Last year, I guest-posted this tutorial on a blog that no longer seems to be active. I thought I’d re-post it here for you guys. It utilizes the 5-minute crochet heart pattern I posted HERE, but you could sub any heart. This is just a simple Valentine’s Day decoration idea. I hope you like it!

First, the “anatomy” of the 5-minute heart. The spaces at [Read More...]]]>

Last year, I guest-posted this tutorial on a blog that no longer seems to be active. I thought I’d re-post it here for you guys. It utilizes the 5-minute crochet heart pattern I posted HERE, but you could sub any heart. This is just a simple Valentine’s Day decoration idea. I hope you like it!

First, the “anatomy” of the 5-minute heart. The spaces at points a-d will be where you will be inserting your hook for the garland.

Step 1: Inset your hook into space a and pull a loop through.
Step 2: Insert your hook into space b and pull a loop through the heart and the loop on your hook.
Step 3: Insert your hook into space c and pull a loop through the heart and the loop on your hook.
Step 4: Insert your hook into the stitch at point d and pull a loop through the heart and the loop on your hook.
Step 5: Chain 1, over the top of your heart.

Chain 5 (or however long you would like the spaces between your hearts) and then insert your hook into space a on your next heart and pull a loop through. Repeat the steps for this heart and each subsequent heart on your garland. Mine is only 4 hearts, but you can certainly make a longer one! I’ve even used a single heart with a long chain to wrap a gift. It was SUPER sweet.

This was hung in an open window. The cool breeze had it swaying. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it!

When thinking of a little something-something for my kids to gift to their teachers on Valentine’s Day, I only knew I wanted to incorporate a granny square in there. I don’t know why, I guess they were on my mind!

I scoured Ravelry for a granny square HEART (there are a lot, by the way) and fell in love with THIS pattern. It’s [Read More...]]]>

When thinking of a little something-something for my kids to gift to their teachers on Valentine’s Day, I only knew I wanted to incorporate a granny square in there. I don’t know why, I guess they were on my mind!

I scoured Ravelry for a granny square HEART (there are a lot, by the way) and fell in love with THIS pattern. It’s super easy and I made 2 in less than half an hour. I used Sugar & Cream cotton and a 6mm (J) hook. I omitted the picot edge and instead made a solid crochet round. I whip-stitched two hearts together from about the third DC-group from the corner to the exact spot on the opposite side. You’re leaving a space to put the rice pack in.

I waited until I got the hearts sewn to make the rice packs. I found something circular that was about the right size (a CD?) to use as my pattern and then I just traced it on the back of some pretty fabric. Sew two layers together, leaving an inch open, funnel in some rice, then whip-stitch the hole.

I’m going to include a little card with some general rice pack instructions.

Are you getting your Valentine craft on? It’s one of my favorite times to be crafty. I love hearts!

Did you hear the news? Kitschy Digitals now carries knit and crochet patterns! There are only crochet patterns, right now, but I do believe they have plans to add more in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Pattern: Roy the Lion by Amy Kember Hook: 5mm (H-8) Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in mustard, honey, and cream

I bought this pattern pretty much immediately after Danielle tweeted about them. It’s by [Read More...]]]>

Did you hear the news? Kitschy Digitals now carries knit and crochet patterns! There are only crochet patterns, right now, but I do believe they have plans to add more in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Pattern: Roy the Lion by Amy Kember
Hook: 5mm (H-8)
Yarn: Vanna’s Choice in mustard, honey, and cream

I bought this pattern pretty much immediately after Danielle tweeted about them. It’s by Amy Kember (check out her Etsy shop; contact her about buying a lion, if you can’t crochet!) and is probably the cutest amigurumi I’ve ever made. I made a lot of those Japanese amineko cats when I first learned to crochet and then I stopped making amigurumi for years and now…well, let’s just say I’m glad there are several children in my life!

