Frozen Falls Crochet Throw

No doubt about it, quilts make a house a home.

But when quilts and crochet throws intermingle,

homey is elevated to cozy.

#loveofcrochet

This one is from the Winter 2013 issue of Love of Crochet.

It's called Frozen Falls and I thought the

Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool Blend yarn

in Igloo was the perfect frozen color to pair with the pattern.

It is such a soft yarn and when combined with this stitch pattern,

makes for a beautifully, soft, drapey throw.

One feature that I've never stitched before is the reverse crochet around the edge.

The pattern instructs to work a reverse single crochet around the throw.

In my excitement to finish up this project, I wasn't paying close attention,

and I ended up crocheting a reverse double crochet.

Of course, it was more time consuming than a reverse single crochet would have been,

but I am pleased with the end result.

My daughter commented that the edging finishes it off like binding on a quilt.

Some You Tube videos proved to be helpful in learning this new technique.

I love how it completes the throw.

Have you ever done reverse crochet?

I had never even heard of it until I stitched this pattern.

Happy crocheting, my friends!

Pint-Sized Crochet Cape for A Pint-Sized Girl

Can I just say how much fun it is to crochet cute little things for cute little people!

Okay, I'm a bit smitten with my grandchildren.

This cape is from the Winter 2013 issue of Love of Crochet magazine (pg. 81).

I love that the neckline is ruffled.

The fit can be adjusted with the drawstring.

 

 

A button just below the ruffled neckline

adds additional security to prevent slippage off the shoulders.

 

 

The yarn is Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool Blend in gerbera daisy.

The magazine version is done up in garnet red with a matching hat for Christmas.

I chose to crochet a spring version.

After all, most spring dresses for little girls feature short sleeves or no sleeves.

It's chilly in Utah in the spring.

Need I say more?

 

 

 

The icing on the cake (that truly is what it looks like)

is the white trim that is worked on the front loops of three rows.

In looking at the magazine photo, there are four rows of trim.

The pattern calls for three rows.

I like it best with three rows.

The pattern sizing is child 2-3 years.

My granddaughter is 3 (almost 4) and it fits beautifully.

She giggles as she twirls to show off her new cape.

 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

 

 



Diaper Carrier and Hoop Wall Hanging

Yep, it's another Diapers to Go diaper and wipe carrier baby gift.

This is by far, my all-time favorite gift to sew for new mommys.

The lovely recipient of this one already has a girl version that I made for her several years ago.

She is expecting a little boy this time, so I chose the gray, yellow, and black theme.

I also added a cute little embroidery hoop wall hanging embellished with her new son's initials. 

He is REW III, that's why I added the three little hearts after his initials.

 

Some shell stitch crochet around a wooden embroidery hoop adds a sweet frame to the hooped fabric.

The raw edges of the hooped fabric on the back side are completely covered.

Hug Snug rayon seam binding was the perfect finishing touch.

 

The walking foot was perfect for quilting straight lines across the outer shell of the diaper carrier.  But when it came to the inner pockets . . .

I decided to experiment with some quilting.

The left polka dot pocket panel has a square grid quilted on it.

The right side is quilted with a feather pattern.

Hmmmmm, no synergy between the geometric grid quilting and the feather quilting.

I opted to quilt both sides with the square grid pattern.

That's better.

If you're looking for a fun, quick, and very much appreciated baby gift, this one fits the bill.

Before this young mom knew I would be making a second one for her, she actually asked if she could purchase one from me.

I reassured her that I already planned to gift her with a new one.

It's nice to know she really liked the first one.

 

I have a new home dec item to share with you as soon as I get it photographed.  Until then . . .

 

"Love one another, just as Christ has loved you."  (John 13:34, paraphrased by me)

- Pam -

Simple Granny Square Table Runner

Rarely anymore, but now and then, there is something on television that catches my interest.

When that occasion arises, I like to crochet as I'm watching the show.

This project was pretty much a no-brainer for me.

I used leftover Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool Blend yarn from my stash.

And I first learned to crochet granny squares waaaaay back in the fifth grade,

so I didn't have to purchase yarn and there were no instructions to follow.

The three yarn colors are igloo, bakery box white, and holly berry.

I used a size H/8 (5mm) hook.

The holly berry scalloped edging was achieved by crocheting 5 dc in one space,

skip 3 spaces, crochet 5 dc in the next space, etc.

The result is a lettuce-type edge. 

 

Happy hand-made week, my friends.   :)

Pam

Crochet Flower

Here's a close up of the crochet flower that I used on this trivet.  The pattern is from a leaflet I purchased about 4 years ago at my local quilt store.  The leaflet is titled Crochet Candy - Embellishments & More. 

I used pattern #2, Moss Rose.  The actual size of your crochet flower is determined by the size of your yarn and hook.  I used Martha Stewart extra soft wool blend yarn in color #500, bakery box white.  My hook was a size H/8.  The trivet was almost 14" in diameter so I needed a good sized crochet flower to balance out the size of the trivet.  The circumference of my flower is 4 1/2".

