Stitch Love

Glove WIP

2012-02-05T05:42:00.001-06:00

My current work in progress for my new beau, Andrew. The first thing he said to me after he found out I was a knitter was "Make me some gloves!", so I did! :) Giving these to him as a Valentine's Day present. <3 I am using Patons Classic Wool in "Mercury".

I'm usually kind of sketched out by wool yarns because most of the time they are crazy itchy, but I've found that this yarn isn't itchy at all! It comes in a ton of colors too.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Winding

2011-12-03T07:35:00.002-06:00

I'm winding some yarn for use in my Granny Stripe blanket! I haven't picked up my blanket in a very long time. The reason why I haven't is because the Caron Simply Soft yarn I bought was a terrible batch - there were knots everywhere and I got too frustrated to work with it. Winding it into balls should solve my problem! :)

Also, those cabled mittens in my earlier post have had some issues. The thumb on the right mitten has been a terror - It came apart, I fixed it, then it came undone again! I'm pretty sure it's possessed by a demon. I think I'm just going to completely redo the thumb.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Sheldon

2011-12-02T04:58:00.003-06:00

I first saw this pattern when I was 12, when I didn't knit very well. I've been in love with this little turtle since then, but for some reason I haven't gotten around to making the guy. The pattern is free too! I've never knit a stuffed animal before, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. :)

"Meet Sheldon the Turtle. A fairly quick knit, he makes an excellent last-minute holiday gift or a fabulous baby shower present." - Ruth Homrighaus

I'll make a stop by the yarn store with my best friend as soon as possible to pick out some delicious yarn! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cabled Mittens

2011-11-29T23:20:00.002-06:00

I finally made myself some mittens! I think they came out wonderfully. The pattern was extremely simple and they were so quick to work up. The only thing that tripped me up was the way the pattern was written; there are some paragraphs that need to be rearranged.

I'm going to make a matching hat too! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Simple Hat

2011-11-24T03:06:00.002-06:00

I love this hat pattern by Lion Brand. It's so cute and super quick to make, I for sure need to make more of these! I used Vanna's Choice yarn.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Bow Tie Collar Pattern

2011-11-24T02:35:00.003-06:00

My cat Simon, being ever so classy.

Ingredients:

Yarn: DK weight yarn (I used Vanna's Choice)

Hook: Size H/8

Notions: Embroidery needle for assembly

Strap:

Chain 80

Sc in each st across, finish off.

Tie:

Chain 8

Sc in each st across, finish off.

Bow:

Chain 17

Rows 1-6: Sc in each st across

Finish off.

Smoosh the center of the bow so the two sides come together, and attach tie so it wraps around this spot, securing the bow's shape. Sew the completed bow to the center of the strap, and weave in all ends.

There you have it! Simple and sweet. You could also leave out the strap, and glue this cute little bow to a hair clip or use as a decoration.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cable Hat

2011-11-22T21:56:00.002-06:00

Finished a project! :) It's a cabled hat. I think it looks amazing, but not on me - I look horrendous in hats. This is for sure not going to be on my head this winter.

You can find the pattern here

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

100th Post - Baby Cardigan

2011-11-14T20:36:00.003-06:00

I'm making a cardigan for my boyfriend's sister's baby, Lacey. So far I have the back and the front left side done. It's turning out pretty nice - the hardest part about making this was choosing the yarn at the store! I used this pattern from Coats and Clark.

I settled on the Michael's brand Loops & Threads baby yarn. It's way cute and came in a TON of different patterns and colors.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Simple Mittens for my Sweetie

2011-10-22T01:11:00.004-05:00

I finished making these mittens for Simon. They match the scarf I previously blogged about. :) I used "Mercury" from Bamboo Ewe, and I made them from the Simple Mittens knitting pattern by The Students of Subway Academy.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Lace Scarf

2011-10-20T17:33:00.002-05:00

I finally got the scarf I posted about earlier finished! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Seed Stitch Scarf

2011-09-19T22:41:00.003-05:00

I made this scarf for my sweetie, Simon! It was super simple and took no time to make at all. I love the texture - I used Bamboo Ewe from Stitch Nation yarns.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Pumpkin Spice Mug Cozy

2011-09-17T22:58:00.002-05:00

Made with this pattern by Evan Middleton :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

FLYING CARPET IN WoW

2011-09-05T12:49:00.003-05:00

YEAHHH GOTTHAT. :) My new RealID is shellayywow@yahoo.com. Add me! I'm on the European server. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Winter Hat

2011-09-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

Making myself something! <3

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Iowa State Fair

2011-09-03T14:06:00.003-05:00

My friend Sarah and I went to the Iowa State Fair in August, and took a look at the needle craft competitions. Everything was super amazing! I especially liked looking at the socks and all of the different colored yarns that were used.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

On Tumblr, Tumbln'

2011-08-28T18:12:00.004-05:00

As many of you have noticed, I've stopped updating my blog as frequently as I used to. With school starting I simply haven't had enough time :( What DO I have time for? Tumblr.

Tumblr is way more simple than normal blogging, you just click repost on a picture, type a sentence, and post it. You can find my Tumblr here! I don't just post about crafts and crochet and such, but pretty much about everything. I feel like this will let you all into my life and my thoughts much more than this blog can allow. :) Follow me and I'll follow you back! <3

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

School Started

2011-08-27T01:43:00.001-05:00

SENIOR YEAR. :)

Octopus Pin Cushion

2011-08-18T03:33:00.003-05:00

My old pin cushion was super overloaded, so this little octopus was a perfect and quick fix! You can find the pattern here.

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

365 Project

2011-08-15T23:23:00.004-05:00

I started participating on this site called 365 Project. Every day for a year you take a picture and upload it. I just started yesterday! Here is the first picture I took:

If you decide to try it out, follow me! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Heart Barrette

2011-08-13T21:49:00.003-05:00

This heart from June Gilbank was so cute, I had to make myself one! I put an alligator clip on the back of it and turned it into a cute hair pin. I feel so Valentine's Day themed! This cute hair accessory only took about 5 minutes to make.

There are patterns for 4 different versions - I made the large heart. Think of the possibilities! Magnets, hair pins, ornaments, keychains. OHMAN, and the pattern is free. <3

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Free Amigurumi Pattern - Cute

2011-08-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

Holy poops! Look at how cute this amigurumi is! The best part of it? THERES A FREE PATTERN FOR IT! :) Thanks for another crazy awesome pattern, Roxycraft!

Free Amigurumi Pattern - Cute

School Bag and Pink Hair

2011-08-10T15:12:00.004-05:00

I finally dyed my hair pink! I have been wanting to do this forever, ever since I started following Twinkie Chan on her blog. I think it turned out pretty well! :)

I was looking for a school bag pattern on Ravelry, and I came upon this pattern by Ann Parri. I saw the picture and I just about pooped myself, it's exactly what I wanted! I added fringe, and instead of the strap she shows I made three chains and braided them together. I'm super proud of this. I used Vanna's choice yarn. <3

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Horde Neck Warmer

2011-07-31T23:39:00.008-05:00

Finally finished! This is my first knitting project using a graph, and I think it turned out super well. :) My mom did a fantastic job of blocking it for me too! I made this cowl for my boyfriend Simon, who loves playing World of Warcraft. You can find the graph here. You can't see the symbol too well in the pictures, but it's there I promise! :)

Another thing, I started watching the UK Skins. New favorite show? I think yes. I am almost at the end of the second season. I am going to miss Chris! :( He was my favorite character! Frownyface :(

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Mittens for Simon!

2011-07-24T01:40:00.003-05:00

I started making these mittens for my boyfriend while I was on vacation in Florida. My mom and I decided to take a look around the Orlando Joann Fabrics, and OH MY. It is unfair all of the yarn we don't have available here in Iowa.

Simon has been asking me for a pair of convertable mittens in a mustard color, and I finally started making them! I am planning on sending them to him in a package for our one year anniversary in September. :)

I still need to sew on the buttons and stuff.

