Saturday, December 13, 2014

I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.

So, I've been utterly swamped this year, since it's my first year with a job. My advent calendar fell short of what I wanted it to be this year. It is currently day 13 of my calendar and I haven't even posted for days 11 or 12.

Due to this unplanned/poorly planned scheduling issue/not being prepared enough - I'm stopping the calendar. I'll find something for days 11 & 12 - to round it out, but I will not be continuing it further this year.

I did not plan correctly, didn't get information out soon enough, didn't work hard enough to get all 25 days filled. I will constantly be days behind schedule and I can't deal with the stress of "OH crap, I didn't get one for 'Day x' finished, let me panic and stay up all night trying to make something". I will have to do better for next year, starting now, otherwise this may be the last time I do this.

I will still post anything I have made this holiday season, however none will be assigned specific "days". This will hopefully allow me to make up for unfinished gifts and do about two weeks of work in the span of one.

I sincerely apologize and hope that you can understand. I will do better next year, if I decide to repeat this. Thank you for reading and your time.

COMMISSIONS:
These will reopen mid-January, if you are interested. Send me an email or drop a comment down below.

(bonus points to anyone who knows where the title came from)

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

Day 10 and these cuties finally arrived to their new home. My dear friend "Jazz" (the woman who I featured a few days back) ordered these for her two little boys.

Again, I have learned so much from making little stuffies like these. The blue/green one is a little thicker than the red/orange guy - stuffed him a little and it seemed to make his head a little more stable. I have also learned that hair is a pain in the butt sometimes. "J" has a slightly crooked face, but I think he looks heroic. "C" has the written mouth, while "J" has a mouth made similar to the stitch used for the eyes. (Can you guess which one I like better?)

They may have been a little difficult, but they are well worth it. I love them so much. I may make some next year for my nephews. I really hope Jazz's little boys love them as much as I do. These will forever go down in my book as a favorite pattern that I'm totally willing to repeat.
Standing guard over my yard - or at least until they move to their new home!
The pattern can be found at RedHeart.com under the name Boy and Girl Super Heroes. They're adorable and not as difficult as I had originally thought. And they actually work up rather quickly too, since the head and body are one single piece. The thing that took the longest was the cape, but even that wasn't too terrible. Learned so much about weaving in tails for these guys too.

I'd like to remind you that anything that you see within my blog I can make custom for you. And almost every pattern I find is available to you on the Free or Paid pattern pages at the top. Feel free to contact me or dive into the pattern pages! If you make something from any of those pattern, I'd love to see! I'll even give you a free feature just so that others can see the amazing work that you've done as well!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

Day 9 and it's another feature!!

This amazing woman I have known for several years as well, again through summer camp at Magic Sky.

Coral Gracey does a few things, such as sewing and knitting. Featured below are some of those photos - scarves, pillow cases, vests, and a knit tam. How awesome is this kind of stuff? These are pretty cool photos, and since I can't knit, I find it even more amazing.


The photo on the left here is a picture of a Tam Knit hat from her mom's chemo days. I think it's pretty nifty. I always like knit things, but am not skilled at all with those needles! The photo on the right is a photo of two of her knit infinity scarves. Don't they just look so soft and cuddly? I want to take one and curl up with it and pet it for hours!

Pillow cases! Aren't these cute?
Vests sewn for Grandma. These are just awesome.
What she doesn't have photos of are dog bandannas and coats - but sadly her model wouldn't sit still long enough for her to get any photos. Maybe, if you email her, she can get you some photos of the work she does with that. I bet those are just darling too.

For your very own custom knitting and sewing, contact Coral at crgracey@live.com. She'll hook up with all sorts of neat stuff! Tell her I sent you by, so she knows where you came from! And it's all custom, 100% handmade stuff. You can't argue with amazing stuff like that. Seriously, I'm jealous of her knitting skills and sewing ability. I'm going to learn to sew one day, but I may never be able to make stuff like that.

Monday, December 8, 2014

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

Day 8 and a sort of "repeat", if you will. The first day was about the little blue teddy for my youngest nephew, Michael. Well, today's photo is of the little green teddy I made for my oldest nephew, Keoni.

I really do love this little guy and may even make him again, but bigger! Wouldn't he just look adorable a bit bigger? Size comparison, he's a little longer than my 7.5in hand (from middle fingertip to wrist). He's wider than that, too, of course.
Ain't he just the cutest?
Remember that this pattern is from Lion Brand and is called Bear in a Jiff. It is on the "Free Patterns" page, but you will need an account to be able to use Lion Brand's patterns.

Be sure to stop by Kota's CC on Facebook to like and share all of these photos! They'll be ongoing until December 25!

Sunday, December 7, 2014

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

Day 7 - and look, it's a Sunday! 

