First Appliqué...

I recently received a commission for 2 hats.  A fade from light to dark with a small heart and a fade from gray to blue with a moose.  The first one was simple!  Turned out great and the client loves it!  The second one presented several challenges.

 First I was going to blend the gray and blue then fade to brown with a moose pattern I designed built into the stitches.  But the blue/gray combo didn't pop like I'd hoped for.  So I pulled out all the rows and started again.  This time with just gray at the top and fade to blue with the brown as the moose pattern stitches.  But, in the way of round worked crochet, all the stitches were slanting and didn't line up!  So I pulled it out again! and started fresh.  Gray at the top, fade to blue, and finish with ear flaps.  Then I tried to cross stitch the moose pattern into the hat.  Epic fail!  Pulling the cross stitch out, I decided to make an appliqué of sorts.  I crocheted several small pieces and sewed them together to create a moose!  Then sewed the moose onto the hat.  The end result is pretty good.  And the client loves it too!

While these hats were fun to make they were a little stressful because I had to on the fly make up some patterns for the moose I was going to originally use and the moose appliqué too.  But I needed the stress, because the best things are created when you are working on the fly :)

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Not too long ago I put up a post about how slow LBD had been.  Well, that must have been the trick to start the ball rolling again because it sure has been busy!  I received 3 commissions back to back to back!  While that is fantastic and I appreciate the business but dang! Five hats and an amigurumi bunny later I am finally back to working on my own Christmas presents.  Not only do I only have seven days to finish all my projects, but I keep adding stuff to the list!  I hope and pray to have everything done and wrapped by Tuesday, but that may be optimistic.  Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a shiny New Year!

Harper's Bella Bunny

Seans Hat

Another Completed Commission

This time it was actually for boys!  I was so excited to be making something that wasn't all girlie in pinks and purples :)

My job was to make ear flap hats that looked like frogs rather than bears.  I already knew I wanted big bulging eyes, but other than that I wasn't sure how to proceed.  Making the hat itself was simple enough.  I have had plenty of practice.  The embellishments were the stumpers.  I modified a hat pattern to be super small to make two half balls, or bowls if you will.  From there I added little safety eyes and some stuffing.  There, eyes done.  The nose was easy enough also.  Just a little "embroidery" and done...again.  The mouth gave me a little trouble.  I started with a large mouth but that ended up looking incredibly stupid and poorly done.  I tried about 3 different options before settling on a simple "V" in red.  I think it looks cute.  I only added the mouth to one of the hats to give both the boys the same feeling hat with subtle differences.

Ayden's Frog Hat, as modeled by Jason

Sean's Frog Hat, as modeled by Styrofoam Head :)

Thank you!

Just a little THANK YOU to all my followers!  I would like to congratulate "Incognito" on being our November drawing winner!  You will be contacted with details of your prize.

Just know I appreciate all my followers and wanted to say thank you just to them by having a drawing for a custom made piece of jewelry this month.  Without you all my blog would just be a random journal about my crafting misadventures, but YOU give this blog meaning... So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

Brimley Hat Completed

As promised, here is the picture of the Brimley Hat I recently made.  Thank you to Mamachee for the pattern.   This hat worked up rather quickly and the pattern was easy and fun.  Although it is too big for my head, it fits my husband perfectly!

A Tunisian Discovery

Tunisian Crochet.  What can I say about you?  Fun, different, and very interesting!  I stumbled upon Tunisian Crochet via an email from Lion Brand Yarn.  They send me patterns and ideas for new projects every few days and this one pattern really caught my eye.  I quickly realized the pattern I was looking at was something new!  Something new?! Alright!  I started researching right away.  I will be making a bag for myself after some practice.

Considered a mix of knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet leaves loops on the hook and takes two passes to complete one row.  Despite taking two rows to complete one, it does work up rather quickly, and probably best of all...it doesn't seem hard at all.  I played around with the simple stitch and a regular crochet hook before purchasing a real Tunisian hook.  Using Ravelry.com, I found a simple pattern for a hot pad and started working.

