Although, I still have many more spats patterns that I am working on, testing for the Chevron Fancy Spats finished early! I had thought that the official release of this pattern wouldn't happen for at least a few days, but here it is, hot off the press and ready to be crocheted up!

This pattern is a fairly easy project and can be crocheted up rather quickly. It is written using US standards and worked flat from the top down. Due to the color work, I would consider it to be an advanced beginner pattern. This pattern is set up such that every other time you change color instead of turning, you go back to the beginning and pull up a loop with the new color. It sounds tricky, but I will have pictures to better display this technique.

Sizes:
Small approximately 9 ½” around the ankle (Large approximately 12 ½” around the ankle)

Materials:
(C1) 30 – 40 yards (25 – 35 meters) light worsted weight yarn
(C2) 30 – 40 yards (25 – 35 meters) worsted weight yarn
G (4.25 mm) Hook
Yarn Needle
2 half inch (1.3 cm) buttons

Only $4.00 for a PDF download.

Just about every week, I like to make pancakes for breakfast at least once. I tried a few different recipes, but my husband wouldn't eat much because they were all too heavy. Then, I found the perfect recipe on All Recipes. It is one that needs no alteration (except to add berries or bananas or chocolate chips), so I am linking directly to it, just click on the picture below.

Hi all! So, right now, I am testing the pattern for my Chevron Spats. I'm hoping to post a link to the finalized pattern in a week or so, but for now you can enjoy the pic below.

For now, I am adding a frilly pair of spats to the Free Pattern Testers Group over at Ravelry called Liana. Below are a couple preview pics. I'm planning to post a link to the pattern in a few weeks, once the testing is all done.

Some months ago, I shared the process for creating an acrylic transfer. What is really cool about that method is that you can literally copy an image, what is not so great is that you have to apply a thick layer of acrylic paint to the surface you are transferring the image to. To solve this, I bring you the chalk/pastel transfer method. My sister gave me a small chest of drawers that was asking for some paint in a really cool design. I went online and came across a cool decal of knit stitches and Wall Lettering Made Easy by My Wonderful Walls. This method essentially follows that laid out by My Wonderful Walls.

Materials:
Black and White image
Object to transfer image to
Ball Point Pen
Chalk or Pastel (light color is better to prevent staining)
Paint
Painter's tape
Paint brushes

Step 1: Cut image down to size if needed, then cover the back with chalk/pastel. Tap away excess powder.
Step 2: Attach image to the object with painter's tape, then using the pen, draw around the outline, pressing hard so the image transfers clearly.
Step 3: Remove paper, paint inside the chalk outline. After the first coat wipe away the chalk with a wet rag.
Optional: Apply a second coat once first is dry. When the second coat is dry, use 150 fine grit sandpaper to distress image.

Here is the launch of a series of patterns I have in the works for spats. Basically these are collars for your shoes that can stand on their own or peek out from under jeans. They are incredibly versatile as you can wear them with boots, flats, heels or booties. If you are wondering about the name, it comes from an accessory popular at the turn of the 20th Century, according to Wikipedia. Anyway, I have at least 3 other patterns, one of which I am currently testing in Ravelry and the other two I am still finalizing. If you are interested in buying this as a completed product, send me an email at [email protected] and we can work something out. If I get enough interest, I will add these to my Etsy Shop. Enjoy!

This pattern is a fairly easy project and can be crocheted up rather quickly. It is written using US standards and worked flat from the top down. Due to the front and back post stitches, I would consider it to be an advanced beginner pattern. If you want these to fit over boots/booties, go with a larger size.

Sizes:
Small roughly 11” around the ankle (Medium roughly 13”) (Large roughly 15”)

Materials:
40 – 50 yards (25 – 35 meters) Caron Simply Soft or a lightweight worsted yarn
D (3.25 mm) Hook
Yarn Needle
2 half inch (1.3 cm) buttons

Only $5.00 for a PDF download

Perhaps one of my most favorite sites and one that I visit more than any other is Shwin & Shwin. The blog was created by two sisters who sew and post their amazing abilities online, including tutorials, free patterns and kid's crafts. In fact, if you remember the baby dress I made from a men's dress shirt, that idea came from the Shwin sisters (with a few tweeks of course). Anyway, if you sew or you want to start, go to their website, you will NOT be disappointed!

Here is another lovely crochet bracelet made from T-shirt yarn. The pattern is available on Ravelry. If you need some T-Shirt yarn/tarn, head over to my tutorial on how to make some.

This bracelet is written using US standards. The yarn for this bracelet is made from a T-Shirt cut into one long continuous ½” strip. Just a couple of notes about tarn; not all tarns are made equal and the type of T-Shirt you use can greatly affect the outcome of your bracelet. I originally made this using a thinner shirt that was 60% cotton and 40% synthetic. Generally, I have found that the pure cotton tarns stretch and will give you a greater quantity, but are also harder to work with. That being said, if you are using a typical, run of the mill, 100% cotton T-Shirt, go down a bracelet size and use a G hook. This may still be tough, if you go up another size hook, go down another size for the bracelet. Also, practice a bit to get the hang of the tarn if you have never used it before.

Sizes:
X-Small (Small) (Medium) (Large)
Materials:
10-15 Yards (10-13 meters) T-Shirt Yarn (WPI = 7)
D (3.25 mm) or G (4.0 mm) Hook
Yarn Needle
1 Button at 1/2” (1.3 cm) diameter


Only $3.00 for a PDF download.

Some time ago I came across a fabulous blog that I would like to share. The Small Things blog has the BEST hair tutorials! Kate, the lovely creator of this fantastic site, shows you step by step how to make elegant updos and recreate trendy styles on her own head so you can actually see where you need to put your hands and whatnot. As a side note, apparently I have been curling my hair wrong my whole life... Anyway, go check it out, I am sure you will not be disappointed!

Hey there! As I stated last week, I have a few projects in the works, but I am still having them tested. However, in an effort to continue posting, I figure I will highlight some great tutorials that I have found on the web. This first highlight post is a shout out to Future Girl or Alice. I learned of the foundation single crochet (FSC) a few weeks ago on Pinterest and it blew my mind. Basically, it combines the chain row with the single crochet row! No more trying to cram the hook into a tight row of chains! Anyway, when I Googled it, I found Alice and her incredibly thorough tutorial on the FSC.  She has really done a great job showing exactly where the hook needs to go and has even linked a video. Seriously, if you are unfamiliar with the FSC, check it out, it will change your life.

Let's be honest. Few things are not made better by adding Nutella. I have to admit that my life in general was made better by the addition of Nutella. It is such a versatile condiment! Things that are normally considered a meal are made into dessert by this luscious spread. You can imagine my delight when I came across a Nutella Swirl Banana Bread the other day when I was browsing one of my favorite communities, Cakes & Baking - The Cadbury Kitchen. When I went to make it, I decided I was more in the mood for muffins (easier to limit myself then continuing to cut a tiny slice...). I found a great recipe over at The Fig Tree, which I didn't change. The only thing I did different was to add toffee bits, which was a GREAT decision.