Wordless Wednesday WIP: Another Pattern

FO: Baby Boy Owl Hat

Pattern:  Baby Owl Hat
Hook: I hook, 5.5mm
Yarn:  Lion Brand Vanna's Choice and Purl Essence Angel Hair
Made for:  My hair stylist's baby boy
Size:  3-6 month

Baby owl hat #365frandz #project365 #crochet #crochetersofinstagram #ced2016 #owl

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Nov 10, 2016 at 9:11pm PST

This hat is my favorite children's hat to crochet.  I only made one modification to the pattern by adding one extra round to the bottom of the hat.

 Isn't it adorable?

 Have you ever tried this pattern?  What did you think?

A Peek in my Art Journal: Mandalas

I have been really into drawing mandalas recently.

 And my favorite...

What have you been drawing recently?

Do you like to draw mandalas?

Share your work.  I would love to see.

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Hope Mandala

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Nov 28, 2016 at 11:41pm PST

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Monster Hats and Scarves

Stitch of the Week: Double Crochet

It's time for another round of Stitch of the Week!  This week, I am focusing on another basic crochet stitch, double crochet.  This stitch is featured in Volume 4 of the Vogue Stitchionary.  

Sample Info
Hook:  H
Yarn:  Red Heart SuperSaver
Beginning Chain: 14 
Gauge:  4.5 stitches = 1 inch, 2 rows = 1 inch




Double Crochet is another basic stitch, but it is very versatile. It can be used in a variety of projects.






Probably my favorite project using double crochet is the star baby blanket.  I have made four of these already, in different colors, and can't wait until I get to make another.

Here is a video 

.The Craft Yarn Council has a great picture tutorial.

What have you made with double crochet?

Stitch of the Week: Single Crochet

Welcome to the first installment of my new feature:  Stitch of the Week!  This week, I am focusing on a basic crochet stitch, single crochet.  This is the first stitch in Volume 4 of the Vogue Stitchionary.  

Sample Info
Hook:  H
Yarn:  Red Heart SuperSaver
Beginning Chain:  13
Gauge:  1 inch = 4.5 stitches, 5 rows

Single Crochet is a basic stitch, but it is very versatile.  It can be used in a variety of projects, from washcloths to amigurumi.

Here are some projects using single crochet:

Circle Scarf

Washcloth

Single Crochet Beanie

Single Crochet Mini Bag

Here is a video that leads you through the single crochet stitch and beginning a washcloth.

The Crochet Guru also has a left-handed video and a picture tutorial.

What have you made with single crochet?

Monday Musings: Introducing the Stitch of the Week

For the last few years, I have been collecting the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary books.  I even have volume 4, the volume of crochet stitches.  The books are beautiful and a great resource.  

I find these books very inspiring, and recently they inspired me to start a new feature on this blog.

 Each week I will be presenting a stitch of the week, some knitting, some crochet.  I will create a swatch using the stitch and will link to tutorials or create my own video or picture tutorial on how to use the stitch.  Come back tomorrow for the first stitch of the week.  I hope you enjoy this new feature.

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Inktober

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Another Baby Blanket

Fall Inspiration - Super Scarves

OMG!!  I want to make some super scarves!  I am so excited by this new trend.  Here are some of the patterns that I really want to try this fall.  All images and patterns are from Lion Brand.

Luna Triangle Super Scarf

Olwen Super Scarf

Lorelei Fringed Super Scarf

Artemis Super Scarf

What are you inspired by this fall?

FO: Star Baby Blanket

Pattern:  Star Baby Blanket

Hook:  I

Yarn:  Cotton and Acrylic
Ravelry Project Page

This is the fourth version of this baby blanket that I have made.  I love this pattern.  It is easy and customizable with endless color combinations.  For this blanket, I crocheted two rounds of each color with one round of white in between.  I like the effect.

 I can't wait to mail this little beauty to its new owner!

