Mardi Gras Magic Ball Scarf

So AFTER Mardi Gras, I decided beads just didn't hack it.   The colors are great but they aren't very warm..... I wanted to make something fun to wear for Mardi Gras on those chilly outings.

I couldn't find any yarn I liked so I decided to make my own magic ball of yarn and crochet a scarf like the ones I've done before....including this one.



I started collecting yarn and then my friend said she wanted to play too.  She is knitting her's using the Lady Godiva pattern.  I won't have a photo for a long time as she isn't making it until right before next Mardi Gras.  I went ahead though and just crocheted mine.  It is FAB!




Now for details.  If you want to make your own, you need to do some research.  I wanted a nice warm scarf with a little heft to it.  So, I made my ball a bit like the Alp Oriental with some heavy yarns mixed in with lighter yarns.  I also bought a couple spools of skinny soft ribbon and one spool of beaded thread.  If I could do it again, I'd buy more of the beaded thread...it gives an amazing sheen to the area it is in.  Having a person to share the cost and yarn with is a good idea.  We went through our stash and saved a lot of money but I spent $40 bucks after it was all said and done.  Jeannine had great yarns so she didn't spend a penny. I keep my "leftover" stash low on purpose....you might be able to make an entire magic ball without spending a cent.

Here is what I did:
*Go out and OVERBUY lots of yarn, ribbon, beaded thread, etc.  Save receipts you will be returning some.  You want thick and thin, basic and fantasy (eyelash is fantasy in my view), threadlike will offset super thick but make sure it won't get lost.  I used gold threads mixed with softer but heavier greens, etc.  You'll be in the yarn section a long time so plan on it!  I was approached 2 times by ladies who wanted me to teach them what I was doing.  One actually took notes!
*Take the supplies home and figure out which ones really work well together and put the rest back for returns.
*Weigh each ball or make note of what it says on the label. Since you are mixing and matching, this matters. Include ribbon, etc.
*Determine weight: I made a ball of 10 ounces.
*I held FOUR strands of yarn together.  All types.    The green eyelash was TOO much for me so after making the scarf, I went in and gave it a hair cut.  The purple and gold eyelash was perfect.
*CUT YOUR FRINGE before tying all your yarns together.  You want a good representation of all yarns and ribbons used.   I used a dvd case and went around it 20 times for each end.  Set aside in a baggie or safe place.

I decided to make each "cut" 4 arm lengths long. Then I just went through picking which yarns I wanted to hold together.   Ribbons and beaded thread were just added as I went along, to make it interesting.  I rolled as I went.  (NOTE, if you go along and don't like something, you can always snip that length out and swap it. )

***Once everything was done, I re rolled it starting from the end because I used my favorite yarns first.  (I hadn't noticed I did that.)  I wasn't really sure how thick I wanted to make it.  I'm glad I did it that way because I didn't make it as wide as planned.  Mine is about 7 inches wide.

To make, I used a P hook and chained until I felt it was long enough, (I'm short)  keeping in mind I was adding fringe. Then I worked a double half crochet throughout until it was wide enough.  When I finished, I added the fringe.

It was a very fun project and I'll be doing it again.  The prep work is easy to do.  Just pull stuff out, tie it together and go.  It is time consuming but I did it while watching a movie.

catching back up

This is the second time in a row that the computer has behaved!  yay!   I'd better make it quick....

Last Friday, Dean and I had a date.  You know it was a long week when you don't take a photo together but instead take a photo of your drinks...

We took a day trip in to the aquarium.  It had been so long!   I took a ton of photos and then realized I'd taken the same ones over and over the past 8 years since moving back.  So....I deleted several but kept a few of my favorites...

The "look down" fish.   These used to be housed in a giant column-like aquarium but it was destroyed in Katrina.   Now it it a wall.  It is still nice but I always liked being able to walk around the original...

the seahorses...I adore these interesting creatures.

they have a nursery set up for daddies who are about to POP like this poor fella!  hahaha!  What a nasty little trick mother nature played on these boys.

Game time!  Had to make myself a cozy just for my main team.  

