The Pony Earflap Hat - Rainbow Dash Edition

For my niece's fourth birthday, I created a My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Hat. I used the basic hat pattern from the Lil' Vampire Hat pattern in Beastly Crochet. I freehand crocheted some triangles and folded them over for the ears. I used yarn from my stash, and made the mane using basic doll hair technique.
I also took longer strands of the same yarn and made the braids. Not too shabby for an improvised design!

3/4 View

The Back

The Side

As you can see, my model was the adorable and placid stuffed Rottweiler my husband got me for my birthday many, many years ago. He's not the most desirable model for a hat, but his head wound up being the perfect size.
Hope you enjoy! She sure did:

Making Something Beautiful

I was having a bad day about a month ago - stressed, anxious, worried - and to ease my discomfort, I decided that instead of dwelling on the negative, it would make me feel a lot better if I created something beautiful.
On my last trip to the grocery store, I found Crayola Dry Erase Pencils, and was so intrigued that I decided to buy them and give them a try. They were almost $5.00 which is quite a splurge for me; I rarely impulse buy.
The basic pack comes with 8 basic colors and a sharpener. The pencils look like color pencils, but are noticeably softer. Also, a warning - due to their softness, they are quite hard to sharpen, even with the included sharpener. If you're able to find a better method of sharpening these bad boys, please feel free to share it with me.
After I had them all sharpened, I created a quick-and-dirty standard artist's bowl of fruit with the fruit I had on hand at the time - which happened to be a lot because, as I mentioned before, I just came back from the store.
Here are my results:

Yeah, I admit - I signed my name to my dry erase board art. Haha!

After a month, it's still up there - a reminder to create something beautiful when I'm experiencing rough emotions. 

Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkins Galore - 2013 Edition

 Last Halloween, I carved four wonderful pumpkins and managed to recover pictures of three. Sadly, I dropped my camera on concrete and it ate my pictures, so I had to take new ones in haste before the pumpkins got all soft and icky (they tend to do that in Washington state, since it's pretty wet and somewhat warm in the fall).

Without further ado, my terrific pumpkins!

Here's one of my favorite Tolkien character, Gandalf. Unfortunately, I have no idea where I acquired the picture used to make the stencil, but I've included it for anyone who would like to make their own. If anyone can find it or knows who the artist of this vector drawing is, please let me know - I'd love to give them credit.

Gandalf pumpkin

Vector drawing of Gandalf

The Klingon Imperial Emblem can be found with a simple Google Image search. I decided to do a shaved effect with my Dremel tool, which came out fabulously!

Klingon Imperial Emblem pumpkin

and last but not least, an attack pumpkin. This photo was taken after we had the "DANGER: CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS" tape that was lining our driveway removed, so you're not getting the full effect. Part of the leg was hanging out into the driveway, as if the pumpkin snagged an unlucky trick-or-treater as they passed. We dressed up one of our prop Halloween severed legs, stuffed the end of a pants leg in the pumpkin's mouth, then gave it a liberal spattering of blood (which the misty rain quickly washed away). The spilled candy bucket was a nice touch!

Attack pumpkin!!!

I hope you enjoyed my pumpkins. I'm planning next year's carvings - feel free to drop me some ideas in the comments!

Back After a Long Hiatus

Hello friends and fans - I apologize for the lack of posts recently, but since I've graduated from the Library Information Services program at SFCC, I have plenty of time to catch you up on what I've been doing recently while I look for employment.

I've been canning a lot lately! My husband bought me an All American Pressure Canner, so I've been going to town with that. I've canned beans, meat, soups, broth, veggies - anything that I can get my hot little hands on!

Chicken Broth

In the crochet end, I've made this cute little breakfast food set a while back, which I recently donated to my 3-yr old niece's play kitchen (Egg pattern HERE, Bacon pattern at Lion Brand HERE, Cup of Coffee pattern HERE) :

Yum Yum!

I also made cool dinosaur pillow covers for a second cousin (sorry - these are originals! No pattern.):

T-Rex

Stegosaurus

Brontosaurus

I've been giving away some of these beautiful tiny bags (also originals, but bags are pretty easy-peasy):

Black Cotton

Camo Cotton

Red Acrylic

Natural Cotton

Blue Acrylic with Fancy Clasp

Rainbow Acrylic with Metal Ring in the Bottom

I made this cute little roly-poly penguin (free pattern at Lion Brand, requires account):

I made a terrific gift basket for a friend who moved into a new place:

Wine, Glasses, Butterfly stickers,
and an Assortment of Kitchen Supplies

I cooked some delicious food:

Deviled Eggs

Broccoli Soup

Stuffed Sweet Pepper

Bugs on a Boat

Meat and Cheese Platter

Green Smoothie

I carved some awesome pumpkins:

United Natural Foods Logo

Spock

Autobot Logo - Transformers

Thor

...and I gave away all of my painting stuff. Seriously. I know I paint well - but I haven't touched any of my painting stuff in over a year - it was time for it to move on to a new home, and for me to focus more on crochet, canning, gardening, home brewing, and my various other hobbies and interests.
I've been giving away a lot of crochet stuff lately - it just winds up sitting around and collecting dust, so I feel better giving it to someone who will provide my art with a loving, appreciative home.
I apologize to you guys - I'll try to keep up with this blog, and start posting more often. Next post, I'll show off my current project, a crochet commission for a friend. Thanks for hanging in there!

