A Crocheters Dilemma - Saving the "Special" Yarn for a "Special" Occasion

For over a year, I was holding onto a stash of beautiful alpaca-silk blend yarn that my mother-in-law gave me. She picked it up at a yarn shop in Canandaigua, NY one day as she was window shopping. It was one of those gifts "just because", so it was a nice surprise when I received it.

This yarn is so soft and luxurious that I was nervous to use it.  I know other crocheters feel the same. I just couldn't decide the best project for it.  I suppose it's a little like fine china that people save only for special occasions.  Then one day, I realized that savoring it simply to look at it, pet it... admiring its luster... was silly!  Why do we save "special" things for "special" occasions, when we could be enjoying them "just because"?  Why... I don't know.

I'm now happy to say I'm enjoying wearing this yarn every day!  I'm certainly enjoying it more than when it simply sat in my yarn stash serving no purpose other than to admire it once in a while!  Here is my latest creation--something for me for a change!  I made a colorful new newsboy hat embellished with fun flowers and buttons, a chevron scarf in magenta and violet and coordinating fleece-lined mittens each embellished with a flower to match the hat.

I love having a palette of yarn to play with and make something truly unique!

Through this experience, I've realized that I very seldom take the time to make myself something new.  It was a nice treat to do just that!  I decided it feels nice to spoil myself once in a while, and I should do it more often!

So... Go grab that "special" item you've been saving for a special occasion and enjoy it now.  What are you waiting for anyway?  ;)

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  Take care!

Crochet Rainbow Scarf, Hat & "Glittens" Set

     

Recently when my daughter was feeling under the weather, I decided to crochet something to brighten her spirits.  When I asked what she would like, she requested a rainbow scarf with a smiley-faced cloud on one end and a pot of gold on the other.  So of course that's what I made!  

I also interjected some ideas of my own.  I crocheted the rows of the scarf using the "shell" stitch, which I feel gives it a more delicate, feminine appearance.  On one end of the scarf, I incorporated a reversible sun peeking out from behind the smiling cloud on one side and smiling broadly on the opposite.  On the other end of the scarf, I made sure there were two mirror image pots of gold sandwiching the end of the rainbow.  Both scarf ends are double-sided, so there will be no "wrong" side facing out when worn.  This rainbow scarf is definitely colorful and suits my daughter's chipper, creative personality perfectly!

As you can see, there is a great deal of unique applique work and detail in this scarf.  I feel these elements give the finished product great dimension and character.  The fluffy cloud includes button eyes, an embroidered mouth and appliqued rosy cheeks. The sun (complete with triangular rays) includes button eyes and an appliqued mouth. Each pot of gold includes 19 individually appliqued and sewn-on gold coins (38 total).

Since my girl has also been admiring my newsboy hats lately, she naturally wanted one of her own (and of course to match her scarf!).  She also wanted a pair of rainbow "glittens" (aka convertible mittens) to complete the set.  So off I set to make her dreams come true yet again...  Late one night, I laid the finished set at her breakfast place setting, anticipating her excitement upon discovery.  She was so pleased that she made me a special sweet drawing to show her appreciation.  Aww...

The colors for this set are flashy, yes, but everything is exactly as she requested.  The hat and main hand portion of the "glittens" could really be made in any color to coordinate with the scarf.  She just happened to choose pink.  :)  It's the same with the buttons--any color would do.  That's part of the beauty and freedom of a rainbow theme!

I had a great deal of fun designing this set for my daughter.  In fact, I am so pleased with how it came out that I decided to offer this design in my Etsy shop.

If you're interested in ordering a rainbow scarf or a scarf/hat/glittens set for a special child in your life--or maybe even for yourself--feel free to click on one of the photos above, which link directly to my Etsy shop.  The scarf/hat/glittens set has its own listing, or the scarf could be ordered on its own.

Thanks for visiting my blog!  Have a sunny day!