Many of you know that my mother was diagnosed with "Non-Specific Breast Cancer" back in early February. If not, I'll do a brief rundown. She's been a trooper since day 1. Never really let pity and doubt and worry nag at her. She had her brief "I have cancer" cry, but shrugged and said that it is what it is. She even refuses to let others pity her because of it. The only thing she could do was talk to her doctor about treatments and what they could do to fight back.
And fight back she did! Since February she has had chemotherapy and radiation and several surgeries. She had a double mastectomy (meaning she's lost the gals), but is looking forward to getting her new ones after she's finished with radiation. She even said she wanted them to be bright pink, but knows that's now how it works. 

So, back to today's photo - she's lost some hair, thanks to chemo, but that's normal. She found a photo of an older woman who lost her hair to cancer as well and had knit herself some hair. After posting the photo to my page and a strong hint, I did some searching myself. And I found a cute pattern, pictured below. And of course, I've got to make it in different colors so that she can wear a different "wig" every day of the week!
I've made a blue one as well, but didn't grab a photo of it at Thanksgiving, which is when I had made it. She loves it, and that's all that matters to me. :) Makes me super happy.
She can be a natural blonde now!
This paid pattern Funny Halloween Pink Wig Crochet Pattern can be found at Ravelry, of course. It says it's a "Halloween" wig, but you could totally wear it at any point of the year! I may even make a wig for myself to wear this winter and surprise some of the students I sub for! Wouldn't that be fun?

If you make some "hair" for a friend or family member of your own, send me some photos! I'd love to see the crazy colors y'all come up with!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

And today is Day 6! Half way through the first 12 Days of Christmas!

One of these days I'll jump into a craft fair of some kind and sell lots of stuff! But until then, I'll just make random things and either save them or wear them myself. I've already lost one beanie I've made to my darlin' husband who just took it and began wearing it. Totally doesn't match is uniform (as a cop), but he doesn't care. He may be mad at me when I steal it back and stick some holly on it.

Holiday cheer guaranteed!
This set, however, I got to keep for myself. Hadn't really planned on keeping it for myself, but it got super cold one evening and I had to go feed and water our dogs, and I needed something to at least keep my hands warm. So, I pulled out this magical little set and went about my merry business.

The hat is the usual "Hat Hugger" pattern (can be found on the page "Free Patterns") that I go to on a regular basis. I just did a couple of front post stitches and dc on the front to give it a different type of brim. It's a lovely hat, and that little bit of texture makes the whole thing.

The wristers are a new pattern that I found looking for something easy and simple. They can be found on Ravelry (for free!) and they're called Simple Wrist Warmers. They really are simple. Silly simple. They work great with any of the foundation chains too, so you don't have to do that silly chain.

For the hands that they're on currently, I had to google hand templates for a while and found one I liked. I then printed them out (after a few hours of trying to get them just right on Word) on cardstock so they're a little more durable. I do have to remember to print out a right and a left next time (or maybe just two lefts) since I made two rights this time. Oops.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

Day 5! Moving right along! (Explanation for why this is late will follow down below)

So, I've been struggling with this beanie for a year, a YEAR. I wanted to make it for a friend last year, but I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. This year, however, a fellow crocheter on Facebook posted her troubles with this particular pattern in a group we're in. I figured I'd try and help her out, since I was stuck too. So we began to work "together" on it (separately, but sharing notes and issues via Messenger on FB).

And that's not where the troubles stopped. After I had completed the hat, I realized it would fit my niece better than my friend. Well, that wasn't in the plans. Okay, we'll try again. Tore it out, and discovered (thanks to my new buddy) that if you work the hat in one hook, and then go UP a hook size for the owls, it works out a whole heck of a lot better. I would probably even recommend going up a hook size than require for the hat and go up a hook size from that for the owls, but then again, I crochet a little tight.


This pattern may have kicked my butt for a while, but I can say that I am happy with it and I now know how to work cables into my work. It was harder than I thought, but that's how you learn. I would be willing to make this again and again.

The pattern is called It's a HOOT! and can be found on Ravelry. I actually purchased my copy from her website, but Ravelry is always a good place to buy and get patterns. They'll automatically store your receipt so you don't have to worry about losing it. And you'll get to download any paid pattern you bought over and over if your computer crashes or something. I use Dropbox to save all my stuff, so I'll never lose it.

This is late because I was working all day Friday and got home and just could not find this photo. I had one, but GOD BLESS was it horrible. Didn't show the color well at all. I will try to keep up with this the rest of the Advent Season, but I do have to work and get stuff made. You can help me out GREATLY by dropping by my Facebook page and

Thursday, December 4, 2014

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

Day 4 of the Advent Season

Today is about Angels and dishcloths. Even better - Angel Dishcloths in time for Christmas! This is a super cute pattern, and (depending on the yarn and hook you select) they come out in different sizes!

The big one by itself is made with Peaches and Creme's "Yuletide" and a size "K" (6.5mm) hook. It actually turned out rather nice. I really like it, maybe more than the other two.
The smallest one (hard to tell, I know) is the one in the large photo, bottom left is made with Red Heart's Mistletoe and a size "H" (5.00mm) hook. The one on the bottom right is the same yarn, though with the "K" hook - and it's no where near the size of the one in cotton.
The two smaller ones will probably be wall decorations, but I can actually use the largest one as a potholder or a dishcloth. Either way, it's really pretty. I love it!


