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!

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!

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!

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.

Pumpkin Candy Bags (continued)

My neighbor liked the two pumpkin bags so much...she had to "order" a couple. With me, "order" consists of her knocking on my door and asking, "How much would you charge to make a pumpkin candy bag?"

Here are my two newest creations:




I tried to make the faces different - just so that each child that gets one has a unique gift.

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Candy Bags

Hello, blog readers!
For this terrific installment, I present to you, my newest creation:

PUMPKIN CANDY BAGS!!!



I wanted to make something special for the little boys who live across the hall at my apartment complex. They are well-behaved little munchkins ( 2 and 4 years old, respectively), and I wanted to make something just for them.

To make these bags, I had to alter the Lion Brand pattern, Amigurumi Happy Pumpkin. I think you might have to create an account on the Lion Brand web site to see the pattern, although, looking at the finished results, it's worth it.
I stopped doing the pattern after row 14, and continued as follows:
15 - sc in ea sc around
16 - add in Brown, sc in ea sc around.
17 - ch 2, sc in 2nd st from hk. *ch2, sk1, sc in next st* continue working from * to * around.
18 - sc in next st. *1 sc in ch2 sp, sc in next 2sc* (continue from * to *around). sl st in beg sc. Fasten off.

Cord:
Sc 90. Weave through loops on pumpkin stem. Tie ends together securely. Make a tassel out of A and B. Attach to cover cord join knot.

There are different ways for making tassels. How do I do it? I start by wrapping the yarn 5 times around the palm of my hand. Hold hand horizontally, with thumb sticking out. start with the yarn end at the bottom of your hand. Wind yarn around your hand 5 times, ending again at the bottom of your hand. Cut end of yarn. Then, cut yarn in half - by cutting through the strands at the bottom of your hand. Do this again with your other color.
Fold your yarn strands in half. Lay your cord on top of the yarn strands, below the folded side. Take the cut ends of the yarn, and pass it through the loop made by the folded side, over the top of the cord. Pull the cut ends tight. Voila! There's your tassel!
I found that the way I make tassels is called a 'fringe tassel.' Here is a video tutorial at YouTube to show you how:


If you prefer a more precise tassel, I found a terrific tutorial at Laughing Purple Goldfish Designs

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy my pumpkins!

Crochet Edging for Blue Jeans - Revisited

Remember when I said that I would post a picture when the edging was sewn onto the blue jeans? Well, here ya go:


This is me, wearing the jeans. Sweet!

When I wore them, I got several compliments - "boy, I wish I could crochet!" and " Did you do that yourself?! Cool!" among others.

I want to give a shout-out to my awesome friend Bert, who sewed on the edging for me: I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks!

Buddha Necklace

I fell in love with the idea of this necklace when I seen the pattern - so I saved it for later use. I tend to break jewelry, so it is quite obvious, with little inspection, that I choose much of my jewelry for durability in addition to simplicity. Occasionally, I'll make a concession to "Oh, pretty!", and make something that exists to be beautiful and nothing more. I guess that this is one of those times.



I found the pendant and beads at Michael's Arts and Crafts, and bought it with my birthday money (sent by my awesome grandmas!) in September. The hole in the pendant is so small that it seems only wire or fishing line can get through it, which made me think of this pattern. I chose these particular beads because the color resembles jade, and they are a nice contrast to the black and dark gray Buddha pendant. The hemp cord just seemed to fit the color scheme and rustic theme of the necklace itself.
Here is the original pattern at CrochetMe. The pattern doesn't include a pendant - I just took my theme and ran with it.

Okay, I have to say it: "Look! I made a pretty!"

Crochet Edging for Blue Jeans

When I picked up a pair of jeans at Old Navy, I didn't realize that the size tag had (S) on it - meaning "short". When I got them home and put them on, I realized my mistake...but I really didn't feel like taking them back so soon after buying them.

So, I kept them...and one day, I got an idea...how AWESOME would it be if I were to make crochet edging, and sew it onto the bottoms? It would look pretty cool, and it would more than likely show off my crafting skills.

For months, the idea went nowhere. I couldn't find a pattern for edging that I liked, I couldn't decide on a color to do the edging in, and I don't have a sewing machine - so I really have no means of sewing them on when/if I did actually jump on this project.

This past Sunday, my neighbor gave me two boxes of yarn (about the size of produce boxes...not big, but it sure is a lot of yarn). In it, I found a terrific variegated yarn that renewed my interest in the 'Blue Jean Edging' project. I searched in my books, and, lo and behold, I found an edging pattern that fit my idea of what my jeans should look like. So, I measured the jeans and got crackin'.

I did have a few problems with edging...namely, that I make WAY TOO MUCH for my project. I really don't know how that happened. I measured on the inside, and then measured my beginning chain exactly. Both of them ended up too long; the first one by about 2", and the second one a more manageable 1". I had to hand sew and cut the first one, because it was way too long for me to hide along the inside seam of the jeans. The second one was much more manageable...although it will take a once-over with a yarn needle and matching yarn to secure it.
Anyway, here it is, pinned and ready to be sewn together:

I mentioned on FB that I was doing this project, and didn't have a sewing machine. Within minutes, two friends offered their sewing machines for me to be able to finish my project. How sweet! Don't I have the best friends EVER? YAY!
The next picture of these will likely be a picture of me wearing the finished product!

