Crochet Technique: No More Chain Three for Me...

This is a video I just discovered...It is the best one for showing the "no chain three double crochet."  What an awesome technique!

Enjoy...

See more of her videos here.

Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Free Flower Patterns

Today' Pinterest Crochet Inspirations is Free Flower Patterns! These are some of my favorite flower patterns and the best part...they are all free patterns. Love that!

First up a beautiful cream/ecru color gerbera flower. This design is from Drops Design.  I love all of their crochet patterns. I'm not sure its because of the pattern or their beautiful photography...

 

Source: garnstudio.com via Ana on Pinterest

Triple Layer Flower (and leaf) tutorial by Lucy from Attic24. ♥

Source: attic24.typepad.com via Monique on Pinterest

These flowers are  kind of funky and something different than the usual crochet flower patterns. The pattern for these pretty little applique flowers is on Ravelry.

Source: ravelry.com via Jeannette on Pinterest

These Shabby Chic flowers are made by Cherry Heart. She is one of my favorite Crochet Bloggers.  She made these cute little flowers into curtain tiebacks...

Source: sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.ie via Jeannette on Pinterest

Craftster.org and Crochet Today! Jewelry Challenge Winner: The Cherry Blossom Necklace - free pdf download

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Happy Crocheting!

My First Cardigan: Tah Dah!!!

This is a big Tah Dah for me.  My first cardigan is finished! Yay! I actually like it.  Being able to make it “custom fit” is awesome.  I made mine long and with short sleeves.  I haven’t added the button yet because I’m not sure I want too. I wouldn’t wear it with the button closed anyway so why add it?  Also, I’m not sure where I want to put the button. At the top neckline or lower across my chest?  I think I will leave it off for now.

The trim is my own. I did a single crochet down the sides and around the neck.  Then I did a double crochet skipping one sc around the neck. Then two rows of sc to finish it off!

I’m very pleased with how it turned out. I like the color and yes “I love this yarn” yarn is very nice.  I can’t believe I made this sweater for $7.50. That’s amazing. Will I make it again? You betcha!

I have a feeling I will wear this to work a lot!

Finishing projects on Sundays is no fun. I have to wait until Friday for Finished Object Fridays! J
Someone needs a “Finished over the weekend” Link Party! Maybe I will do that…need a catchier name though…any ideas? Post your thoughts or ideas in the comments! Who knows? It could be a fun way to start the week…

Okay, now for the stats:

Yarn: 3 skeins of I Love This Yarn Super Soft Sport Weight

Color: Ivory

Hook:  “J”

Pattern: Chevron Lace Cardigan

-Linking with-

Tami's Amis FO Fridays | Fiber Arts Fridays at Wisdom Begins in Wonder | I ♥ Fridays at Petals to Picots

Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Sophie Digard

This is truly a Pinterest Crochet "Inspiration". No free patterns here. If you want to purchase some of these (very expensive but beautiful) items you can click on this link.

If you are not familiar with Sophie Digard, I first heard about her from Sue Pinner from The 8th Gem way back when. 

 Then Pinterest happened and now I have a Sophie Digard Board. Crochet Conspicuous did a lovely post about her and how she has these lovely designs made and then you will understand the expensive price

 Each piece is done by hand with about 70 colors of yarn held together! Can you imagine? That's why the colors are unique and so "Sophie". I would love to imitate just the colors but I feel I am beating my head against the wall. How would you know what 70 colors make the gray or the pretty muted pink? Oh well, dream on...

Source: acces-soirs.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: acces-soirs.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: frenchneedlework.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: crochetconcupiscence.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: frenchneedlework.com via Eileen on Pinterest

S

Source: lilietnene.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: pedshoes.com via Eileen on Pinterest

These are just a few. There are so many more that are just as beautiful! Visit my Sophie Digard board on Pinterest to see the rest.

Happy Crocheting!

A Blog Award From My Friend in Argentina

My dear blog friend Sandra gave me this award!

