Would you like Yarn With That?

Pattern Winner!

2013-05-03T09:21:00.001-04:00

The winner of my new pattern, Patches, is...

Christine!

Congrats to Christine! I have sent you your pattern using the Ravelry username in your comment.

And if your didn't win, but would like a copy, go here!

Thanks to all who entered!
Grace Ann

My brand new pattern! Plus, a giveaway!

2013-04-29T15:40:00.002-04:00

Hello all!
Well if you've been on my Ravelry page within the past few days (I'm "YarnWithThat" on Rav, by the way!) you'll see I created a new pattern!
It's inspired by those classic potholders your great aunt used to make? You know? The double sided ones?
Except the twist here is that they are super small ones.
With sock yarn.
Yes.
Sock yarn.
I know.
~~I'm a genious~~. *Ahem*

Take a look:

They are a satisfying mini-project that can be combined to make literally anything. Gotta love a project like that! Each one only takes 20-25 yards of sock yarn and maybe 15 minutes. If that.

Go check it out here! The PDF pattern costs $4, but please note that this money goes to fund future projects and patterns. I decided to try selling on Ravelry, but that certainly doesn't mean I won't ever offer more free ones. This was just an expiriment :)

And to kick this off I'm giving away 1 copy of my new pattern to a lucky winner! Just leave a comment below including your ideas for the pattern AND your Ravelry username. If you don't have an account, go create one! It's free, easy, and literally loads of fun. I will pick a winner this Friday.

Thanks peeps!
Grace Ann

Solid Granny Square Bag

2013-04-26T09:17:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, I stumbled across this wonderful Solid Granny Square Bag Video Tutorial! I loved it so much I made one of my own! This is the perfect summer bag! What do you think? :)

A tale of... 18... yarns

2013-02-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

So by birthday was this past week and I received the best gift.

Literally.

The best gift.

In the history of ever.

Take a peek:

I have no words....

My family could not know me better. Aren't the colors perfectly selected?

Well, in reality, I picked out the colors. But still.

18 balls of Knit Picks most famous yarn, Wool of the Andes.

It's 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. 110 yards per skein. And it is so wonderfully soft. Not like so-soft-it-slips-off-your-fingers soft, no, more of a OMG-this-is-so-squishy-and-I-need more-of-this-stuff soft.

Does that make sense?

Honestly, I love how it's packaged. With the white label, I don't know, it makes me feel like I just got home from a fiber festival and bought some expensive handspun that has left my pocket empty.

Except for the fact that this isn't handspun. Nor is it expensive.

We're talking $2.49 a ball, people.

*jaw drops*

Not. Even. Kidding.

If you yarnies want to put together the same ensemble, these are the colors I picked. From left to right:

Top row: Red, Rouge, Papaya Heather, Blossom Heather, Conch, Orange

Middle Row: Caution, Semolina, Green Tea Heather, Avocado, Peapod, Tranquil

Bottom Row. Wonderland Heather, Marina, Ciel, Haze Heather, Columbine, Fairy Tale

What do you think? Were you drooling just as much as I was?

Grace Ann

Stitching up a Storm Giveaway!!

2013-02-09T11:37:00.001-05:00

Hey guys!
So I found this really awesome giveaway over at Stitching Up A Storm Crochet! This giveaway is kinda sorta the most awesomest (Yes, I said awesomest!) thing ever!

You will win a few flower pins and a handmade wire necklace!! Um, yes?! Go check it out here!

Blogging Tips and Tricks

2013-02-06T16:28:00.002-05:00

Hey bloggers!

Alright, so I wouldn't consider myself a super famous blogger, but I certainly am proud of how far I've come. Since starting this blog almost 3 years ago, it has blossomed in ways I never imagined!
So I'm going to share some tricks that I've found have brought me new followers and tons of pageviews.

