The Granny Stripe

I'm having a lot of fun trying different patterns that bloggers are so generously sharing. I'm still more of a hands on learner, but I've come a LONG way in reading and following patterns. Anybody who crochets will tell you that it has its own language! My hat goes off to all the folks who create patterns! Anyhoo, I was checking out the i-Crochet showcase a while back and landed at a blog that is becoming a favorite. There are so many cute creations at Attic24! I was very happy to find the pattern for the Granny Stripe. I've seen the Granny Rectangle, but I'm really loving the Granny Stripe. Now that the living room is coming together, I thought this pattern would be perfect for a cute and comfy throw for all the Netflix watching that we do.

For this throw, I couldn't resist being all matchy-matchy so I went with our brown/blue/cream color scheme.


I'm loving it so far and can't wait to curl up under it once its finished!

And Then There Were Two!

I got Emma's fingerless gloves finished, with only having to lengthen them just a little bit so that they hit her fingers in the right place. She was very excited to get them on and she complimented me on a job well done :) And then we realized that they match her helmet. Gotta love those extra little details.


I got the pattern for these gloves from Lion Brand's website under their free patterns, but like I said, there are a bunch available around the net, in all kinds of patterns. Its always fun to get a little something new.

Crochet Mama's Cowl/Infinity Scarf in Action!

Shelby Wooton

As soon as I spotted the too-cute Chihuahua Cowl Infinity Scarf over on Crochet Mama's Blog, I immediately thought about a friend's new furbaby. I couldn't think of a better gift to pop in the mail! This cowl was super easy to make and I think its such a functional little peace for a little pooch.

Fingerless Gloves

Emma has been asking me to "learn" how to make fingerless gloves for what feels like forever. I always admire the gloves and wrist warmers that others make when I look at their blogs or Etsy shops. Since its pretty nippy outside during our morning walks to school, I thought now would be a good time to give them a try. I have to say, I'm liking it, and I think that Emma will too. She has a new scooter coming soon, and these will help her keep warm while still having the full use of her hands.

Since this is my first attempt, I've made one for her to try on. If all is well, I'll get the other whipped up and she'll be all set. I'm pretty sure that she will want a matching hat for these babies, and I'm fixated on legwarmers. She loves tights, so I think legwarmers could become a nice addition for her during this time of year. I think they'd also look very cute with her skinny jeans. I'm getting excited!

Have you been creating lately? Do share :)

Fun with Yarn Scraps

I couldn't really sleep last night, so I threw on some Law & Order: SVU and took a look in my trunk of yarn. I wanted to crochet. I didn't know what I wanted to crochet, just that I really really wanted to. I have a bunch of bright random colors from small projects and nothing was really catching my eye since we're still in Winter. Then I noticed a new small ball of cotton yarn in Gold, and decided that I could put it to good use.


I decided to make a dish cloth for my grandmother. I've never made any dish or wash cloths before, but I've wanted to. There are a bunch of different dish cloth patterns out there, but since I was just in the heat of the moment, I decided to go with something simple. Double crochet and back post stitching got the job done. I'm pretty happy with the results and I'm looking forward to adding some cloths and possibly some drying towels to my own kitchen soon.

The simplest things can always make the perfect gifts!

Appreciating You!

Because a little appreciation goes a long way. Take 10% off at Baby Squares for the month of September! Just use code APPRECIATE at checkout to apply the discount. Also, if you haven't already, "like" our Facebook page and suggest us to your friends!

Because a Girl Can Never Have Too Many Bows

While I'm anxiously awaiting a yarn shipment from Joann's Fabrics, I couldn't resist dipping into the yarn stash to play with those wee bits that seem to always be left over here and there. Some folks use those bits to create colorful grannies - I usually leave them be and even sometimes toss them. Well, not this time. I decided to make a few Hair Bows. The clip attachment at the back gave me the opportunity to practice my sewing!

This pair is now available in my shop, and I'm looking forward to working these up in more colors.

