Penguin Luau

2011-12-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

As promised, this is the Ladies version of the hat yesterday.
I used buttons for eyes instead of the amigurumi locked eyes, simply because if you're wearing it, you don't want something to keep poking at you. So, I decided on the button instead.
The ears, I accidentally used the nose pattern, but it came out pretty good. So, maybe give it a try.

Owl hat - part 1

2011-12-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

For Xmas, the only gifts I handmade were these owl hats. I had told one of our friends that I had a student asking to learn how to make an owl hat, and the friend mentioned that she attempted it but was unsuccessful due to wrist pains.
Since I got the pattern anyway, I wanted to make something for them. So, this is the men's version of the hat. I know, irony abound, but there's nothing wrong with that.
Pattern is based on Daisy Cottage but I used the guidelines for adult hats to expand that. I found a good reference for sizes here. Lady's version tomorrow!

Snowflakes

2011-11-17T04:53:00.001-08:00

Source: tipjunkie.com via Patty on Pinterest

I saw this on TipJunkie. It's kinda neat to crochet a gift tag for the gifts you'll be giving.

Now, I know I've been on radio silence, but I've been knitting. Promise! Show you the progress hopefully next week... I'm getting close.

Crochet Dream Catcher

2011-11-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

I like this dreamcatcher like crochet ornament. Of course, that is very close to a granny square, except you incorporate a mini hoop. Definitely need to try that.

Source: etsy.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Troll around

2011-10-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm not dead, I promise! I am getting over a cold... still, hecking up a lung and trying to finish knitting the back of a sweater that I've been working on quite some time now; say about a year. I took it w/ me to my trip overseas last year and this year I'm not wearing it, so I really need to get a move on.

Meantime, I was just trolling around, and found this. Their captions are just hilarious and they found some pretty obsurd crochet stuff. Go look!

Beginning Crochet Class

2011-10-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yep, we're doing another round of beginning crochet at Texas Art Asylum. Click on the link to sign up. It's this Saturday, Oct 22nd from 10a to Noon. See you there!

Source: karinaandehaak.blogspot.com via Joke on Pinterest

2011-10-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Source: flickr.com via Patty on Pinterest

This is an awesome looking flower!

Diaper Wreath

2011-10-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Last time when I made a diaper cake, I followed this video. It worked out ok, but I will say that unless you tied the tier very well, it will come undone, which it did for me on the way to the shower.

But when I was surfing the web some more, I found these diaper wreaths. I thought it's the cutest thing ever.

See, told you it's cute. I used the tutorial from Jennifer's blog and I just glued each of the diapers on. I wrapped the ribbon around couple of times, just because I have left overs. I also got a little beanie baby to go with it.

The Mommy-to-be loved it, and as far as I know, it's hanging in the baby's room. I'm sure it serve as a good emergency diaper stash in the event they need it in wee hours in the morning. For the leftover diapers, I had an activity in the baby shower that guests can draw on them or have funny sayings. One thing about that activity, definitely use Sharpie and not markers. The fabric the diapers are made off, doesn't take on markers very well.

p.s. here's another tutorial that I found helpful.

Amigurumi Class - This Thursday

2011-09-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

artwork by Nathan Vincent

Ok, so you won't be making the Nintendo control in class, which by the way, if you look closer, it was crocheted by the very talented Nathan Vincent.

But we'll be making amigurumi in class, come join us on Thursday (9/29) at 6pm at Texas Art Asylum. You can sign up here: http://www.texasartasylum.com/classes.html

See you!

Waka waka

2011-09-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

So, this is one of the cute-y crochets. I saw this post on Crafty Is Cool. I've actually bought patterns from her before. She is the Conan blimp to fame crocheter that does great work with dolls. You have to check her out.
This is my attempt to doing her version of Pac Man, she did a Ms.PacMan, but I'm all for the classics. That said, I think mine didn't turn out as great as hers. I would say that I've tried another pattern and to no avail.
I would say it's easy to follow, I'm not sure if I like the mouth or not... I may try another one just to see if I like it another way. But try it for yourself!

Don't forget, we'll be having a Beginning Crochet, this Saturday at Texas Art Asylum, for class info: http://www.texasartasylum.com/classes.html

September Classes

2011-09-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we're half way thru September? Well, to get you prep for the holidays, we got some classes coming up!

These are at Texas Art Asylum: http://www.texasartasylum.com/classes.html

Beginning Crochet - Sept 24th, 10a - Noon

Amigurumi Crochet - Sept 29th, 6p - 8:30p

You can contact Texas Art Asylum to sign up.

Bippity Boppity Boop!

2011-09-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bippity Boppity Boop! Or Abracadabra! either way I'm all set because I have my wand ready!

So, this is another one inspired by Dandelion for Baby site. Unlike the cow where I tried to decode from the site. I just went ahead and go around it differently. I found a star pattern here and then made up my own handle.

Handle of wand:
R1 Magic Ring, 6sc
R2 2sc around (12)
R3 *sc next, 2sc next* around (18)
R4 *sc 2, 2sc next* around (24)
R5 sc around back loops only
R6 - 8 sc around (24)
R9 *sc 2, sc2tog* around (18)
R10-11 sc around (18)
R12 *sc, sc2tog*around (12)
R13-14 sc around (12)
R15 sc2tog around (6)
(optional) R16 sc around
leave a long tail to sew it to the base of the star, and secure it tightly.

Moooving along

2011-09-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

So, we were on the road from Florida to DC. We decided to 'train' it up to DC... it's an autotrain where they take your car with you while you ride the train, sorta like the ferry.

Anyway, tons of time on the train... tons of time in the car too, but we have been catching up on movies and stuff...
At any rate, this guy is inspired by this that I saw on pinterest. Of course, that thing on their site is way cuter. I think theirs is puff-i-er. Mine is too cubed looking.
Anyway, good attempt, right?

Oldie but goodie

2011-09-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

This one is an oldie. I made him a while back. While it does look like alot of work, it was super fun to make. Given that this is an octopus, aside from the 8 legs there's also the body, so that's 9 pieces altogether.

Here's a few patterns that is simple to make:
Lion Brand
curly feet
from Crochet Me
from Craftster

Cutie Turtle - decoded

2011-08-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

Last post, I was squeeing about how cute this turtle was... here's the pattern decoded: (scroll past the photo)

Source: etsy.com via Living Aloud on Pinterest

Hat:

Magic Ring

R1 6sc

R2 2sc around (12)

R3 *1sc, 2sc next stitch*, repeat * around (18)

R4 *2sc, 2sc next stitch*, repeat * around (24)

**increase till the circumference fits

R5-8 sc around (24)

R9 sl st around (24)

Turtle:

(make 7)

Magic Ring

8sc

R1 ch3 (that count as 1dc),2dc, *ch 2, 3dc*, repeat * three times

R2 sc around

match the motif side together in a shape of diamond and sew the seams together

Then sc all around the entire thing

Turtle strap:

Chain 30 (or however big for your baby)

R1 sc beginning 2nd ch from the hook, and sc across

R2 ch, then sc across

R3 ch, then sc across

sl st to bind

sew the sides to the turtle shell

There, you should be all set with your own baby cutie turtle!

Cutie Turtle

2011-08-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

What a cutie...

The shell is made up of 7 motifs, and the hat is super simple to make... Have you done this?

Source: etsy.com via Living Aloud on Pinterest

Dahlia flower

2011-08-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

I actually saw this when I was surfing Pinterest. You can find the pattern to make this here. On Ravelry I've seen people do 3 layers. Pretty nifty.

Source: i-crochet.blogspot.com via Patty on Pinterest

Crafty invite

2011-08-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

When my friend got preggars, the first thing I wanted to do is to throw her a shower. Not only does it gets my lazy butt in gear and get working. I also have all sorts of crafty party ideas for crafty girls.
That said, I saw this invite. Too creative not to copy. And you know, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The original one I've seen was even cooler, where they send a wooden ball to the reciepient as a ticket to get into an event. My problem this whole time was, where do you find the wooden spools and how do you mail this thing out to people?

As serendipity would have it, I was teaching at Texas Art Asylum. checking out what they have before class. And there they were, a bunch of wooden spools. Even Jennifer, one of the owners, was just saying how rare they are. So, I bought a bunch and went to town.

This is just a save-the-date, and I used crochet thread to wound up the spool and invite. At the end, I tagged on a little flower from the scrapbooking aisle, and off they went. Oh, and as far as mailing them, I was going to find little boxes to send them out. Turns out, they're harder to find than you think. So, I went with a puffed pouch and sent it that way. Got pretty good feedback. Go try it!

Pom Pom Wreath

2011-08-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? If you don't know how to make a pom pom, here's a great pictorial tutorial for pom pom basic.

Source: thompsonfamily.typepad.com via Patty on Pinterest

Magic Ring

2011-08-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, when we were in the Crochet in Rounds class, there were alot of question about the Magic Ring. So I thought I'll post one YouTube vid and a site with a guide to help.

Teresa from CrochetGeek has tons of free patterns on her site. As a matter of fact, my Cupcake Hat

For my left handed students, I found this awesome left handed Magic Ring from Planet June.

Hope these helps!

2011-08-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am totally hooked on Pinterest, thanks alot Shawn & Melissa. It's a rabbit hole of stuff you see online and what other people see on line. It has taken surfing the web to an exponential level.

Since I haven't had a chance to finish my stuff, I am sharing what I see on the great World Wide Web... maybe you'll give it a try?

Source: sarahlondon.wordpress.com via Patty on Pinterest

Bunny

2011-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

So, when we rented Gnome & Juliet, I saw these cute bunnies. All I can think of is how I can make them into Amigurumi. Too cute!

