Yarn Fanatic Party #62

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It's Monday!  Time for a new Yarn Fanatic Party!  I have limited access to internet right now, but I will pick a feature later this week.

Don't miss out on the September yarn giveaway is being sponsored by Lion Brand.  They are going to give one lucky winner four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link Up at The Yarn Fanatic Party!

What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one.  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add a link to the Yarn Fanatic Party to your post or party page.

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots (my co-host).

• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.

• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)  

• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

• By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

• PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted.  This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc.  Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted. 

For right now we have the month long linky.  Be sure to link up your new projects!  We'll be getting a new weekly linky soon!

An InLinkz Link-up

If you're looking for more places to link up your projects be sure to check out my Crafty Links page.  It's a fairly updated list of linky parties!  

"All Dolled Up" Blog Event

This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to the main page of the All Dolled Up blog event!  (I have this set up as a "sticky post" which means it should be the first post on the main page during the event.  So if you're stopping by be sure to click through to "older posts" because there's lots of new content!)  This series is all about, you guessed it, dolls!  Do you have an American Girl doll?  I do!  It's been a prized possession since I was a little girl.  She's moved with me every step of the way.

Sponsors

Please check out all of the sponsors of this event.  They help to make fun little events like this one happen.  

Little Abbee  Oh Sew Kat! My Childhood Treasures

All Dolled Up Giveaways

Sunrise Sunday Dress Crochet Pattern Giveaway (Ends 9/7/16.  US only.)
Oh Sew Kat! Complete Outfit Pattern Giveaway (Ends 9/18/16.  US only.)
My Childhood Treasures Pattern Giveaway (Ends 9/25/16. US only.)

All Dolled Up Blog Posts

Pattern Review: Selena Dress

Pattern Review: Sunrise Sunday Dress

Pattern Review: Popsicle Top

Pattern Review: Sandbox Shorts

My Childhood Treasures: The Bluebell Dress

WIPS: Birds & Crochet, Plus a New Hat

This post contains affiliate links.

What bird(s) do you think of when you see this color combination?  While the colorway is "gelato" I'm all about feathers this time. (Full disclosure, this cell phone photo is pretty terrible, it just doesn't capture the true vibrancy of this yarn.  You can see it on Amazon and Michael's but even there the lighter green is somewhat washed out -- in person it's almost a neon lime green.)

I have a lovely pattern that I am working on writing up to share with you all, but I am still debating the name.  Maybe one of you will will be able to give me some inspiration.  Birds that are on my mind are peacock, parrot, and canary.

Photo Source: Free Images

Photo Source: Free Images

Photo Source: Free Images

I have another project going using the Caron Cakes Yarn.  I am attempting to knit a hat sans pattern.  Always dangerous.  Especially since my knitting skills aren't nearly as honed as my crochet skills.  The brim is going to be a braided cable . . . at least, that's the current plan.  Cable charts terrify me.  I can read just about any crochet chart with no problem, and love when they're included for intricate patterns, but a knitting chart still looks completely foreign to me.  It's a fear that needs to be conquered though, because I adore the look of cables.  (And in my humble opinion, crochet cables just don't measure up.)

I'd like to invite everyone to link up their yarn-y projects at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  Also, don't forget about September's yarn giveaway!

As always, I'll be sharing this Works In Progress post at the Yarn Along and Kelp Calm Craft On. 

Yarn Fanatic Party #61

This post may contains affiliate links. 

Happy Monday!  Are you a Monday lover or hater?  I know a lot of people that thrive on the predictable routine of the weekday, so Mondays are welcome, but I also know a lot of people that see Mondays as the beginning of anothe five days drudgery.  Where do you fall?

This fall tissue box holder by Strings Away is so cute!

Don't miss out on the September yarn giveaway is being sponsored by Lion Brand.  They are going to give one lucky winner four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link Up at The Yarn Fanatic Party!

What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one.  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add a link to the Yarn Fanatic Party to your post or party page.

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots (my co-host).

• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.

• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)  

• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

• By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

• PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted.  This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc.  Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted. 

For right now we have the month long linky.  Be sure to link up your new projects!  We'll be getting a new weekly linky soon!

An InLinkz Link-up

If you're looking for more places to link up your projects be sure to check out my Crafty Links page.  It's a fairly updated list of linky parties!  

WIPS: Yarn Cake Craze

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Are you aware of the current Yarn Cake craze?  If you are like me and follow a variety of crocheting and knitting blogs then you've surely heard of the Caron Yarn Cakes.  They're a Michael's exclusive, so when I stopped in this week I was excited to see a few still on the shelf.  A very few, but they were there!  (There are a few people online reselling them already!)

I only picked up one.  Even on sale the price didn't seem like a stock up price.  Of course, I can be pretty cheap, so that might just be me.  Also, I haven't actually worked with this yarn yet.  (We need to finish a few things around the house first.)  I might be rushing back to the store tonight, we'll see!  

Have you crocheted or knitted using these "cakes" yet?  What are your thoughts on the yarn?

I have three giveaways happening right now that you might be interested in!  Two of them are doll clothes sewing patterns and one yarn giveaway.

• My Childhood Treasures Giveaway
• Oh Sew Kat! Giveaway
• Lion Brand Yarn Giveaway

Don't forget to link up your yarn-y projects at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party! 

Sharing at Small Things and Frontier Dreams. 

Step 2 Toy Workshop (Ends 9/28) US

If your children love pretend play and building, the Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop is the perfect toy for them! Amber from Viva Veltoro just reviewed this new Toys "R" Us exclusive workshop from Step2 and her daughter has been having a blast with all of the cool features. Be sure to check out her review to see it in action!

To celebrate this awesome new workshop, we've teamed up with Step2 to give one away!

Here are some details of the Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop from Step2: The Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop by Step2 features the realistic and authentic sounds of the workshop for hours of pretend play fun! Little ones can work together to create a color-changing birdhouse while working to develop their fine motor skills as they cut, drill and hammer. This kid's workshop is perfect for little handy men and women! Made in USA of US and imported parts. Accessories made in China.

• Electronic drill and overhead work light (requires four “AA” and three ”AAA” batteries, not included)
• Large work surface allows for multiple children to design and build their own creation
• Kiddos can build a birdhouse and watch the colors change as little ones “paint” with water using a brush, roller or spray bottle
• Built-in mechanical table saw included
• Includes multiple storage bins, spray bottle, paint bucket, tools, power drill, table saw and a color changing project
• 45-piece accessory set included
• Exclusively available at Toys "R" Us!
• Adult assembly required






One lucky reader will win a Step2 Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop, ARV $129.99!

Open to the Continental US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 9/28/16 at 11:59 PM. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good luck!
Entry-Form
Disclosure: One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment. 

Yarn Fanatic Party #60

This post may contains affiliate links. 

It's a new week, which means it's time for a new Yarn Fanatic Party!  Is it getting cooler where you live?  It seems that many crocheters and knitters craft more during the cooler months.  Is this true for you?  Of course, now I live in Florida . . . so it's pretty constantly hot.

One of my favorite projects from last week's Yarn Fanatic Party is this Crochet Cape by Over the Apple Tree.  Isn't it simply adorable?

I have a couple of low entry giveaways that I'd like to make sure you saw.  They aren't yarn related, but so often crafters are multi-talented.  My Childhood Treasures is giving aways a doll pattern of choice and Oh Sew Kat! is giving away patterns for a complete doll outfit!  

Bluebell Dress: Pattern Review

This is a sponsored post.  This post may contain affiliate links.

If I were to transform a doll dress into something I would wear it would be the Bluebell Dress by My Childhood Treasures.  I love this combination of a cute and girly dress with a fun and comfortable hoodie.  Seriously, I want one!  I will have to live vicariously through dolls for now I suppose.  (Although, I do have the Lane Raglan and it shouldn't be too hard to add a circle skirt to the bottom.  I might just have to make this a reality.)

