Another (well the same) cotton bag

Here is the bag from below, this time in lime green and all done up as a beach tote! I already have 3 orders for these, which is great. They take about an hour to make, and just over 1 ball of cotton yarn (Approx. 150g).

Girls Cotton Summer Hats

I made these from a free pattern I found on the internet. If you are interested, e-mail me and I'll send you the link. They are made in a round granny square style. They came out bigger than I expected, at 24 inches circumference. My daughter, with her 20 inch head, still loves them. I made a belt (my own pattern) to go with the blue/green hat. My next step will be to try to adjust the pattern so that I can make the hat in various sizes. I think it makes a great summer beanie. Lightweight and with a little "hippie" style.
Simple cotton belt
small amount ww cotton yarn and a G hook

Measure the waist of the recipient. Chain whatever number of stitches gets you to one inch smaller than their waist size.
Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook. Sc across to end. Ch1, turn.
Row 2. Repeat row 1 until desired width. I made 4 rows, which ended in a 1 1/8 in width when completely done. Do not finish off.
Sc evenly around, working 3 sc into each corner at ends. Do end, side edge, end, then sl st into next sc after 4th corner, fasten off and weave in ends. You do not need to complete edging on the last side.
Cut 6 strands to 18 inches each. Double over and put through center of one end using hook making a loop. Draw strands through to create a typical "tassel". Repeat on other end.

You are finished! The tassels are used to tie the belt in the front.

We moved!

We just moved into a new home. I haven't been able to crochet much, and I can't wait to de-stress with a new project. Moving with an almost 4-year-old and a 12-month-old is a challenge! We love our new place, though. Lots more space, storage, hardwood floors, basement, garage, and each child gets their own room. I'm thinking of making something for each of my uncles who helped us out, I'm just not sure what yet. On my list of projects to start next are market bags for my sister and for my etsy store, a custom baby blanket for a customer, a plush throw to use up some homespun and chenille thick n quick I have, slippers that I promised my husband, and anything that can use up the stash of crazy yarn I bought on clearance.

Yellow Star Baby Blanket

I had fun making this one. I figured it would be great for a nursery with a stars and moons theme. I am hoping to sell it through etsy, but if not it will be donated.

Cotton Market Bag

I wanted a quick and easy project, and I love sugar n cream cotton yarn, so I decided to try the pattern for a market bag found on the label. It was super easy, and only took about 3 hours to make. I am selling this one in my etsy store, but I am definitely going to make a collection of them for myself, as soon as all my other projects are finished!

Homespun Coming Home Poncho

Here is the Martha Stewart Coming Home Poncho referenced in my previous blog. I used the L/XL version of the free pattern on lionbrand.com. I never make a pattern as written for some reason, though. I didn't like the collar so I cut it down to 3 rounds, and the last round of the edging made it curl, so I left that last round off. It is made of Homespun in Nouveau as a gift for my mom. I'm going to make one for myself in Windsor next, and then offer them custom made at my etsy store, GideonandEve.etsy.com

My love/hate relationship with Homespun

I couldn't have even touched the stuff when I was first learning to crochet. Those who have worked with Lion Brand Homespun know the true frustration caused by a large, twisting yarn that splits almost just by being looked at, doesn't settle back into shape by pulling, and frays at the end into big useless ponytails that can't be neatly woven in. They also know its allure. The beautiful colors that blend and weave together, the tantalizing idea that it will really "work up quickly" into a thick and lustrous throw, scarf, or sweater. After a year of crocheting, I felt that I was ready to take on the Martha Stewart "Coming Home Poncho" in Homespun. I was doing okay until I got to the edging. Since then I've had to put the piece down over and over again with that tense and crazy feeling in my hands from struggling with this yarn. I will persevere, however. I will finish this project, and then I am sure I will buy this yarn over and over again, unable to give up on the idea that someday I will conquer it.
I will post a pic of my poncho when it is finished.