I've worked, reworked, and reworked the head several times. I finally had to go with the method I know for sure that works, but also knowing that it's not perfect. BUT! Here's the pattern: Head
Magic Ring
R1 6 sc
R2 2sc around (12 sts)
R3 *1sc, 2sc in the next*, repeat around (18sts)
R4-12 sc all around (18)
R13 *1sc, sc2tog*, repeat around (12 sts)
lock eyes and stuff
R14 *sc2tog* around (6 sts)
leave a long tail Body
Magic Ring
R1 6sc
R2 2sc all around (12sts)
R3 *1sc, 2sc in the next*, repeat around (18)
R4 *2sc, 2sc in the next*, repeat around (24)
R5 backloops only, sc all around (24)
R6 - 10 sc all around (24)
R11 *2sc, sc2tog* repeat around (18)
R12 *1sc, sc2tog* repeat around (12)
R13 sc around
stuff and sew the head to the neck.
Ears (make 2), Arms (make 2):
Magic Ring
R1 4sc
R2 2sc around (8st)
R3-R8 sc around (8st)
leave enough tail to sew

Assembly:
Sew on the ears to the head. If you feel like stuffing it some, you can. I did a little bit of it, not stiff at all, but it's squishy. I lined up the ears directly over the eyes.

Use embroidery floss to sew on the nose and whiskers. Do it as big or small to your liking.

Sew the arms to the back of the body. The arms about touch on the back, and I did sew majority of the arm to the body because as you see the picture only a small bit of it showing, but I wanted some 'arm-arm' holding out.

Test it out, if you find anything wrong, email me.

Legal stuff: this is for personal use only. Any selling of this pattern is prohibited.

Cupcake Hat

2011-07-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the sideway photos. I was in a hurry and didn't get to adjust it before loading. And now I can't go back and grab it... technology, I tell you.

Anyway, I had made this cupcake hat after being super inspired by Holly Madison wearing something like it on her show. I like the original Girls Next Door, and hate that they all splitted up, but out of all of them, Holly's show is much better produced than the others.
Anyway, I tried my hand at it, and was lucky to come across a free pattern. It was easy to follow and came pretty true to what I wanted. But for the next hat, I think I would've done something different.

Definitely keep the ridges, which is the cake part; as well as the waves on the edge, which is like the icing overflowing. (I've seen people either sew or glue on the mini pom pom ribbon for the edging). But I think that hat itself, I would've done less round.
I have another hat in the works, with another pattern, so we'll have to do some comparing and see.

Class info this week

2011-07-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Quick reminder classes this week:

I'll be teaching at Texas Art Asylum this week.

Thursday, 7/28, Amigurumi, 6-8:30p. $35

Saturday, 7/30, Beg Crochet, 10-Noon, $25 + $8 material fees

Saturday, 7/30, Int Crochet, 1:30 - 4p, $25 + $8 material fees*

*(if you already paid for it in the Beg class, you don't need to pay again in the 2nd session)

No excuses

2011-07-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed, don't have good excuse for not posting, just been busy. Either way, I'm prepping for class tomorrow at Kingwood Library. If you're in town, or that part of town. Come by and say hi.

I'm hoping to finish my pending project for you to see on Monday. So fingers crossed! Have a good weekend!

Nimbus-ish...

2011-07-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

So, while I troll online, sometimes I see patterns that truely grabs me. Nimbus is one of them. The name of the sweater makes me think of Harry Potter's Nimbus 2000. This sweater is no witchy project. If anything, it's a very good starter project. No frills all knit and purl stitches across. It creates a nice block that defines the edges and show a basic design.

Of course, as all easy things goes, I would somehow manage to screw it up. For instance, for the most part, if they tell you to decrease you should have X stitches and it should in theory means that your garment will be Y inches long. I've ran into several situations where it's longer than the recommended length but I followed the instructions. This can be because: a, I don't know how to measure things. b, my gauge is either too loose or tight. c, I'm just an idiot. So, I finally decided that it's more important to keep the length, after all, it has to match up w/ the rest of the pieces. That said, I'm not going to lie that one arm is longer than the other, not by much, but it is longer.

I did substitue yarn here, it was on sale, I was there. Since I was buying on a wimp, I didn't get a chance to check my yardage or the weight. I was just crossing my fingers and hoped it worked. Luckily for me, it did. It was the same thickness and enough yardage for left overs.

The only big deal about this, and you won't see it unless you see me wearing it in person. Up close, you can see that I did my seaming backwards. Meaning it was inside out. It can very well be a fashion statement, but you and I both know it's not true. So there... it's not quite the pattern, but it is for the most part.

Teen class coming up!

2011-07-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, just a quick heads up of a teen class I'll be hosting in Kingwood. Yes, Kingwood. It'll be at the Kingwood Library. And as mentioned, this is a class for teenagers. If you know a teenager in the Kingwood area, feel free to send them over.

It'll be July 23rd (Saturday), 10a- 12:30p. The link to register and details is here. Tell your friends!

p.s. if you are in the Humble/Kingwood area, my friend Jenny is teaching sewing classes in the area. Go check out her site!

Yarn Substitute pt 2

2011-07-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday we were talking about yarn subbing, here's the rest:

2, Check the weight of the yarn ~ If you want the keep to the integrity, shape, sizes made for that pattern, check the weight of the yarn. It should match the gauge you're looking for. If you are following a pattern, like I am, you want to keep pretty much to the thickness, size, and shape of the sweater, but made w/ a cheaper priced yarn, check the weight. The Craft Yarn Council has a very nice chart to explain weight with description, gauge, needle size recommendation and so on. So when you shop for yarn to substitue, make sure the weight is similar if not the same.

3, Yardage ~ So going back to my story, it's only 3 skeins according to the pattern, but that was 300+yds per skein. So if they need that many yards or thereabouts to make up that sweater, I need to make sure whatever I'm pricing has that much yardage for my garment.

So, in my case, the logic is such = one skein has 300 yards, 3 skeins has more than 900 yards. I search the web high and low for a yarn that I like, I look for material, color, availabilty, and most importantly, if there's enough for about 900 yards. And what point would this be the same as me purchasing that $28/skein yarn.

Logic continues: if the total cost with the yarn the pattern called for before shipping is $84, whatever yarn I'm buying needs to come below that price in its entirety. That means, I'm searching for yarn that I like, in the material that I like, hopefully is similar to what the pattern calls for, with the color I want and hope that they have enough of it to make up the yardage. Let's hope that I can find a deal that comes below the price point.

There's a reason why knitting is a dying art. People can easily go to the store and buy a nice cashmere sweater for $50 or less to keep up w/ the latest fashion trends. But, if you were to make it and unless you do nothing but knit all day long and can have a quick turnaround, the trend can easily pass you by before you're done with your sweater.

My mom did say that, homemade sweater is warmer. Not that I don't believe her, but I'm still working on mine since before November... so you tell me. (womp, womp)

You do wonder if there are any sites that helps you find the right yarn for your project. The answer is yes and no. Yarndex is a decent resource, the only thing is that they tend to be limited to the brands they offer. So, you won't be able to see the world wide web worth of yarn that is available out there with different price points or sales.

What I did was that after checking Yarndex, I checked my LYS and didn't see anything I like, then hop back online to my favorite online yarn stores and started to do some price comparison. At the end of the story, I ended up finding what I wanted on sale, and it ended up being $2.94/skein, so I bought 10 skeins just in case and also to ensure that I get the same dye lot. I know that's more than enough yardage and expected to have left overs. So, it all came in a little $30 as opposed to the $84 that the pattern suggested.

Now, I just have to go back and finish! Maybe it'll be done by this summer...

Yarn substitute pt. 1

2011-07-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last year, I wanted to make a sweater, yeah, don't ask me what came over me. But I wanted to make this awesome looking sweater. So I spent the money and bought the pattern. Once I got to study the pattern, I realize (and sorta expected) that they will pimp their own yarn.

The issue is a skein cost $28, and they need at least 3 skeins. So then you started to do the math. I can go to Ann Taylor and buy a sweater for $10 on clearance (that really happened), or get a sweater about $40 at Banana Republic or some online sites. Versus $84 to buy the yarn, don't mind the shipping and what nots. You still have to spend the time to make the pieces and put it together. This is truly a labor of love.

So, I decided that I need to substitute yarn, except I don't really know how. After much research, here's what I found and want to share w/ you.

1, Find out the gauge ~ Personally, when I crochet, I don't mind too much about the gauge. To me, working on amigurumis it's very natural that if you want something thick and chunky, use thick and chunky yarn. If you want to make something tiny, then use thin yarn or crochet thread.

When it comes to knitting a garment, guage matters. The type of yarn, your tension, and all that effects the gauge. Generally speaking, your yarn should say what type of gauge it yields. That is, knitting per inch (usually in stocknette stitch). So on the yarn label, it should state, X amount of stitches per inch; given that you use the recommended needle size.

More on subbing yarn, Friday!

Yarn crafters can relate.

2011-07-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

I just think this is funny. Go visit NatalieDee, just because she's hilarious.

Back by Popular demand! (Class info!)

2011-07-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, I'll be teaching another session of Amigurumi at Texas Art Asylum. Since some people weren't able to make the last session, they requested to have another session, which I'm happily oblige.

On top of that, they also asked me to step in to teach the Crochet Beg & Int class. If you know someone that wants to learn or brush up their crochet skillz, feel free to sign up!

Here's the 4-1-1:
Amigurumi class ~ Thursday, July 28th, 6p - 8:30p. We'll be making the tomato!

Beg Crochet ~ Saturday, July 30th, 10a- Noon.