I only have one pair done so far, and I'm halfway done with the second. I am thinking about making him a matching Gryffindor scarf. I might also make him a scarf with the Horde symbol on it. For all of you who don't know what that is, it's something dealing with World of Warcraft. :)

MY NEW FAVORITE YARN. It's Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell. It is so soft and warm! It is 70% Acrylic and 30% Wool. It has the texture of a hand-spun yarn, which is crazy amazing to be able to buy something like that in a place like Joann Fabrics. The grey color above is called Gunmetal(ish), and the mustard color I used for the mittens is called Yellow(ish). Until next time! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Out and About

2011-07-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

I am on vacation! :) I am working on a lot of projects, but I want to wait until I get home to take pictures of everything. I'll leave you this song, one of my favorites that my boyfriend sent me. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Crochet Time Invasion: Successful

2011-07-06T14:54:00.003-05:00

I'm glad he likes it. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Warcraft

2011-07-05T08:19:00.003-05:00

I haven't been crafting as much because I started playing World of Warcraft again! I am playing with Simon on the European servers. :) So far I am only a lvl 24 Troll hunter, but I am hoping to get a lot of levels today.

All of you European peoples should add me on WoW! My email is available in the left sidebar under "About". :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cheesecake and Hats

2011-07-01T07:58:00.003-05:00

So I have been super lazy so far this summer. For example, if something in the kitchen takes more than two minutes, I don't even consider making it. So I am proud of myself - this morning I woke up and made some cheesecake! NOMZ.

Here is something I have been working on. I was looking for a cable hat, and I found the most perfect pattern. After doing the ribbing, I looked a the title of the pattern : Child's Cable Hat. Whaaattt?!? I increased every other stitch, so now I have another slouchy beret in the making. I love the yarn I am using too - It's Softee Baby by Bernat in Flannel. It's really nice to work with, and it has a kind of glimmer when you look at it in the light that I love!

This weekend my mom and I are going to have a WIP-athon. We are going to hang out on the couch, watch tv, and finish all of our unfinished projects. I am going to try and finish this hat, and the cookie scarf from Twinkie Chan's book! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

About me

2011-06-29T03:22:00.006-05:00

Details

Birthday: July 18th
Location: Iowa
Hobbies: Crochet, knitting, sewing, eating, gaming, painting

Favorites

Colors: Grey, pink, purple, blue, mint, periwinkle
Movies: The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, The Notebook, Fried Green Tomatoes, 500 Days of Summer
TV: Glee, The Office (US), That 70's Show, The Jersey Shore
Music: Nicki Minaj, Attack Attack! , I See Stars, The Eagles, All Time Low, Forever the Sickest Kids
Food: Potstickers, cookie dough, chow mein, broccoli beef, fried rice, crab rangoons, marshmallows, asparagus, mini powdered donuts, cheesecake, fish, stuffed mushrooms
Books: Elsewhere, A Year and a Day, Leap Year, The Earth my Butt and Other Big Round Things, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby

omnom

First Project

A knit dishcloth that had a bear on it! :)

Favorite Items to Make

Scarves, hats, baby items, stuffed animals

-------------------------------------

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved crafting. Every day after elementary school, I went to an after school program where they had a daily craft. I always came home with bundles of goodies - from hand-made soap and melted crayon drawings to sun catchers and door hangers. I'm not sure why I started crafting. No one in my family was a crafter. I think it was just the glorifying feeling of making something you are proud of with your hands and a little effort.

In the summer of 2009, I taught myself how to crochet. I didn't think I would actually like crocheting, I just wanted to see if I could do it. I spent many nights mad at yarn, feeling like I would never be able to get crocheting down. After watching many video tutorials on youtube of how to crochet basic stitches, I finally finished my first amigurumi. It was a chubby little Hello Kitty, which sat on my desk for a few weeks until my cat claimed it as his own and turned her into a cat toy.

I am a very shy and quiet person. I LOVE CATS, they are the best. My mom is my best friend - we are always talking about our plans to open a yarn store, and live out in the country where we can keep sheep and alpacas so we can make our own yarn. I love to travel - I think my favorite place I have been is Pennsylvania. It is crazy pretty out there, and I would very much enjoy living there when I get older. :)

My mom and I!

I have obsessions with Hello Kitty, Audrey Hepburn, glitter, bows, and pink. It's almost unhealthy.

Feel free to email me! - peacelovestitches@yahoo.com

New Camera

2011-06-29T00:46:00.005-05:00

My mom got me a Fujifilm Finepix S4000 as an early birthday present! YESSSSSS.

I have been wanting a new camera for a while now, so I AM SO HAPPY THAT I GOT THIS. It takes amazing pictures! I am going to work through all of the projects I still have, and replace the old pictures with new. If you check out my flickr, you will be able to see what I have done so far! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

P.S.: Expect more pictures of my cats. MEOW.

Squids with Lasers Feature

2011-06-28T23:34:00.014-05:00

I just signed on to see that I have acquired a new follower. Every time I get a new follower, I like to look at their profile and view their blog(s). I know, I'm a total creeper, right?

Anyways, my newest follower's name is Taryn. She is part of several blogs, but one I have noted is Squids with Lasers. This is probably one of the coolest art blogs I have seen. It's six friends with completely different styles of art, coming together to make an awesomesuperspectacular art blog. Here are some of their pieces!

Taryn's Personal Site

Elizabeth's Personal Site

Kaytlyn's Personal Site

Deena's Personal Site

I just love all of these. THEY ARE SO COOL. The girls also come up with certain weeks, for example "Tea party Week" and "Odd Couples Week", where they each make one art piece inspired from the week's theme, and then post their pieces when they are finished. It's fab to see such different styles, all with the same subject focus.

Looking at this blog has really inspired me to paint. Bwargh. I wish I wasn't so tired. :(

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Baby Booties

2011-06-28T05:02:00.004-05:00

Yay! I finally made them! I have probably tried out over 5 bootie patterns, and these crossover booties by Louise Mac were the best! The pattern is only available as a Ravelry download. They were crazy easy to make, and they only took me about 4 episodes of "Glee" to finish! I think they came out super adorable and sweet. <3

I am thinking about making more pairs before I send the package off for baby usage. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Omnom Baby Goodies

2011-06-27T11:45:00.005-05:00

All of the goodies I am sending to Simon's sister for her soon-to-be-daughter Lacey! <3

I am going to try to work in some baby booties too. I think these booties from Louise Mac would be ultra cute! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Hand Spun Sock Yarn

2011-06-27T03:13:00.004-05:00

More handspun yarn I made on my new drop spindle! This is my second-ever handspun yarn, and I am pretty proud of it. I love the way the colors are distributed, and I feel like I did a good job at keeping the yarn weight even. :) I am gifting this to my Mom for her birthday, because she enjoys knitting socks.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

TMNT Coffee Cup Cozy Pattern

2011-06-27T02:42:00.009-05:00

Click here for the pattern!

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cabled Beret

2011-06-21T01:03:00.003-05:00

I finished the beret! I am super proud of it, even though I made a few mistakes on it. I don't knit very well! I love the yarn I used, which I mentioned in the previous post. I really want some of the hot pink color! It's pretty fab.

I took the first picture with my webcam because I couldn't get a good picture of myself with my camera from the front for some reason. :( All the rest are with my normal camera.

Oops! I forgot to do a cable! The pattern I used is called "Lemon Curd Slouch" by Knittybutton. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Yarn Bomb!

2011-06-20T17:38:00.003-05:00

This is the first yarn bomb I have ever seen EVER! I saw it when I was returning some books at the library with my mom, and I got super excited about it. :)

You can see more yarn bombing pictures on flickr.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Purple Knit Beret WIP

2011-06-20T01:25:00.002-05:00

Yay! I am using stash yarn! I bought this yarn two years ago at a yarn store called Creative Corner, located a block away from my house. The store sadly closed not long after I purchased my yarn. :( I had no idea what brand of yarn this was, since I didn't save the label for some odd reason. After a few minutes of searching online, I found that the brand name was KFI Baby Kids Rock - the color I am using is called "Royal".

I love the little color speckles in it, I need to buy more of this yarn!

I have been looking for a hat pattern to knit myself the perfect slouchy beret for a few days now, and just tonight I came upon Knittybutton's "Lemon Curd Slouch". IT IS AMAZING. Being a beginning knitter, the instructions are very easy for me to understand. One thing the pattern includes is cabeling, which she thoroughly explains how to do - I am super excited to see how it turns out!

Happy crafting!

-Michelle

Projects!

