My Creative Heart

The Sharp Crochet Hook

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:58:00 +0000

Remember this post, and the pink and purple polka dotted material?

Remember how I measured then poked holes, to avoid paying the price to get my blankets hemstitched?

Well, I'm pleased to let you know that I have FINALLY finished crocheting that pink and purple polka dotted blanket.

And, I did it without measuring, marking, poking holes, or hemstitching.

The handy dandy tool which helped me, you ask?

The Sharp Crochet Hook

(Go ahead, check out their website...but come back because I have more news)

So here's the completed pink and purple polka dotted blanket.

Now, let me tell you more about the Sharp Crochet Hook.

It's this wonderful little crochet hook with a sharper edge than normal crochet hooks.

The sharper edge allows you to poke the holes with the crochet hook, rather than the grab and stab tool (that sounds bad...).

It's "Ideal for crocheting borders and edgings through fabric."

And, it "Glides through fabric easier than normal crochet hooks."

Here's the Sharp Crochet Hook demo video.

As for my opinion, I loved that this tool took away several steps when crocheting a blanket.

It is much faster and much easier to crochet edgings when using the Sharp Crochet Hook.

And, at $6.99 it is affordable.

It is a metal crochet hook, so it will last through your many projects.

If you're planning on crocheting the edging on your projects, go ahead and invest in a Sharp Crochet Hook.

It's cheap, easy to use, and makes your project times shorter.

GIVEAWAY

And for those of you wanting one right now, the Sharp Crochet Hook is offering one lucky reader a free crochet hook of their own along with a copy of their Crochet Edging Handbook (includes 15 edging patterns for all of your projects).

TO ENTER

1) Leave a comment on this blog, telling me what projects you would use this on. (1 entry)

2) Become a follower, and leave a comment letting me know that you're a follower. (1 entry)

This giveaway will end on Saturday 10/27/2012.

Now go enter!

THAT'S IT!

Now, here are a couple more pictures of the blanket that will be going to my new niece next week.

Enjoy!

Trip to Disney!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Help my family win a trip to Disneyland!

Vote for our little Yoda (Pic 11)

http://www.todays1065.com/pages/disneyhalloween/.

If you feel so inclined, you can vote once per day.

Oh, and just incase you were wondering...

My mom made her entire costume

(excluding the light saber...I believe Walmart made that).

Go, Diego, Go...(The story of a couch's new life)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:48:00 +0000

After seeing a post on All Things Thrifty a while back, I knew I needed to find an awesome kids' couch.

And we did just that this past week.

We picked up this couch at our local thrift store, for $2.

And as much as I love Diego, he needed to go. He wasn't looking or smelling too good.

So, with my husband on board, we ripped this bad boy to pieces.

My husband did all of the dirty work...and trust me, it was pretty dirty.

He ripped out the staples, and touched all of the smelly fabric.

Then I cut out new pieces of fabric, using the old pieces as patterns, re-stapled and re-sewed...

PS: Be prepared...it's our first reupholstered project so it's not perfect.

VOILA!

We LOVE them...the couch and the chubby baby!

And one more before and after...

Car Seat Makeover!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:29:00 +0000

We're going on a trip in a little bit, but I wasn't very excited about taking our Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat. Basically, because I didn't want the airlines to break it, ruin it, or lose it.
So, imagine my excitement when I found out my neighbor was going to donate their old car seat.
The good news: it's not expired.
The great news: it was FREE!
Here's what it looked like before I got to it.
It's fully functional, I just took the canopy off before taking any pictures.
So, I washed all the belts, wiped down all of the plastic parts.

I proceeded by unstitching it, and taking it all apart.
Then I cut out new pieces, using the old pieces as my pattern, and sewed it all back together again. (Yes, my carpet is green...)

Here's what it looks like now.
It's definitely not flawless, but I do love it!
I hope my little one loves it too.

Hope you love it too!
Have a great day!
Jenn

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Squinkie Winkie!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:33:00 +0000

So, I missed Easter and Mother's Day with you!
But I didn't miss it with these two...
And for that I'm very grateful!

We spent lots of time playing...
Especially with these Squinkies (which my oldest received in her Easter basket).

