I can knit! (Okay, well, sort of.)

A few years ago I referred to taking my first knitting class.  And it obviously didn't make much of an impact on my life considering it's almost 2.5 years later and I'm only now getting around to writing about knitting.

It's not that I didn't love knitting.  I think it's awesome.  I like that it uses less yarn than crochet and I think the stockinette stitch looks amazing. It's a bit classier and more refined than crochet in my opinion.

But I LOVE crochet.  Truth be told I feel a bit unfaithful to my craft when I pick up the knitting needles.  But last year I did it anyhow and knitted an afghan for my husband.

I crocheted the Lion Brand 5 1/2 Hour afghan for my mother-in-law two Christmases ago and my husband loved it so much that he declared that he needed one of his own.

I kind of thought it was the Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn that drew him in because it's so rich and luxurious and cozy.  So I thought I'd one-up the previous years' afghan by making the Lion Brand Plush Throw--a knitted afghan that uses the same yarn.

It took a month of stolen moments and knitting marathons, but I finally finished the knitted afghan.  It's rich and luxurious and cozy--but it's also WAY too heavy for Floridians.  There are like 3 days a year in which this afghan would be called upon for use.  So, my one-upping really did no good.

There's no denying that it's a simple and gorgeous blanket, made with awesome yarn and love.  I'm also happy to have conquered a large knitting project.

But guys, it's just not crochet.  I'll leave you with a shirt that I totally need...

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Crocheters and knitters--are you a switch hitter?  Do you do both or do you have a strong preference for one over the other?  Perhaps if I lived in a cooler climate then knitting might be more appealing for the sake of the awesome sweaters and socks, but here and now, crochet has my heart.

5 1/2 Hour Throw

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know that I love to pin crochet ideas.  The problem with all of the lovely crochet inspiration I pin  is that often each afghan you're looking at takes like 8 months of stolen moments, and though I'd love to make it happen, I tend to gravitate toward projects that are achievable in a weekend or two at most.  There's just something about having kids and their need to eat and have attention and such...

Enter the 5 1/2 hour throw from Lion Brand.  Yeah, it takes a lot of yarn.  A lot of expensive (yet super-awesome chunky-textured) yarn...but it's totally doable in a weekend.  Have you worked with Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn yet?  I'm telling you, it's so satisfying and smooth and buttery... Luxurious might be a good word.  And they don't even pay me to say that!

This 5 1/2  hour throw took me like 4 months to make.  Funny right?  Granted, I started it right after I had Bennett--so--you know, the whole newborn thing can be a real crochet-killer (and sleep-killer--but pretty awesome in every other aspect, right?).  I made it as a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law last Christmas (and I'm just now getting around to sharing it with you) and I'll be honest, I'd love to make one for myself one day--so yeah, it's awesome. 

If you're looking for some doable DIYs for Christmas gifting, this may be a fun one to try!  Maybe I'll make another this year!

Oh, and in the time it took me to make this throw and post it... my kiddos have.grown.so.much.  Elliott is in preschool now and Bennett (who we pretty much only call Benji) is walking around like a pro.

Doesn't time just fly?

Real candy corn is terrible. Crocheted candy corn is awesome!

My love of amigurumi is in opposition to my very nature.  I don't like stuffed animals, I'm somewhat morally opposed to even the cutest of tchotchke and I really don't like tedious crafts.  But I LOVE amigurumi.  Ahh.  Amigurumi.

For no particular good reason, I made some amigurumi candy corn.  I really don't like candy corn, but it just seemed like the right thing to do.  (How many more things can I list in this post that I don't like?  Mayonnaise, Starbucks, bullies, seams in socks, artificial sweeteners, science fiction... yeah, I could keep going.)

But as much as amigurumi defies my nature and as much as I dislike candy corn--aren't these little guys so cute?

They were made using this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.

Junebug has been stuffing them into her pockets and you should hear how cute it sounds when she says "candy corn".

I'm thinking that we're going to pass these little candies out to the babies at church.  Junebug is going through the "mine!" phase of toddlerhood and so in the spirit of breaking that disgusting "MINE!" habit (yeah, it seriously makes me crazy) I think it will be quite nice to have her assist in giving a few small toys to others.  Maybe it'll go well, maybe it won't.  We'll see.  Either way, we're going to give a few things to others and see what we accomplish.

P.S.  If you can crochet but have never tried amigurumi, this candy corn pattern is a great one to start with.

P.P.S.  THANKS for voting for my cowl @ the Maybe Matilda crochet along.  I came in third place and won some fabulous crochet patterns!  (Read about the winners here.)

Time Out Cowl (and Giveaway Winners)

I meant to share this a while ago, but one of my favorite bloggers, Rachel from Maybe Matilda is hosting a crochet along.  For all of you who have yet to know the joys of crochet, please, wait no longer!  The tutorials and advice she has offered along the way would be invaluable to a newbie--she's a great instructor. 

For this particular Crochet Along, readers voted to make the Time Out Cowl which is a free (and simple!) pattern offered by Lion Brand Yarn.

