Kittens and Yarn

Distressed Gingerbread Man Cat Toys

Via Dream a Little Bigger

I must admit to making my kitties crazy with Catnip! You are doing your cat a serious disservice if you don't. Now, usually we put it in a not so nice looking mismatched sock since, let's face it, they tear the jeebus out of it! I would hate to spend an entire afternoon making them a toy only for them to destroy it; however, for the sake of a great photo op.... I may reconsider.

AHAAAA Tip of the Week! Pick Up Lines From Yarn Harlot

Picking Up Stitches

via Yarn Harlot

I needed this tutorial in the worst way! In fact, I shied away from making Purl Bee's Bulky Baby Blanket because I couldn't muster the courage to pick up stitches. "To Hades with all that," I told myself.

Bulky Baby Blankets

Shown in Garter and Seed Stitch

via Purl Bee

 

What was I thinking!? Although I missed out on making one for my bestie, who had a beautiful healthy little girl this past September, I won't be intimidated to summon up the courage the second time around and I have Yarn Harlot to thank!

Smitten Kitten Hat

 

Gina Michele over at Rock Mosaic whipped up a simple DIY Knit Cat Ear Hat using just one stitch and some clever seaming. Once I saw this hat I was smitten! I knit one for The Minion Straightaway.

Using some leftover Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, in Fig, and a pair of size 13 knitting needles; I was able to knit this hat in just under an hour. I cast on 20 sts and knit 18 in. After binding off I seamed lengthwise :) 

The Minion looks adorable and most importantly super warm!

 

I think some blocking might be in order to give the "ears" a bit more shape but, all in all, I'm happy with how it turned out!

 

Instructions Here

What Shall I Carve Next?

Embroidered Pumpkin

via Design Editor



I have spent year upon year creating pumpkins for The Minion. It started out simple enough. Let's see, where do I begin?

 

 

The first was a very original jack-o-lantern face, next a cat and full moon, then it was Carol from Where the Wild Things Are and lastly Dora the Explorer. Which brings us to pumpkin number five.... How am I going to top Dora?

Jack Skellington

 

Tinkerbell

 

Minnie Mouse

 

The idea to mesh yarn with pumpkin has crossed my mind but I do love the idea of carving as much I love knitting. Yarn wrapping a pumpkin just isn't as fun.

 

I am liking this cross stitch tutorial though...... Decisions, decisions!

 

via Green Eyed

 

Dear Diary: I Suck at Crochet!

Dear Diary...
This weekend marked a revelation of sorts. I SUCK AT CROCHET! I can knit at an intermediate level but can't seem to single crochet to save my life. How is this possible? It's not for lack of trying. I sat for an hour and only managed to get the front of my Gingerbread House done! GRRRR.... I'm going to get my Gingerbread House done by this weekend but I won't promise that I'll pick up another hook ever again!

On a lighter note, I have begun swatching for my next project. It shall be a tree skirt. The very same tree skirt I have been promising my husband that I would knit ever since I began to knit! Is it my fault that I got sidetracked for about.... 3 years? Anyway, I never ever swatch but boy am I glad I took the time out to check my gauge. The pattern calls for size 10s but (two swatches later) I figured out that I should use size 11s. I begin my tree skirt this weekend. . . .  After my Gingerbread House is done.

P.S
I didn't have the correct hook size and ended up with a HUGE ornament. After finishing it I think it will go on the bottom of my tree.... somewhere in the back.
*single tear*sniff*sniff*

Boredom Plus Yarn Equals Yarn Wrapped Wreath

 

So I got a bit bored today and decided the minion and I could use some craft time. This wreath was born from items I had laying around the house:

 

Black Yarn

*Bamboo Purse Handle

Plastic Bat Rings

Orange Thread

Black Ribbon

and a handy Glue Gun

 

*I have 3 sets of bamboo purse handles left over from another project. To be honest, it worked out quite nicely for this. Since it is a little on the thin side, I would recommend using an actual wreath form. They sell them at craft and dollar stores. 

{Poofy my very curious kitty}

 

This one was suppose to be hanging on my front door but The Minion wanted it hanging near her bed instead. (She is a Halloween lover just like her mommy!) I definitely will be making more of these in the future.

 

On a side note, I did a quick search for free patterns over at Lion Brand and found some cute crochet amigurumi characters. They look easy enough for a beginner like myself. Crochet is not my forte but I'm going to give it a go. Wish me luck!

