Learn to Crochet #1 Projects

Hey guys! Like I mentioned in my last post, we're starting a Learn to Crochet class. The last Tuesday of every month. If we need to do it more often, we will. In October. And I'm trying to put together a Sunday afternoon class. I've had a TON of people, request something on the weekend. 

Back to our TCH Learn to Crochet class. I want to teach you something easy. So you don't get discouraged. But something that you will enjoy. I've come up with 5 options. At the end of the post, leave me a comment. With your favorite idea. The one with the most comments, will be our first project!

Option 1: Granny Square Potholders. This option will lead to Option #5. Keep that in mind. I always have people asking me about the Granny Square. It's simple! And can be used in a variety of patterns. After learning the chain...this was my first real "pattern" to learn. A potholder is also useful. And an easy gift to make. Think upcoming holidays...

Option 2: Earwarmers/Headband. As I was making this...all I could think of, was Fall! To make this option, it's all about learning tension. Super fast project. You can leave the band thick, with no cinching. Or even making a skinny headband.

Honestly, I added all the projects from this post, to our Market Stash. But this one...I just couldn't! I'm keeping this one for me. And praying that the weather changes soon...

Option 3: Cell Phone Holder. This is another item, I'm always asked about. I honestly, never thought about it...until I started getting 10+ requests a day! Super easy and quick. And you can customize it, to your liking.

Honestly, I'm not into the long strap...personally. And I finally got around to making one for myself. Without the strap. But with a button. To close the top.

Option 4: Easy Scarf: I know! It's still a million degrees outside! But if you are learning to crochet...you will soon be considered a crafter. That being said, crafters usually think a season ahead. So making a scarf, isn't too crazy!

Again, you can customize this pattern. Have a favorite sports team...use their colors. Don't like the fringe? Skip it! Add a border instead. This is also another great option...for gift giving.

Option 5: Granny Square Blanket. After learning the basic Granny Square...you can turn it into a variety of items. Like a blanket. :)

In this picture, I'm showing a blanket for a doll. It's roughly, double the size of the potholders. And probably took me, an hour to make. This same idea, can be turned into a baby blanket. Or any size of a blanket, that you want to make.

Don't forget to comment with your favorite project. Monday night, I'll count up the comments. And post our project on Facebook.

Also, don't forget to pick up a skein of yarn. Or 2. Depending on the colors you want to use. I prefer Red Heart's Super Saver. And a crochet hook...or 3! Buying the 3 pack from Boye is probably your best option. With sizes G, H, and I. The supplies should cost you, under $10. Hope to see you Tuesday!

Do You Want To Learn How To Crochet?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Every week, I get at least 10 people asking me to teach them. It's not a new thing for me. I've taught a few family members. A group of friends. And a class...or three.

And about 10 years ago...I taught my first class. 12 of my besties. We'd meet every other week. At Barnes and Noble. They'd order coffee. And get me a brownie. We'd hangout for a couple of hours. And after a few months, my friends had each made a blanket.

Recently, I've had a few family members who are also interested. And a ton of our customers. So I thought, why not another class? That's right! A crochet class. Let's talk about the details...

Ideally, I'd like met twice a month. Somewhere not too far from my house. Where we can be comfortable. Since I'm opening this up to the public, our home is out of the question. Sorry folks. And when I think about the surrounding area...I'm a little stumped. There's not a lot to pick from. Back when I was in college, the Barnes and Noble/Starbucks was minutes from me.

So I'm thinking, the Unser Library. If that doesn't work...Dion's on Coors and Central. These locations seem to be more central, to the people I know...who are interested. We'll be meeting on the last Tuesday of every month. Starting in August. Due to some other commitments, I won't be able to do 2 classes a month, until October.

I've also had some interest in a weekend class. So how about we starting thinking about that. I'm going to say, we'll aim for late September. Probably on a Sunday afternoon. Possibly the last weekend of the month. Weekends are tough for us. Being that we sell at the Downtown Market weekly. And then at the Railyards, from time to time. The off season gets more complicated, with Holiday shows.

As far as supplies, you need to provide your own. I would recommend buying a skein of your favorite Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. Maybe even 2 different colors. Keep in mind, dark colors are a little more challenging to work with. Black yarn, makes seeing your stitches a little difficult. And as much as you may want to try a soft yarn, or something more fancy, it's a challenge when you are first learning.

When we talk about crochet hooks, I'd suggest buying Boys crochet hooks. More specifically this set of 3. That include the size G, H, and I. One hook is about $3, at Wal-Mart. And the set of 3 is $6. These 3 sizes are the most common. So if you have them, you'll be able to make so many different things.

The cost of this class, is free. Other than, about the $10 that you'll spend on supplies. But if you want to bring something...well I'll never turn down an iced tea, dark chocolate, a gallon of gas, something yummy to eat, or a fun pair of socks. Heck, I'd be excited with a skein of yarn. But don't feel like you're obligated. Heck, your spare change will make me smile. And so will your smile! :)

Our first class will be on August 29, 2017. At 7PM. Just make sure to bring your yarn and crochet hook. In the next few days, I'll have a post. With a few projects to vote on. I'm excited to share my favorite craft, with all of you!

Nurse Momma

One of my best friends, works with me in the hospital. She's an incredible pediatric nurse. An amazing woman. And the best friend, I could ask for. No lie!!!

Lexie struggled with fertility problems. For years. And it just broke my heart. You know, sometimes, you meet people, and just know. They are meant to be parents. Lexie and her hubby, are those kind of people.

On December 12, 2012, the welcomed twin girls!!! What a blessing! Oh, and I just might be a Godmother again. :)

Sweet Lexie went on maternity at the end of the Summer. She spent her last trimester, on bed rest. A precautionary move. To make sure, those sweet girls, were safe! Then Lexie got 8 1/2 weeks of maternity leave! If you're doing the math, she would have been back to work on February 11th. But my friend was pretty smart. She stacked her vacation and sick time. Saved it up. Which allowed her, another 8 weeks at home!!!

That brings us to today. April 8th. Lexie is going back to work. I talked to her last night, and she was a total wreck!!! Actually, all week we've been talking. And Lexie, was not looking forward to going back to work. How could she leave her girls? Especially for the hours she works...

I knew I had to do something for Lexie. And the girls. But what??? I'm over 4 hours away. Working at another hospital. All I want to do, is give them all a hug. Tell them it's going to be OK. But I'm not near. What to do???

I spent a few hours searching Pinterest. :) And then headed to Target. I bought my sweet friend a gift. Wrote her a note. And set to make 2 little nurses...

I figured I'd send each of the girls, a little nurse. So they could have their momma close to them. You know, while she is at work! I got everything made, and sent out on Friday. And they got their package on Saturday! :)

Love this pattern! It's so cute. And was such an easy pattern. Did I mention, it's free!!! You just have to love K and J Dolls. Their patterns are adorable. Now, I'm thinking of turning this amigurumi nurse, into an amigurumi doctor. :)

I feel bad, because I'm not near Lexie. What can I do??? I did give Lexie my work number. Hoping to be of some help today. I know she has missed work. And I know, she'll miss her girls. But I know, this will be good for all of them.

Lex, I love ya girl! Take deep breaths. The girls are going to miss you. But they will be OK today. And when you get home, they'll have great big smiles. Just for their momma!!!

Cupcake Garland

My beautiful Goddaughter turns 1, later this week. She is a doll and a half!!! Her family is having a fun dinner, later this week. On her birthday. Because her birthday party is later this month. But I wanted to make something fun. For the dinner.

I found this cute garland pattern. And I called up my Commadre, to ask what colors she was going to use for the dinner. I know Alice. She had already bought colorful plates, decorations, and an outfit for Sofia!!! And she ordered the most beautiful flowers.

I'm going to go with some pretty, and bright colors. I'm definitely going to make Sofia's cupcake garland longer. Alice and Mark, have a long buffet in their dining room. I know exactly how long it is. Because I might have made a few garlands for my friends. :)

I honestly can't wait for Friday!!! I get to see my good friends. And my precious Goddaughter. Dr. L...I've missed my old friend. He also happens to be Sofia's Godfather. Friday night, is going to be all about fun. And shouldn't turning 1, be all about cupcakes and fun? I think so!!!