The pattern can be found on Ravelry Christmas Angel Dishcloth. And it's a free pattern! I'll be sure to update it and put it on the Free Pattern page, so y'all can find it all year long. And, of course, you don't have to make this only at Christmas time. These in a solid would be good all year long.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

On the Third Day of Christmas

Advent Day 3

Today I am featuring a very special friend of mine. I met Nicole at Magic Sky Ranch in Colorado a few summers back and I have to say what a wonderful person she is. She's been dabbling in various things for a while, but I have to say her photography is simply amazing! I mean, look at all those happy, smiling faces! Can't you tell that she's just awesome at her job?

Aren't these amazing?
She photographs families, lots of cute kids, and does weddings! She's from Los Lunas, NM, but will travel a bit (check out her website to learn more). Even if you don't live in NM, you should totally give her page some lovin'.
Look at the little baby!
You can find her on Facebook via Nicole Bradshaw Photography or on her very own website - www.nicolebradshawphotography.com. Tell her Dakota sent you!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

On the Second Day of Christmas

FINALLY!! Here is Day 2 of my lovely Advent Calendar!

Day 2 brings us what I've made for my nieces this year. There is a purple one that matches this one, with a pink bow and nose of course, but I haven't gotten a snap shot of her yet. The skirt is just some lace I picked up at Wal-Mart and sewed it on. I thought it made the bunny cuter. I've even been told I should make a guy bunny with a little tux, give her a veil and look! A bunny wedding set! I may just have to try that.


The pattern for this is easily found on Ravelry. It is called "Bunny JÄNKS". I would advise you sew the nose on before continuing with the body. I did this twice and I sewed the nose on afterwards both times. It was crazy. Also, I'd get some regular safety eyes (and maybe even a safety nose?) instead of the buttons I used. I mean, I adore this cute little thing, but I know what I would do differently now.

I have opened up spots, as many as I can, this year in hopes of getting more people who would like some free advertising. If you'd like to be featured this year in the Advent Calendar, stop by Kota's Crochet Creations on Facebook and send me a message. I'll let you know what I need from you or even just give you more information. I'm starting my free advertising tomorrow with a very special friend of mine, so be ready for it!

Monday, December 1, 2014

On the First Day of Christmas

And here is the first day of my Crochet Advent Calendar 2014! Are you guys excited as I am?

I've mentioned a couple of times that I decided to give gifts to all of my nieces and nephews this year. Last year, I only got around to making one gift for the niece who lives with her grandparents (my in-laws), the purple cat scoodie. This year, I made each one of them a stuffed animal.

The boys got little teddy bears, Keoni in green, his favorite color, and Micheal got blue (since he's only 2 and can't make that kind of decision yet). I made a boo-boo when crocheting Keoni's only because I didn't use the same yarn I used to make Michael's to make Keoni's. Michael's is made from Bernat Baby Softee yarn and Keoni's is made of Red Heart Super Saver. Though, the scarves are made of BBS yarn, since I'm trying to use up some of my scraps.


They're adorable little bears that are super easy to make. For your own teddy bear, check out Lion Brand's Bear in a Jiff. It's an adorable little bear and it is super easy to whip up. This was my first amigurumi and I can't believe how easy they were. I'm definitely not used to crocheting in what is basically a spiral, but it was easier than I thought it was. If you don't have good stitch markers (like me, oddly enough), a safety pin works marvelous. It's what I've been using for a while now. Cheap too.

Tomorrow you'll get to see what my nieces are getting for Christmas. :D I won't ruin the surprise because that won't be any fun. (Though, if you've been following my Facebook page, you may already know what they're getting. Don't spoil the fun for anyone else!)

Remember to spread the word about my Crochet Advent Calendar! I'm also going to be posting links to various other artists who crochet and create marvelous items and share their patterns with the whole of the internet.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Want some FREE YARN?!

Would you like a chance to win some free yarn? Who wouldn't, right? Well, head on over to this link (posted below) and enter for your chance to win some free yarn!

http://yarnforyear.happilyhooked.com/?ref=dac9f002b3

Did I mention you get a whole YEAR'S WORTH?! It's a supply for a year's worth of yarn, seriously, who wouldn't want that? I'm going to post this link a couple of times, so you won't miss it.

http://yarnforyear.happilyhooked.com/?ref=dac9f002b3

Also, it's free to enter. Heck, this is probably one of the easiest contests to enter. Your name and email and that's it, you're done. So, what are you waiting for?! Go enter for some free yarn!

http://yarnforyear.happilyhooked.com/?ref=dac9f002b3

Seriously, if you're still reading this, I'm a little amazed. Okay, so maybe you don't want the yarn for yourself. Maybe enter and give it to a friend. It'll make a wonderful Christmas present - or even a birthday gift. Come on, whatcha waiting for? Go enter!

http://yarnforyear.happilyhooked.com/?ref=dac9f002b3

Thursday, November 13, 2014

A Sophisticated Lady

I finally finished something! I've started about a hundred different projects and finished a handful - and of course most of those are going towards my Advent Calendar, so I can't show them to you yet. And, of course, I posted this all over my FB page and my deviantArt page, but forgot about my own blog! Goodness me!

I wanted to try something new with this particular item. I didn't want to take a photo of it in our messy room and try to crop out all the crap in the background, nor worry about which blanket should I use to get the best lighting - or how to get good lighting in my room period. So, I headed outside with my cowl and a styrofoam head and plopped down on the ground. The head just wasn't working: too low to the ground, the cowl wouldn't work right over the head, it looked like a muddy mess, and I was worried about having to clean all that grass and stuff off after I was done. Luckily, I remembered to let Lady out of the fence so she could go explore and say hi to the other dogs on the property (since we're living with the in-laws for a bit longer). After battling with the four puppies that roam around (they're the in-laws and on their way to a good home soon), I snagged Lady and made her sit for me. Of course the puppies wanted in too, but I didn't really need them.

Pictured below is my darlin' GSD Lady - also know as Lady-Bug due to the "spots" that she has on her back - modeling The Sequin Turtle's Hooded Crochet Infinity Scarf. She's a darling dog whom I love to death (her and her parents).
Lady "Bug" - my sweet baby girl
It didn't take me too long to get her to sit and stay, the latter being the harder of the two for her to follow, and snapped a few shots - including puppies too. And when I finished, I was super excited how this photo turned out! The barn, the angle, the trees - it's all perfect! I am super proud of myself and I really hope y'all enjoy it as well.

I'll add this pattern to my patterns list at the top of the page for easy reference. Thanks for stopping by! 

(Side note - my husband and I are moving soon and I may not get to post anything else I make between now and December. I'll try and get something up if I can, if not feel free to follow Kota's Crochet Creations on Facebook. I keep that pretty up to date via my phone.)

BONUS PHOTO TIME!

Bonus photo: When puppies "attack"
She's not overly fond of the puppies in her personal bubble. And that little pup tried to get in there several times before I could snap the photo of her above. Crazy little tykes!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

A Round-Up for Today!

Since I had nothing to post (or rather, nothing I'd want to post just yet, saving as much as I can for my Advent Calendar this upcoming December), I figured I'd start posting Round-Ups for you. While I haven't gotten time to make my own round-ups yet (something I may do in the future on Saturdays, instead of posting these), I have found tons of these all over Facebook and the blogs I read.

This one is an awesome set of 50 Patterns that Fiber Flux has found - and each one of them uses buttons! Lots and lots of buttons!

You can check out this marvelous round-up here: http://www.fiberfluxblog.com/2014/10/buttons-50-free-crochet-patterns.html
Be sure to drop by her Facebook page too and give it a "Like".

I'm getting ready for my annual Crochet Advent Calendar - looking for people to add to my list to give free advertising during those 25 days. I'm getting all my Christmas presents finished and starting my list for Christmas commissions. (Which I'm taking orders until Thanksgiving; after that, I won't have time. The cut off may be sooner if I get too much on my list and feel like I won't have enough time.) So, stop by Kota's CC on Facebook and put an order in today!

Friday, October 17, 2014

I'm Horrible - So Have Some Updates

I haven't posted in so long, I know. I've been up and down and working (Substitute Teacher in San Angelo Independent District, so that's several schools that I can go and sub at. It's fantastic!) and a bit sick. Oh, and my husband has a job now (starts on the Oct. 20), so life will be a little more crazy in the coming weeks (or month).

If you'd like to check out some patterns, I'm doing a whole months worth of round-ups and free pattern offers on my Facebook Page: Kota's Crochet Creations. I've got several round-ups and a few free pattern offers (though they have most likely expired by now).

I have gotten my PayPal account up and working, or at least I think I do, so I can now accept payment through PayPal. Huzzah!

I am working on my Advent Calendar for this year. I've gotten a handful of things done, though I am in dire need of things to make for it. Oops... Kinda slacking on it. So much for trying to get a head start on it. Got my first Christmas order of the year, so that's great. Speaking of...

I am taking orders up until Thanksgiving of this year. Sooner if I feel like I'm overwhelmed and may not finish all of them in time.

I'll post a photo of what I've done this month in a few days, just to prove that I'm still crocheting, though I'm terrible at posting. Thank you all who have stuck with me and even glanced at my blog. I'm trying hard to keep up with it and my new crazy life. I'll try and post at least once a week, on Saturdays, if nothing else. I greatly appreciate everyone who has stayed with me and will continue to do so!

Keep Hookin' y'all!

A little donation button for me, if you feel like it. To all who do, thank you very much. I greatly appreciate it.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Been A While, Huh?