I’ve been making cupcake containers for years and never really got around to elaborating on the process. With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, I thought this would be a good time to share how I make them. It’s pretty straight-forward and essentially a permanent cozy over a used plastic container (yogurt, sour cream, etc). These steps will help guide you [Read More...]]]>

I’ve been making cupcake containers for years and never really got around to elaborating on the process. With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, I thought this would be a good time to share how I make them. It’s pretty straight-forward and essentially a permanent cozy over a used plastic container (yogurt, sour cream, etc). These steps will help guide you for whatever size you have on hand. I suggest using containers that are shorter, as they make the cutest cupcakes. The container used in the photos is 8 ounces.

Warning: This tutorial uses hot glue, so be careful! Keep an eye on your glue gun and take care of your fingers!

Materials
-Plastic Food Container With Lid (yogurt, sour cream, etc.)
-Worsted Weight Yarn in 2 colors
-5mm/ H Crochet Hook
-Worsted Weight Yarn in 2 colors
-Hot Glue Gun And Glue Sticks
-Yarn Needle
-Optional: -Small amount of Red Yarn

First, we crochet the bottom of the cupcake. Start by making a chain that is as tall as the container + 1. I chained 8. Leave at least 12″ of tail yarn.

For the first row, single crochet in the second ch from your hook and in each chain after.
Row 2: SC in the front loop only across all stitches. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: SC in the back loop only across all stitches. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 & 3 until you have a rectangle long enough to stretch around your cozy. Do not fasten off. Seam the edges shut using your beginning yarn.

Single crochet around the edge your working yarn is at. Make one stitch into the side of each row. Slip-stitch into first stitch, then slip-stitch into each stitch, to tighten up the round.

Attach it to your container using hot glue along the top edge first, then you can add a line of hot glue along the bottom edge, stretching if you need to.

Now, we’re going to crochet the cupcake top. We crochet it amigurumi style. If you are going to add scallops later, work in the BACK LOOPS ONLY:

Single crochet 6 stitches into a magic loop. Cinch it shut. Do not join. Work the rest of the rounds in a spiral.

Round 2: 2 SC into each st. (12)
Round 3: *1 SC into next st, 2 SC into next; Rep from * around. (18)
Round 4: *1 SC into next two sts, 2 SC into next; Rep from * around. (24)
Round 5: *1 SC into next three sts, 2 SC into next; Rep from * around. (30)
Round 6: *1 SC into next four sts, 2 SC into next; Rep from * around. (36)

Continue increasing evenly until you have a circle that is just about as big as your lid. Make 2 or 3 rounds of 1 SC into each st (no increasing), depending on how tall you want the “frosting,” then fasten off. You should now have a dome shape to cover your top. I like to finish simple tops with a round of crab stitch.

FOR SCALLOPS:

Re-attach the yarn at the top/center of your work into the front loop of your first st. Chain 1, *skip two loops and make 5 DC into the next, skip 2 loops, and slst into the next; Rep from *, spiraling down the top into the front loops. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Cover about 2″ of the edge of your top with hot glue and then immediately attach the crocheted piece to it. Hold for at least 30 seconds for optimal adhesion.

To get the best positioning, glue the opposite point, then glue all of one side.

Add about a handful of poly-fil stuffing into your top. If you over-fill it, you will warp the container top, so be careful. You also don’t want to under-stuff it because the crochet part might collapse.

Once you are satisfied with your stuffing, carefully glue the rest of the lid on. After I finish gluing it all, I like to add extra glue along the edge of the crochet/plastic just to make sure it’s stuck on completely.

OPTIONAL: Cherry!
Using red yarn, crochet 4 SC into a loop, cinch it shut. Make sure this beginning tail gets crocheted inside the cherry.

Round 2: 2 SC in each st. (8)
Round 3: 1 SC in each st. (8)
Round 4: 1 SC in each st. (8)
Round 5: 2SCtog, around. (4)

Fasten off. Weave in this end, then have it come out the top of the cherry. Cut it, leaving about 1″ sticking out the top. Trim as needed to keep it sticking up.