The Easter Bunny and the Googy-Eggs

Easter is less than a week away! We're talking days here. And my cousin just invited us, to her house. :) For an Easter BBQ!!! Well, I've been working on a few Easter treats. For my Goddaughters, friends' kiddos, little niece, nephew, and small cousins. But now, I need a few more. And they need to be quick and easy!!!

What do you think about these cuties? First of all, I adore this bunny! He's just too cute and fat. :) Perfect for Easter! And these silly eggs, I would have NEVER thought of something like this. But they are too cute! I want to make a bunch!

Which is good. Since I've got 3 days to make 10+. And I have 2 BBQs ahead of me! Between, I adore the "line up" in this picture. And this amazing blog! Go check out Woolly Toons. And maybe, you should make a bunny too!

Oh Chick!

St. Patty's Day is now behind us. And all I've got on my mind is, Easter!!! I've been thinking about bunnies, lambs, and chicks. Anyone else? I just can't help myself! So I went on a little search this morning. In Blogland...

Well, I found this cute blog on my search. It's loaded with yummy treats. That are super easy. And oh so cute. So I might just have spent an hour, drooling all over my laptop. :) To top that off, look at these chicks!!!

Ya, I know! I've been trying to figure out, how to sneak out of work. I NEED to go buy a few things. Maybe I can bribe a few of the other doctors. :)

What are a few of your favorite crafts or recipes for Easter? I've been looking for something new. And fun! I still can't believe Easter less than 2 weeks away! Just point me in the right direction, of some fun Easter treats and crafts. :) Happy Monday!

Easter Garlands

It's almost Easter. And if you're like me, you're running a little behind this year. Is it just me, or is the year racing by???

Yes, the "Queen of Holiday Decorating," is ridiculously behind. If I hadn't run to Dollar Tree on Monday, for electrical tape, I wouldn't have any Easter decorations. Nor would I be motivated to create any. But there is something about that store. And once I seen the cute wreaths, I knew I had to get in gear.

Yesterday was insanely busy! Add to that, my Dad was incredibly sick. Today he's not much better. But there seem to be a few hours, between "emergencies." Also, we are less busy. And my Mom can help much more.

So I thought I look around the internet for some inspiration. And I found just what I needed. You know, to get me motivated. And with some scraps of yarn, I'm well on my way, to making a fun Easter garland.

I'm using this bunny pattern. Making a few of these sweet little guys. They are super easy! And I slightly modified the pattern. I wanted bigger ears. And I wanted the bunny to look a little more "neat." The way the pattern is written, my bunny was a little on the "wonky" side!

Then I found this cute egg pattern. This is really helping me use up the scraps of yarn, that have been stacking up! I've got bits and pieces of so many colors! But I picked out 5 colors. And I think I'm going to make 2 eggs, with each color.

A few years ago, I made a cute Easter garland. It's back at my house. And I haven't been able to find the same patterns, that I had used. :( I know! It really is sad. One was an adorable chick! But I think this is going to look great!

And if I had more time on my hands, I would try something like this. :) I know for a fact, that my Mom has a ton of these plastic eggs. But you know, I'm just going to be happy on Monday, when I can take down the St. Patty's Day stuff, and add in some cute bunnies. I can't believe, Easter is almost here!!!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day

This has been a bit of a wild week. And it's ONLY Monday!!! Honestly, I just wish I had a day off of work. But medicine, music, and the "Holiday Season," aren't letting that happen. Not anytime soon, that is.

 

But we're not going to let that get us down. Nope! My Mom and I decided that we wanted to participate in Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. Since we were supposed to talk about this yesterday, and I didn't make it to our "Craft Fair," I was on my own.

 

I got to thinking. What are we enjoying at the moment? And what's a "hot" trend going on? Well, you can't go wrong with something for "baby." There are ALWAYS new babies! We are going to give away a copy of this book...

 

 

I first came across this book, at Wal-Mart. About 6 months ago. And I've made everything inside. More than 5 times! OK, so our family and friends, might have more babies than most. But you get my point. There is always a "demand" for baby items. For the price of 1 skein of yarn, and a button, you have a cute gift. A handmade gift! That just takes a day or so to make. :)

I might also have 2 other books from this series. A pack of crochet hooks. And a $50 gift card to JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby. The winners choice. We're feeling the "season" around here. And want to share something fun, with our readers. And visitors!!!