Weekly Wrap-Up (September 12, 2016)

Blog Posts
Free Pattern:  Palm Tree Washcloth

Personal Stuff
I published my first pattern this week!!  A free washcloth knitting pattern!!  I am pretty excited and hope that it will lead to more published patterns in the future.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I found this Tardis Baby Blanket pattern and think I want to try learning filet crochet so I can make it.

Most Popular Instagram Post
My most popular Instagram post this week was a progress shot of me working on my recently published free pattern!

Working on my first written pattern. Why did I use pen? #365frandz #project365 #knitting #knittersofinstagram #washcloth #patternwriting

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Aug 30, 2016 at 8:57pm PDT

Link-ups I Participated in
Creative Every Day on Instagram

How did your week go?

Free Pattern: Palm Tree Washcloth

My parents bought a condo in Florida a few years ago, and we all traveled there for Spring Break.  I wanted to bring a housewarming gift, and my first thought was beach-themed washcloths.  I planned on knitting the last washcloth on the plane but somehow I completely forgot to download or print the pattern.  I still wanted to knit one more cloth, so I used an app on my Ipad to quickly sketch a palm tree on a desert island on graph paper.  I used that simple drawing as my pattern and came up with this washcloth.  

Palm Tree Washcloth (a free pattern)

Yarn:  Lily Sugar'n Cream Stripes (I used Sunkissed)
Needle: US #7

CO 41 st.
Rows 1-4: (K1, P1) Repeat to last st., K1

Rows 5-7: (K1, P1)x2, K to last 4 st., (P1, K1)x2

Row 8:  (K1, P1)x2, K2, P17, K14, (P1, K1)x2
Row 9 and all odd rows: (K1, P1)x2, P to last 4 st., (P1, K1)x2
Row 10:  (K1, P1)x2, K2, P17, K14, (P1, K1)x2
Row 12:  (K1, P1)x2, K3, P15, K15, (P1, K1)x2
Row 14:  (K1, P1)x2, K4, P13, K16, (P1, K1)x2

Row 16:  (K1, P1)x2, K5, P11, K17, (P1, K1)x2
Row 18:  (K1, P1)x2, K7, P7, K19, (P1, K1)x2
Row 20:  (K1, P1)x2, K9, P4, K20, (P1, K1)x2
Row 22:  (K1, P1)x2, K10, P4, K19, (P1, K1)x2

Row 24:  (K1, P1)x2, K11, P4, K12, P1, K5, (P1, K1)x2
Row 26:  (K1, P1)x2, K12, P4, K10, P2, K5, (P1, K1)x2
Row 28:  (K1, P1)x2, K13, P4, K8, P2, K6,(P1, K1)x2
Row 30:  (K1, P1)x2, K14, P4, K6, P3, K6, (P1, K1)x2

Row 32:  (K1, P1)x2, K15, P4, K4, P3, K5, P1, K1, (P1, K1)x2
Row 34:  (K1, P1)x2, K16, P4, K1, P4, K4, P2, K2, (P1, K1)x2
Row 36:  (K1, P1)x2, K17, P8, K3, P3, K2, (P1, K1)x2
Row 38:  (K1, P1)x2, K17, P6, K2, P5, K3, (P1, K1)x2

Row 40:  (K1, P1)x2, K6, P23, K4, (P1, K1)x2
Row 42:  (K1, P1)x2, K8, P19, K6, (P1, K1)x2
Row 44:  (K1, P1)x2, K9, P11, K13, (P1, K1)x2
Row 46:  (K1, P1)x2, K12, P6, K15, (P1, K1)x2

Row 48:  (K1, P1)x2, K to last 4 st., (P1, K1)x2

Rows 50-53:  (K1, P1) Repeat to last st., K1

This is the first pattern I have published, so if you try it and find any errors, please let me know.  Feel free to sell any finished products made using this pattern but please do not publish the pattern as your own.  Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Free Pattern Coming Soon

Wordless Wednesday WIP: ATC

FO: Unicorn Hat

Pattern:  Unicorn Hat
Hook:  H
Yarn:  Random Yard Sale Acrylic

I made this hat for a boy who camps next to us at Country Fair.  We are friends with his parents, and he loves to hang out with us.  He even made us some refrigerator magnets this year.  In return, I made him this awesome hat.  I cannot describe the joy I saw on this boy's face when he saw this hat.  It was amazing!!  I want to make him a new hat every year just to see that face again.

