My New Obsession: The Zentangle

I have been interested in zentangles for quite some time now but this is my first attempt at this style of art.  This week I started watching tutorial videos for different patterns.  I learned six different tangle-patterns in one evening and created this hot air balloon zentangle.

I read on one of the many websites that I visited that using a simple coloring sheet is a good way to start zentagling, so I printed a coloring sheet of a hot air balloon and started to add my patterns.  I used some fine tip markers that I use in my journal all the time(I think I bought them at the dollar store).  I'm pretty happy with this picture and I look forward to learning more and more tangle-patterns.

Have you ever tried zentangling?

WIP Wednesday: Blue Mist-ery

This Wednesday, I have a mystery project knit in Wool-Ease Blue Mist.  I love the color of this yarn and I am loving this project so far.  I'll share more details once the project is complete and gifted.

 My attempt at a close-up of the beautiful cables.

 I have a serious problem where I start gift crafting about a month before it's all due.  

Wish me luck.

WIP Wednesday: Pink Star Blanket

If you want to see more great wips, visit Tami.

My friend is having a baby shower really soon, so I am making her a star blanket.  She is having a girl, hence the pink star blanket was born.

Pattern:  Star Blanket

Hook:  H

Yarn:  acrylic for easy washing

Inspiration at the Seattle Art Museum

Oiling by Faig Ahmed

I am so inspired by this rug that I saw at the Seattle Art Museum this weekend.  I think this idea of going from a very structured design to a more abstract one could work really well in a loom beaded bracelet.

I need to start designing!

WIP Wednesday: Isabella Bonnet

To see more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  Isabella Bonnet

Yarn:  Vanna's Choice

Needle:  US 5 Circular

I am working on this hat for my mom's friend's granddaughter.  I am debating whether or not to add a stripe of another color.  Here are the yarns that I have available.  What do you think?  Should I stick with solid pink or add one of the other two colors in a stripe?

 What are you making this week?

Weekly WIPs: Crocodile, Feather and Fans

Even though these are not FOs, I am still linking up with Tami today :)

Pattern:  My own - Feather and Fan Cowl

Yarn:  Random 70's looking acrylic

Needles:  Size 11

I needed an easy travel project since my crocodile stitch shawl is getting a little too big to throw in my purse.  I also needed a break from the shawl occasionally, so I started a cowl.  I am knitting it flat in one of my favorite stitches, feather and fan, over a multiple of 24 stitches. I think it looks good so far.

 Pattern:  Triangular Crocodile Stitch Shawl
Yarn:  unknown natural fiber
Hook:  I
This shawl is so much fun.  I am unsure how big to make it, as I am sure it will need some serious blocking and will grow in size.  I have been thinking about blocking what I currently have just to see how large it really is, but I am feeling so unsure.  The color is not clear in this picture, but it's tweedy green color with flecks of red and white.  I love it so far.

What have you been making this week? What do you think about blocking a project before it is complete?

Crocodile Stitch

For more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis

I've been trying out the crocodile stitch this week. My first attempt refused to lay flat.  I kept looking at pictures online and thinking "That's not what mine looks like."

Hmmmmm, what was I doing wrong.  I searched and searched... until finally I discovered that crocodile stitch requires a larger hook, just like amigurumi are best with a smaller hook.

I started over with some much thinner yarn and an I hook.  With blocking it should lay flat perfectly.  Yay! It's such a fun technique!  I am working on this pattern and hoping to be finished by the end of the week :)

Have you ever tried crocodile stitch?  What is your favorite pattern for this stitch?

Christening Gift for the Twins

Pattern:  Migi The Whale
Hook:  F
Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft

Meet Migi.

He really wanted to take a dip in the pond.

Thankfully I stopped him at the last minute.

His elephant friend was there, too, wanting a drink from the pond.

They are soaking up as much sunshine as possible before the cold trip to Illinois.

Migi and Nellie will be travelling together with some scarves and mittens for my twin nephews.

Patterns:  Banana Squish Scarf and Two Tone Baby Mittens

Hook:  H

Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft

What are you making this week?

WIP Wednesday: Loopy Infinity Scarf

For more WIPs, go to Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  My Own
Needle:  US 8 circular
Yarn:  Random Craigslist Acrylic

Needed some mindless knitting, so I cast on 150 stitches and started some stockinette in the round.  Knitting and knitting and knitting.......

I really like how it's turning out.

What are you making this week?

Cabbage Patch Kid-Inspired Hat

Pattern:  Personal pattern based on a pin from Pinterest

Hook:  H

Yarn:  Random acrylic from a yard sale

Here is the original pin:

My SIL used to love Cabbage Patch Kids when she was a kid, and we often send her weird Cabbage Patch dolls that we find on Craigslist.  I just couldn't resist crocheting her one of these :)

I am not 100% in love with the shaping, but I will keep perfecting it because I love the idea of this hat.  I am mailing this one to my SIL and I have already started a Raggedy Ann-inspired hat.  So much fun :)

WIP Wednesday: Crochet Loop Stitch

To see more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  My own, inspired by an image seen on FB

Yarn:  Random stash acrylic

Hook:  H

This project forced me to learn how to do the crochet loop stitch.  I am really proud of how it is turning out.  My loops are surprisingly uniform in length.  It took me a long time to figure out what exactly to do with the working yarn and my fingers, but I found some great tutorials on the web:

*This link on freshstitches.com was the most helpful to me.  I prefer photo tutorials, but this one also includes a video.  And who knew you could use this stitch to make hair for your amigurumis??

