Bag Brag

Another Crochet student of mine has finished her Bag...so it is time to Brag!! Angela finished her oversized bag in record time. She simplified the pattern on her own. Instead of two front, two back and one bottom panel, She made a front and a back and incorporated the two side panels into the bottom panel. She was able to save a few steps as she was joining the pieces together. I love the colors! Angela is super creative and makes beautiful quilts. She has also taken my knitting classes....she is one multi-talented lady!!

Visit Angela's Blog at www.moderndiary.blogspot.com

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Bag!!

As a crochet and knit instructor I just love getting to see the completed projects of my students.

I want to take a few minutes and brag on one of my students, Stephanie. She made this wonderful crocheted bag with a double strand of cotton yarn. I believe it was made in seven separate crocheted pieces that she joined together. It is one big bag that will hold everything but the kitchen sink....maybe even that too if you just squish a little. I love the tassels she made to individualize her bag. She added a bit of bling and some flip flops which I found out she is a bit partial to. Stephanie is a busy lady...Wife, Mother, Sister, full-time teacher, and friend. Despite all her obligations she finds time for her "Crochet Therapy."....Way to go Steph!!

Crochet On my friend!!

Yarn Sculpture Bowl

Yarn Sculpture Bowl

This is a wonderful way to use up those scraps of yarn!

I am teaching a kids craft class this week at the Community Center and this is what we are making....a yarn sculpture bowl! This is such a fun activity for anyone age 2 - 92! You really get to get all sticky with glue and just make a real mess! Isn't that half the fun of creating art?

This is really easy to do: Materials needed are a blown up balloon, 2 disposable bowls, yarn, scissors, and glue (I used Elmer's Glue)..

First, blow up the balloon and set it tied side down into the bowl. (This just keeps the balloon in an upright position and allows your hands to be free to create your magic.)

next, cut many pieces of yarn, at different lengths...cut more than you think you will need.

Then pour a good amount of glue into the remaining bowl. Dip each piece of yarn into the glue and place over the top of the balloon in any pattern you choose. Just make sure that the pieces of yarn overlap eachother.

When you have completed your design...allow the glue to dry overnight. After glue is completely dry pop the balloon and remove it .....and your masterpiece is complete!

Crochet Creations of one of my Students

I wanted to highlight one of my student's work she has completed. Marsha and I have been meeting now for several months at least a couple of times a month. She and another student, Ella, and I meet at a local Barnes & Noble and make many fun items.

The first item is an afghan that she made using 3 different neutral colored yarns held together and crocheted at the same time.

This afghan is made from multi-colored yarn ...I believe she used 2 strands at a time...I love the Autumn Colors.

This is a cream scarf made from chunky weight yarn....very warm!


Another chunky weight yarn scarf in a beautiful rust color.


A trio of scarves...these make lovely gifts.

A close up of one of her afghans.

This was a fun little project. Ella brought a completed toilet paper cover to class without instructions for how to crochet it. We figured out how to make them just from looking at the example that she brought. This is the one Marsha crocheted. This turned out so cute....I just love the flower and ribbon she added.

I just love sharing my love of crochet with others!! What a great way to

meet people and make lasting friendships...

Cupcake baby set

The newest addition to one of my Etsy Shops.... http://www.sewtuni.etsy.com/


The bib is backed with recycled denim and trimmed in hand crocheted lace. Onesie is appliqued with matching cupcake, sprinkle beads, and a button cherry. Socks are trimmed with hand crochet beaded lace. This would make a wonderful baby shower gift for any "sweet" baby girl!!

A little Quilt piece....of love

This is a little quilt block I made to send to Spirit Jump. What is Spirit Jump you ask? It is a non-profit Charity that helps Cancer patients to receive a little Spirit Jump of their own. This block is for a quilt that is going to be made for a lady named Karen Jo. 40 individuals are making a 7" x 7" quilt block, (each their own design), and sending them to an individual who has offered to sew them together into a quilt. Anyone who is artsy or craftsy can make an item for someone and send it to them. Even if you aren't artistically talented, you can purchase an item and mail it or make a monitary contribution. This is such a wonderful program to help others get through the trials they are facing with cancer. All "Spirit Jump" purchases from my Etsy stores will receive a discount.

Visit http://www.pinkarmadillo.etsy.com/, http://www.sewtuni.etsy.com/, and http://www.urbanyarnjunkie.etsy.com/ for the details.


To join or learn more about Spirit Jump you can go to http://www.spiritjump.com/

A Tisket a Tasket....a little Easter Basket!

This is a super way to use up scraps of yarn left over from completed projects!!

Using 5 different strands of yarn at one time ,(I used 1 chunky yarn, 2 worsted weights, 1 baby weight, and a novelty fun fur yarn), I used a really large crochet hook and started at the base of the baskets and worked in a circular pattern using a double crochet stitch. When the bottom was completed, I worked into the back loop for one round which allowed for the basket to form a rounded shape. Then I started decreasing toward the top and stitched the handle right into the basket. I have 4 kids, but could only find pics of 2 baskets...go figure...the other two were done in oranges and purples....They are now nicely packed away to be used again next Easter!!

2 years ago this month I moved the the beautiful Valley of the Sun. I met my good friend, Jennifer...a.k.a. Jenn, through a mutual friend. I was so excited to meet someone who had such a passion for yarn and fiber as myself. She not only creates beautiful things through crochet, but she even dyes and spins her own yarn....(I wanna be just like her when I grow up!!) Shortly after we met she gave me the most beautiful little crocheted basket. I use it to hold small projects I have in the works. This last Easter I thought it would be fun to make some baskets for my kiddos.... the basket she gave me being my model and inspiration..... As a yarn junkie I have oodles of yarn just sittin' around waiting to be made into something decorative or useful.....these baskets fill both of those categories.

Jenn's websites are listed under sites I love on my blog (hers are the windrose sites)....check out her Etsy Shops!!