Like I Needed A New Bag

Bags for me, are like shoes for some girls.  I have tons of them!  One day at the yarn store I found this beautiful Recycled Sari Silk yarn.  Regardless of the price, I had to have it.  The only problem would be to find the perfect thing to make with it.  The skein of yarn doesn't have that much yardage.  Plus it is so beautiful, it would have to be something that you wore or used a lot.  A Bag!!!

 

I deconstructed an old leather jacket, that I did not like and was too big for me, to use as the body.  Added a polka dot liner.  Using the Sari Silk yarn, crocheted the leather and liner together at the top.  Then again with the Sari Silk yarn crocheted the strap.  To finish it off, added a handmade wooden button.

The Workshop

When my husband and I moved into our house 3 years ago, the "shop", became the man cave.  It is where the guys played poker Friday nights.  I always looked at the shop as wasted (or maybe it was jealously)....it has a large stainless steel sink, workbench, peg board, shelving, but with a poker table smack in the middle of it.  Well I bought another motocycle...hee hee.  So things needed to get changed up to fit all the bikes in there.  The poker room migrated into the house and now the shop is all MINE!!!!

I have finally organized all the craft supplies into the workshop and have been able to enjoy some craft time in the shop.  Oh the plans I have......handmade paper.....tie dye......rock necklaces........

1986 Honda Rebel Limited, 250cc

I'm a Ravthlete!

Boy was I ambitious! I thought that in two weeks I could finish a Shawl, Scarf, Cropped Top, and 10 Micro Preemie Baby Hats. Do you think I did it?????

At the end of the Ravellenics, I was able to complete the Dragon Shawl and the Sweet Eleanor Scarf...and trust me that was a challenge.


The Dragon Shawl

When I first looked at this pattern, it seemed easy enough.  The basic body of the shawl was a piece of cake once I got the pattern down.  Then came the edge, oh my!  Each row of the edge took me forever!  I had to rip out a couple of the rows because my count was off or I was just not reading the pattern correctly.  In the end I had to follow the pattern stitch for stitch just to get it right.  The pattern also stated that the shawl HAD to be blocked.  So I followed the pattern and eek!  I placed the shawl in water, and started laying it out on the counter to block it....it grew to twice its size!  I ended up throwing it in the dryer to get it back to the original shape.  It was already the span of a queen sized bed.

I love the way it turned out.  The yarn feels great, the drape is perfect and it is just lovely!

The Sweet Eleanor Scarf

I bought the yarn for this project two years ago and have attempted to create a few things with it, just to hate them and pull them apart.  The main reason I was not liking the projects, I was trying to make knitted things...and I really don't like to knit unless it is with big needles and thick yarn.

When I found this pattern, I thought instead of wasting the self striping yarn because I don't like to knit, I should crochet with it and this pattern would be perfect.  The single crochet makes the "self pattern" come out a bit because of the height of the stitch.  This scarf is just beautiful.  It wraps around your neck in a nice ruffle, it make you feel very feminine.

The Shawl Event

It has been over a week since I started the Ravellenics......and I haven't crossed one finish line.

I am a tad bit concerned that I will not be able to finish all the projects that I set out to complete.  Good news the Dragon Shawl is about 90% complete.

It's Begun

The Olympics are in full swing and I am working my crochet muscles.  I spent the weekend watching the Olympics and working on my Ravellenic Games projects.

I am currently working on two projects, the "Sweet Eleanor Scarf", and "Dragon Shawl".  Both are about halfway done.

Gearing Up!

To jump start some projects/creativity and challenge myself, I have signed up to be part of Team Crochet during the Ravellenic Games 2012.  It is a fun challenge that Raverly.com hosts each Olympics. 

What is the Ravellenic Games?

Dates
July 27 - Aug 12, 2012

The One Rule To Rule Them All:
Challenge yourself by starting and finishing one or more projects during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
What will be a stretch for you? It could be a new technique, that first sweater or pair of socks, something massive, something delicate, or maybe finishing that monster in the closet. The goal of the Ravellenics is to support you in expanding your knitting/crocheting horizons.

HOW TO COMPETE
Pick an event, create project page with special tags, and cast on with thousands to compete. That’s it in a nutshell.

• Mass Cast-On at July 27 2012, as the Opening Ceremonies begin in London!  No casting on before this moment! (with the exception of WIP/UFO event entries)
• Official End time: 11:59:59 GMT Aug 12 2012 The closing ceremonies will be earlier that evening, but since the exact moment of the torch being extinguished is unknown, we’ll give you until midnight GMT. Each Ravellenics project must be marked Finished on the project page prior to the ending time in order to qualify for a medal.
• What is Finished? Does it mean blocked? Ends woven in? Sewn together? Photographed? That’s up to you. See the big rule at the top: Challenge YOURSELF. Do you feel it’s finished without the ends woven in, or before blocking? Then mark it finished. If not, don’t. Be honest with yourself, and we’ll celebrate with you.
• The Finish Line: Each event will have its own FINISH LINE thread on the Ravellenics 2012 board. Post details of your finished object in the thread(s) for the event(s) in which it is competing. (Details of what to post – link to project page and picture, for example – will be listed in the thread.) The FINISH LINE threads will be open for a day or two after the closing ceremonies, so if you can’t get a pic and post by the official closing time, just cross as soon as you can.
• Medalling: BobicusMaximus will hand out medals (blog badges) to each finisher in the event threads.
• Scoreboard You’ll be able to follow your team and event progress on the special Ravellenics stats page that Casey’s magic machine assembles out of all properly tagged projects. Chat and cheer in special threads for each team and event.

So until the "Games", there is little crochet getting worked on.  (or any other crafts)




* all content in italics are from the Raverly.com website.

Lucy Locket Lost Her Pocket

Every so often I like to recover my couch pillows.  It serves two purposes, changes the look of things and makes them fresh again.  I lay my face on these and like to know they are somewhat clean...wouldn't you?  Since my new favorite blanket is my jeans quilt, I thought it would be fitting to do the pillows in jeans as well.

While digging through the jeans to cut up, I came across my large stack of pockets and thought they would add some flare and functionality.  After they were all done, I was so giddy with excitement of what I could stuff in the pillows, I just started grabbing things off the coffee table and filling each pocket with something.

How I made them:

• Using old jeans, cut 10" squares.  Each pillow needs eight of them. 
• Sew four squares together to make each side. 
• Stitch the pocket to one side. 
• Sew the front to back, leaving one edge open. 
•  Using a bleach pen draw design on pocket. (this could of been done before sewing)
• Wet the pillow cover and throw into dryer to help fray the edges of the pocket piece. 
• Using a blanket stitch, sew the last edge together.



Happily Sunburnt

If you live anywhere it rains a lot, then you know if it is sunny or nice out you better get youself out there and enjoy it.  On average, my beautiful island, gets rain 180 days a year.  This is why the island is so green though.

This summer I intend to take full advantage of any good weather and either play or work or work and play. 

Horseshoes!  I love to play horseshoes.  It reminds me of being a kid, enjoying summer BBQ's and playing tournaments with my family.  As a kid I didn't win much, I come from a very competive family (VERY) and I was the youngest, smallest, weakest but never got any special treatment, but I still liked to play.

When we bought our house, the horseshoe pits on the property was one of the selling features, although they needed a little work.  So four years later I have finally worked on them. 

Upper left photo...on the sides of the pits were wooden "planks" attached to the sub-frame.  Last year the hubby and I pulled those board up, because they were very rotted and either needed to be replaced or we had to come up with another plan.  Since some of the sub-frame was broken, we decided to dig up the sub-frame and just create a large pit.

Upper right photo....sub-frame dug out.
Lower left photo... spread out drainage rocks.
Lower right photo...after adding some additional sand and smoothing everything out, the Horseshoe pits are ready to play on.

So far I have played three games on them...and have been the winner each time!!!!

Mini Wooden Chalkboard

For the Crochet Motif Challenge, I needed something to write the number of each motif on, for pictures.  My first thought was post it notes, then I thought about cut out numbers....then....bing....the light bulb went on and the mini wooden chalkboard was born.

Materials:
Branch about 2 1/2" in diameter
Sand paper
Saw
Chalkboard paint

Directions:
Saw off a disk any thickness.  Mine is about 1/2" thick.
Sand down edges and cut sides.
Apply Chalkboard paint according to instructions on bottle.
Write messages, draw pictures....enjoy!

Week One of Challenge

One week down, 11 motifs complete!

My friend and I started the "Challenge" last Thrusday and so far I have completed 11 motifs.  I find making these very enjoyable and feel like I am going thru crochet school.  It has been good for me to have some crochet homework, it keeps me motivated to stay creative. 

Here are the motifs I have completed:
The number is the number of the motif in the book.



The Challenge

Every Thursday is "Crochet Night" with a friend of mine.  We crochet, talk, laugh and drink tea.  Girl time is healing.  When we started this a few months back, we both decided to work on our "30 year" projects.  Both are done!!!  So we have started a new challenge......

Beyond the Square, Crochet Motifs By Edie Eckman

The Friendship Blanket Crochet Motif Challenge

Objective:

To crochet one of all 144 Motifs, more if yarn permits.

Details:

• The two of us will divide all the motifs, I am in charge of Odd numbered motifs.
• We have chosen six different colors of yarn.
• Once all motifs are crocheted, we will divide the motifs we each did in half and give one half to the other.
• We will each make a "Friendship Blanket" with our motifs.



My Octopus' Garden

It's finished!!!!!!!!!!!  Insert happy dance here!

"I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade
He'd let us in, knows where we've been
In his octopus' garden in the shade

I'd ask my friends to come and see
An octopus' garden with me
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade.

We would be warm below the storm
In our little hideaway beneath the waves
Resting our head on the sea bed
In an octopus' garden near a cave

We would sing and dance around
Because we know we can't be found
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade

We would shout and swim about
The coral that lies beneath the waves
(Lies beneath the ocean waves)
Oh what joy for every girl and boy
Knowing they're happy and they're safe
(Happy and they're safe)

We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden with you."

(The Beatles, Octopus' Garden)

Let's Create Some Ruckus

More bling for my Ruckus....a crocheted basket.  This project has been in the works for some time now.  Initially it was going to be big enough for a bag of fast food, but it would of been way to big and out of place.  Plus being out front of the bike would cool the food down before I could get it home.

It was crocheted using the same paracord as the under the seat netting.  To help keep the shape when speeding down the road at 40mph I threaded a wire hanger around the top edge.  I secured it to the bike with some zip ties.

Saturday was gorgeous, full sun and little wind...this is after we received a week straight of rain.  So with no place in particular to go, I cruised around town to "test the basket".  The basket didn't budge. 

I will finish it!!

I have been working like crazy to get my "30 year" blanket done....ok I have not been working on it for 30 years, but my good friend has dubbed it that because she thinks it is going to take that long for me to finish it.  So far I have only been working on it for about 5 years.

It is in the final stages.  All the crocheting is done, all ends are tied in, the fabric backing is attached around the edges.  The only thing left to do is tack all the flowers to the backing fabric.  Piece of cake right?  After only three rows my fingers were killing me and I had to take a break.

I will finish this project!  Just not today...maybe tomorrow.

Peace Rocks!

What could make a lady happier than a bunch of peace rocks?  They just put a smile on my face!

Materials used:
Plain old rocks found on the beach.
Acrylic Paint
Lacquer

A Little Piece of the Beach

Last weekend, despite an on and off rain sprinkle, my pittbull Kane and I ventured to the beach in search of smooth rocks.  We choose a beach that is close to home, yet usually empty.  Kane does not play nice with other dogs, so we have to find places where there are no doggy friends.

We had a great time, collecting rocks, playing catch and taking videos.

The Beach Rock Mat

Supplies:

Smooth Rocks, about the same size.

Rubber Door Mat, I used this.

