Yarn Fanatic Party #17

Welcome to the seventeenth Yarn Fanatic Party!  This will be the last one in December.  I know that a lot of us (myself included) are working on projects that we can't share until after Christmas.  More importantly, we all will be focusing on family during the holiday season.  Be sure to come back in 2015, there are some great things in the works for the Yarn Fanatic Party!

Did you see this adorable Snowman Card that was linked up last week?

If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas for the crocheters in your life look no further!

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  I can't wait to see!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come back in 2015!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.     

Ruffle Scarf Crochet Pattern with Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart

Disclosure: I received this yarn from Red Heart.

This post contains affiliate links.

Have you seen the Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart?  It's a long strip of fabric with evenly spaced holes that you can crochet or knit.  The 100% polyester fabric is sheer and has a pleasant feel -- my four year old called it "slippy" which is what she calls silk scarves.  It comes in quite a few patterns, everything from chevrons to skulls, but the yarn that I received from Red Heart to try out was this classic black and white houndstooth pattern:

Red Heart has a few patterns that use this yarn.  After looking through their selection I decided to stick with making a ruffle scarf.  After playing around with the fabric for a little while the following is what I did.

• Chain 6.  I used a size K crochet hook.  The recommended size is a J, but I really wanted something a little looser.
• Single crochet in second chain then until the end. (5 stitches) Chain one.
• Single crochet across. (5) Chain one.
• Repeat until you reach the desired length.

I used one hank in its entirety, which is about 30 yards of fabric.  Personally, I would have liked the scarf to be a little bit longer, but it is fine as is.  I think the length is just about perfect for my sweet little model, Catherine!  What do you think?

It did take just a few minutes to get the hang of working with the fabric, but once I caught on the project took about a leisurely hour.

Have you worked with any of the Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart?  What did you make?  Did you enjoy working with it?

If you liked this post, I'd love to have you follow me!

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Crocheter

1. Crochet Hooks

If you're looking through this list for gift ideas, chances are the crocheter in your life already has a hook or two (or fourteen!).  However, there are some specialty hooks out there that are sure to delight.

Cornerstone Products Lite Crochet Hooks -- That's right, it lights up!  How cool is that?  You can crochet in the dark with these!

19 mm Crochet Hook -- If you don't know, this is a huge hook, but it could be fun to use!

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set -- I have this set.  It's fantastic.  The grips are also really great if your hands get tired after a long crochet session.

2. Hook Cases

My Mom gave me a great little case a couple of years ago for Christmas.  It's so great to have.  It travels with me everywhere.  It might be a bit ridiculous, but I would be somewhat devastated to lose the case.  (Especially if my hooks were in there!)

Pink Crochet Hook Case -- This one looks cute.

3. Pattern Books

Looking through crochet pattern books is so enjoyable!  It sparks the imagination for new projects.

Easy Crochet Critters -- I own this book, it was a gift from my husband, and have made quite a few of the animals.  Some multiple times.  I love it.  The directions are clear and the animals are adorable.  It's a great introduction into amigurumi.  (Here's an elephant I made.  Here's a giraffe.)

4. Crochet Reference Books

Even the most experienced crocheter needs a reference book.

Super Stitches Crochet -- I reference this book frequently.  I love that it has both written instructions and diagrams for many stitches.

5. Yarn

This shouldn't come as a surprise, but crocheters love yarn.

Bonbons

Nature's Choice

Heads Up

I hope that this list helps you find a gift for the crocheter in your life.  If you crochet, what are some items that you would love to receive?

Wordless Wednesday: Silly Kids in Sweaters Made by Mommy

Catherine is wearing the Pink Butterfly Sweater and her Orange Hat. Dominic is wearing the Five Hour Sweater. I made all three items!  I will be sad when the day comes that they don't want to wear something made by Mommy.

Link up your own family friendly Wordless Wednesday posts!

Yarn Fanatic Party #16

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Now it's time to start preparing for Christmas!  I just have to share this Crochet Christmas Light Pattern with you because it's just too cute.  It's free and looks easy enough.  (And would be a great way to use up those random little bits of leftover yarn.)

Did you see this Infinity Scarf from Undeniable Glitter?  I just love the bright coral color!  She includes the free pattern in her post.  I think I'm going to be making one of these soon.

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  I can't wait to see!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Wordless Wednesday: Vintage Thanksgiving Card

Source

(Affiliate link: Here are the Black Friday Ads, if that's your thing.)

Share your own family friendly Wordless Wednesday posts!

Pattern Giveaway from Susan Carlson of Felted Button (Ends 11/30/14)

I am so excited about this giveaway!  (Yes, I get excited for most crochet, yarn, knitting, and crafting giveaways.)  Susan's patterns are so beautiful and full of color.  Just looking at them inspires a cheery disposition.  (Especially during the cold and dreary cold months.)  I'm sure that creating an object from her patterns would be even lovelier than browsing the patterns online.

Right now the Painted Pixels Blanket is calling my name.  Isn't it beautiful?  (It's in the bottom right corner of the above picture.)

Make sure you follow Susan at her blog, Felted Button, so that you always know what she's up to!  (She also can be found on Facebook.)

Three lucky winners will receive 

one pattern of their choice.

Details and fine print: Giveaway starts November 24, 2014 and ends on November 30, 2014 at 11:59 (Eastern time).  Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email to claim the prize.  Prize is provided by the sponsor.  Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn Fanatic Party #15

Photo Source

It's Thanksgiving Week here in the US of A!  Have you done any Thanksgiving themed yarn projects?  Here are two fun (and free) turkey patterns that I stumbled across recently:

Kara, from Petal to Picots, has this super cute crocheted turkey.  I think the tail is one of the most unique ways to use granny squares!