Here's the wedding she put on for Ariel and Prince Eric.

Hope you all enjoyed your Easter and Mother's Day!

Roxy Shirt to Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:45:00 +0000

Here's to hoping we'll enjoy some SPRING weather soon...
For this dress, I used a girl's large Roxy shirt that I bought for $5.
I LOVE SIMPLE...and that's what this project was.
I took in the shoulders, sewed bias tape around the neckline, and brought in the back with a piece of bias tape.
Then I tied a ribbon around the waist and voila!!
So simple, while still being so cute.

What do you think?
Should we be allowed some Spring weather?
I hope so...

Jenn

Rolled Fabric Rosettes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:23:00 +0000

This week, using some of my fabric stash, I made pretty little rosettes.

Then, I went about attaching them to different things including:

On a side note, my daughter LOVES her $3 shoes from Walmart.
She refers to them as her "ballerina" shoes!
Of course, they're scuffed and dirty now (after less than a week of wear), but I don't mind too much because they were only $3.
Although, I do wish I would've bought a couple extra pairs!
So, moral of the story is...
If you have little ones who like to put a lot of wear and tear on their shoes, always check out Walmart's shoe clearance section. You never know what kind of great deals you might find there (I've even seen shoes on clearance for $1). And if they're somewhat plain, don't worry because you can always add some spice to them with a little creativity and hot glue!!
The end.

Jenn

Biggest Loser Contestant...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:25:00 +0000

I have an obsession for the Biggest Loser show.
We watch it each week, consistently.
I also have a secret dream of one day becoming a contestant on the show,
so I can train with Bob and Jillian...
Okay, it's not really a "secret" dream anymore because I've told my husband, and he thinks it's hilarious, so he's told others.
Anyway, I'm not really in the position to become a contestant on the show because I'd have to gain 130+ pounds to qualify.
Seeing how that's not going to be possible for this next season, I figure I'd better start my own exercise regimen to drop those evil pregnancy pounds.
However, with TWO crazy little ones, I can't use my same single jogging stroller (it would just be WAY too difficult...).
So I'm saving up all of my shiny little pennies to buy me one of these babies.

Any thoughts (positive or negative) regarding the 2011 BOB Revolution SE Duallie Stroller?
I probably have another few weeks before I can save enough money to purchase one.
So, there's a chance you can talk me out of it (or more into it) by then.

Jenn

Chenille Washcloths

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 21:56:00 +0000

Go ahead and make some of these absorbant and soft washcloths for your baby, a friend's baby, or even yourself!
I love using them for my daughter.
And they're possibly one of the easiest things you'll ever make.
The burp cloths I made earlier are made the same way, just in a different size.
See instructions below.

Include a fun bath toy and maybe a hooded towel (that you also made), to create a cute and unique "bath" themed baby shower gift.

Jenn

We Have a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:58:00 +0000

Thanks to all of you who voted for my little one's picture.
Although we didn't win, there will still be a winner here!
The winner was chosen randomly through random.org.
And since I still haven't figured out how to paste the image so you're gonna have to trust me...sorry!
Anyway, moving on...

The winner is...

#15

brandon and jakell said...: husband voted too :)
Brandon M.

thanks
jakellcth@msn. com

Congrats Brandon and Jakell!

Jenn

Dressing up those plain onesies...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:14:00 +0000

I had some plain white onesies that were supposed to be returned to Ross.
Instead, I decided they needed to be dressed up.
So, I used the bows that never turned into hair accessories, and some yo-yos to make these onesies more fun!

What do you think??

Jenn

Crochet Trim Baby Blankets

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:38:00 +0000

*Before we get started, I just wanted to remind you about the giveaway.
Enter on this post, by 3/31.

My oldest was given a crochet trim flannel blanket when she was born.
She's 3 now, and she's still using it (we both absolutely LOVE it)!
When I went through my crazed stage of making all kinds of baby things, I really wanted to make these.
After many hours on Google, I still couldn't figure out how to do these.
I finally figured out that the process to make the holes which you crochet through is called "hemstitching".
And...you either have to have a special hemstitching machine to make those holes, or buy the ready made kits from people who have the machine.
Apparently, Singer used to make these machines back in the day, but no longer make them (or something like that...I don't really know the history so don't call me out on it).
Since the hemstitching machines are expensive, and I don't own one, here's my way of making these little lovelies (aka crochet trim blankets).