If you have never seen a Tunisian simple stitch I will give a brief description.  You chain stitches like you normally would in regular crochet.  This is where it changes.  Instead of working in the top of the chain, you work in the spine of the chain.  Now, working in the spine, you yarn over(YO) and pull up a loop, but instead of YO again to form a single crochet you insert your hook into the next chain spine and YO to pull up another loop.  This is repeated across the chain, leaving all the loops on the hook. Once you have reached the end of the chain you do not turn. You YO and pull the loop through one loop on the hook.  Then you YO again and pull that loop through two loops, the loop that you just pulled up and the loop from the previous row; repeat across.  Now you are ready to begin the next row.  Do not turn, with one loop on your hook, insert your hook into the next vertical loop in the row below.  YO and pull up a loop, leaving 2 loops on your hook.  Insert your hook into the next  vertical loop, YO and pull up another loop, leaving three loops on your hook.  Repeat for all the vertical hoops in your work.  Then repeat "Once you have reached the end of the work you do not turn. You YO and pull the loop through one loop on the hook.  Then you YO again and pull that loop through two loops, the loop that you just pulled up and the loop from the previous row; repeat across."  Pretty easy huh?

There are a ton of videos on YouTube and plenty of designs on Ravelry.com and other websites.  Try it, you'll like it :)  If you do try, leave me a comment, or ask for help.  I am brand new too, but we can stumble through Tunisian Crochet together.

Until next time... Happy Crafting!

Building a pattern inventory

I have been in a sort of lull with LBD business.  Although, my MIL is ordering things here and there, it certainly isn't enough to pay a bill, let alone all the bills; not that I expected it to.  So, during this lull I have decided to make the most of the free time.  I have been scouring the internet, trying to find those patterns that fit what I feel is my style.  I found a few :).

I discovered Ravelry.com recently and quickly became addicted to it.  Looking through all the patterns, and seeing others achievements is inspiring!  I am humbled by the other peoples creativity and skill!  I only wish I was as good as half the crafters there.  There is also a blog I am following now, http://easymakesmehappy.blogspot.com/. She does amazing work!  And her stuff is cute, and right up my alley.  I purchased a few of her patterns: The Brimley Hat, Killian's Owl Hat, Toddler/Child Slippers, Oma House Slippers, and Buccaneer Booties.  They are sweet!  I can't wait for someone to want/order/need something so I can make them! The cute little Buccaneer Booties can be made into Mary Jane Style Slippers for little girls too! I am currently working on a Brimley Hat for myself and will post pics once it is done.

Items in order as listed above:

        

 

I wanted to close this post with a very huge thank you to all the incredibly clever and talented people out there who share their patterns with those who aren't that good yet, and thank them for being so gracious with their brain children :)

My first solo pattern (actually written down)

I was commissioned by my MIL to make a hat and mitten set for a newborn boy coming in February.  I was searching for cute little hats and mittens for boys but all the ones I found were either too girly or very blah and ugly.  So I decided to write my own patterns for these.  First I did the hat.  I used single crochets in rounds to do the crown of the hat, then added a seed stitch for pattern around the sides.  The mittens I also used single crochets in rounds to make the ends of the gloves and decreased so they would form hollow balls, more or less. Then I added a row of double crochets at the end to make a cuff and weaved in a blue satin ribbon for a tie to keep them on little baby hands.  Very fun and fulfilling, writing your own patterns.  Hopefully I will be continuing to do so in the future!

Finished with another hat!

My newest commission was for another 3 hats for another baby girl.  I was commissioned to make a panda bear ear flap hat, a brim hat with flowers, and a fuzzy hat.  These are what I came up with this time...

No work last night :(

For the first time in several months I was attacked by my arch nemesis, the migraine!!  I had a wonderful evening planned; video games with the husband, lovely hot tea and crocheting.

About five minutes into my video game time I realized I couldn't see right... My aura had struck!  An aura, for those who don't know, is a black or white, sometimes flashing blob in your vision letting you know to take cover!  Normally once you get your aura you have between 5 and 30 minutes to find a dark cool room to lay down in before the migraine pain starts. So, to my dismay, at 7:45 I find myself brushing my teeth and getting in bed for the night!  And any other night I'd be ecstatic to get 12 hours sleep, since that hasn't happened since my son was born, but I had things I wanted to do!!

Even though I got a ton of sleep I'm still tired this morning!  And, to boot, I still have a headache!  Not a migraine but a headache nonetheless. Hopefully I'll be able to get some work done during my sons nap today. I'd like to be finished with my commission by tonight so I can get it shipped Friday!  Lord willing, that will come to pass.


