Etsy Store -- NOW OPEN

My Etsy story is now open: KnotSewMuchHandmade!

For those interested in purchasing one of my Custom Cowls for the holidays, head on over and get your order in the cue.

I will be adding other crocheted and knitted items throughout the Winter months.

Stop by and favorite my shop if you like what you see!

Thanks so much!

Custom Cowls for the Winter Months

What a wonderful and luxurious way to stay warm this Winter!  Cowls are all the rage right now and I'm making a limited number of custom cowls for those who appreciate handmade goods.  The yarn is an acrylic/wool blend, super soft, chunky and warm.  Here are a few that I've already completed for my most recent customers:

Burnt Orange L/XL

Red Sm/M

Multi-Colored Special XL

Oatmeal Sm/M

Forest Green L/XL

Here's an example of the size difference:

The one on the left is: Large/X-Large and is done in a 'broken' pattern.  The one on the right is: Small/Medium and is done in a 'continuous' pattern.

Other colors available: Black and Brown.  The Multi-Colored Special is on back order so probably won't be back in before the holidays (for those wanting one in time for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa).  All other colors and variations (if the exact color is not available) are.

Interested in ordering your own customized cowl for the season?  Message me at KnowSewMuchHandmade[at]gmail[dot]com and I will send you further pricing/ordering details.

Be well and stay warm!

Crocheting with my Girls

I've recently learned how to crochet.  Maybe I've been at it for 2 years now?  Maybe three.  Anyway, this is something I want my girls to learn and they're finally interested and able. (smile)

Pretty girl has been doing it for over a year now and decided today she was ready to learn how to crochet in the round.  She wanted to make her doll a hat.  Sweetie-pie has been interested but not quite ready.  At the end of last week, we went to our favorite craft store and found some yarn she just had to have.  She's been working on a basic chain stitch and added single crochet today.

Here a few shots of our progress for today.

Practicing Single Crochet

These are definitely the days I'll miss when they grow up and move into their own lives.

Anything on your needles?  I'd love to see.  Share your link below!

It's a Wrap!

Yep.
And oh,
so
LOVELY!

(more pics to follow!)

Status

I've taken a good bit of time away from my blogs....but although I've been away, I've been creating.  It's amazing just how many things I was able to crank out in the midst of packing and mothering.  I guess my computer time takes a lot of my free time.

Here's a look at some of what I've made (started & completed)!

I have three others that I see I haven't yet photographed (a silvery black & white one that's spiral and two others like the green one in other colors), but you get the idea! :D   I've found a lot of patterns online, worked a couple of them and then did a couple 'freestyle' (ie my way).  Gave me time to practice my crochet stitches.  Still learning!

I am currently working on  a Stitch Sampler Shawl.  It's being knitted.  I'm about half-way finished with this one.  Will share some pictures when it's complete!

How are things in your crafting world?

Another Scarf

I've completed my FIRST crochet pattern scarf.  As I've shared before, I'm more of a 'freestyle' crafter.  I learn the basics and then go with the flow.  I try new things out, collect and consult patterns.....then create from there.

I decided that I should try to follow a pattern so I can learn how to read a crochet pattern, being that I'm still new to this and all.  I found this pattern on Ravelry.  I now understand why my girlfriend says she's a "pattern-ho".  It's easy to collect patterns, so many choices and styles.

Anyway, this pattern is called Cascade Scarf (it's a free pattern by Lion Brand Yarn)....not bad for my first one, eh?  I've already gone through my stash and will be making another one tonight.  Gotta love crochet--it's quick!

What are you up do these days???

Fresh Off the Hooks!

Earlier this year I purchased some chunky baby alpaca yarn (IT'S SUPER SOFT & WARM) at a lovely yarn store (aren't they all?).  Since that time I've been deciding exactly what to make with it.  I settled on a scarf--simple and easy.  Instead of knitting it, I chose to crochet it.  I think the pattern I 'freestyled' as nice and was able to complete it in just under 2 hours!! (yeah, that the main reason why I chose crochet over knitting)

As I was making it, my son asked me to make him one, which is a big deal (to me at least) as he's never asked for something handmade from me (although I've made him several things)!  I looked through my stash and found the baby alpaca yarn that I purchased on Ebay months before his birth.  I was able to make him some booties of out that yarn, but that was it.  I'm must completed his scarf and will be starting on a matching hat.

It's rather hot still....but Winter is coming! My plan is to have everyone 'hatted' and 'scarfed' up before the cold winds blow!

Another Finished.....

I can't say "project" as I'd like to, simply because it was just a random thing i decided to do last night as I watched a movie with my hubby.  On my little break, my mother taught me to crochet a bit, I say a bit because I'm sure there are more things I have to learn.  That being said, I've been wanting to keep up what I've learned so far and because things whip up sooooo quickly, I've already completed another scarf.

When I say this yarn it immediately jumped at me--so I had to get it!  LOL!  It's varigated and is light blue, medium blue, dark blue, gray, med. gray, charcoal, tan mix.  Works perfectly well with everything I wear--blue, black, brown (khaki).

I'm loving it!  I still have a good bit of yarn left and am thinking about making a hat to go along with it.  Yeah, I know it's Spring...but Winter will come again! (smile)  Unfortunately this is where my limited skills of crocheting come into play as I don't know that much to crochet myself a hat.  I plan to take a look on Raverly for a pattern--but may fall back on my knitting skills and knit one instead.  We'll see.

Here's a photo of it...ok, two! :)

Preemie Hat--COMPLETED!!

UPDATE: PHOTOS BELOW!!

I am so happy to share that I've finished knitting the little preemie hat I've been working on.  After frogging the whole thing last week, I managed to restart and get it done (all but weaving in the ends).  I found another pattern that has worked out well.  It's my first time knitting with 5 needles--and this thing was small!!  I think it's good for a first time.  I'm planning to do another one.  Will post pics soon!

Oh, and I also learned to crochet while on my little break (from my real life).  I crocheted a scarf in about 3 1/2 hours!! Very tickled about that.  Yeah. The photos will be up soon! :D

Happy Crafting to you!!

My lovely new crocheted scarf: