Ornament fun #4 - Poinsettia Tawashi

This tawashi is definitely ornament-worthy!

This crochet chart can be downloaded free from Amuuse (Hanamaka).  On the Amuuse page, click on the pink button that shows "レシピ" to download it. I used Lily Sugar and Cream yarn and a H hook for this project.

I must say this can be challenging to crochet unless you read Japanese language even with the 4 charts, but it's so worth trying, don't you agree? :)

Ornament fun #3 - Peppermint Christmas Ornaments

Festive red and green!!! ❤️

This pattern is free to download on Ravelry!  So easy and fun, I think I must make more than just 2! :D

Ornament fun #2 - Plum Pudding Ornament

Christmas pudding...   YEAH ❤️

This is a free pattern on Yarnspirations.  I used Lily Sugar & Cream yarn - worsted weight cotton  and hooks are E and G.   I so love this ornament! ❤️

Ornament fun #1 - Celtic Knot Heart Ornaments

I had lots of fun crocheting tree ornaments this year!  I just wanted something unique and ones that our tree was missing.  This is the first one - more to follow! :)

The second one definitely came out looking better than the first. :D
You can get this free pattern when you sign up for the newsletter at Celtic Knot Crochet.

Hearts for Peyton Heart Project

I crocheted these hearts for Peyton Heart Project.
There are so many sad things some people cause to others in this world.  I just think any of those worth anything.

I especially don't want young children to suffer from bullies at school since the experience seems to scar victims mind forever.  If you are/were a victim of bullying, please know that you are LOVED by many, many people surrounding you.  If you are/were a bully, please reach out to the one to whom you caused the pain and sincerely APOLOGIZE. - This is never too late. With all the social media in these days, how hard can it be??

"Vintage Granny Square Christmas Tree"

I just love vintage crochet patterns.  When I saw this photo tutorial on Ravelry, I just had to make one for myself.

Pattern: "Vintage Granny Square Christmas Tree"

See others' on Ravelry

Actually, you can use any simple crocheted squares that are worked from the center in rounds. - Mine has ch-1 between double crochet clusters instead of traditional ch-2.
My biggest square has 9 rounds in total, and the smallest one has 6 rounds.
I made up the trunk.  After squares were joined, I slip stitched all around the tree so that the joined squares were "one piece" and they wouldn't flop around.

You are free to add any decorations!  I made hearts that are two layers sewn together just because I wanted them puffy. :)

Now this tree is on our living room wall, and making it feel like Christmas. :)  I don't handle the pressure of Thanksgiving cooking well so I can't wait for next month to come. ;p

Lapghan❤

I decided to make a surprise gift for a dear friend.  It's been delivered. :)

Pattern: "The Wool Eater Blanket" designed by Sarah London

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids

I received the most sincere response - her tears of joy! This lapghan matches the colors of her room.

This pattern is written in UK terminology, however, if you just follow the pattern, you will not miss that you need to do Treble Crochet Stitches (tr) instead of Double Treble (dtr).

This lapghan came out thick and rather heavy since it requires lots of yarn, and it would keep you toasty warm. :)

Cowl

I finished a cowl in 1 day!
I'm going to wear it tonight to a local meeting. :)



"Moroccan Midnight Cowl" - Free Pattern at moogly
Yarn I used: Red Heart Soft, Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable


~ Click the button to See many variations on Ravelry! ~
This cowl is really quick to make once you get a hang of it. - Don't forget to stitch over BOTH yarn on Rnd 4. :)

Paw Print Stocking :)

I found this free pattern to make my doggie a stocking that is not too big or too small.
The stocking came out to be perfect size, and it's adorable! I did a different edging by the way than the pattern calls for.

Free Ravelry Download: Paw Print Pet Present Pouch

This pattern makes a shorter version of the Red Heart's Dog Paws Christmas Stocking pattern. There is also Cat Paws Christmas Stocking pattern.

The pattern was easy to follow and no errors! :) It took me about 2 hours to complete it.

