- They are the Perfect "take-along" projects!
- They are very inexpensive to make!
- They come in so many shapes and sizes!( just google "crochet dishcloths" to find free patterns)
- They can be made very quickly! (most in 30 minutes)
- They make wonderful gifts! (birthdays, holidays, showers)
- They can be decorative or useful!
- They are great beginners projects!
- They can be made to match any season or holiday! (just use corresponding colors)
- They make great Christmas ornaments! (just add a hook)
- Make them around a plastic pot scrubber for added uses!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Dishcloths: A Great "Take-along" project!
Dishcloths!!! Here are the top 10 reasons I LOVE to make them!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Learning to "Spin"
Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to learn to spin my own yarn on a spinning wheel. Now that I am older, I've looked into buying one, but, they are very expensive.
After searching on the internet for a few days and speaking with seasoned spinners, I have found a wonderful website for beginner spinners.
You can learn to make a Drop Spindle to try out handspinning before spending the money on an expensive wheel.
There are instructions and videos to show you how to use your spindle once you finish it.
There is a wonderful online store to purchase what you need to continue your new found hobby.
The Joy of Handspinning is the place for all this and more. They will be soon be offering classes, and they offer a discussion forum for you to chat with other spinners.
After searching on the internet for a few days and speaking with seasoned spinners, I have found a wonderful website for beginner spinners.
You can learn to make a Drop Spindle to try out handspinning before spending the money on an expensive wheel.
There are instructions and videos to show you how to use your spindle once you finish it.
There is a wonderful online store to purchase what you need to continue your new found hobby.
The Joy of Handspinning is the place for all this and more. They will be soon be offering classes, and they offer a discussion forum for you to chat with other spinners.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
July Free Pattern!!!
Here it is as promised! The first free pattern!
It is a pattern that I designed when I was first learning how to crochet. I wanted something quick that I could complete in the little bit of free time I had from work, kids and housework.
This pattern is very simple, easy and so quick! I made about 100 of them for Christmas the year I designed it. I still make these on a regular basis after all this time.
It's also a great pattern for young beginners to learn how to crochet in the round.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Please feel free to post photos of your finished project here! I would love to see it!
CROCHET "SCRUNCII" PONYTAIL HOLDER
By: Kim Luxich "The Colorful Bee"
Copyright 2008
www.thecolorfulbee.etsy.com
www.thecolorfulbee.blogspot.com
thecolorfulbee@yahoo.com
Material needed:
Size I hook
cotton thread or yarn
elastic ponytail holder
(pony beads) *optional*
**please note** pony beads must be strung onto yarn before starting project if you wish to add them on last round**
Rnd 1: join yarn around band with a SL . do 26 SC around the band. join with a SL to first SC. Do Not Turn
Rnd 2: (CH 5, skip next SC, SC in next SC) around to end. join with SL in same ST as beg CH 5.
Rnd 3: SC in next 5 SP, CH 3 (DC, CH 2, 2DC) in same CH 5 SP.
*(2DC, CH2, 2DC) in next CH 5 SP. Repeat from * around to end. join with a SL in top of beg CH 3. Fasten off.
**Note to Rnd 3** Pony beads can be added as an option on this round. Simply work as described above sliding 1 pony bead into each CH 2 space!
It is a pattern that I designed when I was first learning how to crochet. I wanted something quick that I could complete in the little bit of free time I had from work, kids and housework.
This pattern is very simple, easy and so quick! I made about 100 of them for Christmas the year I designed it. I still make these on a regular basis after all this time.
It's also a great pattern for young beginners to learn how to crochet in the round.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Please feel free to post photos of your finished project here! I would love to see it!
CROCHET "SCRUNCII" PONYTAIL HOLDER
By: Kim Luxich "The Colorful Bee"
Copyright 2008
www.thecolorfulbee.etsy.com
www.thecolorfulbee.blogspot.com
thecolorfulbee@yahoo.com
Material needed:
Size I hook
cotton thread or yarn
elastic ponytail holder
(pony beads) *optional*
**please note** pony beads must be strung onto yarn before starting project if you wish to add them on last round**
Rnd 1: join yarn around band with a SL . do 26 SC around the band. join with a SL to first SC. Do Not Turn
Rnd 2: (CH 5, skip next SC, SC in next SC) around to end. join with SL in same ST as beg CH 5.
