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

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

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

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?

baby bear

Made this sweet little hat for a baby shower.  Pretty happy with how it turned out :)  Might add it to the shop...  And I might start posting here regularly.  Maybe.  I have so many WIP's (works in progress), and I need a place to keep track.  Ravelry is great, but my stitching isn't limited to just yarn.  I lost my crafting mojo for a while, but I think it's returned.  For now.  Huzzah!  *B

holly jolly

Merry merry Christmas and a happy everything!  *B

boo cute

Halloween is my favorite holiday!  There's something special about that black and orange combo...  and of course, little pumpkins :)  *B

hoppy spring

The cuteness of bunny ears (on babies) transcends the seasons, right?  I'd like to think so.  *B

still here

Woah, the end of April is fast approaching!  Where's a time machine/turner when you need one?  So this past month I participated in TWO boutiques: one local and one online.  Needless to say, I've been a busy little hooker ;)  But I had a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to future boutiquing experiences.  Many thanks to my wonderful and talented friends for their awesome photography skills!  *B

Newborn Nest Photo Prop

Many thanks to Shutter Spark Photography and Lindsey Bennett Photography for their awesome photography talent!

I found this GREAT cocoon/nest photo prop pattern.  Did I mention that it's a FREE pattern?  Yup, it sure is!  Which makes it even greater :)  I found it here on Ravelry, but you can find it here at Neanners Shop.  Now go whip up some nests, it's finally Spring!  *B

how to crochet

Let me just start by saying that I am by no means a crochet master!  But thanks to family/friends and the internet, I manage my yarn/hooks just fine ;)  Here are a few sites and videos I've found to be REALLY helpful when (re)learning how to crochet:

• yarn & hook basics: weight and size

• learn to read crochet patterns:  abbreviations, symbols and additional terminology

• Video "how to" basics:
• slip knot
• hold the yarn
• chain stitch
• slip stitch 
• single crochet
• half-double crochet
• double crochet 
• triple/treble crochet
• increase/decrease single crochet
• increase/decrease half-double crochet
• increase/decrease double crochet
• crochet in the round

• Diagram "how to" basics:
• slip knot
• hold the yarn
• foundation chain
• slip stitch
• single crochet
• half-double crochet
• double crochet
• triple/treble crochet
• front post stitch
• back post stitch
• increase basic stitches
• decrease basic stitches
• crochet in the round

• Ravelry: a free site for knitters and crocheters, it's full of patterns and like-minded stitchers.  It's totally awesome!  It's a great place to get inspired, organized, and make friends.  You can find me there as Bdreamy :)

If there's anything I've missed or something you'd like to see listed here, just let me know!  I have a feeling this particular post will be visited/updated regularly...  Feel free to contribute with any tips of your own, and happy stitching!  *B

pattern: Crocheted Mini Heart

These are beyond easy peasy!  They whip up super fast, and are cute to boot :)  Play around with different hook sizes and yarn weight to make little hearts of all sizes.  Embellish hats, make festive garlands, etc.  The possibilities are endless, and oh so fun.  Enjoy!

Crocheted Mini Heart

Ch 6.  Tr in 4th chain from hook (3rd chain from start).  Dc in same stitch, hdc in next, sc in next and Ch2.  Working on opposite side, sc in same st, then hdc in next.  2dc in next stitch, Ch3 and sl st in same.  Carefully remove hook and reinsert hook from the back/wrong side of heart.  Pull yarn to back/wrong side of heart and fasten off.  Weave in ends and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

***TERMS OF USE***  You are more than welcome to make these as gifts, and I would love to see your finished projects.  But PLEASE give me credit if/when you sell them, with a link back to the pattern.  Many thanks and happy stitching!  *B

linking to these fun parties:
Sundae Scoop @ I ♥ Naptime
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
Weekend Wrap-up Party @ Tatertots & Jello