Monday, November 16, 2015

Crochet One-Sided Mermaid Tail Afghan

I created this pattern as a special request for a desperate lady, who wanted to make her granddaughter a mermaid tail, but her granddaughter hated the constriction of the cocoon-style mermaid tail.  It took one full weekend, but I did it!  Not only that, but I also created two different tail fin styles and a feet pocket panel option.



For a texture that resembles a scaly appearance, I decided to modify my own previously-created version of a scale stitch. Others have inquired if I use a modified version of the crocodile stitch. Although my stitch may resemble the crocodile stitch from a distance, it really is not.  My goal was to create a stitch that is much less bulky than the crocodile.  Don't get me wrong--I like the crocodile stitch just fine--but I simply wanted to achieve more of a smooth-laying, fine scaly-textured appearance for the Mermaid Tail Afghan.


Two Tail Fin Styles

      




Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Crochet Mermaid Glass Beer or Soda Bottle Cozy

Enjoy a refreshing, cold summer beverage in style with this elegant mermaid cozy!


This mermaid companion includes a scaly-textured tail, beautifully fanned tail fin, bikini top, flowing mermaid hair and embroidered facial features.



She easily slips over the top of any standard glass beverage bottle and is sure to make a statement at any summer gathering.

Custom requests are always welcome if another color combination is desired. The color of the tail, bikini top, skin color and hair are easily changeable.



Crochet Minions Galore

Minions, Minions, Minions! As you can see, we are Minion-crazed in our household lately.  I have been busily processing the requests of my kids and friends to meet their Minion needs.  It has been a blast having fun creating these little guys!



Crochet Sweet Pink Lady Minion Girl's Lined Bag

This crochet girl's purse / handbag was inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies. This is my interpretation of how a lady minion might look. She has a frilly pink dress, pretty batting eyelashes, pink bows and pigtails atop her head and dangling legs and arms.

This girl's purse also includes a hand-sewn yellow gingham interior lining, button flap closure at the top of the minion's head and convenient shoulder strap.

The main bag portion measures 7 inches wide by 8 inches tall with a depth of approximately 2 inches.



Minion Hat

This hat, inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies is made-to-order by me using soft yarn. This hat can be custom-made in any minion facial expression desired (within reason). The goggle eye(s) is(are) crocheted separately and appliqued onto the hat; the mouth is embroidered or appliqued depending on the design; and the hair is added as the finishing touch.




Minion Ice Pop Cozies

These unique and lovingly detailed "Minions" inspired ice pop cozies are perfect for protecting little (and big!) fingers from frosty-cold ice pops. Both ends of each cozy "sleeve" are open, so they can be slid up the ice pop with ease while pushing the yummy ice inside to the top.

These are not only cute but practical as well. There is no need to waste paper towels each time your kiddos enjoy an ice pop treat because these can be used multiple times. If they become soiled, just pop them in the wash! Also, when summer is over, they'll make adorable finger puppets!

NEW ADDITION: The Hawaiian Luau Minion with grass skirt and coconut bikini top!

Meet Stuart, Kevin & Bob!




Minion Mini Dolls

This little, snuggly doll version of "Kevin", the big brother of the "minions", is the latest addition to my minion crew.  This is my first attempt at amigurami style crochet, and I have to admit it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined.  I'm also working on a female minion with a dress and bows in her hair.  Stay tuned for more!


Monday, June 15, 2015

Crochet Ice Pop Cozies / Ice Pop Sleeves / Ice Pop Holders

My kids gave me a wonderful summer crochet idea--Crocheted sleeves that slide up and down ice pops to protect their fingers from the cold.  Of course I had to consult Google to investigate this further.  Lo and behold, ice pop cozies are  "thing" after all!

These unique and lovingly detailed ice pop cozies are perfect for protecting little (and big!) fingers from frosty-cold ice pops. Both ends of each cozy "sleeve" are open, so they can be slid up the ice pop with ease while pushing the yummy ice inside to the top.

These are not only cute but practical as well. There is no need to waste paper towels each time your kiddos enjoy an ice pop treat because these can be used multiple times. If they become soiled, just pop them in the wash!

Also, when summer is over, why not re-purpose and play with them as adorable finger puppets?

Mermaids, Dragons, Unicorns and Dinos... Oh my!

Because my kiddos are into all things whimsical, I decided to create a set of four fun ice pop cozies to start.  My first set consisted of a mermaid, dragon, unicorn and dinosaur.  They are highly detailed with 3D appliques, embroidery and button eyes.  For children under 3 years old, I can make the eyes with crocheted appliques and embroidery instead of tiny buttons for obvious safety reasons.  These cozy creatures can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.



Chilly Arctic Critter Cozies

My next idea came about then considering critters, who are accustomed to the Arctic chill.  What better to accompany a frozen treat than these little polar bear and penguin ice pop cozies!  They are created with 3D applique and embroidery as well.  These cozy critters can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.



Sophisticated Garden Party Flower Cozies

The idea for these festive summer garden party themed cozies came to me one day after spending time in my garden among the posies.  How cute would these be for a garden-themed party, a little girl's birthday party or even a bridal shower?  These floral cozies can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.



Crazy for Minions Cozies

These little guys were inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies.  Meet "Stuart", "Kevin" and "Bob"!  



I also made a Hawaiian Luau Minion inspired by the beach island scene in "Despicable Me 2" complete with grass skirt and coconut bikini top.





Friday, June 12, 2015

Crochet Chevron & Mermaid Scale Lined Beach Tote Bag



This adorable crocheted tote bag is 18" x 16" x 3".

The exterior is made in luxurious and stylish Bernat Satin yarn, which is super soft and has a smooth satin-like sheen.  The top portion of the bag is a trendy thin-striped chevron pattern in grey and white, and the bottom is my own mermaid scale design in aquamarine. Canvas lines the interior of the bag to help secure valuables, and it has sturdy exposed-canvas handles.

Unlike the crocodile stitch, my mermaid scale design is much simpler and uses much less yarn. That's what I love so much about it.  The texture is similar, and there is both a time and cost savings!

It's also easy to launder--just wash in warm/cold water and dry on medium heat.

It is available in my Etsy shop as a finished product as well as my very own written-out pattern.

Crochet Lace Infinity Scarf

I was yarn shopping one day and discovered the softest, silkiest baby yarn (Bernat Softee Baby) in the perfect shade of soft peach.  Even though I had no idea what do make with it, I bought it anyway.
Weeks went by.  The yarn sat in my stash teasing me to come up with a use for it.  Then it occurred to me... why not a lacy infinity scarf!

I created this lovely, soft and feminine lacy infinity scarf with an open, detailed lace design. Because of its airy design, it's perfect to wear in late summer or early fall, and it would also make a fine accessory for warmer winter days.

I also wrote the pattern, which is available in my Etsy shop.


It's also easy to launder--just wash in warm/cold water and dry on medium heat.

This beauty is available in my Etsy shop as a finished product.  If you would like to make this yourself, feel free to check out my pattern.

Crochet & Up-cycled Denim Wine Bottle Holder / Bag / Carrier


These unique wine bottle holders/bags/carriers are made using up-cycled blue jeans. I love finding new uses for otherwise discarded things. It not only reduces waste but creates something truly unique and special.

These wine bottle holders would be adorable for a country chic picnic, a gift/care basket for a wine lover or even a bridal shower gift.

The base of the bags are hand-stitched and crocheted as well as the handle and flowers decorating the top.

Two styles are available--one in aquamarine & navy and another in salmon and ivory. Because they're so unique, there are only one of each available.