Until next time, happy crafting!!

Sara

Wire Crochet bracelet

My mother in law came to me asking for a bracelet.  Her only stipulation was it had to be purple.  With all the possibilities out there I started playing with the idea of a purple bangle with silver wrapping.  As it turns out, that was WAY harder than I anticipated.  So when I stumbled upon a necklace that was crocheted, I was ecstatic! I knew exactly what to do!

I called my MIL and asked if this would work.  She loved the idea.  I went straight to the craft store and bought the supplies to make my first crochet jewelry piece.  I started working later that night and quickly realized I hated the design that was forming infront of me.  So I cut all the beads out of the work and started over.  Luckily, it only took one more time trying before I got the look I was going for.

Sweet Baby Boy

Since the winter months are quickly approaching; we had our first frost last night!, I figured it was time to post some winter hats for babies.  This little darling is for newborn boys.  Super cute beanie, made with single crochets and seed stitches for the pattern, it is sure to keep any little bundle of joy snug and warm.  And naturally, this can be made in any color.

 

Newest Crochet Triumph

  Lion Brands "Best Bunny"

I am not so new to crochet but until recently I hadn't heard of amigurumi.  I get emails from Lion Brand all the time showcasing new patterns and materials, some of which are cute little crochet dolls and animals.  So as I was going through my emails this past week I stumbled upon a pattern for an ultra cute bunny amigurumi.  Once I decided to make the bunny, it was a non-stop race to the finish.

I worked hard and stayed up late to get the bunny finished in just a few hours.  I did not however make the bunny per the instructions.  I wanted my bunny to have a longer torso, longer skinnier arms, no legs and different ears.  At first the changes in the pattern were accidental; I was watching a Pay-Per-View and crocheting at the same time, which is never good for following a pattern.  I made my "Weebler Bunny" by adding four rows to the midsection before decreasing and totally rewrote the pattern for the arms and ears.

My "Weebler Bunny"

Creating my first amigurumi was relatively easy.  I really enjoyed the process, it was pretty simple once you see the pattern in them.  I will be designing my own from ground zero next time.  I think I am going to try to make a Murloc from the Warcraft series and also try to make a Pocoyo doll.

  

Commission Part 3.

Its finished!  The third and final hat in the Haasenritter commission is complete.  I called it " Brims, Buttons, and Flowers, Oh My!"  A super cute hat with button details and a little brim.  Made to fit a 5-6 month old, but can be sized to fit any age group, including adults.  Worn slightly off center, this hat is baby-punk. :)

Brims, Buttons, and Flowers, Oh My!

Commission Part 2

Well, I am moving right along.  Of the three hats I was commissioned to make, two are complete!  The second in the hat department is called Little Bow Bear.  It is a camel and light brown hat with a raspberry pink bow.  I thought it would be cute with ear flaps so I added those too!

Little Bow Bear Hat with ear flaps

Old Times....

I have often wondered recently what our world would be like if more people created things.  Would we be better people, kinder and more giving?  Would we be less materialistic?  Would we have less wars and fights?  I think the answer to all these are YES!

I have found making items for others very therapeutic.  I would like to build a successful home business and have family be a part of that business.  I feel I can do some good in this world by expressing myself creatively through jewelry and crochet.  Giving to the needy and supporting my family at the same time is the ultimate goal.  With God's help, this may come to pass.

Oh how I long for days gone by, where friends would help friends, neighbors helped neighbors, and communities were small but perfect.  Days when long forgotten arts; like crochet, knitting, and sewing, were common place and done in little societies for women.  How I wish I could live in a community of women who take care of their own children, not a daycare, used their talents for the good of others and advancement of their families, and were the rulers of their domain-the home!

First official commission is underway!

A very special thank you to the Haasenritter Family for commissioning a project this week!  Their baby girl, Hannah, is in need of some hats, and they graciously requested 3 hats to be made.  The first one is complete.  It is a baby pink hat with a cream flower and a purple butterfly.  I have named the hat "Hannah" in honor of the little one who will be receiving it.

"Hannah" Hat.

