Made By Cynthia Rae

The Hair "Bow"

2010-06-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

A couple of my dear, daughter-raising friends were looking for a cute DIY flower "bow" to kick their creativity in gear for the season. Here is what we came up in fifteen minutes with a hot glue gun and some quick thinking.

What you need:
a cute, silk flower (or paper or fabric or whatever inspires you)
a barrette and/or piece of elastic (I used some foldover elastic I had on hand)
a hot glue gun (or, if you're patient, some "snail-dry" glue)

1. Look around your house for a cute jar of pretend flowers from which you might not notice if one went missing.

2. Pop the flower off the stem and remove all center plastic pieces that hold it together.

3. Stack the flower forms on top of each other. I used two different colors of flowers and alternately layered them. Glue each piece on top of the next.

4. Look through your craft stash and select the most perfect and inspiring centerpiece. I ended up choosing buttons for my orange "bow" but for my red flower I put blings in the center. Glue them on.

5. Measure your recipient's head and cut your elastic accordingly. Overlap the ends and glue together. Glue the band to the flower as shown.

6. And then, I got a better idea. What about making a headband with interchangeable flowers? Just glue the completed flower onto a barrette and snap it onto the headband. Now you have one for each outfit. Neat huh?

By the way, I admit that I made the red one for myself. It's not just for little girls!

Made: Jalie Blouse

2010-06-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Part of the reason I started a blog was to track and record my projects. When I complete a project, whether it be one that has been in the works for awhile or a completely whimsical day project, I get pumped. Not only do I get pumped because it is finished and I get to use or wear something new but also because somewhere along the way I became inspired to make something else. And then, in the midst of daily activity and too many projects to keep track of I often get so eager to begin the next inspiration that I forget to stop and appreciate what I just accomplished.

So, I've created a new category for my blog called "Made". Here I will post pictures of items that I've made just for the sake of keeping track of them. If you find one that inspires you and would like to know how it was made just drop a comment.

Here is an experiment in working with lycra jersey. It was made using the Jalie Pattern 2449. The pattern was very simple, a great fit and came with excellent instructions.

Cheesemaking: Reinventing Muslin And Crochet Thread

2009-06-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a goal of mine in the last few years to begin incorporating more vegetarian meals into our diet. The cost of meat is high and I have been convinced that dried beans are the wonder food because of their price and health content. For my birthday I received "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian" by Mark Bittman.

For dinner one rainy day the boys and I decided to make cheese.

What you need:

1/2 gallon milk
Quart buttermilk
Salt to taste
Washed muslin from your stash (or you could do it the real way and use cheesecloth)
Crochet thread (or yarn or any type of string)
Collander
Stirring spoon
Pot
Little hands to help you stir and squeeze

1. Place your collander in the sink. I put mine in a bowl to catch the whey.

2. Put your muslin cloth over the strainer.

3. Bring the milk and salt to a boil.

4. Pour in the buttermilk all at once.

5. Stir the mixture.

6. The milk will begin to separate into cheese and whey.

7. Pour the whole thing on top of your cloth in the strainer. It will look like dry cottage cheese. In fact, it is dry cottage cheese and you can eat it this way.

8. Pull up the corners of the cloth and twist it to form a ball. Run it under water and start to twist the liquid out. When it is cool enough to handle the kids can help squeeze the rest of the whey out.

9. Now tie your string around the top of the ball and let it hang from a spoon over a bowl or your collander. This will set and cool the cheese.

10. When it is cooled off simply unwrap your creation and serve it with your favorite soup and crackers. It is truly delicious.

Along with the book I also received the most adorable cupcake pan from Nordic Ware. We used it to make cornbread.

The kids loved driving their cornbread cars around the clean table and the cheese was delicious. It was a fun way to learn how our commercial food is made and was a perfect activity for a rainy day.

Dinosaur Bones

2009-06-22T14:00:00.001-05:00

There's always a selection of "healthy" cereals in our kitchen for a quick breakfast or snack time and they all live in clear containers so they look somewhat appetizing. I never had a problem getting the kids to enjoy Kellog's All-Bran cereal with yogurt bites (well, it does have some sugar in it). The other morning, I found out why.

Camden had eaten all of the bran flakes and collected the yogurt bites so he could assemble a T-Rex skeleton..

Chase saw and, of course, tried to do the same. Being only two years old, I don't think he caught on to the yogurt bites resembling bones and built his dinosaur with the bran flakes instead.

The whole episode made me laugh. Leave it to a kid to come up with the best unique and fun ways to eat food...

My Helping Hands

2009-06-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

These little hands that help today
Will make a mess, explore and play.
Be patient with them while they're small
For hands grow big as legs grow tall.

My childhood home was like any home across the country in that the central hub was the kitchen. I have fond memories of making mini pies in foil pot pie plates with my mom after a summer afternoon picking mulberries in the park across the street, prize fish caught from the lake fried for dinner, hours of chatting over a simple breakfast bagel, Kook-Aid stained lips, screen doors, steamed up windows on Thanksgiving morning and the list goes on... For years on the wall between the two windows that overlooked my favorite tree swing in the backyard were two little plaster handprints and one small, sandy footprint. I remember marveling at how the casts seemed to shrink with each new year.

With Cam starting Kindergarten next year it has occurred to me how very fast these years are moving and just how grown up the kids are becoming. So, to capture my little helping hands I decided to take a lesson from my mom's plaster casts. You can buy handprint kits that give you the frame, mat, and materials but I was able to match my kitchen decor with some IKEA frames that I had on hand and purchasing the clay only (which was far less messy than the plaster used decades ago).

Supplies:

Crayola "Model Magic" (ok, I purchased a super huge box of it because I have no control when it comes to craft supplies and I will surely come up with something to use the rest for- one small package will do for your project)

a small hand
a rolling pin
your choice of frame and mat (I used construction paper for the background because it is all I had on hand but it will probable fade over time)
mounting material (tape or glue of some sort)

Just roll out the size and shape of dough that you want your handprint on and press those little fingers or toes into it. You will have to let the clay dry for at least 24 hours and then be sure to write the name of the person, age and date. Then just stick it to the mat and hang it up!