And it is almost 1" thick.  I must really like this pattern because out of the 7 patterns in the leaflet, this is the only one I've made so far.  I used it here, here, and here.  Perhaps the next time I feel the need to embellish with a crochet flower, I will choose one of the other patterns.  I have a tendency to be a creature of habit, so time will tell.  :)

I am on track with the Colette Patterns Hawthorne Sew Along, so that will continue to be the focus of my sewing attention this week.  Have a productive sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, whatever-it-is-you-enjoy week, my friends. 

Pam

ScrapBusters: Patchwork Trivets with Circular Quilting

I love trivets!  But my intended use for this one is not for hot pots, but rather to add a decorative touch to this vintage chair that sits in the corner of my entryway.  The pattern is from the Sew4Home blog.   I used fabrics and supplies I already had on hand.  The fabric is leftover from this bed runner.  The over sized green ric rac was purchased a couple of years ago from one of my local quilt stores.  As you can see in the photo below, the trivet is a bit sparse on this chair seat, so I decided to alter the pattern a bit and make it slightly larger.

Here's that same chair, but with the larger size trivet.   Ahhh, that's better.  The new size plays better with the size of the seat.  I know I'm not comfortable when something is too small for my seat!

I added a crochet flower to the center of this one because in altering the pattern, I messed up the center where all the points are supposed to come together nicely (as they do on the original version when following the pattern as written). 

I knew that by adding two inches only to the length of that triangular piece and not changing any of the other dimensions, I was asking for trouble.  But I plowed ahead recklessly throwing any and all mathematical knowledge (which is very limited) out the sewing room door!  This, dear readers, is what I ended up with in the center of my project:  Aackkkkkkk!!!

Now you see why the flower was added.  :)   The back of the trivet looks like this:

 





And now the chair in the corner of my entryway looks like this:

 

 

 

I can rest easy knowing my seat has adequate coverage.  LOL

 

Have a beautiful Thursday, and to those of you who are state side - Happy Independence Day!

 

Pam 



Burda Dress and Milk Paint Chair and ScrapBuster Trivets, Oh My!

Hey everybody, I know it has been some time since I checked in on my pitifully-neglected blog.  Here are some of my completed projects from the month of June.  I just wanted to share a glimpse with you all before I head out the door for a camping weekend.  I will share complete posts on each one of them next week. I haven't been able to write any reviews this month because  I dropped my camera broke and I was without one for about six weeks.  And let's face it, a DIY review without photos is like a hot fudge Sunday without hot fudge!  My sweet hubby bought me a new camera two days ago and I'm learning to use it.

The top left is a peak of my new dress using Burda Style #108 pattern from the April 2013 issue.  Top right is a crochet table runner.  The little crochet flower will adorn the bottom left ScrapBuster Trivet from the Sew 4 Home blog.  And finally, another Sew 4 Home ScrapBuster Trivet is sitting atop the newly painted, chippy chair on which I used Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint.

Okay, I'm venturing out into the 100+ degree temperatures to go camping.  Good thing the RV has air conditioning!  I know, that's not really camping, but that's how I roll!!!  The RV park  also has a swimming pool.  Don't judge me!

Have a most excellent and enjoyable weekend.

Pam

Still Stitchin'

Yes, it has been quiet here on a notion to sew lately, but scout's honor (yes, I was a girl scout) I have been busy sewing and creating fun things to wear and to enhance the nest.  Here is a pink, spring jacket (Simplicity2728) in fine whale corduroy and another version of the Sassy Librarian Blouse done up in a beautiful Anna Maria Horner voile fabric.  I must confess, right here and now, I deplore having my picture taken, so I've procrastinated on photographing these so I can write pattern reviews.  Shame on me!  I must get over the camera phobia so I can share with other sewists how much I like both of these patterns.  That shall be my goal for the upcoming week.

On the home front, I stitched up a quilt top called Skipping Squares, and I am now in the process of quilting said project.  As I was pondering the quilting process, I envisioned a comforting, traditional, granny square throw to accompany this colorful quilt.  That's what I need - one more project to complete!  Here is a photo of the progress of the aforementioned home projects.  Of course, I plan to post a full review of the quilt pattern when the quilting is complete.

Do you have multiple projects in progress at one time, or are you a focused, one-project-at-a-time sewist? 

Pam

Crochet Edging

Isn't the crochet edge along the bottom of  that Martha Stewart cake stand just the sweetest accent?  It probably took a whole 20 minutes to crochet.  I'm not exaggerating!  The instructions are over at Raising Up Rubies and it is originally suggested as a shelf edging, which is a terrific idea.  But every time I passed my cake stand, I wondered what I could do to give it a little oomph, and this was just the fix it needed.