Rnd 3: SC in next 5 SP, CH 3 (DC, CH 2, 2DC) in same CH 5 SP.
*(2DC, CH2, 2DC) in next CH 5 SP. Repeat from * around to end. join with a SL in top of beg CH 3. Fasten off.
**Note to Rnd 3** Pony beads can be added as an option on this round. Simply work as described above sliding 1 pony bead into each CH 2 space!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Quick and Easy projects
I have been making tons of purses and such to sell in my SHOP lately and have found myself "not in the mood" to make anything else to list... So I started a few new projects to keep around the house for myself to give me a break from the same old make it and sell it...
Even though it's quite far off here, I've started working on 3 afghans for the winter! ( one for each couch and one for the recliner) They are all pretty easy and listed on the Lion Brand Website for free!!!
The Simply Earthly Squares Afghan is very quick & easy and is so stylish! (almost done)
The Log Cabin Afghan is an old favorite which can be done in modern colors to fit any decor!
The 8 Color Afghan is a new version of the traditional granny square afghans from the past!
Once I am finished with these 3 projects, I will be working on my shop items some more. I will jump start my crafting for the holidays ahead and be working on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items for decorating and gift giving!!!
Even though it's quite far off here, I've started working on 3 afghans for the winter! ( one for each couch and one for the recliner) They are all pretty easy and listed on the Lion Brand Website for free!!!
The Simply Earthly Squares Afghan is very quick & easy and is so stylish! (almost done)
The Log Cabin Afghan is an old favorite which can be done in modern colors to fit any decor!
The 8 Color Afghan is a new version of the traditional granny square afghans from the past!
Once I am finished with these 3 projects, I will be working on my shop items some more. I will jump start my crafting for the holidays ahead and be working on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items for decorating and gift giving!!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Do you shop Etsy? Check out my 10 Favorite Shops!
I love to shop ETSY for all my gift giving needs. Etsy is a wonderful place where artists & handcrafters can showcase and sell their One of a kind items! I love to browse through the shops when I'm looking for inspiration; when I need a little boost of confidence; when I am in a rutt and don't feel motivated to make another item for my shop; and most of all, when I'm ready to shop!!! I love giving handmade gifts rather than mass marketed items.
So with that said, let me introduce you to my 10 Favorite Shops on Etsy!!! (don't be sad if your shop is not on the list; I have about 80 marked as favorites on Etsy)
If you are in the mood for something elegant, stunning, decorative and useful for your home, then check out the first two shops on my list!
Valerie's Gallery Offers wonderfully hand crocheted and felted bowls, vases and trays. She has single items and many items come in sets of 3 or 4. Her nesting bowls are one of my favorite items.
Papaver Vert Offers beautifully hand crocheted and felted bowls, vases, pillows, trays and many others. There you will find single items or sets. The pillows there are "to die for"!
If you are in the mood for some "Yummy" treats to give to that cute little one in your family, look no further! This next shop has just what you need!
Yarn Yums Lollipops, French Fries, Eggs and Bacon... the list goes on and on! These crocheted treats are sure to please your little one.
If you need something elegant to wear for that night on the town, you'll want to visit the next shop on the list! Girls, your going to love this place!!!
Modern Ambition Beautiful capelets, shawls and hats are the hot items in this shop! Elegant enough to wear with your favorite dress, yet casual enough to wear with your favorite blouse and jeans for a night at the club!
Are you looking for a unique gift for the knitter or crochet you love? Want to liven-up your knitting or crocheting experience? Look no further... the next shop on my list is the place to be!!!