Crochet Chicken Sweaters Pattern and Custom-Made Sweaters

I have been having a lot of fun lately designing chicken sweaters with the help of a dear friend back home.  She requested my help with crocheting a few chicken sweaters for her flock and some to sell in her feed store to local farmers.  Through trial and error, we finally came up with the correct measurements for a design that will work on three sizes of chickens.

The crochet pattern is available here, and the finished custom-made sweaters can be ordered here.

Chicken sweaters are not only ridiculously adorable, but they are also actually very practical. During the cooler weather months when chickens tend to molt, they lose some or (in some cases) most of their feathers. Sweaters not only serve to cover the poor, bare hens' exposed skin as a barrier from the cold, but they also protect from the other chickens' natural tendency to peck away at the exposed areas of their peers. Sweaters also serve to protect injured/rescued hens while they heal, and they allow the hens to remain with their flock rather than being separated during the transition.

These chicken sweaters are very simple designs with no buttons, snaps or ties. I made them as simple as possible due to concern that shiny buttons/snaps would be too attractive for poultry peers and actually invite pecking. I also omitted any ties due to the risk of strangulation or choking.

I would recommend to chicken owners to not leave your birds unattended while they are wearing sweaters. If you want your chickens to wear them during the day while they're running free range, that's fine as long as you keep an eye on them. However, I would be hesitant to put them to roost at night wearing them due to safety concerns. My friend, who requested me to make some for her chickens, intends to use them on chickens who are old and losing their feathers or have lost their insulation due to molting.

I have worked on two design options: (1) Crew Neck and (2) Turtle Neck.  The turtle neck option is intended for hens that need protection on their neck, since this area can be affected by rooster "favoritism".

 

I utilize standard sizing measurements but can make sweaters larger or smaller as indicated. The standard measurements for a medium/average sized hen are 7.5 inches from the neck to the bottom hem, 2.5 inches wide at the neck (with a 2 inch opening), 6 inches wide at the bottom hem. No ties or buttons are required for holding in place. The sides are open for the wings to slide through, which actually helps to hold it in place. Also, the front & back panels connect at the bottom to hold it snug to the chicken's body.

My friend tested the first sweater on one of her sweet hens, Annabelle. Since the first sweater version was a bit too wide between the wings and drooped in the front, she used string to take it in for a more snug fit--like the revised sweaters I've made. She then observed how the hen tolerated wearing the sweater. So far, so good!

Annabelle's coop mates were interested in her new apparel, but after about 10 minutes, they lost interest and stopped pecking at it.  My friend said it was as though they were trying to help her get it off at first... "You have something on your back.  Let me help you with that..." kind of thing.

Here are a few photos of the trial period. In the photo of the hen laying on the table, her gentle and calm demeanor is shown as my friend makes sweater alterations. In the other photos, the hen is getting around quite well wearing the sweater. She even decided to hop on the scale for a bit (She weighs 3.5 lbs, by the way).

This chicken sweater design development has been fun! I am so grateful for my friend's assistance during the process. Without the help of her supermodel hens, it would be much more difficult to achieve the correct sizing. Plus it's been a great opportunity to catch up with a good friend!

Crochet Ladies' Navy Blue, Cornflower & Grey Beret

I had fun making this hat not only because blue is one of my very favorite colors but because the beret style is so fashionable and flirty.  When designing this beret, I wanted it to have a subtle feminine scalloped pattern, so I added rows of variously sized scallops through the middle.  The brim of the hat fits snug around the face, covers the ears and is edged with a feminine scalloped design.

I just love the color combination, but it could be made in any color combo--or even in one solid color. The possibilities are many!

When I tried this hat on for sizing purposes, I fell in love with the style and color.  I have never considered myself a "hat girl", but this hat changed my mind.  My husband even commented on how much it complimented my face shape and eye color--and that's significant coming from a man who barely notices a new haircut.  ;)  I am definitely making another for myself!

This hat is available for immediate shipping at my Etsy shop!  Just click on any of the images below to be directed to the listing.