Materials Needed:

-Flannel (I use 1 yard, but how much you use depends on the size of blanket that you want. Also, I haven't tried other fabrics so I don't know how this technique works for other fabrics.)
-Crochet Thread (I believe the size I use is size 3, it's bigger than size 10.)
-Crochet Needle (Size 5 or Size 6. I've used both and they work fine.)
-Grab and Stab tool (I got this tool from Roberts. According to the company that made this particular one, that's what this tool's name is, but I'm sure it's probably called something else. You just need something pointy, and thicker than a needle, to make the holes.)
-Ruler (Not pictured here.)

-Basic Sewing Machine (Also not pictured.)

First things first, hem the edges of your blanket.
Fold it in 1/4 inch, then fold again 1/4 inch to make a nice clean hem.
Then top stitch around the edges.

After you have nicely hemmed edges, take your ruler and line it up to the inner edge of your hemmed blanket (see picture).
Next, take your pointy tool and make a hole every 1/2 inch.
With flannel (I don't know about other materials), the holes close up so try to make them decently sized.
Also, because the holes close up after poking them, I like to only make a ruler's length of holes at a time (is this making any sense??).
After I make a ruler's length of holes, I crochet that length before making more holes.

When you begin crocheting, don't start on the corner (it makes it harder to finish).
Starting part way down an edge, allows for the start and finish to come together better.
To start, tie a knot on your thread, and crochet a single stitch through your starting hole.

To make the crochet pattern shown below, I crocheted a single stitch through the hole, then two double stitches through the same hole.
So in one hole, you'll have single stitch, double stitch, double stitch.
To round the corners, you can do a single stitch, double stitch, double stitch in your corner hole, then do a couple chain stitches before doing the single stitch for the next hole.
Hope you're understanding this!!

Then, after you've stitched around your entire blanket (and all the holes are filled with stitches) crochet a single stitch through the starting hole (so your starting hole will have a single stitch, double stitch, double stitch, and single stitch), cut your thread, tie a knot in the thread, and pull the thread through a couple of the next holes' stitches to make everything neat.
Don't worry about your holes being a little stretched out or big, they shrink up and close in the wash.
So, now your blanket should look like this one that my mom made.

Isn't it lovely??

Also, if you Google crochet pattens, you can find other patterns to crochet around the edges of your blanket.
So go ahead...have fun!!
Oh, and let me know if you have any questions because I'm betting this got a little confusing.

Jenn

Wishing for Summer Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Last week, Walmart had a bunch of shirts on clearance for $1!
So I grabbed a few XL ones.
Then I went to their craft section and picked up elastic for $0.97.

So, for about $1.25, and following this tutorial, we have this...

As you can see, she loves it and we can't wait for summer!

I need your help and a giveaway! (Giveaway Closed)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:27:00 +0000

I entered my older daughter's picture in a contest on facebook.
It's called the Baby Bullet "Messy Baby" Photo Contest.
The photo with the most "Likes" wins a Baby Bullet system, which I would love to use for my 2nd daughter.
Anyway, I have decided to ask for your help.
And, in return I offer you a giveaway...

I made this changing pad with pocket, for our diaper bag, following this tutorial.
It's wonderful!

The interior lining is Chenille fabric that is quite soft and comfy!

I've decided to make one for you.
The winner of this giveaway will have a choice between two prizes.
The first choice will include a changing pad (like the one shown) along with 2 chenille burp cloths.
I can't tell you how much I LOVE these burp cloths.
They're the perfect size, they're nice and soft, they're absorbent, and they're just SO cute!
I received 2 for a baby shower gift, and HAD to make more.

Your changing pad and burp cloths will come in the pink version of the changing pad shown below.
I've already completed sewing the burp cloths, so that's what's shown below.

Or the second choice...
For the little boys out there, you will get these 4 burp cloths (instead of the changing pad).