Thank you so much Sandra! I hope you all will visit her beautiful blog at (translated is called) Weaving Roads!

1. Answer the 11 questions posed by the person who nominated
2. Give 11 facts about yourself
3. Nominate 11 bloggers award (don't forget notify each one about the award by posting a comment on their blog.)
4. Send your questions for 11 nominees to respond
5. Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog and Pay It Forward.

The 11 questions from Sandra:

1. Yarn or wool? Wool
2. Give or that you give away? Give away
3. Your favorite fabric? Silk
4. The favorite color?Blue today!
5. Your best recipe?
   
   Source: pillsbury.com via Eileen on Pinterest
   
    
6. Food or dessert? Chocolate anything!
7. Your best ride? I'm taking this as a trip and it would have to be Colorado.
8. Your favorite work? Gardening
9. The best memory? When my children were born and now my first grand baby Emma!
10. Favorite perfume? Calvin Klein Obsession
11. Tomorrow fresh or Starry Night? Tomorrow Fresh. I am a morning person. 

Here are 11 things about me you may not know:

1. My children are Adam-27 and Angela-25

2. I'm an Event Planner/Administrative Assistant

3. I collect yarn, and Fire King Dishes

4. I love chocolate

5. I have an English Cocker Spaniel named Sonny

6. I love walking and hiking with Sonny

7. My fave TV shows are Downton Abbey, Homeland-Showtime    Series,  30 Rock, and Private Practice.

8. My first grandchild was born August 24, 2012

9.  I quit smoking 70 days ago

10. I love to read. I am currently reading The Associate by John Grisham
11.  I have two sister's that live close (within and hours drive) that I don't see often enough  

Now for my 11 favorite blogs.  I am putting in mostly new blogs I have just found recently so please visit them and follow if you'd like:

1. TACIStudio
2. Wood and Wool  
3. Tanya Today 
4. Love Crochet 
5. My World of Crochet 
6. Click Clack Clunk 
7. Fairysteps Diaries
8. Sweet Yarns 
9. Jessie at Home 
10. Gramma's Gifts
11. Sweet Little Stitiches 

 

Now for the questions I would like answered from each of these lovely bloggers so we can get to know the newbies!

1. Favorite animal?
2. Favorite colors?
3. Favorite non alcoholic drink? 
4. Facebook or Twitter?
5. My passion?
6. Getting or giving?
7. Favorite pattern?
8. Favorite day of the week?
9. Favorite flower?
10. Favorite country?
11. Favorite Recipe? 

 

Thanks again Sandra! This has been fun!

Crochet Cardigan Progress: WIP Wednesday

Here it is! I am making progress on my cardigan.  I am starting to get a rhythm with it so it won't be long now until I have a finished project.  I tried it on the other night and I love it.  I can't wait to wear it.  I think I chose the right pattern for my first clothing item.  It is pretty easy.

It does't look like I've done much but remember I had to frog it back to the sleeves because it was too tight around my arms so...Ive done quite a bit.  

Don't forget to visit Tami Ami's WIP and see what the others are working on!






Happy Crocheting!

Cowl in Vino Tah Dah!

Here it is!

My Cowl in Vino! I loved this pattern and this yarn. It is a fingering weight and wow! You get to feel the silk the entire time you are crocheting!

Ok...here are the stats:

Pattern: Calm Cowl by Suzana Davidovic

Hook Size: 5.5 mm (I)

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage Silk Paints
Fingering / 4 ply
85% Merino, 15% Silk
437 yards / 100 grams

Color: 9958--Vino

Started: Dec. 29, 2012

Finished: Jan. 13, 2012

If you are a member of Ravelry you can check out my project page here.

Happy Crocheting!