On to make more stockings! My birdies need one too. :D

Crocheted Stockings

This year, I got so tired of looking at store bought stockings so I crocheted us some! :)



Free pattern on Love City blog:
http://www.lovecityblog.com/2012/12/crochet-love-christmas-stockings.html#.VISXADHF-So 

This pattern is very versatile.  You can make it bigger/smaller by making more/less stitches on step 1 and working more/less rounds.  The same can be done by using yarn in different weight.

I crocheted mine with 2 strands of worsted weight wool yarn held together and a size K hook and spent about an hour to complete one. :)
This pattern is not written as in traditional crochet patterns.

I didn't follow the pattern exactly: First of all, I started out with the magic loop/ring method instead of ch 5 and sl st to create a ring. This is a toe-up stocking pattern.  On step 5, I repeated step 4 for 6 more rounds.  Step 6 - 8 create the heel.  I crocheted less rounds for shorter stockings.  I increased 2 stitches on each of the last 2 rounds to make the stocking look more after-worn. - This also makes it easy to stuff them with goodies! :D  As I worked on the last round, I added a loop with chains and sl st.  On my stocking (the center one), I made the frill for the last round with basic crochet stitches with different height. (ex. sc -> hdc -> dc -> tr -> dc -> hdc -> sc)  There are many other ways to achieve lacey look so have fun with it! :)

"Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf" No.2 !!!

I just finished my 2nd Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf! :)

"Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf" by Karen Baumer
This is a FREE download on Ravelry!

This time, I again used Lion Brand Amazing but in 2100 Wild Flowers. And guess what... I'm working on the 3rd in one color - gray.  It's going to be hubby's!  He can use it for motorcycling when it gets cold, and I'm hoping it will remind him to ride carefully. :)

Crocheted Pumpkins

The fall is here, and I see pumpkins everywhere! I crocheted my pumpkins back in 2006. :)

 
My original post is here.  Unforutnately, this pattern is no longer available, but I found another cute on on PlanetJune. :)

"Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf"

Fall seems to have finally arrived here, and of course, my urge for playing with yarn hit. :D
I finished this scarf!

*Click to enlarge*


 

"Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf" by Karen Baumer
This is a FREE download on Ravelry!

My yarn of choice was Lion Brand Amazing in 2011 Glacier Bay.   Glacier Bay... I'm sure every time I wrap this scarf around my neck, I'll be daydreaming about Alaska, the land I've never stepped into.   I even like just saying "Glacier Bay" for some reason. :D

The multi-directional rows of this scarf really accentuate the color shifts in this yarn.  This pattern requires only knit stitches (no purling y'all!), and basic increasing & decreasing.  Also, no counting is necessary for the most part of it (who wouldn't love that!).

My scarf has 32 stitches for 5" width with #9 needles.  I used almost all 2 skeins, and it was enough to have a good length.  I've already been working on my 2nd in a different colorway! :)

This is my 3rd!

I keep coming back to this same pattern.
I just love this doily, and this is my third! I'm really liking these colors. :)

Violet Doily

"Small and Large Violet Doily"
Free Pattern
Thread: Aunt Lydia's Class Crochet (Size 10)
Modification: I skipped the last round.
I should have done better on blocking, but look how many little violets there are on this doily! I was lazyyy... and I made one big mistake. :D

I have more flowery doilies I plan to crochet. Right now, I'm all into thread crochet, flowers, and colors! :)

Can't wait for spring!

It hits again. - Around this time every year, I start planting seeds in pots. This time, I decided on snow pea and cat grass for Tobi to eat. They are growing fine, and cat grass is already being invaded by him! :D Later this year, I'll plant spray millet outside for him too. :)

I envy people with green thumb since I never succeeded on growing beautiful flowering plants/keeping them alive. X( I want to try some flower bulbs instead of seeds, but it has to wait until it gets warmer outside. For right now, I can at least do this! :)

"Tulip Doily"
Free download for members of HassDesign
13.5" in diameter with #10 thread
Tulips... how I love them. :) On its diagram, the last row of the flowers shows 1-ch spaces instead of picots shown in the photo on the pattern so I did 3-chain picots.

