Christmas Star Tutorial

Good Evening lovely's! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

With Christmas only being 10 days away, I thought it would be fun to do a little crochet Christmas decoration tutorial. 

Let's get started shall we, gather your favorite colors of yarn(I used worsted weight) and a 4.25mm hook(size G).

(note - this pattern is written in american terms) 

To start, make a foundation chain of 5, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 - ch3, 2dc, ch3, *3dc, ch3. Repeat from the * 3 more times(5 dc clusters and 5 ch 3 spaces). Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd ch of the starting ch3.

Round 2 - slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the first ch3 space. Ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc, 1hd in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. *3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch3 space, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next ch cluster. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain of starting ch3.

Round 3 - Slip stitch into next 2 dc and into first dc ch3 space. Ch3, 3dc, ch4, 4dc, 1sc on both sides of the hdc from previous round. *4dc, ch4, 4dc in next ch3 space, 1 sc on both sides of the next hdc from previous round. Repeat from * 3 mores times. Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain from starting ch3, Fasten off and wave in ends.

These stars are great sewn into garland or hung by themselves on your tree would look amazing! You can even make them in a cotton yarn for a Christmas themed washer!

I hope you found this pattern easy to follow, please let me know if you found any mistakes or are having any troubles whatsoever! :)

Tis The Season

Hello Everyone! How are you all?

I'm ever so sorry for not coming to visit over the past few months. Not only has time been zooming by making it difficult to find a moment to spend on my blog, but the truth of the matter is.... I've been working on a lot of new stuff.

Having pretty much the past few months free of blogging, I've had some time to focus and to create. I've come up with some really cool ideas for future projects and am feeling rather ambitious in terms of the direction of my blog and business for 2015. 

I've been meaning to write a post for the past few days, but strangely felt like I didn't know where to begin. Of course with it being December, I will be showing off lots of Christmas stuff! I can't help it! I love December, the countdown 'til Christmas and all of the glories it brings! 


Feeling energized and inspired, I'm looking forward to getting back into my blog and spending more time with you all.

Now normally I'm one of those people who just can't wait until Thanksgiving to put up my Christmas tree, but this year plans changed a little bit because my husband and I spent Thanksgiving in the Bahama's this year, and well, we have cats, 2 brand new little ones who are just a few months ago, who every since I've put up my tree think that it's their own little playhouse.

You see? This would be Tenzin, our newest child!

But with that being said! Normally I go all out on my Christmas tree, putting all of my amazing glass ornaments that I love ever so much. But this year, I just couldn't do it with these little tree climbers. So this year I went out and bought all new ornaments, PLASTIC ornaments. So they can bat at them and knock them off the tree all they want this year.

This is probably one of my favorite ornaments on my tree that I found this year. Suits me well doesn't it?

Followed by my camera ornament that I received for Christmas a few years ago..

This is defiantly my favorite ornament that I found this year. Not only is it a Key which is a symbol for having a rare disability/disease. But it also reads "First Christmas In Our New Home". My husband and I moved into this new place back in the spring after many years of personal struggles.

And finally, here is my gorgeous tree.

My tree looked a lot better last week when I finally was able to put it up, but like I said, the kittens are enjoying it to much.

At least these two only sleep under the tree :)

Now, part of my absence from blogging is thanks to my creativeness going crazy! I have been working on amazingly cute items! Almost all of these new items are photography props for the wee little ones, but they have been a big seller in my Etsy shop!

I plan to share some with you all, however lets do so on a later post that I plan to share with you all shortly. But if you're like me and just simply can't wait, head over to my Facebook page! I post there regularly! 

With that being said, have a great weekend everyone! And stay tuned for more!

Crochet Star Baby Balnket {Finished}

A couple of weeks ago I shared my latest work in progress with you all. This 12 point star crochet baby blanket is an order that is going to be listed in my Etsy shop very shortly. It's not very often that I fall in love with simple afghans like this, but this time, I certainly have. I love everything about this baby blanket. The shape, and the pattern are all fun; honestly, I love this blanket so much, I want to work on different color combinations every spare minute I have when I can't think of anything new to make at the moment.

The yarn I used for this on was Lion Brands Jaime yarn in Mardi Gras Stripes. Now, the skeins of the yarn is very small in yards, but the yarn is very cheap in price, but is very good quality!

But wait, I'm. Not done yet! From the time I posted this work in progress a couple of weeks ago, I've made two more versions of this afghan in different colors.

I absolutely loved these three colors! They were practically screaming my name to work with them! This blanket was made with Caron Simply Soft in colors; Dark Country Blue, Light Country Blue, and Light Blue. When you first start working with both of this yarn, it seems a little bit "splitty," and thin but don't give up. If you keep going, you'll find that you get used to them. After the first few rounds, I haven't had any splitting issues at all. 