The other day Osa "pipped" her ball over the fence.  The people behind us have a maze of a veggie garden and don't speak English so I didn't even attempt to go get it.  Instead I went to the store and just bought her 2 more because they won't be in stock much longer.   

A week later, the blue ball appeared BACK on our side.  Needless to say, she is thrilled at having 3 balls to chase!

I've started my annual pet bed making for the local shelter.  Osa found them and rolled around in them like a big pig.  She was SO happy!

If you want to make some for your own shelter, I have a pattern on my sidebar.   Just click on free patterns and scroll through. 

I crochet small ones using a giant hook and 3 skeins of yarns.  I sew beds for large dogs.  One thing I do which saves time is to keep all old pillows and make over sized pillow cases.  The local shelter loves them and uses them for their really big or elderly dogs.

Please don't forget these babies this time of year.....concrete is tough anytime of year but very hard on old bones when cold.

stumbling along....

I have been blogging infrequently for so long that it almost feels weird to sit down and post something!    Our computer is "sick!"    Dean works on it and we think all is well and then I come sit down to do a post and BAM!   It refuses to import or it stops working altogether.....ugh.

Anywhooooooo,  I've been busy hosting my annual zombie doll swap and working on Christmas projects and playing with Osa!

I knit this scarf up over the weekend for a gift but it will be hard to part with it.  I made it up!  My first homemade knit project.  I hate following patterns, don't you?  LOL

Anyway, I found some yummy yarn in a bargain bin....seriously, y'all...it was 13 bucks a skein and I got it for 2 bucks a skein...THAT is a bargain!  I used some beautiful yarn from my stash as a secondary skein to tag along for color changing.  GORGEOUS.  At least, I think it is!

I cast on 15 
knit 4 rows 
knit another row and loop 2 extra on after each stitch
knit, drop two loops the next row
knit 5 rows.
Alternate until you have it long enough to loop once around your neck for a nice drop.

Easy peasy or clear as mud? Good thing I don't write patterns, eh?

I pulled out my Fall decorations.....cannot WAIT for October to add in my zombie dolls and such....cackle, cackle...

Oh! and I started this book.  AMAZING.  Let me tell you, if your brain NEVER SHUTS UP (and tells you bad stuff about yourself) you NEED this book!

One more thing before I go......can't put EVERYTHING in one post, right?  Amazing basil butter bread.  Oh yes, it is awesome for game day!  I harvested all my basil the other day and made 3 more pounds of it.  I also have something like 60 basil/olive oil cubes done.   My basil is still going strong so I should get one more small harvest before it stops producing.  If you want the recipe, check my sidebar.

Osa says "hi" and "bye"

so happy and silly...and cute with her ear squished up underneath her!

crocheted infinity scarf

Matt's girlfriend requested a scarf for Christmas.  She goes to Old Miss so she wanted it to be warm and fluffy and super soft...and NAVY.  I knew just the yarn but knew it wouldn't show a stitch well....so decided to use the easiest stitch I teach at school.  CHAIN STITCH.  Seriously, whodathunk you could make something so lovely out of a simple chain stitch and slip stitch.  Love it!

The result?  Perfect.  The open weave gives it dimension and makes it pretty, while the yarn is plush and warm.   Even the dark color turned out pretty.

Kaela and Dean's sister both chose a sapphire blue....

I decided I had to have one too....but of course, chose green!

A much smaller one for a wee somebody's birthday...I actually made TWO out of 1 skein of yarn.  Perfect for 7 year olds.  

Since the scarf works up so quickly and is so soft, I thought I'd share what I did.  It makes for an inexpensive, quick gift.  I don't know the name for the stitch but it is just a row of chain stitches held together with the occasional slip stitch.  I made a blanket out of this back in the 80's called "Irish Rose"  and have loved making things this way ever since.   I've always called it a lattice "pattern." When laid out, you can see a diamond shape.
The other thing I love about this pattern is that you don't see mistakes unless you go digging for them. If you slip stitch into the wrong hole, it won't matter.  Truth be told, when I use fuzzy yarn, I don't even count... the horrors!  I just estimate and move along.