Int Crochet ~ Saturday, July 30th, 1:30p - 4p

To sign up or more details: http://www.texasartasylum.com/classes.html

Blue and white scarf

2011-07-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

Here's another find from my closet cleaning adventure. This is an older project, I got the pattern when I was poking around drooling on yarn.
At any rate, I don't read any Japanese, but I do read chargs, and that's how I got thru the pattern. If you're a chart reader, give this a shot.

If you're not a chart reader, there are alot of great resources out there. This one is from the Yarn Council. You can pretty much look at any crochet book or magazine and they give a pretty good breakdown.
Since the pattern is really made for a child, I extended it longer, so adults can wear it as well. I did wear it for a while, then it went into the back of the closet, and now, it's been rediscovered... It's a nice little pattern, give it a shot and feel free to link back to your blog or gallery. Love to see your work!

Black summer scarf

2011-07-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

So, I cleaned my closet this past weekend and unearth an oldie but goodie project. This is finished, but I never wore it because I did it in Winter time and it seemed too hole-y to wear it. Now it's summer, and in Texas, wearing a scarf, no matter how fashionable, it just seems wrong.

This is actually based on a pattern from Lion Brand, they have an iPhone app and you can take that pattern with you wherever you go. I followed the entire pattern to a T, and it's lovely to make, but yet to wear it.
Here's a detail shot of the scallop. It really is a long chain, work your scallop on one side, cut, then rejoin to do the other side. It's pretty to look at, and my yarn is thin. Maybe I'll wear it when it starts to turn cold (which is a joke for Texas).

Bonjour, bonjour, bonjour...

2011-07-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Oui, oui... Dis is wat we called ze Franch invasion... Allor, I am, what you say, new here. I detest smoking like my Franch friends, but I love my beret. C'est Francaise, no?! But! I do love my Franch wine avec my petite gateaux (cookies).
Il y a cookies from Cannes... Oui, mon amie brought it from Cannes, becausse they know I enjoy, how you say, hazelnut cookies... C'est si bon!

Honestly, I had started out with the intention of making a pac man (hence the yellow). As I was putting it together in my private lesson the other day, I realize his mouth (the now beret) was too big, and his body was too small. That's ok, I just finished it and put the beret on and Viola!

Happy Canada Day and 4th of July!

Black Piggy

2011-06-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

I was just messing around as I was running between lessons. This started out as a black cube, but it turned into a something more...

I think the ear is fine, just the nose I'm not too happy with... it's too big for its size. I think they're different yarn which is probably the issue.

The eyes, I did 2 french knots and just knotted it here. Since I don't have any black safty eyes on hand, that will have to do... Guess that'll be a big oink from here!

Key/Coin pouch

2011-06-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

So, one of the things I found when I was cleaning my stash was this forgotten kit I bought when I was in NY some time back. That was the first time I visited Purl Soho. To my surprise, Purl Soho is several stores down from Purl Bee. Basically, Purl Bee host beautiful yarn and the sort, and they're truly wonderful and delightful. Then other store, Purl Soho, has all the fabric for all your sewing needs. As far as I know, they've since found a bigger space and moved the two together, but that was then, right. ;)
Ok, this kit: it's by a Japanese company called Make-Make. I haven't been able to find it anywhere else since, so it's so cool to get it in my little hands. So~ what's in this kit? It came with a generous skein of yarn (nice one at that). Stuffing, strap, buttons, embroidery thread, felt pieces for the pouch, and instruction page (which is in Japanese).
As I just said, the instructions are in Japanese, luckily I do read charts. THat made the crochet portion of this project, easy peasy. The bottom part, however is a different matter. I think somehow there's something that needs to be certain cm wide... I didn't quite know, I just followed the picture.
Anyway, this is the finished product. It measure about 8 inches or so (including that strap). I would say this is good for loose change or keys. Or maybe little purse for little kids. Overall, it looks like a Mongolian Teepee but made out of very nice wool yarn and I'm sure equally nice felts.

Like I said, I bought mine from Purl Soho, or you can get it from their site. Good luck, and show me what you made!

If you want to learn more about the yarn, there's a good write up here. If you want to buy their yarn, I found it on Superbuzzy or Kpixie.

Where do you get your yarn? Online pt 3.

2011-06-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

The last place I'm going to talk about getting yarns online is Herrschners. This is very unique place, you not only get yarn, books, hooks/needles. You also get supplies for paper craft, cross stitching, beading, and paint by numbers. I think this is the perfect site caters to those of us crafters who are A.D.D when it comes to crafting.

What I liked about the site is that they have such a wide variety that if you were every to substitute yarn, you can always find alternative there. What's better is that they have all the product info, from hook size for the yarn, gauge and project suggestions. Herrschners also have their own brand of yarn in case you want to do some comparison on your own.

The best part, which I haven't even gotten there... was that they consistently have a very good sale/clearance section. Every week they have new stock for sale, if they're low on a certain color, they will tell you the ship date, that makes project making a tad easier. The cool part is that they even put the expensive brands on sale, so they're not the 'unreachable's as I call them.

Herrschners

http://www.herrschners.com/

Where do you get your yarn? Online pt 2

2011-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

The other sites that I troll alot is yarn.com. It's kinda a misnomer because their logo is WEBS, which I guess how the yarn can weave a web type thing. But they really are yarn.com.

They also have a physical location up in Northampton, Mass. But of course, it's their wide varity online that draws me to their site. The cool thing about them is that they do carry alot of popular brand that your normal Michaels, Joanne's or Hobby Lobby would not carry. Or if they carry the brand, not the line of yarn the manufacturers have to offer.

I will say that I am one of those shoppers that goes straight to the Sale section of the store, and I do the same online. Their Closeout section is not the leftovers type sale. They actually have decent selection and the prices aren't shabby either. I bought a Queensland Super Aussie merino yarn that was 55% off the original price. Did I mention that I'm a merino and cashmere freak? Yeah, so that's a good deal for me!

Now, while they do have a wide selection in their Closeouts, there are miscellaneous and discountinued yarns here and there. They also have a Grandpa's Garage Sale for deeper discounts, but I can imagine that the stock for colors might be limited. The fun thing is that they have grab bags and they do try their best to get you same color so you can work on your projects.

http://www.yarn.com/

*I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Where do you get your yarn? Online pt-1

2011-06-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Now that internet is so prevalent, it's hard not to rely on it every chance you get. Sadly, gone are the days where you go to the local yarn store and touch and feel everything before buying, or talking to the experts at the store about what will work and the back stories of yarn or companies. Local yarn stores (LYS) are still around, don't get me wrong, but being a niche market as well as a hobby, it is harder to support LYS when buyers can find better deals online.

This series, I plan on talking about online yarn stores that I go to frequently for a good deal. I do plan on exploring local yarn stores too, that takes some research. Either way, let's start with this!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of the main online retailers I check is Smiley's Yarn. The website is annoying and they do have a brick and mortar store in New York/New Jersey area. But amazingly the rotation of stock is constantly good stuff.

If you know your yarn well, i.e. having a specific yarn in mind for your projects, this is a great way to buy yarn. You don't have to worry about the texture part of internet buying, and you can score a good deal.

The downside is, if you're trolling (like me), it's hard to tell what the texture would be. The site does try their best to describe it. They also list ther pertinent info of the yarn on the respective page too. Also most of these yarn are discounted brand or line of a company, so if you don't stock up now, you may not ever get the chance. Or worst, they don't have enough for your project, you'll have to find substitute or replacement. So, know what you're going to make before venturing on to buy, buy, buy.

Keep in mind the attraction of sites like this is the bargain you will be getting. They sell yarn from the $1.25 and up, and they even have a clearance bin for 99 cents. You can't that with a stick if you're in the market for some yarn. They do have a $50 minimum, but if you're looking to make a blanket or sweater, you will get there sooner than you think.

Go check them out.
http://www.smileysyarns.com/

*I did not receive any compensation for this review

Totally delinquent

2011-06-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

I know I didn't post once this week... I had an auditor in my office this week, so posting right in front of him might not be a good idea, huh?

Luckily, he wrapped up and we sent him on his way home a little early. So I'll catch up on couple of projects this weekend and definitely post more... sorry about that peeps.

*photo from Hostess to the Mostess

Ami and other classes

2011-06-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, quick updates on classes...

I am doing my Amigurumi class at Texas Art Asylum, this Saturday June 11th, from 10a-Noon. Go sign up or tell your friends!

For the Crochet 101 series, there'll be a new one starting July 12th thru Aug 16th, from 6-7p at West U Rec Center. It's a brand new facility, very spiffy.

If those time doesn't work for your schedule, I am still doing private lessons. Just contact me at patty[dot]stamps[at]gmail[dot]com (change all the stuff in the brackets to the symbols).

Basic crochet - hdc

2011-06-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Of course, after we covered chain and single crochet stitch, we get on to half double crochet. This is a coaster for hdc practice.

Chain 19
R1 3hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook, *skip 2, and 3hdc in the next st, repeat * to the end, ch2, turn
R2 repeat R1, and do the 3hdc in between the 2 sets of hdcs from the row before

Border
sc all around, at the corner do 2 hdc
ruffle- ch 5 and sl st every other sc the row before

basic coaster - Chain & SC

2011-06-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

So for one of my beginner crochet classes, I found this neat coaster pattern very useful to practice sc and ch stitch, thought I'd share w/ you.

Chain 19
R1 sc in the 3rd ch from the hook, then ch and sc all the way down (tip here: when you ch, you sk a st)
R2 ch 2 turn, sk 1st st and sc and ch across
R3-11 Repeat R2

Border
sc all the way around, in the corner, 3sc into the st.

4 rings

2011-06-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

Remember back in April I got this new batch of yarn from Japan. I was just dying to do something with it. So, after some web surfing, I found a very cool tawashi (wash cloth) to make.

This is the link where I got the pattern. It comes up as a pdf. It is truly quite simple. In case you don't read charts, you make 4 rings and over lap them.

Ring

ch 12, sl st (to make a circle)

ch 3 (this count as one dc), then make dc 23 around (24 st)

sl st.

make 4 of those and interlock them as you make new rings. You can see mine has a little boo boo, I forgot to over lap one as I was working it. When you're done, just sc around all the sides and make a tidy border, in the corner they advise 3 sc in to the corner stitch to make it more square.

Try that out.

Chickie

2011-06-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

Just needed to crochet something quick and simple. This is just a simple tawashi (japanese term for wash cloth). Here's the pattern in case you're interested in trying it for yourself:

Ch 9, turn

R1 sc 8 across, ch and turn (8 st)

R2 inc 2sc 1st st, sc 6 across, inc 2sc last st, ch and turn (10 st)

R3 inc 2sc 1st st, sc 8 across, inc 2sc last st, ch and turn (12 st)

R4 inc 2sc 1st st, sc 10 across, inc 2sc last st, ch and turn (14 st)

R5 inc 2sc 1st st, sc 12 across, inc 2sc last st, ch and turn (16 st)

R6 inc 2sc 1st st, sc 14 across, inc 2sc last st, ch and turn (18 st)
R7 - 9 sc across, ch and turn (18 st)

R10 - 13 sc 14 across, ch and turn (14 st)

R14 dec sc2tog, sc 10 across, dec sc2tog (12 st)

R15 dec sc2tog, sc 8 across, dec sc2tog (10 st)

R16 dec sc2tog, sc 6 across, dec sc2tog (8 st)

R17 dec sc2tog, sc 4 across, dec sc2tog (6 st)

Edge (you can change color here if you want)

Start w/ the 'elbow' of the chick (on top of short edge of R9)

Sc all the way to the bottom left edge, then sl st all the way to the end.

Beak

on the left side before the decrease

Ch from the edge, sc 3 down

Ch 2, hdc the next 2 stitches

Wing

Magic Ring

sc 3, hdc, dc, tc, dc, hdc, sc 2

sew it on to the corner

Also sew on the eye.

Mini bear

2011-06-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Alright back to show and tell time! This is mini bear from a Japanese book. I wish I know how to translate Japanese to tell you which one it is, but I can tell you that I got it on eBay and it's too cute not to make.

As I've said before, sometimes I am really jealous of the Japanese for having thinner, better quality yarn easily assessable than in US. Most of the time, our yarn starts pretty bulky. Their yarn starts off super thin. Think sock yarn.

I know, your next question would be, why not buy sock yarn. A, they are a tad more expensive, and B, alot of times they are multi-color, so having a bunch of thin single colored yarn is a hard feat.

That said, I bought up a bunch of thinner (still bulkier than sock yarn) yarn at a Michael's clearence sale. This is Michael's attempt to have Yarn Pals, and they have a special cotton yarn just for that purpose. While it's not thick like, say, Sugar n' Cream, but it's still a DK yarn.

I like him, it does take 9 pieces to make him, but it's cute. I finally bought a key ring to chain him to. So, how he can be key ring for someone. Mind you, he's still somewhat big, as opposed to that little otter thing... which is no bigger than a half dollar. This is about a small box size. So, not sure how someone can use it as a keyring... hmm.

Meeting Twinkie

2011-05-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw on Twinkie Chan's newsletter that she's coming to Texas, I was just all giddy. I so totally admire her work and creativity. Not only that she also has a great sense of humor w/ her work. How can you not like someone that makes cupcake scarves, hairpins, and coffee sleeves? My point, exactly!

Anyway, I got her book just to see what her secret is. She just that talented. In the introduction, she also talked about her parents, whom did the same thing mine did, and that is, if you got a 97 on a test, my dad will inevitably ask where is the 3 points? Yep, that's the upbringing she has and same as mine. I think that does shape us as more driven towards our goals, is that the right way to do it... you judge for yourself. I didn't feel that was cool when I was in 8th grade, but now I'm a different person (maybe) because of it.

Anyway, I was on the fence about driving to Austin. Since it was so impromptu, it meant 5 hrs round trip, not spending a night and haven't packed a dang thing. Basically, all signs pointing to I'm not ready for a road trip. Yet, I really do want to go meet my idol. Plus, the craft fair was free and tons of other artists and different art mediums will be there too. Since Houston isn't hip and cool enough to support a fair like that, I guess Austin will have to be it.

Here! See! I ~~stalked~~ met my idol, finally! Got to chat w/ her a bit, and she had just flown in late the night before and hadn't have a chance to really visit Austin. I also met her bf Hairy (aka Matt), nice guy, not as hairy as you may thing. I also got her to sign my book... yes I'm a nerd, go ahead, make fun. And it was super cool to meet her. She's so down to earth and talented... I did buy a little s'more cake hairclip... so I'm looking forward to wearing that.

N.B. I just started a new series of class in West U and the mother-daughter team that showed up to my class was because of Twinkie's book. They were inspired and wanted to learn the basic skills to make something out of her book. I just totally geeked out when it comes to talking about her. Yep, I'm a stalker.

Renegade Craft Fair

2011-05-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

So, out on a whim I decided to go to the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin. I knew that my idol,Twinkie Chan will be there. But other than stalking her, I was really looking forward to some ideas and see what the trend is.

Unfortunately for us, Houston folks, for some reason, we just don't have a large enough population to support a fair like this. Not only are alot of the vendors are Texas locals, there are alot of Austinites and Houstonians come here to set up booth. The fun thing about them is that not only does crafters participate, there's alot of non-crafters the come and buy up a storm.

I took a picture of this 'booth' just because it's interesting to me. They sell shirts. That also surprise me, because there were alot of vendors that sells shirts. The next most popular item was jewlery items and then baby items.

The artists varies from true hand painted art, to hand printed or screen printed art, to letter pressed art to upcycle art. There's nothing wasted in this place. I guess, that's also part of the characteristic of a crafter, nothing goes to waste.

Some vendors did a secret code for people who attend to get some free stuff... I myself, by accident found out about that and did partake, and who doesn't like free stuff? Some booth, has make-and-take, not only kids go make these things, alot of grownups stand in line for them as well.

For instance,Wonder Craft not only pulled in their trailer boutique, they also had a make-your-own-button station, and a cardboard wallet station. Sure to keep the little ones busy while the adults go shopping.

Another thing that impressed me tremendously, was that alot of the vendors are using Square Ups as their credit card processing device. This is an excellent tool for small businesses like crafter fairs, not only is it free to get one, it will mapped to your bank account and make the transfer seamless. Not to mention, it can send a receipt to your client via email or text. Needless to say, I had alot of texts from Square Up that day from my purchases. Eep!

But, it allows you to take a picture of the merchandise you sold just in case your buyer later question what on earth they purchased when they're not familiar w/ the vendor. Or, you can just insert the name of the item. The receipt also show you location of your purchase, and address of the vendor in case you have issues. It's pretty nifty.

Renegade Craft Fair

http://www.renegadecraft.com/

Upclose!

2011-05-18T05:16:00.001-07:00

As I was showing you what I got from LA. Here's a (sorta) completed project to share.

This was the Hamanaka Otter phone charm kit. It's an interesting experience working w/ these kits. The kit contains pretty much everything except a crochet hook and stuffing. In the past, when I see these kits online, I wanted to see how I can get them here. Most of these were sold in Japan. Ironically, when I was in Japan, I didn't get a chance to scope out any stores that carry these kits. So, back to square one.

Another way to make these creatures, would be to get their book by the manufacturer and make your own. I never understood why in the book, obviously the ami is supposed to be a phone charm size, yet mine came out monstrous. Ok, they're not huge, but good enough to be a squeeze ball and look like you have an animal attached to your head if you were to make it a phone charm. Or even a key chain would be too big.

I would say the finished product is about 2 to 2.5 inches tall. Versus most of my animals are about 4 to 5 inches tall. It doesn't sound like a lot, but porportionately, it's twice the size. I'll have to do a side by side comparison for you to see. Either way, I like the yarn they provided, it's mohair and finer. If you can find something like that in the fingering yarn category, you too can get your own phone charm.

Cool stuff pt 4

2011-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Alright, let's get to some yarn/crochet related stuff, right? Right! The Kinokuniya Bookstore actually stock some of these Hamanaka kits. I've seen these ami in a book before, with a pattern, but these kits includes the yarn with them. They also include the cell phone charm hanger, eye posts, and embellishments; the only thing not included is a crochet hook and stuffing. If you don't get to go to LA anytime soon, you can order these kits online at Super Buzzy or you can always try eBay.

I'll post what one of them looks like completed next round.

Cool Stuff pt 3

2011-05-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, as a tourist, you find crafty things in the most unexpected places. I was down on 3rd Street Promenade walking around, having lunch. I came up to Kitson.

Irony of all irony is that I've been to the Kitson in Tokyo, but never been to Kitson in LA. I know it's an LA brand, and know their website has some cool stuff, but never know what they are except they have their tote bags everywhere.

When I walked in, there's tons of gifts, knick knack, books. Like a kid and family friendly Urban Outfitter. They have clothes, forementioned tote bags, t-shirts w/ smart ass sayings. One thing they have up front is kids toys and activity books.

What did I see but a Hello Kitty Embriodery Kit. Now, not that I embrioder so much that I get tons of use out of this. I got it for a few cute patterns they offer and the Hello Kitty (tm) colored threads. Plus, it was on clearance for $8, that's ok by me.

Now, would I crack open and use them up? That's a different question...

Kitson Santa Monica
395 Santa Monica Place Suite #120
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-260-9170

Cool stuff pt 2

2011-05-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday we talked about Kinokuiya, this is more or less a continuation of it. I want to show you that this is the square you'll have to pass thru in order to get to the bookstore. If you walk and walk and does a turn, and see it on the outside, it's a big o' cube looking building.