Linking with-
Tami's Amis FO Fridays | Fiber Arts Fridays at Wisdom Begins in Wonder | Natural Suburbia for Creative Fridays | I've Made Friday at SusanD1408 Crochet Addict | I ♥ Fridays at Petals to Picots

Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: All Free Crochet Patterns

For me 2013 is all about getting out of my comfort zone with my crochet projects. My Pinterest Inspiration today is about just that! These All Free Crochet patterns are things I have never made before but would like to try this year. And the best part is...they are all free! What is your crochet resolution for 2013? I would love to hear from you so just leave me a comment and we'll see what you all are doing different this year!

Mittens! I know! Why haven't I ever made mittens before? I've made fingerless gloves but not mittens.  I can't wait to try these.

Crochet Jewelry! I am not a big jewelry wearer or crafter but just love this simple looking bangle bracelet! Wish me luck with this one.

A Doily! Most people when they think crochet they think of doilies! I have never made one before but I am anxious to try this one because it is from our own Pammy Sue of Scotty's Place blog. Don't you just love how giving we crocheters are?  She has generously offered this beautiful pattern for free! Thanks Pammy Sue!

Bags! I love bags! I can't ever have enough bags, either to carry my yarn/crochet projects in or just for stuff! I can always use more bags so I have two posted here. One is a clutch, does that count? Oh well I think the construction of these will be a great learning experience, especially if I decide to line them.  Now that sounds scary!

A round afghan! I have just not jumped on the bandwagon with these.  I think they are beautiful but I'm not sure how useful. It would look lovely draped across the back of my couch for decoration but would I be able to pull it off and snuggle under it to keep warm.  I don't think so, unless it's huge, which I don't plan on making a huge one.  Oh well, we'll see what I come up with for this one.

Of course I had to add a garment! I am working on my first cardigan here. But I just think this one is so lovely and it looks a lot harder than the Chevron Lace Cardigan.
Who knows, maybe this will be the first of many new sweaters I will be making!

Last but not least is this pretty little clutch! I think to color work is what draws me to this one. The two colors, gray and off white are stunning. The pretty button will be fun to shop for too.  There it is...it's all about the shopping...more yarn...ohhh shiny!  Sorry, my ADHD just kicked in and I went off to another place. :) My happy place...shopping of course.

Well, thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave me a comment on what your plans for crochet are for 2013!

Happy Crocheting!

What is the difference...Puff, Bobble, Popcorn stitches??!!

I don't know about you but sometimes I get confused between the popcorn, puff, and bobble stitches. What is the difference? Do you know?  

I did a little research and this is what I found.


Popcorn Stitch by Lion Brand:

Popcorn St (multiple of 3 sts)

Foundation Row: Work 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, *sk 2 ch, (sc, 2 dc) in next ch; rep from * across,
ending with sk 2 ch, 1 sc in last ch.
Row 1: Ch 2, turn. Work 2 dc in first sc, *sk 2 dc, (sc, 2 dc) in next sc; rep from * across, ending with
1 sc in top of turning ch.  Rep Row 1 for Popcorn st.

Puff Stitch by Vickie Howell:

Puff: Puff stitch—Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch and draw up a loop(3 loops on hook), [yarn over, insert hook in same stitch and draw up a loop] 3
times (9 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through first 8 loops on hook, yarn
over and draw through remaining 2 loops on hook.

Bobble Stitch by Moogly:

Bobble stitches are worked from the “wrong side” – meaning they pop out away from you as you work. They are worked much like a dc dec, but all into the same stitch. To dc5tog, work 5 dc all into the same stitch, leaving the last loop unworked on the hook each time. When you’ve got 6 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 6 sts. Work tightly here, and as soon as you make the next (sc) st, the bobble should pop right out on the other side of your work!

Progress on my "Cowl in Vino"

Happy W.I.P Wednesday!

Just a quick update on the progress I am making on my CAL Calm Cowl with TracyAnn.

  I'm loving the pattern and the yarn.It is working up really fast and an easy pattern. I should have it done by Friday for FO Fridays!

This is a link to my project on Ravelry

Be sure you go on over to Tami Ami's and check out the other work in progress projects!

Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Winter Fashion

Here are some of my favorite patterns for Winter Fashions...





These lovely mittens are super simple and can be as colorful as you like.  A great small project to get you by a dreary and gray winter's day. So cute!

Source: caron.com via Eileen on Pinterest

These are trending everywhere on Etsy and Pinterest. Cute little scalloped boot cuffs. Very quick to make and so fashionable!

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Progress on my Cardigan

So far the Cardigan pattern is a dream. Super easy and I'm making great progress. I am getting excited to wear this someday.

Here is the pattern for the Chevron Lace Cardigan

Cute isn't it? I really do love the yarn from Hobby Lobby and the color.

There is just one little problem...too small! Ugggghhh! So I will be frogging it back to before the sides begin.

Oh well...

it is a really cool pattern though so...

I will have another update next week. Have a great weekend!

Happy Crocheting!!

Buy Quality Yarn Cheap Online

Just a quick post to let you know about this place online that has unbelievably cheap yarn prices!!!

Source: smileysyarns.com via Corona on Pinterest

Easy Crochet Afghans-5 Free Patterns for 2013

5 Free Easy Crochet Afghans for 2013!

With the Winter Season going full throttle, now is the time I like to start making an afghan to keep me busy until Spring. All the little projects, hats, scarves, etc. are finished for the Holiday Season and now I like to start a big and colorful project.  One of the best things about an afghan is that they’re typically a larger project, made in several evenings of watching TV and sitting by the fire. It’s a great way to use up some of your stash, or try out a new yarn you received for Christmas. So here we go, 5 new, easy, and FREE crochet afghans to get your hooks warmed up this New Year.

5 Free and Easy Crochet Afghans for 2013

1.  True Blood Water Lily blanket by Sara Muckian

This gorgeous afghan is on Ravelry and looks beautiful in many different colors.  Just about anything you can imagine  Sara made hers with Red Heart Super Saver Solid.  This one is definitely on my list  to make for this year.

 

2.  124-1 Crochet blanket in ”Delight” and ”Fabel”

 by DROPS design

This Afghan has been in my queue for quite a while but I think it is beautiful. With the colors and design it would look so lovely across the foot of my bed or even draped across my couch.  This is a "Granny Square" design like the one above.  Sometimes making squares doesn't seem quite as dauting after work so I just whip up a couple of squares before bed time.I also like this one because it is made with a fingering weight yarn which is so light and elegant to work with. So...here's the stats:

Measurements: approx 95 x 145 cm / 37½” x 57”
Materials: DROPS DELIGHT from Garnstudio
250 g color no 10, olive/rust/plum mix
50 g color no 08, green/beige mix
50 g color no 09, turquoise/purple mix
50 g color no 11, lilac/green mix
And use: DROPS FABEL from Garnstudio
200 g color no 400, black



 

3.  Scrap Ripple Afghan

by Anastacia Zitti

Here is the one we could all make in not time at all.  A ripple to use up all of our stash so we can buy more yarn at all the sales in January! Oh yes, I have a method to my madness. I love this simple easy design and it works up so quick with just about any yarn you have, (just use the same weight and you can mix brands(usually!)

 

4. Wind Chime / Eyelet Strips Afghan

by Lion Brand Yarn

This is such a lovely and unique afghan that making it would be so easy and fun.  Think of all the different color combinations you could use!  This one is made using Vanna's Choice yarn and is something totally different than the ripples and granny stripes we have been seeing for the last few years.

. 


5.  Ribbon Afghan

by Olivia Rainsford

Last but certainly not least...this beautiful Ribbon Afghan pattern. This is a MAJOR Stash-buster.  Simple enough that you can work on it in front of the TV but interesting enough to keep you from being bored. Love it!

 

Okay...this has been fun but now I can't wait to get started on one of these beauties for 2013! OMG...which one to choose?

Have a Happy New Year everyone and as always...

Happy Crocheting!