Year End Review of Pattern Released in 2015

2015 was a slow design year for me! I'd hoped to dive back into it after an even bigger break in 2014 but I just had a hard time focusing on business! It was a busy year for family and I was determined to make family and my health priority but 2016 is going to be full of changes and I think I'm ready to balance it all again! 
I even already have a collection with about 8-10 patterns I'm working on plus several other things lined up for you! SO EXCITED about all of it!! 

I thought I'd do a little look back at what I did design in 2015, just incase you are new or missed a release. I released 10 Free Patterns and 3 Patterns in my shops. 

1. Cross Your Heartland Headband
2. Calleigh Cloche
3. Sunrise Market Tote
4. Aubreigh Hat
5. Aubreigh Scarf
6. Poppy Nubbin' Washcloth
7. Thin Blue Line Beanie
8. Apple Headpiece for small dog, cats or stuffed animals 
9. Shark Headpiece for small dog, cats or stuffed animals 
10. Acorn Headpiece for small dog, cats or stuffed animals 
11. Firefighter Pants
12. Mermaid Princess Blanket
13. Orbital Poncho 

I hope you enjoy all these crochet patterns! I'm off to design more!! 

Be sure to check out 

Best Selling Crochet Patterns of 2015 

and 

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2015

Winter Slipper Snow Booties - Pattern Review

I love when I get to make something new and try out other patterns. I came across this designer that has some adorable designs for boys called One Paisley Pig . 

She has lots of great sets so check them out.

I had received a few orders to make these darling 

Winter Slipper Boots.

 I picked up all the sizes newborn to Adult sizes because I needed the two size patterns so why not add in the larger size too! Plus it's cheaper if you bundle them together!

I might have to make me a pair to keep my toes warm when we visit Colorado for Christmas! 

They got lots of snow the past few days where my parents live. 

I have to say the pattern was written well. These worked up perfect to the measurements. There are a few picture helps to guide you through some steps. I love that there are stitch counts at the ends of the rows/rounds. Thats important to me on booties as I need to make sure I get two perfectly the same. I used to have bootie making phobia! I love to make them now. 

They're so cute and tiny! 

When I did have a few questions the designer got right back to me. I know that is something I work really hard at and it's important to me. The hardest part was finding the D-rings so I asked her if she had any suggestions. She orders off Ebay.  None of my normal hobby shops had them in store, but I thankfully not only found some on Amazon. I got a good deal, in bulk, and they shipped to me with in two days (no I'm not a prime member) I just made sure they were shipping from within the USA. I ended up getting 100 for 7.99 shipped this was the 1/2 inch size.  

Anywhoo! Here are the three pairs I've made so far! I look forward to making more! 

If your crochet check out the pattern in ravelry from One Paisley Pig

Don't crochet? I'm happy to make you a pair. Here is the listing to purchase in Etsy!

Winter Slipper Boots

Yarn Talk Thursday: Knitting and Hearts

Well Hello! Have you missed me! Things have been far to quiet here on the blog and Facebook! This season has been an incredibly hard one for sickness! My dear kids got the flu & Strep so we battled that for a week and then they kindly shared there germs with me! I ended up with the Flu and upper respiratory infection the following week. Then a felt good for about a day. Then, I got a raging Sinus Infection! Ouch! Still dealing with that some this week but lets just say to many visits to urgent care for one month! I sure am looking forward to feeling happy and health again! 

All the sickness took away from crochet time and really the desire to even try! I have several designs in mind that I want to work on. It's so hard to choose where to start again! So since I don't have any thing new ready for you just yet I thought I would share a few projects that I hadn't had a chance to share yet! 

I've been playing around with knitting for a few years now. Finally started to catch on to it more within the last year! It was time to try something new! I found a fun free pattern for a knit/crochet slouch and I was immediately drawn to it! I don't know why I was so scared of cables! Honestly knitting cables is easer that crocheting them! I think it's just easier to see the stitches and they lay so perfectly in knitting! 

If you know me I love a good slouch hat! This one starts with a knitted brim and then the rest of the hat is worked in crochet rounds. Pretty simple and easy to adjust! I didn't really follow of slouch part directions of the pattern as I knew how I wanted it to lay from designing some of my own slouch patterns previously, (you can see that here)  but I did follow the brim directions exactly! 

Isn't this a pretty color too? I love my jewel tones! I used my favorite worsted weight yarn. Hobby Lobby's I Love this yarn in Antique Teal. 

I'm sure you'll want to make one too! Your in luck because it's a free pattern 

Dana Cable Slouch Hat by RAKJ Patterns

My next project was just for fun! My MIL saw these on pinterest and asked if I could make them! Of course I said! Any excuse to try a new pattern! I love this Graphing technic! It gives really clean lines and after making 10 graph hats right before this project for a large order using a different technic I think I'll try this next time instead! 

These are also a free pattern

Heart & Sole Slippers by My Hobby Is Crochet

I worked these up using The same hook suggested but wasn't sure what yarn to use as I don't really have any DK weight in my stash. I went with Vanna's Choice worsted weight and it worked up perfectly. I only use one skein for both slippers of the main color.  Now my MIL and I have small feet size 6 so you may need an extra skein :) 

I followed the pattern exactly but I did crochet pretty tightly to match gauge but I do that naturally. The only adjustments I made was to the length of foot portion by removing a few repeats and I just went by my foot for measuring! Following everything else it came out perfect!

These are so squishy and soft! I'm going to have to make me a pair to keep! Maybe in purple :) 

My Hobby is Crochet also just released these in a child size too! 

You might be able to whip up a pair for Valentines Day next week! 

So which on will you make? 

Zazzle Review and Giveaway!

I just discovered Zazzle!! They like to make your unique visions come to life! 

Did you know some of my favorite crochet buddies have some Zazzle swag! 

Check out the crochet and yarn goodness in storefronts 

by Moogly,  Repeat Crafter Me, Petals to Picots and Mobius Girl Design.

(had to get crochet in the post somehow right!) 

Are you a techy? Do you have to get the latest gadgets? I'm not! LOL. 

However I'm so super thankful for them because I can get my work done from virtually anywhere! My hubby however is an Apple fanatic so of course he recently upgraded to the iPhone 6 Plus. Yikes I have to say that is a big phone. Finding just the right case for these new iphones isn't always easy especially if you are picky, but we recently discovered this awesome site called Zazzle where you can choose from 100s of unique quality case or even more fun a custom case. 

Since the case was going to be hubby's phone I let him pick one out. 

Now there is a story behind this case. He used to ref roller derby and they are called 

zebras so he picked out this silly case just for fun! 

This is an iPhone 6 plus Case-mate tough case. The phone fit perfectly in the case which has a hard sturdy shell but also has a soft shock absorbent liner! My hubby has broken a few iPhones so durability is important. You can also purchase a barely there case for a few bucks less if you do not want it so "tough".  The case is perfectly cut so you can get to all your sensors, ports and controls. The case is not super heavy and does not seem to add to much weight or bulk to the phone. The rubber liner gives a nice grip around the phone so it is not super slick. It is also raised a bit so your screen does not hit directly on surfaces to help prevent scratching.

The printed image is great. Not smeary and does not scratch off. The picture clear with vibrant color and trendy! The case it self has a glossy finish. 

The cases ship super fast and are printed in the USA! The price is worth the great customization options! Zazzle is always having great sales too. So be sure to see what sales they have going on so you can get savings! 

I wanted to customize a cool yarn or crochet related case! Which you can do! It is super easy to add a picture or your own text. You can view it as you create it! No surprises here. Maybe I will design a special case with my logo or business card info on it! Makes it great for designing marketing products! 

Want a chance to win $25.00 credit 

towards your next purchase!! 

Just vist on over to Zazzle look through the cases and let me know which one you would choose or maybe tell me how you would customize one!

Just leave a comment on the blog with your full name! 

This Giveaway will end Wed Oct 1, 2014 Midnight Central! 

Winner will be posted on this post on Thursday Oct 2nd! 

Please Note: This is a sponsored post and does contain affiliate links. 

Thursday Yarn Talk - Offshore Beanie

Offshore Beanie Review! 

I looove Playin' Hooky Designs! I found Liz back when I first started on Etsy in a Crochet Etsy Team. I don't know her personally but I sure would like to meet her some day. If I would have planned ahead this summer while in Colorado I could have! We visited the same yarn shop!! LOL. She is a great designer and super unique. I probably have about 10 of her patterns and I like them all!  

The Offshore Beanie popped up in my news feed and my hubby saw it! He's like " You need that pattern! Can you make it for me?" Me - "of course I can!" I don't need an excuse to try a new pattern. 

So I gladly made the purchase. I was excited because the stitching looked fun and unique. The hardest part was just picking out the colors. I went with Vanna's Choice because no matter what the colors always work together and I have ton of it. I picked some darker "manly" shades and I like how it came out! Hubby loves his new hat but he doesn't like to do pics so I'll be your model today :) 

The pattern is well written. Lots of pics, stitch explanations and tutorials to help you through. It also has an option for a slouch or beanie. I love slouchy!! 

It's not as complicated as it might look. It was simple and worked up fairly quickly too. 

You can find it in Adult size & Kids size. 

If you like the stitch then you may want to check out the darling leg warmers and dress too!  

So check out her designs! You will love them all! 

Side Note: 

Yes I know it's Friday! I've been working hard on trying to blog at least two days a week since school started but yesterday I blogged about my new pattern release and kinda forgot it was Thursday!

 Did you see it? If not click here. If you tried to use the coupon link yesterday and it didn't work. I didn't realize I had the wrong link soooo. It's working now!

 Thanks for everyone that has picked it up so far! 

Thursday Yarn Talk - Unforgettable

I love trying new yarns. I've seen lots of gorgeous projects lately using Red Heart Boutique's Unforgettable. The colors are lovely. I was drawn to the Fall colors of the color way Sunrise with it's Jewel toned brown, oranges, reds and deep blues. The yarn is soft and silky feeling even though it's just acrylic. 

I had a pattern I wanted to make. I recieved it at when I went to my local yarn shop for a knit/crochet in night. Someone won a kit but she didn't crochet so she kept the yarn and gave me the pattern. You are in luck though because I found it on Raverly and it's a free pattern.  It's called the 

Cloudgate Cowl. It's a freebie from Cascade yarns.  

I love the texture of the stitching and the fun ripple. The colors just pop with it! It's a cozy little cowl and doesn't take to much time to work up! The pattern was great. I just would have preferred stitch counts on the rows but once I got it figured out then it was all good. Some times with the ripple stitch it's easy to miss or get and extra stitch and I had to frog several rows because I messed up. It's happens.  It's worked flat, back and forth and then you sew it together for the cowl. I think you could easily make it with a chunky yarn for a nice thick warm cowl and it would still come out a good size! I think I shall try that next! 

What do you think of this yarn? Have you made a project with it? 

Drops Waistcoat Pattern Review

This summer I came across a lovely crochet pattern from Drops. They have 100s of free patterns in lots of languages so it's a really great resource. The Pattern is called simply Waistcoat Pattern. 

I wanted a new top to wear over some of my Sunday dresses.  I was drawn to some extra skeins I had of Red Heart Shimmer in Black. I liked this yarn for this project because I was able to match gauge with it and it was sparkly. Its kind of hard to see that in the pics though. It's not heavy and drapes well. I don't completely remember but I took about 3 skeins. If you make one I would reccommend a light worsted yarn. I think regular worsted could work but you might need to crochet tighter. 

I made the XL but as some of you know I've been loosing weight so it's a little big in the back portion. I wished I taken out a few rows but I was afraid it would be to small. I think I'll make a few adjustments to my finished product for a better fit and maybe a lacy cuff sleeve, but over all I'm happy with how it turned out. 

FYI- It is hard to take pics of yourself :) LOL! I used the video function on my iPhone and then did screen shots so these aren't the best pics, but I really wanted to show it to you on. 

Would you make one? What do you think? Have you made any Drop Designs? 

Pattern Review: Ups and Downs Slouch by Moogly

I follow a lot of crochet designers. I see lots of fabulous patterns in my Facebook feed but every so often I see one that I have to drop everything and make it right away! I loooove slouchy's! I have a ton and written several patterns myself but this one was unique and I just had to make it! 

This slouch is called the Ups and Downs Slouch by Moogly! I've made many Moogly patterns and I'm never disappointed. The pattern is well written and there are lots of pics and links to help you with it along the way! What I loved about this pattern is I learned a new braided look technic. I love learning new things! 

Now the hard part was picking out what yarn to use! I'd recently picked up a few skeins of this amazingly soft yarn called Berrcco Comfort. It's pricier that I usually pay but this blue shade called my name. 

I have a smaller head so I made the Medium but, even though I checked my gauge I think that I pulled a little tight (as I usually do and I was excited about the hat) It fits but the yarn itself doesn't have a lot of stretch so while it fits, it is a beanie style. I still love it and added these fun leopard buttons!  I tried to get my little Calleigh to model it as it fits as a slouchy on her but she didn't want blue. She wanted purple! 

So 2nd attempt I knew I needed purple!! I went with Vanna's Choice Twists in Plum Jam. 

I made the large and it's perfect! I love this yarn and and fit and the whole design. This will be my morning school bus stop hat once it's not like 100 degrees. fall and winter coming soon??? I love fall! 

I decided to just use one button instead of two on this one. 

Thank you Moogly for another great pattern! I would totally suggest you make this hat! 

Moroccan Cowl Crochet Pattern by Moogly Review

I've been following the Moogly blog for awhile now. She has some really great crochet designs, tutorials and more. I've learned a lot of unique technics that I love! 

She recently posted the Moroccan Midnight Cowl and I knew I had to make it! I just happened to have a skien of Boutique Midnight on hand. So I decided to make it! It was a very well written pattern and comes out lovely! So many photos and videos to help you along the way so you don't get stuck. I confused myself at first but it's was just me and it was late.  

I love the peeks of sparkle and the size it just right! I used the color way Moonlight and I Love This Yarn in Antique teal. The blue hues don't pop as much as the more colorful skeins so I just might have to make another! I like the warmer jewel tones and pops of color changes without much work . 

She also just posted a hat to match! So go make yourself an awesome set! 

Twisted Knit Project

Sometimes you just need to switch it up! I don't knit often. I forced myself to learn more about it last year. I had tried it several times before but it just wasn't clicking for me! One day last year when I came across the Fiber Flux blog and it really excited me. She has some simple clear videos and instructions that it all finally came together for me. I've only competed a couple knit project because they do take awhile but it's fun to try new things outside my crochet box! 

I kept seeing these fun twisted head wraps and I thought a knit one would be simple enough. I went in search of a pattern on Ravelry. I found this freebie : Twistin the Night Away. 

I started it Saturday night and finished it Sunday afternoon. I'm a slow knitter LOL! I loved this project because it was using chunky yarn! I don't have a large knitting needle stash like my crochet hooks.  So I used my 11- 8mm DNP's and adjusted the pattern as I went which is very easy to do with this pattern. I'm going to attempt some more of these soon. My Calleigh said "mom I need one in blue next please" so I'll work on a child size, which will work up faster! 

Don't you just love this color! The yarn is Michaels Brand Loops and Threads Cozy Wool in Spearmint.

I didn't realize till I was finished that there is a video too and lots of pics. So if you try the pattern or just want to learn to knit this could be a good project for a brave beginner. 

Do you just crochet or do you have another craft you enjoy too? 

Current Projects and Crochet Cables

I've been obsessed with crochet cables lately! I've been able to test some fun patterns and been inspired to maybe try some of my own cable ideas eventually but I have no idea when! So many ideas and so very little time. Here are a few great cable projects I've done in the past few weeks. 

My friend Rachel over at Silly Stitches wrote this really awesome pattern for a cabled cowl 

called the Myrna Cowl. 

The pattern even includes directions for a cozy, furry lining. This is super warm and fun to make! I made this with Lion Brand Tweed stripes and just looove the way the colors worked up.  

If you love this as much as I did! Then your in luck because she is having a 20% off sale in her 

Etsy Shop Items and Patterns this weekend! Just use the code: 20percentssale

You can see her other two amazing cable patterns I've made here

Cables Button Slouch and Mitts

With all the fun inspiration of cables I'd had, I decided to try my hand at this 

"It's a Hoot Beanie" again. 

I'd made this one around Christmas 2012. It came out smaller than anticipated so it was perfect for Calleigh. I just added a fuzzy trim and big ol' pom pom for fun.  

I've been loving Lion Brand Heartland so I thought I'd try to make a cabled Owl slouch, but I ran out of yarn! I'll have to grab another skien to add a brim to make it slouch more. I also would recommend  doing the owl cable hat in light or brighter colors. I was excited for this charcoal color but you can't really tell the owls are there very well. They just don't pop. I like the way this one turned out but I still have some finishing details I'd like to add. 

Have you tried crochet cables? What did you make? 

Knitter's Pride Waves Crochet Hooks Review

If you don't already know I love working with large hooks and chunky yarn! I like fast projects that work up in a pinch! Normally when you shop for crochet hooks in larger sizes, say anything above K (6.00mm) you'll find plastic hooks! I cannot stand plastic. I have a set of Glitter plastic hooks and while they look pretty I don't like working with them. I didn't find much success finding aluminum hooks in the larger sizes until I got a recommendations from a friend a few months back! 

I'd heard of Knitter's Pride Knitting Needles but didn't realize they had hooks too! I was thrilled that they had hooks up to size 12.00 all Aluminum. 

They are priced amazingly at $3.49-$4.59. Under $5.00 a hook for larger hooks! That's good in my book! You can find these in the Webs Online Store.  I purchased K, L, M, N, & 12.00mm  the shipping wasn't bad either and they came in the mail quickly.

The handles are comfy and grippy! The shaft seems short from the hook to handle but doesn't really bother me. It was just different for me at 1st. The head is tapered and shaped more like Boye hooks (my preference) If you are a Bates hook lover you may not like these. I've crochet several items with these hooks already and I did't notice anything strange with gauge being off. 

 I would highly recommend these! 

My favorite hooks by far are still Tulip Emito hooks! I have the whole set just wish they made bigger than a J Hook. I actually have the Silver Set but I really want this Rose set! So pretty! Not that I need it I just um...need it! LOL.

What's your favorite type of hook? 

You can read more awesome crochet hook comparison facts on Crochet Cabana. 

Summer CAL - Crochet Scalloped Top - Finishing

I've been so excited with how many of you have joined in the crochet along! I've seen some great work and can't wait to see your finished tops in the coming week!

This week we'll be putting our Fronts and Backs together. Joining the sides and shoulders.

There are many methods to join. I don't like sewing a long piece of yarn so I opted to sl st up the sides (right sides together, so the stitch doesn't show).

Make sure you line up good. It's probably important that you have the same amount of rows on the front and back. I loosened my gauge up some on the front and I ended up with one less row but it worked out fine just had to make a few adjustment while joining the sides. (you can't tell) :)

When joining the shoulders I found that the yardage it had me cut while still attached, wasn't enough.
 I ended up fastening off the 3 yards, re-attached and went from there.

I had a few questions on the joining of the shoulders. You will be working back and forth from the top of the shoulders so that they are open is places. Here is a picture of mine and I'll try to help guide you through it. I wish I took step by steps here but alas my top is finished!

This shows how you work back and forth from the scallops. Don't forget you'll continue the same pattern repeats between these. 

Close up of how to work back and forth from a scallop! 

When you are all finished with your top I want to see pics or better yet I made a video and got my mom  to do it too! Don't be camera shy! 

I did a video because well have you ever tried to take a picture of yourself. It's really hard! I even tried using my bathroom mirror refection but I wasn't happy. Here is one my attempts. 

(ewe! Should have cleaned the mirror first! LOL)

I wanted to give you a little review and a full 360 view of my top in action. To prove it actually fit and that I really like it! Plus you can get to know me a little bit more :) I hope I get to meet you too!

So without further ado here is my finished Crochet Scalloped Top!

Enjoy! 

Don't forget to show me yours! It if you behind no worries! Just pick up your hook and keep going! I think you'll be happy you did! 

Learning to Knook

Have you ever heard of a knook? 

It's pretty new in the last few years I think. I've wanted to try it but I didn't hear great things about it. It's like knitting with a crochet hook. My friend Nicole over at Boomer Beanies said I needed to try it and leant me her J Hook one :) She knows I like bigger sizes hooks! 

So I had to try it. She showed me a few things but I didn't do it right away so I just looked online for tutorials. There aren't many but the best I found are on the Leisure Arts Website and found some great videos to help you learn. I quickly learned how to knit and purl with the hook. I didn't really have a pattern so I just decided to make up one as I went and made this fun, & bright beanie with some lovely yarn I got at Hobby Lobby. 

I like the end result and I love my hat but I hate knoocking! LOL!  It took my a week to finish it in between orders and other daily tasks. It was slow and since I taught myself to knit in the past few months, I think I could have whipped it up faster on my circular needles. It was fun to try something new though! Have you tried to knoock? Did you like it? Share some comments below! I'd love to know what you think!!