CAL #1: Sweet November Shawl

Happy Friday! And happy CAL#1 of 2018!!! I'm so excited to start the year, with our CALs. 

I got a bunch of emails and PMs, via Facebook. Regarding the speed of our CAL. So I'm going to make a few adjustments. And we'll work this shawl, in 2 weeks. Instead of 3. 

First up, our supplies. I've made this a million times. To be honest, this week I've made 3. One to get pictures of. The other 2, because I'm starting to stock pile our stash. :) 

You will need a size J crochet hook. For the life of me, I could not find mine. So I did what any other crafter would do. I dug in my stash, for 3 hours. Gave up. And pulled out a K. To be honest, I liked it more. I also found that I needed about 8 oz of yarn, to complete this project. 

I used this Mainstays yarn. And I also used some Big Twist. Both required just over a skein of yarn. Where exactly did I run out? Putting fringe on the last third of the shawl. Two quick things. I used a slightly larger hook. And instead of putting 2 strands of yarn, for the fringe...I put 3. Oh, I also added another row. I have this weird thing about the way this pattern ends. So I work 45 rows..instead of the 44 that it calls for. 

If you follow the pattern, and have a similar gauge, to the pattern...I'd say one 7oz skein will be more than enough. I'm always cautious...and buy 2 skeins. You just never know!

As far as the pattern, this week we are working rows 1-25. And before anyone gets too nervous about the pattern...let me say something. It's basically a double crochet, chain 1, all the way across. You work in the chain 1 spaces. And at either end, you make an increase. Simple. The wording of the pattern can be a little tricky. But it really is easy! 

This was my Sweet November Shawl. Rows 1-25 done. I sat and worked on this, during A Hallmark movie. If I'm not mistaken, it took me about 30-45 minutes. I'm not sure. I had the entire SNS worked, with fringe, by the end of the movie. It really does work up fast!

Lastly, don't forget about our Facebook CAL Group. If you have questions, and are on FB, go there. It will be faster for me to answer. And I encourage everyone to post pictures of their work. Happy Friday!!! 💕

Sweet November Shawl

Happy 2018! I hope everyone had a fun and safe night. My Mom and I went out for dinner and ice cream. Then spent the night watching movies and crocheting. Y'all everyone but me, was asleep by 9PM. I managed to finish a couple of more hats!

But we're not here to discuss that. Not today. We're here to talk about CAL #1! The Sweet November Shawl. As I hinted to yesterday, I've made this a bunch of times! Like a ton. I've never once sold them. Just made them for my friends and family. But I thought it would be a fun project to begin 2018 with.

I don't know about you. But here it has been unseasonably warm. Like 15 degrees warmer than normal. That might be, why I never got into the holiday spirit this year. But I haven't wanted to tackle a ton of wintery projects. This is something, that you can use 3 seasons a year. And it works up so fast!

Here's a couple of things. I always use Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn. I buy 2 skeins. I never use more than 7 oz. It just depends on how large you want to make this. I also like to lean on the side of having more yarn...and not running around trying to find the same color to finish up a project. If you are using a varigated yarn, remember there is always less yarn in these skeins. But I always buy 2 skeins. Because Hobby Lobby is on the other side of town. And I'm generally finishing a project last minute...in the middle of the night.

Once I made this, using Red Heart Super Saver. It doesn't really change a whole lot. I think I used slightly more than 1 skein. And the shawl/scarf laid a little differently. It was a bit more bulky and stiff. Something maybe you'd wear in Winter. But not Spring.

I can make one, in a sitting. Put on a good movie or two, and let me work. It ALWAYS takes more time to cut and attach the fringe...than making the shawl. ALWAYS!!! But I want to take it easy on everyone. I think we are all still recovering from the holidays. So we'll take 3 weeks to make this project.

Friday we'll begin. With rows 1-20. We'll work this section from January 5th-11th. Until then, print the pattern and get your yarn. I think I'm going to try something new. I bought some Big Twist at JoAnns. During the crazy yarn sale this week. I'm going to make it in a dusty pink. See you Friday!!! 💕

New For 2018

Hi guys! I hope everyone had a good Christmas. And has a safe New Year's. Me? I've been buried in crochet orders. My Mom and I have managed a little Christmas fun, with our friends. And some quality time with my grandma.

But I've been thinking about so much for this year! beginning with our CALs. One of my favorite things. And about getting a bit more organized. Also, having a place for people to reach out, and chat a bit. So I'm starting some Facebook groups.

For those of you that participate in our local Learn to Crochet classes...we've got a group. I know it can be difficult, when we only meet once a month. So I thought this would help a bit. I think it will help me as well. I get a lot of the same questions. And I just feel like, this will be an easier way, to communicate with everyone.

For our customers and fans, I've also started a group for you. A place where I can let you know where we will be selling. Maybe show some of the items we are working on. Be more interactive with our customers.

Lastly, I started a group for our CALs. This group, should be the most fun. A place to interact while we make things. And speaking of CALs, I've already picked the first 7 for the year! Of course, I'm using free patterns. With one exception. For the first time ever, you'll have to purchase one pattern. I think it is for $5.

Here's a quick look of our Two Crafty Hearts 2018 CALs...

This is one of my favorite, go-to gifts. I think all of my girlfriends, my Momma, and a few church ladies have all been gifted this Sweet November Shawl. It works up so fast. And darn, I can't find any of my pictures. But it is a beauty!

This sweater...I fell in love with it! The moment I saw it. This is the one CAL, that you will need to purchase the pattern for. But I think it is well worth it!

I'm always wanting to make blankets. I find it a little difficult to stay motivated. You know, past a baby blanket. So I think this shall be fun. And a ripple. I do love the look of a ripple. Although, I think I've only ever made 3 in my life!

I came across this Hopscotch baby blanket on Facebook. I saved the picture to my phone...but not the link. And it took me a while to find this. Once I knew what the pattern was called, it was no problem!

I just like the look of this blanket. A little vintage. A nod to the Call the Midwife blanket, that was so popular a year ago. Something that I can imagine my great-grandma creating.

I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with monkeys. I don't know what it is. When I saw this, I wanted to make it immediately! It really is cute. :) But the pattern is only for the applique. For our CAL, I want to include a Granny Square blanket as well.

I've also been quite obsessed with amigurumi food lately. I think it is always a good thing, to throw in a quick CAL. You know, after making a blanket. Or something large.

Lastly, I picked a dog. Why? It's the Year of the Dog! And let me tell you, it took me a looong while to pick a pattern. All the ones I wanted to make, required you to buy a pattern. But I was really set on making a dog.

As always, I'm open to your suggestions. What would you like to see? As far as CALs go, I try to stay with free patterns. I try to have a variety of projects and skill level. But if there is a pattern that you are interested in...please let me know!

Come back tomorrow, and I'll let you know what CAL #1 is. I'll be posting the pattern link and materials needed. On Fridays, I'll be posting our goal for the week. I think it will be better than Sundays. See you tomorrow! 💕

Dia de los Muertos Crochet

It's that time of year! You know, the temps are changing. Fall begins this month! And although I wear and think about skulls all year long...this is when I start pulling everything out!

So I started going through our stash. I tend to take all of our Seasonal stuff, out of our regular containers. You know, I don't want to be hauling Santa to the Grower's Market in June. And then, when we get closer to that season, I add them to our stash.

I didn't find anything! Not a thing! Not a scarf, a skull, or a marigold. What?!?!?! Then I remembered. I took them with us, to one of our Holiday Craft Shows last year. And sold them! Every single one!

I can't even find the pictures from last year. So what am I to do? You know, I don't go off of patterns either. So I started a Google search. And came up, with so many fun projects. So many...that there will be a few posts...

I'm still on the fence, about being in the parade this year. My family gets all into it. And if it was something I knew right this second, I'd make this for me. I still might make this headpiece. I like the look. And no matter what, I'll at least paint my face. Dressing up, is 95% of the fun!

And isn't this the cutest little thing? I would LOVE to make a bunch, for the Muertos y Marigolds event. In lots of bright colors of course!

This sombrero, immediately made me think of my Compadre! He would have me make him this. And we'd sport our looks, to our Goddaughter's birthday party. Because that's how we roll!

I had just been talking to my Mom about this idea. I make a ton of animal hats. And thought something like this, would be a fun addition. Honestly, I'm going to get started on these bad boys, right away!

Last year, I made a bunch of similar scarves. All colors! They were such a good seller. And this hat, I've honestly wanted to make something similar for years. I need to get started!

This hat is another fun and simple twist...on skulls. Something fun for the kiddos. I really enjoy this look. And can manage to make a bunch...in just a short amount of time. 

Then I started thinking about marigolds. And did a quick search. Because you can't have Dia de los Muertos...without marigolds!

These baby sandals are so cute! I want to make them all year! Not just for Dia de los Muertos. 

Twinkie Chan ALWAYS has fun ideas. And this shawl, is a play on marigolds. I think this would be a fun item. You know, it's usually cool...if not cold...during the festivities. 

And where there are celebrations...I have to have buntings of some sort! I came across this marigold bunting. And just fell in love!

How about a more open marigold? This is so pretty! And I think it would make a GREAT addition to any alter or area setup, for Dia de los Muertos.

And when we talk about Dia de los Muertos...we must include Santos! I've saved quite a few pictures over the years. And I'm still on the fence. I think I never want to make something look odd. I want it to represent the Santo well. But I'm feeling like I must dive in, head first!

Here are just a few ideas, I have floating around. I've been wanting to make a bunch of more "culture rich" items for a while. To have on a regular basis. Not just trendy stuff. So I think this is a good start. Dia de los Muertos is just 2 months away!!!