The dress was easy to put together, especially with the clear instructions.  As you can probably tell, I currently have no nice white velcro.  I've been meaning to go to the craft store to pick some up, but life keeps getting in the way.  I could just order some on Amazon, but I have the urge to explore the magical craft store aisles.  That's why you see those ugly black bits of velcro peeking out.  I tacked some in quickly so that Catherine could use the dresses.  This pattern is awesome though and I know that I'll be making more.  I definitely recommend this pattern.

I just have to say, I love how little fabric it takes to sew doll clothes!  During this Dolled Up Event I finally have found a use for my scrap bin!  (I'm sure you have one too -- it's filled with pieces of fabric too big to toss, but so small that they never really work for another project.)  These dresses are made entirely of scraps from fabric I got at Girl Charlee.  (You can see some of the fabric on Catherine's Hearts Hoodie and my Julia Women's Cardigan.)

My Childhood Treasures is generously sponsoring a giveaway.  One lucky winner will receive a doll clothes pattern of your choice from the shop.

Details and Fine Print:  Ends 9/26/16.  Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lion Brand Heartland Yarn Giveaway (Ends 9/30) US

This is a sponsored post.  This post may have affiliate links.

I'm super excited that Lion Brand is sponsoring September's yarn giveaway!  Have you seen the Heartland line?  I haven't had the opportunity to work with it myself (yet!) but I've seen it in the store and it's so soft!  I also love that it's machine washable and dryable -- I know, I know, it's a mom thing.

One lucky person is going to win four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited.  Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment.  You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For my sewing friends, be sure to check out these awesome pattern giveaways too:

Oh Sew Kat
My Childhood Treasures

WIPS: Pattern Hacking

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Do you hack patterns?  By this I mean take a pattern and tweaking it, but tweaked beyond personal preference and individual fit type issues.  So maybe "tweak" is too mild of a word.  I do this a lot.

I sometimes wonder how designers feel about pattern hacking -- do they love that someone admires their handiwork that they want to incorporate it into something new and unique? Or do the designers think of it as a bastardization of their work?

Maybe I could call myself a designer, I'm not sure.  I just love to create and I sometimes remember to jot down notes during the process and then share them.  I personally would LOVE to know that something I created inspired someone else's creativity.  

(Just to be clear, I'm not talking about stealing someone's work/pattern and calling it your own.  Although, that does beg the question of how far removed from the original does something need to be before it's a new pattern.  That's a question for another day.)

Today's WIP (work in progress) is a pattern hack.  I'm taking a lovely crochet dress pattern, The Sunrise Sunday Dress & Top, and turning it into a skirt.  I absolutely love the dress,  you can read all about that in my review, but I think a stand alone skirt based upon the pattern could be something really pretty.  

Little Abbee is sponsoring a giveaway for the Sunrise Sunday Dress pattern, but it ends today!  (September 7, 2016)

In other yarn-y news, The Yarn Fanatic Party is back!  Please come link up your knit and crochet projects -- and anything else that uses yarn.  The party has returned to a weekly format.  I hope to see you there! 

Do tell me your thoughts about pattern hacking!  Do you do it?  Are you a designer?  Do you hate it?   

I'll be linking up with Small Things, Frontier Dreams, and some of these places. 

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Yarn Fanatic Party #59

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Welcome to the Yarn Fanatic Party!  It's been a busy summer, but I'm ready to party again.  We're going to go back to a weekly party, so while you can join anytime during the week the fun begins Monday.  (So mark your calendars!)

I have quite a few crochet projects that I've finished recently that I'd love to share, and here they are: Owl Purse with Free Pattern, Crochet Coaster with Free Pattern, Sunrise Sunday Dress, and the Selena Dress.

Little Abbee is sponsoring a giveaway of the Sunrise Sunday Dress Crochet Pattern.  It's an absolutely beautiful pattern.

Fine Print and Details: Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize delivery.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email in order to claim the prize.  After 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.  Facebook and all social media are in no way affiliated with this giveaway.  Giveaway ends 9/7/2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one.  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Add a link to the Yarn Fanatic Party to your post or party page.

• Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots (my co-host).

• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.

• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)  

• If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

• By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

• PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted.  This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc.  Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Doll Clothes Pattern Giveaway (Ends 9/18) US Only

This is a sponsored post.  This post may contain affiliate links.

Did you see the super cute Popsicle Tops and Sandbox Shorts that I made using patterns from Oh Sew Kat!?  Aren't her patterns absolutely darling?  Wouldn't you love to sew up some of her adorable patterns?

Oh Sew Kat! is generously sponsoring a giveaway for any one complete outfit -- it could be a dress or a top and bottom.

Details and Fine Print: Must be 18+ to enter.  US only.  Void where prohibited.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfilment.  Giveaway ends 9/18/2016.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or any social media.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sandbox Shorts: Pattern Review

This is a sponsored post.  This page may contain affiliate links. 

Are you looking for an adorable shorts pattern for your doll?  Then you should check out the Sandbox Shorts by Oh Sew Kat!  

I particularly like the flat front; the shorts just look so much more professional with the flat front. Most of the other doll shorts patterns I've seen lacked this detail. 

These shorts are an easy sew.  Like the Popsicle Top, the instructions are very well written and include lots of photos.  This pattern is especially awesome because it includes three different styles: Classic, Bermuda, and Wide Leg.  The brown floral shorts that I made are Classic, without pockets.  (Catherine didn't want to cover up the fun flowers, so I didn't.)  

While this is a fairly simple pattern, the possibilities are endless!  It's so versatile!  Different trims and different fabrics will give you anything from gym clothes to special occasion wear.   

Please take a moment to visit Oh Sew Kat! and follow her on social media.  

Facebook    Twitter    Instagram    Pinterest 

Oh Sew Kat! is sponsoring a giveaway!

Buy the Sandbox Shorts at Craftsy, Etsy, or on the Oh Sew Kat! website.

Popsicle Top: Pattern Review

This is a sponsored post.  This page may contain affiliate links. 

The Popsicle Top by Oh Sew Kat is the perfect shirt pattern for your doll!  It's a simple tank, so it can be paired with just about anything, plus it can be reversible and it's easy to embellish.  I highly recommend this sewing pattern.

The Popsicle Top is an easy sewing pattern.  The instructions are also very clear and include lots of pictures.  (If you want to just print straightforward instructions there's a page for that too!)  I've been sewing off and on for a while, but I think even someone just learning to sew would be able to make the Popsicle Top.

This is a great project for either fat quarters or the leftovers from other projects.  I used random bits from my scrap bin and I just love how these shirts turned out!  I'm excited though, because now I have a perfect project anytime I fall in love with a fat quarter and just "need" to have it.  (I do need to remember to get some more Velcro, I only had a teeny amount in my stash.  If you're making doll clothes you're going to want some extra on hand too!)

I don't know about you, but whenever I use anything from my scrap bag I am reminded of the original projects.  The above top is made from some scraps from my Fabric Headbands, a dress I cut up for fabric, and some bias tape from the edging of a quilt for Catherine.  It's a walk down memory lane!  (Also pictured are the Sandbox Shorts, also by Oh Sew Kat!, and a little sweater I knitted which is modeled after the In Threes Sweater.)

This top and skirt set is made with some of my my favorite quilting cotton.  I made matching Mommy and Me Easter dresses with it one year.  (Art Gallery has a gorgeous knit fabric that is quite similar that I'd absolutely love to have!)

Buy the Popsicle Top at Craftsy, Etsy, or on the Oh Sew Kat! website.

If you're looking for an easy doll skirt pattern that pairs perfectly with the Popsicle Top, Oh Sew Kat has you covered.  Sign up for her email list and she'll send you the free pattern!

Please take a moment to visit Oh Sew Kat! and follow her on social media.  

Facebook    Twitter    Instagram    Pinterest 

Oh Sew Kat! is sponsoring a giveaway!