This hat is very similar to one I made for my niece a few years ago as a Christmas gift.  Here is my daughter modeling it below.  She's my little camera ham, for sure!

Thanks for visiting my blog!  Please come again any time!

Take care!

A Busy Crochet Christmas

I have been a busy Christmas elf lately and just realized how badly I've been neglecting my blog. Though I haven't shared much new lately, that's only because I only have two arms, and they have been elbow deep in yarn for weeks.  Now that a spare moment has presented itself, I'd like to share the new designs on which I've been working.

The Crochet Christmas Elf Hat

I made these one day when the Christmas spirit overcame me, and I just had to let it flow freely through my crochet hook.  These hats have a long, thin tail with a pom pom at the end, and the brim includes white ribbing that fits snug onto the head.

These particular hats were purchased by a customer, who wanted them for her grandchildren's busy Christmas baking day.  They were a huge success!  She shared a photo from their special day, which I am giddy with excitement to share.  Here they are below--three adorable Christmas elves sitting with their grandfather.  The sweetness in this photo is nearly unbearable!  THANK YOU to their grandmother and parents for permitting me to share their precious faces!

A few days after she shared this photo with me, my customer's daughter-in-law commented on my Facebook page that her son loves his hat so much that he sleeps in it. Oh my, how sweet is that!

I also made this hat for my daughter in cobalt blue with snowflake appliques and a tassel including two small pom poms and a tiny snowflake.  Immediately upon posting this photo on my Facebook page, I received an order.  I am also using the same snowflake concept to create a future navy blue newsboy style hat per another customer's request.

I also made my son a green elf hat.  His is a bit different.  Instead of a long, thin tail, he wanted a hat "like Santa's but green".  I decided that he would get a kick out of finding our family's Christmas elf modeling his new hat.  He, of course, thought that was the best thing ever.  Here is "Elf Christina" wearing his new hat.

The Crochet Men's Christmas Green Bow Tie

One of my colleagues is quite the character and wanted something fun and unusual to wear during the holidays.  He wanted something eye-catching that would be a fun conversation piece to wear to parties and work in general.  He gave me one of his old bow ties to reference for size and shape, and this is what I created.  Here he is--my first male model! He was quite pleased with his new bow tie.

The Crochet Chunky Infinity Scarf & Ear Flap Snowflake Hat with Fluffy Lining

This is the warmest, most luxurious hat and scarf set I have ever made. The scarf is my Chunky Infinity Scarf made in blue variegated chunky yarn, and I made a navy blue & cornflower ear flap hat to coordinate.  This set was made per a customer's request to give as a Christmas gift.

This hat is special because it is lined with the same super soft chunky yarn used to create the scarf, which adds a generous layer of extra warmth. To finish the hat, a coordinating decorative border and snowflake were added. With winter in full swing here in Western New York, this set will definitely come in useful.

If you are interested in ordering this hat for yourself or someone else, just shoot me an e-mail at my Etsy shop, and I can create a custom order just for you!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  

Here's wishing you a very happy holiday season!

Crochet Convertible Mittens with Easy-Expose Thumb

When one of my customers requested a pair of mittens to be designed for her, she presented me with a challenge.  She is a photographer, so she needed a pair of convertible mittens that would not only expose her fingers but her thumb as needed as well.  She didn't want to fumble with a thumb flap on a photo session, but instead a thumb slit positioned where the pad of the thumb sits inside the thumb sleeve.  The mittens needed to consist of non-bulky yarn, have long wrist cuffs in a scalloped design, be a specific color and include light brown wooden buttons.  The top picture below is what I initially designed.  The same customer also requested a second pair of convertible mittens (pictured below made in green yarn with a shorter fingers flap), which she could give as a Christmas gift.

Thumb Slit

As you can see in the below picture, the thumb slit is positioned where the pad of the thumb sits.  

