A Little Weaving

A few months ago, I came across the tiniest cutest weaving loom that I absolutely could not resists picking up. I have been wanting to try weaving for so long, and this seemed like the perfect gateway. I learned the basic weave stitch, soumac stitch, and raya knots. My little weaving came out a bit rough and not sure why it kept getting smaller towards the top, but I had so much fun nevertheless. I was also able to use some beautiful scraps I had leftover of Quince and Co.'s Finch yarn in colorway Audouin, Moeke's Elena yarn in colorway Walnut, and Yoth's  Father yarn in colorway Poppy Seed. Now I'm dreaming of what to weave next. I have my eye on this book by the talented weaver Maryanne Moodie, this loom from Purl Soho, and their insanely beautiful woven scarf pattern released recently.

In other news, our spring garden is growing so well, and I have plans to till up a big space for cut flowers this weekend. If the harvest is good, we will be at the local farmer's market mid-summer! I also have doubled my cucumber and okra plants this year for more pickling. Those are just a few reasons that Spring is my absolute favorite season. I hope your Spring is off to a wonderful start, too!

Rosemound Scarf for Taproot Magazine

So excited/honored/thankful to be a contributor in Taproot Magazine's first issue of 2017, WEAVE. I've always had the notion that art is anything that makes you feel. Anything that moves you. I remember the first time I held this magazine, not that long ago, and it surely gave me all the feels. Every single article was genuine and filled with so much love and soul. This magazine has become one of my favorite, if not my favorite, publication, and one that each issue I can peruse over and over again. If you are a creative, gardener, wanderer, homebody, mother, father, dreamer, or anyone who has the urge to slow down and take in some lovely words and photos take a peek at this wonderful magazine. You can find the WEAVE issue here and my Rosemound Scarf pattern on Ravelry here.

A Cosy Cotton Tunic

I've filled my bird feeders and planted vegetables. I've pounced around with the dogs until the sun faded. I've sat on the porch, iced coffee in hand soaking in the glorious longer days. I LOVE these longer days and having more sunshine after work to spend outside. It's my favorite time of year. Luckily for me, I am a southern gal, which means I don't have to ever endure too much winter. I know some frown upon Louisiana's lack of seasons, but I am partial to the sunshine and sticky heat of the south. With the warmer days upon us, I think I finished this Rebekka Jumper just in the nick of time using the most soft and chunky cotton you could imagine! It is so airy and cosy, and I have a feeling I will be living in this piece for awhile.

A Summer Haiku

This pattern has been in my queue for about a year, and this summer I finally got around to making it. It was one of the most enjoyable patterns I've followed in quite some time. Not to mention, the end result is absolutely beautiful. It's so elegant, yet practical and humble. I'm also a bit obsessed with the color, HELLO beautiful blue/gray! This pattern is from Quince and Co., and the yarn is Tern, a fingering wool/silk blend. You can see where I Ravelried this project here. I've also been eyeing Tolt's Horn Shawl Pins, but I can't decide which one to get. Maybe all!? I think one would go lovely with this. Hope everyone is taking in the sticky summer heat while it lasts, because fall and lots of fiber workings are on their way!

Baby Color Blocked Blanket: Easy Crochet Pattern For Beginners

The color blocked pattern has been making many appearances lately, and I really love the simplistic and unfledged look of it. When I was asked to create a baby blanket for a recent custom order, this was one of the first designs that popped into my mind. Other baby color blocked blankets I've seen have been in bright hues and give off a fun and loud vibe. I wanted to go with a softer more neutral color palette for this blanket that is cozy and calming for a newborn. This is a gender neutral blanket, and I really love how the tight small stitches of the single crochet stitch and the simple neutral colors came together. I find it so comforting and perfect for a little winter babe.

This pattern is perfect for beginners, because it only uses one basic stitch, and you don't have to worry about counting rows. Even if you are an advanced crocheter, this pattern is great for working on while being preoccupied with oh I don't know you're favorite t.v. show, little ones running around and demanding attention, in the midst of doing laundry or cooking, etc.

Materials: worsted weight yarn in 4 neutral colors, size 5mm crochet hook, scissors, measuring tape

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc)

Instructions:
Step 1 - Using your first color ch 89. sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (Your piece should measure about 26" across).
Step 2 - *Turn and ch 1. sc in each stitch across.* repeat until piece measures 7 1/2 inches long. Change colors.
Step 3 - Repeat Step 2 with remaining 3 colors. Fasten Off and weave in ends. The blanket should measure approximately 26" wide x 30" long.

Comfiest Slipper Booties

These slipper booties are by far the most comfortable slippers I have ever made/owned/worn. It's true. And to top that off, they are so sweet and simple. Just lovely if you ask me. I have had Erika Knight's latest crochet book Simple Crocheting on my wishlist for awhile now, and when I saw a free pattern from the book on SMP craft, I was so so excited to get a little taste test. This pattern was easy to read and work up, and I can't wait to try the other beautiful patterns in her book. I do want to note that the pattern called for bulky yarn, and I instead  double stranded a light soft yarn.  I love these slippers, and I can't wait to lounge around the house in them in the chilly days ahead.

Source: Cozy Crocheted Slipper Boots Pattern

Crochet for a Cause & Newborn Hat Pattern

The Period of Purple Crying is a term that refers to the time period that a newborn cries more than any other time period and can be quite frustrating to new parents. During this time, many parents believe there is something wrong with their baby, but it is actually a very normal and healthy period. There have also been statistics that sadly show an increase of infant deaths during this period due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Spreading awareness about this period can help educate new parents and help them understand what their baby is going through. It helps show them they are not alone, reassures them that their baby is healthy, and lets them know it is just a period that has an end.

I created this pattern for newborn hats that will be passed out to infants and their families to help spread awareness about The Period of Purple Crying. I wanted to share it here to help recruit volunteers for this wonderful cause. If you have another idea for a cute newborn hat, feel free to use a different pattern. We are just asking that it contain some shade of purple in the design. Also, any knitters are welcome to make hats, too! All the information about where to send your completed hats are at the bottom of this post, and they should be mailed by the end of September to arrive in Oklahoma for the first of October. The pattern for this top knot hat follows, and works up pretty quick so you can make several in one day. Thanks so much to any volunteers, and please feel free to spread the word to any crochet/knitting friends. 

Materials: yarn in any shade of purple, 4mm crochet hook, scissors, ruler

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (ss), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)

Pattern: ch 5. ss into first ch. ch 1. sc in each ch around. ss into first sc. *ch 1. sc in each sc around. ss into  first sc of round* repeat until piece measures 5 inches.

Rounds 1 and 2 - ch 2. 2 dc in each sc around. ss into first dc. 

Round 3 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc* repeat around. ss into first dc of round.

Round 4 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next 2 dc.* repeat around. ss into first dc of round. (40 stitches)

Round 5-11 - ch 2. dc around. ss into first dc of round. 

Fasten off and weave in ends. Tie top tail into a knot, and roll a cuff at the bottom of the hat with the last 2 rows to finish. 

To find out more about The Period of Purple Crying visit http://www.purplecrying.info

Crocheted Mug Cozy

Trent and I treated ourselves to a coffee grinder and French press recently, because French press coffee is so yummy. Fresh coffee really makes for a good morning. We have been using local coffee beans from French Truck Coffee, and we both really love it so far. I made these simple crocheted mug cozies to go along with our new French Press, so I don't burn my hands after the fresh hot coffee hits the mug. A very cute solution I think. Here's the pattern:

Materials: 4mm hook, a very small amount of yarn, button, needle and thread, scissors

Abbreviations: Chain Stitch (ch), Double Crochet (dc), Single Crochet (sc), Slip Sitch (ss)

ch 27. ss into first ch to join both ends.

Row 1: ch 1. sc around. ss into the top of the first sc.

Row 2: ch 2. dc into first 25 ch stitches. (2 ch stitches should be left open) turn.

Row 3-4: ch 2. dc around. turn.

Round 5: ch 2. dc around. ch 10. sc into third ch from hook (this is the button hole).

Round 6: sc into the rest of the chains and in each dc from Round 5 around.

Fasten Off and weave in the end.

Sew your button on the opposite side of the clasp and button hole you made (use pictures for reference). I tried this mug cozy on several sizes of mugs, and it fit all of them, so hopefully it fits most standard mugs. Enjoy your coffee, tea, cider, etc. with your new drinkware accessory;)

Kitchen Calligraphy Art // You Wash, I'll Dry

This is a pretty simple and explanatory DIY, but I wanted to share. I am a complete beginner in calligraphy, but I've been practicing a lot. I wanted to create a simple calligraphy DIY that I could display in our home, even though I'm not that great at it yet. I've been on the lookout for a piece of art to hang above our sink in the kitchen, but haven't had any luck yet, so I decided to use an old frame and some fun calligraphy art for this space for the time being. I've seen the phrase you wash, i'll dry on tea towels and decided to use this phrase in my frame. I love this saying for a few reasons. It reminds me of my great grand parents ( I know, I was quite lucky to be able to know them for the first 9 years of my life!). My mawmaw Nobie would hand wash the dishes after every meal and my pawpaw Ancel would dry them and put them away, even though they had a perfectly good dishwasher that could do the work for them. It's one of my clearest memories of them. I also like this phrase because it applies to so many things in a marriage/household. You have to work together as a family and help each other out. Anyway, I hope you like this simple little DIY. Don't be scared to show off your skills, even if you feel nervous that it's not perfect!

Adventures in Calligraphy (Vol. 1)

Practice, Practice, Practice. Not even a little bit good at this yet, but I'm having oh so much fun. And I don't even mind the ink all over my hands after writing. Actually, it makes me feel like an artist. I've never been great at drawing or painting, but calligraphy feels beautiful enough to be considered art. 

Striped Newborn Hat Pattern

A friend of mine asked me to make some baby props for her photography business, and this is by far my favorite piece I made for her. It's just so simple and non-distracting, and I really love the neutral colors of this hat with nice and simple wooden buttons. This pattern was quick to work up, but you do have to change colors often. I think it's definitely worth it because stripes are the best. Actually, wee BABY stripes are the best!

Materials: soft baby yarn in 2 colors ( I used a white and tan color), 5mm hook, scissors, 2 wooden buttons (i bought mine here), brown thread, sewing needle

Abbreviations: Chain Stitch (ch), Slip Stitch (ss), Double Crochet (DC)

Pattern:

Row 1: Using your first color, ch 3. 10 dc into the second ch from hook. ss into last ch. ch 2.
Row 2: 2 dc into each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 3: Change to second color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 4: Change to first color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next two dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 5-9: Change colors. ch 2. dc in each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Use your needle and thread to sew the wooden buttons on the front side of the hat, one on top of the other.

Photo credit to Erin Cefalu Photography. Check out her site here!