Another Netflix Envelope

I must have caught the drawing bug!
I did this today, mostly in the car, as we were driving around town to run into different stores and look at barbecue grills:



This masterpiece is also inspired by this post at Doodlers Anonymous.

Enjoy!

~Audrey

Netflix Envelope Doodle!

Inspired by this post at Doodlers Anonymous, I decided to make my very own Netflix Envelope doodle!



Yes, that's the Starship Enterprise. It's a little blurry at this size, but the original even has the number on it: NCC-1701.

I hope this gives some postal worker a well-deserved smile!

Until next time, folks...WARP SPEED AHEAD!

Black Cotton Small Drawstring Bag

Since I seem to have found a good pattern that I like, I have decided to try and crochet the pattern in different yarn materials, to see the effects. I've been quite impressed with cotton in the past, so I decided to see how this pattern would look in cotton:



The cotton bag is softer to the touch than the acrylic bag - I would expect it to fade much more quickly, and there is the added drawback of the material decaying (if kept moist for too long) or badly fraying after rough handling. regardless, it is a relatively durable, stylish little bag made out of premium natural material.
Since this yarn costs more, and comes in smaller skeins to boot, I'll have to add $2.00 to the finished price of one of these, compared to the acrylic ones. Cotton yarn isn't cheap.

Thanks all, for your interest in my future store!

~Aud

Camo Print Small Drawstring Bag

This is another installment in the "Small Drawstring Bag" series. This pattern is one of my own design, and it's performing quite well. These drawstring bags are small enough to hang around one's neck - and are quite convenient for carrying rosaries, prayer beads, malas - and more.




This bag is made out of acrylic yarn, in a camouflage print, with a length of black 550 cord used for a drawstring.

Small Purse Bag

This little "purse bag" was something that came to me when I was brainstorming for more imaginative items for my upcoming store:



As expected, the more jewelry findings, clasps, fringe and decorative beads I have to use, the more it will cost. But these little bags will probably sell around $6-$10...that won't even *bend* a budget, much less break it.

In the future, once I have the patterns perfected, I'll start to offer bags made using tapestry crochet.
I've also thought about making some more of those terrific, horrific, eyeball key chains, and offering those for sale as well. In case you've forgotten what they look like:


The eyeballs will probably go for about $10 each, because they're *really* time-consuming. All of those little veins on the surface of the eyeball have to be hand-embroidered!

I have been thinking about stopping the practice of importing these posts as notes on Facebook - because all the comments and/or discussion usually end up on Facebook - not here on blogger, where the most value could be gleaned from it. You don't even need to sign up with blogger to leave a comment.

Thanks, you guys, for reading - please feel free to comment on what you'd like to see in the store!

Bright Red Small Drawstring Bag

As I may have mentioned before, I'm thinking of starting a small crochet/art business on etsy this fall. I've been working on experimenting with different techniques to create small drawstring bags that are affordable, relatively simple in design, and can be altered easily for finishing touches, such as decorative beads and clasps. The patterns that I create also have to translate well to different types of yarn.

Here is my first bag:



 

It's made out of bright red worsted weight yarn using an H hook. It's big enough to fit the palm of my hand – the perfect place for a key, change, lipstick, or a special keepsake. Let your imagination run wild!

What I’ve been doing lately

I hate to post another one of those posts, but here it is: Sorry for not posting lately. There are several things that are commanding my attention:

1. Electrical disaster – many of our electrical items were fried by a power surge. Luckily, the power company took responsibility for it, and they replaced and/or fixed all of them. Among the carnage: One TV, three digital clocks, our doorbell, our oven, hubby's shop light, the computer (under warranty, but data retrieval paid for), the computer speakers, the modem, our phone, our stereo…and I forget what else. It was just CRAZY. I'm just glad the madness is over.