Tapestry Crochet Bone Pattern

Here is my tapestry crochet pattern for a bone, for your crocheting pleasure:



When it's done, it should look something like this:



I designed this bone so that it could be tapestry crocheted onto my dog's kerchief.
I hope you enjoy!

Eyeball Key Chain

Here is my prototype for the eyeball keychain:



I've had only one problem with it - when the yarn gets caught in the narrow portion of the keyring (where things are taken off and put on) it refuses to make it's way back onto the keyring proper. I've decided to see if I can fix this problem with what jeweler's call "jump rings", metal rings that are used as an attachment (among other things):


If I have any luck with the jump rings (when I actually go out and GET them...I've been putting it off), I'll definitely post an update.
I'm kind of at a loss what to do with this...keep it and display as a prototype? Give to a friend? Give to my ophthalmologist as a wacky gift? Keep it as my own keyring?
One thing is for sure - I'm gonna be making a few more of these bad boys. And I might even sell them on Etsy, once I get my s#$% together and find out a name for my little venture. Then I can actually create an account, and start business. JOY!

Another Plarn Tote

This is another pattern I got from the book: 'Kooky Crochet' by Linda Kopp



My tote came out quite a bit bigger than the one in the picture. I might have used a hook that is much bigger than what the author used...although, the instructions only specified "big plastic hook"...with no size listed. This made me a little frustrated, as I like projects to turn out looking like the picture that tempted me into making the project in the first place.
I also like detailed, EXACT instructions (especially when it has to do with the materials and supplies needed to complete the project). I was tempted to name this project 'Colossal Waste of Time' - because, more than likely, I'll never use this.
I guess the best thing about this bag is that it's made out of plarn...and I can chalk it up as a learning experience and drop it in a recycle bin.
I guess satisfaction isn't always guaranteed in crochet. As in life...

My 100th post - Tapestry Crochet Heart Square, and Random Rambling

Woohoo! Celebrate - It's my one hundredth post! Feel free to do any of the following: drink a margarita, sing "We Are the Champions", do an intricate "End Zone" dance, or scream "AUDREY IS AWESOME!" at the top of your lungs.
Oh, and all you loyal followers: thanks for hanging in there with me. You're awesome, too!

MEANWHILE, at the crappy one bedroom apartment that temporarily suffices as my living quarters:

Here's a Tapestry Crochet heart square that I did!



I'm getting quite interested in tapestry crochet, and the myriad methods used to create these terrific works of art. I have found 4 methods so far, and I'm playing with all of them. This heart was done in an afternoon at my mother-in-law's, when I had to stay and watch the dog while my hubby and his brother took their mom out to dinner for some quality time...because it's her 50th birthday! Oh, and if someone didn't watch the dog, he'd howl, bark, and tear off the molding around the door - so that someone had to be me. And also, because I eat gluten free and they were going to a hamburger joint (i.e. Absolutely NOTHING on the menu that I can eat).

Okay...FOCUS! (I'm talking to myself again. Almost as worrisome as going off on tangents. Oh. Right.)
This method required that I attach small balls of yarn at the top of the heart (3 blue, 2 white) instead of carrying the opposite color underneath the working color. You may remember this method from the video that I posted in my previous post, Loki's Tapestry Crochet Kerchief. I think this method looks much more uniform, and the colors are bright and vibrant - not broken up by the color of the carried yarn showing up underneath (as it inevitably does, if you carry the yarn).
All in all, I'm happy with the results. This method might become my standby!

So - what will I do with it? Many ideas have occurred to me, including: a pocket on clothing, a pocket/patch on a bag, the front panel of a sachet bag, a center square for a throw pillow, and a random square to be used in an afghan. That's about as creative as I get at the moment, as I am trying to MASTER A SKILL, rather than complete a project.
If you have any ideas for this square, feel free to leave a comment. Oh, what the hell - you could even just leave a comment if you think it's really awesome, and you have no ideas for it whatsoever. Anything goes on Auð's ArtBlog...I'm a rebel.

Loki's Tapestry Crochet Kerchief

This is a kerchief using the same pattern as the previous post, with a little twist: it has a tapestry crochet bone in the middle!



I am finding tapestry crochet to be an interesting and diverse art form, with more than one way of execution. I've discovered 4 methods so far, and I'm experimenting with all of them. With this method, the threads aren't carried - they run along the back of the color change. The back, when flipped over, kind of looks like the back of an embroidery piece, with long stitches of the main color over the design motif. Also, I don't carry the threads to the end of the row, or cut them - I just designate one side the "back" and leave the threads hanging on that side, to pick up when I come around on the next row.
If you've ever been interested in tapestry crochet, I suggest you check out some of the terrific tutorials on youtube. I found this one particularly helpful:



Hope you enjoy! Keep on hooking!

Loki's Blue Kerchief

I call it a kerchief because I like the word kerchief better than bandanna. So sue me!



I got the pattern at Crochet n' More: Dog Bandanna Collar Cover
It slips over the collar...no need to tie, and no need for a clasp! Cool! And Loki looks awfully handsome wearing his new doggy accessory...if I do say so myself.

I made another one, using the Tapestry Crochet Technique. I'll post that one later...I don't want to spoil you guys with too many cool posts in a row.