Ta-da! You have a little cupcake container made from your recycled food containers. You can make them for loved ones on their birthdays! They make nifty little trinket boxes. Just sayin’.

My weekend project was a purple/pink Glory doily blanket. Oh, how I love lace in bright colors! This one is for a baby shower I’m going to, this weekend, but if you’re interested in a doily blanket of your own, see the shop.

My next project is going to be a baby blanket for another baby (a boy [Read More...]]]>

My weekend project was a purple/pink Glory doily blanket. Oh, how I love lace in bright colors! This one is for a baby shower I’m going to, this weekend, but if you’re interested in a doily blanket of your own, see the shop.

My next project is going to be a baby blanket for another baby (a boy due in March, but I want to get it done now). Last year, I made a big red blanket for his brother. I’m thinking chevrons, this time. Golden chevrons! I’ll keep you posted.

January 7, 2013. My kids’ 3-week vacation ends. We spent a chilly hour at the park.

I took photos with my Nikon 1 (affixed with the 18.5mm f/1.8 lens). I am in love with this little camera. I still adore my D7000, but this baby is just [Read More...]]]>

January 7, 2013. My kids’ 3-week vacation ends. We spent a chilly hour at the park.

I took photos with my Nikon 1 (affixed with the 18.5mm f/1.8 lens). I am in love with this little camera. I still adore my D7000, but this baby is just so handy! I also don’t feel like such a weirdo when I bring it out. The giant DSLR makes me feel like I’m screaming, “LOOK AT ME! I have a camera! I take photos! Ask me to take your photo!” when I bring it out. I need to work on my confidence.

Anyway. I love this camera and it helps me capture special moments with my boys. I didn’t even notice I was taking photos of each of them doing the same thing (sorta) while we were there.

They did some:

climbing,


crossing,


balancing, and of course–


sliding! Fast slides are the best.

It was pretty great. They’re back at school and, I gotta say, I miss these faces.

]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2013/01/08/last-day-of-winter-break/feed/ 1 http://goodknits.com/blog/2013/01/03/first-project-of-2013/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2013/01/03/first-project-of-2013/#comments Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:21:17 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4955

Technically, this could be the last project of 2012, but I won’t be finished with it for at least another week. I took a break to work on a doily blanket order, because heeeeyyy– I still have a shop!

Anyway, I cast on December 29. I was browsing Ravelry and remembered this yarn I won in a giveaway from the WEBS yarn [Read More...]]]>

Technically, this could be the last project of 2012, but I won’t be finished with it for at least another week. I took a break to work on a doily blanket order, because heeeeyyy– I still have a shop!

Anyway, I cast on December 29. I was browsing Ravelry and remembered this yarn I won in a giveaway from the WEBS yarn store blog…in 2011. Over a year ago! It’s pretty luxe for my taste, so it remained zipped away in a bag, only to be taken out and admired every once in a while. I don’t think I could ever knit cashmere socks, so when I decided I should knit a shawl, this yarn came to mind immediately. It’s Smooshy with Cashmere by Dream in Color (here). It’s supremely soft and the colors are nothing short of perfect.

I’m using the tried and true Swallowtail Shawl pattern from Evelyn Clark (on Ravelry), which is now available for free! I first knit this pattern when it came out in Interweave Knits (Fall ’06). I started it in March of ’07, then it hibernated through the Spring, and I finished it at the end of summer. I am a crocheter first, so this is the most intricate knitting I’ve ever ventured. I hope to change that, this year! I want to write more crochet patterns, of course, but I also want to knit more complicated designs. I guess this could be considered a crafty resolution! Get intricate. Work my crafty brain out! And also blog more. I miss craft blogging.

Did you set any crafty resolutions?? I want to know!

]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2013/01/03/first-project-of-2013/feed/ 18 http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/22/crochet-hombre-scarf/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/22/crochet-hombre-scarf/#comments Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:58:21 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4947

Long time no blog! To make up for it, I thought I would share this sweet project. A friend of mine (the real hombre of the mojo wire) mentioned wanting a scarf for Christmas and since I never get to make actual scarves, I accepted that challenge. He received it yesterday, so I get to share photos and the pattern, today.