Lattice Pattern scarf.  *Note This is for a wider scarf.  You can adjust the scarf by reducing or increasing the chains by 5 either way.   

2 skeins "Cameo Bulky" yarn by Yarn Bee. You won't use all of the second skein.  I typically have about 1/4 of a skein leftover.
"N" hook 
Blunt tapestry needle with large eye 

To work one that will wrap once:  

Begin:  LOOSELY Chain 30 using "N" hook

Base row:  Turn and slip stitch into the 5th chain from the hook.  *Chain 5 and slip stitch into the next 5th chain. *Repeat this process to the end of the row.  You should end with a slip stitch. 
Chain 5 and turn. 

This photo shows what it will look like...just some open loops.

Row 1:  Slip stitch into the center of the first opening. *Chain 5 and slip stitch into the center of the next opening.  *Repeat the process until the end of the scarf.  

This photo shows the beginning of the diamond shapes taking shape:

Row 2-End:  Repeat Row 1 until the scarf is the length you want it.   (I stood up every now and then and wrapped it around to see how long I wanted it to be.  Turns out mine was about 6 feet long.)  Then cut a long sewing length and tie off by pulling the end of the yarn through the last slip stitch to lock it down. 

This photo shows a partial swatch so you can see how it takes shape:

To finish:  Using a blunt needle and the length of yarn that was still attached to the scarf, sew a running stitch through the two ends and bury the end into the work.


This only takes a couple hours to work up and is PERFECT for someone brand new to crochet but itching to "make something!"

On another note....look at  what is on my needles!  My first "circular needle" knitting project:

 Circular needles are a bit cumbersome for me still. Yuck.

Have a great weekend y'all!

crochet swiffer cloth pattern

Ta Da...my version of a swiffer cloth, crochet style.

Years ago, I was sick of paying ridiculous prices for swiffer cloths and had made a swiffer "cloth" for myself.  The cloth has taken a beating so I decided to make a new one.  (And to share the pattern with anyone who wants it.)

Okay, the term "pattern" is used loosely.  Anyone can do this if they can crochet!

Supplies for two pads:

Size "K" crochet hook
2 balls cotton yarn.  I like Peaches and Cream since I can find it at wally world.
tapestry needle and scissors

Chain 22 loosely, turn 
Row 1: HDC across.  
Row 2-11 HDC across in BACK LOOPS ONLY. This is what gives you the nice ridges to catch dirt.
Fasten off, weave in ends and use!

Easy Peasy as the saying goes.

Simply stuff the crochet cloth into the holes where the swiffer cloth goes.  Be careful when removing afterwards so the stitches don't grab.  I've been using mine for about 5 years without a problem but I am mindful.

see the ridges?  Dirt snatchers!

and just to prove it works, I pulled a dirty one out of the wash to show you.

Don't judge.....we have 2 dogs and 2 cats, all indoor pets....this amount of hair is NOTHING compared to what WAS on the cloth!  This particular cloth is acrylic and stretched out from years of use, which is why I switched to cotton...it will stretch to fit and shrink during the wash.

That being said, if you use acrylic yarn, the stretching doesn't hamper the cleaning ability, it just doesn't hold it's shape as well.

By the way, has this happened to you yet?  

 If you make a crocheted pad, it won't slow you down one bit.  The regular cloths need a pad to help slide across the floor, crocheted ones don't because they are thick.

Crochet eyeball pattern...freebie!

I have been making eyeballs for Halloween for years now and people always ask me how to make them.  I've never taken the time to write a pattern until now.

Supplies:
F or G hook.  I prefer "G" but either one is fine
ping pong balls in regular size
yarn in a variety of colors, including black and white
red embroidery floss
scissors, embroidery needle, tapestry needle

Although you are working "in the round" here, I've modified it a bit where you change color.  (You don't have to do this but I find that the color change is a little less obvious this way.)  I'm sure someone else has an even better way but this works for me.

Row 1: Starting with black for the pupil, work 6 sc into a magic loop.  If you don't know what a magic loop is, you can find it on Planet June.  She has the world's best tutorials!