However, when you turn the corner, you'll come to this square. There are alot of food places in this square, with the exception of the bookstore and the grocery store right underneath it.

What else do they sell... well, they have some cute origami paper. But this ain't the ones you've had when you were in elementary school. These are specific project focused... haha, all official sounding.

Here I have a Hello Kitty focused, a sweets/dessert focused, and one that's boxes focused.

What does that mean? Basically, they are printed specifically that you fold the way they intend, it'll show up like what they intended. Like a fork and spoon set, or cake, or box, or a box for cake, so on...

First thought was, why so special because it doesn't allow you to be creative. It's not really for that purpose as much as it's trying to allow you to make your own playset, and you can play house or cafe on your own. I thought that's neat.

In case you're interested in doing some of that, but nowhere close to LA to get these spiffy paper. You can print your own on Canon's Creative Park. And Yamaha has something similar too.

Now get printing and get crafting!

Cool stuff part 1

2011-05-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

So I've been on hiatus, mainly went to LA to do a DJ gig for Lindy Groove, if you're ever in the area and interested in Swing Dancing, you should check them out. They have lessons before hand, and the crew is great fun!

One of my biggest thing about going to LA is the Little Tokyo area. It's neat and truly feel like you're getting the best of Japan. There's of course, tons of food. Also neat knick knack shops, bakery, mochi place, grocery store, bookstore...etc. It's not like they don't have some of the stuff like that in Houston, there's just not the same.

For instance, there's not a specific Japanese bookstore accessible in Houston, so whenever I get a chance to go to one, I'd take that up. The next few posts will be about my trip to Kinokuniya bookstore...

Now, I know you must be thinking, what's the big deal about a bookstore, but they have neat stuff that you don't get at local bookstores.

Here's what I got:

I know books doesn't sound very exciting, but it is if you crochet all sorts of projects, like me. =D

The lower right is the ever so cool Twinkie Chan, I swear, she's my crochet idol. She's very creative and brilliant. All of her projects are done w/ a sense of humor but yet, understandably practical. i.e. the Pizza Scarf, who wouldn't want a pizza scarf. Heck, of scarf of other food items?

The second one, lower left, is the Amigurumi Collection Vol. 8, now I do have couple other volume but not in sequence. After being able to see it in person, I see that there are projects that I'm not interested and will never make them. So, I felt ok to skip the other volumes in the series. There were also some projects that were feature in other books I have, so didn't want to duplicate.

The other 2 books, one is a tawashi book and the other is a motif book. I tried to look for them on Amazon or eBay and neither were featured. So, just for that, it's worth it.

In case you want to see it for yourself:
123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St Suite 205
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-687-4480
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm

New classes update!

2011-04-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Quick class update:
Here's the classes for May. And this is cool because this will be in West U Rec Center. If you haven't been to the place, the building is brand new, and we'll have a nice room.

For 6 Tuesdays in May and June that is May 24-June 28. Basically, it is going to be a series of Crochet classes in a string. We'll cover from the beginning, and by the end I'm hoping to have a mini amigurumi accomplished by then.

You can see the catalog of classes here and sign up is here. P.S. you may notice that I also teach Swing Dance lessons... in case that peaks your interests. ;-)

This is what I'll be doing till the end of the summer. I'm also working on something w/ Texas Art Asylum. So, I'm hoping to get that news to you soon!

You say tomato

2011-04-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

You say tomato and I say tomaato... Yes, this is the technical difficulties of loading the photo... hope that is worth the wait.

On top of that, I'm going to give you the pattern and you can try it out for yourself. Ready? Set? Go!

Tomato Body

R1 Magic Ring, 6sc

R2 2sc in each sc around (12 sts)

R3 *1sc, 2sc in next sc*, repeat 6 times (18 sts)

R4 *2sc, 2sc in next sc*, repeat 6 times (24 sts)

R5 *3sc, 2sc in next sc*, repeat 6 times (30 sts)

R6 *4sc, 2sc in next sc*, repeat 6 times (36 sts)

R7 *5sc, 2sc in next sc*, repeat 6 times (42 sts)

R8-12 sc all around (42 sts)

R13 *5sc, del 1*, repeat 6 times (36 sts)

R14 *4sc, del 1*, repeat 6 times (30 sts)

R15 *3sc, del 1*, repeat 6 times (24 sts)

R16 *2sc, del 1*, repeat 6 times (18 sts)

R17 *1sc, del 1*, repeat 6 times (12 sts)

This is where you want to stuff and this is where you want to put in the safety eyes and use embroidery floss for the mouth.

R18 decrease 6 times (6 sts)

The top:
R1 Magic ring, 6 sc

R2 *sc, 3ch, sl st, sc in one stitch*, repeat 6 times

Slip stitch at the end

Sew the top to the body. You can leave extra tail at the beginning to create a holder for you to hang on to hooks.

Hope you will give it a try, and if you do, please share. Love to see what you make!

technical difficulties

2011-04-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

For some reason my browser doesn't recognize that I have a picture on file, so I can't show you what I made. I promise I'll load up a pattern w/ photo... Meantime, there's some new patterns at Lion Brand, Red Heart, and Caron. Some cool Spring patterns to play with.

Divine Hat

2011-04-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Friend of mine is doing her Fulbring in Taiwan, and when she's bored she makes something. Mostly baking of some kind, but she also crochets. One day, she posted this most amazing hat and I was in love. How awesome it looks and how easy to do... you wouldn't believe it. This is from Rheatheylia's site. Told you, easy and pretty... can't shake a stick at that. Go try it. If you don't know how to make a magic ring or need help w/ the front post/back post crochet. Come to one of our classes. Happening on Wednesdays!

New Yarn!!!!

2011-04-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

So, as a crafter, I think by nature, you ended up being a hoarder. And we need more craft supplies like you need a hole in your head, but they're so (insert your reason here) you must have them. Yes, I hear you, fellow ~~hoarder~~ crafter.

I've longed been clicking around on Japanese sites just to see what they have. I always find myself going back to Pierrot yarn. (BTW, Pierrot in French means clown). What I love about this site is that they have alot of cool yarn variations as well as tons of cool patterns for free.

Now, I have to preface that I don't read a lick of Japanese, but if you're a chart reader, that's a rabbit hole that you can definitely have fun with. I usually check out their Sample page and click thru their awesome patterns. As I said, I don't read Japanese, but no worries, they have an English site. It's a bit less robust, less photos to click thru. But, you can place your order there and there are some patterns translated in English.

So, anyway, let me show off to you what I got, shall we? Haha... I got a set of the Zakka yarn, a set of Yuttari acrylics, and couple ball of the soft merino. They were on sale. =D T

he package comes with a mini catalog. I love it because it has little sample of the color as well as texture. Sometimes that's what important since it's not like you can go to the store and touch and feel the yarn to make sure you like it before buying. This way, you know what you're going to get. On top of that, their website often has deals and right now, given the devastation in Northern Japan, they are donating proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross. Hey, shopping and doing good at the same time, why would you not do it?

Too cute

2011-04-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Just saw this, too cute not to share:
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/craft_pattern_spring_bunny.html

A real post to come!

Hangin' with the Crochet Dude

2011-03-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

If you've crocheted for any given period of time, you may have come across the name Crochet Dude in your reading. Whether you're trying to find a pattern or seen promotions, trade shows, or TV shows. I would say Crochet Dude(tm) is one of the more prolific yarn craft pattern writer that crochets and knits and has alot of exposure in this day and age.

I was lucky enough to catch his class at the Texas Art Aslyum. When they called themselves that, you don't really think much about it, until you see it for yourself. Yes, it does look like an aslyum, but also a project mine, there are so much stuff that people have donated, that everywhere you turn, you realize you can do a project with (insert random object here). There are tons of fun stuff, from cigar boxes to old computer mother boards, from old crochet hooks to a bunch of yarn. As a matter of fact, Drew had donated a ton of yarn to the upcycling part of the organization. I can only imagine how much yarn Drew gets for writing patterns for companies and stuff. But he does have tons to donate and that's only a small portion from his studio. Which led me to think that his studio must be like a yarn store full of goodies. *drool*

For the class, we made this easy going necklace. It's so simple it's simple. I know the photo didn't show off the c0lor of the yarn, but it was fun to make. Truly, I was there to rub elbows w/ the famous Drew. Did you know that he's a Houston resident? Not that he has much time to be in Houston because of his work that requires him to travel so much. But he does live in town.

That said, I was asking him, that since Crochet is my hobby, but that's his job, what then are his hobbies. He does alot of house projects, such as putting in a sidewalk for his house. He also does woodwork.

When asked what is his next big thing, he has a knitting book coming out as well as a cooking book. Yes, if you follow his blog, you'd know that he cooks and knits aside from crochet. And of course his line of crochet book. He talked about how he will dedicate a chapter of women appearel to his mom. Since she's camera shy, he's going to print the few photos he has of her. And he represents Boye, and they have made these marker w/ yarn hook size at the end. Which led to the next thing where he has his line of hooks as well.

When asked will he be rolling out his own brand of yarn, seems like he'd like to start with a good cotton yarn, but nothing solid on that yet. On top of all that, he does appear on Knitting and Crochet Now, which is currently on PBS. Go over there and check out some free patterns, and also check out Drew the Crochet Dude's page for some patterns (he has both paid and free ones).
Nice guy, much better looking in person than pictures. Totally fun to hang out with... I hope to hang out with him soon... not in a stalker-ish kinda way. :P

Classes update

2011-03-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Quick update (post on 3/21):
Here's the classes for March and April. I am working on some weekend classes one in the Heights Location and another in the Humble Hobby Lobby area. More info to come.