I started it in the car on the [Read More...]]]>

Long time no blog! To make up for it, I thought I would share this sweet project. A friend of mine (the real hombre of the mojo wire) mentioned wanting a scarf for Christmas and since I never get to make actual scarves, I accepted that challenge. He received it yesterday, so I get to share photos and the pattern, today.

I started it in the car on the way to an out-of-town Christmas party and finished it later that night, at home. It was perfect for chatting in the car and then subsequently for working in front of the TV. I strongly encourage you to make one, if you are in need of a last-minute gift! For the guy and/or lady in your life. Really, I can see it in magenta and mustard for a girl (me!). Jeez, I really wish it weren’t 75 degrees out, today.

Supplies
2 skeins Patons Classic Wool in 2 different colors (medium weight 100% wool, 3.5oz/210 yd per skein)
6 mm (US J) hook

Measures approximately 6″ x 80″, but the woven stitch makes it very stretchy

Pattern
Ch 26
Row 1: SC in 4th ch from hook, *Ch 1, skip 1 ch, SC in next ch; rep from * to end. Ch 3, turn.
Row 2: SC in first ch-1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to end, making last SC in the beginning ch-3 of previous row. Ch 3, turn.

Repeat row 2 for pattern. Omit the last Ch-3 on the last row. Finish off, weave in ends.
Color scheme: I used Color #1 for 140 rows, then I switched between Color 1 and Color 2 for 6 rows, and ended with Color 2 for 140 more rows.

Pin It]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/22/crochet-hombre-scarf/feed/ 6 http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/03/christmas-the-card/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/03/christmas-the-card/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:15:19 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4924

I finished up our Christmas card, this weekend. I had a few different ideas, but in the end, simplicity won. I took the photos about two weeks ago in the boys’ bedroom (the windows in their room are right next to each other, so there’s great light). They wore gray gingham shirts from Target and I crocheted some simple bow ties. They totally brought the charm and I got several [Read More...]]]>

I finished up our Christmas card, this weekend. I had a few different ideas, but in the end, simplicity won. I took the photos about two weeks ago in the boys’ bedroom (the windows in their room are right next to each other, so there’s great light). They wore gray gingham shirts from Target and I crocheted some simple bow ties. They totally brought the charm and I got several nice photos.

When designing the actual card, I wanted something beautiful, but not outrageous. I found the font on Lost Type Co-op [Lavanderia] and was in love. The rest was pretty simple, a line here, a line there, and some stars. I ordered 4″ x 6″ prints from Snapfish and mounted them on white cardstock. Easy peasy.

What took time was my peace dove. If you turn it upside down, it’s an angel! I’m leaving it to the recipient to decide what it is.

Anyway, my original plan was to put it on some white cards and then have the photo on the inside. I made a few using some pewter ink (from my Speedball metallic ink set), but I didn’t really dig the huge contrast between white and dark gray. I liked the print enough to know I wanted to use it somehow. After rummaging through supplies, I found the kraft bags and since they were the perfect fit for the print, I decided to give it a shot. I used white ink and fell in love. The hours of printing and washing and carving (over and over and over because I kept finding new pieces to carve out) really paid off.

And that was that! I closed each up with a bit of Christmas-y washi tape on the back. The ones I have to mail will be put into white envelopes for some extra protection.

Have you made your Christmas card yet?? Are you DIY-ing any part of it?

I’m linking this post up to The Paper Mama’s Holiday Photo challenge. Go check out the adorable entries (and maybe enter yours??)!

]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/03/christmas-the-card/feed/ 17 http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/02/december/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/02/december/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:37:37 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4917

It’s finally here. We’ve been listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate (though the weather is just ugh here in Houston), and decorating. I really like the inspiration this month brings. I want to make so many things. I want to knit all the time. I want to cover everything in stamps or glitter or washi tape. I really wish I felt like [Read More...]]]>

It’s finally here. We’ve been listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate (though the weather is just ugh here in Houston), and decorating. I really like the inspiration this month brings. I want to make so many things. I want to knit all the time. I want to cover everything in stamps or glitter or washi tape. I really wish I felt like this every month of the year.

