tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222222652024-03-07T17:56:27.309-08:00One Flew Over the Crochet HookI'm a happy hooker who crochets her way through her day: on the bus, at diners, at home... with friends or alone.
"If that's what's being crazy is, then I'm senseless, out of it, gone-down-the-road, wacko." - McMurphy - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-32719990827915319042011-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:31:09.316-08:00To My Neglected Crochet BlogSince I last posted those pictures of my Drama King Cat, Beethoven has had to endure 5 different homes in 2 different states. Lilycat endured theses moves, too... but it seemed less traumatic for her.<br /><br />First there was a 1600 mile drive, which Beethoven's tummy never adjusted to. I don't really want to go into detail here. Let's just say that as my sister and I drove across half of the country in about 3 days, we went through at least 3 carriers for him.<br /><br />After that, there was the unfinished basement in rural PA... where Lilycat would find the most bizarre and fascinating insects. Beethoven was not pleased.<br /><br />There was the drafty apartment which he didn't mind so much...<br /><br />Then, there was the house where he had to compete with 2 dogs and a very voluptous cat for his food.<br /><br />THEN, there was the trip South and staying in one tiny room with his archnemisis, aka Lilycat.<br /><br />Finally, we have happily settled in a townhouse-style condo. Things are calm and quiet.<br /><br />Beethoven has plenty of room and doesn't have to compete with anyone for food or space.<br /><br />He is much more fun to be around now and his tummy has settled down. Apparently cats have mind-body issues, too.<br /><br />My world jolted up and down and spinned around a few times. It's so much easier to just give you the cat update than to fill you in on my story.<br /><br />With the rollercoaster of my life going on, I neglected my blog and my crafting.<br /><br />I did make some really cool stuff in the past... uh... few years, though... so I want to start posting some of these things in an update.<br /><br />So, welcome back to my blog.<br /><br />I'm hoping I'm never away this long again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-26094902155137954462008-09-08T11:34:00.000-07:002008-09-08T11:38:32.722-07:00What Beethoven Thinks of the Move...<p align="center"><em>Maybe if I lie here wallowing… she’ll put everything back where it belongs…</em></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243721276302679554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYYvUgOII3vTfiCFCCJQEBNbp26opXgKqprBs5fusSBH0cQDr6KKRJp4vmuXSSgxeI-FZAGryAT2Rwd1Tc7CP9R_M22JJ3gnXrfde_eQDZfXXJ4jYFUTXhVT4lGA8Tt3tisJvCg/s320/09082008+007.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>Wallow… Wallow… Wallow…</em></p><p align="center"><em></em> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243721281862732946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzbwAmt1hcQZHdQm7zi4rn6HILULNPDGsw-3FLBiy91qtgVXi_33YUZ4zS2X4C-LPQC9AY2sPsXxvbm6BY2Fm3wf5orrSCq5ZwP5xl0FCLasjrkgXtUaIgmfe56gg9TtTk0JhGg/s320/beethoven+moving.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em></em> </p><p align="center"><em>Oh crap--- is that Fancy Feast?!?…</em></p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243721287179072626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93xHkuxJeRIumRakkhGATx4AU6snfXQKvhnWBjEnxiwiQvHkygnkS9gwcgXdmsNWA0ivHBf_4oie9Wj6jTkUUNfS2ZTo_aIec7iu9qNInIVkghrjPxiK5QsGv61E7S2sxrdJeLw/s320/09082008+002.jpg" border="0" /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-39837521072950881842008-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:002008-08-28T12:24:16.187-07:00Baby Mary Janes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8xW0rrPjZBuiFlXf3lHACxYb_EgjUBLXk1dRqb4fO7f-CGVcyVsbxSsVcWJM-OT8JFsBGbqcVmOg-DGPeHZulw8aqLos5gUa_UiLcg4IoRvnjON5Sxpo9ijM5nd8kDTDArtRQg/s1600-h/mjs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239649889008396306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8xW0rrPjZBuiFlXf3lHACxYb_EgjUBLXk1dRqb4fO7f-CGVcyVsbxSsVcWJM-OT8JFsBGbqcVmOg-DGPeHZulw8aqLos5gUa_UiLcg4IoRvnjON5Sxpo9ijM5nd8kDTDArtRQg/s320/mjs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center">Ok -- I was wrong. I have another post before the move :o) </div><br /><div align="center">In February, I<a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2008/02/gifts-for-my-niece-to-be.html"> posted some baby items </a>that I made for my future niece who was due in March. She took her time and arrived on April 1st, an April Fool's</div><br /><div align="center">Now that she's almost 5 mos. old, she is able to fit the mary janes that I crocheted for her!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The mary janes I made were loosely based on a pattern found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931171246">this booklet</a>. (I have trouble following directions!)</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Here is the lovely Liliana modeling her mary janes!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239649083512621266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Obf2mJEKrSTXrv0VKTH7e5O3MWZVyR6ZY_gu33PcmEpQ3C_GKSwONoXufqURXpEXVmRvyjNR2JasLyuozf9I1B69PR2x7lV8YbjkfuXnTppAieQsakFbftgYlHb33NUsQxzNQ/s320/lilana+in+mary+janes.jpg" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-54638838499190571252008-08-28T09:20:00.000-07:002008-08-28T11:44:26.111-07:00Tabby Cat Hat and Fall Daisy Scarf<div align="center">I'm in the process of packing and sorting and tossing and selling and donating stuff so that I can make the move from TX to PA. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Along the way, I have made several full car trips to Goodwill and have also donated three GIANT trash bags of YARN to two different local charities. One charity gives the yarn to 5th graders who are taught how to knit after school. They make items for preemies in the hospitals. It helps give the kids something positive to do while learning an awesome hobby. The charity donations are coordinated by Stacey who owns and runs <a href="http://www.theknittingnestaustin.com/">The Knitting Nest </a>in South Austin. I've been to The Knitting Nest a number of times. It's a great place with a wonderful selection and plenty of space to sit and stitch. </div><p align="center">The second charity gives yarn to knitters and crocheters who make hats for cancer patients both in the hospital and at home. The donations for that charity are coordinated by Susan who owns and runs <a href="http://www.yarnorama.com/">Yarnorama</a> in Paige, TX. I hadn't been out to Paige before and I felt like such a city girl. It was a long drive and the town is very small. But, the shop is great. The selection is very extensive. There is plenty of space to sit and stitch as well as a cafe with coffee and treats. I was impressed & wanted to purchase all sorts of beautiful fiber... I had to remind myself that I was there to donate yarn - not accumulate more! </p><p align="center">It's weird being somewhat stash-free. I did save a few skeins, but for the most part, I have no stash right now. I'm sure that before I know it, I will have a giant, ridiculous stash again... it feels great knowing that the yarn is going towards people who will really appreciate it and will be worked into projects that will brighten someone's day. </p><p align="center">Anyway-- I had a few projects I wanted to finish before the move. I still have one more to go (it's about 3/4ths done)... and will post pictures when it is complete.<br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">These are the projects that I finished this week...<br /></p><strong><u></u></strong><p align="center"><strong><u>Matching Tabby Cat Hats for Baby and Mama</u></strong><br /></p><div align="center">My friend <a href="http://boongoggle.blogspot.com/">Audrey</a> commissioned me to make her two hats. One for her sister and one for her sister's baby-to-be. The idea was to make them look like orange tabby cats - complete with cat ears - because her sister has been looking for an adult hat with ears for awhile now. The baby and mama hats would match -- and would be given at the baby shower. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I hunted around for the purrrrfect orange tabby yarn and found <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2842&PRODID=xprd90044">Vanna's Choice Tangerine Mist</a>. Of course, after going to every Michaels and a few Hobby Lobbys in the area-- I still couldn't find this color. So Audrey ended up ordering it online for me--which worked out well. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">Anyway-- eventually (in a month or so), I hope to post pictures of the mama and me coordinating hats. For now, here is a picture of me modeling the mama hat. The baby hat is identical (well, smaller, but same stitch and border) with the addition of earflaps and ties that look like cat tails. Both are my own design... but there are tons of cat hats out there in knit and crochet if you are looking for a good pattern. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239611272856689266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryN6VF1bepsCK5NhCaLSz3j6J3cRFBZ4yzurAZXYLrf4zwh_yRqZqce0-oyo8vgyDF6H3O3aTFYK-HmcsliTIIU2ATB1UXJ1PO1MIak7949xp5wJ_U2OJiK1K5uKIVMXzE0Bofw/s320/08222008+001.jpg" border="0" /><strong><u></u></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><u></u></strong></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><strong><u>Fall Daisy Scarf</u></strong><br /><br />My other project was for my friend Dana. She loves wearing warm oranges and yellows and I wanted to make her a scarf as a thank you gift. I bought some Vanna's Choice yarn in assorted fall colors from Michael's and used <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/05162007020.jpg">the daisy square </a>that I made as an addition to <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/06/blanket-for-kate.html">my friend Kate's blanket</a> for inspiration. <a href="http://www.geocities.com/granniegroup/Delightful_Daisy.html?1002301595350">The daisy square pattern</a> can be found here, though, I did modify it some for this scarf. After I made several squares, I stitched them together and then did an improvised border in a shell stitch. The scarf is very long and thick and warm - I'm really happy with it. Once it was finished, I washed it with fabric softener and it feels amazing. </p><p align="center">Here are the pictures -- they aren't awesome because the scarf isn't modeled, but will give you an idea of it. For the first picture taken in my cube, the scarf hadn't been washed & blocked yet... and yes, those are ends that had yet to be woven in... but I couldn't resist taking a picture of the progress. :o) </p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239636656961411858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRklu51W7AwAhG5sXbxUjDTDXj36OR5Wl-gIKE8qtDDwrQ4cfuvNzAl_fWOg7fqQPVQ0W8aVpZ1PwHeqPnseY77WgyerPWX51qOhdx_f6iH2fzLNZ2-uBUDsoAT_zUtLvn7MdjKQ/s320/08222008+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239636969777741186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08aIsvdYGze45xwKZI9Wh9uaz22egqgdbqI9Yjy-r-BNUxUvm6Cm1iSzSEAkk_6kaGG3L5Aa-1EuUzDp8BZ9WfFQ-2prWFCU-SWB9Z9kA6AALzMsq8EG3Bi5tIt7EsJR-p2nvZA/s320/08222008+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239637254536258498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoaQRPaDO8HAnB8HVPFaAvRVYCItLTVidqVR9c6rYNLTXPHcZxSsWEr3E2_esyDSYEz7aBi8O78vFKPkOnDi_scXFYOcgitPr9rVX3aAY403uG6PWYsyZjENhtDXVPbXbqBo0nQ/s320/08222008+011.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center">Thanks for looking! I'm not sure that I'll be posting again until after the big move. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-53735644417448040732008-07-18T10:10:00.000-07:002008-07-18T10:18:09.196-07:00Pictures of the Bridal Party Bags<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr2CYy1exKRDR1_fywZEB1ty9j8TjIBEEWzefyEhPeHEAIgJTGPvNKLfKF_VbHipgCjlaXIBer6PQpTloOCeAKTBA75JBv-ss_o645OGS3SNttgBOGoZ_bTJAJV-goXOZ9lnvwg/s1600-h/bridal+bag+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr2CYy1exKRDR1_fywZEB1ty9j8TjIBEEWzefyEhPeHEAIgJTGPvNKLfKF_VbHipgCjlaXIBer6PQpTloOCeAKTBA75JBv-ss_o645OGS3SNttgBOGoZ_bTJAJV-goXOZ9lnvwg/s320/bridal+bag+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224403871954252210" border="0" /></a>I received the first pictures of the <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2008/05/7-bridal-party-handbags.html">Bridal Party Bags</a> for Devon's wedding in action!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQLCzcwpP2xATTF4Ps_qqG3QlTGm0Ten7DrzksYzTCYXG7XaHULgCpLJes-2vb0DzF9hSlAJoobY7NNyFoBjR6_8VHVylU9xUPWZKdtS1IPLP0ixUYtX_Ahp5EMIjsumI7qjXWQ/s1600-h/bridal+bag+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQLCzcwpP2xATTF4Ps_qqG3QlTGm0Ten7DrzksYzTCYXG7XaHULgCpLJes-2vb0DzF9hSlAJoobY7NNyFoBjR6_8VHVylU9xUPWZKdtS1IPLP0ixUYtX_Ahp5EMIjsumI7qjXWQ/s320/bridal+bag+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224403861647568290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNCxVchIp0XRQbsqb_gt-QNa_khK6p5txzu-LI0BfAZ8GTNbfEjJmqTI95b2BzvkW4aYZVPPfNbA236BVPW-xg_y_mxqUGsFaj9ZCo6a0yJP7dEmJ8zw6Cp1wVgRy1vkyeynruw/s1600-h/bridal+bag+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNCxVchIp0XRQbsqb_gt-QNa_khK6p5txzu-LI0BfAZ8GTNbfEjJmqTI95b2BzvkW4aYZVPPfNbA236BVPW-xg_y_mxqUGsFaj9ZCo6a0yJP7dEmJ8zw6Cp1wVgRy1vkyeynruw/s320/bridal+bag+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224403870181613890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Congrats to Devon and Dan!!!</span></span><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-50867622661731311012008-07-17T12:13:00.000-07:002008-07-17T12:27:53.141-07:00Patchwork Purse<div align="center"> Last night, my friend Audrey and I took a class at <a href="http://www.austincraftorama.com/">Craft-o-rama</a>, the best place to take crafty classes in Austin! I've taken their tote bag (sewing 101) class and their Wrap Skirt Class. As evidenced by the... uh... <em>THIRTEEN</em> wrap skirts that I've made and posted on this blog, it's obvious that I enjoyed them!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">We decided to take the Craft-O-Rama Patchwork Bag Class in which Hayley, the awesome & friendly owner of the store, teaches you a bag that she designed. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The class was very fun with a great group of women. We chatted and joked around whilst singing along to lots of fun 80's music.... oh and we made insanely cute bags!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I'm hoping to get pictures of Audrey's ridiculously fun bag - I'll update this post once I do. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />For now, here's mine. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224066606229509922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3QUe1FK5wJFRyNbjbpesiFCMNvNyiSfGf51f4uCYK11-WTUdHmSFdD-OPzLLPCSATA_wTq_WJ9zQnsGWnkFGPBBNlivC3IDAmXnwceD4JP5cA5rr_CfMgb3_MjsQ6GH6FNKUCQ/s320/patchwork.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-72148970806086690622008-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:002008-07-17T12:22:56.801-07:00Felt so Good...<div align="center">Back in May of 2006, I made <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2006/05/moms-market-bag.html">my first felted bag</a>. Actually, I haven't felted anything since then, so I guess it was also my most recent! I used <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/Apr_May_2005/patt_pike_place_market_bag.html">Crochet Me's Pike Place Market Bag Pattern</a>. I didn't actually finish it, though. And I never sent it to my mom. The reason is that when I tried to use yarn to sew on the handles, it didn't look very nice or neat. I tried handsewing with thread, but my stitches were hideous and not strong enough for the very thick, wool fabric. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">So, I put it in a bag in a rack of my UFOs (unfinished objects), stored in the back of my closet. And there it sat. And sat. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">A few days ago, I was sorting through some of my UFOs and stumbled on this bag. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">*Lightbulb*</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I now have a kicka** sewing machine!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">So on Tuesday night, my long forgotten UFO turned into a beautiful Market Bag that my Mom can take with her to <a href="http://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/">Weaver Street Market</a>. I'll add more pictures once I have some, but for now...