The picture does not include a snap closure for the thumb slit, since the customer wanted her thumb to slide in or out as easily as possible.  However, if a snap closure is desired, that could be arranged.

If a thumb slit is not desired, I can certainly crochet them without.  

Fingers Flap & Easy-Expose Thumb

The middle button on the top of the hand attaches to the loop on the fingers flap at the tip of the mitten when it is folded back to expose the fingers.  The two smaller buttons on the side are for decoration only or could be omitted entirely.  

In this picture, you can also see my thumb poking out from the thumb slit.

Top View of the Closed Mitten

This is how the mittens look with the fingers flap closed.

Palm View

This view shows just how much of the fingers are exposed with the finger flap open. Also notice the scalloped design from the wrist cuffs is continued along the edging of the fingers opening.

In this picture, the finger cover does not attach to the palm.  If a velcro or button closure is preferred at the palm of the hand (where the cover sits when it folds back over the fingers), that can be arranged.

The Yarn

The type of yarn I used in both of these projects was Bernat's Vickie Howell Sheep-ish Yarn in Greyish and Oliveish.  I like this brand of yarn because it is 70% acrylic + 30% wool and relatively easy to clean (cold water & dry flat).  It is also super silky soft and helps to retain hand warmth.  If wool is not desired, another light yarn could be substituted.

How to Order

If you are interested in purchasing a pair of these Convertible Mittens for yourself or as a gift for someone else, please feel free to visit my Etsy shop.  For the Convertible Mittens Etsy listing, simply click on one of the above pictures, and you will be directed to that specific listing.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my blog!

Crochet Camouflage & Pink Baby Set

This unique set was a special request from a friend to give as a baby shower gift.  Her friend and husband love hunting and the great outdoors, so she wanted something that would suit their personalities while also being feminine.  She didn't have a specific style in mind.  She simply requested that I create something beautiful.  This is what I designed.

The Circle Baby Sweater

I call this the "Circle Style Baby Sweater" because it is fashioned similarly to a circle skirt.  It could be worn as a sweater or over a onesie as an adorable dress with a cute pair of ruffle-butt bloomers.

The Beanie Hat:

This hat includes a feminine scalloped edging and an over-sized flower with a button in the middle to coordinate with the buttons on the sweater.

Mary Jane Style Bow-Toed Booties

My favorite bootie style for baby girls is the Mary Jane.  They are so adorable and easy to put on and take off.  These booties do not include a button strap closure like most Mary Janes.  They do, however, include a strap that fits snugly around baby's ankle.  I made the soles in pink yarn to coordinate with the rest of the outfit.  I prefer the soles of booties to be a different color, since I feel it gives them more dimension.  To finish, I added a sweet pink bow across the toe for a bit more pink feminine flair.

I must admit that while crocheting this set, I was very nervous.  When I first posed the idea of a camo & pink set to my customer, she had complete faith that I would create a "masterpiece" (her words exactly).  I didn't admit it to her, but I was skeptical that it would actually turn out cute.  Surprisingly, as I worked on it, the combo actually began to grow on me.  In fact, it grew on me so much that I'm thinking of making my own daughter a camo & pink hat & scarf set.

When I shared this set on my Facebook page, it was astonishing how many people liked and commented on it.  But the true test was finding out whether my friend liked it.  Much to my relief, she said the LOVED it.  Phew...!

This particular baby set is not listed in my Etsy store, but I would be more than happy to recreate it for anyone interested.  I would simply create a custom order just for you.

Before starting this project, I poured over the Internet for days before finally coming to a decision on what to make.  There isn't much out there for little girls that involves hunting and camouflage.  I personally have an aversion to pink camo (because where would anyone hunt wearing pink camo anyway--Mars?  Hehehe...), and I didn't like the idea of making a Carhartt look-alike for a girl because it seemed too masculine.  If you're looking for something suitable for a little girl while also honoring your hunting roots, this just might be the solution for you.  :)

Thanks for visiting my blog and allowing me to share my crochet creations with you.  Come again if you please!