Hemp Bracelet

I dressed like a hippie a good portion of high school and college. My poor mother. At least I never tried to sport dreadlocks. Now-a-days I've dressed up my hippie nature a bit and added in all sorts of other styles to mix things up...but parts of me still find my way back to my old ways. Take this bracelet for example.  

LOVE IT. And it's the perfect craft to bring along to make while camping with your best friend! All you need is a ball of hemp or other type of cord, some scissors, and you're ready to go! The book says you need 2- 200inch long lengths of hemp folded in half (then tie a knot at the top to form a loop- this leaves you with 4 strands but you use two together as one thick strand, see image below). In the end we probably only needed about 2 full arm lengths worth (about 130"). Another option... use 3 strands for an even larger thicker bracelet!

It's super complicated looking, but it's super simple once you get the hang of it. The hardest part is tightening it down so the tension is correct. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it swift enough.

Image taken from Friendship Bracelets: All Grown Up: Hemp, Floss, and Other Boho Chic Designs to Make  For full instructions on how to make this check out the book!

Actually the hardest part was the book not saying you have to do the reverse of the diagrams for every other knot. Otherwise it wont lay flat... So do the above, and then for the next knot... do this:

It's just each step flipped horizontally. Sorry, a little confusing, but once you get the hang of it, so cool!


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Favorite Hat

OK this hat might look familiar to a good number of people... it was my go to christmas gift because I'm so in love with it. The pattern is super easy to follow and once you get past R4 it is just a repeat and easy goings! I may have a few in different colors that I made just for myself...

If I didn't already give you one... go and find the free crochet hat pattern here and start hooking! What's your favorite free crochet hat pattern?? I'm always looking for new things to make!




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Quick Sunshine Winter Hat

Love the burst of sunshine this hat brings to these overly cold autumn days. Seriously, it just snowed last night! It's looking way more like Christmas outside than it is Thanksgiving. That probably also has to do with the fact everyone already has their lights up and ON!!!??? Seriously people, can't we just celebrate one holiday at a time?

I get it I get it, last weekend was warm, so you wanted to put your lights up while it was warm. That's fine... could you just restrain from turning them on until after Thanksgiving maybe?? It's bad enough Wegmans had all of their decorations up (I kid you not) the DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN!?!?! Really!!! Come onnnnn now!

Sorry rant over. Back to this awesome amazing winter hat. You can find the pattern for free over at Gleeful Things. She has a bunch of fun free patterns, so go check her out!! I love when people post free patterns, it's the best!!

How are all of my US readers celebrating Thanksgiving this week?? For my non US readers, what are you all up to this week? Anything fun?




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Hexagon cowl pattern

This cowl pattern came out of me starting a blanket using a pinwheel square, and getting sick of making them really fast :) boredom is the mother of invention. I love the way that it peaks out from my coat.

 On its own you can see it a bit better though.

Super simple to make and perfect for using up a bit of old yarn you have laying around. Simply follow the pattern below to make one hexagon. Repeat until you have 8. Piece together as shown in the below image. Add a button and you're done. BAM walk out the door looking awesome.


Hexagon: (make 8) I used worsted weight yarn and coordinating hook.
R1 Start with a magic circle and sc 12 into center.
R2 Ch 6 (counts as 1 tr and ch-2), (tr in ring, ch 2) 11 times, join with sl st in 4th ch of beg ch-6 – 12 ch-2 sp.
Rnd 2: Sl st in next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, [3 dc in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2) in next ch-2 sp] around, join with sl st in top of beg ch.


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For the love of bias tape

I'm on a little girl's dress making spree. They are just so fun to make, and since they are small, they go together super fast! What's not to love?

You know what makes something go even faster? Bias tape. How haven't I used this stuff before?? I bought some to edge my burlap bag pattern, and I used the rest of it up on this dress. And I may have already gone out and bought a whole bunch more in different widths and colors... because I want to make more things!!!

I started off with this dress pattern, and I had all plans on following the whole thing, but then I decided to finish the armholes with bias tape... and figured... why stop there!? Lets do the neck with bias tape too!!

Adorable! As you can see Hobbes wanted to get in on the photo action. Even though she had a whole yard to run around... she wouldn't budge from under where I hung the dress.

