Hipster Holiday Ornaments Go Vegas!

 
Three Hipster Holiday Ornaments made with Vegas Yarn.

 

Vegas Color Swingers, Pink Champagne, Flying Elvis and Black Jack.

I added whipped stitched a felt back to this ornament and a small amount of poly-fill.

 

A pendant was added to this ornament. The Vegas colors used: FlyingElvis for the trim and Pink Champagne for the crochet circle.

I secured beads to the center with super glue after lightly felting with warm water. The yarn colors used…GhostBar for the crochet circle and trim and Flying Elvis for the star.

 Here they are on the tree!

I was lucky enough to see Seussical a couple of weeks ago at The Academy Theatre which is one of the oldest community theatres in the US and is located in Hagerstown, MD . Subconsciously I was inspired by the color and fantasy of this musical, which by the way, adults can also enjoy. My thoughts went from bizarre color combos from the musical to retro 60’s attitudes, hippie, yippie and all the rest to hipster holiday. Now that you see how this all came together, I hope you’ll enjoy this quick crochet project made with Vegas yarn and a few simple ideas to embellish. I chose Vegas because I like the way it feels, it’s varied in texture, has some sparkle and there are enough fun colors to chose from. It also felts quite easily in warm water in your sink or baking dish.

Felt using warm water, enough to cover ornament and swish around gently in a dish until you have the desired look. Remove excess water with a towel and let dry overnight. Embellish and hang on your tree, use it as a package ornament, or a holiday gift.

I used the basics…making a crochet circle, slip stitch, single and double crochet and a size H crochet hook.

My basic stitch is double crochet, but you can also use single crochet if you prefer. I added a trim, a five pointed star, beads, and a pendant that I had. Feel free to use a favorite crochet trim or any embellishments you like. You can also try making them different sizes.

The trim I used for the red (BlackJack) and the blue (GhostBar) crochet circle goes like this…

Once you’ve completed your last round of the circle, slip stitch into the first double crochet (or sc if you choose) and chain 5, single crochet in third chain from your hook. Chain 2, skip one stitch and join with a slip stitch to next stitch. Continue around in this manner for the whole circle and slip stitch into first chain.

 

Make a small 5 pointed star:

 

Chain 4, slip stitch into first chain to form a circle and crochet a round of trim 5 times (you will not be skipping any stitches, however) Arrange the points and attach securely to your crochet circle with yarn or glue.

 
There are many ways to make a star. I chose this way because it was a more relaxed style and went with my trim. Use the method you feel comfortable with or choose another shape if you like.

For the pink (Pink Champagne crochet circle) I added an additonal trim around by chaining 5 and slip stitch around the point of the first trim.

I’m including some helpful links for your crochet questions. This is a free form, happy go lucky project to get you thinking and creating so have fun with it. Consider using non-traditional holiday colors, recycled embellishments and whatever you have handy. Use fabric stiffner if you like – I liked the softer look and didn’t use it.

Dr. Seuss Quote…
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.
Dr. Seuss

Resources for you…I found these links that are excellent for this project.

How to make a double crochet

The basics of making a crochet circle any size you need.

How to make a crochet circle.

This is your free form crochet project for December. If the project isn’t my usual structured pattern it’s because this is your chance for experimentation. Use recycled and/or reuse items in the home and take a chance on trying new embellishments. Enjoy, play and wonder, what would little Cindy Lou Who do? 

Marg (dreaming in color)

Do you have a wrapping strategy?

 

A wrapping project from Eco-Wrapping Treasure Hunt!

Ok, the presents are going to be ready – how ’bout that wrapping? Here are some wonderful Etsy shops that will have just the thing you need to make fun, eco-friendly wrapping, cards, and tags. You’ll also be helping handmade artists at the same time. But hurry, the time is getting near!

Smock letterpress.

snowy652’s

The Craft Pantry featured in Childstyle, US Weekly & Hallmark Mags

FarAwayDesigns’s

Feeling crafty enough to try making some of your own unique wrapping? Here are some ideas.

How-To: Recycled Wrapping Paper Bows on Craftzine

Eco Gift Wrapping. Holistic Secrets with Rachel Avalon a great little video with some ideas for keeping your wrapping eco-friendly, economical and organized for all your wrapping needs.

Create Your Own Designer Papers – All Over Stamped Designs at About.com

You might also enjoy ECO-WRAPPING TREASURE HUNT!

I hope you’re officially inspired now

That’s a wrap!

Marg (re-thinking my wrapping strategy)

Crafty Fast Track

The sun is out – time to get those projects organized. Use your project bags, plastic containers and any other method that helps you keep this season’s projects in their place. I’ve been finding it frustrating as I bounce back and forth on just a few seasonal projects and using bags and containers helps me keep everything in perspective. It’s too easy to fall apart at the last minute during this stressful time…no creative meltdowns allowed. Being crafty is a blessing and a curse…everyone expects something wonderful and handmade from you. We love sharing our talents and are lucky to be able to create wonderful items made with not only skill, but love. If the meltdown has already occured, no worries, scrape yourself off the floor and get back to it – you know you love it. I did a little of that myself yesterday. Can you imagine what it’s like at the North Pole around now? Exactly, suck it up crafties, there’s work to be done.
 