For now, please email me to sign up.

Crochet II - March 23rd - 6:30 - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
In this class, we will learn to increase, decrease and crochet in rounds. We will give you the guide to read international patterns. We will make a flower from stitches we’ve learned in Crochet I combined with skills we learn in Crochet II. And you’ll even get a pattern for granny squares. How about that!
Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Amigarumi (stuffed toys) March 30th - 6:30p - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
A-Mi-Ga-Wha?Amigurumi (a-mi-gu-ru-mi) literally means Knitted Stuffed Toy. You’ve seen this cute Japanese style crocheting (and knitting) of cute stuffed creatures around on the internet. Now learn how to make one for yourself. No crochet experience required, some would be great, if not no worries, we’ve got you covered.
Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Crochet I - April 6th- 6:30 - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
If you have never crochet before or vaguely remember what someone in your family taught you, this is the class for you! We will learn how to do chain, single-crochet, half-double crochet, double-crochet, and treble stitches. The we will combine all the stitches we just learned to make a swatch to take home. Decoding basic patterns will also be covered!
Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Crochet II - April 13th - 6:30 - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)In this class, we will learn to increase, decrease and crochet in rounds. We will give you the guide to read international patterns. We will make a flower from stitches we’ve learned in Crochet I combined with skills we learn in Crochet II. And you’ll even get a pattern for granny squares. How about that!
Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Amigarumi (stuffed toys) April 20th- 6:30p - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
A-Mi-Ga-Wha?Amigurumi (a-mi-gu-ru-mi) literally means Knitted Stuffed Toy. You’ve seen this cute Japanese style crocheting (and knitting) of cute stuffed creatures around on the internet. Now learn how to make one for yourself. No crochet experience required, some would be great, if not no worries, we’ve got you covered.
Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Crochet Studio - April 27th- 6:30p $10Need help w/ your project? Are you stuck on a pattern? Need help decoding? stop by and I'll give you the help you need. Please bring your project, hook, yarn, and pattern if any.

What is a Penguin Luau, without a penguin?

2011-03-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

What is a Penguin Luau without a penguin, I ask you? That's right... we have to have a mascot! Penguins, represents!

This is a cute cute penguin I made from a Japanese amigurumi book. But if you don't want to spend the time to scower all over eBay, and if you're a chart reader. You should totally try this one.

If you're not a chart reader, I've also tried the Lion Brand Penguin. So, you can definitely give that a try.

If you're in the Houston area, or have friends that are interested, we're doing the Amigurumi Class on March 30th at 6:30p. We'll be doing a little piggy, but you're welcome to sign up and play with us!

How to Seam your Amigurumi

2011-03-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

I often times get asked by student how to sew up their Amigurumi's when they come in multiple parts. This is from Vickie Howell who has her own line of work and yarn w/ Caron. This is her vid on how to sew up the Amigurumi's.

A new way to help Japan

2011-03-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you must've been glue to TV like I have watching the devastation in Japan. Given Japan is a land of cuteness and brought us tons of awesome amigurumi inspiration, I felt very touched and heartbroken for them. While I have made donation via Red Cross . Here's a cool way to help out:

Itsy Bitsy Spider Corchet had created a cute latern pattern for sale with proceeds going to Japan (minus the paypal processing fee of 25 cents).

Go look!

I'll post my project tomorrow.

Not grim reaper

2011-03-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's my latest project! I just got it done on Saturday. Here's a mini-funny story on this guy.

As you may recall, I had done the Ninja for SG's bday. I had thought about it since she had that bad day and in need of a ninja by her side. Well, apparently, I had started , finished working on that guy's body when that had just happened. I put it down, ran around town for whatever I've been busy with, and forgotten about that.

So, fast forward to SG's shindig, I hurried up and worked on what I thought was the body of the ninja. And I completed it just in time for the party. Then came home, sat down, was looking at this black thing.... oh, that's the body, so what I 'picked up' was really the head. Anyway, long story short, I had made total of 2 bodies and one head and of course accessory for Ninja. So, now what to do w/ the body.

I saw the grim reaper, and he's just adorable in that creepy cute kinda way. I just really liked his hoodie. So, I may not have a reaper stick for him after all. I think I'll leave him be a hobbit. Too cute either way.

In other news: we're working on April's schedule... so stay tune.

Granny Square on the Runway

2011-03-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

I was just checking out people's photos from the Fashion Week, and look what I found?! This is from House of Holland Autumn '11 collection. And how cool is that coat?!

And check out that scarf! Now I'm inspired to pick up my granny square blanket that I'm in a middle of but cast into the Time-Out corner. How cool is that?! I'm just stunned at how classy and well matched that granny square is to modern fashion. There's some edge and class all mixed in there. So cool!

They also did a tank top, tights, and wrap, but those are print pattern of the granny squares, go check their site for more awesome fashion!

This is another fashion designer, Christopher Kane of Scotland. The dress is a bit funky, but you can vaugely see the start of the granny square in the middle.

Below is a side view of another dress, I think the skirt is made of fabric printed w/ mini granny squares, but the top is definitely a crochet look. Gosh, just soo cool and so inspiring.

NYTimes did a very neat profile of the designer, and definitely very cool collections. You can also see the rest of the Fall 2011 collection slideshow and video as well.

You too can crochet something just as stunning, neat, and edgy. We're having class on Wednesday, March 23rd, that's Crochet 2, and we'll give you couple of Granny Square patterns to get you started. Sign up now! Either click on the link for class on the right, or make a comment below w/ your email, and I'll email you back!

Ninja!

2011-03-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

For the super SG bday, I had made a ninja from Creepy Cute. Frankly, the book is full of more cute than creepy. Ok, so they're not your normal ami's but they're adorbs either way.

The whole origination of the Ninja for SG was that she had some tough days and on FB, the more us girls were talking, the more we were saying how if only she had some personal ninjas to aid her fight against the mean people... well, that's exactly what she needs!

If Creepy Cute is not your pace, you should check out Christen Haden's site. She also have a Yummi Gurumi book that's all about food.

I have to say, the proudest part of this piece has got to be the ninja star. The book said to use embroidery floss, I just used leftover crochet threads. I went and crochet the sash/ninja belt instead of using the felt. It's adorable... you just have to see it in person.

Crochet Studio

2011-03-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

I was just telling my students how sometimes I put my projects in the time-out corner. It's either I get frustrated with the project, I get bored, or I can do something else and get them done faster. Yes, that's my Craft-ADD showing up. Yes, that's my formal diagnosis.... when you have a short attention span ... oooh shiney thing.

Anyway, one of the students was just telling me this and I thought I had to share:

Before she moved to Houston, she used to hang out w/ a bunch of ladies and learned how to knit. She was then introduced to a local yarn store and one of the ladies there was telling her that if you have any un-finished projects they welcome the donation. What they do is that they cumulate what people donated, yarn and supplies, and donate it to a women's correctional facilities.

So, this lady piped up, what? They're going to finish my knitting project as a punishment? Ba-zing!

I thought that's just so funny... great sense of humor. In case you're curious, they actually undo the projects and they use the yarn and make scarves and mittens and sale them to raise money for the prison.

That brings me to the Crochet Studio... if you have put some projects at the time-out corner, this would be a good time to pull them out, dust them off and give it a second wind. Maybe you're just stuck somewhere, trouble decoding the instructions. I'm here to help. Come by for Crochet Studio this Wednesday. Just email me.

p.s. I crochet the applique and sewn it on block which then is sewn on a bigger quilt. :)

Classes for Houston folks

2011-02-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

Alright, people has been asking me about classes post SCH.

So, as of today, here's what I drummed up:

Crochet Studio - March 2nd - 6:30p $10
Need help w/ your project? Are you stuck on a pattern? Need help decoding? stop by and I'll give you the help you need. Please bring your project, hook, yarn, and pattern if any.

Crochet I - March 9th - 6:30 - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
If you have never crochet before or vaguely remember what someone in your family taught you, this is the class for you! We will learn how to do chain, single-crochet, half-double crochet, double-crochet, and treble stitches. The we will combine all the stitches we just learned to make a swatch to take home. Decoding basic patterns will also be covered!

Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Crochet II - March 23rd - 6:30 - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
In this class, we will learn to increase, decrease and crochet in rounds. We will give you the guide to read international patterns. We will make a flower from stitches we’ve learned in Crochet I combined with skills we learn in Crochet II. And you’ll even get a pattern for granny squares. How about that!

Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Amigarumi (stuffed toys) March 30th - 6:30p - 8:30p $25 ($5 for class material)
A-Mi-Ga-Wha?
Amigurumi (a-mi-gu-ru-mi) literally means Knitted Stuffed Toy. You’ve seen this cute Japanese style crocheting (and knitting) of cute stuffed creatures around on the internet. Now learn how to make one for yourself. No crochet experience required, some would be great, if not no worries, we’ve got you covered.

Class material: Crochet Hook Size H/5.0mm and a ball of worsted weight yarn. We have materials for you for additional $5.

Last day at SCH

2011-02-26T06:14:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, our very beloved Sew Crafty is closing. And today will be my last day teaching there. I've taught there for about 2.5 years. I think aside from Sarah the owner, Melissa the knitting teaching, I'm the 3rd teacher there.

This is very sad for me because that has been my haven. Sarah had created such a warm and fun place. She brought together the most amazing staff together in one spot. Everyone is so talented and amazing at what they do. Not only can do knit, crochet, or sew, they are opened minded enough to do other crafts as well. That just made me feel at home, because I'm just ADD enough to do all sorts of craft.

Not only does the store provide a nice escape for me, it also attracted the nicest customers around. I guess crafters have a common goal in mind, that's to have fun and learn something while they're at it. We have many that got absolutely hooked (haha pardon the pun), and kept coming back for more. More sewing, more knitting, and more crocheting.