Sorry the pictures are dark; they were taken at the campsite.

I highly recommend this pattern and will definitely make this hat again.

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Thread Earrings

Inspiration Tuesday

Here are some of the projects that have been inspiring me lately.

Crochet Faeries Ears

image source:  crochetkitten.blogspot.com

'For Pleats Sake' Tote

image source:  u-handbag.typepad.com

Tohoku Tote

image source:  iammommahearmeroar.net

Tardis Baby Blanket

image source:  crochetcabana.com

What's inspiring you this week?

Weekly Wrap-up: July 24, 2016

Blog Posts
7/20/16:  Wordless Wednesday WIP

7/21/16:  A Peek in my Art Journal

Personal Stuff
I had a week to relax this week but very soon my summer starts to get very busy.  I still want to continue with my fitness goal and keep up with this blog but please be understanding if a few posts are a little late.  It feels like the summer is running away too quickly.  Soon I will be back at work for another school year.

Also, just last night I downloaded Pokémon Go.  I never thought that I would be interested in a game like this but already my husband and I have chosen three walks/bike rides to chase Pokémon when we normally would have been sitting around in the living room or backyard.  It has dramatically increased our activity level.  The only reason I am sitting and blogging right now is because his phone battery died.  I'm sure we will be back at it soon.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have been watching Dede Willingham's Youtube channel for months now.  She is so much fun!  The videos are long but if you are interested in art journals, artist trading cards, coloring books, or mixed media techniques, you should check her out.  I just love watching her create things and I especially love her laugh!

I have also been watching Paul Priestley's Youtube channel and completing the assignments on his How to Draw: Basic Techniques playlist.  I might even be learning something :)

Most Popular Instagram Post
My most popular Instagram post this week was a tie between a picture from the B-52s concert I went to see on Friday and the zucchini I grew!

B-52s at the #lanecountyfair #365frandz #project365 #B52s

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jul 22, 2016 at 8:16pm PDT

After years of trying and failing, I finally grew a zucchini! Now to decide what I should make with it..... #365frandz #project365 #garden #gardenersofinstagram

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jul 23, 2016 at 4:29pm PDT

Link-ups I Participated in
Creative Every Day on Instagram
100 Days Project on Instagram

How did your week go?

A Peek in My Art Journal #15 and a Small Giveaway

This week, I completed the third video in Paul Priestly's Drawing Basics Playlist on Youtube.  I drew a teddy bear and I am pretty happy with the result.

Now for the giveaway!  Just a little giveaway....

I will choose three random names from everyone who joins in the link-up to receive one of my doodle ATCs.  You have two weeks to share a link to your art journal page to be entered in the giveaway.  Here's the link-up.

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Another Stripe, Another Color

Starting a new color while watching #Chopped #365frandz #project365 #ced2016 #100daysproject #100daysinmycraftroom #crochet #wip #crochetersofinstagram

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jul 19, 2016 at 4:18pm PDT

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Baby Blanket

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jun 27, 2016 at 7:17pm PDT

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jun 28, 2016 at 1:48pm PDT

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jun 29, 2016 at 5:52pm PDT

A Peek in my Sketchbook: Link-up #14 and a Small Giveaway

This week, I completed a page that I started a while ago.  This page was inspired by the Journal 52 week 4 prompt: Full Moon.  I searched for images online and found one I liked.  Then I created this page inspired by that image.  I used my new gel pens to color the final product.  I think it turned out well.

Now for the giveaway!  Just a little giveaway....