That lino up there might be my nemesis. It started nicely, but now that I’m done and actually making prints, I don’t know, man. I have had to fine tune it no less than 8 times. I keep finding itty bitty pieces to carve out. I got tempted to just throw it in the trash but, NO….I’ve worked way too hard to just let it go. I had a tough time getting my ink right, but some of the final prints I made last night during my test batch were actually pretty. Today, I finish up our Christmas card! I’m really excited because the photos I took of my boys for it might be my favorites yet. Outtakes:

Yeeahhh.

]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/12/02/december/feed/ 3 http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/30/christmas-countdown/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/30/christmas-countdown/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:17:47 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4910

Or advent calendar. Whatever you want to call it, it’s hanging on my foyer wall.

I spent the past week browsing Pinterest and just becoming so overwhelmed with advent calendar ideas. I kept complaining, “we neeeeed a calendar. we neeeeed a countdown. blah, blah, blaaaaaaah.” Finally, yesterday, I stopped complaining and went to Hobby Lobby for supplies. While taking Andrew to the bathroom (OF COURSE), [Read More...]]]>

Or advent calendar. Whatever you want to call it, it’s hanging on my foyer wall.

I spent the past week browsing Pinterest and just becoming so overwhelmed with advent calendar ideas. I kept complaining, “we neeeeed a calendar. we neeeeed a countdown. blah, blah, blaaaaaaah.” Finally, yesterday, I stopped complaining and went to Hobby Lobby for supplies. While taking Andrew to the bathroom (OF COURSE), I noticed the shelf with wood sheets and my mind flashed to the few scrap wood trees I’d seen in my Pinterest perusing. Bingo!

I loved the look of the scrap trees, but I wanted something really quick and easy. You can see the exact materials I used, below:

I stamped the numbers using a set my MIL gave me a few years ago. Everything is hot glued together and it hangs with a small piece of yarn. I’m going to fill the tiny envelopes with activity prompts and/or chocolates (I’m thinking Andes!) for both boys. I’m glad I got it done on time. They are super excited for tomorrow! I’m just a little terrified that 2012 is already so close to being over. How’d it go by so quickly?!

Pin It]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/30/christmas-countdown/feed/ 3 http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/21/two-coupon-codes-early-birds-get-the-worm/ http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/21/two-coupon-codes-early-birds-get-the-worm/#comments Thu, 22 Nov 2012 02:04:33 +0000 Lisa http://goodknits.com/blog/?p=4900

I cannot believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I blame the weather. It’s just so…warm. Oh well, I suppose. The holidays come whether you’re ready or not.

To celebrate, I am offering TWO coupon codes this season. They will both be valid in the shop at different times. They are valid on everything, including the custom listings and brand new items!

If you find yourself waiting for guests or the [Read More...]]]>

I cannot believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I blame the weather. It’s just so…warm. Oh well, I suppose. The holidays come whether you’re ready or not.

To celebrate, I am offering TWO coupon codes this season. They will both be valid in the shop at different times. They are valid on everything, including the custom listings and brand new items!

If you find yourself waiting for guests or the only one not napping at 3pm, use the coupon code THANKSGIVING to get 30% off your entire purchase. That’s BIG. I do believe that’s the biggest discount I’ve ever given. I’m in a giving mood, so let’s roll with it.

If you can’t get your shopping on until Friday, no worries! You can save 25% ALL WEEKEND! Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY, valid from Friday through Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving to the Americans and happy Thursday to the rest of ya. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back next week with my Christmas card. I’m pretty excited about it. I actually have to buy a new craft tool for it. Ha! I love that.

Pin It]]> http://goodknits.com/blog/2012/11/21/two-coupon-codes-early-birds-get-the-worm/feed/ 0