A Day of Firsts

Today marks the two hundred and second post here in this space, and the very first day of 3rd grade, at a brand new school, for Emma. I gotta say, its looking mighty good. Based on the warm welcome alone, I want to strongly believe that this year is going to rock. I got a great vibe from parents and staff this morning as I made my way around the auditorium, looking over PTA information and after-school classes. I even ran into a few mommy friends. Turns out, there will be more familiar faces around campus than we'd both originally thought. 30 more minutes of learning to go, and then I get to hear all about her big first day! I'm anticipating hearing all about her reunion with an old friend who she'll be sharing a class with this year. Looks like I'd better brace myself for all of those future playdate requests!

Back to school means back to the days of having an empty house for a few hours. As I reflected on this earlier today, I realized that its actually been a while. I used my alone time wisely by making a little welcome-home-from-your-day-of-firsts gift for my big girl.

This will be perfect for tomorrow morning's walk to school!

Fall Projects

The breeze is turning a little brisk outside, and back to school is right around the corner. We intend to be ready! Now that the clothes shopping is all done, its time to start thinking about cute accessories. We're doing scarves, hats, headbands, and hair bows around here. I finished up another circle scarf, this time in eggplant. Thought this was a beautiful warm color for Fall, and a little something special for all of my purple lovers out there.

Available for purchase at Baby Squares

I have more fun Fall colors in the works. Now that I'll be heading back to class, I think I might be sure to make one of these for myself!

Newness is in the Air

I decided to try something new. I decided to challenge myself a wee bit further. I haven't advanced to playing with thread or those magnificent seed beads yet, but I'm getting there - one new project at a time. This time around, its all about circles! Earrings and scarves.

I was pretty darn proud of myself once I finished these earrings. Not the most complex design, but crochet circles can go a looong way. I'm grateful to the amazing Renaissance Austin of Raghouse International for her circle and earring making tutorials. They were just what I needed to jump right in.

And, of course, a pair of squares!


Each pair of these earrings are now available in my Etsy shop.
http://babysquares.etsy.com

Those Special Touches

Sometimes, when a project takes a wrong turn, a little rethinking and creativity can save it from becoming a victim of the scrap pile. I was very proud of my very first puff stitch scarf, despite the fact that it felt more to me like a shawl than a scarf because of its width and length on an adult frame. What to do with a scarf that is too short when reworking it is out of the question? Well, just change the style of the scarf! I realized that I didn't get the look that I wanted from the ends of the scarf when I wrapped it around my neck, but a wrap here and a tuck there gave me the look that I had originally envisioned. I took both ends of the scarf and slip stitched them together to create a circle. Problem solved.


When it comes to headbands, fit is very important. The size of a headband can change with the thickness/weight of the yarn used and the size of the crochet hooked. This became apparent to me when I found my one-size-fits most two strand headband a lot larger with a different type of yarn. What to do if you don't want to purchase a pattern in the current headband style for your specific yarn thickness? One option is to work up a more functional style of headband.

A simple double crocheted headband can fit a range of heads, especially with elastic added! This headband can also fit a range of personal styles by attaching bows and flowers.

It can be both challenging and frustrating when one pattern no longer fits all, but the process of learning new ways of creating is the fun part.

Making a Statement

Breast is Best Beanie, $10 - available at Baby Squares

When it comes to crochet patterns, I haven't always been eager to jump right in, hook first. I learned to crochet by watching and following along, and I still learn that way, but every now and again, I have to strike out on my own, written instructions in hand. I fell in love with this beanie the moment I saw it in the Etsy shop Sara's Stitches. I thought this beanie was cute and creative, and it represents something that has a special place in my heart, the act of breastfeeding. When I recently revisited my shop's favorites, I noticed that, in addition to this hat, Sara was also offering a pattern. With new babies popping up in many of my friend's households, I thought this would be a great piece to learn to make.

If you're familiar with crochet patterns, then you know that crochet has its own language, full of a multitude of stitches and abbreviations. I have gotten much better at reading and following patterns since I began crocheting, but their are some that still pose a challenge. This hat is one of them. Nonetheless, despite still getting familiar with different weights of yarn, and how it affects the end result, I think I did pretty good one my first and second try!

Getting Ready for Fall

The clouds have been rolling in, and even a light mist has graced us here in the Bay Area, a sure reminder that Fall is right around the corner. My hook has seen a lot of yarn lately, and my project bag has been overflowing with hats. Its been a great way to use up yarn from my stash, and to get my Baby Squares fans thinking about keeping themselves and their kiddos warm in the coming months.