So, I've been terrible at posting lately. I haven't for months, in fact, and that's not good for me. Or for y'all, since I know you enjoy seeing all the things I've made. So, over the next few days (with a couple days in between), I'll be posting everything I've been working on for the last few months. It won't be a lot, sadly, because I've been working - subbing actually - so my crochet/crafty time has been narrowed a bit. I'm saving up for my new cellphone bill, student loans, and a chance to finish up my schooling.

This is the beach bag I started on my trip to Corpus Christi for a stay at a friend's condo next to the beach and a trip to the Lexington and Texas State Aquarium. It's a pretty wide base, bigger than I thought it'd be, but I'm not fond of the handles. If I do this bag again, I may make one large handle to go over the shoulder. Or at least make both handles longer to go over the shoulder. Or something. I'll let ya know.
The link to this pattern can be found in the Free Patterns page, found above!

Beach bag finished! Going to do the handles differently next time...
So, since there are lots of patterns out there in the great wide web, here's something you might enjoy:
A special treat for y'all today too. The Perfect Knot is having a bit of a birthday bash today and is offering a free pattern from Raverly.  I've already gotten mine, so make sure to get yours. It's only valid for today and ends at midnight (PDT)!
To get your pattern, type "Birthday38" in the coupon box!
Until next time, my dear readers! 

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Fun things today!

Today is my niece's birthday. I do believe Sakura is turning 10 (?) today (but I'm really not sure. Only been in this family for a little over a year officially, and have known my niece for two years now, so I'm not sure).

Any how...

I've decided to make something for her this year. I found a few headband patterns which all call for cotton thread, which (of course) I don't have. I did, however, substitute it with some baby yarn I still have lying around (in "Antique White" by Bernat Baby). I think it worked out pretty well, don't you? It worked a little bigger than one with thread, but that's not bad. I like this yarn very much. It's much easier to wash, if needed too. Awesome all in one.
Don't mind the tail, I hadn't tucked and trimmed yet.
The pattern I used is called MandyBand, written by Mandy England, who created both the flower and headband all by herself. How awesome is that? The flower, by itself, is very cute and had a multitude of uses. I may even use it again for something else. The pattern is a bit interesting to read, as she doesn't read patterns and doesn't write them the way I'm used to seeing them. However, she has included photos of every step, so it's extremely easy to follow.

I've also included some yarn, a handful of hooks, and a "I taught myself to Crochet" book in her bag. She really wants to learn how to crochet, so I figured, why not try and teach her this year. I've learned more within the last year than I knew last year and am sure that I can teach my niece how to crochet.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wow... I'm finally finished

It's been a long time coming, but here it is...
Photo taken 9-4-2012
I don't know if y'all remember this blanket from September 4, 2012, but I finally finished it. It's officially done. It's taken my just a tad under two years to finally get this silly thing done. It's 100 rows exactly and that's 25 more than the pattern called for, but I don't care. Fits me just fine.

This, two years ago, was going to be my very first lapghan (lap afghan), but fate intervened and my youngest nephew got his blanket before I got this finished. I've been trying for a while to actually make an afghan, but I was always intimidated by them. They take lots of yarn and lots of time and excuse after excuse. Finally after I realized that I have so many skeins of this variegated yarn laying around, I finally searched through Red Heart's many afghan and blanket patterns, this seemed easiest and quickest. (Boy, do I feel silly for thinking that.)

In reality, this is a really easy pattern and the color changes the pattern calls for are simple. Especially if you follow a few of Moogly.blog's video tutorials or Moogly.blog's photo tutorials. Actually, now that I look at my photos, I love the way it sort of stripes itself. That's nifty. (If you're struggling to tell, the top photo is almost the entire afghan, the second is a closer photo, and the third is an extreme close up of the coloring/ripple.)
100 rows exactly and a lovely variegated yarn.
The pattern I used is Red Heart's Windsor Ripple Throw in Red Heart's Mexicana. Super easy, super fun. Now that I still have a ball of this yarn left, I'll probably make headbands or something for my nieces, or even coasters for all the glasses we use. Plenty of uses for Red Heart yarn in these colors. :D

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Lookie lookie, I got visitors!

Well, not many here, but on Kota's Crochet Creations (the FB page). A bunch of new likes today alone! All thanks to SnApPy ToTs and their decision to spread the love around! I'm inclined to share, of course, so if you're seeing this and have a Facebook page business (of any kind, not just crochet) that you'd like me to "like", drop a comment either here or on my page and I'll definitely send a like your way!

In other news:
I've started making Christmas gifts already! I'm making teddy bears for my nephews and these bunnies (pictured below) for my nieces. Of course this is the tip of the ice burg as I plan on making a few more gifts as well. Got to get busy and play less video games, watch less t.v. and stop being an over-all slacker!