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Simple Toddler Pinafore

Sometimes patterns are so simple and sew up it's hard to believe I don't get around to doing them quicker. I pinned this one year ago... why oh why did it take me so long to actually SEW this!? Hmm maybe because that post only gave an idea of the pattern, not one you could just print. Don't worry though I made sure to save my pattern to share with you. Which means you can print it out and be done with this cute dress in less than an hour!

Look at that girl! She is cuter than cute! And the dress is reversible! So she asked to wear it two days in a row. You know this aunt right here felt so very special that her little neice loved it so much.

My heart melts looking at how cute she is. Here's the pattern I drew out and used. It JUST fit her though (18months), the neck could have been a bit larger so if I were you I'd extend the straps by an inch (added into pattern PDF).

Download the pattern for free here.

Cut out two complimentary fabrics on the fold. Add a quick pocket if you like. Then place right sides facing together and sew along each armpit and then around the entire outer edge. Leave the top of a 4 straps open. Use one of these openings to pull entire dress through so it will be right side out. Iron flat and top stitch around all edges (just don't close off the strap openings yet). Final step, cross the straps in the back and fold over one edge so the front strap fits into the back strap piece, sew one line across each and you're done!

The back is open so make sure she's got a cute diaper cover on, her bum is suppose to stick out a bit. Another plus, this dress makes for super easy access when potty training, making this dress cute AND functional. Double bonus!

Make sure you save this post for later and Pin It so it doesn't get lost!


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Rocking tshirt redo

I just finished writing up this post... I was putting the finishing touches on it. I typed something I did like so I hit Control Z (edit undo) and for some reason it undid the whole post... as I was staring at the blank screen totally dumbfounded, it auto saved, talk about adding insult to injury. There was no undoing, nothing to bring back that long detailed post. I may have started cursing my head off...maybe...

*sigh* I do still love this shirt, even if I have to rewrite this whole darn thing. You see, it's a halter top, but with a wicked fun drapped low cut back. A single braided band attaches at the base of the old armpits holding everything together (and making it so you don't have an accidental side boob slip). It's my new go to workout shirt! Well minus the sports bra for the photoshoot. It's harder to see how the back attaches when you have a sportsbra in the way.

So yeah, this + a sport bra = my new go to workout top for hot spring/summer days! It's rather easy to make and comes together with only a few stitches in a couple spots. If you make your own and blog about it please leave me a link in the comments! I'd love to see, and if you could link back here to the instructions I'll love you forever :)

Now onto the steps... just follow along with the photos and you'll be sporting this sassy shirt in no time.

First start by folding your shirt in half down the middle.

Once the sleeves and neck are gone open and fold so that the armpit holes line up and the shirt is on its side (2nd image down). Then with a gentle down slope, cut off the back from bottom of armpit down. (3rd image down)

Open up the now freed back and cut away excess as shown in 2nd image down, then cut each of the straps into 3 pieces.

Braid each strap and knot the ends. Cut one strap off at shoulder and reserve the braid (we will attach it to the back in a moment). Create the halter top by sewing or tying the remaining attached braid to the other shoulder (2nd image down).

Finally take your reserved braid and attach each side at the bottom of the old armpits (if your shirt has side seams this is a great indication of where you should be attaching things. Try on and walk around town like a badass. I mean you might as well show off the muscles you've been working hard on right?

Is that turtle wearing baby booties?

Another friend had a baby! You know what the means, crochet time!! Since I just mailed this yesterday I hope I'm not ruining the surprise, but lets face the facts, she's got way more important things to do with any spare time she has right now. #1 on that list being sleep, NOT reading my blog. So I think we're safe people.

Devin if you are indeed spending your few spare not busy moments reading... stop now or you'll ruin the surprise! :)

The first thing I made her was a set of super cute slip on booties (free ravelry download-you need a free account to access). I used a ball of baby soft white yarn along with a very thin pink yarn. It made the booties a nice light pink and not OVER THE TOP pink. I love how easy they crochet up, you basically make a T and then sew them together for a cute wrap over detail.

Then it was onto a cute toy. I love this stuffed turtle pattern (free pattern from lion brand) and knew I wanted to make it again. Sure you could go with shades of pink instead of green but I guess I'm a traditionalist... at least at this exact moment, don't ask tomorrow... I'll probably be having a crazy idea of making it with cow spots or something.