2011-06-19T02:04:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of works in progress, and I thought I would share some pictures of my main gems. :) First is a scarf that I am making for my mom. I needed to make something for her birthday, and after hours of searching through patterns on Ravelry I found the perfect one. It is simple and pretty, and the pattern was super easy for me to understand. The yarn I used was Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Baby Sport. :)

Another thing about the pattern is that it is written in the Japanese form of pattern writing. I have been wanting to take a shot at learning how to crochet Japanese crochet patterns, and this was a fantastic pattern to start with! I also got a lot of help from the blog "DancingBarefoot". Not only does it explain the symbols, it has pattern resources too! :) Here is a link to the pattern.

My other WIP is my Granny Stripe Blanket! I have gotten done with one block of granny stitches, and two stripes of color. I can see it coming together, finally! I am already in love with it, and so is my cat.

I love how clean and uniform it looks!

Happy crafting!

-Michelle

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night

2011-06-18T21:44:00.005-05:00

This video is so funny! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

First Spun Yarn!

2011-06-15T16:25:00.003-05:00

Here is the skein of yarn I spun from the "Breeze" roving that I purchased at the Sheep & Wool Festival. :) I am super proud of it!

I only used about 1/4 of the roving that you see in the picture in the previous post. Expect more rainbow yarn to come!

Happy Crafting,

Michelle

Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival!

2011-06-11T22:01:00.005-05:00

I had a super great time with my mom at the 7th Annual Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival! I felt like such a fiber arts noob when I saw everything that everyone there was working on.

I got this super amazing yarn from Celestial Designs. The woman who runs the shop, Celeste, was super friendly and nice, and had an amazing selection of "Hand-dyed Blue Faced Leicester" from Frabjuous Fibers in Vermont. I am learning how to spin on a drop spindle now, so I bought some! <3

I am in love with this. I have been searching for the perfect rainbow yarn, and now I can make it myself! Another thing my mom and I saw at the festival were cocoons. We had NO idea what they were for, and Celeste was nice enough to explain to us how people harvest from the cocoons, and how you are able to use the silk to craft with!

THESE MITTENS WERE SO SOFT

I was taught how to use a drop spindle by the people at Fae Ridge Farm, and this booth is where I also purchased my first one! I love doing this now, I have finally gotten it down. :) I also met one of my friends on Ravelry, PeaceLoveFiber, while I was at the Festival!

The super cool setup by the Rose Tree Fiber Shop! I loved watching this woman spin, she was awesome. :)

Elizabeth Shreeves from Lone Tree Woods has beautiful work!

I was in love with the balls on top of the shelves, they were super shiny and pretty. I wasn't able to get a card to credit their business, frownyface! :(

Super amazing baskets by Basket Artistry. All of the baskets were super well made, and all of them had a purpose. For example, the front one is the perfect knitting basket, as the sign says. :) It really is perfect!

All in all, I ended up with a crazy cool new "H" hook by Purdy Thangz, a drop spindle, and two hanks of roving that I am going to be making into yarn. Don't forget the great mother daughter bonding time too! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Striped Cowl

2011-06-08T20:29:00.006-05:00

I told you guys I was knitting up something! I am trying to pick knitting back up, so I have been searching for SUPER easy patterns on Ravelry, that still look cute of course. In my search I found this gem of a pattern.

I am super pleased about how it turned out, and I really like how well the colors mesh together. :) I used size 13 needles, and I used various colors of Vanna's Choice Solids & Heathers.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cream Head Wrap

2011-06-07T21:54:00.002-05:00

My mom knitted me this super amazing head wrap! <3

You can find the pattern for it here. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

P.S. I have a TON of stuff in the works - even a KNITTING PROJECT. Whoa, what is this, not crochet? Ohman.

Batch of Bow Beats!

2011-06-07T12:41:00.002-05:00

Batch of Bow Beats!, a photo by becausemaybe on Flickr.

These are so cute! <3

Granny Stripe Blanket

2011-06-07T00:36:00.002-05:00

I fell in love with this blanket from the first picture that I saw of it on Ravelry. Even better, it has a pattern! You can find it here. :)

So far I am only about 19 rows in, but it is already super warm and snuggly! I hope to get it done by the end of this month. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Journal Two!

2011-06-04T20:30:00.002-05:00

Journal number two! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Journal One!

2011-06-02T06:34:00.003-05:00

I am going to be a senior next year in school, and I decided to take AP art! :) I am super excited about it, and one of our assignments over the summer is to Journal, which I have decided to blog about. Here is my first page:

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Bun Bun

2011-06-01T18:49:00.001-05:00

Another thing for my boyfriend's sister who is expecting! :) I gave the bunny a matching dress to the one I blogged about earlier.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Candy Button Scarf - DONE

2011-06-01T14:10:00.004-05:00

I finally finished the second pattern in Twinkie Chan's book! The next one I am making is the cookie scarf, I am excited to see how it turns out. :)

I made it out of Vanna's Choice and Vanna's Choice Baby colors. This scarf has by far been the most painstaking of any scarf I have made ever. It had 90 ends to weave in once it was done. I feel like all of my hard work was so worth it, though! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Elf Hat

2011-05-31T09:19:00.002-05:00

I made this hat for my boyfriend's sister. I used this pattern, I think it came out pretty sweet! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Baby Dress

2011-05-29T15:58:00.002-05:00

I made another gift for my boyfriend's sister, who has a baby on the way! This time it was this adorable dress from Crotiques. I again added some flowers for a little extra cuteness. This pattern was super simple. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Maple Story Slime Crochet Pattern

2011-05-28T21:07:00.004-05:00

Finally, I made the pattern for the much asked for Slime from Maple Story! Please email me or leave a comment if you find any errors. :)

Click here for the pattern!

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Short Sleeve Baby Cardigan

2011-05-28T19:02:00.002-05:00

I made this baby cardigan for my boyfriend's sister, who is pregnant. She only asked me to make a hat, which I will do, but I have to make more baby things than just a hat! I never get the chance to make baby stuffs, so I was super excited about this project. I used Vanna's Choice in "Heather Grey", and Vanna's Choice Glamour in "Platinum". I added three little flowers on the side for some extra sparkle. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Candy Button Scarf!

2011-05-26T21:49:00.003-05:00

I am working on Twinkie Chan's second pattern in her book, the Candy Button Scarf! I think it is going pretty well so far, I had to stop because I started having hand pains though. My kittens approve of my work. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Cupcake Scarf!

2011-05-25T20:34:00.003-05:00

I finished my mom's cupcake scarf! I am super pleased with the way it turned out. It originally had red cherries sewn on it, but my mom and I decided it would look way cuter with the pink sprinkles if the cherries were also pink. I love it! :) Thank you Twinkie Chan! <3 Sorry about some of the picture quality also, I used my phone!

You can find the pattern for this scarf in Twinkie Chan's book Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies. The patterns are really easy to follow, there are visual helps on every page, this book pretty much has everything I would ever dream of in a crochet book! Definitely a book every crocheter should have in their stash. :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Pickles

2011-05-23T11:09:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I am not much of a knitter, but if you haven't found this website yet you need to see it! It is amazing and it really inspires me to crochet. I wish I kept projects in my backpack so I could crochet at school, which is where I am at right now. :) I need to update you all on some things as soon as I possibly can.

I was trying to come up with a summer project for myself, something to keep my hands busy. I finally decided upon doing all of the projects in Twinkie Chan's book Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies, all in order, from front to back. I am so excited!

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Special Olympics Scarf

2011-05-02T15:00:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a fairly quick post. My mom and I are making scarves for the upcoming Special Olympics! The colors this year are Red and Navy, and I have already gotten started. :) Sorry for the quality of the photos, my camera was dead!

For more information on how you can also help out, click here. For the scarf pattern I used, click here.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Sheep Scarf Pattern

2011-03-01T20:26:00.007-06:00

My first PDF pattern! Please email me if you notice any problems! I included a picture of me wearing it so you can see how long it is, I don't have an exact measurement. :)

Click here for the pattern!

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

New Name!

2011-02-23T03:37:00.008-06:00

I hope you all like the new name as much as I do. :) I felt like Aquamarinecelestina didn't represent what this blog was all about, and I had honestly been wanting to change it for a long while. I really like the new name, I spent all day trying to think of it! I thought about Carpe Diem (seize the day), and thought about changing it to Crochet Diem or Carpe Crochet. Last minute I came up with Stitch Love and I thought it was simple enough.

