super bunnies

[pattern]

new needles

[source]

Did you know that you should switch out the needle on your sewing machine after eight hours of use, at most?  It's true.  And it's even better to switch it out after every major project.  A fresh needle really can make a difference...  You might notice a sense of sluggishness while sewing, like your needle is struggling to get through the fabric. Or you may be increasingly frustrated with frequent snags, uneven stitches, and/or tension problems.  A huge tell-tale sign for me is when I start hearing a tapping or popping sound while I sew (aka. a dull needle).  So don't wait until your needle breaks.  Change it frequently and you'll find yourself sewing with renewed ease!  *B

retro eggs

[tutorial]

smooth hooking

[source]

I can't remember exactly how or where I came across this tip...  But if you find your steel/aluminum crochet hooks starting to stick/squeak against your yarn, lube them up!  Squirt some unscented hand lotion into your palm, then dip and twist the tip of your hook until it's thoroughly coated.  Wipe hook clean with a paper towel.  The residue from the lotion leaves your hook smooth and makes crocheting a breeze!  *B

birthday girl

Made this sweet little hat from this pattern.  It was turning out smaller than I had hoped, so I modified it a bit at the end...  And then I followed the directions from this tutorial on the cardstock insert (except I used a 12x12 sheet).  This was my first Amigurumi project, and I think it turned out absolutely adorable!  So very happy with it :)  The plan is to make one for each kid to wear every year as they celebrate their birthday.  One (girly) hat down, two more (boyish) hats to go!  *B

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt (book)

I've heard a lot about this book, and I've seen drool-worthy quilts made from its templates.  After getting my own copy (thanks mom!), I'm surprised at how much I've enjoyed reading through it.  I'm a wannabe farmgirl, so I am loving all the letters from the farm wives!  And I'm excited to get started on my own sampler, whenever that may be...  *B

basic chunky beanie pattern

Most of my baby hats in the shop are based off of this pattern.  Again, this might not make much sense as I'm no pro pattern writer (gauge? what gauge?), but I'll share it anyway.  A simple pattern that works up fast and makes for a great starting point for all your headpiece needs ;)

With N/10 hook - chunky yarn OR double strand

NEWBORN SIZE

• R1: Ch4 to form ring; Ch1, 9 hdc and join to first hdc. 
• R2: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into each previous hdc, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R3: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into stitches at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 points. Hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first hdc. 
• R4-R9: Ch1 and hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join to Ch1. 
• R10: Ch1 and sc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first sc and fasten off.

0-3 MONTH SIZE

• R1: Ch4 to form ring; Ch1, 9 hdc and join to first hdc. 
• R2: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into each previous hdc, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R3: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into stitches at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 points. Hdc into each hdc from previous round. 2hdc into base of Ch1; join to first hdc. 
• R4: Ch1 and hdc into next hdc and each hdc from previous round, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R5-R9: Ch1 and hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join at Ch1. 
• R10: Ch1 and sc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first sc and fasten off.

For larger sizes, work as many increase rounds as necessary.  Add a flower or two (or three), a pom-pom (or two), a brim or even earflaps.

Happy stitching!  *B

earbud pouch

[tutorial]

a pressing matter

[source]

One of the tricks to a well-pieced quilt is to press your pieces three times: 1.) press your sewed pieces to help set the seam, 2.) press your seam to one side, then 3.) open pieces and press open seam.  Also, pressing is not the same as ironing.  Pressing means to place your hot iron on the fabric and then lift up.  Ironing involves placing your hot iron and moving it around, smoothing out the fabric as you go.  I used to always iron my pieces, which would inevitably stretch out the fabric and lead to uneven points.  Using steam just exacerbates the problem!  Even 1/8th of a difference can make a big difference...  So if your pattern involves a lot of matching up points, remember to use a dry iron (no steam) and press, don't iron.  *B

Leaf & Petal Motif (scarf)

[work in progress]

I don’t know if this will make sense to anyone else but me, but here’s the pattern for the “Leaf & Petal” motif. I was inspired by several motifs out there, but the pattern is of my own making. I haven’t seen another pattern exactly like this out there, so if I have unwittingly copied someone then please know it was by mere coincidence and that we share great taste ;)

With G/6 - 4.25MM hook

• R1: Ch4, join to form circle. Ch2 (counts as dc) and 11 dc into center. Join with sl st to top of ch2 (12 dc).
• R2: Ch4 (counts as dc + ch2); dc + ch2 in each dc around. Join at ch2 of beginning ch4 (12 dc and 12 ch2 spaces).
• R3: Ch2 (counts as dc) and 2 dc + ch1 in same space. 3 dc + ch1 in each ch2 space of previous round; join with sl st to top of ch2 (36 dc and 12 ch1 spaces).
• R4: Ch4 and sl st in next ch1 space of previous round. Continue to ch4 and sl st in each ch1 space; join with sl st to ch1 of first ch4.
• R5: Sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc in ch4 space of previous round. Sl st into next ch4 space and 4 dc. Ch3 and sl st into top of dc (picot made). 3 dc, sl st in same ch4 space. Continue around, alternating petals and leaves. Join with sl st to first sc (6 petals + 6 leaves made).

Motifs joined at picots on last round. Join picot by ch1, sl st into other motif’s picot, ch1 and sl st into top of dc. Hiding yarn + joining as you go = minimum time/yarn waste!

Happy stitching!  *B

Charming Stars Quilt

[tutorial]

bliss fix

I love to sew, cross-stitch, embroider, and crochet.  But if I had to pick just one, I'd pick crochet.  It's easy to pick up and put away; you don't have to have a craft room or studio, just a comfy place to sit and stitch :) And I like that I can make anything with just a hook and yarn.  I can make hats, scarves, socks, dresses, sweaters, blankets, etc.  As much as I love handwork, it's really only good for embellishing   As for sewing, I don't sew clothes (much), just quilts and the occasional pillow.  It is handy to have a machine for mending, but without a dedicated space (which I do not have), it's a pain to pull out.  Is it any wonder why I have so many unfinished projects?

Anyway, I love crochet.  I also love to thrift, and whenever I come across an afghan I count my lucky stars and head to the register.  I appreciate all the yarn (money) and time put into it, so I consider five bucks more than a bargain!  I found this lovely afghan and have loved having it on my bed.  I recently discovered a few places where the yarn was starting to unravel.  Mending this did not involve hefting a heavy machine.  It involved me sitting on my bed, with a hook in hand and a blanket on my lap.  And that, my friends, is bliss.

What's your favorite way to stitch?