

image from http://www.kjct8.com/

image from http://www.globalpost.com/

Sunshine Award!

2011-08-01T21:59:00.001-04:00

I received the Sunshine Award from Lovestitch from Stitch of Love! She is such a beautiful person. Always so sweet, kind, and leaves positive, motivating comments on my blog. Thank you so much! For this award I must tell some things about myself and pass it along to 10 other awesome bloggers.

Hmm... Lets see what don't you know about me? Well, you already know that I'm an addicted to crochet. Maybe you don't know....

I love peanut butter! (Especiallly Hershey's Reese's. I used to work in Chocolate World in Hershey, PA)
Music is a necessity in my life. (I love singing and played several instruments in high school)
I have fired a semi-automatic weapon.. and liked it! (I was in the Army for 8 years)
I like going swimming, but I'm not a good swimmer. (I almost drowned as a child which caused my mom to get me swimming lessons. I love the beach but, I'm a little scared of the ocean... is that weird?)
I am shy and very quiet in person (unless I've known you for a while or I've been drinking. I'd rather email than talk. I've gotten better and not as shy as I used to be. I actually looked up the term for fear of people and it's Anthropophobia... I know, useless knowledge..)

I will be passing the Sunshine Award to the lovely bloggers below. Be sure to check out their blogs and don't forget to stop by Stitch of Love too!

I Won a Book!

2011-07-25T15:50:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it? Crochet and Other Stuff had a giveaway on her blog and I actually won! It's a great book and has a lot of good info in it. So far I've only skimmed through it and tried a couple new stitches that I haven't seen before. I plan to sit down with it more this week.

Giveaway Alert!

2011-07-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

Do you have any photos you'd like to see blown up on canvas? Lamb at LambAround.blogspot.com is having a giveaway on her blog for a 16"x20" rolled photo canvas from Uprinting.com! Join in the giveaway and while you're there check out the rest of her blog!

Hooked

2011-07-19T07:28:00.001-04:00

What is it about crochet that's got us so hooked? Maybe it's the satisfaction of transforming a single strand of yarn into something beautiful, wearable, or useful. When I first learned how to crochet as a child from my mother, I couldn't see the potential that the yarn had. I thought my only option was to turn it into a boring doily. I didn't want to put in all that work for an unappreciated doily to be thrown to the side somewhere. If I only knew what I had given up so long ago, I could be an amazing crocheter with decades of practice under my belt. Well, you can't dwell on the "what ifs" because it will only drive you crazy, right?

Even though I don't have years and years of experience I think I'm doing well in my crochetability. (I think I just made up a word, it has a nice ring to it.) I didn't get hooked when I first learned, but boy am I hooked now! I started when my youngest was born. I had to stay home with him for a while. I saw some videos on youtube and said hey, I can do that! So I did. I researched the internet and found craft blogs. I thought, I can do that too! And I did. I kept doing it and here I am. I even have a few patterns of my own. I hope to get better, design some more and get better at this blogging thing too.

When did you get hooked?

image from http://www.crochetspot.com