Scary Merry Wanna get noticed? Get yourself some of these cool, hip and freaky accessories! Scary Merry offers hand-made polymer clay stitch markers (for both crochet and knit), knitting needles and crochet hooks; as well as the occassional necklace charm. Featuring sets such as: Jack and Zero from the Nightmare Before Christmas, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Summer Popsicle Treats, Day Of The Dead, Hotdogs, Pac Man and the Ghosts, ect... The list goes on and on. Her items are very reasonably priced and are well worth what you spend!
Love gourmet & decorative soaps? Like to display unique soaps in the bathrooms of your home? Wanna give your loved ones that extra touch of love with organic soaps? Then your going to love the next shop on my list!
Shine Your Hiney Soap Co. The soaps here are so seductive and sweet. Cute as a button and all made right from the hands of the shop owner. Only the finest ingredients go into her heavenly items. So get on over there and grab some soap to "Shine Your Hiney" with!!!
Beaded Jewelry is wonderful! But the next shop on my list has taken this art to the extreme!!! Her designs are very intracate, delicate and oh so lifelike!!! Wear one of these babies out on the town and you'll be the "Hot Topic" all night!!!
Pink Pooch Designs Audry Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, the list of celebrities is endless! Staci's recreations of movie scenes on her bracelets are wonderful. Words can't describe the love and effort she has put into these works of art. Have a look for yourself. You'll be in awe!!! If you are looking for something special, convo her and she will hook you up!
Do you have someone in your life who could use a little "Pick me up"? Stop by the next shop on my list and grab yourself something cute, I mean ugly, well Beastly is the best way to describe these awesome creatures!!!
Misfits Jenna's Misfits are totally cool! Their beastly faces are too cute to pass up! These plushies are just what the "mad doctor" ordered! Grab yourself two or three and share them with a friend!
Do you love silver jewelry? I know I do... Thats why this next shop is on my list. Ilene has put lots of love and hard work into her unique designs and boy has it paid off! Take a look at what she has to offer and I'm sure you'll find something you love.
Ilene Hacker's Designs Pendants and necklaces made of silver, coupled with gems are the perfect way to make someone's day! Asymetrical designs, fringed pendants, silver cuff bracelets! WOW! I love it!
Last but certainly not least is the Phunky Shop where you can get just about anything!!! Jeans, hats, shoes, plushies and so much more! If your into funky wearables, visit the last shop on my list!
Phun Wears Phun Wears offers cool, hip and of course "Phunky" wearables for everyone! This shop is the place to be if you have a teen who's hard to shop for. I'm sure there's lots of items there that will please them! Check it out!!!
So, this sums up my 10 Favorite Etsy Shops list! Please visit again to find more great links and lists of great crochet and crafty places to see on the web!!!
So with that said, let me introduce you to my 10 Favorite Shops on Etsy!!! (don't be sad if your shop is not on the list; I have about 80 marked as favorites on Etsy)
If you are in the mood for something elegant, stunning, decorative and useful for your home, then check out the first two shops on my list!
Valerie's Gallery Offers wonderfully hand crocheted and felted bowls, vases and trays. She has single items and many items come in sets of 3 or 4. Her nesting bowls are one of my favorite items.
Papaver Vert Offers beautifully hand crocheted and felted bowls, vases, pillows, trays and many others. There you will find single items or sets. The pillows there are "to die for"!
If you are in the mood for some "Yummy" treats to give to that cute little one in your family, look no further! This next shop has just what you need!
Yarn Yums Lollipops, French Fries, Eggs and Bacon... the list goes on and on! These crocheted treats are sure to please your little one.
If you need something elegant to wear for that night on the town, you'll want to visit the next shop on the list! Girls, your going to love this place!!!
Modern Ambition Beautiful capelets, shawls and hats are the hot items in this shop! Elegant enough to wear with your favorite dress, yet casual enough to wear with your favorite blouse and jeans for a night at the club!
Are you looking for a unique gift for the knitter or crochet you love? Want to liven-up your knitting or crocheting experience? Look no further... the next shop on my list is the place to be!!!