Stay organized and you can stay on the crafty fast track and race around the knitty treadmill this year. Woohoo! Was that flash of yarn and glitter you?
 
Stay tuned for some Etsy favs and another pattern round up for last minute gifts this week right here on this blog.

Marg (wishing I had a few elves on staff – do yorkies count?)

Hat Attack!

There’s been a weekend hat attack! Check out my modified LionBrand hat made with Lion Brand® Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick®. I’m wearing it without rolling up the edge, a wider tie and a modified and looser pompom. 

The original pattern is great too and it’s rated easy. I think you’ll find the yarn fun and quick. Make one for yourself and a friend.

It’s also a wonderful hat for a charity project.

Here are some more patterns you might like…

LionBrand Earflap Hats

Knitty.com

Iceland Earflap Hat

and my next project Lyra’s Cap

Hats are back…join in the fun. 

Marg

The Crafty Wonder of Mix Tape

 

Cover Image gemma jones

 
This just in! Forget the turkey, dressing and holiday rush for now – it’s time to get inspired with all the crafty wonder of MixTape.

Issue 11 of MixTape is now available and it’s a larger and more colorful issue than ever before – just in time for your holiday crafting.
 
While your there, check out the HANDMADE NATION DVD, a Documentary By Faythe Levine

I have to go grab my issue and get inspired…and maybe a piece of pumpkin pie on the way through the kitchen.

Happy happy crafting…

Marg (so over the turkey for Thanksgiving thing!)

Crochet for a rainy day…

 
Cold rainy days call for hot drinks and a fun project. Here are a couple of slouch hats I crocheted this morning for Christmas gifts. This is a quick and easy pattern to make and I even started a nice warm scarf to go with the blue one based on the basic pattern. These also make wonderful hats for charity (always check the orgs guidelines for yarn and pattern requirements first) 

I found this pattern at PatternsByDot. (Be sure to read Dot’s terms of use) The yarns I used were Jiffy from LionBrandYarn and (1 and a half skeins) Taupe Mist. The blue one is made with 1 skein Bernat Softee Chunky, color #39116. Both have good drape and were made with size J Hook. You can also use worsted weight (as called for in the pattern) if your prefer. Many of your LYS’s carry these yarns or equivalent yarns to make the pattern. 

Put an extra pot of tea or coffee on and enjoy your knitting or crochet. 

Marg (wrestling with new slouch hat obsession)

Twilight Inspired Crafts

 

This weekend we went to see the latest Twilight Saga installment, New Moon. I enjoyed it and you’ll find no complaints here, however, I am not a Twilight aficionado, like my step daughter, Michelle.

 

I found some fun sites filled with Twilight inspired crafts and I thought you might like to visit them too.
 
Craft Contest
Twilight Amigurumi by April Draven
Twilight Crochet Dolls from DeadCraft

Craftzine Alice Wrist Warmers
 
You can also do a search on Ravelry.com, Etsy and other crafts sites like CraftStylish for more patterns, ideas and crafts.
 
Happy crafting to the young and the young at heart!
 
Twilight Quote (2008)
Isabella Swan: “About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

 Although, not Twilight inspired, this wonderfully handcrafted journal arrived today which will become a family heirloom for us. I urge you to support the handmade artists in your town and online at Etsy this holiday season.

Suede Christmas Journal from Renate Ikinger of Kreativlink on Etsy.com

Marg (working on a project to share on tomorrows blog)

You might also like Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves inspired by the TwilightSaga character, Bella Swan.

Roxy Rocks the Slouch!

 

Slouch Hat Project for the weekend is complete!

Modeled by Roxy. 

See Are You a Slouch for more details on the pattern.

Hope your weekend was crafty.

Marg (just in from the KrisKringle Craft Show)

Delicate Desire Pattern – New!

There’s a New Moon in your future. Yes, the time is getting close, my friends in Twilight. I was inspired to create this romantic pattern for the shop. Here’s the link to Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves Pattern Inspired by Bella Swan.

 

Let the desire begin… 

Marg

Are you a slouch?

 

This week I rec’d an email from my husband’s daughter, Michelle requesting a slouch hat for a special Christmas gift. I was in a panic! Where could I find the perfect slouch hat pattern for her. I did an online search and came up with this lovely pattern by Sarah Sutherland. It’s young, soft and perfect for winter.

The pattern is rated easy and includes using short rows, but there are very clear directions for you in case this is something you’ve never tried.

I substituted a nice yarn from WEBS called Artful Yarns Legend, color #1528. It’s 83% wool and 17% nylon. Originally, I started the hat with a boucle that I had on hand, but it seemed to bulky for this project. The yarn used in Sarah’s pattern is Emu Florentine, but I was unable to find a US distributor. I modified the stitch a bit because of the colorway and am making the body of the hat in straight stitch.

I also rec’d House Plant Hand Dyed Sock Yarn from Rachel-Marie of KnittyDirtyGirl.com today for my KAL on the KnittyDirtyGirl Ravelry group that I’m thrilled about. Socks haven’t been on the menu for awhile, so I’m a little rusty, but am glad for the challenge. The pattern I’m using is Lifestyle Toe Up Socks from Charisa Martin Cairn.

So today is all about new challenges….

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly” – Proverb

Be a butterfly

 Marg (enjoying the process of transformation)