Charity Project

Little Bird Designs of Fredericksburg will be participating in the Lands End Share the Warmth project.  It is a charity event in which Knitters and Crocheters will be making squares to be assembled into blankets for the needy.  If you are interested in participating too, please go to http://www.landsend.com/feelgood/index.html?3 for instructions.  Hope you can give to this good cause  :)

The Dangers of Carpeting

Just a quick thought I had while I was beading yesterday.

I was sitting in my recliner, tray in my lap with a book and beads on it.  The beads we in the little plastic box containers they came in so I could easily use the needle to scoop out the beads as necessary.  I was just starting to pack everything up when I accidentally flicked the box of beads into my lap!  Several bad words later, I am trying to use my shirt as a funnel to get the beads back into the container.  Then I stood up.... plink, plink, plink.  Beads start raining on the floor!  Cursing some more, I get on my hands and knees with a led flashlight to start hunting beads.  But little did I know, Berber carpeting eats beads!  I used my hands to swipe the floor trying to feel for any loose beads and I ended up smooshing them into the carpet even more.  More hunting and finding and I finally finish locating all the beads, I hope.

Long story short, Berber carpeting is the demon carpeting for beaders.  At this point I am considering only beading in my bathroom where the linoleum will allow the beads to roll, but at least I will be able to see them!

As a side note, I am currently working on an odd count, spiral patterned peyote tube to be fashioned into a necklace to go with a beaded flower I made a week ago.  Once I have it completed I will, of course, put up a new post with pictures.

Until next time.... happy crafting!

Quick S Earrings

These little beauties were super fun to make.  Just a little expert wire bending and voila! Presto! Handmade earrings!  Another successful project, although this one was done more on the spur of the moment, with a lot less components going into it.

Beautiful opalescent purple shell disks with gold drizzles, suspended from delicately formed S curve wires with French ear wires.

Please send me an email at smf2001@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing these earrings.  Or you can click on the "Buy Now" button over to the left.  On sale now for $20.00.

Whats Next...

Well....whats next?  As I was looking through the book I realized all the remaining projects all deal with heavier gauge wire.  And guess what?  I have ZERO wire that is heavier than 20 gauge!  That means I will not be working through the book as I thought I would be.  That means my next project may be beadweaving, or it may be another project from the book, 'Ill just use a different gauge wire and hope for the best.  We will see...

An Ancient Design: Finished

Nap times are wonderful.  So much can be accomplished during a nap.  Lunch eaten, chores done, projects finished.  A special thank you goes out to my sweet son, Jason, who allowed me to finish this project today!

Having spent a few hours making this bracelet, I am pleased with the outcome.  A very nice bracelet, just enough slack, while not "jangly" still has nice movement. Since the clasp is next to the skin it is unlikely to fall off as is possible with a toggle clasp.  All in all, lovely, in a very Egyptian sorta way.

An Ancient Design

I have my book in my lap, my tools in front of me and I am ready to learn and start crafting this awesome, Egyptian inspired necklace.

I finish cutting all my wire, 21 pieces of silver coated copper wire all 6.5 inches long.  Curling the ends with a round nose plier, I begin my spirals.  As I sit here working, curling my wires, my husband is playing the new Halo Reach game and my son is asleep in the next room; everything seems right.  As the night progresses, I start to get into the groove; curling, bending, and shaping wire into a nice chain link bracelet.

With a little more than a third done, I am called to watch a tv show with Dave.  Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel.  Travel Channel has some interesting shows, although, we only watch the ghosty kinds.  Having seen another show, Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures seems a little less scary and more cheesy.  The show was about hauntings in Gettysburg, PA, which one would think would be teeming with ghostly activity.  The real creep factor came at the end when they used an Infrared camera to capture a figure walking across the railroad tracks and stop, then prepare to shoot a gun!  Possibly a civil war ghost? Or just a Civil War reenactor?  No one will ever know.

I will post again to show you the finished product when I am done, of course.  Until next time, happy crafting :)

Working through a book

I went to the library today to pick up a book on beading.  I came out with seven books!  A few on beading, one on wire working and one on chain maille.  I am going to start with "Making Wire Jewelry" by Helen Clegg and Mary Larom.  I am starting here for two reasons; one, I genuinely love wireworking and the prospect of working through a book that teaches you techniques appeals to me, and two, because I ordered all my beads and they haven't arrived yet. :)

As I work through this book I will be posting pictures of my work and making a portfolio or gallery on here as well.

Well... here goes...