I will choose three random names from everyone who joins in the link-up to receive one of my doodle ATCs.  You have two weeks to share a link to your art journal page to be entered in the giveaway.  Here's the link-up.

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Another Star Blanket

A Peek in my Art Journal Returns!

This weekly feature has been gone for a while now.  I was starting to feel disappointed that week after week no one joined the link-up, but I have decided to continue sharing my work and progress.  I am not including the link-up this week, but it will return next week, with a small giveaway included.  

For now here is a page that I created this week.  I had colored a coloring sheet from Dover Publications a long time ago and always wanted to do something more to it.  So this week, I cut the coloring page into strips and wove them together in my journal.  I love the effect.

Days 36-58 OK, I have not been posting every day, but I have been trying to be creative every day and most days, I succeed. Today I made an art journal page with a coloring sheet I cut up and weaved together. #100daysproject #ced2016 #100daysinmycraftroom #artjournaling

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Jun 15, 2016 at 3:53pm PDT

See you next week when I will ask to see what you have been creating and present a small giveaway.  Be creative every day!

Wordless Wednesday WIP: Lace Armlets

FO: Earbud Cozy

Pattern:  Easy Listening Earbud Covers
Yarn:  Rainbow-colored thread
Hook:  1.65mm steel hook (#7)

My husband and I recently bought new earbuds.  We both bought the same earbuds, same color, same style.  The thing is I get weird about putting other people's earbuds in my ears, so I needed to find a way to differentiate mine from his.  This pattern helped solve my little problem, and it couldn't have been easier!

To make my earbuds even more user friendly, I added green thread to the rainbow on the left earbud and purple thread to the rainbow on the right earbud.  I love them!

 Have you ever made an earbud cozy?  What do you think?

Tips and Tricks: How to Make Doodle ATCs

Here's another installment of Tips and Tricks Tuesday.  I'd like to make this a regular feature on the blog some day.  Today I am going to show you how I made a series of 10 doodle ATCs, or Artist Trading Cards.

Step 1
Grab a sheet of white cardstock and randomly color it with markers.  I used my Chartpak Ad Markers, but any markers will work.

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 13, 2016 at 9:22pm PDT

Step 2
Start doodling with a pen color that will show over all the colors.  I used a black pen and some tangles from the Tangle Patterns website.  Cover the whole sheet of cardstock with the doodles.

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 15, 2016 at 9:49pm PDT

Step 3
Measure and cut the cardstock into 10 rectangles that measure 2.5" by 3.5". 

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 19, 2016 at 6:55pm PDT

Step 4
Protect the doodles with Mod Podge or a varnish and add artist information to the back of the ATCs.

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 22, 2016 at 6:06pm PDT

Voila.  You now have 10 beautiful doodle ATCs to share with friends or strangers.

 Do you make ATCs?  Do you doodle?

Have you ever made anything like this project?

Weekly Wrap-up (May 29, 2016)

Blog Posts
5/22/16:  W is for Watusee and Wiffles

5/23/16:  X is for Xeni

5/24/16:  Y is for Yoga

5/25/16:  Z is for Zedbra

5/29/16:  FO: April ATCs

Personal Stuff
I have an 18-year-old diabetic cat, and some weeks are very hard.  This has definitely been one of those weeks.  I won't go into detail; it's just been an emotionally draining week taking care of her.

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I haven't really had time to be on the internet this week.  I am so behind on reading all my blogs.  I'll catch up soon.  Promise.

Most Popular Instagram Post
My most popular Instagram post this week was my Y for the A to Z Challenge.

Y for the #atozchallenge2016 Day 35/100 #100daysinmycraftroom #100daysproject #ced2016 #365frandz #project365 #artjournaling #zentangle

A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 23, 2016 at 7:16pm PDT

Link-ups I Participated in
Creative Every Day on Instagram
100 Days Project on Instagram
And I am finally finished up my A to Z challenge

How did your week go?