If you're a knitter, and not a crocheter, then here's an adorable tiny knit turkey.  (As far as I can tell, this particular pattern is only available on Ravelry, but it's free and if you knit or crochet you should join anyways.)

Here's one of the lovely links from last week's Yarn Fanatic Party.  Didn't RaeLynn do a beautiful job on her sweater?  I'm totally in love with it!  The bright pink is totally calling my name, and she rocks it!

I am looking ahead to Christmas and trying to finish all of my handmade gifts.  (I might still have a few that need to be started.  Just maybe.)  Are you giving handmade presents this year?

Be sure to check out this pattern giveaway, there are extra entries that you can claim for linking up to the Yarn Fanatic Party!

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  I can't wait to see!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

7 Quick Takes: A Little Perspective

1.  This morning hasn't been the best of mornings.  One child is being cranky and contrary.  The other is getting into everything.  (I mean, seriously, where did that stick come from?  Or that chalk?)  My morning exercising was cut short.  The computer keeps crashing.  Food ended up on the carpet.  There was yelling.  There was crying.  There was whining.  (Although I am proud to say none of it was by me.  At least, not yet.)  We are finally having a couple of moments of calm, one child nursed to sleep and another returned from time out wanting to look at books.  I decided to pop online for a bit.  That's when I saw . . .

2.  This story about women and their (lack of) bathrooms.

3.  Fellow alumni from my alma matter just lost their precious baby.

4.  Another alum just found out his pregnant wife has a brain tumor.

5.  A woman in one of my online mommy groups got a call that her husband was found unresponsive at work.

6.  Last, but certainly not least, all of the war and political unrest happening now.

7.  All of the sudden my morning is looking a lot better.

Update: Life is good.  Even if one child is back in timeout and the other is now cranky from being woken up from a lovely nap.  I think Mommy might get pie for lunch today.

 Linking up here.

A Knitting Pattern: The Purple Ribbed Cowl

This post contains affiliate links. 

For such an easy knitting project finishing this cowl has been quite a journey.  It started when I was following a different pattern that wasn't completely ribbed.  I didn't like the way it curled so I frogged it.  (I think the curl effect doesn't work as well with the thick and textured Homespun yarn.  In my humble opinion, of course.)  Then I decided to make a cowl that simply was ribbed all around.  Well, I made a rookie mistake and accidentally twisted my foundation.  I didn't notice until I was a couple of inches into the cowl.  Whoops!  So I frogged it again.  The third time was a charm though!

Materials:
Yarn: Homespun by Lion Brand
Needles: Circular 8 mm

Pattern:

• Cast on 100 stitches on circular needles.
• Join.
• Check to make sure your work isn't twisted.
• Check again.  Seriously.
• Round One: Knit two, purl two all the way around.
• Check once more that your work isn't twisted.
• Round Two: Repeat round one.  (Knit in all knit stitches and purl in a purl stitches.)
• Continue until you reach your desired size, mine is about 12 inches tall.
• Cast off and weave in ends.

This is super cozy, warm, and soft.  It's a great project for a beginner.  It's quick to make.  I think it would make a great handmade gift for a loved one this Christmas.

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

ENTER HERE.

Wordless Wednesday: October Pictures

Do you have a family friendly Wordless Wednesday post to share?  Link up below! 

Yarn Fanatic Party #14

Happy Monday!  I don't know what the weather is like for you today, but here it's cold, dark, and rainy.  It's a perfect day to cuddle with the kids and crochet or knit!  I am sorry that I missed a couple of weeks, but I'm back again.  I can't wait to see all of your wonderful yarn projects that you've been busy creating.

These are some of the hats that I sold at the craft fair this past weekend.  There were a few hats that I made that I really loved (specifically a fox, a bear, and a puppy), but completely forgot to photograph!  I guess I'll just have to make more, right?

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

WIPS and a General Update

If you follow me on Facebook you might have seen that my Grandma passed away.  She was a truly special woman, and played a large roll in my childhood.  I miss her.  Eventually I will share a post all about her, but not just yet.

Anyways, that's why things have been pretty quiet around here and on social media recently.  I am home and life has returned to normal.  (Well, almost normal.  There is a hole.  Also, I managed to lose my key at my parent's house.  That's proven to be one of those minor and huge deals all wrapped into one.  If you're the praying type, I'd appreciate prayers that they turn up.)  As for the blog, the Yarn Fanatic weekly parties will resume next week, there are various posts in my drafts folder, and winners for all of the October giveaways have been emailed.

As for my yarn projects, I am somewhat frantically trying to finish up my many WIPS.  I am showing at a craft fair this weekend, and I am not quite as prepared as I'd like to be.

I could use your help on a few things . . .

I have quite a few hats, and I'm scratching my head as to the best way to display them.  (Ahem, and do it on the cheap.)  So fancy hat racks, like the one below, are out.

Source: Affiliate link Amazon

I had a crazy idea of using balloons, but I can't decide if that would just look stupid and cheap or if it's a brilliant solution.  Also, I'm not sure exactly how I would adhere the balloons to my shelves/table.  I could just lay them flat, but that just seems so boring.  Plus, I think they are some of my most eye-catching pieces, so I want them to pop.  Thoughts?

Speaking of hats, what type of prices would you be willing to pay?  I've got ideas for all of them, but it's good to hear straight from the consumer what they'd be willing to pay.  So, if you have a chance to stop by and let me know, I'll be posting some of my wares on my Facebook page and asking what a fair price would be.  (You all were so helpful when I asked for help pricing my headwarmers a little while ago, I figured you were a wonderful resource!)  Of course, feel free to leave a comment here too/instead!

 Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny