I can't get enough of this yarn!
Cindy
Showing posts with label yarn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yarn. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2016
My Favorite Yarn
I love Bernat Baby Blanket yarn. It is my favorite yarn - thick and soft like chenille. I've made lots of baby blankets that I've given away or sold in my Etsy store. (I have a few available right now ;) It comes in lots of variegated colors for babies, and best of all, it now comes in grown up colors! I could go on writing about it, but it's so much easier to show some of things I've made with this yarn:
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
STG Top 5 Kid Crafts
Creativity in kids should always have an outlet and my daughter is the original Craft Diva. Unfortunately, as she gets older, she's less interested in crafting although she is still really creative. Today I'm reliving the best Craft Diva crafts for kids. These are easy to do and your kids will be proud of the results. Click on the title to see the original post with detailed instructions.
1. Origami Ninja Stars - This has to be one of the most popular posts I ever wrote. This is a craft Kenzie found on her own and her instructions are very simple because we managed to take some good pictures. Use multicolored copier weight paper for the best results.
2. Corn Syrup Painting - This is definitely one of my favorites. You need to use a heavy sketch book paper for this one because the "paint" is heavy and thick. You will love the shiny smooth effect you get using the paint, but don't forget - it needs lots of time to dry!
3. Yarn Mache Bowls - These are messy, but even the youngest kids can do this craft (once you make the paste). This is a great way to get rid of yarn stashes and your child will like having a functional bowl for small items.
4. Tie Dye with Acrylic Paint - This is an easy tie-dye you can do with acrylic paints. Great instructions that are easy to do, even with small kids. It especially works well as an outdoor craft to avoid messy clean up.
5. Melted Crayon Drawing - We saw this craft many times before we did it, so it wasn't too hard to do. We were going with a slightly sophisticated product with a black canvas and black paper wrapped crayons from Michaels. It's a little tricky to do it in a circular pattern like we did, so you might want to stick to the horizontal version. Also, be careful with those hot glue guns, hair dryers and melted wax crayons with little ones.
So that's it! While I've been writing this, my now-12-year-old Craft Diva noticed the post and commented that she wants to do more crafting. We'll see, but if she does, you will see it right here.
Keep those kids crafty!
cindy
1. Origami Ninja Stars - This has to be one of the most popular posts I ever wrote. This is a craft Kenzie found on her own and her instructions are very simple because we managed to take some good pictures. Use multicolored copier weight paper for the best results.
2. Corn Syrup Painting - This is definitely one of my favorites. You need to use a heavy sketch book paper for this one because the "paint" is heavy and thick. You will love the shiny smooth effect you get using the paint, but don't forget - it needs lots of time to dry!
3. Yarn Mache Bowls - These are messy, but even the youngest kids can do this craft (once you make the paste). This is a great way to get rid of yarn stashes and your child will like having a functional bowl for small items.
4. Tie Dye with Acrylic Paint - This is an easy tie-dye you can do with acrylic paints. Great instructions that are easy to do, even with small kids. It especially works well as an outdoor craft to avoid messy clean up.
5. Melted Crayon Drawing - We saw this craft many times before we did it, so it wasn't too hard to do. We were going with a slightly sophisticated product with a black canvas and black paper wrapped crayons from Michaels. It's a little tricky to do it in a circular pattern like we did, so you might want to stick to the horizontal version. Also, be careful with those hot glue guns, hair dryers and melted wax crayons with little ones.
So that's it! While I've been writing this, my now-12-year-old Craft Diva noticed the post and commented that she wants to do more crafting. We'll see, but if she does, you will see it right here.
Keep those kids crafty!
cindy
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Delicate Pastel Shells Afghan
I've been working on clearing all the baby yarn I was given and having a lot of fun with it. I'm pretty proud of this one. It's really delicate and soft.
I used 1 skein of Bernat Baby Coordinates in each color: white (Color A), pink (Color B) and mint green (Color C). I used a size G hook and the pattern was a Catherine Wheel. I'm pretty pleased with this one. If you like this one, you can buy the finished product or an electronic version of this pattern in my Etsy store.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Stash Buster Challenge - Thick & Cuddly Baby Blanket
In April I joined the Stash Buster Challenge to get rid of a stash of baby yarn I have.
If you read Straddling the Gap you also know I absolutely love Bernat Baby Blanket yarn. Evidently others do too, because it has been popular in my Etsy store. A little while back I started using a new pattern with my favorite yarn. I'm not sure what to call the pattern, but it does make a thicker (and thus more cuddly) weave, so I'm going with the name "Thick and Cuddly Baby Blanket." (Note - if you have a stash that includes the old version of Bernat Baby Blanket yarn - it won't be very thick or feel like chenille - you need the newer version that does.)
It's one of the easiest stitches to do. I used a size N hook, but depending on how tight you want to make the weave, you can use as small as a K. I used 1 1/2 skeins of 10.5 ounce size. (Yes, this is a pig on yarn, so plan accordingly). To make a blanket about 33" inches square, you start off with chain 53. (It's 2 + 1 regardless of the size you want.) Row 1: Make a double crochet in the third hook from the last chain and double crochet all the way across. Chain two. Row 2: Make a single crochet on the second chain from the hook. Yo and run the hook behind the post immediately below, yo where your hook comes out on the left side of the post and pull back up.
You will now have three chains on the hook - just like a regular double crochet. Yo and pull through two chains and then yo again to pull through the remaining two chains. Then continue in that pattern - single crochet and double crochet behind the post below. It will look something like this (this picture shows the stitch a bit sideways):
If you read Straddling the Gap you also know I absolutely love Bernat Baby Blanket yarn. Evidently others do too, because it has been popular in my Etsy store. A little while back I started using a new pattern with my favorite yarn. I'm not sure what to call the pattern, but it does make a thicker (and thus more cuddly) weave, so I'm going with the name "Thick and Cuddly Baby Blanket." (Note - if you have a stash that includes the old version of Bernat Baby Blanket yarn - it won't be very thick or feel like chenille - you need the newer version that does.)
It's one of the easiest stitches to do. I used a size N hook, but depending on how tight you want to make the weave, you can use as small as a K. I used 1 1/2 skeins of 10.5 ounce size. (Yes, this is a pig on yarn, so plan accordingly). To make a blanket about 33" inches square, you start off with chain 53. (It's 2 + 1 regardless of the size you want.) Row 1: Make a double crochet in the third hook from the last chain and double crochet all the way across. Chain two. Row 2: Make a single crochet on the second chain from the hook. Yo and run the hook behind the post immediately below, yo where your hook comes out on the left side of the post and pull back up.
You will now have three chains on the hook - just like a regular double crochet. Yo and pull through two chains and then yo again to pull through the remaining two chains. Then continue in that pattern - single crochet and double crochet behind the post below. It will look something like this (this picture shows the stitch a bit sideways):
Continue across Row 2. You should end with a single crochet. Chain 3.
Row 3 is another row of double crochet. Chain 2. Continue with Rows 2 and 3 until you get the desired length. Make sure you keep those special posts lined up with the ones below. That's probably the hardest part, but generally this is a very easy blanket to make. The look of this is great because one side has these ridged posts and the other has almost a basket weave look.
If you want to do a single crochet border, that's great, or any other border you would like. I wouldn't get too fancy because this is very thick yarn and by this point you've probably used more yarn that you would like. However, you will love the results - a thick and very soft blanket. I hope you love it as much as I do!
cindy
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Bernat Baby Yarn
I've been doing a lot of crocheting lately and making a lot of baby blankets. They are selling pretty well in my Etsy store, Pretty Pretty Cindy, and it doesn't hurt that I need so many baby gifts. The best part of is I get to use my favorite yarn, Bernat Baby Blanket. If you crochet or knit and haven't seen this yarn, you are really missing something.
This yarn is thick and the absolute softest yarn ever. It feels like chenille and babies love it. I had one customer whose baby liked it so much, she ordered a second one for day care. It's a joy to work with.
I like the color of this blanket - it's called Pitter Patter. It's a very popular color and sells well. I haven't used the pink/orange color yet, but it's my favorite. It's called Peachy. There are also solid colors that are great compliments to the multi-color. My most recent blanket was for a boy:
Isn't that cute? As you can tell, I'm pretty proud of this work. I'm definitely going to keep using Bernat Baby Yarn. Watch for more coming soon.
cindy
Friday, March 1, 2013
Crochet Stash Buster Challenge
In addition to my crazy fabric stash, I have a healthy stash of yarn for crochet projects. Like the fabric, I keep telling myself that I won't buy any more yarn until what I have gets used up. Funny thing, I swear that yarn keeps multiplying because I keep seeing more bags from JoAnn and Michaels.
I recently found Linda's Crafty Corner and she (and many of her readers) are participating in a Stash Buster Challenge 2013. The idea is pretty simple - sign up with her and commit to working through your stash during the year. There are a lot of people already participating, and I am late to the game, as it started in January. You start with a picture of the part of the stash you want to use. You take a picture of that portion of your stash and work on getting rid of it (through projects, not Goodwill :). After you complete a project, you link back up with her and she will feature it on her blog.
If you are interested in playing along, click on the picture below. It will also appear in my sidebar during 2013 if you want to keep visiting. As a bonus, Linda will follow your blog and put your blog button on her sidebar.
To get started, here is the stash I want to use. As you can see, it's basically baby yarns in pastel colors. I only put a sample of the yarns on the table to photograph; I have more skeins of each of these yarns. I'm not exactly sure what I will be making, but it obviously will be for babies. I hope to get my projects into my Etsy store, Pretty Pretty Cindy.
I recently found Linda's Crafty Corner and she (and many of her readers) are participating in a Stash Buster Challenge 2013. The idea is pretty simple - sign up with her and commit to working through your stash during the year. There are a lot of people already participating, and I am late to the game, as it started in January. You start with a picture of the part of the stash you want to use. You take a picture of that portion of your stash and work on getting rid of it (through projects, not Goodwill :). After you complete a project, you link back up with her and she will feature it on her blog.
If you are interested in playing along, click on the picture below. It will also appear in my sidebar during 2013 if you want to keep visiting. As a bonus, Linda will follow your blog and put your blog button on her sidebar.
To get started, here is the stash I want to use. As you can see, it's basically baby yarns in pastel colors. I only put a sample of the yarns on the table to photograph; I have more skeins of each of these yarns. I'm not exactly sure what I will be making, but it obviously will be for babies. I hope to get my projects into my Etsy store, Pretty Pretty Cindy.
Hopefully, I can wear down my entire stash through the year (ha ha, if you believe that). I do expect to get on to other portions of my stash so I'm not making baby stuff all year long.
cindy
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Fun Fur Scarf
O.K., this is getting to be the longest "Scarf Week" ever. Finally, I have another scarf to show you.
This is a fairly easy scarf to make, especially if you already know how to crochet. I made this with Red Heart Super Saver in gray and Moda Dea Espress (fun fur) in a variegated gray/black/white. I used a size I hook and about 1 skein of each yarn for this scarf.
In crocheting this scarf, you will use both strands of yarn simultaneously. It can take a while to work, mostly because the fun fur can be tricky. But the effect looks very fancy and the level of crochet technique is pretty easy.
This scarf was made in rows of 14 triple crochet. The initial chain should be 17 loops and after turning, the first triple crochet will be in the third chain. There is no gauge (my favorite), but you do have to count. Using both yarns makes it easy to miss stitches. Make the scarf as long or wide as you want - no right or wrong.
Because this is such an easy scarf to make, here is how to make a triple crochet. The pictures below show the gray yarn without the fun fur because it's easier to see.
Chain the number of loops you want + 3.
Yarn over twice and insert hook through third chain.
You should now have four loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have three loops on the chain.
Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have two loops left on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. A triple crochet looks like this:
I've been wearing a scarf like this for over two years and it holds up really well. You'll get lots of nice comments, especially because it looks so fancy. You can change the weight of the scarf by using a lighter weight yarn, so the scarf works even in the spring. Whether you are making one of these scarves for yourself or for someone else, you'll love how these look.
cindy
This is a fairly easy scarf to make, especially if you already know how to crochet. I made this with Red Heart Super Saver in gray and Moda Dea Espress (fun fur) in a variegated gray/black/white. I used a size I hook and about 1 skein of each yarn for this scarf.
In crocheting this scarf, you will use both strands of yarn simultaneously. It can take a while to work, mostly because the fun fur can be tricky. But the effect looks very fancy and the level of crochet technique is pretty easy.
This scarf was made in rows of 14 triple crochet. The initial chain should be 17 loops and after turning, the first triple crochet will be in the third chain. There is no gauge (my favorite), but you do have to count. Using both yarns makes it easy to miss stitches. Make the scarf as long or wide as you want - no right or wrong.
Because this is such an easy scarf to make, here is how to make a triple crochet. The pictures below show the gray yarn without the fun fur because it's easier to see.
Chain the number of loops you want + 3.
Yarn over twice and insert hook through third chain.
You should now have four loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have three loops on the chain.
Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have two loops left on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. A triple crochet looks like this:
I've been wearing a scarf like this for over two years and it holds up really well. You'll get lots of nice comments, especially because it looks so fancy. You can change the weight of the scarf by using a lighter weight yarn, so the scarf works even in the spring. Whether you are making one of these scarves for yourself or for someone else, you'll love how these look.
cindy
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Softest Baby Afghan Ever!
This is another one of those projects I needed to finish and I love this one so much I'm going to make another one just like it. This is Bernat Baby Blanket yarn in "Pitter Patter," a multi-color yarn in white, pink, blue and yellow. It is a super bulky yarn that feels just like chenille - but thicker. I've never worked with a super bulky yarn, but it is worked with a size N crochet hook.
The result is a super soft, cushy afghan - perfect for a baby. It's also easy to work with because the stitches are so big. It also doesn't take long to make a blanket like this. It measures about 32" square and is worked from the middle, which makes it easier with this type of yarn.
I made this one for my Etsy store, but it didn't take long before I had to give it away for a co-worker's baby shower. She loved it, as did everyone else at the shower. I still listed it on Etsy because it won't take long to make another. The pattern is from Bernat, but you can find it here.