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224062996963714130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gJEhkJFLX5SHmYkgMveNyF3tJynFnd9orPJy34F9b6IbJRTXANmT3VHSSRbv26RuzYhVK-9163ONaEl2Slop9jFh-8a0_lU4TsGY-wNeu61GTJUwjj3cecq4akPS8gKiB7DOxw/s320/market+bag.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Sorry for the long delay, Mom!</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-13926733703232702272008-06-24T06:12:00.000-07:002008-06-24T08:28:55.034-07:00A Bag for Miriam<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZwbxmAWlpcC1edMq8Gxrj0X3IBkyXiWpHR5qdNllVEUg_OBXoZ8m7U5opcTtU302bE5JC9QzndgzLWyGlE2VuC-yjl9HCtM6HnPwBvGiNxoKIHF7Ss0aFgpRwFWFDHdDUsCWrw/s1600-h/06242008+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215438850924682386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZwbxmAWlpcC1edMq8Gxrj0X3IBkyXiWpHR5qdNllVEUg_OBXoZ8m7U5opcTtU302bE5JC9QzndgzLWyGlE2VuC-yjl9HCtM6HnPwBvGiNxoKIHF7Ss0aFgpRwFWFDHdDUsCWrw/s320/06242008+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Last year for Miriam's birthday, I made her one of the cutest ami's I've ever made/designed, <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/07/hot-pink-monkey-for-miriam-miriams.html">this hot pink ami monkey</a>. The monkey was tragically stolen from her (really!?! seriously!?!?). Anyway, this year, I wanted to make her something special again. Her baby is off to college and a lot of things will be changing in the new year. </div><br /><div align="center">I made a bag for her using the same basic pattern as I used for <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2008/03/test-bag-for-devons-bridal-party.html">the bridal test bag</a>. But, I drew out the size and shape that I wanted it to be instead of using the pattern. I wanted it to be big, but with a longer main handle, since she likes bags with long handles. The size is hard to tell from these pictures, but the body of the bag is 15" across and the length of the longest handle from bag body to shoulder is 12"</div><br /><div align="center">It's a carryall tote that is washable. Since she recently picked up crochet, maybe it'll be a good tote for her larger projects! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>Bag Open, Lining</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215438857934303170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmARH-7kZXHjcGseYJu4eboxm8kU2FkBmIVgZvY8X9erciYDZlkTVxUs3Gxo8hIWQt7lO9-5eg3kk9O1jE3tfNaMJbZk06XJqoU6lUVRTSJuUgq5suimlIFwe7REFjvdkJ3S5sEA/s320/06242008+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><em>Bag Open, Back</em></div><div align="center"><em></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215438863066376690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYzjG_jhq8HE8NthelMmrUqcP_uTyg6oaraxEOPF9LrdVxbWb4Y-vZGD-MfWCJrbqLZcAi9jUCC0jB_Z7YgFQKUFQchQsW1DpoZBxzi0PPeDTLvJqfoBrOjYnA_aQbfS8d6k8uA/s320/06242008+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center"><em>Bag Closed, Front</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215438855560095074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4knO474cseuFmslWeql8avkBlRY-NqXW-zdW3OzMZl9zpYOBRvLbX2k05FZpkREY52Zx046AfgVdHe0GQorJfFYae4-H1NdX_8x3MyIinemnKqVU1Z-sDw5OQtqbJNYbO69inTA/s320/06242008+002.jpg" border="0" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-83836211944741316442008-06-23T06:21:00.000-07:002008-06-24T08:29:02.469-07:00Skirts for Megan<div align="center"> This weekend, I turned my apartment into a one-woman, self-imposed sweatshop of sorts, to the chagrin of Beethoven and Lily-cat. They aren't quite sure what they did to deserve the neglect. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215068325790940258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY4i_9w6096QcnbroZhsvkbSPzT1jJIpdUiJKw8jObgz3eZuuHIx8xQeb6g2-YJgkpBjhXBLvo6Eg10ljX-PgoKxKPtbDJTiA0S26ihyref_F6uL_8_1FCWn5GiVVvE5m5SgkiA/s320/06162006+003.jpg" border="0" /> Really, they should just be thrilled that they don't have opposable thumbs. Because, while I slaved away, this is what Beethoven did:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215068776282769650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjTDqcq9SpWrp83rEgXrt8ZMC3aNDx3fU9qskbEjVqsLDlS0cU_MD7SkB0mT7dXFFxv5uP04xV_oUIuzlO-F1KLBP0dHSAW-Y1QULPDtGspREAtorBSiAgE0RZpU1G9ucBTgz3w/s320/06232008+024.jpg" border="0" />Excuse the blur... I had to be quick like a ninja so as not to wake him. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Despite their best efforts to lie on the fabric while I was trying to cut it... bat at the loose threads, knock over the sewing box... and roll around on their backs begging for tummy rubs, I actually was able to accomplish what I set out to do. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I made 5 skirts for my sister Megan to wear to work or for fun or whatever. She originally asked me to make her some wrap skirts for a more professional, albeit fun look awhile back. Ok, months ago! It's been on my list for a long time. Since I am seeing her this weekend (YAY!), I decided now was the time. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">On Thursday night, I cut the fabric and between Friday evening and Saturday night, I had them all sewn. They are all machine washable and I pre-washed them so she can wash them on hot if she needs to (with a toddler, she needs to not worry about that kind of stuff!). </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Sunday, I made a bag for my friend Miriam. I'm still handstitching part of the handle. Once I'm finished, I'll post those pictures as well. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">For now, here are the pictures of Megan's New Skirts. (Megan, if any of these don't suit your fancy, no worries... ) ;o) The skirts are modeled by my new best friend Yolanda. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215072369250266162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN6JuhyDWedSPyHbUp8J2qGTkA8IY2WguL9vUVfwVcHPPllfalmqgq32hGV2YCZY3Ni0LFXiNrKSXXdIJ6bXkPhgDF0YymJmg9sYhfsH6jUFZSYCppFbBwInOzQzm3OdY3fV45g/s320/06232008+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215072684027054978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW1SHhPYnWpzGXpz6HemYBDqT6vY5_VpM-WBFmscjFaLBZuZ-xoWAv6lGMUhdUCn6SEfuwo5IRlAJTtwWNCKp1ykFuZfmdZL01n_0PAz8eKJ1HrhX0WFMhatg3z1ZfMiBruN72Q/s320/06232008+010.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215073422548694642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUykTqWhe-W7F-izIOat1VoQq3XXlQtnQnpjaIVLn5dsOdPaBEfaq2wEdJOpYvCGxGEnYDL_hvtcS4FaQBPiJVG0CjY7Pksr99Y8II0FJ4bb9qOr-QrAiUU8wfZEhWzhKdXwL-2w/s320/06232008+014.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215072930056305090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcqTkTy1J-LKxIzBW6mpeuCXrqSvLwkuv9n8q6IHb5kjSAv8vx7QJwZqiKVEk-oOSbhny9A0_6ptZT44Mfcroe26Nd0oMFxGDauWqBN29U5jk9A8gK7RXegHdIdLMnl5e139YKA/s320/06232008+011.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215073299872003090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtUANqhc7ilJ2pz5r5KqxIgrh_LOI_Xgt-Sk63Oho_kMZpiw89PAdoHmRQcBhULlG0Z_ZLD2Ej6jXvLNv2MxZRNBo2PfzDOD4_RImweEzwUkaZNjp74MmQoQ2xGoiAmHvlCfhjg/s320/06232008+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215073426373300338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78tbUfMCyIe06k7P4c-IAZnSRHoP1gNesEIzW4-ptkKcX0054vRSA1yqSmSYhA69OlFYr7JmBWesJ_QjI3ePzsyNha-i1ADdqiRlZ6FjB0PrFviRYpQ_zYuQ5VeUy14jpCyRjDg/s320/06232008+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215073434230801362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7jT0t-ijW4bbuvCmJJRQPU6g46Grw-3JgeNdpH-yvdVghPXf2f2VKdDDdFeWT7vNK5PIIHc1y3gT3wnBXtv5o1DI9G-goc1b9oTgZzZnb-AFnlgudbzbcI6t2Dd0fVofgtARkw/s320/06232008+020.jpg" border="0" />Some cute and fun skirts just in time for summer! The fabrics were all from hobby lobby with the exception of the Amy Butler (second skirt pictured above) which was sweetly donated by my friend Nicole. The skirts will be ironed out and probably look a heck of a lot better on my sister (sorry Yolanda, but you don't have much in the way of hips). </p><p align="center">I'll post pics of the bag for Miriam hopefully tomorrow. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-44583689730957131012008-05-16T08:51:00.000-07:002008-05-16T09:37:51.997-07:007 Bridal Party Handbags<div align="center"> As I mentioned in <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2008/03/test-bag-for-devons-bridal-party.html">an earlier post</a>, I was asked to make some handbags for Devon's Bridal Party. She and Dan are getting married THIS WEEKEND which is exciting and wonderful. I'm super-happy for them!<br /></div><div align="center">I made the test bag (details in the above linked post) by shrinking the size of the handbag pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-1-2-3-Leisure/dp/1601406916/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202852280&sr=1-1">this book</a> (bag is pictured on the cover). My good friend Nicole helped me out with the tough spots and the test bag ended up turning out very cute. So I figured that the actual bags would be no biggie. </div><br /><div align="center">whoops ;o) </div><br /><div align="center">Devon was sweet enough to send me the fabric that she wanted me to use -- which was a huge help so that I didn't have to stress over whether or not the bags would match the dresses properly. The fabric was beautiful - a textured, loosely woven silk with turquoise and pale green flowers and a satiny-off-white. The "wrong-side" of the fabric is the one that Devon needed me to use, though, since it matched the dresses better than the right side. Being a total beginner, I didn't know that this would pose much of a problem. But, alas, it made it a bit more difficult. </div><br /><div align="center">I went out and bought special needles for my machine that would sew silk and pinking shears. </div><br /><div align="center">The body of the bag looked fine, but the handles of the bags weren't quite as cooperative. With the small size of the handles and pulling them inside out and then sewing the tops, the loosely woven silk was fraying from the pressure. Apparently, using the wrong side was making it worse, as the textured silk was woven in such a way that the wrong side is the side that frays. </div><br /><div align="center">As sewing the handles together at the top is the last step, I saved this step for last in my assembly line. This means that I made all seven bags before I realized that the tops weren't looking so hot. And by not so hot, I mean, they were falling apart as I stitched them, and would probably get worse and fall completely apart just in time for the bridal party pictures. </div><br /><div align="center">Awesome, right?</div><br /><div align="center">Pictured below is the best out of the bunch, I apologize for the fuzziness of the picture. I was a bit crabby when I took it!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201008572554443938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNv4QbsfjgR16jl5yWlZLxLXHDV-bbREKbfY_-0U1sZ08Y6TeqB-I3w9LqWx92y18O-6ITLjRxxtQ31GtBKLc80xKpbXCBefU-9Kje1_gnCPJbEiTO0UTofdU8jPQ_Ttfsa5Gmpg/s320/4302008+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I stared at the 7 ghetto bags and tried to figure out a solution. This means that I wrote several whiny emails to Nicole begging her for advice. I thought about adding a bias tape seam around the handles and mouth of the bag... but the handles are so tiny in diameter, that it could end up looking even worse. Plus, bias tape is generally cotton, as Nicole reminded me. She suggested a <a href="http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html">french seam</a> - which I knew how to do but didn't know that it had a name. But, unfortunately, the fraying was SO bad that there wasn't even enough fabric for it. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><p align="center">I looked at my 7 ghetto bags and was very sad - and worried about whether or not I could get them done in time for the wedding. Sure, I could send what I had to her, but they looked so pathetic looking. And let's face it, the pathetic-look doesn't generally go with the rest of the wedding decorations. </p><p align="center">I started looking up hundreds of clutch bag patterns online and thought of just starting over with a new bag design. </p><p align="center">At home one night, I was staring at the bags lying out on my coffee table, trying to will them to tell me what the solution was. While I was staring them down, I realized that the body of the bags was actually really cute. It was just the handles that were tragic and disasterous. </p><div align="center"></div><p align="center">hmm. </p><div align="center">I took my pattern cut out and cut off the handles. Then, I made the body of the bag only in the lining fabric, outer fabric, and batting. I took the handle pieces that I cut out and laid them on the fold of each of the fabrics and cut out long and short handles. </div><div align="center"><br />I sewed the handles into tubes and turned them right side out... I did a top stitch on the handles. Then, I sewed the handles into the tops of the bags. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center">Viola. No visible fraying. </p><p align="center">For the other 6 bags I cheated and took the bags formerly known as Ghetto and cut off their handles. I made new tube handles for them and sewed them in. </p><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/05142008025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/05142008028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/05142008029.jpg" border="0" />Anyway, I hope that the bride and the bridal party are happy with the results. It was a great learning experience for me & I hope everyone likes them. Eventually, I'm hoping to get a few pictures of the girls carrying them to post up. </p><p align="center">In other news, I spent last week in Seattle with family. It was great to hang out and veg with family and I got to meet my newest niece. Of course, all aunties think their nieces and nephews are brilliant--- but get this, my newest niece is already so very alert and actually smiles when you laugh. So sweet. She's so very interactive for a wee lil one month old!</p><p align="center">It was great to get away. My allergies actually were completely clear the entire time I was there, which was a wonderful and welcome change. </p><p align="center">Anyway, for the future nursery, here are some letters for decoration that I crafted. Just got the letters from Hobby Lobby and modge-podged pretty scrapbooking paper that I cut out to them. Cute and easy baby project-- if you are looking for a good gift ;o) </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201014984940616882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEGGGGHBbaOhL_q2BaaQ5S0H0p2G2Ar9aPHL-tI82E-LGRJSRnz1cC4ltv6TaiXoO9pibQO_cyZ9AKX3kqCMou2nwuVtkh-VpIqUMFl26oLKioXrs9r4MMAKRhLsvIwRdQrV0xg/s320/05142008+033.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-88029923786278707942008-04-11T07:46:00.000-07:002008-04-11T07:59:59.482-07:00Duke's Baby Chucks<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PoxNaUtqR6-u_nHpGf473voAN3wS3vavTWkeMY5g2E_4qiW5MtM9rR0jA9jbMnThksziwNmhGSCoD4m_xqZJpwLp9s31QnsTDsFzldv_qGOGuaGgGLl-mJ9e0TEjUGfDaTb0Cw/s1600-h/Kimseys+baby+chucks+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188001513995199538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PoxNaUtqR6-u_nHpGf473voAN3wS3vavTWkeMY5g2E_4qiW5MtM9rR0jA9jbMnThksziwNmhGSCoD4m_xqZJpwLp9s31QnsTDsFzldv_qGOGuaGgGLl-mJ9e0TEjUGfDaTb0Cw/s320/Kimseys+baby+chucks+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I made another pair of baby chucks this week for my friend Kimsey's brand new nephew Duke. I actually decided to make the soles of the booties differently than I made the <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2008/02/finished-pair-of-chucks.html">other baby chucks</a> I winged a few weeks ago. The reason why is that I was using a different yarn, which was softer, thinner, and makes a less sturdy fabric. The yarn I was using was from mill ends in a baby chennile. Supersoft, and perfect for baby booties, but just not as thick as worsted weight yarn. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188001720153629794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Wcz95IfX6f1BmeJqgxxeCbVBMkI1NyIRiLqloXeZyyIHwXYm4u3dAbnGTUUd3QjKEo2E6Ggfkwc7tqSbyU3swP9GfNCPAgzh3EfXmkK2xZ7SuDT6Opj5pvuI9SAqzifjq613w/s320/Kimseys+baby+chucks+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, I made the sole in rounds and added the toe. Then, I did the same upper (or hi-top) as I did before. I made the tongue of the shoe a little longer and more pronounced. Then, I decided to add a star logo like the all stars have. I made it by stitching in black 5 sc in the round and then a round of hdc in white. Then, I sewed the circle down to the shoe. It's kind of puffy (stuffed with the ends), but I like it. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">Hooray for Auntie Kimsey!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188001518290166850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggskMTJiEM10Q3QfZZbK7rQgXYeeLW1HsJ1Gm7mYRK-9K4PSfFvzISukrm0FmLO_xpGK665dGxRjfkryGwSH4-SJpMPa40t4rduwVD5kvdwfv2ent7h8IeKPwpoPx2gWUHtubfOQ/s320/Kimseys+baby+chucks.jpg" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-21274877979019571082008-04-04T09:14:00.000-07:002008-04-04T09:35:31.909-07:00LaRusso Lovebird Hat<div align="center">Whilst measuring the noggin of one of my coworkers so that his wife could crochet him a hat with my help, another coworker asked if I'd be willing to make a custom hat for his baby. Of course, I love making baby stuff, but I was especially excited when he told me that he and his wife wanted a hat that looked like their lovebird. I thought it would be an interesting challenge and a lot of fun. </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>Together, we came up with this design of what the hat could look like.</em></strong> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/larussolovebird.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center">The biggest concerns that they had were that I made 4 gray toes on the bird (to match their lovebird), included wings, and found a very bright green. Luckily, I still had some <a href="http://www.caron.com/color_cards/cc_brites.html">Caron Simply Soft - Brites</a> in Limelight. </p><br /><p align="center">I did the main hat in half double crochet, with earflaps. Sizing-wise, the hat is currently a few sizes to big for her, as we're hoping that she can wear it comfortably next winter. Woven hats during an Austin Summer just don't work that well. The wings were made the same manner as the ear flaps, but larger and with a picot edge. The ties were done in long rows of half double crochet in a Red Heart Charcoal. The toes were made out of "X's" made also in half double. And the beak and the eyes were done in scraps of yarn in single crochet. </p><br /><p align="center"><em><strong>Here is the Lovely Lady in Her LaRusso Lovebird Hat</strong></em> </p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/averyinbirdhatdresser.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/averyinbirdhat1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/averyinbirdhatsmile2.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Isn't she adorable? </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-35957329909136660342008-03-31T06:58:00.000-07:002008-03-31T09:12:25.376-07:00Cowgirl Booties<div align="center">My friend & coworker Justin saw the <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/11/silent-auction-benefit-concert-for.html">cowboy booties</a> that I made for a silent auction and asked if could make a pair for his niece-to-be. She is due in a few weeks, so I made them this weekend in Caron Simply Soft Pink and Red Heart Super Saver Buff. <a href="http://hometown.aol.com/fourleafcl1064/page69.html">The Cowboy Booties</a> pattern is one of the very few patterns that I actually follow without changing it up. Actually, maybe the only one! The booties are sized for a newborn and super-cute! </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/3312008006.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/3312008005.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center">In other news, the Wags and Whiskers Annual Dinner Auction to Benefit the <a href="http://www.humaneleague.com/">Humane League of Lancaster County</a> was held on Saturday. It was a huge success and everyone had a great time. This morning, my sister sent me this adorable picture of the lucky recipient of the GI Joe dog sweater that I donated. His name is Mickey, isn't he adorable? ... er, I mean, isn't he super-tough in his camo? </p><br /><p align="center"></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/Mickeyssweater001.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-85325892028622722792008-03-25T07:41:00.000-07:002008-03-26T11:47:49.005-07:00Tough Guy - Sewn Dog Jacket<div align="center">A friend of mine is living with his sister and her two toy dogs that she loves to dress. The great thing is that the dogs both love to wear clothes and come running happily every time she pulls out an outfit for them. He knew that I was getting into sewing jackets and asked me to make a "tough guy" jacket for the male dog of the pair, since apparently, some of his current outfits are lacking a bit of testosterone. Hopefully, soon, I'll have pictures of this jacket modeled... but for now, here it is. Of course, Lily-Cat loves photo shoots and was desperate to get in every shot. So, the paw here and there is her trying to add value, glitz, and glamour to the frame. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0564.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0565.jpg" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-52359360888400186882008-03-24T09:24:00.000-07:002008-03-26T11:47:58.320-07:00On the Catwalk...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAH9Lse-xiRL82MB3-_8eZiBHDVeBbvVOK0zVkeyI2qzqxMx4nXxw0RWnRMfBoxjUfRWt48tMRJGeLyhGIEnorCcuSJeZQaLIaoLJllkynw3L742Fie5k-m_dUIenL6zLKYi73Q/s1600-h/allthree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181349093375948834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAH9Lse-xiRL82MB3-_8eZiBHDVeBbvVOK0zVkeyI2qzqxMx4nXxw0RWnRMfBoxjUfRWt48tMRJGeLyhGIEnorCcuSJeZQaLIaoLJllkynw3L742Fie5k-m_dUIenL6zLKYi73Q/s320/allthree.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My sister received my contributions to the Wags and Whiskers Annual Dinner Auction to benefit the <a href="http://www.humaneleague.com/">Humane League of Lancaster County</a>. She even took some pictures of a few of the sweaters on some "dogs". So, thanks to her, you can have a better idea of what these dog sweaters will look like when their future owner struts their stuff in them. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em>Fiesta Print with Sage Trim</em></strong> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181349106260850754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSE-TEgiVGzLBhwGbwDjCD-0a8Xu7n_TN7qGXm8s8b6i45nldJPXF8MkQx_MpOmUXkpZau-uPIdNwFJsP6-9lINgqbJzR2HQa9ndy9ZNACikd6SuZ0qOiCAmMUFidZOk4FsTDtQ/s320/sweater3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181349097670916146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvOjavPnVzEBknza7E6seauC3Qy8JeC6tPOSNtibno3IqEVfVpqf_-Za9ENMXV613xkCJA6cOUod6qxle4cJvvXsKlKlY7zTeZJnLjmcAUUzJyYbeFbpcNK2MBkOCK8iDiIsqQw/s320/sweater2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><em>GI Joe</em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>He's an American Hero, you know....</em></strong> </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181349089080981522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiDDnUnu4tHaxGBBGPhuy2GhIHaAoud_G_5fXgi3IR_pcGDUnpcyGppyQ5SVWV5RioJvwTdoHWjKgKAZjHVTtwmMeTSu-9Isoe8DzoGcObekQ2XTixoN0-E_0GCQniV8eGnqRMw/s320/gijoe.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><strong><em>Barbie and GI Joe... </em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>or Miss Piggy since she obviously is begging for attention...</em></strong> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181349080491046914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxIy4SpVNJW1bz66wemXyBsXSYzu_XLOh7sO_o3NWlwqUk6EfmlWgl-GdFnqzuE2olijKHlKcXGT714g4uTw3rCV1fl7_xfbEDumq2fRIhptQOK3xtBocBgzoSXFwBppmvVJZeg/s320/barbiandgijoe.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Enjoy!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-84251972862081673822008-03-18T06:42:00.000-07:002008-03-18T14:40:37.816-07:00Test Bag for Devon's Bridal Party<div align="center"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/31808001.