On a different note, I mentioned in a comment response that I am going to be coming up with patterns to post on here for free of course of animal scarves. I put my Microsoft Paint skills to use and whipped up some pictures of what I have in mind, so you all can see! :)

Happy Crocheting!
-Michelle

Amigurumi Site

2011-02-19T23:18:00.005-06:00

I found this really cool website that allows you to generate your own amigurumi pattern! You draw how big you want the head, how thin, how fat or how tall your amigurumi is, and you select "Get Pattern!" and the site makes a pattern for you to follow to make your own custom amigurumi! Enjoy! :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Sweet Puff Stitch Beret

2011-01-03T00:21:00.007-06:00

..........................................................................

Here is an update on the beret I posted about a REALLY long time ago! I am very pleased with the outcome, and I plan on making a blight blue one soon! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

New Book

2010-12-08T21:46:00.007-06:00

Most of you may not know this, but I absolutely love Twinkie Chan! I have been an avid reader of her blog for about a year and a half now, and she makes some of the cutest things! If you also follow her, you would know that she recently came out with a book; Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies. I decided to make my first project out of the book a pear scarf! :)

Sorry about the shabby picture quality, I couldn't find my camera so I had to use my phone! :)

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Homecoming!

2010-10-28T16:37:00.007-05:00

Here is my homecoming update! :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Cozy

2010-10-18T17:47:00.007-05:00

My friend from England, Simon, and I have decided that we are going to exchange Christmas gifts this year! We were looking at items on Etsy the other night, and came across these gems. Aren't they fantastic? Coffee cup cozies! He commented on how cool they were and how he was going to buy some, so I decided I would just make them for him! They don't fit the mug in the picture too well because I made them custom for his tall mug, and mine is a little bit shorter. :)

He told me he wanted his initials on the cozy, so that is exactly what I did!

I made these using a fantastic pattern by UnravelMe!

I am also working on a blanket for my friend, Sarah, for her birthday. She and I picked out this super cool yarn at the store together that goes from dark shades of purple to light shades, and I think it will come out very well!

That is all I have to update for now, happy crafting!
-Michelle

Hacky Sack

2010-09-21T21:45:00.005-05:00

I made a rainbow and white striped hacky sack! You can make this yourself too, from the pattern here. :) Enjoy!

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Life

2010-09-19T11:06:00.010-05:00

Hello there! Long time no update, right? Well I am here now to fill you in on just about everything that has been happening in my life for the past few months; the important stuff anyways, and things that have been previously asked about. :)

The beginning of summer I mentioned taking driving lessons, right? Well, I passed those with flying colors. :) I am now a licensed driver! On my 16th birthday, I went out to eat with my parents to my favorite restaurant of all time, Olive Garden. Later that night I went to a drive in movie with my mom, which was super fantastic of course. I have kind of stopped crocheting for the time being, I am just too busy! What am I doing that is keeping me so busy? I got a job! :)

Yes, that is right! :) I work with my friends Shannon and Liz at Palmer's Deli and Market. What we do at Palmer's is just make leafy salads, salads like chicken salad and pasta salad, and sandwiches. :) It is really quite enjoyable.

School has been going pretty well. I'm not talking Spanish anymore, and I plan on taking French, German, or Latin next year, which will be my senior year. :) I recently bought my homecoming dress, which is pink and very silky. I will take homecoming pictures and post them up here for all of you to see. :) My friend William is my date, and we are going with our friends Sarah, Shannon, Ian, RJ, and a lot of other people too. I think William and I are going to look quite snazzy!

I am taking a jewelry class at my high school which has been very cool and inspiring, and I will post some of the stuff I have made up here soon. :) I don't have much else to talk about.

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Desperately Sorry

2010-09-05T03:28:00.002-05:00

I am very sorry to you all that I haven't posted an update in the past couple of months. I was having issues accessing my email account, which enables me to log into my blogger account. :( I can tell you that I will be posting an update very soon!

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Swap!

2010-07-16T23:06:00.004-05:00

Wow, long time no see! Since I am turning sixteen this Summer, I have been extra busy taking my driving lessons so I can get my license. With this going on, I haven't had much time to crochet. Anyways, I signed up for a June swap on Ravelry, and the theme of said swap was sea life. Here is the picture my partner, Rachel, took when she received my package:

She did say her favorite aquatic animal was a sea monkey. :) I also gave her some cute erasers, two skeins of Vanna's Choice Yarn, some stitch markers, and some long pins for when she is putting together her amigurumis. I will post up what she sent me in the near future, I just haven't gotten around to taking pictures yet. :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Cat

2010-06-13T06:35:00.004-05:00

I couldn't really think of a creative title for this one. I have created a cat! My friend Becca wanted a cat to take to her dorm room, and couldn't find a cute enough one to take. Problem solved! All in 5 hours work. :)

Do you want to know what the best part about this cat is? You can make it too! You can find the pattern here. I got the green cat safety eyes from my local Hobby Lobby, but they are also available online. I followed the bow pattern from this blogger. For the collar, I chained a chain long enough to fit around the neck, sc'd a row, and sewed the two ends together. That's pretty much it. :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Feeling Sheepish

2010-06-11T02:07:00.003-05:00

My wonderful boyfriend bought this sheep pattern for me from LuvlyGurumi! It is so cute, I just had to make it immediately. I think it came out very well - I love how its curly sheep fur looks. :)

I had an intruder in my photo shoot! :)

That is all I have to say for now. Oh! I am going to be making a kitten soon for a girl named Becca who I met at Vanessa's graduation party. :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Sushi Pattern

2010-06-08T02:29:00.012-05:00

After many months of putting this off, I finally made some sushi! My friend Jessica has been asking me for these since at least December, and I just haven't been able to churn them out yet. Now that Summer has begun, I made a mini-feast! After being requested by a reader, I made a pattern for sushi also. :)

Pattern instructions for: Egg Sushi, Shrimp Sushi, Salmon Sushi, California roll, Wasabi, Pickled Ginger, and standard Sushi. Needed:

G Hook (4.25mm), or a hook that goes well with your yarn weight
Yarn colors Green, Black or Dark Green, Red-Orange, Red or Rose, White, Mustard.
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Standard Sushi Pattern

Keep in mind, you can use many colors while making these sushi! With green, sc 6 in magic ring or double loop. Join red-orange.

Round 1: Sc 2 in each of the next three stitches. You should be halfway around the round; join mustard or red yarn. Sc 2 in each of the next next three stitches. Join white yarn. (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, sc 2 in next st. Repeat from * around. Join black yarn. (18)
Round 3-7: Sc around for 5 rounds. Finish off.

Repeat steps from round 1 to round 3. Do not join black yarn. Finish off leaving long tail, and sew to other part of sushi; stitch the white (rice) part to the black part (seaweed). Leave small hole for stuffing. Stuff and finish sewing. Finish off.

California Roll

With green, sc 6 in magic ring or double loop. Join red-orange.

Round 1: Sc 2 in each of the next three stitches. You should be halfway around the round; join mustard or red yarn. Sc 2 in each of the next next three stitches. Join white yarn. (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, sc 2 in next st. Repeat from * around. (18)
Rounds 3-7: Sc around for 5 rounds. Finish off.

Repeat steps from round 1 to round 3. Finish off leaving long tail, and sew to other part of sushi. Leave small hole for stuffing. Stuff and finish sewing. Finish off.

Egg Sushi

Chain 12 with mustard, turn.

Row 1: Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: *Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * four times. Finish off, leaving long tail.

Chain 13 with white, turn.

Row 1: Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn.

Rows 2-5: *Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * four times. Finish off, leaving long tail. MAKE TWO!

Sew the two white (rice) pieces together along edges and stuff. Sew egg on top of rice bed, stuff the egg. Finish.

With black or dark green, chain however many it takes to completely wrap around the center of the egg sushi. Turn, sc to end of row. Finish off, leaving long tail. Sew seaweed strap around sushi. Finish.

Salmon Sushi

Chain 12 with red-orange, turn.

Row 1: Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: *Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * four times. Finish off, leaving long tail.

Chain 13 with white.

Row 1: Turn, sc to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: *Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * four times. Finish off, leaving long tail. MAKE TWO!

Sew the two white (rice) pieces together along edges and stuff. Sew salmon on top of rice bed, stuff the salmon. Sew diagonal lines on salmon with white. Finish.

Shrimp Sushi

Chain 6 with red-orange, turn.

Rows 1-2: *Sc row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * 2 times. Join white, turn.
Row 3: Sc to end of row. Join red-orange, turn.
Rows 4-5: *Sc row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * 2 times. Join white, turn.
Row 6: Sc to end of row. Join red-orange, turn.
Rows 7-8: *Sc row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * 2 times. Join white, turn.
Row 9: Sc to end of row. Join red-orange, turn.
Rows 10-11: *Sc row. Repeat from * 2 times chaining one and turning at end of each row. At end, instead of chaining one, ch 3, turn.
Row 12: Dc in turning stitch 4 times, sc in next st, slst in next st, sc in next st, dc 5 in last st, slst in same st. Finish off, leaving long tail.

Chain 13 with white.

Row 1: Turn, sc to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: *Sc to end of row, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * four times. Finish off, leaving long tail. MAKE TWO!

Sew the two white (rice) pieces together along edges and stuff. Sew shrimp on top of rice bed, stuff the shrimp. Finish.

Pickled Ginger

With rose or cream if you wish, chain a SUPER long chain. Clump and sew it together, making a little mound, as seen in the picture. Finish.

Wasabi

With green, sc 6 in magic ring or double loop.
Round 1-2: Sc around.

Chain a long chain, finish off. Clump chain around the round part of the wasabi (the sc 6 in loop, sc around part. Attach chain by sewing it with the same green color. Finish.

......................................................................

Please comment if you find any errors, or if you have any questions! :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Green Slime

2010-06-05T13:44:00.004-05:00

I made a Green Slime from Maple Story! I don't actually play Maple Story, but my friend Vanessa does and she is having a graduation party today. I did not use a pattern while making this. I think it came out very well. :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Appreciation

2010-05-18T22:55:00.003-05:00

I thought I would take the time to tell you all how much I appreciate you. You don't know how much it brightens my day to see a new follower, or a couple more page hits. Thank you all so much for being interested in what I have to say. :)

Happy crafting!
-Michelle

Beret

2010-05-16T00:53:00.005-05:00

I am crocheting myself a beret! I picked the Baggy Beret pattern from the book Beautiful Crochet for Heads, Hands, and Toes. It is worked in a puff stitch, giving it very nice texture. I am excited to show you all how it turns out! Here is what I have so far:

Here is a picture of the finished product, taken out of the book. It is so pretty!

The yarn I'm using is by RY Classic Yarns. It's 50% merino wool and 50% silk. It glides really easily between my fingers, which is nice. Hopefully my beret will be done soon. In the meantime, happy crafting! :)

-Michelle

Amigurumi Monkey Pattern

2010-05-08T17:58:00.010-05:00

I have finally developed another amigurumi pattern! This time around it is an adorable monkey. I made this for a friend that is graduating from my High School soon, and I think she will love it! In addition to this monkey, I am planning on making a girlfriend for him. She will be pink. :)

Pattern

Need:

Brown yarn (I used Vanna's Choice)
Hook best fitted to your yarn (I used G)
Tapestry needle
Tan felt
Brown felt

Head

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, inc 1. Repeat from * around (18)
Round 3: *Sc 2, inc 1. Repeat from * around (24)
Round 4: *Sc 3, inc 1. Repeat from * around (30)
Round 5: *Sc 4, inc 1. Repeat from * around (36)
Round 6: *Sc 5, inc 1. Repeat from * around (42)
Round 7: Sc around
Round 8: *Sc 6, inc 1. Repeat from * around (48)
Rounds 9-14: Sc around
Round 15: *Sc 6, dec 1. Repeat from * around (42)
Round 16: *Sc 5, dec 1. Repeat from * around (36)
Round 17: *Sc 4, dec 1. Repeat from * around (30)
Round 18: *Sc 3, dec 1. Repeat from * around (24)
Round 19: *Sc 2, dec 1. Repeat from * around (18)

Finish off with long tail. Stuff.

Body

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, inc 1. Repeat from * around (18)
Round 3: *Sc 2, inc 1. Repeat from * around (24)
Round 4: *Sc 3, inc 1. Repeat from * around (30)
Round 5: *Sc 4, inc 1. Repeat from * around (36)
Round 5: *Sc 5, inc 1. Repeat from * around (42)
Rounds 6-10: Sc around
Round 11: *Sc 5, dec 1. Repeat from * around (36)
Round 12: *Sc 4, dec 1. Repeat from * around (30)
Round 13: Sc around
Round 14: *Sc 3, dec 1. Repeat from * around (24)
Round 15: Sc around
Round 16: *Sc 2, dec 1. Repeat from * around (18)

Finish off. Stuff. Sew to head, using picture as a guide.

Ears

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, inc 1. Repeat from * around (18)
Round 3: *Sc 2, inc 1. Repeat from * around (24)

Finish off, leaving long tail.

Arms

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, inc 1. Repeat from * around (18)
Rounds 3-7: Sc around
Round 8: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from around (12)
Rounds 9-14: Sc around
Round 15: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from * around (6)
Rounds 16-18: Sc around

Make two. Finish off and stuff, and dec around until closed. Cut, leaving long tail.

Feet

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop.

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Rounds 2-7: Sc around

Make two. Finish off and stuff and leave long tail.

Tail

Sc 6 in magic ring or double loop.

Round 1: Inc around (12)
Rounds 2-24: Sc around

Finish off, leaving long tail

Sew appendages to each other, using the pictures provided as guides. Cut out a face circle from the tan felt, and sew onto front of head. Cut out eyes and a mouth from the brown felt, and sew onto face circle. Please contact me if you find any problems with the pattern!

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Bunny!

2010-05-02T22:04:00.005-05:00

I made another bunny! This time I didn't use the pattern from Luvlygurumi, I used a pattern from Darncat. It's extremely easy to follow, and is one of the more realistic rabbit patterns I found. One skein of Vanna's Choice Baby and 4 hours later, I produced this gem!

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. The only thing I have found wrong with my bunny is that it won't sit on its own. That is just because I didn't sew its arms or legs on right. :) You can find the pattern for it here. It's downloadable in PDF form. By the way, for all of you readers, I apologize for not posting more! Just wait until Summer, you will get sick of me :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Neglect

2010-03-12T21:16:00.005-06:00

That is what I have been doing to my blog. I promise I haven't done this to you on purpose! I have just been so busy with school and friends, and RUNESCAPE.

Yes, that's right. Yours truly plays Runescape. I have been playing since I was ten so... about 5 years and running now? If any of you play, you should totally add me!

Screen Name: CoitusHiatus

Aranzi

2010-02-09T13:35:00.008-06:00

......................................................................................................................

I recently walked into my local Michaels and saw THIS book:

So cute, right? I have been eyeing it for a few months, and I finally had enough money to get it. I have already made something from it: A kneenex holder!

His official name is Ralph. The little tear coming off of his face isn't because he was crying; it's drool! :)

I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. In other news, Ian's birthday is tomorrow and I am crocheting him a super special gift which I will post later. Possibly Friday when he comes over, so I can get pictures of him actually using it. :)

Until Next Time!
Michelle

.......................................................................................

Painted Christmas

2010-01-31T22:49:00.006-06:00

I have decided to post the beautiful pictures Ian painted for me for Christmas! I love them both so much. My favorite is the Hello Apocalypse; because of the giant Hello Kitty of course! At the top of the painting he put "Tokyo, Japan 12-21-2012 - Hello Apocalypse". :)

Here is the other one he gave me for Christmas. I like it, I think it's interesting. :)

Here is one that I painted myself in art class. We had to follow a color theme of our choice (I chose red monochromatic), and we had to paint a still life of candy. I am really happy with how it turned out. This isn't the full painting because I cropped out the weights that I put in the corners to hold it down.

I had a really great time this weekend! Ian came over on Friday, and I had a sleepover with my friends on Saturday, and I hung out with my mom all day on Sunday. Fun fun fun. :) That is all I have to say for now.

Until next time,
Michelle!