I think I'm starting to really enjoy making these hats with ear flaps. I didn't realize exactly how versatile a beanie could be!


I created this one with the bit of yarn I had left over from Emma's blanket.

And my hat collection wouldn't be complete without a tam or two, right? This is a personal favorite of mine. Whenever I'm having a not-so-good hair day or in a rush to get out the door, I can always throw on my tam, stick a couple of bobbie pins in to secure since I like my hat to sit half way my head, and go! I'm looking forward to adding a few new colors for myself.

Stitches and Stitches

Sometimes, there are certain projects that seem to go on and on forever. You set out with a clear goal in mind, an even clearer time frame, and then something happens. You pick it up one day and put it down the next or push it aside for the chance to create something new. For some reason, the blanket that I started for Emma turned out to be one of those kinds of projects. Thankfully, I've stitched the last stitch and she is snuggled under all 55 inches of this beauty as I type. I felt like popping open a bottle of something tasty to celebrate!


She's happy with her new blanket and that makes it all worth it!

The Etsy Vacation is Over

Hello approaching sunrise, we meet again...

I broke Her first basic rule for getting a full night's rest, but my project bag is no longer empty, and my Etsy shop is no longer on vacation. It's been a while.

A few new quick things.

Custom Ear Flap Hat w/Ties, done up for a friend who will
be trailing behind a little duck this Halloween.

A little Berrylicious Beanie with a little extra something-something, $10

Another go around with the flaps for a friend who wants to
match her nice blue set of wheels.

Drop by my shop and catch the sales! Layettes and blankets must find a new warm home!

Gift Making

Diaper Cover - Pattern by Yarn Blossom Boutique

Since I have two baby showers to attend this month, I thought that I should try out a new pattern. I've been interested in trying out diaper covers for a while now, so I invested in a pattern. I'm glad that I did. Though there is a lot of counting that has to be done to stay on track with this pattern, it was pretty easy, and I am very pleased with the result. Not bad for my first try. All I need to do to finish this cover off is add a couple of cute buttons.

A matching hat makes the perfect little gift.

Ripple: Fail

I got the basic pattern right, meaning I can make it ripple, BUT its obvious that something somewhere is very wrong here. I'm gonna have to break down an get a written beginning to end pattern for this one. Luckily, fellow lover of granny squares, Sarah London, is having a pattern sale! She has some great creations! I don't think I can go wrong with her Zig Zag pattern.

I'm about 21 inches away from finishing Emma's blanket. Since next week is Spring Break, I'll have plenty of opportunities to head outdoors and crochet in the sunshine... just as long as I don't forget the benadryl!

Fall in Springtime

The beginnings of another multi-color for an expected April 27th arrival

While getting all caught up on season 4 of The Dead Zone via Netflix, I knocked out a good 22inches of this blanket last night. Who'd ever thought I'd rush to make another patience challenger? I think the secret to loving this pattern is the use of a J sized hook. With a J, I get a bigger gauge, which means a quicker finish. Big is good. I plan on finishing this blanket today, and possibly moving on to a little granny ripple practice for the sofa throw, followed by covering some more inches on Emma's blanket now that I'm stocked up a couple more skeins of yarn.

Check out this video tutorial for the granny ripple.

I Think I'm On to Something

Coordination = Motivation

I spotted this Camo yarn in Mirage today while I was picking up yarn for another project. It happens to be in the same colors as the fabric that I've chosen for my living room accessories. I had been thinking about making a throw for my future new sofa. Now I will!

In Full Bloom

Sunshine must be near. A bag of yarn was thrown in my lap, and so I produced - was productive, and creative, and challenged my patience.


And two days and 31 inches later...


I ran out of yarn! But she sure is a beauty, with her many ends that needed to be weaved in. That is the point in which I challenged my patience. I didn't know if I'd be up to sticking with so many changes of color, but I did, almost without notice. The project just flowed. I hope she keeps her new little owner very warm and snug when she arrives in May.

While I was in the mood, I dug out Emma's blanket from my yarn trunk. Somehow, my 55 inch goal seems a little less stressful anxiety inducing.

And 27 inches later...


Yeah, I ran out of yarn! But at least I'm back in the groove.