Here's a close up of the crochet scallop edging:

I adhered it to the stand using ultra-thin glue dots from my scrapbook supplies. The glue dots do a great job of holding the crochet edging to the cake stand, and while they stick to the ceramic, they do not cling to the yarn when the crochet edging is removed.  They can then be easily removed from the ceramic by simply peeling them off with your finger.

A couple of completed sewing garments are awaiting pictures and reviews, so I plan to have those up here in a few days.  In the mean time, if you are stateside, keep your chin up, it looks like spring just might be blowing in!  Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour this weekend.

Pam

Crochet Chevron Blanket

My first review of this chevron crochet afghan was back in March of this year.  I made that one for myself, but this one was a Christmas gift for my daughter.  I must admit that I rather selfishly considered keeping this one, as I am so pleased with the color combination.  But no, I did not keep it lest I wouldn't have a handmade gift for DD.  I always try to include at least one handmade item in her gifts.

The pattern is a free one from here.  I used a size I crochet hook, and the following Red Heart brand worsted weight yarn colors: 

• Grey Heather (3 skeins)
• Lemon (2 skeins)
• Cherry Red (1 skein)

Now doesn't that look warm and comfy amidst all that cold snow!?

Double Bobble Scarf

Here's a beautiful scarf that I crocheted some time back, but neglected to post it here on the blog:

It's called the Double Bobble Scarf and the pattern is in Crochet in Color by Kathy Merrick.  The whole scarf is done in an oval pattern rather than back and forth rows like a lot of crochet scarf patterns are designed.  It crochets up rather quickly and I love all those bobbles!

The best thing about this scarf is that it goes beautifully with my new Butterick Coat that is almost complete.  My coat is gray wool and the lining is lavender China silk.  I should have a full review some time next week.  Until then, here's a picture of the almost-finished coat and the Double Bobble Scarf together.

We're off on a camping trip this weekend.  I've started another crochet project that will keep me busy until I can return home to my sewing machine.  Do you have other crafty hobbies that you enjoy when you can't be near your sewing area?

Crochet Chevron Blanket

I haven't posted anything about this project, but I have been crocheting this dang blanket for almost three months!  I only crochet when I sit down to watch a show on television (I have a very difficult time just sitting and watching something - that's probably why I don't go to the movies very often).  This blanket consists entirely of single crochet, which if you crochet, you know that is a very small stitch so it takes a lot of them to accomplish much.  Whew!  I love the blanket, it is a throwback to the 1970's when they were very popular and many, many colors were used in the blanket.  It must have been a way to use up yarn scraps.  I remember my mother made one for our sofa.  Anyway, I like the updated minimal coloring used in this one and chevrons are extremely popular right now in home dec as well as scrapbooking and crafts.  Here's a close-up of all those little single crochets:

This was a free pattern from All Things Bright and Beautiful  I used Red Heart worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn and a size "I" crochet hook.  There are 8 sections of white, 6 sections of green, and one section of blue - each section consists of 10 rows of single crochet.  The blanket is 45" x 65".

Retro-Modern Pillow

A crocheting camping we will go, a camping we will go . . .  DH and I finally pulled out the RV for our first camping trip this season.  We spent five glorious days and nights in the mountains doing absolutely NOTHING (except for crocheting this terrific retro-inspired pillow).

The pattern is in the Setember/October 2011 issue of Crochet Today magazine.  The pattern includes a square version and a round version.  I chose the round one simply because all my throw pillows are square and I needed to change up the mix a bit.  I used the suggested yarn colors as follows - Red Heart Super Saver #380 Windsor Blue and #313 Aran, but I couldn't find #406 Med Thyme at my local craft store, so I used #661 Frosty Green.  The pattern calls for a crocheted front and back for a 16" round purchased pillow form.  Being a sewer, I decided to crochet only the front panel and to use fabric for the opposite side.  I also added a scalloped crochet edge to bring it all together.  I happened to have a piece of quilter's cotton in my stash that complemented the yarn colors perfectly.  Here's a shot of the opposite side:

In case wondering minds want to know, here's how I put the whole thing together. 
1.  I started with my crocheted pillow panel:

2.  After measuring to make sure it truly was 16", I cut my cotton fabric to 16 1/2" using a ruler and Sharpie to mark my circle.

3.  Then I sewed a 1/4" double fold hem around the circle.  To do this, simply sew a basting stitch 1/4" from the edge of the fabric like so:

4.  Pull up the bobbin thread and the hem will 'fold itself over'.  Then simply fold it over on itself again and topstitch.

5.  Then, using Omega nylon thread, I hand sewed a blanket stitch around the circumference of the cotton fabric so I would have a foundation on which to crochet a row of double stitches.

6.  Finally, I used a scallop crochet pattern to attach the back to the front.  This was a really fast and easy project and it was a great addition to my square, fabric home dec pillows.