I'd love to see what everyone else is working on for Halloween :)

A Very Curious Hat Pattern

Knit pattern

via Pixiebell

 

Curious indeed! Designed by Husband and Wife duo, Christopher and Diane Serviss, you can find their signature hat pattern via Etsy or Ravelry for 5 bucks. It's knit with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick on Size 13 needles. (Chunky yarn on large needles! What's not to love?)

 

Every knitter dreams of selling their wares. Although there are many online forums to do so, considering my background in retail, I am attracted to craft fairs. I love interacting with customers and being part of a group of crafters who just plain love what I love. I'm not quite there in terms of selling but Diane shares some advice on how to build a creative business with Lisa Jacobs, of Marketing Creativity. Her best marketing strategy?

 

"Hang out where your potential buyers hang out. It sounds somewhat simplistic, but it works. There is a buyer for everything and those people tend to have similar likes and interests as the artist who makes the items. Find groups ..online and off.. and participate in them. I participate in a lot of knitting and crochet sites, forums and local meetings."

 

Very sound advice! Check out more from Pixiebell via Etsy.

Yummy Yarn, Pasta Cupcakes and a Twinkie of a Different Sort

For those of you who don't know, Twinkie Chan is a Crocheter of food related goodness! She is best known for crocheting scarves:

 

 

She does manage to crochet lots of other cute things for sale at her Etsy Shop and you can find her patterns in her latest book.

My Pasta Mania! Cupcakes

Get a Thumbs Up From Twinkie Chan!

A fan since 2009, with no idea how to crochet, her designs inspired me to pick up a hook and take a stab at needle crafting. So you can imagine my excitement when I entered a local baking contest and not only was she a prize sponsor, but she also liked my entry. *AWESOME* Well, I did not get very far with my crochet endeavour, or my recipe for Pastamania! Cupcakes (Boo Hoo!) so I decidedly took up knitting instead (Yay!). I didn't win the contest, but having her comment on my cupcakes made entering worth it! I haven't given up on crochet either; every now and then I'll sit down with my how to book and practice. One day I'll crochet like the wind ;)

This past weekend I took a peek inside the studio of Twinkie Chan! She gave RobbieLee, author of Chickadee, the inside scoop. It was just how I imagined it would be; a candy land of yarn! Go Check it out and get inspired!

The Devil is in the Details: One Sweater Infinite Possibilities

 

I must admit to falling victim to typecasting patterns simply by looking at some one's color choices or the styling of the end result; paying little attention to the potential for improvisation. I'm not like this when I go shopping, so why am I so dismissive with potential knitting projects?

The answer is most likely because when you go shopping all that's required is a choice, with little consequence. You like, you buy. Simple as that! Knitting a project is a bit more intimate and finite than just picking out a cool top. You can't try it on or see it in it's potential finality. You're taking a chance and playing a knitter's version of Russian Roulette. A lot of scrutiny goes into a potential project that most of us don't even apply to our love lives! (Case in point, the dreaded Sweater Curse!)

After I came across The Purl Bee's Cap Sleeve Top via Ravelry, it occurred to me that my haphazard way of choosing a  pattern was all wrong. At first glance, this particular pattern seems a bit of a bore really; however, after having seen some of the other postings of this very same sweater, I became inspired!

 

 

 

I'm thinking this would look great over-sized in Plum and Dark Grey..... and worn over a long sleeve black top. Perfect for the upcoming fall weather!

 

Madeline Tosh Sport

Dahlia & Graphite

 

Thoughts?

 

DIY Cross Stitch Wall Art



DIY Cross Stitch Wall Mural
Tutorial via Home Heart Craft
Image via Bloesem Living

I came across this Sweet DIY Post, for a Cross Stitch Wall Mural, over at Home Heart Craft! Leave it to me to somehow manage a skull or two into the mix....  



Sugar Skull Cross Stitch Chart

Via Scarlet Pyjamas

This would look Amazing up on a wall! Plus, I am probably better at painting than I am at Cross Stitching. Assuming you can use whatever pattern you like, the possibilities are endless!



Marta's Uber Cute (Not So Fair Isle) Bag & Why it's not on my Needles

Marta Embroidered Bag

Pattern from Northern Knits 

Image via Ravelry

Very cute bag found over at Ravelry. I would love to get my hands on this pattern but since it is made using a duplicate stitch rather Fair Isle (which I have no idea where to begin learning how to do) I think I may wing it and see what I can come up with.

I'm curious, what's everyone's take on knit bags? Anyone, Anyone.... (Bueller Reference)

Never have I ever knit an object that served any other purpose other then to keep someone warm. I have knit my fair share of Scarves and now I'm knitting a few Baby Blankies for my best friend's new baby girl, but I am pretty much a virgin when it comes to actual "just because" knitting. So, I am making an oath, from here on out, I am going to knit for knit's sake!... Right after I finish these Baby Blankies. Did I mention I'm making 3 of these? (Speed knitting is more like it!)