E6000 Glue

Directions:

Frolic on the beach and gather rocks, lots of them.  On the backside of the mat, layout all the rocks so that they fit nicely and are space the way you like.  Starting at a corner, apply glue to the bottom of the rock, secure to mat.  Make sure to have a window open, unless you want to get high while you craft.  Continue till all rocks are glued to mat.  Let dry and enjoy!





Petal Posy Trivets

These Petal Posy Trivets have been all over the Internet...it seems that everyone is making them, but that doesn't mean I can't try them as well.  I followed the pattern from Crochet Todays July/August 2011 issue.

The pattern is well written, but be careful to read thru the directions before charging away.  There is a little bit of back and forth in the pattern when following the pattern for the large posy, some rows follow rows in the small posy. 

Not sure why I get the gaps, perhaps I need to shape them more.

The small "Posy" was super easy and I completed it in a flash.

Yarn used was good old Peaches and Creme Cotton and Lily Sugar'n Cream.



Trial and Error

The adventures of Crayola Air Dry Clay......

There are lots of options when it comes to clay.  The key is finding the right type for your project.  I have experimented with lots of homemade clay, mainly the kind you use to make Christmas ornaments with.  But I wanted a more "clay" like product that did not cost me too much to play with.  So for less than $10 I tried the Crayola Air Dry Clay.

New desk accessories was the goal.  Working with the clay is easy.  It is soft and molds well.  Slightly sticking if rolled directly onto a countertop, a layer of plastic or freezer paper would be helpful.  Accepts paints remarkably. 

Once dry, will take a few days to fully dry, it is slightly fragile.  I had to take extra care in areas where the clay was thinner.  It also shrinks as it dries, which can be a problem.  One of the folds of the pink container cracked as it dried.  As you will notice the center of the purple flower also broke in half with only slight pressure as I was gluing it in.

For the right kind of project, I can see the Crayola Air Dry Clay working well.  And althougth these containers didn't come out exactly as planned, they are still fabulous.  They were a good learning project.



* Crayola did not ask me or pay me anything to write about their product.

Craft Space

I am constantly rearranging and reorganizing my house.  It seems like there will never come a time when I will be completely satisfied with where things are.  The craft room is one of the main rooms that I can't seem to "get right".  Maybe it is because new tools and supplies are going into that room all the time.  Who knows? 

Almost a year ago I acquired this dresser, deco podged it and moved it into the room for yarn storage.  At the time, I was in no mood to rearrange the entire room, so I found the emptiest spot and there it has sat ever since.  This dresser has become my work space, and up until this weekend I have been sitting at it and facing a wall.  Who can be creative sitting facing a wall? Not me.  So I moved it.  It is not a great view looking out the window of the craft room, but it is better than starring at a wall. 

Moving the dresser to this spot also opened up the sides for more organization.  Simple yet effective, I attached some hooks to a scrap piece of wood, and screwed it to the side for tool storage.  On the other side of the dresser, I mounted a power strip. 

What am I working on???  I have been experimenting with crayola Air Dry clay.  Not sure if I really like the clay or not...In progress, beach glass tea light holders, pebble bowl, jewelry containers, and mushroom recipe holder.

Finding My Inner Fisherman

My husband tells me all the time, "you should of been a fisherman!"  He is usually referring to the knots and nets that I make using crochet.  Maybe though, that is why I am drawn to my little fishing town....deep down I am a fisher-woman at heart. 

Being drawn to knot type crafts, friendship bracelets, crochet, macrame....somehow I have never picked up a knot book.  After the tax deadline, my boss usually gives all of us a small bonus.  I almost always have to use it responsibly and this year was no different, but I did decide to buy myself something.  A little treat for my hard work.

I decided on buying the book "Decorative Fusion Knots".  (I have not been paid to talk about this book)

This book was well worth the money I spent on it.  It arrived in the mail yesterday and I spent all night tying knots.  Even if I never pick up this book again, it has already served its purpose.

I only kept a few of them tied and after a while wished I had a different color to experiment with.  A trip to the hardware store for some rope is definitely in my future.

Some things to make with knots....

• Earrings
• Necklace
• Key chain
• Barrett
• Rug