Aren't these pictures gorgeous?? They are from my very talented friend, Kate Eschbach, who blogs here. She has been taking photos for a long time and does a great job on product shoots as well as portraits and landscapes. Great news for folks in the Phoenix area - Kate is now available as a full time photographer!! I'm so excited for her because this has been her dream for some time. It is a wonderful thing when you can work doing what you love.
Speaking of doing what you love - I loved working with this yarn and I'm on a roll with crochet right now. More coming soon.
cindy
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Craft Room Reveal - Sewing Area
I've been showing off parts of my Craft Room over the past few weeks and today I want to show you the part that is near and dear to my heart. It's the sewing area.
It's really one entire side of the room, across from the scrapbook area. I love JoAnn's generally, but really regret two (expensive) purchases I have in my craft room. First, this sewing table - almost $200. It's small, and the drawers don't open well. The other thing that is more frustrating (especially tonight) is the ribbon storage unit I bought. It wasn't well made and I struggled with it until I finally gave up tonight. (See my solution below). I am happy with the painted pails that hold needles, bobbins, pins and buttons.
This is the corner next to the main sewing table. It has my serger and some items I bought at a garage sale. I'm using the lanterns for supplies for headband making and elastic.
As of tonight it is also storing my ribbon after the epic fail of the ribbon holder. I have some styrofoam balls recycled from Christmas ornaments that I used in another craft. I took the dowel rods from the ribbon holder and sunk them vertically into the balls. I put the ribbon on and lined them up on the table shelf. (BTW, that little table was made by my dad in high school back in the 1940s.)
This is my cutting table. I bought it at a Blockbuster that was closing for $30. It's 6 feet long with a durable plastic top. I covered it with two curtains I bought on sale at Target. I covered it so I could use the area underneath for bin storage for scrap fabric and yarn. It works really well with a plastic cutting mat on top of the fabric cover.
Last but not least is my fabric storage. I described the shelf fabric storage in another post, but I've combined it with the shelves in my closet. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I have too much fabric and need to start using it before I buy anymore.
So, that's it! It is my new favorite place - where my family knows I'm at when they can't find me. Yep, I have everything but a bed in here. Let the creativity begin in earnest!
cindy
It's really one entire side of the room, across from the scrapbook area. I love JoAnn's generally, but really regret two (expensive) purchases I have in my craft room. First, this sewing table - almost $200. It's small, and the drawers don't open well. The other thing that is more frustrating (especially tonight) is the ribbon storage unit I bought. It wasn't well made and I struggled with it until I finally gave up tonight. (See my solution below). I am happy with the painted pails that hold needles, bobbins, pins and buttons.
This is the corner next to the main sewing table. It has my serger and some items I bought at a garage sale. I'm using the lanterns for supplies for headband making and elastic.
As of tonight it is also storing my ribbon after the epic fail of the ribbon holder. I have some styrofoam balls recycled from Christmas ornaments that I used in another craft. I took the dowel rods from the ribbon holder and sunk them vertically into the balls. I put the ribbon on and lined them up on the table shelf. (BTW, that little table was made by my dad in high school back in the 1940s.)
This is my cutting table. I bought it at a Blockbuster that was closing for $30. It's 6 feet long with a durable plastic top. I covered it with two curtains I bought on sale at Target. I covered it so I could use the area underneath for bin storage for scrap fabric and yarn. It works really well with a plastic cutting mat on top of the fabric cover.
Last but not least is my fabric storage. I described the shelf fabric storage in another post, but I've combined it with the shelves in my closet. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I have too much fabric and need to start using it before I buy anymore.
So, that's it! It is my new favorite place - where my family knows I'm at when they can't find me. Yep, I have everything but a bed in here. Let the creativity begin in earnest!
cindy
Friday, June 8, 2012
Craft Room Reveal!
The day is finally here - my new craft room is DONE!! I've been working in there and I love it. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll show some detailed features of the new craft room, but in the meantime, here's some before, during and after pictures:
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
I have too much fabric!
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
My new cutting table where the couch (and mess) used to be. There is storage under the table for scrap fabrics and extra yarn in bins. The table cover is made from two curtain panels from Target. The beer can collection is gone!
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
Finally, a functional sewing area! Now I don't have to drag my sewing projects into the dining room and keep them spread out for weeks at a time. My favorite part of the room.
BEFORE
AFTER
I'm really proud of this part. I've never had a place to scrapbook and now I have a scrapbook section of the room! This was another big revelation - I have WAYYY too much paper! I think I have enough for 20 scrapbooks, maybe more!
So there it is! I'm so happy it's done, and frankly, so is my family. It's my very own room for creativity. Over the next couple weeks, I'll show all the sections of the room and how I organized them.
cindy
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