Scary Merry Wanna get noticed? Get yourself some of these cool, hip and freaky accessories! Scary Merry offers hand-made polymer clay stitch markers (for both crochet and knit), knitting needles and crochet hooks; as well as the occassional necklace charm. Featuring sets such as: Jack and Zero from the Nightmare Before Christmas, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Summer Popsicle Treats, Day Of The Dead, Hotdogs, Pac Man and the Ghosts, ect... The list goes on and on. Her items are very reasonably priced and are well worth what you spend!
Love gourmet & decorative soaps? Like to display unique soaps in the bathrooms of your home? Wanna give your loved ones that extra touch of love with organic soaps? Then your going to love the next shop on my list!
Shine Your Hiney Soap Co. The soaps here are so seductive and sweet. Cute as a button and all made right from the hands of the shop owner. Only the finest ingredients go into her heavenly items. So get on over there and grab some soap to "Shine Your Hiney" with!!!
Beaded Jewelry is wonderful! But the next shop on my list has taken this art to the extreme!!! Her designs are very intracate, delicate and oh so lifelike!!! Wear one of these babies out on the town and you'll be the "Hot Topic" all night!!!
Pink Pooch Designs Audry Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, the list of celebrities is endless! Staci's recreations of movie scenes on her bracelets are wonderful. Words can't describe the love and effort she has put into these works of art. Have a look for yourself. You'll be in awe!!! If you are looking for something special, convo her and she will hook you up!
Do you have someone in your life who could use a little "Pick me up"? Stop by the next shop on my list and grab yourself something cute, I mean ugly, well Beastly is the best way to describe these awesome creatures!!!
Misfits Jenna's Misfits are totally cool! Their beastly faces are too cute to pass up! These plushies are just what the "mad doctor" ordered! Grab yourself two or three and share them with a friend!
Do you love silver jewelry? I know I do... Thats why this next shop is on my list. Ilene has put lots of love and hard work into her unique designs and boy has it paid off! Take a look at what she has to offer and I'm sure you'll find something you love.
Ilene Hacker's Designs Pendants and necklaces made of silver, coupled with gems are the perfect way to make someone's day! Asymetrical designs, fringed pendants, silver cuff bracelets! WOW! I love it!
Last but certainly not least is the Phunky Shop where you can get just about anything!!! Jeans, hats, shoes, plushies and so much more! If your into funky wearables, visit the last shop on my list!
Phun Wears Phun Wears offers cool, hip and of course "Phunky" wearables for everyone! This shop is the place to be if you have a teen who's hard to shop for. I'm sure there's lots of items there that will please them! Check it out!!!
So, this sums up my 10 Favorite Etsy Shops list! Please visit again to find more great links and lists of great crochet and crafty places to see on the web!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
My weekend experiments.....
This weekend, I will be experinenting with some new projects and items to put into my shop. I will being trying my hand at felting (again) and will attempt to make vases and bowls. I will also be trying to take some of my original patterns from my head to paper so that I can sell those in my shop as well.
My neighbor would like to learn how to crochet, so, I will be helping her with that this weekend too... Boy is my plate full.
I am totally going shopping for yarn first thing in the AM, as I've found out that you can't felt with synthetic yarns, and thats all I have as of yet. I have ordered some alpaca yarns off the web, but just can't wait until they arrive next week. I'm raring to go now!!! A friend of mine from the EtsyHookers Team has instructed me on how to felt my projects and what types of yarn to use, so I'm ready to go! Please check her SHOP out, as she is my inspiration. Her felted projects are totally awesome!
Have a Safe and Wonderful 4th Of July!!! Please be cautious over the weekend!
My neighbor would like to learn how to crochet, so, I will be helping her with that this weekend too... Boy is my plate full.
I am totally going shopping for yarn first thing in the AM, as I've found out that you can't felt with synthetic yarns, and thats all I have as of yet. I have ordered some alpaca yarns off the web, but just can't wait until they arrive next week. I'm raring to go now!!! A friend of mine from the EtsyHookers Team has instructed me on how to felt my projects and what types of yarn to use, so I'm ready to go! Please check her SHOP out, as she is my inspiration. Her felted projects are totally awesome!
Have a Safe and Wonderful 4th Of July!!! Please be cautious over the weekend!
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