I think my little hands compliment my other pieces of "art" in the kitchen.

They all reflect the mood of raising children, don't you think?

On Top Of The World

2009-06-11T17:00:00.007-05:00

Today was the most lovely day of the season! I forced myself to stay far away from the craft lab and work outside. Cam started the afternoon with some Goopaloop (our name for trail mix- see recipe below) on the deck while listening to "Top Of The World" by the Carpenters on repeat on his giant "I-pod".He then went on an expedition. Recently declaring that he wanted to become a biologist when he grows up I created a bucket for him to take when he explores the critters living in our backyard. In it is a garden spade for digging (it doesn't matter that he has a giant, handmade sandbox, he still prefers to dig in the dirt), garden gloves, an explorer's hat, clipboard and pen, magnifying glass and his digital camera.

Meanwhile, the little ones slept and I painted.

Life is good...
Cam's Goopaloop
Kix cereal
Cheerios
Raisens
Mint chocolate chips
Goldfish crackers
Whole oats (oatmeal)

Mix all together in a bowl and dole out accordingly. Caution: the chocolate chips are the first to go!

DIY: Natural Rock Drawer Pulls

2009-04-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

This is, quite possibly, my best invention yet. Do you remember when I declared that everything that is mass manufactured can be made right at home? Well, here is more proof. In my current decorating frenzy I set out to put some cupboard/drawer pulls on my kitchen cupboards. I had just recently torn out an advertisement from a home improvement magazine for some beautiful rock pulls that are currently selling for a minimum of $10 per piece (go ahead and see for yourself- just Google "stone drawer pulls"). Well, I decided that this natural and beautiful hardware would make my cupboards look lovely but I could already hear my checkbook wailing from inside of my new purse. Nevertheless, I still had to have them.

So, again with the terrific knowledge of nuts and bolts that my husband stores away in his brain and a complete raid of my decorating closet, I came up with the exact same product for about $1 each. Here's how you can make one too:

Here's what you need:

Polished rocks (found in the home dec section of any store including your local dollar store or pick up your favorites on the beach)

Epoxy glue

Cap Nuts (I bought mine at McMaster-Carr item #90835A300 1/4"X20 and 12mm length)

Machine Screws (McMaster-Carr item # 90271A542 1/4X20 and 1" length)

Dremel or sandpaper for roughing up surfaces

First, rough up the surfaces of your rocks and cap nuts. This will help the glue to stick better.

Mix up the epoxy following the directions on the package. Dip the cap nut into the epoxy and place on the rock to dry. You won't need too much glue on the nut and if you do get too much on you run the risk of it sliding off of your rock before it is dried.

Tah-Dah!! I purchased a mounting template that helped me mark where I wanted the pulls to be. Drilling was a piece of cake and the kids even helped me put the screws through the holes and twist the pulls on.

I am so impressed with the success of this project that I'm already scheming up new places in my home I may put them (buttons in the craft lab?) You could use nearly anything other than rocks for a unique look. What will you use?

Spring Purse: A Lesson In Brocade

2009-04-20T14:00:00.001-05:00

Created with the New Look pattern 6738 that I picked up nearly a year ago, this purse was a quick weekend project to bring a little spring into my world. It turned out to be a lesson in working with Brocade fabric as well. The purse threatened to be a disaster several times in the making but, with some quick thinking and putting to use some of my craft miscellany, it came through a true beauty to accent my pink spring trench coat.

Even though I used the recommended 70/10 H needle suggested in Sandra Betzina's "More Fabric Savvy" I still ended up with some annoyingly large holes in the fabric where the needle went through. My remedy? I found some matching pink floss in my stash and hand embroidered a backstitch along the seamline where the needle went in. If you really examine the purse, the holes are still slightly visible but much more masked with the backstitching and I think it accents the purse quite nicely.

After realizing that Brocade is a pretty difficult fabric to work with for this reason, I proceeded to hand sew the rest of the pieces with transparent thread and a very fine needle.

The last problem was where I was going to find a heavy ring for the front strap of the purse (can you spot it on the pattern envelope)? Oops. I started a project again without all of the recommended supplies. Oh well, I used two old, ugly brass O rings (what else would I have used them for?) and tied a simple knot over and over around them in the same matching floss.

I love it. It is lined with a hot pink, inexpensive costume satin that I bought around Halloween. It was so pretty when I finished that I considered not even wearing it but for special occasions.

But then I realized that if I only use it that often, I'll never have an excuse to make another. And a girl can always use a new purse, don't you think?

The Pirate Show

2009-04-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

I learned just in time that the the local middle school was putting on a musical called "A Pirate's Life For Me". So, I purchased two tickets and scheduled a Saturday date with my little pirate. Luckily, he had the perfect outfit to wear.

I made this pirate shirt at the beginning of the school year using Simplicity pattern 4760 and the perfect map fabric. I originally intended to press a "Pirates of the Carribean" shadow patch on the back but decided that it made the shirt a bit chaotic. So, I'll use that on a simpler shirt next year. What I did try, however, is a very neat collar technique that I learned on the new Threads DVD called "Industry Insider Techniques". It was the perfect solution to my usual impossible -to-sew-neatly collar corners.

I even found this super cute pair of pants complete with a skull fob to match. This outfit was a subtle way for Cam to extend his pretend dress-up play to school without looking like he was wearing a costume.

It was a fantastic experience to take Cam to his first play and he did surprisingly well for a five year old staying up well beyond bedtime. He was a complete gentleman and perfect date even with the inconvenience of holding my knee against his fold-down seat through the whole production so his 39 lb body wouldn't get swallowed up by the chair.

The play has inspired him to try his hand at play writing. Our kitchen has been turned into a theater with every large and small chair from the house lined up in neat little rows for the audience. I have been taking dictation for nearly a week now quickly typing down his every thought and word to capture the general plot and dialog for him (it keeps changing). Generally the play stars his best friends and consists of a cast of robots, superheros and pirates who go about destroying all of the bad things in the world.