P.S.: It's the last post of January! :)

Flappy

2010-01-29T23:18:00.003-06:00

Hey! Long time no see, huh? I have been really busy with school lately; we took finals and started a new semester. I love all of my new classes! The most interesting one would probably have to be fashion. The teacher is really nice, and it's mostly cutting pictures out of magazines and drawing fashion designs. Fun fun fun! :)

Anyways, I have made about three hats since my last post. I made two berets, and a two strand snuggly earflap hat for my boyfriend, Ian. He has been asking me to make him a hat for quite some time, and I finally got around to it. I am very pleased with the way it turned out, and I can honestly say it's the best hat I have ever made.

This great earflap hat pattern is available here. That's all I have to say for now.

Happy Crafting!

-Michelle

Knitted Cowl

2010-01-10T18:11:00.004-06:00

____________________________________________________________

I am finished knitting my cowl! Pretty exciting stuffs. This is my first knit project since around 2007. I am pretty proud of how it turned out :) I didn't even have to use a pattern either. I basically just made a long rectangle, and had two buttonholes on the side.

.........................................................

.......................................................................

See! Told you is was just a rectangle. :) I checked out some knitting books from the library today too, about 10. I will try to knit more in the near future. By the way, I haven't blocked my cowl yet. I will post more pictures when It's finally blocked. :)

Happy Crafting!
Michelle

Etsy Shop Updated!

2010-01-09T03:02:00.004-06:00

My Etsy shop is finally updated! There's not much, but enough to show buyers my style. :) Right now I have lemon slice coasters, grapefruit coasters, 2 lollipop magnets, and a cell phone charm package. I really love my grapefruit coasters!

They turned out really well. I glued a sheet of cork on the back of them to absorb the moisture. Here are my lemon slice coasters -

This picture shows you the piece of cork attached to the back. I am really proud of these! I am going to make some lime coasters next, I think they will look super awesome. Here are some better pictures of the bow cell phone charms I mentioned in the last post:

I really hope the people who buy these enjoy them! I think they are all adorable :)

......................................................................................................

I got a package of jeans I ordered from Paris Blues today! I have been losing some weight lately, almost two jean sizes. My appetite has changed a lot! They are the kind of jeans you have to do the squat and lunge move to stretch them out, but I love them. Hopefully I lose another pound or two so I can fit into them better.

Oh, and another thing, I'm knitting up a cowl! Yes, I know how to knit too. I knew how to knit a few years before I knew how to crochet, actually. I took a class with my mom, and she got completely hooked on knitting. I did too, but I sort of just drifted away from it. I will post pictures if it turns out okay. :)

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Etsy Update

2010-01-07T20:06:00.005-06:00

Today was a snow day! I decided I would use my time crocheting up a few things for my Etsy shop I'm planning to update soon. It won't be too big of an update, but it will still be something. I need to get a new banner for my shop, because previously I only worked with hemp. I made necklaces, bracelets, etc. Since then, I've learned to crochet! My banner says I only work with hemp though. Arg. Anyways, I made some new magnets and cell phone charms, and I'm currently working on a set of coasters.

Here is one of the little cell phone charms I made. I am thinking of selling them for $2.00 each, with $1.50 S&H. With a total of $3.50, I think they are worth it. I will be selling them with a choice of bell or not. I prefer with a bell, it makes it cuter. :) I made 2 others in pink and yellow also.

Here's a little orange. I want to sell this one for around $2.50, with S&H again at $1.50. I think 4 dollars is a reasonable amount for this charm.

I made a Lemon Swirl Lollipop Magnet. I think I may sell these for around $3.00.

I also made a Blueberry Swirl Lollipop Magnet. I am going to sell this for the same price as the Lemon Swirl, $3.00. On the back of these magnets, there's a small round magnet in the center.

Here is one of the works in progress. This is going to turn into a grapefruit coaster, which I'm going to sell in a pack of 3 for $5.00. I think they are cute. :)

I'm not sure if all of you have heard about what is going on in the Midwest right now, but it's pretty radical. :) Tomorrow it's a high of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of -17 degrees Fahrenheit. Hopefully I don't have school again tomorrow. I would like to crochet more!

Happy Crocheting!
-Michelle

Pom-Pom Characters

2010-01-03T05:35:00.005-06:00

Aren't these so adorable? They make me want to make little pom pom characters. Hm, maybe I will! My favorites are the black and white one, and the white one with the pink bow. So adorable!

By the way, as a little update, instead of using Firefox I am now using Opera. I wasn't able to respond to any of the comments you have left me, and now that I'm using Opera I can! I was feeling bad because you guys didn't know how enthusiastic I am about every comment you leave me. Now you know! :)

Ian and I are trying to pull off an all night Wii fest. It's 5:32 in the morning and I am only a little bit tired! It's the end of break and I have school tomorrow. Since it's the week before finals, we will be reviewing everything we have learned over the past semester. I won't have any homework, which means more crochet time! Yay!

Happy crocheting!

Michelle

Picture from: Kawaii Japan

Hyperbolic Crochet

2010-01-02T22:06:00.015-06:00

A reader recently contacted me and said:
............................................................................................................................

Dear MM,

I came across your site while browsing for crochet teddy patterns. I discovered the wonder of crochet over 30 years ago (and spent many hours crocheting during lectures) and it was nice to read of your enthusiasm. You mention a project and I wonder if you have come across hyperbolic crochet and the world-wide reef project? You obviously have a highly creative crochet mindset so you might find this stuff inspiring.

All the best
TH, Scotland

..........................................................................................................................

Well, I actually have heard of this, but when I did I was just a beginning to crochet. I decided to give hyperbolic crochet a try! Here is what I made. It was actually very easy and entertaining seeing your reef come to life while you are making it. They are very small compared to some of the exhibits that are going on around the world. Here are a few links to some more pictures of beautiful hyperbolic crochet that TH sent me in the email. :)

Sydney Hyperbolic Coral Reef
Reef Information
Hyperbolic Crochet Flickr Group

I also found a great pattern on lion brand here for hyperbolic crochet. I think you may need to have a membership on the site to see it though. These patterns and pictures were very helpful for me in the creation process!

Thanks for reading!
Michelle

Expanding

2010-01-02T00:27:00.004-06:00

I have decided to expand on who I am, rather than just saying the "15 year old Iowan girl" I have been. I will start off by saying my name is Michelle! :D

I am a 15 year old student in high school. I am a homebody, all I want to do is go to school and go home. I really don't like having to go anywhere, unless it's Olive Garden! Yum yum parmesan crusted tilapia with stuffed mushrooms! Anyways, the typical 15 year old enjoys wasting time walking around the mall and dating, while I enjoy wasting time crocheting and watching the Notebook for the 53rd time. Typical for a teenager? I don't really think so. I would die for a person my age in Iowa who enjoyed the same things I do (crocheting!). Because of my interests, it's hard for me to find friends. I don't have a problem with this, because my mama was the same way she told me.

I love being with my mom! She is really my best friend, and we try to spend as much time together as possible. She is also a homebody, AND she knits, so we can just lay on the couches crocheting and knitting together watching our favorite shows. Our favorites are cash cab, the deadliest catch, deal or no deal, ghost adventures, etc. We love to watch anything funny!

This is my mom and I on vacation. We didn't like any picture of us but this one!

I am really looking forward to going to college, but because my mom and I are so close she wants me to stay living with her through college instead of a dorm. I have NO problem with this idea! Free cable, food, drinks, and being able to spend more time with her for a few more years? Awesome.

I really like going to Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby. They are so fun to just walk around in! My favorite yarn weight is worsted weight. I really like using Vanna's Choice for my amigurumi. She has so many pretty colors, and her yarn is soft. It would be awesome to have my own yarn line like Vanna. I aspire to be a crochet sensation by 17! Hah, wouldn't that be awesome? :)

I really like cheetos, hotdogs, CHICKEN SALAD, fish, and ramen noodles. I love Palmer's market chicken salad, it's super delicious. I like to drink coke, grape soda, and cranberry grape juice. If you have never had cranberry grape juice, I strongly recommend you try some. It tastes like Kool Aid, but has no corn syrup, artificial flavors, or artificial colors. YUM.