This next blanket, I actually had a little help from my hubby. I had picked out the colors a while ago, and I felt that this afghan pattern was perfect for it! And I made this for myself(even though my husband steals it).

Isn't it gorgeous? I'm in love with how this turned out! The yarn used for this afghan was Deborah Norville's Everyday yarn. This type of yarn reminds me of Caron Simply Soft, but thicker. Works up very quick, and is very warm and soft. The bright neon colors just "pop" out don't they?

For those of you who crochet, this is made from a FREE! pattern available on Ravelry. If you're looking for a great baby blanket to make, I urge you to give this one a try. It's a nice switch from a rectangular or square blanket and the results are absolutely stunning. Plus, each round you increase the number of stitches, so in case an adult wants to have this afghan, just keep on hookin'!

I hope you have like the color inspirations I've shared. Please try out the pattern and share the final results on my Facebook page, I'd love to see!

Have a great Monday everyone! No worries, I have something else to show off, but we will save that for another day.

CROCHET STAR BABY BLANKET {WORK IN PROGRESS}

Ok, so I have been a little MIA, but between moving, and starting the new job, it's been a little crazy! Oh and of course my creative mind has been going crazy, and I have tons to show everyone, which includes finished items and patterns once I write them all down!

So be on the lookout, and make sure you follow my Facebook page! I'm always posting there!

Let's get started with my current WIP!

This 12 point star crochet baby blanket is an order that is going to be listed in my Etsy shop this week. It's not very often that I fall in love with simple afghans like this, but this time, I certainly have. I love everything about this baby blanket. The soft yet bright colors, the shape, and the pattern are all fun; honestly, I love this blanket so much, I want to work on it every spare minute I have when I can't think of anything new to make at the moment.. I can't wait to see the final result so I'm motivated to get it done.

For those of you who crochet, this is made from a FREE! pattern available on Ravelry. I've used the same type of yarn for this pattern, and I absolutely love the variegated yarn. The yarn I used is Lion Brands Jaime yarn in Mardi Gras Stripes. When you first start working with both of this yarn, it seems a little bit "splitty," and thin but don't give up. If you keep going, you'll find that you get used to them. After the first few rounds, I haven't had any splitting issues at all. 

If you're looking for a great baby blanket to make, I urge you to give this one a try. It's a nice switch from a rectangular or square blanket and the results are absolutely stunning. Plus, each round you increase the number of stitches, so in case an adult wants to have this afghan, just keep on hookin'!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone! And remember, keep checking back for more posts!

P.S. I think it's time for a blog makeover!

-Taylor

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone! Now that I have a normal Monday - Friday job, I have to say, the weekends go by way to fast!


So I have a little good news to share with everyone, my husband and I have decided to move into a bigger place, and I couldn't be more excited!! And what comes with a bigger place? An extra bedroom just for me and my yarn! Wooohoo, my own craft space!

Of course the creative side of my brain is excited as can be and I've had my eyes glued to Pinterest browsing ideas for my room! I have all of this yarn that I need to organize!! Where do I begin?? And of course all of the decorating!! Why no make some decorations made out of yarn! Perhaps some yarn garland? Oh yes, some colorful rainbow yarn garland!

And it is never to early to start! I have decided to start a rainbow granny stripe afghan. The pattern I'm using is actually very easy and the pattern can be found here. I love this womens blog and I'm always looking at it for inspiration! Especially since she has her own little studio! Did  mention I can't wait to decorate mine!?!?!

Ok, so the above yarn is Redheart, i must craft on a budget for the time being and Redheart is cheap in price but is also soft. It is 100% Acrylic :: working on a 5mm hook :: And the colors, make me feel very cheery!

And here are the colors that are in my little yarn basket I made.

Cherry Red
Lavender
Light Raspberry
Turqua
Spring Green
Bright Yellow
Pumpkin

So i started on my granny stripe blanket a few evenings ago, sat in my living room, hooking that oh so lovely foundation chain (161 long, double bed width aka full size). Anyone else dread the foundation chain? Wiggling about with that long chain, counting like mad, being oh-so-careful to get the count right. Because certain patterns like this,t he count is CRITICAL!

Then after that dreadful chain, comes the tricksy first row, working the stitches and again counting like a mad woman and praying to the yarn angels that you will not have to frog that first row! Because you know, you won't know if you made enough chains until the last stitch of that row!!!

And qouldn't you know it, I had the count right the first time! No frogging was needed! Woohoo!!!!

And now onto the patter we go. I love granny squares, but I love the simplicty of the granny stripes! So after the foundation row and the first row and that dreadful counting is over, it's a happy, delicious, and skippy breeze! So now the easy hooking can begin! Zooming up that row making those cute clusters, nothing can stop me now.

Well unless my crafters ADD kicks in, "Ooo another pretty pattern to work up."

Row after row, so easy, so happy, so strippy, and so amazing!

I am really loving this pattern and loving the colors!