I've been teaching him how to design instructions, pictures and patterns for his creations lately so they are well thought through before we attempt to make them. He has spent the week in the craft lab drawing pictures and diagrams describing every aspect of his play. There are even a few posters taped to walls around our house that advertise that the show starts at bedtime when the sun goes down. You can be sure that I'll be in the front row...

DIY Superhero

2009-03-18T21:02:00.034-05:00

Everyone loves a superhero. Since seeing "The Incredibles" for the first time a few months back, Cam has become a new hero each day and frequently passes out costumes for each of us to wear along with instructions for how to use our individual super powers. So, I decided to make it official for him and his brothers for his birthday last month. He has made it clear that I and his daddy are to have a shirt as well. Maybe I'll do that next week... Anyway, these shirts were really fun and easy to make and have been the perfect way for me to identify my children quickly on crowded kiddyland play dates away from home.

If you keep your eyes peeled near the end of a season you can pick up some fantastic deals on simple long or short sleeved shirts that are perfect to embellish. I found these for $2.50 each. I bought a shirt for each of the older boys and a long sleeved onsie for the little one.

Here's what you need:

Ready made shirt washed and dried to shrink it (you can do this twice to be sure)
Two contrasting colored shirts to cut up for the applique in the same type of fabric as your ready made shirt (I used a stretch jersey)
Heat N Bond
*Matching thread and a sewing machine
Two pieces of hook and loop tape such as Velcro or snaps
Fabric for cape
Bias tape
Glue stick
Wrapping paper, newspaper or whatever large paper you can find to trace the cape pattern

*If you cannot sew simply applique your shapes with fabric puffy paint available at any craft supply store instead of using thread.

1. Using a computer drawing program or drawing freehand, plan the shape of your emblem and choose your font. The simpler, the better. Lay it out on the shirt to be sure it fits.

2. Trace your shape onto the paper side of the Heat N Bond.

3. Iron the Heat N Bond onto the wrong side of your your emblem applique fabric and the letter applique fabric according to the instructions. Cut the shapes out following your traced line.

4. Now press your letter onto the emblem following the Heat N Bond instructions.

5. Sew around the letter using a zig zag stitch and backstitch at the corners. If you are not using a sewing machine for this project now is the time to break out the fabric puff paint and use it to outline the letter.

6. Here is the back side of the appliqued letter with the paper backing still attached.

7. Peel the paper backing off of the emblem being extra careful to avoid ripping out any of your stitches. Don't worry too much about the small pieces of paper left between the zig zags as these will be be hidden when it is pressed to the shirt.

8. Press the emblem to the front of your ready made shirt. Using the same zig zag stitch sew around the emblem being careful to avoid catching the back of the shirt as you applique. Use puffy paint here if you are not sewing.

9. I used an inexpensive cut of a shiny novelty knit for the cape. There was no need to hem the raw edges- yay!

10. Measure the distance between the shoulders where the cape will be attached and draw a line using this measurement on your pattern paper. Put a dot on the halfway point of this line. Measure how long you want to cape to hang and draw a point that distance down from the halfway dot on the line. Now finish the drawing by adding lines like my pattern above. Cut out the pattern, lay it on the fabric and then cut out the cape.

11. Glue the bias tape onto the top of the cape and then sew it in place. Use a permanent fabric glue if you are not sewing to keep the tape in place.

12. Sew or glue the hook and loop tape or snaps in place on the shoulders and the cape. If you use hook and loop tape be sure to cut the corners off of your squares so they do not scratch or become caught on other clothes in the washer.

Put it on your little one and marvel at your adorable super hero! Then, go ahead, make one for yourself too- everyone wants to be a hero...

Organizing Frenzy and Azie's DIY Jar Of Crunchies

2009-03-06T11:50:00.021-06:00

I recently got bit by the decorating bug. Inspired by blogs like this and the recent Better Homes and Gardens special publications magazines, I have set out to create my dream home. The current global financial crisis is the perfect opportunity for me (and all of you creative geniuses) to exercise and test the creative spirit and seek the most cost effective and environmentally friendly methods for sprucing up the pad. I can't wait (insert knuckle cracking here). If only I could blog as fast as I get ideas and implement them. Oh well, stay with me because I have every intent on sharing these tips that I have all lined up in my head. I've been doing a lot of research and here is my intro to the upcoming posts: I've decided that nearly everything that is mass manufactured can be created at home with just a few supplies and a little imagination.

A few weeks back we did a power paint, blasting through our main floor (kitchen, dining, living room and foyer) with a paintbrush and some eco-friendly, fumeless paint. I needed color after looking at the very long, white months of winter looming on the other side of the window. The new color and beauty of the walls spurred on a mass weeding and organizing frenzy that was long overdue. One closet led to another... and all of that led me back to one of my favorite home spots: the kitchen.

I am on a quest to eliminate the particleboard pantry that is hogging up our eating corner. So, my bestest decorator friend in the whole world, Christina, shared her wisdom. Aparently, the latest and greatest kitchen pantry is a simple shelf on the wall where all of the pantry goods are neatly organized in beautiful containers (see here). Luckily, I already had some beautiful containers that I was working on organizing at this time yesterday. Did I mention how very much that I love my Dymo labeler???

I should have taken a before shot of Azure's crunchy jar. I felt sorry that her food was being stored in a plastic, beaten down pretzel container that we had from nearly five years back. I started looking around for options and found this. So I put it on my wish list. And then...

Let me introduce you to our former rice container. In about fifteen minutes upon my arrival home after a lovely walk with the boys I crammed this little project in between snack time and the wee one's nap. It was totally simple and I love the results especially since it didn't cost a cent. Let me show you...
1. Gather your supplies.

Container, plastic or glass, either a recyclable like a peanut butter jar (I have a thing for those don't I?) or something you bought for storage.

Acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Marker (I used a Sharpie)
Clear fingernail polish

2. Draw a design on the jar with your marker. I freehanded this one but you can always tape a clipart to the inside of the jar and trace around it.

3. Paint over your tracing. This took two coats of paint. When the paint is dry you can seal it with the clear polish. Tahdah!! A personalized jar for the kitty crunchies. I think Azie knew that I was creating something for her because she spent the duration of my project rolling over and over at my feet. Silly kitty.

You could really go crazy designing jars for all sorts of things. Use any color or pattern you can think of and enjoy the satisfaction of saving a dime and creating something truly unique!

Green Craft: Camping Lantern

2009-02-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Maybe its cabin fever or just another whim but the boys have recently taken a strong interest in camping. This, of course, excites their nature-loving outdoorsdad who would-if-he-could live high on a mountaintop in a cabin built of sticks. So, taking the role of the ever-encouraging mom and wife I decided to make the kids a portable "Coleman" lantern for their indoor journeys under tents made of sheets and chairs. The best thing is that it was constructed using materials that I already had on hand along with a very nifty little battery operated votive candle that really flickers. I found mine at the $ store but since LED lights are becoming so popular you can find these votives almost anywhere.

What you need:

Two empty identical plastic jars with lids from peanut butter, mayonaise or any other recyclable
Wax paper (although any white paper will do: freezer paper, parchment, printer, etc.)
Wire or rope for a handle
One battery operated votive candle
Glue stick
Tape
Drill or Dremel
Hot glue gun or other strong glue

1. Clean out one of your empty jars and take any sticky lable goo off of the outside with something like Goo Gone. You only need the lid from the second container.

2. Measure and cut three pieces of waxed paper to fit around the inside of the jar with just 1/4" or so of overlap.
3. I used a glue stick to glue the ends of the three papers together before taping them together to form a tube. Place the tube in the jar.

4. Now you need to drill a hole on either side of one of your lids. Try to line them up directly across from each other.
5. Thread the ends of the wire or rope through the two holes. Pinch the ends of the wire or knot the ends of the rope to keep them put.
6. Now drill a larger hole into the bottom of the second lid. You can use an exacto knife to cut off any extra plastic.
7. Line up your votive on the inside of the lid so the switch is centered over the hole. Draw a circle around the votive for reference and then hot glue it down.
8. Now hot glue the handle lid to the bottom (closed) end of the jar and screw the candle lid onto the former top (open) end of the jar.
Tah-Daaaaaaahhhh! Turn it on and watch it flicker and glow! I was happy to see that Cam had a much easier time turning on the switch than I did since his fingers are small enough to fit into the hole. The candle advertised that it would last up to 60 hours. I've got the stopwatch timing. When it "burns out" I will just remove it and replace the battery before regluing it down.

You could get carried away with these and draw little pictures on the inside paper so they look like shadows if you want. I have already commissioned the husband to work on rewiring the votive's circuit for a future project that I have in mind. So many possibilities. I like this lantern plain, though, and think it is remarkably similar looking to the original Coleman.

Now I really can't wait until the sun comes out again...

Golden Birthday And The Pirate Ship

2009-02-08T16:48:00.006-06:00

We made it through Cam's fifth birthday and it was a true success! Five gifts were given for his golden birthday I couldn't be happier with how they were received since three of them were crazy ideas that I created in between double diaper duty and baby burpings. I'm working on some some tutorials for these creations for some near future postings.

For now, here is the pirate cake he requested. I found the idea in Family Fun and added a few touches of my own. Do you recognize the water frosting? Yes, I was able to use up Cookie Monster's fur from the previous night's cupcakes. The wee little pirate was one of the gifts I made which I will divulge on later...

The worst part of making the cake was all of the chocolate goodness in my presence and my inability to refrain from taste testing.

The best part was that he asked me who was inside of the cake. He then played with the pirate and friends on top of the cake while dinner was being made.

When he was done, we ate the cake.

Turning Five

2009-02-04T20:56:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day. It is the one that I never thought would happen when I brought my first little bundle home from the hospital. Here is the first batch of celebration that Cam will take to preschool to share tomorrow for his fifth birthday. I cannot take credit for the brilliant idea of stuffing a mini cookie in the face of a Cookie Monster cupcake but I think my version turned out quite nicely considering the volume and energy of the wee ones running around me as I worked.

What you need:

Cupcakes
Frosting
Food coloring or icing color (I used Wilton's Royal Blue)
Cookies such as Mini Chips Ahoy or regular Chips Ahoy cut in half
Brown M&M's (for the pupil)
White disc candy such as Brach's Peppermint Lozenges

1. Cut a slit in one side of the cupcake.

2. Stuff the cookie inside...
Special note: In retrospect, I am looking at the original inspiration for these cupcakes and realize that the designer used a full sized cookie rather than a small cookie. It was probably cut in half and stuffed into the cupcake. This would make the monster's mouth look much wider like he appears on Sesame Street. I'll have to try this again for the next kid...

3.... and frost it with frosting using a medium star tip. I put two blobs of frosting just above the cookie before pressing the eyes on.

Don't worry, we're taking along a bag of pretzels, carrots and a gallon of milk too...

Dollar Craft - Coasters Tutorial

2009-01-23T16:03:00.015-06:00

Remember the inspiration pile from a few days back? This is project #1 from that pile. I now have some neat coasters that I can put in the craft lab for myself and visitors. This turned out to be a quick project that can be made with just a few dollars and some simple supplies.

The stuff you will need:

1. Set of cork-backed coasters ($1)
2. Permanent glue stick ($1)
3. Transparent shelf liner (like contact paper) ($1)
4. Scraps of scrapbook paper - I used a heavyweight paper that I had on hand
5. Scissors, kitchen cutting board and a razor blade or exacto knife for cutting

Step 1:
Lay the coaster out on your paper to decide how you want the design to be placed on the final piece. Outline the coaster leaving about 1/8" around it for gluing and cutting.

Step 2:
Spread the glue on the face of the coaster and then lay it down to stick it to the back of the paper. Turn it over and smooth the paper out using a cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Then turn it face down again on your cutting board surface and cut the extra edge of the paper off as close as you can to the coaster using your razor blade.

Step 3:
Now it's time to put the transparent shelf liner on the top of your coaster to make the surface wipeable. Cut the liner a bit larger than the coaster and peel back one corner. Stick the open corner down over a corner of the coaster and slowly peel back the backing. Smooth the surface again using a cloth. Then turn it over and cut the extra liner off just as you cut the paper in step 2.

Voila! Cute, functional and totally easy to customize! Make a set for yourself and one for a friend...

New Loot

2009-01-18T19:29:00.006-06:00

Don't tell, I was supposed to be out picking up groceries. It isn't my fault that the Dollar Tree just happens to be next door. I've been reading this blog lately thinking of all of the wonderful inspirations I've gotten at Dollar stores in the past and just had to stop by. I only went in to pick up an Ipod cover so I could make this for my new Christmas present but instantly got sucked in grabbing these goodies and bubbling over with ideas the whole time. Just wait to see what's in store!

Anyway, the groceries came home with me too. I just had to powershop to get the job done quickly. Besides, I was able to try out my new "Tidy Totes".
I thought they might make excellent produce bags, which they did for the excellent price of 25 cents per bag. They are so much better than the opaque ones I had been using before. Now the clerks don't have to paw through the bag to see what's inside.

I couldn't help but stop by the magazine section and pick up the latest Sew Simple. There are some interesting picks this month.

Saturday With Dad

2009-01-17T16:50:00.009-06:00

This is Soll-E. He is Cam's latest robot design (as he puts it) inspired by "Wall-E", in my opinion, the most darling and meaningful movie of 2008.

Here is it's completion after a hard day working with dad in the craft lab. It turned out to be a terrific way to use the bits and pieces of recycling I keep just for this purpose. It was also a mini lesson in electronics as the middle of Soll-E's thread-spool head has a red lightbulb eye that can turn on and off at the flip of a switch. Yay for repurposing the LED light salvaged from a cheap and annoying Halloween toy necklace that Cam won last year.

It just proves that the box, container or lid is always more fun than the product that came in it (although I do like yogurt a lot). Recycling is cool. I think the people aboard the Axiom could definitely learn from this and I'm quite sure that Wall-E would be proud...

Winter Mint

2009-01-16T15:10:00.012-06:00

What is a mama of three tiny men to do on a frigid day that registers -21 degrees on the outside thermometer? Why, browse through this month's Martha Stewart magazine and make the latest "...of the month" recipe, of course.

This recipe created the most wonderful chocolate cake from scratch that I've tried to date (and I've tried a lot!) and whipped up really fast. Keep this one in your file for the cake at the very least. Top it with minty buttercream or use any of your fav's. It's a keeper and especially wonderful on a day like today.

Of course, waiting was the hardest part...

Everyone's A Genius

2008-11-13T09:25:00.006-06:00

Here it is- completed! This is one of my ideas that lived in my sketchbook for several years waiting for inspiration to complete. The insanity hit very early one Saturday morning in September as I lay awake in the wee hours of the morning flooded with ideas and new techniques. I crept downstairs to the craft lab and began work. Several hours later when the babes awoke, the hat was complete (but not assembled).

Being inspired to design a new item is great but actually extracting the pattern from my brain is another story. That part takes the most drive of all. The lifeless, unassembled Smart Hat sat untouched and the pattern had been left cryptically scribbled on a torn piece of paper until just two days ago. Then, voila! Complete and now available for you to recreate in any color or size you wish.

Go to www.candypopcreations.etsy.com to see the complete line of beanies!

A Study In Color Joins: Crocheting In Rounds Part 4

2008-11-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

I came up with this method of joining colors because the other ways just didn't seem invisible enough to my eyes. It is my favorite way of joining a new color when crocheting concentric circles (like a bulls-eye) and changing to a new color for each new round. It can also be tweaked for joining a new color when crocheting in spirals.

This is great method to use when you need to make many small units like tiny balls and find it easiest to use an assembly line by crocheting all Color A's first, then coming back and crocheting Color B into each piece, etc. By fastening off after each color, the pieces can wait forever without a stitch holder until you return to add the new color. Here is the same example pattern as in Parts 1-3:

Chain 2 and crochet in 2nd chain from hook or use the Magic Ring to begin a new circle:

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd chain or ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc (12 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 3: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around, join with sl st to first sc (18 sts)

Fasten off.

Color Change: Method 4

Step 1: Crochet all 6 sc in ring for Rnd 1 and join with a sl st to complete the Rnd.

Step 2: Cut yarn.

Step 3: Pull tail end through last st made to fasten off. This tail can be crocheted over in the next round to weave it in or you can save all of the tails until the end and weave them in later with a large-eyed tapestry needle.

Step 4: Insert hook into the single crochet just before the joining slip stitch of the previous round and grab the new color yarn.

Step 5: Pull the new color yarn through stitch.

Step 6: Yarn over and draw through loop to complete a single chain.

Step 7: Crochet the next stitches of Rnd 2 in the same stitch as you joined your new color in.

Step 8: Crochet the next sc into the sl st of previous Rnd.

Be sure to pull the loose cut tail (yellow in picture) taught after you crochet into the slip stitch to avoid accidentally crocheting into the first single crochet of Rnd 1 that is hiding underneath. This is marked with an X in Step 8 and the dots represent the correct stitches you should be crocheting in.

Continue Rnd 2 using new color yarn and change color for Rnd 3 in the same manner.

Here is what the completed color joins of Rnds1-3 look like.

Once mastered, I believe that this method is the most effortless and produces the most invisible join.

A Study In Color Joins: Crocheting In Rounds Part 3

2008-11-04T15:00:00.004-06:00

This week we will study yet another method for you to try when you are crocheting concentric circles (like a bulls-eye) and changing to a new color for each new round. Here is your pattern as in Parts 1 and 2:

Chain 2 and crochet in 2nd chain from hook or use the Magic Ring to begin a new circle:

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd chain or ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc (12 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 3: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around, join with sl st to first sc (18 sts)

Fasten off.

Color Change: Method 3

Step 1: Crochet Rnd 1 complete with sl st join.

Step 2: Before ch 1 of next Rnd, grab new color yarn.

Step 3: Draw new color yarn through to complet ch 1.

Continue Rnd 2 using new color yarn and change color for Rnd 3 in the same manner.

Here is what the completed color joins of Rnds1-3 look like.

