The Shtick I Do

So I spent last week working on this adorable little guy! And I'm so excited to tell you that the pattern is now available on Ravelry! The pattern posed no issues and worked up relatively quickly, even after testing it 3 different times. You'll need a small amount of yarn in white plus 3 additional colors. Also, a size F/3.75MM crochet hook, scissors and an embroidery needle. I used 9MM and 12MM safety eyes on this project. The purple owl has the smaller 9MM eyes while the pink owl has the larger 12MM eyes. If your making this as a keychain, you'll need a keyfob of some sort, I used a regular keyring 1.25" wide and for the other one I used a lobster clasp fob. I also used solid rings for attaching to the project. I do not recommend split jump rings as the weight of the keys will pull it apart. I can't give an exact timeframe on how long it takes to make one since I was interrupted by dogs needing to potty and laundry that needed washing and folding. We a...

So I made a fireman set (for a girl) for a friend that's about to be a grandma. The baby's daddy is a fireman and she wanted to gift the set to her daughter as a photo prop. I ordered a pattern from Ravelry and got busy making the set. I ran into a problem when I got to the booties because the pattern I purchased had stitch counts that were not adding up. I tried 15 times (no joke) to get those booties to work out following her directions and failed every time. Maybe it was just me, I don't know, but I think 15 times is a bit extreme even for me. Finally I gave up and made up my own pattern for the little suckers and that's what I'm posting today! This pattern is a .pdf file from Ravelry, available HERE . Aren't these just the cutest things! I love them! And here's the set I finished for my friend. She absolutely loved it! I have to admit, it did turn out completely adorable! I can't wait to see pictures of the precious baby wearing the...

I like books. Actual paper or cardboard books that I can hold in my hands. There's just something about holding a paper book that makes me happy. I do have several dozen books on Kindle that I read but I always prefer to hold a real book. And I've used several things as bookmarks as well. From dollar bills to scraps of my store list to receipts to dog-earring the corners of the page. My preference? Crochet of course! I have a couple of bookmarks available on the blog ( here and here  and here ) and also available on Ravelry ( here ). But I'm making a new one and sharing it with you! This pattern is available as a PDF download from Ravelry. Click here to be taken to the pattern. Granny Square Bookmark Materials: #10 crochet thread size B/1-2.25MM crochet hook scissors embroidery needle for weaving in the ends Stitches Used: Double Crochet - DC Chain - Ch Slip Stitch - Sl St Notes: Chain 3 counts as first DC throughout pattern. Weave in ends ...

I thought I'd start with a simple pattern that's perfect for beginners and even the advanced crocheter that needs to make some stock for Craft Fairs. A soft but exfoliating cloth perfect for the daily facial routine. Made with 100% cotton (yarn weight 4) it's easy to use and easy to take care of! I wash mine with towels and washcloths, that's how easy they are to care for. This pattern is a quick one that works up without any fuss. Enjoy a Free PDF download from Ravelry available HERE   Easy Peasy Facecloth Completed project measures 3” in diameter. Materials:             100% cotton yarn weight size 4 (brand and color of your choice)             size J/10 – 6.00MM crochet hook             scissors             darning needle (for weaving in ...

So, I haven't posted on the blog in over a year. One thing that led to the downfall of my crochet mojo is the death of 3 family members in the span of (less than) 18 months. I lost all desire to do anything other than what I absolutely HAD to get finished. I know some of you understand that, and while crochet is a release of emotional stress for me, I simply had lost the desire to do anything other than stare at what others were creating. Nothing inspired me. I can't really say that I'm " inspired " right now but I do have an itch starting that I think I recognize as that " want-to " when it comes to crafting. I "want-to" do something with my hands. I "want-to" get my mind out of the dark place it's been resting. I "want-to" get back to it, and I thought making a blog post might inspire me to do something about that. I'd be interested to see what you're up to and what you've done in the past if you've e...

I thought today I'd share some of the cute little crochet Christmas Elf patterns that I've come across in recent weeks! Here goes: 1. This pattern from Heart & Sew is done so well that he should last for years to come and maybe even be able to be handed down to the next shelf lounging Elf lovers out there! Photo by Heart & Sew 2. These gorgeous little guys from AmigurumiBB look like something from a childhood Christmas movie! Who wouldn't want one of these to play with? Photo by AmigurumiBB 3. This cute little elf (or gnome or ...) from Owlishly is perfect for practicing the art of amigurumi. And you can place them as ornaments on the tree! Photo by Owlishly 4. Although this pattern by  Anastasia Eisenberg   is available for purchase via Ravelry, I thought I'd include it because he's just too stinking cute! Those huge ears did it for me and I can't help but grin when I look at him. Photo by Anastasia Eisenberg 5. And f...