On my needles as I type

Easy Eyelet Blanket

So after 3 of these very long winded garter stitch blankets..... It's ON!!! ((maybe))

P.S I posted this very same picture on my FaceBook and got a lot of comments on "what a nice thong" I was knitting! (Gotta love family!)

Making The World Better One Toadstool at a Time: Ikea Hack

Toadstool cover

via Ravelry

Don't have a Ravelry? Well, what are you waiting for? A world of inspiration could be at your fingertips as we speak! Case in point: This lovely Toadstool cover for Ikea's Mammut Children's Stool. Now... do you really need a pattern for this one? Probably not. You just crochet a giant red circle along with some small white ones, attach some elastic to ensure a snug fit and then sew on the little white circles.

Puff Daddy: A Cleverly Named Pouf

via VH1

Ha Ha, Puff Daddy! Bet you thought this post was about you..... Mr. Puff Daddy (formerly known as P. Diddy, sometimes "Puffy" or simply "Puff", then simply Diddy; only to recognize thyself as Puff Daddy once more) This Post is not about Thee. Tis' about thine Puff that is Pouf!

The Puff that is Pouf!

All Old English aside, this knit Pouf is super Puffy, and yes, it is called Puff Daddy and you can find the pattern at Pickles.com. It's pretty much a gathered garter stitch rectangle knit flat.... Super easy, No?

Oh wait... there's more. I found this really neat alternate version based on the Puff over at Flax & Twine. Anne Weil is a knitting instructor that wanted an easy project for her students and decided the Pouf was perfect... Even better is the fact that Anne substitues Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick, held 3 strands at time, AND she goes into greater detail on finishing. So it saves you some cash while teaching you good seaming skills at the same time.

Flax and Twine Alternative Pouf

An Old Rag Becomes New: Bath Mat Tutorial

Rag Bath Mat Tutorial

The idea of knitting with rags is not new but I'm surprised more people aren't into it. I, myself, am partial to quick chunky knits. I imagine this bathmat being super squishy and cuddly..... It calls for sized 19 needles and a King Sized sheet or comforter.

Here are a couple more sites to get you started....

Make Cottage Style Rag Balls

You can Crochet With Sheets

Pinups Do It!

Knitting Pinup



Scantily clad knitter, depicted by Chicago based artist Harry Ekman..... Isn't this how we all look when we knit? Maybe not, but who's to say that all Knitters and Crocheters are old spinsterly types? Besides, how else would you know if your sweater was going to fit..... unless you tried it on?

via We Heart Vintage

Ramen Knitting

Knitting with Ramen....Why? Just because you can! That's why!



Xtreme Knitting: The Giganto Blanket

True Fact: Nothing is better than a quick knit...... However, this is knitting on steroids! You would have to be on roids in order to maneuver these huge "needles" which are, in actuality, PVC.

The Giganto-Blanket Pattern is the brain child of Laura Birek of Nocturnal Knits. I'm interested in getting my hands on some roving and a pair of broom handles and seeing how far that gets me..... I have puny T-rex like arms so I'm guessing not very far, but hey, if you're up for the challenge I'd love to see what you can come up with!

Get yourself 1 1/2" PVC, some UNSPUN wool roving and CO 28sts, K2 P2, BO.... and voila!

You have yourself a ginormous Giganto-Blanket!  (and a whole lot of sore muscles!)

The Addams Family: Morticia Does It....

Today was a very lazy Sunday... So lazy in fact, that I decided to do some research on ugly sweaters and came across Morticia Addams (Carolyn Jones), of The Addams Family, knitting a three armed sweater instead. Curiouser and Curiouser....

Cousin Imar's 3 armed sweater

Gene Simmons Does IT....

OK, so its not really Gene Simmons but this is what he would look like knitting... Just another example of why Knitting Rocks!

Gene Simmons Look-A-like knitting in ad for Hi-Fi Klubben via Knit Hacker

Yarn Storage: Its Kind of a Big Deal

Do I have a lot of yarn? You betcha! Do I organize said yarn... no, not really. There comes a point in time when the stash gets a bit unruly. My time is coming; with all the knitting I did last Christmas I have a budding yarn stash in the making but it isn't overwhelming. (not yet anyway) So, I decided to do some recon and seek out solutions to organizing my budding collection of fiber, before it becomes an issue. I used the word "issue" here instead of "problem" because lets face it, when is too much yarn ever a problem?