It Starts With A Ball of Yarn…
These are just some of the many yarn projects I have completed, in the past few years.
Crafting from yarn is always a joy for me. 🙂
Crocheting and knitting are two of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies I have ever pursued.
 The interest in yarn crafts is at an all-time high right now and there’s no sign of that declining. And for good reason. Crocheting/knitting can be a very meditative experience.Many beautiful and quality items can be made for a reasonable price.
A hand knit or crochet gift is so special. It could even become a treasured family heirloom. Until you’ve experienced the process of taking yarn, working with it, following a pattern (or one you make yourself)and then seeing the finished project, you will only then understand the satisfaction of this wonderful, creative experience. The popularity of yarn crafts for people of all ages is proof of that too!
If you need help getting started there are oodles of free online patterns, instructional videos, classes and knit/crochet groups are gathering in homes and classrooms, all over the world. And a great way to connect with new friends, wherever you live. Lion Brand is just one of many,online resource with hundreds of free patterns, instructional videos, a good selection of yarns, tools and much more.It’s easier than you might think to get started.
 When I tried crochet for the first time many years ago, I ended up learning just from practicing and following photos in a crochet book. I didn’t know any other “south-paws” who were “hookers” LOL at the time. When I’d watch a right-handed person crochet, it always looked so awkward and confusing. So with determination and hook in hand, I stayed up most of one night and finally “got it” myself.
The crochet granny square throw (first photo in  the collage above) was my first real attempt at crochet. I still have and use this lovely blanket.
Here’s to the Joy of Creating With Yarn!!!
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PS: This is a revised version of a previous post I shared at one of my former blogs: Take a Happy Break. I hope you enjoy it for the first time, or as an encore read! 😉
On the Needles: Simple Faroese Shawl
I ♥ knitting shawls! 🙂
I recently found out about “faroese” type shawls, which are those shaped to stay on your shoulders without a shawl pin required. Click the link above to read more on Wiki about the traditional faroese shawl pattern, which is the inspiration for  many of the newer (and easier) versions of these classic shawls, including the lovely one pictured above.
Is a pattern from the talented: Susan Sarabasha (aka Smokey Blue) and available for download over at Ravelry for only $1.99.
What a bargain and proceeds go to the American Humane Society or local pet shelters, even better!
I’m making this shawl in KnitPicks Stroll Tweed in the Dill Heather shade:
I have 2 skeins of yarn, 460 yds. in total, which is enough to make the shoulder-sized version.
You can easily customize this pattern to make it a full- sized shawl if you prefer. But I like the look of the one in the photo, as it is. I think it’s just the perfect size and what a plus to have a shawl that you don’t actually have to keep a hold of or pin, when wearing! 😉 Shawl wearers, you know what I’m talking about. LOL
A big thank you to Susan for allowing me to share this lovely pattern and photo here.
Stop by Susan’s Ravelry page to see all of her other wonderful patterns too. A great selection to choose from.Â
What are you making right now?
Happy Knitting and Weekend!Â
Top 10: Cable Knit Patterns
I ♥ doing knit cables! 🙂
If you’ve never tried them, they are actually a lot easier than they look.
Hope you enjoy this lovely collection of cable knit patterns, courtesy of Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.
I think the wreath is my fav. 🙂
Cabled Yoke Pullover (Patons)
Cable & Seed Socks (Tina Lips)
Cables & Lace Afghan Square #7 (Kay MacLaury)
Cable Cozy (Brandice Allen)
Cabled Front Cardigan (Kathy Perry)
Colorful Waves Scarf
My Colorful Waves Scarf is now complete!
I’m happy with how it turned out.
If you are looking for a fairly easy beginner’s knit project, you might want to check this one out.
Now I just need something nice in black to wear it with this fall! 😉
You can read more about the background of making this project and also a link to order this scarf kit here.
Happy Knitting!
And speaking of knitting, if you’re making something right now, do share the details! 🙂
Mum Market Bag
I’ve wanted to make a crochet market bag for a long time.
Found this beautiful pattern over at Ravelry, created by Emily of Lab Coat Crochet (click to view her blog and pattern post).
I loved the “fancy” bottom/base on this bag that not only looks so pretty, it’s also practical too. Many crochet market bags are just two straight sides with no actual base for strength and durability.
An easy pattern to make but I wouldn’t suggest it if you dislike the CHAIN stitch. 😉 There’s a lot of repetitious chaining throughout. But the results IMO are worth it.
I made this bag in Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Grass (click to read my review of this yarn). It’s a blend of cotton and model fibers and not too stretchy, perfect for this kind of project. I used 3 skeins of stash yarn I had and was a bit short to complete the pattern as written so I cut down on the top border by two rows. Pattern as written is made in Peaches and Cream Cotton Yarn (2 skeins).
Happy Hooking! 🙂
VEGGIES, YARNS & TAILS 