Off to find another pretty flowerly pattern! :D

Purple Shawl

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!
We welcomed this new year with fun chats with our best family friend, some Japanese food, and plum wine. :) We also enjoyed calligraphy together! - I wrote "達成(achievement)". Sadly, I couldn't achieve any of my last year's resolutions (I probably got too ambitious for my ability. :P) so they remain for this year...

BUT!

I'm happy to start this new year with a completed knitting project!


"Knit Friendship Shawl" - Free pattern on Michaels website
This shawl is same as the red shawl in my previous post, but this time, I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn in "Dusty Purple". This shawl is going to my other SIL, and I hope she will like it.

It has been cold this January... We even had snow flurries, which I like. :) You know, I really need something that keeps me warm too so I'm thinking about buying some yarn for 3rd shawl. :D I have a cute glass shawl pin, which my good friend gave me as a Christmas present, so I'll choose a color that goes with it. :)

Wishing my fellow crocheters and knitters a new year filled with love, fun, good health, and... LOTS of yarn!!!

Red Shawl

Ahh, it's good to be posting here again. :) I'm really sorry for my absense! This year has been crazy juggling and trying to balance things to do. I had no idea my son being 3rd grader (No wonder I feel OLD!) would create this much job either! He is growing, and things he says & does/doesn't tell me that he really is coming close to being a teenager, and I don't look forward to it. :D

Anyways - My SIL asked me to knit this shawl. She picked out the pattern and yarn from her local Michaels.


"Knit Friendship Shawl" - Free pattern on Michaels website
Yarn used: Loops & Thread Impeccable in Claret
I love the stitch pattern! Its difficulty level and the repetitions with no increasing or decreasing are just what I needed to relax. :) Having the shawl on my wrap while I knit it was also very warm and comfy. I'm actually working on the 2nd one. I just couldn't help it. :P

I wish I had time to crochet some things for myself. I'm cold!!! :D - It even snowed here earlier this month. Brrrrr.


I'm looking at Mary Jane Slippers, Clapochet scarf, and... I can also use a bag like this or this!

I'll try to be back soon... :) You all stay warm!

LOVE this hat!

Hiya! :) I'm still here as always... never far from yarn, hooks and needles! Just didn't have a chance to post as often. :(

I found a really CUTE crochet hat pattern last night on Ravelry, and I started crocheting this hat right away!!! :)

 
Inauguration Chapeau for Beth"(Free!) by Ellen Bloom
Yarn: Bernat Cashmere Natural Blends (Discontinued)
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inauguration-chapeau
This pattern has all the good things. - It's easy to follow and I believe you can make any sizes with any yarn and any sizes of hooks just by adjusting number of rounds and length of the tie. I have a big head :D, and I have lots of hair so most hats sold at stores don't fit me, but this one does! This hat is definately not going anywhere!

I have some more projects to post here soon. ;)

**********
How is everybody's summer going? :) Mine has been hectic as always working, studying, trying to entertain my son and help him with his homework, practicing the violin, etc..... BUT! We did get away a bit (first time in 3 years!) in Atlanta, Georgia! We visited Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coca-Cola. Watch You Tube videos of these two places:

Georgia Aquarim (You Tube)
World of Coca Cola (You Tube)
My boy loved the aquarium, and he took tons of fish photos until my camera didn't let him anymore. :D
I used to live in Georgia about 15 years ago... It sure felt strange to visit there again! :) I was exhausted during the trip, but I'm glad I was there to spend fun time with my family. I think I needed a change of scenery more than I thought I did. :D I even swam in swimming pools at the hotel we stayed! I'm glad to have found I still can swim. - Last time I was in a swim suit was... 17 years ago. :P It was also great to meet up with hubby's friends and their families there as well! What nice people! :)

Chunky Cap

Just very quickly I want to share with you my latest crochet project. :)  This one is very easy, fast, and the pattern is free too!


"Chunky Cap" from January 2008 issue of Crochet Today!
You can also download a free pdf on their website.
Yarn I used: Red Heart Light & Lofty
This hat makes me miss snow.  This one's going to my sister. :)