I am hoping that some of you wil be granny stripping along with me! Give it a go! If I love it this much, so will you, I promise!!

As I said earlier, I am moving in just a short 5 weeks. I need to start packing along with working a 40 hour full time job! So I may be a little MIA for the next few weeks, but I'm thinking an hour a day to work on projects won't hurt, riiiiight? I have to have my daily dose of yarn!

However, this move, is going to be so worth it! A whole room to myself that the hubby can't touch! Don't mind if I do!

Have a great week everyone! Stay warm! And think, there is only 6 more weeks of winter left! I know, I'm ready for it to be over to!


-Taylor

Happy Tuesday

Good Evening everyone! I hope all of you are having a great week so far! Tomorrow is Wednesday! Woohoo!

 

 Yep, another frigid day here in Ohio. Had about another inch of snow last night. 

 But, what's this in the sky? The Sun? I almost forgot what it looked like! I have a case of cabin fever for sure!

The good thing about cold winter days, gives you the best excuse ever to just stay inside all day and work on some new projects. So far this year I have been pretty busy! And I'm slowly going out of my comfort zone to try new things.

I'm becoming a ruffle scarf making addict! I have a bunch of skeins of this yarn, and they can't wait to be made into scarfs!

I was thinking this year that I will be participating in some local craft fairs. Just to get my feet wet in the craft selling world. I mean what's the worse that can happen? Not get that many sales? Oh well, just get right back up on the horse and keep trying. The harder you try, the better you do :) 

Do you remember when I said the other day that I want to start making cuter items?

Does this newborn frog hat qualify as cute enough? (I will write up the pattern and share).

Or...

How about these baby Converse booties :) A special order for my newborn niece! 

I promised myself great things this year, and so far I am sticking to my own promise :) 

Now, since it's a frigid winters day, I thought it would be a good day to start on a rainbow baby afghan. So far the colors are working very well with each other, and I cannot wait to see the completed project. 

Nice, cozy, and soft :) Have a good night everyone!

xxTaylor

Snowy Weekend

It's been a few months since I've blogged! Oh no! But it's a new year, and I promised myself that I would work my tail off to be an awesome knitter/crocheter/blogger this year! So here we are, and here we go!


First and foremost, I hope everyone had a terrific New Year! Can't believe it's 2014 and already half way through January!And winter, well is defiantly in full swing here in the States. Minus zero temps and snow! Lots of snow! I know I'm ready for Spring to hit so I can get back into my photography! However, it is winter so a hike down to my favorite waterfalls is in order soon!

Yep, snowy. But not to overly cold... For now.. After all this is Ohio..

 

Atleast it makes everything look very pretty :) 

Now, nothing like a hot cup of coffee to warm you up on just a cold Winter day. Mmm Vanilla and Hazelnut!

 A few weeks ago I had a nice little chat with myself. A new year means a whole new agenda in life. I decided that I really need to take a different approach to managing myself and my life. I don't have a lot to juggle these days, and in order for my to contine to feel happy and upbeat, it's essential that I keep on top of things. What this basically means is that I need to alter my natural free-floating tendencies and create a little more structure to my days. Yes, a little more organisation and structure would be very good for me, I decided. Just a little, nothing too harsh or stifling. This structure would allow me to carry on doing the things I love (and the things I am committed to) but in a less chaotic, stressful way.

I decided this year that I will go out of my comfort zone with well, just about everything in my life. Knitting and crocheting harder things to better my skills, such as, create my own patterns, continue with harder skills, and try harder more complicated patterns. And with my photography, go WAY out of my comfort zone and try newer things, play around with Photoshop more to create better images. 

So, lets begin this adding more structure and organization with my life. Today, well I organized all of my yarn, and tools (lets hope it stays this way). 

I have come insanely addicted to double-pointed needles in the past few months! Like, really really addicted! So far I've only been making hats with them, but I plan on going out of my comfort zone really soon and trying something a little harder. Can't be that hard riiight?

(Btw, doesn't that hat make you feel really really happy? I think it would make fun socks!)

I'm loving the double ribbed stitch! Makes hats so stretchy to fit over the wee lads head! 

One of my many goals this year, is to knit a bunch of hats to donate to the NICU at one of the hospitals here in town. My niece Twylah was born on Christmas day, 6 weeks early and she has been in the NICU ever since just to get a little help breathing on her own. But luckily, she's doing amazing and should be released this weekend!

But my sister(my best friend) told something very very sad. There are some babies who are there by themselves, their parents don't come to see them until they are ready to go home :( So my goal this year is to knit them up some little hats and some little teddy bears to keep them company! 

And with all of this said, adding some rows on this ripple afghan I've been working on for quite sometime now. It'll be done someday haha! But come Monday, I need to start on a Mickey Mouse graphgan for my nephew who turns 3 in two months! Wow time flies!

 Have a great evening everyone, and happy yarning!