To Enter: Go here http://www.facebook.com/frugalnovice and "Like" my daughter's picture, shown at the top of this post, submitted by Jenn (You might have to "like" their page before you can "like" the picture). Then come back to this post and leave me a comment with your facebook name, that you liked the picture, which prize you would like to win (girl or boy), and your email address (so I can contact you if you win).

It's as simple as that!!

Extra Entries: If you would like extra entries, send your family and friends over to "like" the picture (eg. your hubby), then come back here and leave a comment with their facebook name and your email address. Please leave a separate comment for each person who you get to "like" the picture.

Voting on facebook ends on March 31st. So, we'll close the giveaway on that day.
Now, go ahead and get your entries in!
Thanks SO much!
GOOD LUCK!

Hey All!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:31:00 +0000

I know, it's been WAY to long...
but for those of you who are still here, I want to say "Thank you" and "I'm back!"
During my absence, I was working on a HUGE project that I'm ready to share...

Baby #2 was born last month!

Because of her, I've had all things baby on my mind.
Here's a few of my creations as of late (along with links to tutorials)...

Crochet trim blankets
(Because there weren't really any tutorials on how to do this without having a hemstitching machine or buying premade hemstitched kits, I had to wing it. I'll show you how made these later.)

Car Seat Canopy
(I used this basic tutorial, but tweaked it to fit my wants.)

Sling and Burp Cloths
(For the sling, I didn't put the padding in. I've also used it and it works great...baby hasn't fallen out yet.)

Sling for my 1st born and her dollie.
(Just used the sling tutorial found above, but didn't put an inner lining.

I Spy Bag
(To entertain my 1st born while I'm off doing my own crafting.)

So there you have it!
I've been crafting and creating, just not blogging.
Stay tuned for more fun things coming soon!
See you later!
Jenn

Growing on Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Check out this wonderful and creative mommy's blog and giveaway!
She even has an Etsy shop where she sells her creations!

I Heart Faces-Week 29 Photo Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:17:00 +0000

I've decided to enter the I heart faces weekly photography challenge.

(Just so you know...I'm in no way a professional photographer, nor do I claim to be.
Please don't judge me by my photography skills...or lack thereof.)

This week's theme, "Over my Head."

The photo represents the first thoughts which entered my head (after reading the theme).

Enjoy!

Don't worry, baby, physics was over mommy's head too...

Our BIG Announcement...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:58:00 +0000

All right, are you ready for this?

We're...

MOVING!

No, not to another country.

No, not to another state.

And no, not even to another city.

Just to a two-bedroom apartment!

And yes, this is HUGE for us...

For many reasons, including:

1) We've been in the same, one-bedroom apartment for almost 4 years
(Yes, my 2.5 year old daughter still sleeps in my bedroom...and sometimes in my bed.
Where else am I supposed to put her in my one-bedroom apartment?)

and

2) We're college students, but still haven't moved (don't college students move a lot?!)

Okay, the truth is, I'm NERVOUS!

This is the first time we're moving our family (as small as it may be).

Over the years, we've collected stuff...

a PLETHORA of stuff!

Anyone have any moving advice?

Oh, and please excuse my diminished involvement in the blogging world over the next few weeks.

I'll be packing, cleaning, organizing, and probably telling a lot of my hubby's friends where to take and put boxes.

My Craft Desk (and the magnet winner)!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:22:00 +0000

Our magnet winner is...

#5

Congrats to JOZEN!
Send your info my way, and I'll get these magnets in the mail for you!

Now on to other news...

My craft desk was a completely cluttered mess!!
Oh, please don't judge me by this picture!

Now, it's half decent.With about $8, and some fun colors, I finally have a slightly organized place to craft!

My mom and Magnets...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:48:00 +0000

My mom came in to town this weekend!!

That means I had a clean house, food, and a craft partner for a few days.

While here, she needed to find a small, simple, and cute gift to give to her church class on Mother's Day.

So, we made 80 round glass magnets.

You're going to want to make some of these...
they're SO simple and SO adorable.

Here's a picture of the ones we made.

