Creativity Blog Hop

Happy Monday, All!

I have been asked to take part in a creativity blog hop by Danielle from By DD Hines.  This is my first blog hop participation, and it is so much fun!

I am mainly going to focus on my creativity process.  For me it is less of a process, and more of chaos.  New ideas seem to always hit me very late at night, and when my to-do list is crazy long!

I find inspiration in everything. 

 I see something that I like, and my first thought is "Can I crochet that?".

Recently, I have learned to knit, sew, and cross stitch as well.  Which means my mind is constantly racing with ideas.  

My thought process:

Which projects can I combine sewing and crochet/knit?

This crochet hook book is just the first project I did combining sewing and crochet!

What song lyrics do I want to cross stitch first? 

This is my first cross stitch project for a saying - it has not been revealed yet what it will say.

That is my little secret for now!

What are my responsibilities tomorrow? Because that tells me how much sleep I need to get tonight.

Similarly, how much coffee will I be able to drink tomorrow?

Whose birthday is coming up?  What can I make them?

My friends and family only receive handmade gifts these days.  Those are the best kind of gifts, right?!?

Have I heard anything about a new cancer patient that I can contact directly and make them a custom beanie?

I am working on another crochet softie gift for a friend of friend whose cancer came back.  I already sent her a Boston Red Sox beanie, and she loves it!  I can't share photos of the new gift yet though, so you'll have to check back later!

It seems that my to-do list is always growing, and never shrinks.  I mark one thing off, and three more ideas are added. 

What I'm working on now:

Currently I have multiple headbands, beanies, brooches, and hair clips that I need to get done.  I also have a queen size crochet blanket, a full size graph blanket, a throw blanket, and a cushion cover that are at the top of my to-do list.

This is the queen-size blanket that I am currently working on.  I've been working on it for months; between getting distracted, and running out of yarn multiple times - it has take three times the amount of yarn that I thought it would.

I started this random granny stripe throw last week, and it should be finished by the end of this week.

I also have a shawl pattern that is currently out being tested, and I am polishing the wording before I get it published.

This shawl pattern should be released within the next two weeks.

Last night as I finished this scarf, I got the idea for two different scarves that I need to test out.

Hopefully, at least one of my ideas for a new scarf will come out the way I am picturing it in my head!

My biggest piece of advice for anyone that crochets or knits:

Use patterns as guidelines.  Make changes to suit what you want!  That is the best part about handmade, you can customize to fit your likes.

For example, I never use magic circles to start out projects - I only use the ch2 method.

I also never use double crochet for beanies.  I prefer the look of using hdc.  So even if there is patter I really like that uses dc, I am changing it.  These are just small basic changes, but the changes you can make are endless!  

You are spending the time to make the item anyways, so you might as well make it your own!

Crochet Hook Book

Hello all!

I hope this post finds you well!

Today I finished the project I started earlier this week - a crochet hook case made with a mix of crochet and sewing.

I could not be happier with the way it came out!  Well, maybe I could be a little happier, since the day I sewed the fabric, I was unable to sew in a straight line...but anyways...

The outside is just a simple crochet rectangle.  I crocheted a nice texture pattern, just to make it that much prettier.

The inside is where it gets a little messy.  But hey, I just started sewing, and am still very proud of how far my sewing has come in such a short time!

I made a simple fabric rectangle, with a simple pocket; then I sewed (what were supposed to be straight) seams to hold the hooks and a pair of scissors.

Then it was just a matter of attaching the crochet rectangle to the fabric rectangle.

For this, I decided to use embroidery thread and stitch around the fabric and through the bars of the single crochet border.

I made this as a present, but I cannot tell you who is going to be receiving it in the mail, since they might read this post before it's delivered.

I am going to have to make one for myself too, because I am in love!

If you want to order one, please email me, and I will be more than happy to make one for you!

Remember to subscribe to this blog, through the link on the main page of this blog.

Brynlee's Baby Blanket

Hello everyone!

If you follow me on Instagram, then you have seen a few black and white photos on my feed in the past couple weeks. If you don't follow me on Instagram - well shame on you! - you should click here and start following the fun!  