This is definitely the end of one chapter. For Sarah, the awesome owner, and for alot of us teachers as well.

That said, what's next? Well, for sure in April thru August, I'll be teaching with West U Rec. Those classes will be a series. Which will cover Crochet I & II, we'll learn how to crochet in circle and end with a pot holder at the end. I am working on some one-off classes in March. I'll post March classes info, shortly. I already have a few of you reaching out for private lesson. So, I'm doing those as well. If you want to ask questions, I'm still entertaining those. If you want to reach out for a lesson, feel free to hit the contact us page.

Bottom line, thank you Sew Crafty for giving me a chance to teach and play at that wonderful playground. I loved every minute I'm there. I wish my day job is just as fun and doesn't feel like work as I did at SCH. Hugs to all the staff. You guys are the best!

Tina's Hat (kids version)

2011-01-28T05:07:00.000-08:00

So, a while back... yes, I know I've been neglecting the blog. But doesn't mean I haven't been crocheting. As a matter of fact, I've been busy crocheting more than anything else.

That said, a while back, I posted the adult version of Tina's hat. My boss saw me packing it as one of the care package item in Taiwan, she wanted one for each of her kids.

Since one of them has darker hair, she wanted a lighter color hat, and the other one has lighter hair, she wanted a darker color hat.

Done and done.... ta da!

As you can see both girls got their own hat, I'm sure they will out grow them quickly, but thought I put the pattern out here:

Magic Ring, sc 12
R1 hdc 12
R2 2 hdc per stitch (24)
R3 2 hdc, 1 hdc next (36)
R4 2 hdc, 2 hdc next (48)
R5 2 hdc, 3 hdc next (54)
R6-12 hdcs around
R13 change color, hdc around (54)
R14 back to the original color, sc around (54)

Flower is the same as the adult version.

Tina's Hat

2010-09-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

One of my students, Tina, was telling me that she bought this hat that she just loved and want to make one identical for her little niece. The most attractive part of the hat aside from the color change is the flower and I know she wants to learn to make the flower to go on everything... :)

Well, here's the (adult hat) pattern for you:

Flower

Magic Ring - 6sc

R1 Ch3, 2dc into the center, ch 8, *3dc into center, ch 8*, repeat 4 times

Change color

R2 Ch 1, *(in the ch space) sc, hdc, 6dc, hdc, sc, slip at the end*, repeat for each petal

Sew it at the bottom row of the hat

Hat

Magic Ring - 12sc

R1 Ch3, 11hdc into the center (12 sts)

R2 (back loops only) 2hdc per st all around (24 sts)

R3 *2 hdc the next stitch, 1 hdc*, all around (36 sts)

R4 *2 hdc the next, 2 hdc*, all around (48 sts)

R5 *2 hdc the next, 3 hdc*, all around (60 sts)

R6 - 12 hdc all around

change color

R13 *2 sc the next, 4 sc*, all around

R14 *2 sc the next, 5 sc*, all around

R15 *2 sc the next, 5 sc*, all around

R16 sc all around, slip st the very end

Enjoy!

Raindrop

2010-03-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pattern by yours truly

Magic Ring

Ch 6

R1 2 sc per st (12sts)

R2 sc all around (12 sts)

R3 *sc 1, 2 sc in the next* all around (18 sts)

R4 *sc 2, 2 sc in the next* all around (24 sts)

R5-R8 sc all around

R9 2 sc, 2 sctog (18sts)

R10 sc all around

R11 sc, 2 sctog (12)

R12 sc all around

R13 2sctog

Since it's so small I didn't put the plastic eyes in and instead I sewn them in. :)

Talk alien to me

2010-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I don't speak alien, so I can't even fake it if I tried. They are based on a free patterned at RoxyCraft.

They are super cute, I must say. Plus, I just love the yarn at Michaels. They are called Yarn Pals or something, part of their Loops & Threads brand. It's not quite like worsted weight yarn, not quick the acrylic feel, it's pretty close to the Berroco's Comfort DK, but smaller and thinner.

I guess Michael's were trying to test market them and the one close to me had them. They came in very small oz per skein, but were charging $1.79 and I guess there's no takers. I mean, c'mon, there are days where you can do $1 for Sugar n' Cream yarn, so why would you spend almost $2 for a smaller size yarn?

Well, they are now on 99cent spree, and I bought my share. So much so that the lady at the cash register was like: are you working on a project? I was just too embarrased to tell her that no, I'm just hoarding. Yikes!!! I do go back and see if there's anymore back there. There's still some, sorta secretly hoping they'll go to 50 cents, but I don't need more yarn... gotta stop packing them... geez.

Hip to be Square series ~ Pt 1

2010-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

So, I've gotten this book a while back, about as far back as when I first started crocheting. Which was about 2.5 years ago. I did a blanket out of the book a while back.

I'm going back to it, because it has tons of motifs from the book. As you can see on the cover, they have flower, triangular, circle, square, and hexagon motifs and its variation.

I wanted to do a blanket for a friend who is expecting out of granny squares, so I've been digging around my books and online for research. By that, I mean, which ones looks the prettiest and not too hard to do.

The one that I started is a pretty simple one that I've seen:

Here's the detail on the pattern:

In case you don't read patterns, here's the decoding of it:

You start w/ a Magic Ring w/ 8 sc into the circle. If you don't know what a magic ring is, you can do ch 2, then do 8 sc into the first chain. Complete the circle

R1: Ch 3, 1 dc, (ch 3, 4 dc) repeat twice, ch 3, 2 dc and sl st to complete circle.
R2: Ch 3, 1 dc into the row below, then 2 dc into the hole, (ch 3, 2 dc into the hole, 4 dc into the row below, 2 dc into the hole) repeat twice, ch 3, 2 dc into the hole, and 2 dc into the row below. sl st to complete the circle.

Basically, you are doing DC into the row below, when it comes to the corner, do (2 dc into the hole, ch 3, and 2 dc into the hole) then repeat.*

Here's my results:

*if you have any questions or find any errors please let me know. Thanks!

Mr. Octopus

2010-01-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I've actually have been crocheting quite a bit, just didn't have the time to take pictures and load them up before giving it away. But, I finally got something to show, and let's take a good look. :)

::drumroll::

I am please to present: Mister Octopus *applause*

He is super cute and easy to make. I followed the patter on Lion Brand. It's super cute, the legs were tedious at time, but it's not sooo small that is annoying. Like the perpetual Hello Kitty that I'm making, her ears are small, her tail is small, her arms and legs (yes legs) are tiny. I just get too frustrated to continue. Womp womp.

I'm all about instant gratification, and this was quick and easy. You should try it too. I used the Michael's brand called Yarn Gang. From what I understand, not all Michael's carries it. It was on sale for 99cents, I just can't pass that up. :P

2009-12-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my winter hat attempt. This is based off on Phannie pattern over at Berroco.

The yarn I used was Hobby Lobby's own I Love This - Wool. The size is smaller than what I had in mind, but it's still functional.

Here's the top:

Here's sorta the side, but the close up:

Beret

2009-11-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

So this is a recent project. I made it based off of this pattern from Berroco. I think it needed to be a tad bigger to make the slouchy look. Either that or my head is too damn big. Hmm....

Here's another close-up:

Fall Decorations

2009-10-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

I know I've been deliquent in my blogging, but I'm still alive, I promise. Sometimes when you don't have much to say, that's just that....

Both the Candy Corn & the Pumpkin. With the exception that the pumpkin, I kinda copied Planet June to leave a long tail at the end and weave it back in to create those bumps.

Other than that, I am still working on the wool eater blanket, except it kinda defeated my purpose of getting rid of yarn. I wanted to stay the same color scheme and ran out of yarn. So, I had to go buy more yarn to hopefully finish my project. We'll see.

I've also finished a beret, since I'm taking French classes now, so that seems to be fitting. But, haven't gotten around to doing pictures yet. So, hopefully I'll get that posted soon. :)

Grad Bear

2009-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is a Grad Bear. Well, it's really a bear with a cap, hence it's a grad bear. I didn't have time to make a diploma for it, so he's empty- handed.

But on the lip side, he's stuffed with lavender. As I got this 1lb bag of lavender, I'm just trying to get rid of as much of it as possible. I know 1lb doesn't sound alot, but if you see how small lavender buds are, you'll understand why I'm trying to stuff everything with it. Aside from the fact that it smells good, I need to get rid of it. Haha.

Anyway, this is for my friend Maria who had left work to go to an one-year intensive program in Copenhagen, Denmark. She's from there originally, so it's almost like going home for her. Plus she's near family. On top of a hectic study schedule she also been thru alot of stuff, so I have a great deal of admiration for her and her strength to go thru with everything despite of all the things that were happening in her life.

Well, she came back this week to touch base, so we got to catch up. It was way fun for 2 hrs just talk and catch up. And I had tons of fun making this bear. I like these patterns where you don't have to attach too many parts to make something. While the only thing I don't have to attach was the head and the body, I still have to do the arms, ear, and the cap; I do enjoy these one-shot type patterns.

Speaking of patterns, I got it from Lion Brand. If you haven't heard, all of their patterns are now free. So take advantage all you want.

Wool-Eater

2009-09-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

So, I stumbled upon this cool pattern and even though it's in UK lingo, there were a bunch of kind folks on LJ that helped. I also found Crochet Dad and he called it wheel block; and Teresa also have a Catherine's Wheel that has awesome instructions.

Then it's onto my project:

This is the front:

Unfortunately, I didn't use acrylic yarns to make the weaved in color to pop up. The yarn I used was for baby garment, so it's soft and the shape is harder to make them hold, but will make a wonderful soft blanket.