Bunnies for the gals
Nah, I kid! I have a lot going on right now, but I'll get back to posting stuff that I've made soon. Plus, I've been making updates to my blog, like the new pages on the top of the page! Check them out!
Want to take a look at a pattern that I posted, but can't remember what it's called? I now have a working "Patterns Page"! I have all the patterns I've used since the beginning of this blog posted on the Free Patterns page, which can be found at the top of the page! It's new and updated and full of free patterns, listed A-Z. If you find any broken links, have any questions, think I missed a pattern, feel free to let me know and I'll address the issue as needed. (Be kind and take a look? I spent a couple hours on it, just for you guys!)
There is also a Paid Patterns link at the top, in case you're wondering where I got all those patterns that aren't free. I've even posted the patterns I'm selling, should you be interested. If you don't see a pattern on either of these pages, but saw it in my blog, let me know. It may be a pattern that doesn't have a link or I just haven't written/posted it yet. If the latter is the case, give me a bit of time and I'll post the pattern up. I'll try and keep most of the patterns I write free, but don't be alarmed if I do charge. I promise it won't be much for any of them.

Thanks for all those who stopped by who were new. It's fantastic to see new faces around here! Hope you enjoy your stay and look forward to seeing lots of new stuff from me between now and Christmas! I'll be doing my Christmas Crochet Advent Calendar again, so keep that in mind should you like to be featured! (Check out December of 2013 for more information on that!)

Until next time friends, new and old!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Busy Little Bee!

I've been busy for a bit: working on the blue blanket from my last post, my husband's belt, our massive King sized blanket, and various other Works in Progress. I really should sit down and finish one thing before I start another, though I do like making things that work up fast so that I can take them with me while traveling around town (since I've been busy finishing up becoming a married woman!).

Like these ADORABLE little scrubbies. Okay, first things first... My husband, my darling husband, has let me buy more yarn that I need this past week, offering me his wallet TWICE to go and get more. So, thanks to his generosity, I have been able to get some 100% cotton yarn (Peaches and Creme, some great stuff) and I had no ideal what to use with it.
 The first yarn I got was "Hippi" by Peaches and Creme. I love the colors on this one, it's really pretty. The next one I got was Yuletide (and I have a couple of balls of them), that I'm going to hold off making until I go on my trip next month (gives me something to do). Those will be Christmas gifts. The next ball I got was "Stars and Stripes". It wasn't quite what I expected, though I do kinda like the Texas flag look to it (yeah, it's upside down in the photo, but I was tying to capture the colors, which took a while). Beautiful, isn't it?
Psychedelic by Peaches and Creme: two tones, one scrubbie!
My next purchase was "Psychedelic". I really like this yarn, since it gives two different color sets in one little scrubbie. Same with "Hippi", though this one is so much more colorful and bright! I really can't help but love these things. They're perfect for washing your face or yourself. Heck, they might even be good for dishes, though I'd like something with a little more texture/a rougher feeling to it for my dishes,so I'm going to try to make some with an old loofah with acrylic yarn (like Red Heart) for dishes and what-not. And if that doesn't work quite the way I want, I'm going to try to tulle with the acrylic yarn (since those are all over the internet).
If you want to make your very own scrubbies, stop by crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com and check it out. There is also a YouTube video by Naztazia who tells you how to put them together (which the website doesn't explain 100% clearly). There are even sites out there to tell you how to switch the colors to make striped scrubbies.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Updates and What-Not

 Well, I never did get my Mother's Day gift finished, mostly because it's harder than I thought it would be. Bah, no worries though, I'll get it finished and post it up for y'all to see. Man, I really need to work on my WIPs. I have way too many for my own good. I'll get around to finishing them all one day! Hoping to get that massive Black Light blanket by Christmas, or even sooner if we move out (since I probably won't have much else to do but crochet!). I'll get that pile of stuff down and done soon enough. Until then, I'll keep working on a little bit of everything!

So, because I like to make a massive pile of work for myself, I've taken on another project at the puppy dog eyes of my darlin' husband. It's a Corner to Corner blanket (much like the BL blanket and the one I made for my nephew), though this time, it's made with Lion Brand's "Homespun" yarn instead of something nice. While I love this yarn, it can be a pain, splitting and threads catching on the hook. It looks real pretty and boy is it soft and warm! It'll be his own personal couch/sick blanket, so he'll stop stealing mine! (I love him any way!) I'm farther than the photo below, but I haven't had time to dig out my camera to take a new picture. Perhaps next week, since it should be finished by then (even if I wanted it to be done by tomorrow, since it's our anniversary [the 25th], but that may not happen).
My newest C2C project, for my husband of course.
Been searching for more ideals, which is a bad thing, I know. I've got so much stuff to finish now, but I can't help it! Plus, it does help me search for Christmas gift ideals (shush, I know it's only May, but I have quite a few to make this year!), which is always helpful. Like that photo below. With my husband completing the Police Academy and in search of his own job through the Police Force, I just laughed. How perfect? And maybe good for the bedroom, ya know, if you're into that sort of thing. I totally want to try to make a pair.
Perfect for that police officer in your life, or maybe good for the bedroom?
Speaking of Christmas gifts, if anyone who reads this blog has a good pattern for teddy bears, I'd love to know! I want to make a couple for my nieces and nephews for Christmas this year, so I have something to give to all of them. (Sadly, two of them live in Pennsylvania, but I won't get into that.) They'd love them, and I'd love to make them something special. Or bunnies for the girls and bears for the boys? Hmm, I'll definitely have to think about it!

Friday, May 9, 2014

Blanket Finished and Graduating

Real creative title there, huh? Can't blame me too much, been a bit busy with my final week of school. But, more on that in a bit.

So, y'all remember that blanket I started working on at the end of April? Well, I finished it and I can say that I am really proud of myself. I haven't actually had to sew anything together before (as in squares, rows, etc.), so it was a bit of a terrifying task for me. However, I pushed through and look at that!

(Photo on the left is without flash, the photo on the right is with flash)

 It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, which is always a good thing, and the rows went together really well. I also found a matching yarn (Baby Baby from Bernat Baby Softee) for the border, since it had all of the matching colors of the animals, and the customer gave the okay. (Yeah, I know, I forgot to take a better picture of the border, ugh!) It actually came out marvelously. And the customer loved it, ensuring me that her niece (who is having the baby) would love it too. I'm just glad everyone will like it.

So, tomorrow (May 10th), I graduate from Angelo State University with a Bachelor's in English with a Specialization in Creative Writing. I am utterly excited. This has been six years in the making, and had to change majors once (from Eng Ed to just Eng). But, just because I'm graduating, doesn't mean I done with school. I'll be finishing my studies online through "Texas Teachers: Alternative Certification", where I will be finishing my original major to become a High School English Teacher. I am so excited! (And a bit nervous.) Finally, made it through college and onward towards my new career!


Information about what I'm doing for Mother's Day will come on Monday. I finally figured something out for Mother's Day, and I'm excited! Trying something new this year, and even something new in general. First time using thread instead of yarn. Woo!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

I'm Still Here

Well, it looks like I've been missing out on posting again. Geez, school is annoying sometime, right? Well, lucky for me, it's almost over (sorta). I finally graduate from Angelo State University this year, May 10th, and will have a Bachelor's Degree in English, Specializing in Creative Writing (currently Poetry). And, within the next few months, I will be signing up for classes through Texas Teachers, for my Alternative Certification. I'm so excited about that! I'll be on probation, but still getting all the benefits of a regular teacher.

So, what have I been doing since March? Well, to be honest, not a whole lot. I'm still working on my husband's belt for his own choice of study. Did I mention he's in the Police Academy? If not, now you know. I am really excited about it, it's my first time using a nylon thread and, even though it hurts my fingers to crochet so tight and small, it's actually turning out really nicely. I may even have a few orders of these if my husband's classmates like his. (I'm hoping to get it done before his graduation, on the 16th of May. Wish me luck!)
I am also working on that very large Black Light blanket that I started a few months back. It's coming along quite nicely, though I may go back and work some color in there, like white and maybe even some black. It's wide enough now for a lapghan, but hubby won't let me stop there. Got to make it big enough for him and I to share on our not-yet-existent king sized bed. I may or may not get it that big, after all, it's bigger than I had thought and it's quite a challenge (It is my second afghan of any size and I didn't realize that they were quite popular. I may have to learn to crochet faster if they become a staple order!)

Down below is an order that I am currently working on (I have more than this finished, but it's not photographed). A marvelous lady contacted me via my Facebook page, asking me if I could finish a blanket for her. Of course I said yes, and all I have to do it sew the rows together and then create a nice border. Simple and easy. Now, if I could only concentrate on that instead of freaking out about my Poetry final.
Ain't it just the cutest? If I remember correctly, this was supposed to be a blanket for the customer's daughter, but it never got finished (hence the name and date in the middle). However, there is another baby on the way, and she would love to give this blanket to that child. How could I say no to that?! I couldn't.
 

I wish I could say I had something planned for Mother's Day, but sadly, I do not. I'm a little busy with school and graduation (and Mother's Day is the day after I graduate), so nothing this year. Our one year anniversary is also coming up. I'm super excited about that too. I love my husband dearly, so this is fantastic for us! 

The next thing I post will probably be about my graduation (or the blanket, since it shouldn't take me too long to finish, I just have to get on it). Look for me in my cap and gown, all prettied up for my big day!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Been a while, huh?

Yeah, I know, I'm terrible at keeping up with blog posts. But school is pretty busy for me, and crocheting is more of a hobby right now; the blog is another hobby, when I have time for it, like now. So, have another wonderful update on how I've progressed as a crocheter and what I'm working on now! :D (And I'll change the background to make a bit more sense... Seeing as it's almost April, not Jan.)