It is finally time to reveal the colors of the baby blanket that I had to post in black and white!  

FYI - I had to post in B&W because I didn't want to ruin the surprise for the mommy-to-be, but I will be at the baby shower when this post is scheduled to go live.  So, no more worrying about ruining the surprise.

I thought about so many different patterns to crochet for this baby blanket.

I was set on the colors I wanted to use - Brynlee's nursery is peacock theme, so this was my way of going with that, without being to matchy-matchy.

The good old granny square seemed to be the perfect fit to show off how fun these colors are.

A simple scalloped edge seemed to be the perfect edging for this project.

I am so in love with this blanket!

I think my dear friend, Holly, will enjoy wrapping up little Brynlee with this granny square blanket.

Thank you all for coming by to check out this baby blanket!  

Enjoy your day!

Crochet Mood Blanket Update

Hello Everyone!

I hope this post finds you well!

I am finally updating on my Crochet Mood Blanket 2014!  Wooooo! I still have a lot of catching up to do, but I did finally figure out what I am going to do with the blanket once it is finished.

I am going to sell it, and donate the money to Marley's Mutts!  I found their rescue organization on Facebook a few weeks ago, and am blown away each and every day with their service to animals in need.  Seriously, check out their Facebook page, and see for yourself how wonderful they are!

Since I am going to give the profits of this blanket sale to Marley's Mutts, I am going to use some of my Sunday Charity Crochet time to complete it.  This benefits me too, because not having much time is the reason that I am so far behind with this blanket.

So, here are a few update photos for your viewing pleasure, hahaha

I love this photo!  This Fisherman's Ring Crochet Square from Priscilla Hewitt will always be one of my favorite crochet patterns.

This is the latest completed crochet square, and it just happens to be in one of my favorite purple yarns!

I have 3-1/2 rows complete so far, so I still have a ways to go before the 10x10 blanket is complete.

Of course, I will be giving more updates - hopefully, it won't be so long until the next one - and I will definitely let you know when the blanket is ready!  Maybe one of you fine viewers will love the blanket so much, that you will buy it, and help me help Marley's Mutts!

Best Wishes,

Alison

Crochet Dreamcather

Happy Saturday!

I hope this post finds you well.

I just want to start out by saying how much I love Pinterest!  Yes, I am on Pinterest!!! You can find me by clicking here.  

About a week or so ago, I found this crochet dreamcatcher, and it even clicked through to a lovely blog.  The blog is in German, so google helped me out with reading it.  

There was no tutorial for the center of the dreamcatcher, but I knew that I had to make one!

My mom loves Native American inspired decor, and Mother's Day (here in the USA) is coming up fast.  I know this will make the perfect gift for my mama.

So, I winged it.

Of course, I started out with a crocodile-ish stitch flower.

Then I secured the flower to the wooden ring - I used the inside of an old embroidery ring that has been in my closet for over a year.

I think the hardest part was wrapping the yarn around the ring, and trying to space out the dangly bits, properly.  I am hoping that part will be easier next time, now that I have some knowledge of how to wrap the yarn easier.

It's not perfect, but I love it!

I know my mama will love it too!

Best Wishes,

Alison

Crochet Mandala Art

Hello All!

It has been so long since I have made a post - mostly because I am sooooo far behind on my crochet mood blanket!

I have been wanting to crochet a mandala for quite a while, and Saturday, I finally made one!  I used the the Spiky Mandala Tutorial from the Lizzie Bella blog.

I used Sugar and Cream cotton yarn - I don't know the exact colors because those labels fell off many moons ago. (This photo was taken before I blocked it.)

I didn't quite know what to do with it once it was finished.  I knew I needed to block it, so that gave me some time to think about what I should do with this pretty mandala.  

Suddenly I had this idea to frame it and use it as art!

I had this frame with the crochet background already. I made it over a year ago to hold my crochet hair clips - that blog post can be found here.

But, it was just sitting in my closet, on a shelf - not being appreciated by anyone.