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Canadian Moose Sighting

Jeanne and I were walking along minding our own business when suddenly out of nowhere this moose showed up!


Ok maybe not... but this moose is on his way to Canada nevertheless. Awhile ago Jeanne and I were talking about bartering our talents, you see she is wicked talented with knitting but when it comes to cute crochet creatures I'm the lady to call. When she found out her friend was expecting she wanted to knit the baby a sweater but also send a fun toy. This is where I come in. Being as stereotypical as possible I decided to make Maple the Moose... I mean come on, they're Canadian! All Canadians must love maple syrup and moose...meese...mooses...Right?

The pattern involves a LOT of pieces... and sewing them together was a bit of a pain. But in the end I was really happy with the results.

Want a tip for giving your characters more personality? Try sewing their parts on a little off kilter. No really it's super cute! Check out the head... you may notice it's a little off to the side, doesn't it just give him a little extra cuteness? I'd like to think so :)

Is this your first time crocheting amigurumi style? Check out this free tutorial on how to get started! There are a ton of great tips and tricks, plus a free pattern for a penguin!



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Yellow stiletto cowl

Winter can be so grey, white, boring. Why not inject a bit of bright sunshine into the mix?

I'm part of a knitting/crochet group that is constantly creating cowls, hats, gloves, socks, baby blankets... the list goes on... for all types of charities. Some go to newly relocated refugees. Some go to homeless shelters. Some go across the globe for charities like wool aid. I'm not sure where this cowl is going but I hope whoever receives it loves it as much as I do. I know it will keep them warm and snugly.

The pattern is worked in a large circle and comes together quickly with some nice thick yarn. The yellow contrasting yarn is a bit thinner but I love how it still POPS off the white! As for yardage I unfortunately don't know :( I was using different skeins of yarn donated to our group and none of them had labels on them. If I had to guess I think the white was a Bernart Roving - Rice Paper, and I used the entire skein. The yellow was probably a light (3) weight yarn, and I did not use a full skein. I'll be making this again and when I do I'll make sure to get a better estimate on yardage for you!
The pattern can be found here.




Don't know how to make a shell pattern, it's really easy, just keep scrolling :) Click here to see it larger.

PS. I've picked winners for the giveaways and emailed you, so check your email to see if it was you who won!


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Wickedly warm cowl

Want to win one? Enter here!

I found this cowl on pinterest, immediately fell in love, ran to the store to buy bulky yarn and an N hook... and 1.5 hours later had this scarf. Add some vintage buttons and you are good to go! Too lazy to make one yourself? Head over to my 5th year blogiversary post here for a chance to win one along with some other tasty treats!

The pattern is one made up of double crochets. The V pattern happens by doing 2 double crochets into a single chain from the previous row. I'm curious about making this again but with an even more exaggerated V by chaining 2 between the double crochets. What do you think?

Here's a link to the FREE pattern over at Fiber Flux. She has a TON of great free crochet AND free knit patterns so check them out and get crafting!

Don't know how to crochet? I taught myself reading The Happy Hooker (best book name ever) years ago, the instructions and visuals are great! I still have it in case I forget something.



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Green Monster Scarf

I have been on a serious cowl making kick. Don't worry, you'll get to see them all in due time. The one I was planning on sharing with you today needs a few more tweaks to the pattern before I can reveal it though. So keep your pants on and check out this cowl/scarf for now!

The color wont be a favorite of everyone but the snuggle factor will be. This is the most seriously soft yarn I've ever used. I had made a baby blanket out of it and had just the perfect amount left to make this scarflette. Using a double crochet pattern for the whole thing leaves the perfect button hole opening... wherever you feel like. Start by chaining 63, DC into the third chain from the hook, then DC across until you reach the end of the row. Ch3 (counts as first DC) and then keep doing the same thing for 6 rows (or as wide as you'd like it to be) and this thing is done in an hour flat. Sew on a cute button, fasten it through one of the double crochet spaces and you're out the door, snuggled and warm.

I used sensations goldenrod yarn which I got on serious clearance... which I'm now realizing might have been because it's no longer made?? I can't find it anywhere in stock?




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