Queen Anne's Lace Scarf

Here's another scarf I made in just a couple of hours.  The pattern is very similar to the one the other day, but actually easier because you connect as you go--not while you're making the border.  And speaking of border, I added this one on my own...it's not in the pattern.

Here's a LINK to the original pattern.

The trim yarn is some I've had forever and never seemed to be able to work into a pattern.  But when I saw it next to the grey yarn in my stash I decided it just might work!

The grey is a Caron super soft.  And the label was missing from the other, so I don't know what it was.

Have a great weekend!
Meredith

Crochet Scarf {and my CTMH haul}

Well, I can imagine it seems like I've just been sitting on my behind not getting anything done.  But contraire!!  I did crochet a scarf for a friend in the hospital, and I did manage to order some scrapbooking goodies!!

Let's talk about the scarf first.  Just look at this yummy yarn.  It's Yarn Bee Danielle "camino".  A beautiful heathery ombre...

I had intentions of making a prayer shawl for my friend, but time and yarn constraints changed those plans.  So instead I opted for a prayer scarf.  I found the scarf pattern on Ravelry.  Here's the LINK to the free pattern.  I had just a bit of a problem working the border, but I did my own thing and I think it worked out pretty cute.

It's one of those scarves that looks all curly when it hangs around your neck.   I was really excited about this and can't wait to do another one.  Here's a picture of it laid out flat. 

So now.  On to the CTMH haul.  Since June is THE time to buy stamps I had to load up on those.  (Buy two get one FREE for the month of June 2012).

Here's a dinosuar set (D1505 Roar!) that I knew I had to get for my son.  He is so into them right now. And the alpha set (E1023 Varsity Alphabet) I just fell in love with because it looks like collegiate letters and I was envisioning all the graduation, monogram, and birthday cards I could make.

Now looking at the next two sets you think to yourself  'is she planning a cross country motorcycle ride?'  but the answer would be no.  I just think that US map (D1503 Adventure USA) will come in handy sometime and well...my dad has a bike (C1483 Born to Ride) so I know there will be pictures of the kids on a motorcycle to scrapbook soon.

These next stamps are just so fun and versatile.  I may use the wreath stamp (C1473 Remarkable Wreath) in my Christmas cards this year.  And the little tire swing hanging from a tree??  Stop it!  So cute.  (D1467 Trees and Things)

Now this is a Workshop-on-the-Go kit.  These are a really great way to get some paper, embellishments and a stamp set for a really great price.  And I ADORE the little seahorse and turtle in this set.  (G1036 Footloose WOTG)

I saw these adhesive-backed pearls and nearly squealed.  They are a quick and easy way to add a little something special to a layout or card.

I have been pining for some baker's twine for a while now.  It's all over the place and when I saw that CTMH carried it I was in scrapbooking heaven!!

Last, but not least, I ordered inks in all the colors that CTMH has come out with since I left them last time.  Lovely lovely colors!  I can't decide my favorite, but I love Lagoon and Pear SO much!

Can't wait to dig in!!
Meredith

New projects on the horizon

I wish a had a card-a-day to post, but I am still trying to re-do my scrapbook room to make it more functional. I do have a post scheduled for Sunday...a little project I'm working on called "Stash Buster Sunday".  So check back.

My husband recently talked me into getting the Cricut Imagine.  (I know, he really is that supportive!)  I was all set to order the Expression and he insisted I just get the newer model.  Boy am I glad he did!  That machine is really awesome.  Oh and HUGE!  So now I need to plan for space for it in the new arrangement as well.

I also started a facebook page for my business.  I'll be posting updates about workshops, events, and promotions on that.  Here's the link.  If you want to "Like" the page, you'll get all the updates and info.

Since my scrapbook room in our new house doesn't have a window (what was I thinking when we drew up the house plans?!?)  I'm also trying to figure a way to make my own light box.  I've done a little research on the web and I think it's do-able.  We'll soon see.

Here's a little something else I am trying to work on...

And as you can see I haven't gotten very far!  I have christening blankets for both of my daughters and two of my nieces, but I need to get the ones done for my other two nieces and my son.  They take me such time because I have to really concentrate on reading the pattern, so it's not just mindless crochet for me.  The pattern book I'm using is Best of Terry Kimbough Baby Afghans.  It has some really pretty ones in it!

See you soon!

Meredith

A mouse bookmark

Who is not addicted to Pinterest?  Raise your hand...yes I see that not a single hand is raised.  A dear friend got me started and now I am hooked!  So appropriately I have a crochet project.  Get it?  Hooked.  Crochet.  See what I did there??

Anyway, follow this rabbit hole...I saw something on Pinterest that led me to Ravelry.  A lovely site to get lost in with tons of free patterns.  Which led me to this pattern of a bookworm bookmark.  Which led me to my stash of yarn.  Which led me to realize I couldn't seem to get the same effect she did.  I mean I tried and tried, but I think I was using the wrong yarn.  Which led me to try something a little different.  I bunched it up and thought...hmm looks more like a mouse and less like a *tampon* now.  (See I told you I couldn't seem to get the same effect as her.)  Mouse?!?  That's cute.  I could  put some little ears on and ....

finished product

Kinda cute.  Here's the two yarns I used.

Boucle Traditions, Salt & Pepper

Caron Simply Soft, Grey Heather

So here's the pattern (to the best of my ability)::

Chain 62 with non-fuzzy yarn only.  Tie in fuzzy yarn and work the rest of the pattern using both threads.

2 SC in second chain from hook.

2 DC in each of next three chains.

2 Triple Crochet in each of next 5 chains.

2 DC in next chain.

2 SC in next chain.

Slip stitch in next.

Fasten off.  The long chain left will be the tail.  Weave the loose threads in, sewing the body together to resemble a little mouse.

Now I am not going to lie.  When you are working this pattern, the yarn bunches up and is a bit of a pain.  Don't worry too much that you are doing the exact stitch in the exact right chain.  At the end you can shape the little booger into a conical mouse-like shape.

To finish your mouse::

I used a mottled grey felt, google eyes, and tiny pink pompoms.  I traced a button onto the felt to get the ear shapes.  I used Aleen's Washable Fabric Glue to adhere the parts.  It took quite a while for them to dry, but I think they are fairly secure.

I had big plans to make one for each of my oldest daughter's first grade classmates, but the Great February Sick-In changed my plans.  (I'll spare you the details down to the last pink eye.  You're welcome.)  So here sits the first little mouse, waiting for his friends to fully arrive.

So there you have it.  My first ever crochet tutorial.  I hope you enjoyed it!  If you have any questions or find any problems, please let me know!

Hooks Away!
Meredith

PS.  I normally hate to have to register to look at webpages, but Ravelry is worth it.  :)