So, after the mandala was blocked, I unpinned it and put in this frame - I immediately fell in love!

All that was left to do was sew the mandala on to the gray background...and ta dah!

A new - and the only - piece of art hanging in our apartment.

I plan on making so many more of these!  They will make great summer projects when it is too hot, to work on big projects.

So, look for them in my Etsy shop soon!  Or, you can always pre-order now, in custom colors, just shoot me an email!

Best Wishes,

Alison

Favorite Projects

Hello Everyone!

I know that it is Wednesday, and that I have not posted about my Crochet Mood Blanket in a very long time.  But, I am still not posting about it today....booooo!  I am a couple weeks behind, unfortunately.

I am here to tell you about another project that is FINALLY FINISHED!!!!

I started this blanket at the end of May 2013, and worked on it for a few weeks - until the weather turned scorching hot, and it was too much to sit under an afghan.

 

So, I put it to the side and started crocheting smaller projects.

  I then took it back out at the end of September, and finished the crocheting part.  

But, those pesky ends that my past self didn't sew in as she worked, needed to be taken care of.  I put the blanket up in the closet because I have been really busy with custom orders since October - thankfully!  Well, last night I decided to just take it down and get those ends sewn up.

I am so happy that this blanket is finally done!  Not too long after I started crocheting this blanket, Chris said that we had to keep it, because it reminded him of engineering paper.  I don't see the resemblance, but I am happy to have a pretty afghan for the back of the couch now.

It will be so nice for those random, unplanned naps!

I found the pattern for this blanket on Ravelry, and it is called Summer Mist Thorw - designed by Kim Guzman.  

It is a fantastic pattern!  It is fun, fast, and beautiful!

I used Red Heart Super Saver in Charcoal, Lemon, Light Gray, and Soft White - four skeins of each if I remember correctly.  And those twelve skeins produced a blanket that is 75"x78", plenty big enough for random napping.

Of course, Jixer is happy with the new blanket addition too!

Sunday Charity Crochet

Happy Thursday!

Today, I am going to share with you some of the charity crochet I worked on yesterday.  I am especially excited about the present I made to send to Phinneus!  You remember hearing about Phinn from my last post, right?!

Well, I needed to make a couple more beanies for the family, so I decided to include a little cuddle buddy for Phinn.

I made him a pirate teddy bear.  I think this is my best amigurumi yet!

I didn't follow a pattern - but I am writing out what I did, and posting the pattern has been added to my to-do list.

I also asked Mrs.McKenna (Phinn's mom) to let me know if they meet any kids that want a beanie in specific colors.  I told her a little of my 2014 goal of crocheting for charity every Sunday.  She told me that they did meet a young man that is sick, and cannot leave the hospital - sorry, I didn't get his name.  She also told me that he is a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan!

So, I crocheted this black and gold beanie last night, and it is in the box to ship to the McKenna's.

Another goody that I crocheted for the box is this - 

- Bloomin' Heart brooch for Mrs. Mckenna.

Crocheting for the McKenna's this week has made me beyond happy!

Sunday Charity Crochet

Hello everyone!

I am really excited to share the cause of my Sunday Charity Crochet this week!

This week, I made six green beanies, for a family that lives in the town where I grew up.  I don't know this family - except through newspaper articles, and their facebook page Team Phinneus McKenna.  Phinneus is an eleven year old boy that was, unfortunately, diagnosed with cancer.  I wish I could help the family out financially, but that is just not an option for me right now - if you are able to make a donation, there is an online donation site here.  So instead, I messaged their faceook page, and spoke with Mrs.McKenna, offering to make a beanie for Phinn.  She was so excited, which made me even more excited.  I decided to do a little reconnaissance work, and asked a mutual friend for the names and ages of everyone in Phinn's family, so I could make them all green beanies.  I really tried to make this a surprise for the McKenna's, but as I have told you all before, I am terrible at keeping secrets, especially about special gifts.

Now, I don't know why green is the official 'Team Phinn' color, I just assume that it is Phinneus' favorite color.  I just hope the family will enjoy their new beanies, and the beanies do justice in representing Team Phinn.