To make some of these, you'll need:
Clear, round glass gems (with flat backs)
Scrapbook paper
Magnets
Mod Podge
and
Some glue (Gorilla glue, E6000 glue, or a glue gun)
Note: Using a glue gun is the fastest and easiest way, but it is not the greatest at sticking).

First Step:
Cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit the flat side of your glass gem.

Second Step:
Decoupage the paper to the gem. Let dry.
Should look like this...

Third Step:
Glue your magnet to the flat side of the gem.
Like this...

And that's it!
Now you have some cute magnets that took a mere 10 minutes to make!

So...
I made an extra set of these.
If you don't want to make them, leave me a comment.
At the end of the week, I'll choose one commenter to keep my extra set of magnets!!
Check back at the end of the week to see if you're the lucky one.

Creative Genius...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:46:00 +0000

I have a creative genius living with me.
I wanted to show you what my awesome hubby made (a few Christmases ago),
but first the short story behind it.

One Christmas, many years ago (3 to be more precise), baby Jesus didn't have a place to stay.
One crafty and generous (and bored) man noticed this.
He couldn't pass up the opportunity to create a warm place for baby Jesus to stay.
So he went to work.
Minute after minute, and toothpick after toothpick...
We come to this...

Yes, the whole thing is made out of toothpicks and glue!
We've displayed it for 3 years now (and it has held up).
Hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!

BlogFrog

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Have you heard of the BlogFrog?
It's a bloggy, community type of thing.
I found out about it, and joined it last week.
And just today, started a My Creative Heart community.
Want to jump on the blogfrog bandwagon too?
Yes, you know you want to.
So go ahead, sign up and come on over and join me.
I look forward to getting to know you all better!
See you soon!

Earring Holder...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:41:00 +0000

When we had the giveaway, I asked what you would like to see on this blog.
Many of you suggested more budget friendly crafts and ideas.
Well, I hope to always fulfill that suggestion, and so does my hubby!
Anyway, a friend also wanted to see ideas for an earring holder.
From the day I received her comment, I've been on the hunt for a certain plate.
A plate with holes around the edges.
I have yet to be successful in finding such a plate (if any of you know where I can find one, please let me know).
And since I haven't been able to create this earring holder, here's some ideas from other people's creations.

My inspiration came from this Pottery Barn jewelry holder...

Then there's this one I found on etsy, using a picture frame and some wire.

And this one, also found on etsy, using mesh.

All 3 of them are fun!
If you do find your pieces, and need help putting them together, let me know.

PS: I hope to get the cupcake and cookie tutorial up soon.

My Craftless Week...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:52:00 +0000

I don't have ANY crafts to show for this week!

I know, I know...terrible.
But I just haven't been in a crafting/creative mood this week.
All I've wanted to do is SLEEP and EAT, and basically just be LAZY!
I wake up every day thinking "What's WRONG with me?!" (and no, I'm NOT pregnant...trust me), then I go and get something to eat.
Maybe it's because I've been exercising more (hopefully it's that).
My hubby and I have pledged for the Pound for Pound challenge.
We're currently working on that, and hopefully we'll lose our pledged amount.
Anyway, I've still been looking at all of the wonderful things going on in blogland.
So, since I don't have anything of my own to show.
I'll show you this, that caught my eye.

Look at this AWESOME towel slide! I plan on making one for my little one soon (before summer hits). See how this was done here.
I hope to have something fun, of my own, to show soon.
So stay tuned...

Easter Treats!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn Miyamoto) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 01:18:00 +0000

For Easter, my hubby and I decided it would be best to make some Easter "treats" for our little one.

In an attempt to save some money, I mostly used things I already had on hand (I did buy about $2 worth of felt for this project).

Anyway, on to the good stuff...

Our little one enjoys playing dress up and having tea parties.

So, that's the theme of her Easter treats.

Here's the "treats" she'll wake up to in the morning.

A wand...

Several cookies (don't they look delicious?!)...

And several cupcakes (although I only have 1 in this picture)!

What do you think?

Wouldn't you like to wake up to these treats if you were a little girl?

Let me know if you would like tutorials so you can make some for your little girls!

I'm participating in the linky parties on my sidebar.