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/31808001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lately, I have been taking on some projects for my family and a few friends to help them out while gaining some sewing skillz. The latest one is for my younger sister's bff - Devon - and her bridal party. I'm going to make small bags for her bridal party that coordinate with their bridesmaids dresses. The original plan was to do just fun bags for them for the bachelorette party, but time wasn't on our side.<br /><br />Really, though, it's actually kind of exciting for me to be helping out with the bags. Bridgid and Devon have been friends for years and years. When they first became friends, I was their driver to many a freshman year event. So, I hung out with them a lot. Back then, I also met her soon-to-be husband... since Devon is actually marrying her high school sweetheart. I know, I didn't know that actually happened in real life, either :o)<br /><br />Anyway, I'm thrilled for Devon and very happy to help out with her wedding. So, hopefully the bags don't suck.<br /><br />Since I'm very green at sewing, I picked a pattern that was from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-1-2-3-Leisure/dp/1601406916/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202852280&sr=1-1">a beginner book </a>that teaches the basics. Keywords: Beginner and Basics. Even though it was supposed to be pretty simple, I enlisted the help of my friend Nicole who is an expert sew-girl. She studied costume design at UT and actually understands patterns (something that is completely lost on me).<br /><br />I've been teaching her crochet, so it was kind of a trade off of sorts. And let's face it, she gets to hang out with moi, which is a privilege in and of itself. ;)<br /><br />I helped her out with her and her boy's theme party costumes --they were to be GI Joes for an 80's party. She had bought the camo pants and black shirts and we ironed on a GI Joe graphic to the front of the shirts. I was there to make sure that it was somewhat centered and straight.<br /><br />Eventually, after procrastinating, we started on the "Beginner" and "Basic" bag.<br /><br />If Nicole had not been there, I probably would have given up and tried a different pattern.<br /><br />There were a couple of steps that were really confusing... and a few that are just plain annoying.<br /><br />Now that I know what to do, the next bags will be much easier... it's just that there were a few things on the first bag that I coulda woulda shoulda done differently. Also, the bags for Devon's wedding will be with a thinner, smoother material, so it will be easier to do some of the steps.<br /><br />Anyway, the bag is still cute, but it did take some time and elbow grease. We made it much smaller than the original... and I think it's tres cute. The small orange is pictured to show approximate size. </div><div align="center"><br /><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>Closed bag.</em><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/31808002.jpg" border="0" /><em> Bag open, lying flat, back.</em></p><p></p><div align="center"></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/31808004-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>Open Bag, Lining Exposed.</em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/31808005.jpg" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-54792812763487737342008-03-05T09:45:00.000-08:002008-03-18T08:11:41.362-07:00Latest Skirt<div align="center"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0538.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0538.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0540.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I made a skirt for my friend Tiffany on Saturday for taking care of my kitties over Christmas. I'm hoping to get pictures of her skirt soon.<br /><br /><br />After I made hers, I figured, eh, why not make another one?<br /><br /><br />So I made one for me. These skirts take about an hour to make and are very comfortable.... one size fits all.<br /><br />My next sewing projects are 7 bags for my sister's best friend's wedding... and pillows for another sister's living room.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-15978860937882383822008-03-05T07:53:00.000-08:002008-03-18T08:14:22.673-07:00Ready To Wear: Dog Fashion<div align="center">I reallyreally wish that I had these dog sweaters photographed on an adorable dog... but alas... You'll have to just pretend. I considered buying a life-sized plushie to model the sweaters, but then I figured Beethoven would tear the poor, defenseless toy to shreds before I ever got around to the photo shoot... </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">so imagine these on adorable puppies. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The sweaters will be part of the silent auction "Wags and Whiskers" to benefit <a href="http://www.humaneleague.com/">The Humane League of Lancaster County </a>where my sister works. </div><p align="center">The great thing about these sweaters is that they work up super-quickly! </p><p align="center"><strong><em>Camoflage Print</em></strong> </p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0517.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br /><strong><em>Sized XS in a pull over sweater. Let the neighborhood know that he’s boss.</em><br /></strong></p><br /><p align="center">I used <a href="http://members.aol.com/JSchlossma/jsw.html" target="_blank">this pattern </a>and only made small adjustments and made it in Bernat Camo yarn. It's pretty tiny, but I think it will fit a chihuahua nicely. </p><p align="center"><br /><strong><em>Lilac and Lace</em></strong> </p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0513.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0544.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><em></em><strong><em>Sized S and fastens around the neck and tummy band. Pretty and sweet.<br /></em></strong></p><br /><p align="center">I crocheted this one in lavender (caron Simply soft) with cream trim (hobby lobby cottontots). It's a hybrid of several patterns with the addition of a lace stitch from a book of stitches that I have. I added a few buttons to close it and a bow at the neck. I used <a href="http://www.geocities.com/dress_your_chi//basic.html" target="_blank">this free pattern</a> as part of the pattern "suggestion"... but I took a lot of liberties with it.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><br /><strong><em>Hot Pink Diva with Fur Trim</em></strong></p><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0543.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0542.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center"><em><strong>Sized S in a pull over sweater. She’s Ready for her Close-up!</strong></em> </p><p align="center">For this sassy number, I didn't use a pattern. I just used the other already made sweaters as a guide. this is the only one that isn't washable-- and that's because of the fur trim.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><strong><em>Fiesta Print with Sage Trim</em></strong> </p><br /><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0512.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0511.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em>Sized XS in a pull over sweater. Perfect for a Party Girl.</em></strong> </p><p align="center">Lily-Cat is jealous because it isn't in her size.<br />I used <a href="http://kristinaskrochet.50webs.com/thornssweaterfreepattern.htm" target="_blank">this pattern</a> with minimal adjustments and made it in red heart yarn... I washed it with fabric softener and a dryer sheet and now it feels nice and soft.<br /><br /><strong><em>Pink Camoflage </em></strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175005950700725346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNO_XzUO2RalMhnT2MUh9K0xvjs8bjTF1uY6H7ASgNNqkrFNY4b6AJdfe_Af1jSxtlh3JSfAYbfYe1gFdFVvxnxyHt7ocAdbrCgQkKvGUomPDyw0QWcbv7CdP5lt4XWSLTe8TKg/s320/030708+002.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175005933520856146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhic4jGYpRMzHpxxCMaazuQXlNZ6gdh97DNBUpz_AU_xj-cHvPoDzkzy4Sb7oZVOJhK9LrOIOGrZNwbp0kzNRRzTdfFgpJOtoTog9rQbUb7eEfCIPi1XlqK1we3rSw3xpoaZWhtw/s320/030708+001.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175005967880594546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnYRQaugghoLVHKn9Xi_9CckoUN9k4Z4g-Tx2VLlyJdJGJV1n6loP1fOKkPASMnfg98d5lXfiGIwm24H6IzD85s75ZuVeBpm-6aR89o6X92uwu3g-TXQT2fY81QkslaU0ZLdtkA/s320/030708+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><strong><em>Sized S in a pull over sweater. For the girl who’s a bit of a tomboy.