I am in love with Ian Smith, my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years. I think since we were friends before, our relationship has stood the test of time. He is very nice and funny. :)

Ian you make me laugh :3

I really think that is enough information about myself. I am planning to do a contest soon, so if anyone has any suggestions on what the item should be related to (food related, animal related, etc.) please leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,
Michelle

Lollipops, Tarts, and Pancakes

2010-01-01T00:23:00.004-06:00

First of all...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Now you must be thinking, "Wow, where have you been!". Well, I have been crocheting of course! I decided I am going to start up my Etsy shop again once I make enough stock. Here are a few things that will be in the shop:

Cute little lollipop magnets, pancake magnets, and possibly tart magnets!

Here is my personal favorite, the pancake. I love how it's dripping in syrup. Just talking about it made me have a huge craving for some buttery pancakes. Delicious!

Here's a closeup of the lollipops. I still need to master the swirl, but I think they look pretty snazzy so far.

Here is the tart. Please tell me what you think of it. It's supposed to look like a blueberry tart. I didn't have a pattern, so I just had to freestyle it. Opinions?

How were your Holidays? Mine were great! I got everything I wanted on my list and then some. I got the most awesome slippers ever, seriously. I got some money too. I bought 3 pairs of pants (I have been losing a lot of weight in the past few months, approx 2 jean sizes. It's hard to keep up with!), a YARN WINDER which I have been wanting forever, some shirts, and a mystery item I can't mention. It's a gift for my mama :)

I am currently working on a super cute crochet hook roll. I will post it once it's done. :) Happy New Year! I hope this is the best year yet for everyone!

Happy Crocheting,
Michelle

Schnauzer

2009-12-31T07:17:00.001-06:00

Schnauzer, originally uploaded by violetpie.

Look at this. LOOK AT IT! It's beautiful! I wish I had as much skills as this person does. They really got the facial features down, especially the eyes and mouth. So cute and fuzzy! :)

Gifted Bun Buns

2009-12-24T00:03:00.005-06:00

***EDIT- I got this pattern from Luvlygurumi on Etsy***
I am giving these to my cousins Abby and Lily who live in California as Christmas gifts. These are probably my best amigurumi ever. The big eyes make such a difference! Super cute, if I do say so myself.

This pink bun bun is for Lily. She is 4 and super into ballerinas, so i made a tutu for it. Very girly! I also made the bow. Essentially I made the whole thing except for the eyes. :) I also put some pink blush on the cheeks.

This bun bun is for Abby. She is older and likes blue, so I made her bunny blue and green. The color choices remind me of the ocean. I think it's really pretty! I started taking pictures and realized how much of a boy bunny it looked like. I added some buttons to the front of the hoodie and put pink blush on the cheeks. It looks much better. :)

I am so excited! I get to open presents at 12:30pm on Christmas Eve! My mom and I made a compromise. :) This is all I have to say. I may be posting something in a few hours, just watch! :)

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

Penguino

2009-12-22T02:09:00.004-06:00

I made a little baby penguin for my aunt Betsey for Christmas! I have the ability to look at an amigurumi and know exactly what to do to make it the same without a pattern, and that is what I did with this. The little penguin I used as a template was an amigurumi by AmigurumiKingdom.

He can do tricks! :D

*waddlewaddle*

Squee!

I got to have some early Christmas gifts from my dad. He works in snow removal, and if you live in Iowa, you would know the snow storm that we will be having on Christmas. He thinks he will be too busy to celebrate with us, so we decided to celebrate early. I got money! :D With that money, I invested in a yarn ball winder. I also got clothes, a 100 piece silver cell phone strap deal, a Japanese amigurumi book, and some very special yarn which I will explain the meaning of further after it gets here. ;D

That is all I have to say for now. Happy crocheting!

-Michelle

Little Pear Pattern and Star Trek

2009-12-20T01:24:00.011-06:00

I made up this pear pattern in Sociology class. I didn't think it would turn out this small, but it's way too cute to change! :) I know I should really be making those Christmas gifts right now, but I have time. It's Winter break! I have 16 days off! Which is great, I can crochet all I want. I will never get used to how much school cuts into my crocheting time..

Stuff you Need:

YARN! Whatever kind you like. One light, one dark color.
Crochet Hook! Whatever suits your yarn weight.
Safety eyes, buttons, sequins, anything for the eyes.

Abbreviations:
Ch: Chain
Sc: Single Crochet
St: Stitch
Dec: Decrease
Inc: Increase

Pear Pattern

With lighter color, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight.

Round 1: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rounds 2-4: Sc around (12)
Round 5: 2sc in each sc around (24)
Rounds 6-8: Sc around (24)
Round 9: Sc 2, dec 1 (18)
Add eyes
Round 10: Sc 1, dec 1 (12)
Round 11: Dec around

Stuff!

Sew up bottom, weave in ends.

For stem, in your darker color, ch however many it takes to look proportionate to your pear.

Happy Crafting!
-Michelle

Squido

2009-12-16T20:31:00.004-06:00

Last night I came up with the idea of a squid scarf! I really want to sell it, but I am not sure at all about the price. So far I only have the head done, but once it is finished it will have 8 legs and two tentacles. What do you guys think? Leave a comment! :)

I also took some shiny 24K Italian Collection yarn by Plymouth Yarn, and sc'd around the squid's fins, the bottom of its head, and around the top of its head. Here is a picture to compare it to a slightly obese cat.

Also, last night I finished this:

It's a cell phone holder in the shape of a Game Boy! :D I think I may try to sell these for 10 dollars each? I'm not sure. I may just post the pattern on here this weekend.

Oh man. Look at this thing right here.

THIS BEAUTY was on my Christmas list! I got to open one early Christmas gift tonight, and it was my Wii remote control covers. But you know what's funny? I don't even have a Wii. Hmmmmm... *HINT HINT*

That is all I have to talk about for now.

Happy Crocheting!

-Michelle

Custom Platypus

2009-12-15T21:23:00.008-06:00

A VERY custom platypus indeed! :) This was made for my friend Sarah. She has been asking me to make her one for a while, and since I have been in my crocheting groove for a few days, I decided to finally do it.

She wanted a rainbow platypus (I just happen to have rainbow yarn), with green appendages and a purple shirt. Well, that's exactly what she got!

We decided mutually that his name will be Rodney. His mating call is "Mer..Mer..Mer..Mer.."
Just look at how ridiculously seductive this platypus is.

FUN FACT: The platypus is one of only two mammals that lays eggs!

That is Sarah, appreciating my fine work (haha). This was very easy to make, so I think I may crochet up a few more as gifts for others. Here is the pattern link. It's very easy to follow and well written. :)

Happy Crocheting!

-Michelle

Bear Amigurumi Pattern

2009-12-13T09:19:00.007-06:00

I decided to make a cute little amigurumi bear pattern. These are so simple and quick, I have decided to crochet up an army of them to give to charity for the holidays. Here's the pattern!

Here are some things you need:

Yarn! I used Vanna's Choice Baby - Poodle Pink, Mint, and Blue.
Hook size that matches whichever yarn you want to use. I used F/3.75
A Tapestry Needle
Some safety eyes, buttons, sequins, etc. Anything you want to use for the eyes.

Here are some abbreviations that I use throughout the pattern:

SC: Single Crochet
DEC: Decrease
INC: Increase

ST: Stitch
CH: Chain

Pattern

Head

Sc 7 in loop. Pull tight.
Round 1: Increase in each stitch around (14)
Round 2: *Sc 1, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (21)
Round 3: *Sc 2, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (28)
Round 4: *Sc 3, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (35)
Round 5: *Sc 4, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (42)
Round 6-8: Sc around. (42)
Round 9: *Dec 1, Sc 4. Repeat from * around. (35)
Round 10: *Dec 1, Sc 3. Repeat from * around (28)
Round 11: *Dec 1, Sc 2. Repeat from * around. (21)
Round 12: *Dec 1, Sc 5. Repeat from * around. (18)
Finish off. Leave a long tail.

Body

Sc 7 in loop. Pull tight.
Round 1: Increase in each stitch around. (14)
Round 2: *Sc 1, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (21)
Round 3: *Sc 2, Inc 1. Repeat from * around. (28)
Round 4: Sc around. (28)
Round 5: *Dec 1, Sc 2. Repeat from * around. (21)
Rounds 6-9: Sc around. (21)
Round 10: *Dec 1, Sc 5. Repeat from * around. (18)
Round 11-12: Sc around. (18)
Finish off.
Sew together and Stuff the head and body.