2. I'm going to college for Library Science (Library Technician) starting this summer, but my situation has several unique qualities that have to be addressed. First and foremost, this is through the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program – so it's papered to the hilt. I have to have paper for each step. Second, the program starts in the fall, and I want to get some of the harder courses that I wouldn't DREAM of taking online taken in a classroom at my local Community College. Third, I have to coordinate through both colleges to get this all done – and it's not as easy as it sounds. It's taken me almost two weeks to start my Education Plan – something I need to have done by the next couple weeks, or getting in to see an advisor is going to be a nightmare., because registration for the Summer quarter starts soon, and everyone needs to have an advisor sign off on their course selections. Nothing says "fun" like a looming deadline, huh?

3. My grandpa has cancer. I know – crap. But that's all the bad news. They caught it early, and they're starting treatment immediately, so his chances are great. He also seems to be taking the news well.

And concerning arts and crafts goodness (what you come here for, dontcha know!):

4. I'm preparing an attempt to launch my own brand spankin' new etsy store, where I will sell my creations to you, the adoring fans!

Oh, and there will be posts relevant to arts and crafts coming up next month. I've done stuff; I just have to get around to taking and uploading pictures! Thank you so much for hanging in there with me – I love you guys!

 

~Auð

The Earflap Hat + Book Review

I know I haven't posted in about three weeks - and I'd like to apologize. My husband and I have been busy with the house, there's a housewarming party this Saturday, I have a dentist appointment and a VA appointment in the same week - and I need new glasses. Next week, we have to get our taxes done. It is a little more expensive to heat the house than we thought it would be, but we planned for that - and although money is a little tighter, I wouldn't trade my drafty house for a drafty apartment! lol! I'm glad we have money saved for renovations!
Well, on a more positive note, I would love to show off my new creation:



The chunky ear-flap hat! It's based on a design by Ann Regis (called 'The Cap' in the book CrochetWear). I had to alter it, because almost ALL the designs in this book, even the hats, were TOO SMALL for me. If your head is bigger than 20", or, you're larger than an off-the-rack medium, I wouldn't get this book, or even borrow it from the library. Although, I guess the 'Wraps' portion of the book might be more versatile. For a last gripe about this book: the pictures of the models had me scratching my head...are they imitating hipsters, or are they just dressed badly? If that's what passes for fashion now....count me out.

Special Olympics Scarf Project

In the New Year, I have resolved to give more charitably, whether through monetary means, or through donation of goods/services. By chance, I received my regular Crochet newsletter, and the USA Special Olympics Scarf Project was featured.
I decided to crochet a scarf, but had a hard time finding both colors of yarn. I was quite desperate, when I turned to a place that I never shop, Wal-mart. It turns out that they did have the color...and I could finally start my project, after bouncing around town to 4 stores.

Here is the finished product:



And the pattern, if you find yourself so inclined to crochet or knit one of your own to donate:
http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org/files/upload_file_806701660.pdf

I hope everyone is having a terrific New Year so far!

Melting Snowman Amigurumi

I was looking for something to make a friend of mine for a Holiday gift - because I like handmade things, she likes handmade things...and, well, I'm cheap. I just bought a house and I need money for the improvements - give me a darn break, already!

When I found the pattern for this project, I really loved it - and I thought she would get a kick out of it, too. There is a story behind this gift, though, and you'll have to live through the story before I'll allow you to see the awesome amigurumi that I made :

My friend is 81 years old. She lives in a 55+ community, and every year, they have a craft/hobby fair. She bought a badly made snowman from a lady because she felt sorry for her. The snowman had a WHITE scarf (really - a white scarf on a snowman), and it's arms were jutting haphazardly out of it's hips. Needless to say, this poor snowman looked like he suffered an industrial accident. So - her and a mutual friend of ours, Sarah, went to JoAnn's Craft and Fabric store, and picked out a bunch of decorative stuff to hopefully fix the train wreck that was this poor snowman.

It didn't work. It's an inside joke now, something to poke fun and laugh at - that silly deformed snowman. So - in honor of that poor, deformed snowman, I made this:



It's a melted snowman!

I found the pattern here, at Fun and Fang, if you would like to pick up your hook and make one of your own.

Hope you're all doing well, having a great holiday season - and staying warm!

Fan Light Pull

A few days ago, my husband expressed frustration when trying to find the light pull on a fan in our house. As you may know, this house is new to us - but it was built in 1972, and has changed a few hands over the years. The previous owners weren't too handy around the house...they half-assed repair jobs, and they sure as heck didn't leave us anything they didn't have to. The light and fan pulls are both short - so they're pretty hard to find in the dark.
So, I came up with this solution, after sifting through my art stuff for about 15 minutes:

I've had the green pendant for a while now - I suspect I found it on one of our family's yard-sale excursions when I was a teenager. I got the fake pearls at our local JoAnn's Crafts store. I attached the pendant to a length of craft wire, then threaded on the beads. I weaved the craft wire around the existing fan light pull, and VOILA! A new, sexy fan light pull. Well, maybe not sexy, but it is pretty stinkin' cool, if I do say so myself. :)

Crochet Bell Necklaces for Wooden Deer

My dad made me these awesome wooden deer years ago, and I haven't had much of a place to put them until now. So, I decided to pull them out and make them festive this year.