♥ Pictures! Let's face it, when you're scrolling through your blogger dashboard for new posts, you end up clicking on the ones with attractive and colorful pictures! Which is why I try to add effects (brightening is my fav!) to my pics to make them more appealing. Aim for at LEAST 1 picture per post.
♥ Link parties! There are plenty of link parties out there. Especially on blogs with tons of followers! Just make sure you choose the BEST pic in your post as your picture on the link list.
♥ A neat background! Okay, I'm obssesed with this step. Either go into your blogger template tab and change it, or there are plenty of sites with free backgrounds. My favorite is:
The Cutest Blog on the Block
It's super simple to add your favorite from one of these sites into your own blog to make it more appealing.
♥ Leave comments! On other's blogs. Also, leave your blog name right below your comment as a sign off, so that whoever is recieving the comment can visit easily. If you're just building your blog, aim for a comment a day on a different blog each day.
♥ Create Patterns! I understand not everyone is cool with this, but if you can come up with a really neat design, and post it on Ravelry, let me tell you, it works wonders!
♥ Submit to be featured! Many blogs have an option to submit to be featured. This can lead to increased pageviews and followers.
♥ Keep ads to a minimum. Unless you're blogging specifically for cash, ads are NOT attractive. They are, at the very least, annoying.
♥ Make sure you post things people want to see. Unless you are using your blog as a diary of sorts, be sure to spice up your posts and vary them to keep people interested.
♥ Try to be consistent. I know, I know, I'm literally the WORST at this, but I'm working on it! And you should too! :)

I think that's everything! And since, I myself said every post needs a picture, I'll just be random here...

Isn't that cool?! Eep! No, I did not do this myself, but now that I mention it, I really should. My trees better watch out... ;)
Enjoy!!
Grace Ann

And we have a winner!

2013-02-01T12:12:00.001-05:00

The winner of my Ruffle Bag Giveaway is......

......
......
......

Sandy!

Congrats to Sandy and thanks to everyone who participated!

Sandy-I will e-mail you so that you can send me your address!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2013-01-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Alright guys! I thought the other day that it's been waaay too long since I've done a giveaway! So, looky-looky! You peeps have the chance to win this gorgeous bag!

It's super simple! Just leave a quick comment below telling me what kind of posts you want to see more of! Random, WIP, features, DIY, anything!

I do have a few rules:

You must live in the US ONLY!

You must be a follower of my blog (just click the follow button if ya need to fix this problem!)

Ask your parents if you're younger than 18.

Make certain you leave an e-mail IN YOUR COMMENT that I can contact you with.

That's it! This will go on until next Friday, in which case I will randomly pick a winner!

Good luck my friends!

Grace Ann

ETA: The pattern for this bag can be found here!

the arctic scarf

2013-01-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

This is so gorgeous! What a perfect winter project! Granny + Rectangle + pretty colors = YUM! Just love this! Go check out the free pattern at Sarah London.

Happy New Year!

2012-12-31T11:07:00.003-05:00

Found on Pinterest.

I hope you all have a lovely new year! Make the most of 2013!
God bless!
~Grace Ann

The Collette Scarf-FREE Pattern!

2012-12-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello loves!

Here's the pattern I spoke of a few days ago. It's a tapered scarf with a ruffle edge, and I must say, I'm fully and completely in love with it! Here's a few pics....

I used worsted weight yarn and a G hook.

Ch 203
DC in 4th chain from hook, 1dc in next chain. *2dc in next, 1dc in next* across.

Ch 3, dc in same stitch, 2dc in each stitch across.

Finish off.
Ruffle finished!

Now working on the other side of the chain, starting with the first chain space, join yarn with a slip stitch, chain 1, and SC in same stitch. Then SC in next 7 sts. Work a decrease, then SC in next 8 sts, and so on. You should end with a decrease. Finish Off. This helps the scarf "swoop" into a gentle dip.

Alrighty, now you'll want to mark the 60th SC in from each edge. Does that make sense? You're sort of deviding into thirds (not exactly, the center 'section' will be larger than the side sections). If you need clarification, just let me know!

