My 5 for 5 Challenge Gift!!!

It's here! It's here!!
(Well, it's been here since Monday--but just finding some time to share online!)

 Felted Nesting Bowls

Aren't they lovely???
I'm tickled pink!!
I love,
Love,
LOVE them!!!

They're perfect in every way:
-they were made just for me
-made by a dear friend
-they are some of my favorite colors (Autumn colors)!
-they made my bedroom colors perfectly!!
(did you notice the little bonus gift? Strawberry Jam Syrup!! Oh My!)

I'm looking forward to doing something like this again and hopefully some more of you will be open to participating with me! (hint, hint...no pressure though!) :D

Thank you so much, Debbie.  I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! :D

Yarn!

Since I'm visiting family in NC presently, I couldn't remain here and NOT visit that lovely yarn store.  I lucked out as I went on the day they were celebrating their 2nd anniversary/birthday and were holding an AWESOME sale.  I was only planning to get ONE skein--the one I should have gotten that last time I was there.  It's 100% Baby Alpaca in orange--I got the white one last time.  I also got another skein of the Jarbo Duo in a bright red mix and then a Berroco Sundaw skein which was on sale--it reminds me of someone's locs.

I have plans for each of them.  Going back to get them wound and to get a second skein of the bright red mix.  My Winter Solstice Gifts will be underway soon!

Here's a peek at what's on my needles currently.  I found a free pattern on Ralvery.com called a Stitch Sampler Shawl.  I've had this yarn for a few years now, was initially going to make a poncho for myself.  Well, I'm know a third of the way finished.  This shot only shows about half the width of it.  It's on circular needles.

What wonderful things are your creating?  Do share!

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!

What's NOT on my Needles?

I usually see posts about "What's ON your Needles?"  When I browse crafting/knitting/crocheting sites, this is a frequent question.

Well, I've been taking time [in this blazing heat] to knit.  Yep. Knitting.  I'm determined to complete my started projects BEFORE starting new ones (and boy do I have some new ones I want to start on)!

So here's the completion to a winter set for me:

(I made the scarf previously--it was crocheted.)

So, what's NOT on your needles?? (or in your sewing machine?)

New Pattern

 (This photo was taken directly from TheTrainToCrazy.com)

Just found out about this lovely pattern on Whipup.net.  TheTrainToCrazy.com is offering this cute pattern and tutorial for FREE!  If you're interested in trying it out for yourself, click the link above to download it.

Hope each of you have been enjoying your summer and finding time to craft!

5 for 5 Challenge :: 1 Completed!

I've been waiting to post a photo of the handmade item I made until my first and only (so far) participant received it--so she'd be surprised.  Today, Rana @ Free to Learn an Lovin It, got the package.  I am so happy to know she likes it!  There's something about seeing my work on her blog--I'm rather proud of it.  You can check out her post about it here.  Here's a photo I took right after making it.  It's a nice and fun reusable bag.

Rana has asked me to put a tutorial together.  So, I'll plan do that when I start on my next one.

If you're interested in joining my 5 for 5 Challenge, I'd love the opportunity to share some other handmade creations with four others.  Click here to read about the requirements and leave a comment letting me know you wanna play along!

Happy Hand-making! :D

Thrift Store Finds

Yes, I did it again today.  It's been awhile and I've been itching to create/make/upcycle something!!!

Well, I found some lovely vintage pillow cases, several random good-sized pieces of fabric, and a curtain with a very cute pattern.  I'm seeing some reusable bags and a cute tote or two for the girls (out of the curtain).  We'll see.  I'm going to spread things out on my create table and see what comes to me.

Hope you're finding time to create, too, this summer!

5 for 5 Challenge :: UPDATE

Well, I've finally completed the item I've been wanting to my for my participant--Rana!  I'm so very excited about how it turned out.  I will be putting it into the mail today so won't share a photo just yet.  I've been finding time amidst all the packing to create and make.  My plan is to pack up my sewing items last--I girl has to be able to create on a moment's notice, right?

Hope that each of you are doing well and finding time to create.  Happy Tuesday!