When you get to the end of the 6th sc, slip stitch to connect it to the beginning stitch then pick up the colored yarn:

Row 2: Sc 2 times into each of the 6 sc around.  This will give you 12 stitches. 

 Again, slip stitch to connect it to the beginning stitch then pick up the white yarn. 

Row 3: *Sc 1 time into the next sc, then sc 2 times into the next.*  Continue around with this. * This will give you 18 stitches.

Row 4-Row 10: Now, just work 1 sc into each stitch.  I don't even count stitches here.  I just go around and around.  Use a stitch marker and count rows.  The shape will look like this:

Once you stuff the ping pong ball in, it fits quite well. The yarn should hit a little below the edge to begin decreases.  Some of the eyeballs didn't need as many rows.  Maybe my gauge was looser or the ball was smaller.  Also, yarn makes a difference, it the back of the eye is too large, just adjust your rows.




Row 11 & Row12: *decrease in the 1st sc, then sc in the next* around for both rows.  This gives you a tapered edge to work with.

Row 13: This isn't really a row, you are just closing the hole.  I slip stitch ACROSS the opening twice. Sort of like a slip stitched +

(That yellow yarn is my stitch marker)

Fasten off and using the tapestry needle, work in the loose end.

For the veins:
Using the embroidery needle and 3 strands of floss,  back stitch veins on the eyeballs.  I don't even tie knots, just work over the end.  The tension against the ping pong ball should hold it in place.  Continue making them until you have a nice pile.

Then add them to the others you made and put them "under glass" so the zombies don't eat them!

Sorry for the crappy photo but I'm too lazy to deal with lighting and all that.  

one of the cool kids....

I am not a techie type person so when blogger changed the format, I was not happy because it meant that I had to learn new techie stuff that I didn't really care about.  So...I basically just kept doing the same things unless I ran into a problem posting, then I would go out and google it and come back to finish the post.

That being said, the other day I was searching for one of my own crochet tutorial/patterns for a friend so I went into my labels in blogger.  BTW, I hate the new label system...and the new color system for the fonts...blah, blah, blah.

ANYWAY, as I was skimming for the tutorial, I noticed this huge number to the right of the page.  I drifted down and noticed that the number was the amount of "views" that a particular post had received.  (no, I had never noticed it before...) The number was over 29,000.   I thought it was wrong because I don't get many comments.  I mean, how can you get THAT many views and not many comments, unless it is a cruddy post?  Then I saw what it was a realized it was correct.....and that I had that many views NOT because of my savvy writing skills or witty banter (ahem...) but because of pinterest.

My canape knife tutorial.  



To top it off, someone "out there" gave it a +1....okay.  I had to look that up too so off to google I go.  (I am so behind the times.)  Basically it says getting a plus one is a big deal. Sadly, I wouldn't even know how to give someone a "+1" if my life depended on it.

Okay, so I went back to the tutorial/pattern I was looking for so I could print it off... and guess what?  It had over 24,000 views.  It was for my  itty bitty kitty.  Who knew?



Considering most of my posts have something like 6 views, I thought this was pretty neat.   Wow, now I know how the cool kids feel.

crochet cozies and other stuff

This past weekend, the kids were busy with homework, year end projects and church presentations.

Matt hit the mall with a friend to do a video on garfinkeling and had a blast doing it.  He posted one of the things they did on facebook.  Garfinkeling is where you violate a social norm (think of shopping out of someone else's shopping cart, stuff like that.)  
They put blue gatorade in a windex bottle and "cleaned" tables at the food court....while also spraying it in their mouths.  They also sat WAY too close to people on benches...amongst other things.  He showed me some videos and they sure did get a lot of weird looks!

But before all that, Matt kicked off the weekend by hitting the road for his first official *wink, wink* driving lesson.   Anyone have a cool vintage car they want to give him?  (Just in case Santa didn't read my letter....)

we also celebrated Suki's birthday with a new toy...a feathery ribbon from a gift someone sent to the house!  Cats are SO much easier to please than boys!

While I entertained Suki, Dean entertained the dogs....Ginger loves it when he rolls her over onto his lap.....but it is NOT easy since she weighs 95 pounds!  She can't run and jump like she used to because of her leg but she is healthy (and happy) otherwise.  When he does this, she gets all excited and then goes into some torpor like trance.  When he puts her back on the ground she goes "mad dog"...running all through the house, jumping and freaking out.  Hy.Ste Ri.Cal!

I spent the weekend cleaning house and doing laundry.  I did get to crochet a little bit. 
I needed to make myself a new coffee cozy because whenever I go to Starbucks for my SALTED CARAMEL HOT COCOA, the baristas covet them.   I've gotten quite a few free cups of hot cocoa by swapping out cozies.  (shhh...don't tell!)   

Anyway, I made this little owl cozy for myself and am NOT giving this one away!  I had a button that looked like a beak so that was the inspiration.  It's cuter in person but I was tired and didn't feel like figuring out the best way to photograph it.

I've posted cozies before and people have wanted a pattern.  I don't use patterns for these and am not a pattern writer but here is how I made it.  I am a "wing it as you go crocheter" so be warned!  I was cracking up as wrote this thinking how people that write patterns for a living must be neurotic.  (sorry June.)  I just do NOT have the patience!

Now that you've been warned, you need to assume that this pattern is for people who ALREADY know how to crochet so please, if you are a newbie, just google cozy patterns...there are plenty of free ones out there!  There are also a lot of them for sale on etsy and June has AMAZING patterns for sale.  Heck, just BUY the cozy and be done with it!

One more thing, my cozy fits a GRANDE size from Starbucks so that is where I started with the amount of chains needed.  It also has a total of 19 rows.  18 regular and 1 edge row.  
Work your own cozy according to the size you want, just work the appropriate amount of rows.  

In case you don't know all these stitches, I linked to June from Planet June.  The linked stitches are in italics. June is the BEST at tutorials on stitches!

                                                      Owl Cozy

Supplies: yarn, funky beak button, blunt needle to weave in ends, scissors

I used red heart yarn and an "I" hook.  Instead of a stitch marker, I used a bit of yarn to mark the beginning of each row.

Stitches you need to know:
slipknot
chain
single crochet (sc)
single crochet increase (inc)
single crochet decrease 
magic ring

This is crocheted "in the round" meaning you do NOT chain at the end of each row before turning. 

Make a slipknot and chain 22,  slip stitch to join into a circle.  It will be SNUG.  Do not let the circle turn. (okay, mine turn all the time but this is a cozy people.)

Get your stitch marker handy for working in rows, place it at the beginning of each row and move it as you work.

Row 1: work 1 sc into each chain around = 22 sc.
Row 2: work 1 sc in each sc around = 22 sc
Row 3: inc in 1st sc AND 11th sc but work 1 sc in the rest of the sc around = 24 sc.
Row 4: sc around= 24 sc
Row 5: inc in 1st and 12th sc but work 1 sc in the rest of the sc, around = 26 sc
Row 6: sc around = 26 sc
*Row 7-? (I suggest trying the cozy on every now and then for fit.)

*Now continue adding 2 increases every other row until your cozy is tall enough for you.  Just remember to do your increases opposite one another on the cozy.  Do this by counting stitches or by looking where your stitch marker is. (I'm lazy and just eyeball it.)   Do NOT cut your yarn because you have to make your edge. 

Slip your cozy on.  If the top is loose, you will need to plan to work in 1 or 2 decreases to tighten it up while working your finishing edge.  If it is NOT loose, the decrease will not be needed.

Finishing Edge: Keeping your hook in the last loop of the last sc you just worked, turn your hook so it will face the way you just came.  Now, sc BACK through the row you just worked.  If you need to tighten it, work 1-2 decreases evenly spaced.  This will give it a nice cupped edge at the top. 

Eyes (make 2 unless you want a cyclops)
Start with black
work 6 sc into a magic ring, pull tight
Row 1: work 2 sc into each sc =12 sc. (change to white yarn on 12th sc)
Row 2: work 2 sc into each sc around = 24 sc
leave long tail to sew onto cozy

Make it:
Sew both eyes on cozy
Sew beak down securely about halfway up between the eyes

Now, if it resembles an owl go to your local coffee shop and show it off. 

Pink with a purpose....

I'm participating in the Pink Scarf Project until next October....if you would like to join this wonderful effort, click on the badge on my sidebar.

I've made these 3 scarves so far.  I didn't use patterns, just made them up as I went along, using the amount of yarn I had as a guide.  The first two were made with partial skeins I had in my stash.

This first one is a simple cowl made out of a bulky chenille yarn.  The roses are made from some old pj bottoms I had.  It can be folded in half and used as a headband too....and yes, I tried it on and it is SO CUTE!

This one is a button cowl of a soft wool blend, I had a sweet faux antique button I used to compliment the soft color.  This one will be super warm.

This last scarf I had Dean pick up the yarn for (good job, right?)   I love the triple picot edge.  It looks like a ruffle and is ultra feminine.  This one is Kaela's favorite and she is insisting I make her one "just like it."

I plan on making them all year long and then shipping them off next September.   Again, if you want to join me, click on the badge to the right and it will take you to Vicki's blog post explaining the project.  

*I've had a lot of interest in a pattern for this last scarf.  I did not write it down as I went but here is how I made it.  This pattern has NOT been tested so please be aware of that.

(I used Caron yarn for it but don't remember what hook size.  Probably H or I.)

Row 1:chain an even amount of stitches, turn. (I chained about 6 feet worth)
Row 2: half double crochet in second chain and in every chain to the end.  Chain 1, turn
Rows 3-6: half double crochet in every stitch to the end.  (You can make yours wider by making more rows.) 

Do NOT finish off, just begin ruffle edging.

*Ruffle edging.  Each stitch has two loops.  A front loop and a back loop.  The ruffle is made in these loops. 

*Row 7: working in front loop ONLY, work 5 chain picot stitches  Here is a link to picot stitch  all the way around the entire scarf.

*Row 8: working in back loop ONLY, work 7 chain picot stitches all the way around the entire scarf. 

Finish off.

Enjoy!

SHARK WEEK!

I love shark week. I will sit in front of the tv and watch
every.
single.
episode.

Okay, I don't but I would if I didn't have to work and do a hundred other things!

I have always been fascinated by sharks. I think it started years ago when we moved back to the states. My dad was stationed at Eglin so we moved to Fort Walton Beach Florida.
One day, I climbed on a raft and my older sister took me way, way out into the deep water.
Over my head, over her head, the whole NOT A GOOD IDEA TO BE OUT THIS FAR over our heads thing.

We were out there, enjoying the water when a shark cut the water about 5 feet from the raft. It wasn't large...like this guy. (he resides at the Aquarium of Americas in NOLA.)



But it was a shark nonetheless and we both freaked out. My sister promptly DUMPED my a** into the drink while she climbed up onto the raft to save herself.
The rest was just a blur of intense terror while I froze in the water before my sister slowly pulled me up onto the raft by her. Basically I think we were just too big, like I said the shark was small...about 4-5 feet long. Still scary as all get out though.

Each year I watch shark week and each year I remember that day....we tease my sister and we all laugh how she fed me to "Jaws" to save herself. Each year she says how awful she feels to have done that....all the while we are laughing so hard we are crying!

In 1975 JAWS came out and I was 15.....oh my gosh, I love that movie.
In my mind, it is still the best scary shark movie of all time. Just the music gives me the chills!

Cue music....

When they filmed JAWS 2, they posted for extras at our high school. All my friends wanted me to try out because I had long super curly hair like one of the actresses. There was NO WAY I would do that, just the thought of it gave me the creeps....but my sister a lot of my friends went and were in scenes from the movie.

Then in the mid 80's we had a school of hammerheads stay just off the beach for over 2 weeks. It was really unusual and was all over the news. All the beaches were closed.....but the piers were jam packed with people watching them. They are small fish eaters...but it was still really creepy watching hundreds of them school just a few feet below you.



In honor of this amazing animal, I made this cute little shark bag (filled with fish) for this month's toy drop:



see the fish? I used the same pattern I used for my fish garland on this post. I just used a larger hook.




And here is a terrific crocheted shark pouch you could do by moogly.

Have a great SHARK WEEK!