As you can see, this time left of the white lines are rather large diagonal gaps in the color join. It is, in my opinion, the least polished of all methods. However, for those who like to join the color right at the beginning of the next round, this is an ideal option.

Racetrack Rug Crochet Pattern

2008-10-27T18:00:00.003-05:00

I love finding a great vintage pattern of any sort. There is a world of information out there waiting to be brought out of the archives and stitched up.

I was thrilled to find an Annie's Pattern Club 1984 pattern written by a designer of the day named Cathy McFarland. A super clever pattern, the Road Rug (super speedway) seemed like the perfect choice for my house full of boys who just love to race their cars all over the carpet.

Original cover photo "Road Rug"

The pattern itself was uncomplicated but, as always, I try to get into the brain of the designer and actually understand how and why a pattern is written in the manner that it is instead of just happily and blindly crocheting my way to the end as I should. Even though I did manage to get to the last round of the rug, it looked as if I would run out of yarn just before finishing. I was so disgusted about my poor yardage calculations before beginning (I find that my extreme, obsessive eagerness to begin a project usually outweighs any clear thinking about yardage and hook sizes before I begin) and the look of the project when I laid it out on the table to ooh and ahh over that I completely abandoned the project two months ago.

My first, pitiful attempt at making this a cute project.

I dug it out again just last week after some new yarn called to me (as if I don't have enough) at the store the other day. With a certain little tot's birthday rapidly approaching, I thought I would give it another try. This time, unfortunately for me, I just started from scratch and rewrote the whole, dumb thing. Why? Because the original looked terribly sloppy and thin (well, I was using worsted yarn instead of the recommended rug yarn after all) with it's makeup of half double crochets!

It must have been the "stitch of the day" back then because I find it used in nearly every vintage pattern I've encountered that was written before 1990. Yikes. It is certainly a lot quicker than a single crochet but does not have the tightness or sleek finish of the latter stitch. I'm willing to put some extra time into my projects to get a neater finished result. Can you imagine the contemporary "amigurumi" being stitched in a half double crochet or greater? No, no, no. The HDC definitely has its place in lacework, pattern stitches and making interesting shapes but you will not find it used in my patterns if a SC can be used instead.

Here is my finished project after rewriting and redesigning the entire pattern. I like it. It's all ready for some hardcore racing...

My final work after completely redesigning the pattern.

Here is my pattern ready for you to try. Please feel free to edit, if necessary, and post your edits on Ravelry. I wrote it in a rather unconventional way so you can see how the circular ends are worked (increasing 3 sts on each end) and how the sides each contain 54 sts. This should make edits easier. Try working it up in some earth-friendly wool for a green holiday gift- Enjoy!

Racetrack Rug (sc remake)
I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn for this project. Two 7oz skeins (approximately 364 yards) of green and one skein of black should be enough to finish the project but I suggest having just one more skein of each on hand to be on the safe side for any mishaps along the way...

The first sc(s) of each Rnd will be worked in the same st as joining.

Ch 57 with H hook

using green yarn
Rnd 1: 2sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in next 54 sc, 3sc in end, sc in underside of next 54 ch, sc in end ch, join with sl st to first sc to complete round (114 sts)

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2sc next 2 sc, sc in next 54 sc, 2sc in next 3sc, sc in next 54 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (120 sts)

Rnd 3: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (126 sts)

Rnd 4: ch 1, (sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (132 sts)

Rnd 5: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc (138 sts)

Rnd 6: ch 1, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (144 sts)

Rnd 7: ch 1, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 4 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, join with sl st to first sc (150 sts)

Rnd 8: ch 1, (sc in next 6 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 6 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (156 sts)

Rnd 9: ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc join with sl st to first sc (162 sts)

Rnd 10: ch 1, (sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (168 sts)

Rnd 11: ch 1, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 8 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, join with sl st to first sc (174 sts)

Rnd 12: ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 10 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 6 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, join with sl st to first sc (180 sts)

Rnd 13: ch 1, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc (186 sts)

Rnd 14: ch 1, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 11 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 12 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 11 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 11 sc, join with sl st to first sc (192 sts)

Rnd 15: ch 1, (sc in next 13 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 13 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 13 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (198 sts)

Rnd 16: ch 1, sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 14 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 7 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, join with sl st to first sc (204 sts)

Rnd 17: ch 1, (sc in next 15 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 15 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 15 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (210 sts)

Rnd 18: ch 1, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 16 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 13 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 16 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 13 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 13 sc, join with sl st to first sc (216 sts)

Rnd 19: ch 1, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 17 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 17 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 12 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, join with sl st to first sc (222 sts)

Rnd 20: ch 1, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 18 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 18 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 10 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc, join with sl st to first sc (228 sts)

Rnd 21: ch 1, turn work so back side is facing you- you will work this round in the opposite direction as previous rnds.

loop stitch (lp st): insert hook in next sc, wrap yarn 3 times clockwise around two fingers, insert hook into all lps on fingers and pull through the sc, drop lps from fingers, yo, pull through all lps on hook to complete sc.

Repeat this st in each sc around rug. Join with sl st to first sc (228 sts)

Change to black yarn

Rnd 22: sc in each sc around (228 sts)

Rnd 23: ch 1, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 19 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 18 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 19 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 18 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 18 sc, join with sl st to first sc (234 sts)

Rnd 24: ch 1, sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 20 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 20 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 9 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc, join with sl st to first sc (240 sts)

Rnd 25: ch 1, (sc in next 21 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 21 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 21 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (246 sts)

Rnd 26: ch 1, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 22 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 19 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 22 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 19 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 3sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 19 sc, join with sl st to first sc (252 sts)

Rnd 27: ch 1, sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 14 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc, join with sl st to first sc (258 sts)

Rnd 28: ch 1, sc in next 18 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 24 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 18 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 24 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 6 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 18 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, join with sl st to first sc(264 sts)

Rnd 29: ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 25 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 21 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 25 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 21 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 21 sc, join with sl st to first sc (270 sts)

Rnd 30: ch 1, sc in each sc around (270 sts)

Rnd 31: ch 1, sc in next 14 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 26 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 14 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 26 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 12 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 14 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc, join with sl st to first sc (276 sts)

Rnd 32: ch 1, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 27 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 26 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 27 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 26 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 26 sc, join with sl st to first sc (282 sts)

Rnd 33: ch 1, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 28 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 23 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 28 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 23 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 23 sc, join with sl st to first sc (288 sts)

Rnd 34: ch 1, (sc in next 29 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 29 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 29 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (294 sts)

Rnd 35: ch 1, sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 30 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 30 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 7 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, join with sl st to first sc (300 sts)

Rnd 36: ch 1, sc in next 17 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 31 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 23 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 31 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 14 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 17 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc, join with sl st to first sc (306 sts)

Rnd 37: ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 32 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 28 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, (sc in next 32 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 28 sc, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next sc, sc in next 28 sc, join with sl st to first sc (312 sts)

Rnd 38: ch 1, (sc in next 33 sc, 2sc in next sc) twice, sc in next 54 sc, (sc in next 33 sc, 2sc in next sc) three times, sc in next 54 sc, sc in next 33 sc, 2sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (318 sts)

Rnd 39: ch 1, sc in each sc around (318 sts)

Change to green yarn

Rnd 40: ch 1, turn work so back side is facing you- you will work this round in the opposite direction as previous rnds.

loop stitch (lp st): insert hook in next sc, wrap yarn 3 times clockwise around two fingers, insert hook into all lps on fingers and pull through the sc, drop lps from fingers, yo, pull through all lps on hook to complete sc.

Repeat this st in each sc around rug. Join with sl st to first sc (318 sts)

Continue working in same direction:

Rnd 41: ch 1, sc in each sc around (324 sts)

Rnd 42: ch 1, dec in each sc around (162 sts)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing
Flip Rnd 42 to back of rug and stitch down to back using a long strand of black yarn and a tapestry needle. Using a doubled strand of white yarn (or glow-in-the-dark yarn), stitch road lines evenly (approximately every two sc sts) around track between Rnd 30 and Rnd 31. Lay a piece of black felt on back of rug and cut out the approximate shape of rug leaving about 2” to fold under. Fold the extra 2” under and stitch to edge of rug using a small needle and sewing thread. To keep the layers flat and held together, sew through both layers (felt and yarn) using a running stitch around the edges of the black track as if you are quilting.

A Study In Color Joins: Crocheting In Rounds Part 2

2008-10-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

This week we will study a new method for you to try when you are crocheting concentric circles (like a bulls-eye) and changing to a new color for each new round. Here is your pattern as in Part 1:

Chain 2 and crochet in 2nd chain from hook or use the Magic Ring to begin a new circle:

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd chain or ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc (12 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 3: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around, join with sl st to first sc (18 sts)

Fasten off.

Color Change: Method 2

Step 1: Crochet all 6 sc in ring for Rnd 1.

Step 2: Insert hook into 1st sc of Rnd as if to join and grab the new color yarn.

Step 3: Draw the new color yarn through loops to complete sl st join.

Continue Rnd 2 using new color yarn and change color for Rnd 3 in the same manner.

Here is what the completed color joins of Rnds1-3 look like.

As you can see to left of the white mark, this method produces a small horizontal line giving a less polished end result. However, it is a perfectly acceptable alternative for those who do not mind a more visible join.

A Study In Color Joins: Crocheting In Rounds Part 1

2008-10-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

As the leaves on the trees change color this autumn, I thought it would be appropriate to do a little study in color changes when crocheting in the round. There are many ways to approach color changes and the end results vary. Now is your chance to learn something new if you are a beginner or try a new approach if you are a seasoned professional!

Let's begin by pretending that you are crocheting concentric circles (like a bulls-eye) and that you are to change to a new color for each new round. Here is your pattern:

Chain 2 and crochet in 2nd chain from hook or use the Magic Ring to begin a new circle:

Rnd 1: 6sc in 2nd chain or ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc (12 sts)

Change to new color

Rnd 3: ch 1, (2sc in next sc, sc in next sc) around, join with sl st to first sc (18 sts)

Fasten off.

Color Change: Method 1

Step 1: Make 5 1/2 sc in ring.

Step 2: Change your color just before you draw the yarn through to complete the last (6th) sc of Rnd 1.

Step 3: draw new color through both lps to complete last (6th) sc

Finish this Rnd with sl st join using new color yarn. Change color for next Rnd in the same manner.

Here is what the completed color joins of Rnds1-3 look like.

This method creates a nearly invisible join with the exception of the vertical stitches to the left of the white lines in the picture. It is, however, a bit tricky to remember that you have to join the color at the second half of the last sc. I usually forget and have to rip the last stitch out to redo.

Heat Of The Summer Shirt

2008-06-27T19:01:00.001-05:00

It was mania again. I was only passing through the fabric selection at the craft shop and this fabric jumped out at me, grabbed me by the neck and demanded that I buy a couple of yards. Could I resist? Luckily, when I got home I dug this pattern out of my stash (purchased last month at the thrift store for a whopping 10 cents) after contemplating over dinner what the best use for this cool fabric would be. By 2:00am the next morning this shirt was born.

I tried out a few alterations to bring the style up-to-date a bit. First, I lengthened it about 2 inches total so it would look nice with the modern cargo pants that I found to match. I left the bottom 1 1/2" of each side seam open and did a little decorative double top stitching around them in orange thread as well as up the sides and around the sleeve seams. The pocket has tapered corners, unlike what was called for in the pattern, and the top stitching on this was done in black rather and the bright orange.

My favorite part of making this shirt is that I am trying out new seam finishing techniques. I took the relatively simple route with this shirt and after cutting them with the pinking sheers I just ran a straight seam halfway in-between the finished seam and raw edge of each side.

This last photo is to show the very cool hemp/chainmail necklace that my dear husband made to match the shirt. Isn't he lovely and talented?

Back To Spring

2008-03-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

It seemed like the perfect day today to make this little nest of peeps with the balmy 60 degree breeze streaming through the windows for the first time in months and months. You may recognize that it is a takeoff on the project in Family Fun magazine Easter edition. Cam had a great time picking up the little seed bead eyes with a pair of tweezers and gluing them into place. It turned out to be a fun craft time together and a little hand-eye-coordination exercise for him as well (ok, for me too).