Now you ask, what do you have to do? Just leave us a comment. With your favorite Holiday Craft. Or Pinterest craft. Anyone else "in love" with Pinterest? Or is that just me? At work, I like to "steal" a few minutes, to look up crochet patterns, recipes, and holiday cheer!

Just leave us a comment. And you have until Friday, December 7th. Sew Mama Sew, says I have to close our giveaway by 5PM PST. So let's get those comments coming. Don't forget to checkout the other giveaways. And Good Luck everyone!!!

Nothing Says Summer Like...

To me, nothing says summer like s'mores. Nothing! It wasn't a "tradition" in my family. Nope! But when I was about 5, my grandparents moved to the mountains. It was heaven! For the entire family. Weekly, we'd go visit. I'd spend entire summers with them. And because my grandma LOVED to fish, many hours were spent at the lake.

We always had a little fire going, at sunset. My grandma would be making coffee, on the open fire. And I'd go find a stick. I'd sit there, roasting my 3 marshmallows. It was my perfect end, to all those perfect days. With my grandparents at the lake!

When I was in middle school, I started going to summer camp. For music. It wasn't all summer long. But it was glorious! This is where, I learned about s'mores. I know! I had a rough childhood. It took until I was 11 years old, to discover s'mores!!!

Well, I sorta kept my little secret, to myself. Until 4 or 5 years ago. I'd buy Hersey bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The beginning of summer heat, meant I needed these things! It was that one thing, I just loved to share with my Goddaughters. It didn't matter, that I had to use the BBQ grill to toast our marshmallows. :)

I also finally made my parents s'mores. I think it was 3 years ago. My Mom LOVED them! My Dad, I think he thought I was nuts. But I sat there, over the stove, toasting marshmallows. And we enjoyed our little treat.

Well, this week, I needed a bit of a "pick me up." I spent all day Monday, in the hospital. Dealing with some health issues. Things I'd been ignoring for far too long! And I'd been feeling bad. Not really wanting to do anything. Which isn't good, when you're getting paid, to make people happy. I'm telling you, in general, musicians are a happy bunch of people. But some days, that smile, is just another part of the costume...

So I was pleasantly surprised, when my friends had a fire going. And all the makings of s'mores. Yum! That smile, wasn't fake. And it's been plastered across my face, ever since. Yes, my friends now how, to cheer a girl up. :)

As my Goddaughters were so excited, covered in sticky, yummy goo, I got an idea. Can I turn s'mores into some amigurumi fun? I took to Google. And I came up with this picture...

So cute!!! But another broken link, when I tried to find the source. :( Have you seen this picture before? Or know where I can find the pattern? I searched Ana's blog. To me, these look a lot like her patterns. No luck! I searched Etsy, eBay, and Ravelry. No luck!

I think these will be perfect, for the itty bitties in my life. I just need to find the pattern. If you have any idea, where I can find this pattern, please leave me a comment. I'd really appreciate it. Oh, and don't forget to enter our giveaway!

Groundhog Day

On Monday, I was just not having the best of days. Sometimes, that just happens. And you have to deal with it. You know, life is not always about sunshine and puppy dog tails. Let me tell you, neither was Monday.

But I'm lucky. I have a wonderful group of friends. That surrounded me. Helped make Monday, a better day. Thank goodness for them! And as I was trying to wrap my head around the days activities, my friends made me a yummy dinner. My best friend suggested we watch Groundhog Day.

Where that came from, I'm not sure. But she pulled out a DVD. We settled in. With our yummy dinner, and enjoyed the movie. I'd never seen this movie. I don't know how that happened. But this was a nice way, to take my mind off of my troubles.

And the evening wasn't complete, without a little crafting. I started a new summer throw. Crochet. I'm in love with the colors of yarn. And I'm totally "winging" the pattern. I'm making it up as I go. So we shall see what happens! Either way, this is what I needed on Monday night. Oh, and don't forget to enter our giveaway. You have until Friday! :)