Then, Join your yarn back into the 61st stitch (right after your marked stitch), and SC across to the stitch right next to your other stitch marker. Leave the remaining stitches unworked (for now!). You just single crocheted within your center section. Remove your markers, they aren't needed anymore :)

Now Chain 1, turn, and SC down the stitches you just worked. Except when you come to the end, don't turn just yet. You're going to pick up a few of your unworked stitches. Go ahead and SC in the next 6 available SCs from your decrease row. You're 'jumping' down a couple rows to reach these stitches. THEN chain 1 and turn, SC down until you can't anymore, then pick up 6 unworked sts. Ch 1, turn, and repeat again, and again, and again until you don't have any more to pick up. :) And you're finished! Ta-Da! You can also throw in a couple times of picking up 8 sts on each side to make the scarf slightly thinner. If that's the look you're going for, try it out. You're stitch count is going to turn out different, but if you improvise a bit, it all works out! :)

Here's a graphic to help you get the mental "picture" of what we're doing. Once you can imagine what you're doing, the pattern is super easy.

See? Essentially, we've built our base, and we're going back and forth, adding stitches with each pass, until we have no more stitches to add.

That's it! Hope that was somewhat clear!
Enjoy, and let me know if you have questions!

PS. You are welcome to sell what you make, just don't sell the pattern itself. Thanks!

Yes, I'm Still Alive! ;) Plus a Round-up!

2012-12-27T11:27:00.001-05:00

Hello lovlies!

Wow, it been too long since my last post. I've ben extremely busy and just haven't found the time. So sorry you guys!

Anywho, thought I'd do a round-up of my favorite patterns since we've last spoken! :)

Enjoy dearest readers!

Adeline Fingerless Mitts

Bunting

Triple Layer Flower

Chunky Double Crochet Cowl

Love at First Sight Hexagon

Enjoy! And keep your eye out for a new pattern soon!!

~Grace Ann~

PS. Due to lack of interest, Sideline Stitches didn't work out. Thank you to the few who wanted to join me, but it was a lot of work to keep up with posts for only 4 people, including myself. Thank you for understanding! :)

The Belinda Cowl-Pattern For Purchase!

2012-08-18T15:54:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys!

So I've decided to post my first pattern for purchase! Don't worry, I'll still have plenty of things for free! I just wanted to expiriment with patterns for people to buy, we'll see how this goes! Wish me luck!

Pattern is available for $2.00 on Etsy. Check it out here!

And thanks again, my 200 awesome followers! :)

♥Grace Ann♥

199 Followers!

2012-08-17T18:52:00.002-04:00

Hey lovelies!

Wow! I can hardly believe I'm up to 199 followers!! Crazy! You guys truly do rock! Thank you so much! :) I smile to myself everytime I log into blogger because I never ever thought I'd get this far! Thanks!!

Oh! And don't forget to check out my post about the football challenge! Crochet or knit something this season! :)

♥Grace Ann♥

Lizzie Slippers

2012-08-03T11:56:00.000-04:00

Lizzie Slippers over at OhMyGoodKnits! Absolutely love these! Go check it out!

Crochet Party Chain

2012-08-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Go check out this tutorial for a crochet chain garland at Cornflower Blue! Add a little decor to those summer time parties!

Catherine Headband

2012-07-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

Lovely! Check out this cute accesory here!

Springy Flower Wreath

2012-07-25T14:46:00.000-04:00

How cute is this?! Check out this gorgeous wreath over here at Fly the Coop Crafts!

The Ultimate Triangle Garland--FREE Pattern!

2012-07-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Lovlies!

I was in search of the perfect crochet triangle the other day. I was planning on making a garland with some hand-dyed yarn I had in my stash that I'd totally forgotten about! But to my surprise, there weren't any that really sparked my interest. So, since I kinda had a vision of what it would look like, I made up my own. And I must say, crochet triangles are harder than they appear. But, I prevailed! Here's the Ultimate Crochet Triangle pattern... :)

(Pay attention to the things marked in turquoise. The corners change a little every round, so I marked it to make sure you picked up on that)

Use

Ch 4, join w/ a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch) do 15 dc in ring. Join w/ sl st to first dc.