I must say that I did a bit of scrambling to figure out how I would get the nest to stick together since the directions called for liquid starch and I had none. I watered down some flexible fabric glue and it seemed to do the trick. Cam's favorite part was dipping and dragging the yarn through the sticky glue while I wrapped and wrapped it around a cling wrap covered bowl to resemble the nest.

The little birdies reminded me of the Spring Peeps crochet pattern I designed a couple of years ago.

The All-American Fiber Burger Discovered

2008-03-17T15:09:00.000-05:00

Perfect for vegans and carnivores alike, this classic burger has all of the character and none of the calories! My very first crochet design, born out of the frustration with plastic toy food and lack of any such crochet pattern available nearly three years ago, has been discovered. It was my very first item sold on Etsy and has been modified over and over again since to achieve the perfect look (ah, perfection again) and now also includes a pickle upgrade for an extra $5 . Only ten more available here. I only wish I was just a bit faster at making them than I was then. It still takes me 6 hours to complete just one.

Ellen Warren's feature in the Chicago Tribune came out yesterday and it was a hit! Ten burgers sold out in less than 24 hours. You can see the feature article here in her column "Just One Thing" Ellen was great and her article was terrific. Check it out!

Wooly Stripes And The Tetanus Shot

2008-03-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

Just a few weeks back I couldn't resist snagging this vibrant wool sweater from the thrift store. I wasn't sure exactly what I would do with it but knew it had potential. So, I packed it up and brought it home along with the matching sequin bracelet sitting next to it in the picture that gave a nice contrast to the wool. It sat on my cutting table awaiting its fate for nearly a month.

And then, on the day the town nearly shut down with it's frigid -18 wind chill, it was decided. Baby Chase was going to get a new hat.

I carefully cut the threads that joined the turtleneck to the bodice, separating the two pieces. This left me with the unbound loops from the last row of the knitting which I wove a piece of yarn through and cinched closed to form the top of the hat.

I took a huge gob of wonderful red wool roving that I had ordered earlier from www.yarnpunk.etsy.com and began felting a perfect pom-pom for the top. I experimented a bit with it. I haven't done tons of felting but I knew how to needle felt a ball. Then when it was a nice shape but not perfectly round (because I do so very much like perfection) and not small enough, I turned to wet felting the rest. I'm sure this next part is not conventional but it worked. I held it under warm water and squeezed it and shaped it like play-dough. I thought I'd heard about using soap too so I put a bit of laundry detergent on it and it seemed to smooth the stray fibers if nothing else. Once I had achieved the perfect, compressed sphere (don't panic now) I threw it in the dryer on medium and watched it bounce around and around. I don't know if this really made it much smaller but I was very impatient to finish the hat for the following morning and didn't think a soggy ball would fare well in the cold weather. Could you imagine that big ice chunk on the top of Chase's head?

Well, the felted ball was terrific, even if I did stab myself in the thumb and ended up with a Tetanus shot the next day. Hey, that reminds me to remind you to keep up-to-date on these shots. I have been stabbing myself for years with needles and pins but never really thought about renewing my long overdue Tetanus shot until I started using that charcoal-colored felting needle. It just looked a little scarier than the nice, shiny stainless steel needles I use to sew with. So, don't skip it.

Here is the finished project after attaching the ball with needle and thread and some hot glue (shh, don't tell!)

Cute as a button and there's still so much more I can do with the rest of the sweater! Here are some tips if you have an old turtleneck you'd like to recycle:

1. If you cannot find the thread that attaches the neck to the bodice, very carefully cut it off using a sharp pair of scissors. Be very careful not to stretch it or tug on it which will deform it and possibly make it unravel.

2. My cinching the loops worked great but there is an alternative if you're handy with the sewing machine. Simply flatten the tube (neck piece) measure the open, cut edge and mark it into four even segments. Sew from the edge of one side toward the middle stopping at the first marking. Repeat on the other side. Now fold and flatten the opening in the other direction with your stitched sides running down the middle front and middle back and remaining markings now at the edge of the tube. Sew across the opening. You should have sewn an "X" at one end of the tube which will now become the top of the hat.

3. You can put a store purchased puff, pom-pom or felted ball at the top of the hat to add character or nothing at all!

I know that you're probably thinking "Why are we talking about a winter hat when it's spring?" Well, my friend, spring may be approaching on the calendar but take a look outside. The Easter Bunny may just be making footprints in the snow this year...

A Belated Valentine

2008-02-29T16:58:00.000-06:00

I know it's a bit past the date but I just discovered these pics I took of our Valentine's Day project! I got the idea from an issue of Family Fun magazine. We made little play-dough hearts for all of Cam's classmates , bagged in mini jewelry ziplock bags and tagged them with cut poster board and included the recipe we used. Lucky for me, I found this terrific cast iron heart-shaped pan while thrifting the week before although a cookie cutter would have also worked perfectly well. It was a great project for a preschooler since Camden was able help make the dough, mould the shapes and stick the little stickers onto the bags. The kids loved them and it was a nice change from all of the sugary stuff that always comes home on such a sweet day. Of course it also fueled the handmade revolution. Bookmark this for next year- you'll love it too!

Here's the recipe I used:

Homemade Play Dough

1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 t cream of tarter (get it in the spice aisle)
1 T oil
1/2 c salt
1 package unsweetened Kool Aid (optional to make it smell nice!)
red food coloring

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from pan and knead in food coloring until blended and smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled.

Roses Are Pink

2008-02-25T17:24:00.000-06:00

Last week I finally broke out the supplies for this little bouquet of sweet roses I've been planning for years. I've had a sketch in my purse of a kiss rose I saw in a store ages ago and am finally around to trying out my version for my mom's birthday. Made with Hershey's kisses, clear cellophane tissue paper from the dollar store, some lollipop sticks, floral tape and a shiny leaf sequin I found in my embellishment box, these roses look just perfect in last Saturday's thrift find.