I bought some big bells at my local JoAnn's Craft store, and then scoured my yarn stash for the right shades of red and green. I made a cord, using this method ( I used technique 2) , and threaded the bell on when I thought that I was halfway done. I left a few inches on the end of each thread, and tied them around the necks of the deer. Cool huh?

I'm so crafty, I amaze myself sometimes! :D

Homeless Hat

While moving, I found a few hats that I made that I seldom (if ever) wear. I decided to give them to a homeless ministry, and started to look around for one...unfortunately, I was unable to find one in my area, but I did contact Clark County, Washington's Council for the Homeless for information. I was kindly referred to the Friends of the Carpenter, a homeless ministry that is, in short, amazing. They have a large wood shop, and teach the local homeless how to use the equipment to make beautiful, mostly religious themed items. If you're interested, their Product Catalog is here.

Now, in addition to the hats that I found, I decided to make a special hat, specifically to give away to the homeless. Here's the hat:





Feel free to flatter the beautiful model with compliments. :D

I decided that every time I do an "experiment" or practice another crochet skill, that I make a large swatch of it, and make it into a hat. This one was done in rounds, though, with no seam. Here, I was practicing crochet ribbing, and it turned out so well that I was just a little bit sad that I had to give it away.

I hope it will make someone very happy - and very warm - this holiday season.

Skull Tapestry Crochet Bag

I know it's been a while, but here is my latest project:



This purse is piratastic! I'm artistic, so I can just make up words. I'm cool like that.
I've done tapestry crochet previously, but never this intense, and never on anything that I would willingly carry around in public. But this...is just all kinds of awesome.
The pattern for the handbag is at futuregirl's site: Starling Handbag
The skull motif is here, at CraftyCrafty: Jolly Roger Skull and Crossbone
I've put a picture of my handbag on the Starling Handbag Flickr Pool - it's great to see what other crocheters out there are creating with the same pattern!

I even have an order in...for one with a red skull, so stay tuned for that one!
Also, I have a set of crochet dice to make, as well as a gift for a friend's daughter.
I'm *this close* to finishing a hat that I'm going to be donating to a homeless shelter, along with three other hats I've made that never get worn. So - that's what I'm doing these days. Well, that, and managing to get all the REGULAR chores done while unpacking boxes in our NEW HOUSE! Woohoo!

See? I told you I might check in!

A glimpse of what is to come...November 2010

I have quite a few things on my list this month, but that list might have to be postponed for this, and possibly next month. My husband and I are buying a house, and the deal is set to close on the 19th of November. So - understandably - posts on my blog will be mighty scarce while I pack, move, and unpack. I hope you all will understand.

Without further ado, here are my lists:

In the works:

1. Gift for Mika
2. Gift for Jeff (my brother-in-law)
3. Finish Granny square blanket
4. Skull and crossbones crochet purse
5. More "hand tools" drawings

My to-do list:

1. Crocheted Autumn leaves magnets
2. Crochet socks
3. Frog Amigurumi
4. Bags for my cousins for Christmas (If I get the color/applique info)

Random Ideas: (I'm taking from my last 'Glimpse' post - which was taken from the last 'Glimpse' post before that. I love some of these ideas, and fully intend on making good on them!)
1. Hammer cozy
2. Small BBQ cozy (our apartment thinks that Charcoal BBQ's are the devil, so I'd like to crochet a cozy to make it more covert)
3. Random street art, to get my 'Crochet Valkyrie' blog up and running again
4. Cross-stitch Buddhism stuff - 4 Noble truths, 5 precepts, 8 fold path
5. Havamal samplers
6. More sushi sets, to sell on Etsy, or wherever I feel like it.
7. Do a felting project!

Again, if there is anything that you'd like to see here, feel free to leave a comment.

Terry's Earflap Hat

I've been working on a special hat for my husband lately - something that's warm for the predicted cold winter, and something that covers his ears. Which led me to choose the popular ear flap hat style. Here is is, finished:



This took quite a while, because my husband has a head that's larger than average. It was definitely worth the wait, however...it fit perfectly, and he was thrilled with the results.
He did ask me to make it longer in the back, and I offered a solution: I could make a back panel that attaches with buttons or velcro. That way, it could act as a neck gaiter, and be removable when he finds it annoying (like when he's wearing a hooded sweatshirt with it - all that fabric back there will definitely make your neck warm, but would probably bunch up in the back, creating more of a hassle than a benefit.
He hasn't worn it outside yet, but after a couple minutes inside, his head was starting to sweat.
My work here is done. Kinda.