Since January, I haven't completed anything. I know, I know, I'm totally slacking. But I did manage to start a really cute little bag called "Sweet Hearts Bag" by Debi. The pattern she gives is actually a two-for-one pattern. Within the download, you can make both Sweet Hearts Boot Cuffs or the Sweet Hearts Bag, which I decided to try my hand at. The pattern is really cute and I totally should have finished back in February, but... Yeah, I'm a tad lazy and I did want to line it before I attached the handle. I just have this fear that anything I put in it will either fall out or stretch it out of shape, so I need help making a liner (which is where my handy hubby comes in! :D). I didn't cut my yarn off after every row, like Debi did. I HATE, with a wild passion, weaving in all those little threads, so I figured I'd just carry my yarn up and around. I think it looks pretty good none-the-less. If I remake this bag, it'll definitely look so much better.

Handless bag
But that's not all I've been doing since January. I am still working like crazy on that Black Light blanket for my husband and I. I finally got to purchase all but 1 skein of yarn that I need for this massive project. I have eight of them right now stashed away in my Yarn Drum (best Christmas gift thus far), and three more are put away in my "craft" room. I need to go buy one more, and then I should have enough to make the biggest blanket I have ever made in my life. I really don't think I'll be doing another one this big for quite some time. Especially since I have other afghans in the "ideal" bin that I'm dying to try out!
Eight skeins here, three more in storage
I'd post a picture of the blanket, but I can't seem to find my camera right now. (Odd since I took these photos, right? Well... I update elsewhere too, like Facebook, and often forget about here.) But it it getting bigger and bigger. The width right now is probably about perfect for a lapghan, but that's not where I'm stopping. California King, here I come! Which does explain why I need 15+ skeins of this beautiful yarn.

Besides those two projects, I'm still working on that "fantastic" black belt for my husband. I didn't realize how much I would come to hate the thread he chose for it. Held double, that yarn hurts my fingers more than I ever thought it would. I have also decided that if anyone wants a belt like this, they'll be paying well for it. It's a nice looking belt, and it's pretty sturdy too. Again, I seriously need to find my camera so that I can post these things for you to see!

Until next time, my dear readers! :D

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Crocheting right along!

Hello to all! It's almost the end of the first month and I've been quite busy! I have indeed been crocheting right along, finishing a couple of projects and starting a few more!

My nephew's blanket is finally finished, I finished that in the middle of this month. Doesn't it just look adorable? If you can't tell the colors, it's Mint and Lemon with a Pale Blue edging, the yarn is Bernant Baby Softee. It's so soft, even held double, like this is. It's a bit heavier than I thought it would be, but it is warm and so pretty!
Finally finished!
Besides this blanket, I have started another one, though this one is even cooler than Micheal's. Red Heart came out with a new yarn recently called "Black Light" and it actually glows under the black light! I can't wait until this one is finished.
Isn't this yarn just awesome!
The blanket that I'm going to making with this yarn is going to be at least a King. That means I'm going to use about 15 skeins of this fun yarn. It'll glow under the black light that my husband has hung above our bed, and he can't wait for this to be finished. 
The start of something awesome.
Besides all those blankets, I'm also working on a handful of boot cuffs. The ones below are my first pair, and they are just lovely. I'm working on a belt of my own "design". I say design in quotes mainly because it's nothing more than a simple belt buckle with Red Heart's Crochet Nylon Thread. I'll eventually post photos of them later, probably when it's finished.


You can find these lovely cuffs here at the Crochet Lounge by E. In fact, there is a whole line of Mariposas items that she's working on to match. Right now all E has up are these marvelous boot cuffs, a matching beanie, and a matching pair of wrist cuffs.  You should totally check them out and look at the rest of the awesome free patterns the Crochet Lounge has to offer. They also have various Crochet-A-Longs that you should also check out. They're amazing!

The end of the month is near and February is almost upon us! I'm off to work on a cute pair of boot cuffs that are perfect for Valentine's Day! I'll try and get a handful of things done for the month, tons of cute little heart-inspired crochet projects. Of course I'll post the pattern for them all. I can't wait to start on all the fun stuff for next month! Stay tuned, dear readers, and I'll keep posting! :D

Friday, January 3, 2014

New Year, New Projects

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to y'all! I hope your holiday was a marvelous as mine was. I loved the time I got to spend with my family and friends. I ate my obligatory black-eyed peas and had a midnight kiss on New Year's Eve. Lady loved her collar and her stocking, and my family loved their gifts, so it was good all around. How 'bout you? Was your holidays just as wonderful?

I do have a list of gifts that I plan to make for Christmas gifts next year, which will also be perfect for my Advent Calendar of 2014! Yes indeed, I do plan on trying my hand at another calendar. I really enjoyed it and plan to make more gifts this time around. I'd even like to feature more people, because this is a good way to get your name out there.

I am still crocheting, of course. Below is the baby blanket I am currently working on. I know the coloring is a bit hard to see, but it's a mint green and lemon yellow by "Bernat: Baby Softee". It's really soft and sort of heavier than I thought it would be, but it is still lovely! It'll have a soft blue trim in the same brand, perfect for my little nephew who is only a year old.
It's mint green and lemon yellow
Until next time, my dear readers! Hope you have a marvelous day! :D