The Shtick I Do

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. ...