As you can tell by the title of the post I have one gift completed and ready for Christmas! Of course, if I keep looking at it I'm going to want to put beads or buttons or something  else on it. But what crafter doesn't do that? This is the Granny Cocoon Shrug that recently went viral in several Facebook groups. I decided I wanted to make one - I also decided that instead of making it for me I was going to gift it! I kinda sorta  followed >> THIS << video but I changed a couple of things - the arms for one. However, I LOVE the way it turned out and I think the recipient will love it too!  Stay safe this Halloween and remember it's all about FUN!  Peace and blessings. ~~Karen~~ 

Are you busy making your gifts already? I am, too! And I want to share one with you today. I've looked at these lovely dishcloths for some time now and I finally decided to make one (well two) for one of my aunts for Christmas. Here's the one that's completed: I just LOVE how it turned out! I used a crochet thread #10 for the eye and embroidered it on and yes, as you can tell, I didn't have any yellow cotton yarn so her beak is made of regular ww acrylic. But it still looks great! Here's a link to the pattern that I (sorta) followed. Hen Potholder/Dishcloth The site is in French but the pattern is a diagram that you can follow. I think I'm going to write out the pattern for myself though, since I had to make some adjustments when I was following the diagram. I am going to ask that if you're the praying sort, to add some prayers for my family in the mix. We've lost another loved one to cancer last night, my cousin Mark. He will be miss...

This is a short week for me since I'm speaking at the Women's Emmaus Walk starting on Thursday. That's why I'm posting a day early =D  This week I've been practicing my talk and working on something that's near and dear to my heart: cancer caps. I've made several and if you follow me on Instagram you've seen the ones that I posted. Here's a few for you to see. LOVE the elephant button on this color blocked hat. Plain and simple but oh so soft and warm! This is a pattern I hope to have ready next week and may not be given to the Cancer Center since it's so seasonal. This is made in the same style as the Pumpkin Hat but is more appropriate for the Cancer Center since it can be worn at any time. I really like this variegated yarn with the orange. Simple orange and cream hat with a single crochet edging. This one is made with #8 thread and has flowers made with #10 thread. Really like how this one came out. ...

Since the Walk to Emmaus is happening over the next two weekends (this weekend for the men and next weekend for the women) I thought I'd repost this great hat! Perfect for the cold weather days ahead! To celebrate the Walks I'm offering a coupon code that will last until the Women's Walk ends on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at 4PM. Use coupon code FALLWALK2015 at checkout to get the pattern at half price! Click >>HERE<< for the pattern with coupon already loaded and ready for check-out. ======================================================================= ======================================================================= Delores DeColores Slouch Beanie My beautiful daughter Maeghan models for me. The body of the hat has a lot of room and give for those with long hair while still laying nicely for those of us with shorter locks. This hat is quite easy to make and will match a myriad of styles and colors. The small heart-shap...

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks because of some things happening in the family: I had an aunt (only 5 years older than me) to pass away from a sudden illness. We grew up more like sisters than aunt and niece. I can even remember arguing over who got to play with what toy. Memories like that bring a smile to my face every time I think of them. I just wanted to let you know that I hadn't fallen off the face of the Earth and that I am still crocheting. I'm working on a new pattern today, as a matter of fact. It is available as a downloadable PDF through Ravelry. Just click >>HERE<< to be taken to the pattern. Time will make the passing of my aunt less painful and I will always remember her as my older sister. Peace and blessings to you all, ~~Karen~~

I've been sick this week and haven't completed any projects to share with you but I do want to reshare a simple and quick pair of fingerless mitts that you can whip up in just a couple of hours. It's a downloadable PDF from Ravelry! Now I'm headed back to my cough drops and tissues ... you guys stay safe. ~~Karen~~ ==================================================================== ==================================================================== This time of year I'm a bit prone to achy joints, especially my wrists. You can guess from that how much I love fingerless gloves. This is a pair I made last night. I was just crocheting while watching TV and <BOOM> they were done! It took about 2 hours including the time it took to weave in all the ends and make adjustments for a better fit. Now these are no where near glamorous but they are comfortable and they will keep your wrists nice and warm and loose for hours of crafting work! The instr...

This past week has been pretty rough. I have an aunt (who is only 5 years older than me) that is in critical condition and on life support - we've been to visit her and the family in Charlotte, NC. It isn't looking good. I've been keeping busy by finishing off a couple of projects that have just been laying around the house waiting for me to pick them back up. First up we have that contagious Virus Shawl . The pattern has been around for ages but lately it seems like everyone has jumped on the proverbial bandwagon. I made mine with Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Parrot. I love how it turned out.    My next one was a ripple blanket with a matching hat for a baby girl. No one I know is having a girl (everyone is having boys) but when one comes along I will be ready! The ripple pattern comes from Attic24 and I just made up the hat as I went along. And a friend has ordered a Cat in the Hat photo prop set that I've started on. I have to make the b...

Well, it's finally finished and ready for you to follow along here on the blog <OR> you can go to Ravelry and download a PDF to keep for your very own! Click this link >>HERE<< to be taken directly to the Ravelry page for your free PDF. Start with a Magic Circle ((or chain 4 and join to form a circle, ch 1.)). Rnd 1 8 HDC in circle, pull tight. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 2 2 HDC in each stitch around. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 3 *1 HDC in first stitch, 2 HDC in next stitch. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 4 *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch.  Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 5 *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch.  Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 6 *1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch.  Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first HDC. Ch 1. Rnd 7 *1 HDC in the ne...