</em></strong> </p><p align="center">Just updated with pictures. I made it in Rose Camo by Bernat. I was actually disappointed by this yarn because it barely looks camo since there are only two colors (pink and green) instead of three. Oh, well. I used <a href="http://kristinaskrochet.50webs.com/thornssweaterfreepattern.htm" target="_blank">this pattern</a> again... but changed it up a lot... mostly because the camo wasn't striping well (it looked like a checkerboard!)... so I did different stitches... I'll take a picture tonight. </p><p align="center">Thanks for looking!</p><p align="center">Hope these items help raise money for lots of lil cuties. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-51091794474282172272008-02-29T06:57:00.000-08:002008-03-18T08:15:24.119-07:00Finished Pair of Chucks<div align="center">I wanted to share the finished chucks that I will be donating to the silent auction at <a href="http://www.humaneleague.com/">The Humane League of Lancaster County</a> where my sister works. They are my own pattern (as mentioned below) and take very little time compared to other booties I've made. I think that another cute use for these would be to tie them together and put them over your car's review mirror instead of fuzzy dice...<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QUH7eCsQtIJht9kvcGZONsUNOgfEWo0D8jcAOteu9QtBF0etO4JVvgrN3sv7JcN5N4l82gnjyH7Oodlg8MhmkVdVkHyQaoSOC-BHzID22dTlavTPZIaWbs1ifZpBsSTtqjmwQ/s1600-h/022908+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172417306702958386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QUH7eCsQtIJht9kvcGZONsUNOgfEWo0D8jcAOteu9QtBF0etO4JVvgrN3sv7JcN5N4l82gnjyH7Oodlg8MhmkVdVkHyQaoSOC-BHzID22dTlavTPZIaWbs1ifZpBsSTtqjmwQ/s320/022908+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T0eCnraMIv8tVhvJFwX-Sob91-AcQdjk1BvGKazJyAZM6VOGh-Sf0w3Q-pIkVv4BM88uODrrNilLbEWlQT6KmI0KJgYJNi74jhMOtSZmOTqps5HoIPD6z7P5PFMTWFdokxhn4A/s1600-h/022908+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172417319587860290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T0eCnraMIv8tVhvJFwX-Sob91-AcQdjk1BvGKazJyAZM6VOGh-Sf0w3Q-pIkVv4BM88uODrrNilLbEWlQT6KmI0KJgYJNi74jhMOtSZmOTqps5HoIPD6z7P5PFMTWFdokxhn4A/s320/022908+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbCwT81pQXByipCQ85kyq7SF39Y_Bv9TAPL8yMChNAXoOEgi7QHD1rZGd0YELVgl4yBWmMKL82snn-fVgpZfE3ieIKnF0RaCqCT2GTAKG0A9za9Yt0aCfvLpNutXwBL3j4EaHkA/s1600-h/022908+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172417328177794898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbCwT81pQXByipCQ85kyq7SF39Y_Bv9TAPL8yMChNAXoOEgi7QHD1rZGd0YELVgl4yBWmMKL82snn-fVgpZfE3ieIKnF0RaCqCT2GTAKG0A9za9Yt0aCfvLpNutXwBL3j4EaHkA/s320/022908+003.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Thanks for checking them out -- and happy Friday! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-30629695381375993012008-02-25T08:58:00.000-08:002008-05-02T09:33:40.570-07:00Baby Chucks<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq_-gMqWLlt2Yl8PsWbvULppU83V-3hsnPK_FmF3tgWpXj6J5z4Ax_55vkNhCF1QoLbfORsDv5-Wy7dW93c6_U7BJiPt7Xyta9PfJT8PgRs3ZRG4BgDchS_kf3Iq0dbsvlUgWig/s1600-h/02252008+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170969867985122562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq_-gMqWLlt2Yl8PsWbvULppU83V-3hsnPK_FmF3tgWpXj6J5z4Ax_55vkNhCF1QoLbfORsDv5-Wy7dW93c6_U7BJiPt7Xyta9PfJT8PgRs3ZRG4BgDchS_kf3Iq0dbsvlUgWig/s320/02252008+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Recently, I taught my friend Nicole how to crochet. Since then, she has made two adorable baby sweaters (which hopefully I'll have pictures of soon). One sweater is in a pink that is sweet as frosting. The other is black for a friend who wanted some alternative baby clothes, much to the chagrin of her very traditional and conservative mother. To match the black baby jacket, she wanted to make some cute baby shoes. I hunted around online... and thought, what would be better than <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2860577?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=shoes:athletic&cm_ite=converse_all_star(r)_high_top_sneaker_(baby%2C_walker_%26_toddler):150489&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=1E8FACC1-31E2-DC11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA">baby chucks</a>?</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I saw many <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Baby-Converse-Booties_1/">knit versions </a>online... but no crochet patterns. </div><br /><br /><br />She came over yesterday and we got started on a <a href="http://www.modadea.com/patterns/WM0270.htm">sneaker pattern</a> that we hoped to modify into hi-top converses.<br /><br />After an hour or so of making the soles, I realized that I wasn't loving the pattern. The result was that it looked a lot like the hi-top converse (I'll post a picture tonight of chuck model 1.0), but it was too big for a baby and just way too time intensive.<br /><br /><br /><br />So we scrapped the plan.<br /><br /><br /><br />I decided that a more abstract and less exact version would be faster, less annoying, and still cute. Basically, get the point across without trying to make a perfect copy. I drew up a schematic and we went to work.<br /><br /><br />The result was a bootie in 1/2 the time. I haven't added the star yet and didn't finish both booties, but thought I'd share the first one for now.<br /><br /><br /><br />This pair will be added to the other donations I'm making for a silent auction to benefit <a href="http://www.humaneleague.com/">The Humane League of Lancaster County </a>where my sister works.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-51342597432991812112008-02-21T07:44:00.000-08:002008-03-18T08:16:58.766-07:00Gifts for my Niece-to-Be<div align="center"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0503.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0503.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of my sisters is due next month and I couldn't be more excited for her :o) Most likely, they will be having a lil' girl.. though, everyone knows that that is never 100%.<br /><br /><br />I started out wanting to make a few gender neutral items... but before long, I was making adorable mary jane booties.<br /><br />I'm thinking that they can either cross dress the baby if it's a boy (yes, I kid)... or they can give the inappropriately gendered items to someone who is actually having a girl and I can stitch up some new items.<br /><br /><br /><br />It started innocently enough with a baby blue cardigan... but then I wanted to add some trim and this beautiful lilac yarn was calling my name. Once I added it, I knew it screamed "girl".<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0485.jpg" border="0" /> <p>Then, I wanted to make some cuff booties... and was eyeing my collection of baby yarns. This really soft, varigated baby yarn purchased months ago and used for<a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/06/sundress-for-myla-rose.html"> this sundress</a> for my niece Myla was calling my name. </p><p>I used a bootie pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931171246">Precious Baby Booties </a>which I modified pretty minimally. The turned out a little lumpier than I wanted - but they are still cute. ;o) </p><p>Of course, Lily-Cat had to get in the preliminary shot (before I wove in the ends). She firmly believes that it is not a photo shoot unless her picture has been taken. I think she feels that she increases the value of those items pictured with her. </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0496.jpg" border="0" /> here they are, sans-cat.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0497.jpg" border="0" />Finally... the Mary Janes. Also from the same booklet... though, I changed these up a little more... Both sets of booties are tiny, with a 3 1/2" sole. I hope that they fit her feet!</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0502.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><span style="color:#ccffff;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,51,51)">Congrats again to Betsy and Andy... they are going to make such great parents! I can't wait to meet the new lil one!!!</span></span></em></span> </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-37882468367401965532008-02-20T13:30:00.000-08:002008-03-18T08:17:40.895-07:00Silent Auction Items for Q's Preschool<div align="center">Last year, I crocheted <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/02/mad-hatter.html">a bunch o' hats</a> for a silent auction that benefitted my nephew's preschool. As a long-distance auntie, you really look for any opportunity to get involved with your nephew's life.<br /></div><div align="center">So, when the auction came up this year, I was excited to partake. Of course, with a new lil niece (or nephew?) on the way, I had a lot of different projects in queue and couldn't commit to the volume that I donated last year. </div><div align="center"><br />But, I did what I could. </div><div align="center"></div><p align="center">I made a baby hat and jacket set with beige trim. The navy yarn is almost denim-like, but I think is more of a tweed. It's washable and from some mill ends that my mom picked up. The jacket is sized for 6-12 mos. The hat is for a baby approx 9mos old (or with a head that is 19" around).</p><p align="center">The body of the jacket is a hybrid of few patterns and some own touches-- honestly, I just looked at a few patterns and then picked what I liked from each one and then modified as I saw fit as I went along. The hat was just a standard hat in half double crochet... with a picot edge to match the sleeve edges. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0457.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">Next up, a modified version of <a href="http://www.caron.com/projects/br/br_cno986_baby_hoodie.html">this hoodie pattern </a>(which I also used for <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2007/12/secret-christmas-projects-revealed.html">the dragon baby jacket</a> for my nephew Atticus). I used Caron Simply Soft Yarn for the body and homespun for the edges. This one is sized for 18-24 mos. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0506.jpg" border="0" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-58105778772610965612008-01-15T12:42:00.000-08:002008-03-14T06:34:25.832-07:00Crafty Goals for '08<strong>My (Somewhat Lofty) Crafty Goals for the New Year</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><ol><li>Write patterns of my crochet designs.</li><li>Learn how to follow sewing patterns so that I can branch out a bit in my new hobby. </li><li>Take another Sewing class at Craftorama.</li><li>Design a few new crocheted bags.</li><li>Open an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>.</li><li>Sell a few items through local boutiques in Austin. </li><li>Teach more of my friends how to crochet. </li><li>Participate in more Silent Auctions for Charity. </li><li>Crochet a Blanket for <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/project_rest_assured/">Project Rest Assured</a> (goes to a foster care child in Cleveland, my hometown) and a few hats for <a href="http://www.hats4thehomeless.org/">Hats 4 the Homeless</a>. </li></ol><p><strong>Projects on the docket for the New Year</strong></p><ol><li>Baby Gift for Betsy and Andy</li><li>Silent Auction entry for Q's Preschool</li><li>Cowboy Baby Booties </li><li>Mary Jane Baby Booties</li><li>Blanket for Sheila</li></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-78394519523033241792007-12-31T11:08:00.000-08:002008-03-14T06:47:45.514-07:00Secret Christmas Projects Revealed: Cinderella Topsy Turvy Doll<strong>The next Secret Christmas Project: Cindrella!</strong><br /><p>This Cinderella Topsy Turvy Doll is 100% of my own design/improvisation. I gave it to my niece for Christmas :o) </p><p><br />My sisters and I had one that we all played with and that doll which is long gone was the inspiration for this one. I think by the time I was playing with her, she was a bit worn, but I loved her so much. That doll was blonde, kind of 70's, and made of fabric. On one side, Cinderella is in Rags, you flip the doll over and expose the hidden "Glam" cinderella. Two Dolls in One. </p><p><a href="http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/topics_in_anthropology/106328">This site</a> has interesting information on the history of these dolls... and here is one you can buy through <a href="http://www.fao.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=5381&CAWELAID=99061001">FAO Schwartz</a>. </p><p><br />For my version, I made her with brown hair since my niece has brown hair. I think every little girl likes to have a doll that looks a little bit like them. </p><p><br />I was planning on changing too things to the design - redo the tiara on the glam side (it currently looks like a sweat band a la Olivia Newton John) and I was going to add a broom to the Cinderella in Rags side. </p><p><br />But, I was crunched for time and wanted to give it to her as soon as I could... so without further ado... </p><p></p><p>Cindy's Daytime Look:<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0399.jpg" border="0" /></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0391.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0392.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0390.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0389.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Very Odd Two-Fer Shot...<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0393.jpg" border="0" /><br />Glam Cindy!<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0394.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0394.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0395.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0395.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0397.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0397.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0398.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0398.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><br />Thanks for looking!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22222265.post-25316298031783424232007-12-31T10:39:00.000-08:002008-03-14T06:47:45.514-07:00Secret Christmas Projects Revealed: Dragon Toddler Jacket!<div><div><div><div><div><em>Well... now that my secret projects were given as Christmas Gifts, I can reveal them on here!</em><br /><em>I was excited about both of these projects and it really was hard to not post about them.</em>..</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>First up: Dragon Toddler Sweater for my Nephew</strong></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0400.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/IMG_0402.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Ages ago, I made a <a href="http://oneflewoverthecrochethook.blogspot.com/2006/02/dragon-baby-sweater-and-monkey-oh-my.html">Dragon Baby Sweater</a>. The orginal pattern was from the amazing <a href="http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/Dragon/index.html">Marnie MacLean</a>... but it was in knit and crochet. When I made my version of the Dragon Baby Sweater, I used a hoodie from a book that I had. </div><br /><div>For this updated version, I used this pattern from Caron for <a href="http://www.caron.com/projects/br/br_cno986_baby_hoodie.html" target="_blank">a hooded baby jacket</a> . </div><br /><div>Per usual, I didn't follow the pattern exactly. The changes I made were to not crochet in the back loop only and also to not skip those stitches... I wanted it to be totally solid so I could sew on the "spots". I also edged it with a picot edge... and then added spots and a crocheted tie. For the original, I did ears like the ones on Marnie's pattern.. but for this one, I went with "Shrek-style" ears. The spine on the back of the jacket is an improvised wave/shell stitch. I used <a href="http://www.caron.com/color_cards/cc_simplysoft.html">Caron Simply Soft</a> in Dark Sage and did the accents in Dark Country Blue. </div><div></div><br /><div>I was so worried that it wouldn't fit... but luckily it was the perfect size and my nephew was able to wear it during Christmas!</div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/12102007029.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/gretelgrrl/12102007030.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>yay!</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0