Round 2: Ch 3 (Beginning chain counts as stitch here and for the rest of the pattern), do 1dc in same stitch, ch 1, do 2 dc in same stitch, do 1dc in each of the next 4 sts, *2dc, ch1, 2dc in next stitch, do 1dc in each of the next 4 sts.* Repeat from *to* until you reach the initial ch3. Join with a sl st.

Round 3: Ch 2, do 1hdc in next st. *2 dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch1 space, 1hdc in next 2 sts, 1sc in next 4sts, 1hdc in next 2sts*. Repeat from *to* until you have 4 sts left. work 1sc in each of those 4 sts. Join with a sl st.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 3dc, ch2, 3dc in ch2 space, *dc in next 12 sts, 3dc, ch2, 3dc in ch2 space* Repeat from *to* until you have 8 sts left. Work 1dc in next 8 sts, join with a sl st. Finish off.

To join into a garland, sc in each stitch along the top of each triangle and chain what you wish in between each motif.

Circle Center Granny Square

2012-07-13T14:07:00.000-04:00

Check out this awesome tutorial for circle center granny squares. I absolutely love the colors! Almost has a vintage vibe going on :) Love! Look over here for the tutorial...

Candied Rainbow Yarn

2012-06-29T10:49:00.000-04:00

Check out what I did yesterday!

I've been experimenting with some new dying methods lately. I've been using Kool-Aid and the microwave to make my creations! I've also been spot-dying. Which is basically hand painting sections of dry/damp yarn, rather than pouring the dye over yarn in a bowl of water.

I noticed that, using this method, I get more vibrant colors, and the colors also go where I want them to. Totally takes the guesswork out of this activity. And I truly love the result!

I used one packet each of Strawberry, Pink Lemonade, Mixed Berry (which is actually the blue), Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Peach Mango.

The only problem with dying yarn, is that I never know what to do with the yarn afterwards! It's just too pretty to use! Any thoughts?

I've been using Fisherman's Wool by Lion brand. After all the lanolin oil is rinsed out, this yarn dyes beautifully! And it's impressively soft.

I love dying yarn. It's just too much fun to make my own colorways, the way I want them, and then see how they turn out.

To borrow the old cliche, "I never met a yarn I didn't like". Or something like that...

♥Grace Ann♥

Crochet Owl Family

2012-06-27T13:38:00.002-04:00

Cute! I love owls! Check out the free pattern at Repeat Crafter Me. Which, by the way, is the most creative blog name ever! :)

My Pipistrelle Bag

2012-06-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

A while back, I did a bag round-up. One of the patterns I featured was the "Pipistrelle Handbag". Well, I really wanted to make one, but all I had was worsted weight yarn. No DK, and no chunky. Why? No idea.
Anywho, when I was in Michaels yesterday, I saw their wonderful selection of chunky yarn that was on sale for $2.49. Bingo!
So, I was looking through the neutrals, which is what I typically use for bags (So they go with multiple outfits) and I literally almost picked up a pretty cream color. But then I saw this lovely fushia... and it totally and completely captivated me. I figured since it was a pretty simple bag, I could use a bright color without it looking too 'out there'.

As soon as I got home, I got right to work. And finished it this afternoon! Amazing how fast chunky yarn works up.

And how pretty is this?!

I love how the bottom of the bag is kind of tapered. Adds such lovely shaping and a great look.

And of course I needed a button. So, I went searching for the perfect one. Two stores later, the perfect button was found. Oh what I do for the perfect look....

So there's my bag! And I absolutely love it!

Have a wonderful day!

♥Grace Ann♥

Wool-Eater Blanket

2012-06-06T10:40:00.005-04:00

I recieved a request to share the pattern I used on the "Wool-Eater" I showed a few posts ago. Here it is!

The wool-eater

My Bella Ruffle Bag

2012-05-26T16:56:00.000-04:00

Hello!

I'm just popping in real quick to show you my ruffle bag! It's made from the pattern I featured a few days ago. Isn't it pretty?!

I love this bag! I can make it into so many different looks by just adding a different color flower (I didn't attach my flower permanently, I just used a pin to secure it).

I highly suggest making this! There's no way you can go wrong with ruffles!

♥Grace Ann♥