*This link on craftpassion.com has a video and some great tips.

What are you making this week?

Nellie The Elephant

Pattern:  Padma

Yarn: Caron's Simply Soft

Hook:  F

I hooked a little amigurumi elephant as part of a monthly CAL on Ravelry.  It took me a while to decide what to do for the eyes, but I finally decided to crochet them.  He's a little shy :)

I keep thinking of the song "Nellie the Elephant," so that's his/her new name.  Nellie will be part of a christening gift for my sister's twins in March.  

Now I get to decide what cute little critter I want to make for twin #2.

WIP Wednesday: Padma

To check out more creative goodness, visit Tami's Amis.

Padma is in pieces right now.  

I am crocheting Padma as part of a group on Ravelry that does monthly amigurumi CALs.  This little elephant was too cute to resist.

What are you making this week?

Weekly Inspiration

I love to organize everything that inspires me on Pinterest. Here are the highlights from this week.

This DIY pet feeding center is awesome, and I would love to make one, but considering all the medical problems we are having with our cat, I think we will be waiting a while before adding any more pets to our household.  

I love shrugs, so this bolero my be on my hook really soon.

I am a Star Trek fan and I especially love Jean Luc Picard, so it is hard for me to resist this Crochet Locutus.  I even have a friend who would definitely squee if she got this as a gift.  Hmmmmm.

I think that this Hugs and Kisses Cable Pattern would make a great scarf.

I love the idea of these tiny Rosemary Wreaths, especially since I have a huge rosemary plant in my yard.

What's inspiring you?

WIP Wednesday: More Baby Stuff

I am planning to spoil my sister's twins with as much handmade goodness as possible. Since I still have some of their sweater yarns left, I decided to make more goodies.  The mittens are almost complete.  I just have to weave in the ends, and I think I would like to line them with some fleece to make them even warmer.

Last night I started making another Banana Squish Scarf for each twin.  The pattern link is broken, so I am working from what I remember of the pattern right now.  I'm sure it will work out fine :)

If you are interested in seeing more WIPs or if you want to participate in WIP Wednesday, visit Tami's Amis.

What are you working on this week?

Snow Days Mandala

During December we had about 4 inches of snow and some record cold temperatures here in the Northwest which resulted in a week of snow days.  I had just finished reading a short book about drawing mandalas and created this reminder of that week.

FO: Baby Sweaters and Blankets

Pattern:  Baby's First Sweater

Needle:  US Size 8

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft and stash yarn

Ravelry Project Page

This sweater was really fun to knit.  It is knit in one piece, then seamed up the side and under the arm.  I decided to add an icord tie on the front instead of a button after seeing a project picture with a baby eating the button on his sweater.  I don't want my twin nephews to choke on something I made for them.  The sweaters are a little big for them now, but I hope they will bring them days of comfort in the future.

Pattern:  Star Blanket
Hook:  H
Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft and stash yarn
Ravelry Project Page

My new favorite baby blankets.  They are so beautiful.  I love the colors, the shape, everything!  My sister started using them immediately after receiving them.  I think she liked them.  I hope they become a treasured possession for years to come.

WIP Wednesday: Baby Mittens

I am working on some mittens for my sister's twins.  I am crocheting them in the same yarns that I used for their hats, scarves and sweaters.  I also want to knit them each another scarf.  I love making tiny things :)

                               

What are you working on?

New Year's Resolutions 2014

Another new year and once again it is time to review my resolutions from the past year and post my new goals for the coming year.  Always a fun time :)

Crafty Resolutions for 2013

1.  Start my Etsy shop and do some craft fairs

Yeah, this one did not happen.  I will continue to dream and work on this goal in 2014.

2.  Work on branding my blogs

I think I have made some progress on this goal.  I have decided on a schedule for both my craft and writing blog.  I will continue to work on this goal as my brand becomes more clear.

3.  Diet and exercise

This goal actually went pretty well. I started doing short 15 minute workouts before work 4 times a week, I got a new road bike and biked much more, and I counted calories through the majority of the year. ☺

4.  Try more new things, especially designing.

I did try some designing this year (Dobby for example), I tried nail art, and did some test-knitting.  ☺

5.  Participate in WIP Wednesday, FO Friday and Ravelry challenges
I participated in all three of these regular events and had a blast doing it.  ☺

Overall, it was a great year.  Now onto this year....

Crafty Resolutions for 2014
1.  Post about my crafty progress on this blog at least twice a week.
2.  Continue my Year of Pinterest, trying a different pin from one of my Pinterest boards each month.
3.  Start my Etsy store.
4.  Complete Craft Yarn Council classes to become a knit and crochet instructor.
5.  Complete my Cedar Grain sweater and my Groovyghan, then start a skull shawl.
6.  Take care of myself (floss, moisturize, exercise, eat well, etc.)

What are your goals for the new year?