I made three of these simple green beanies with gray rim, one for each Phinneus, his step-dad, and his older brother.

For his mom, I made this shell stitch beanie, with a gold flower, and a vintage button that I got from my great-grandmother.

I am in love the way this beanie turned out!

Now, for Phinn's two little sisters, I made shell stitch beanies too, but I added a Bloomin' Heart to each beanie.  I am a little obsessed with this pattern right now, and want to add these hearts to everything!

I wish I could do more to help the McKenna family.

These words - the internet credits Theodore Roosevelt for - have been racing through my mind lately.

These beanies are what I can do now, with what I have.

Don't worry about the copyright on this photo, I am not breaking laws - Maxxo Productions is my photography company name, so I gave myself permission to use the photo!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Best Wishes,

Alison

Sunday Charity Crochet

Happy Monday!

I just realized that I never did a post about last week's charity crochet, so this will be a two week post!  Although, there is not much to show...

I am trying to figure out the best way to make this pattern that is in my head, come in to reality, and I have spent much of my time trying to work it out perfectly.

It is almost perfect!

After spending so much time on trying to work out that beanie, I needed a brain numbing project.

So, I made some Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip & Walnut Oatmeal Cookies, and sat down to crochet a mindless beanie.

I made a child size beanie, using yarn that has been in my stash for over 3 years.  I know it is Bernat Satin yarn, but I don't know the name of the color, and the wrapper is long gone.

I also made another Bloomin' Heart, to sew onto this simple hdc beanie.

I crocheted this beanie last weekend...

But didn't make a post last week.  

This is a toddler size beanie, and all of the yarn info can be found on my last Sunday Charity Crochet post.

I think next weekend I will go back to work on the hexagon blanket that I started a few weeks ago!

Please, remember to use the hashtag #sundaycharitycrochet - to share your charity crochet!

Retro Girl Baby Blanket

Hello, and Happy Saturday!

I am just going to write a quick post about the new baby blanket that I just added to my Etsy shop!

This is one of my favorite baby blankets that I have ever done.  I think because it is different - color wise - than anything I have crocheted before.

I used Red Heart yarns for this blanket.  For the 12 squares, I used Red Heart with Love in Berry Red, and the other two colors are all Red Heart Super Saver in Hot Pink and Carrot.

The square pattern is called Tricolor Square, and is block number 35 from the book 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans by Jan Eaton.

For the border, I used Gold from Red Heart Super Saver.  

I found the pattern for the border on Pinterest, and it is available for free - but it is a graph, unless you understand Chinese.

That is all for now!  Follow my blog for more crochet fun!  Also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Best Wishes,

Alison

Star Trek Blanket

Bonjour!

I am learning French - but that has nothing to do with my post today...

So, I finished my second Star Trek blanket - early last week, but I am slacking on blog updates - and was actually able to take some photos this time!  The first blanket I made, I barely finished before I had to hand it over to the customer that ordered it - as it was a Christmas gift, and she was on her way out of town.  This blanket, was ordered as a Valentines Day gift, and it was delivered, and I got a picture of the happy recipient - it can be found in the 'Customer Photos' album on my ChirpinBirdie Facebook page.

I am pretty happy with the way it turned out, and already have an order for a third Star Trek blanket!

For this blanket, I used all Red Heart Super Saver yarn, and the pattern for the communicators is based on this free Ravelry download!

The background colors I used is Gold, Soft Navy, Teal, and Burgundy.

For the outlining I used Black, and I used Heather Gray for the communicator symbol.

For the plain squares I used Light Gray.

It took one skein of each of the background colors, and the light gray.  A little less than one skein of the heather gray, in the communicator, and almost two skeins of black.

I chose to crochet a simple granny stripe border, using all of the background colors, broken up with the black.

Of course, Jixer made sure I got the blanket done on time!

He is a wonderful supervisor!

He also had to test out the 'cuddle factor' of the blanket, before I shipped it - he approved!

That's it for now!

Don't forget to like my Facebook page, and follow me on Instagram and Twitter!

Best Wishes,

Alison