The close up:

You can sorta see the different color weaved into the previous row.

The back:

Actually, the back is kinda cool. It looked messy but soft, like carpet-ish.

The closeup of the back:

So, the point of this project for alot of people is to get rid of yarn. Unfortunately for me, I am getting rid of the yarn, but it will also amount to just a square bigger than my placemat. So, for it to grow up to be, say, a blanket, that means I'll have to go buy more yarn, which defeats the whole purpose. Hmm...

Well, I'll just have to keep working on it. *shrug*

Weiner Dog

2009-08-31T07:57:00.001-07:00

DSC03709
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

So, alot of my weekends I spent it at Sew Crafty. And when you first walk in, you'll be greeted by Alanna. When I showed her my little amigurumi creations, she was telling me how she has a dacschen. Ok, she kinda hinted that she wanted an ami puppy too.

So, when I saw the pattern in the small dog pattern book, I knew that I have to make one for Alanna.

To be honest, making craft with in mind of someone or some goal helps the creative process. It's easier to work towards a goal than just wander around.

Anyway, I didn't get to take any pics w/ the little puppy before giving it to Alanna. But this is Alanna and her puppy. She told me it's the same coloring as her real life puppy. So, now her challenge is to not let her real puppy eat the ami puppy. That'll be interesting.

Commissioned work

2009-07-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, after my Lavender Penguin, the new owner of it was showing it off to her sister. And her sister loves it so much that my friend commissioned me to make one for her. It's totally a pleasure to make a project for someone. I always find it more joyful to craft for someone or for a goal.

I was more than happy to do it for her, especially it's for her sister. I also stuffed it with lavender. I thought I was being smart this round than last time, I didn't stuff it with as much of lavender as I did the first time. But, it still weird to move it to shape of the penguin. It didn't quite fit and I have to add more stuffing and try to round things out. It didn't come out as I like for it to. And the arms weren't even for some reason.

Either way, it will be going to NY to meet its sibling and then separate to the other sister. :) I'm just touched that someone asked me to make something special for their family and it connects the 2 sisters.

2009-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, this is what I've been up to... well, that and I'm working on a granny square blanket too, that's going to be on-going for months to come.

My friend Michelle and her husband have 2 pugs and a mutt. She wanted a pug when I made a piggy a while back. Now I got a pattern for a cool pug, I finally sat down and make it. The pattern is from Ami Ami Dogs. Hope they like it!

Lavender Penguin

2009-06-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know I've been a total slacker and not update here. But truth be told, I've started on alot of projects and just didn't have the patience to finish them. So, now I have a bunch of UFOs (UnFinished Objects).

That said, I was going to make a mobile with cloud and rain drop... well, more like water drop. But I don't have anything to hang it with. Then, I started on a Hello Kitty doll, and it just got too many little parts that I got discouraged.

Between travelling for work and stalking eBay for awesome pattern books. I didn't have time to actually make anything.

Soooooooo, I met an awesome lady up in NY, she's practically a soul sister... and while we were hanging out in Chinatown, we found a place that sell this very cute penguin. She disclosed that she likes penguin. The one she picked up has this soft material and it's stuffed with lavender inside.

Since I don't sew and don't have that soft material, the crochet (ami style) will have to do.

Her bday is coming up, so this makes a perfect gift. I got some great advice about using nylon to hold the lavender so it won't fall out. It took some time to stuff, but it worked out pretty good. I would say it is 95% filled w/ lavender. The problem, I think it's that it has now became too strong. Hmm....

Hope she likes it.

2009-03-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Sooooo....

Here'sssss breakfast!!!!

This is something that my messue and I came up with... she was working thru my knots then said: wouldn't it be cool if there's a scarf made up of breakfast stuff.

Turns out, it's easier to make than I thought. Well, it's not exactly easy, per se, but I was surprised that the compenents aren't as difficult as I thought.

That said, it took a long while because I enjoy the process of crocheting than the putting together part. Unfortunately, if you don't put it together they're just pieces, so I did... I put them together.

Anyway... here's breakfast, modeled by my husband... little did he know that his head would be cut off. Hahaha...

Don't forget: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Cupcakes of a different kind...

2008-12-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not posting... but I haven't abandon this blog. Just life got hectic is all.

I don't have anything crocheted done, but I did some wool related project.

BEHOLD! The Cupcakes have arrived!!!! (hey, cool girl band name!)

Yum!!! This is all needle felted. I got my supplies from The Licorice Tree. Tobiah is so awesome and so creative. And it is addicting. You can watch tv and get these cupcakes done. You can of course make whatever you want...

Go check out her flickr on her site. Very cool!

I am working on a breakfast series scarf, think Twinkie Chan style but not as cute, I'm sure.

Bender Rodriguez

2008-11-04T09:50:00.001-08:00

Bender Rodriguez
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

Don't know if you ever have an urge to do something nice to another individual?

Well, if you do out of no reason whatsoever, that is call Random Act of Kindness (RAK). I did for the lady who owns Sew Crafty. She's uber nice and has a thing for robots and crafts. So, what a better way to combine both robot & crafts together?

I noticed that she loves Futurama, so it only makes sens to make a Bender for her. I searched high and low. My conclusion was that the best pattern was from Stitch.

I highly encourage you to try it. The only thing is the teeth... It was lined up funny, but if I were to do that again, I would've just follow the first row instead of doing the way they had it. I understand the designer is trying to make it where when he grins it makes a big smile, but when you try to sew in the floss for teeth, it's just not working fine. So, that's my tip to you.

Good luck!

Cupcake Scarf

2008-10-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

DSC_0806
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

This is what I've been working on...

This is made up of 15 2D cupcakes... I had fun making it... makes me crave cupcakes. Amazingly, it does keep me warm in this chilled weather we have here in South Texas.

I used the Berroco Comfort yarn. I love the texture AND you can throw it into the washer to wash too!

Pattern by Lilla Dolce

Piggy

2008-10-08T17:20:00.001-07:00

Piggy
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

Have you guys seen anybody that's just absolutely cute like this guy? Isn't he just adorable??? I *heart* piggy.

This is made from a pattern by Lion Brand. If you don't know about their patterns, all you have to do is type in amigurumi, it's all there. It range from easy to intermediate.

I'm totally 'hooked'. Ha! Pun intended.

Blankie

2008-09-29T11:05:00.001-07:00

Crochet blanket
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

So, I saw this pattern in a Japanese pattern book and thought it looked pretty and took on the challenge.

**Mind you I do not read a lick of Japanese and still relatively new to crocheting...

My choppy Kanji and educated guess saw that it's to call for 18 flowers per color to put this blanket together. Sure, not a problem... I'll just make them per color. So, after days of watching TV and crocheting later... I had 4 piles of flowers. I went back to my Crochet Master (at Yarntopia). Turned out that I've been doing it all wrong. I was supposed to chain them together as I construct each flower to interconnect them seamlessly. I was so frustrated at it that I refuse to look at it until I'm done being made at them.

Fine, whatever!!!!

Then, one of my stamping friends decided to gather the group back together for an afternoon of crafting. We can do whatever, so I decided it's time to put this thing together.

Couple of ways from the den of the Crochet Master, was either I tie the corners together with yarn (i.e. just double knot) so it looks like it's suspended like it should be had I connected them in the first place. Or!!!! To make a chain in each column to link all of them together.

At first, I fought the chain idea because I really don't care to have segregated columns. But as I worked on my double knot for the corners, they started to come undone when I was trying to put the boarder together. That also frustrated me to no end... but chain it'll be.

This turned out pretty ok... not like the book but it's not bad.... will try again next time I guess.

cupcake

2008-09-22T11:50:00.001-07:00

cupcake
Originally uploaded by Patty_kins

This past Saturday I did a made up class for my Amigurumi class at Sew Crafty.

Trust me, I'm so thrilled to be there, total honor to do that.

I guess I was a tad too ambitious to teach non-crocheter how to make this in 2 hours... I guess I over-estimated that....

Luckily, the owner think the class went great and invited me back for November. So, hopefully, I'll find an easier pattern for the class. :)

Pattern:
http://nimoe.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/cupcake-pattern/

International Crochet Day

2008-09-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

From Crochetme:

REMEMBER the 12th of sep this year is the International Crochet Day!

to celabrate the day try one of the folowing:

~Crochet in public
~Teach someone to crochet
~promote Internatinal Crochet day in your blog
~wear something crocheted made/brought with pride

HOOK HAPPY

happy hooker
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Of course, I was going to teach people how to make amigurumi cupcakes on Saturday at Sew Crafty. But because of this darn hurricane, the class got rescheduled. :( *sigh*

2008-09-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

I swear, Cupcakes are all the rage... In the stamp world, yarn world, or even food world. I *heart* them very very much... urm, I mean the food. Well, guess I *heart* the pattern too.

My recent travel takes me to Chicago for work. While I didn't get a chance to go to any yarn store, I had plenty of time to whip up a cupcake while my neighor sitting next to meet feel squished in the middle seat.

It didnt' take me long to whip this up, guess I've got the muscle memory down. What was curious is that I find that alot of patterns are in the multiple of 6 (i.e. Magic Ring w/ 6sc, and as you increase the stitches are multiple of 6), and this one I used was in 7. I was a little thrown off by the numbers, but the results are still good. Hope you like Cupcakes (yes creative name) as we do!

Pattern by: Nimoe

Welcome to the new crochet blog

2008-09-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

I've been maintaining a Stamp blog for a while, and as I do more crochet and hopefully more knitting and felting, I'd figure that I better start a blog dedicate to Yarn work.

I'll post anything I can share here... there will be some WIP (Work In Progress) posts and you can see the progress from start to finish.

Hope you enjoy it!