I am in love with my cowl. I wore it to bed last night (no joke). Too bad I live in Florida where most days are in the mid nineties. Ughh. Can we please have a crisp Fall day soon??

The pattern took no time to whip up, and while the original pattern says to make the cowl 54" long, I opted for 32" because it suits my small upper frame better. My "lower frame" is FAR from small. You may laugh, but it's true.  Very true.

You may be interested to know that I was able to use only one skein of Lion Brand Jiffy yarn (with a size K hook) to achieve my cowl.  Yay for a one skein project--only $2.79!  Be still my thrifty heart!

Do you like the length?  Here is the picture they share with the pattern.  Do you prefer the long length or the short?  In the end, it's a matter of personal preference.  (P.S. How does one photo shop bags out from under one's eyes?  Anyone?  Anyone?  Eh, worse things have happened.)

If you want to check out all the posts created by Rachel, click on the icon below.  You'll really enjoy it!

Also for those who are wondering, the Heidi and Finn pattern giveaway winners (selected by Random.org) are comments number 24 and 28.

# 24 Anonymous said...

I love that shop! I also need a coat for my daughter! Hope I win!
ashleigh(dot) kinsey(at) gmail.com 

# 28 Rachel said...

Oh, this shop is too cute! Your jacket came out beautifully! I love the Urban Hoodie pattern--I'd love to make it for my little boy!

Ok, and in the interest of full disclosure, the Rachel who won is Rachel from Maybe Matilda.  I already had this post drafted and then went to Random.org to choose the numbers of the winners--I totally should have taken a screen shot to prove that this was purely coincidental!  Yeah, you may be thinking it sounds pretty sketchy, but scout's honor, it was random (and possibly just good karma).  Anyhow, congrats Ashleigh and Rachel!

Market Bag (Lion Brand Free Pattern)

Oh crafty pals, how I have missed you!  I miss posting regularly (more info on why we're not as frequent here).  But it's all about balance, right?  I find it extremely hard to balance and compartmentalize my life.  Anyone out there feel me? 

Anyhow, my husband and I recently went on a 5-day cruise without the little one (gasp)!  We had a great time and while we were away, I crocheted.  Yep.  I may have looked like a grandma in my skirted bathing suit, big floppy straw hat and crochet in hand.  Or maybe not.  Or definitely.  Whatever.  It's all a matter of perspective.

Make fun of me if you must, but I know you won't make fun of my end product--this bad boy:

I made this bag using the Market Bag (FREE!) Pattern from the Lion Brand Yarn website.  You do have to create an account to get the free patterns, but it's well-worth the two minutes of your time.  Pinky promise. 

Here's the bottom of the bag, where the pattern starts:

Lessons learned?  It's a great pattern.  Even for beginners.  But I would highly recommend following the instructions as they're written.  The pattern is perfect--don't deviate.  I didn't turn the work after each round (as you're instructed to in the directions) and it turns out there's good reason to do so.  Also, the bag looked a bit small so I added a few extra rounds at the top and now it's a few rows too long--especially for a shorty like me.  I didn't account for the fact that a bag like this stretches with use so I now regret those extra rounds. Ughh.

And for your viewing pleasure, I wanted to share my "modeling" pics with you.  I know my husband sure did have a good laugh while photographing me.  I'm SO awkward around the camera... but I'm a crafter, not a model.  I was just glad my dress had pockets so I had somewhere to hide my hands. 

I reminded myself of that 30 Rock episode where Liz Lemon models for her Deal Breakers show.  LOL!

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For more crochet inspiration, check out the Lion Brand Site for LOTS of free patterns.  Or check out my Crochet board on Pinterest.  Whatever you do, have fun crafting this summer!

 

P.S.  Next week I'll be guest posting over at Sew Homegrown for the Cure the Summertime Blues series.  Follow the progress thus far by clicking on the icon below! 

Amigurumi Turtle

Amigurumi is my new obsession.  In a few short hours you can create a precious, soft, and simple toy.  Crochet is the bestest craft ever!  (And amigurumi is so much easier than it looks!)

 

I found the pattern for this turtle on the Lion Brand Yarn website. It's FREE and it recommends Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn, which is my favorite!

He's going to be a gift for some friends who are having a baby boy, but in the meantime Junebug and I stare at him adoringly.

Easter Recap

I can't believe Easter is already over.  I feel like it's practically Christmas.   Does anyone feel me??

Anyhow, we had a wonderful Easter.  Holidays like this are so enjoyable with kiddos.

As for the things I made for Easter...

 

Junebug's dress was made using the Charlotte Dress "method" over on Craftiness is not Optional.  Umm, brilliant tutorial!  I overcame my fears and sewed an invisible zipper into the back of the dress-and you know what??  It was pretty easy!

 

I made this amigurumi Easter basket using a free pattern offered by Lion Brand Yarn.  Their website offers tons of great (and free) patterns. My favorite part is the pompom tail.  SO cute!

 

 

This hairbow was created using a tutorial from Midwestern Moms.  Fast and fab!

 

Isn't she precious?  Junebug loved hunting Easter eggs.  And I loved watching her.