Dress (Optional)

After Sewing the head to the body, Insert your hook into the back of the bear's neck.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Now, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and bring up a loop.

After doing this, yarn over and pull through both loops. You have just made a sc stitch.

Repeat this process around.

Start scing in the stitches. You are no longer crocheting into the body, but into the scs you made last.

Rows 1-4: Sc around
Row 5: *Sc 1, Inc 1. Repeat from * around.
Row 6- However long you want the dress: Sc around

Finish off, weaving in ends.

Ears

Sc 7 in loop, ch1, turn.
Round 1: Inc in each stitch around (14)

Finish off leaving long tail.

Arms and Legs (4)

Sc 7 in loop. Pull tight.
Row 1-6: Sc around.

Finish off leaving long tail. Stuff.

Sew on as shown.

What about the mouth?

Well, this bear doesn't have a mouth because it speaks from the heart. :)
You can sew one on though if you want to. You can also crochet a little heart or star or design and sew it onto the chest. In my bears, I had the ears and the tips of the legs and arms a different color than the rest of the body.

Be as creative as you want! This is a very flexible amigurumi pattern. I hope you enjoy it. Please tell me if there are any problems!

WHEW! We are tired from all that crochet..

Happy crocheting!

-Michelle

Keroppi Amigurumi Pattern

2009-12-09T11:35:00.009-06:00

So, I decided to make my uncle DJ a Keroppi for Christmas. I had such a hard time finding a pattern for one (that was free), I decided to create my own! :)

Keep in mind that this is the first pattern I have EVER made. If you use it or find any mistakes, please leave a review! :)

Keroppi Amigurumi Pattern

You need:
F hook (or really whatever hook best goes with the yarn weight you are using)
Lime green yarn (I used Loops & Threads by Impeccable.)
White Yarn
Red Yarn
Black Yarn
Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations:
St: Stitch
Sc: Single Crochet
Dec: Decrease (I use invisible decrease. Tutorial here.)

Head:

With green, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight. There's a good double loop tutorial here.

Round 1: Sc 2 in each sc (12)
Round 2: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next st. Repeat from * around. (18)
Round 3: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24)
Round 4: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30)
Round 5: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36)
Round 6: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 5 sts. Repeat from * around. (42)
Round 7: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 6 sts. Repeat from * around. (48)
Round 8: Sc around
Round 9: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (54)
Round 10-14: Sc around.
Round 15: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (60)
Round 16: *Sc 2 in next st, sc 1 in next 9 sts. Repeat from * around. (66)
Round 17: Dec every st. (33)
Round 18: *Dec, sc 1. Repeat from * around. (23)
Rounds 19-27: Sc around.

STUFF THE HEAD!

Round 28 to end: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from * around until completely closed.
Be sure to stuff it well before it is closed.

Hmmm.. I guess it could also be a pear pattern!

Shirt:

With red, insert the needle at the back of the neck. Yo and pull up a loop.

Sc around the neck. Now, sc around in the scs you just made. Change to white

Sc two rounds in white. Change to red.

Sc two rounds in red. Change to white.

Sc two rounds in white. Fasten off. There should now be a shirt that you have the ability to lift up, but not take off. Pretty cool, huh? :)

Legs (Make Two):

With green, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight.

Round 1: 2 Sc in each st around. (12)
Round 2: *Sc 2, sc1 in next st. Repeat from * around. (18)
Round 3-5: Sc around. (18)
Round 6: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from * around. (12)
Round 7: Sc around.

STUFF!

Sc along the top - *Sc 3 in st, sc in next st. Repeat from * two more times.

Arms (Make Two):

With green, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight.

Round 1: 2 Sc in each st around. (12)
Round 2-4: Sc around. (12)
Round 5: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from * around. (6)
Round 6: Sc around.

STUFF!

Sc along the top - *Sc 3 in st, sc in next st. Repeat from * two more times.

Eyes (Make Two):

With white, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight.

Round 1: Sc 2 in each st around. (12)
Round 2: *Sc 1, 2sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18)
Round 3: *Sc 2, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (24)
Rounds 4-7: Sc around. (24)
Round 8: *Sc 1 in next 2 sts, dec 1. Repeat from * around. (18)
Round 9: *Sc 1, dec 1. Repeat from * around. (12)
Round 10: Dec 3.

STUFF!

There should be a hole left in the eye.

Pupils (Make two):

With black, sc 6 in loop. Pull tight.

Round 1: 2 sc in each st. (12)

Finish and sew with tapestry needle onto the hole in the eye, covering it.

Finishing!:

Sew eyes, arms, and legs onto the body like shown. Embroider on a "V" smile to the face and you are done! :) I hope you enjoyed my pattern!

Happy Crafting,
Michelle

The Holidays are Coming!

2009-11-17T17:00:00.005-06:00

OH MY! The holidays are so close I can't even believe it. I already made my Christmas list and everything! Here is a little sampling of what I have asked for:

1. Nintendo Wii

I have been wanting one of these for forever!

2. Harvest Moon Tree of Tranquility for Wii

I have been addicted to any Harvest Moon game for about three or four years now. They are so great!

3. Hello Kitty Silicone Cases for Wii

In case anyone doesn't know, I LOVE Hello Kitty. Here's a little sweet history: Hello Kitty was made without a mouth because she speaks from the heart. :)

4. Hello Kitty Waffle Maker

I have already planned to make peanut butter waffles once I get this. I will post pictures!

5. Hello Kitty 9 Piece Accessory Set for Nintendo DS

*All items listed are available at Toys R Us and/or Target!*

Also, for Christmas my boyfriend and I are planning on getting me a ring! I want it to be inscribed "forever". As of January 30th, it has been 2 1/2 years for us! So exciting!

That is all I have to talk about for now. I am crocheting up some slippers, so once I am done I will post pictures.

Bye!!

What I Did in School Today

2009-10-28T18:43:00.005-05:00

I made a Gnome! I am definitely going to make more. I plan on giving the one pictured to my friend Sarah on Thursday for her birthday. I hope she likes it. I have no idea if she even likes gnomes, but then again, who doesn't?

The pattern used is courtesy of Else Tennessen on Ravelry. It is a very easy to read pattern, and it only takes an hour and a half or so to make. Link to the PDF pattern.

.....................................................................................

This is a countour line drawing that I did for art class. In contour line drawings, you aren't allowed to pick up your pen or pencil. It's pretty cool. What the picture is showing is the finished version, after I went back over it with the permanent marker. We had to find 3 or so objects to draw, so I picked beads, a flower, and some feathers.

.....................................................................................

Oh yes, I made my cat Simon a sweater! Here's the link to the candy corn pet sweater crochet pattern.

He looks quite stunning, doesn't he? He will always be sharp for the fall season now. :)

That is all I have to say for now. Happy crafting!

-Michelle

What I Got Today

2009-10-23T22:54:00.011-05:00

I received the package from my amigurumi swap partner today! I was so excited when I saw it as I was walking up to my house, seriously. I got a Piggy, a Ghostie, some PERFECT pins that I have seriously been looking everywhere for (I don't think she even knew that I was looking for them for half a year), awesome stickers, yarn, a sewing pattern, some of her hand painted eyes, and a hand written note. :)

Here is the Piggy

This is Ghostie. After about one second of seeing him I decided that Ghostie was officially his name.

She also got me some super pretty Vanna's yarn that I don't even have access to because I live in Iowa. When my mom and I were on vacation in the east coast, we visited some of the normal chain stores we usually go to to get fabric and yarn, like Michaels and Joann Fabrics. It is seriously ridiculous how much better their stores are and how much more variety they have. I am so jealous!

This yarn is super pretty! I am having a hard time thinking of something to make that is worthy of this yarn.

These are the pins I was talking about. Before I got these I had actually been using the normal sewing pins that are only 2 or so inches long, which wouldn't hold my amigurumi at all. I love these!

Here are those eyes she gave me. They are called owl eyes. Now that I have these, I will definitely be buying more from her! I am pretty much addicted to these eyes. You will know when I have used them in an amigurumi because I will be bragging. :)

As I mentioned, she also sent me some super cute stickers. :) I love them! This is a great first swap. I love swapping now! Here are a few links to my partner's stuff:

Blog
Flickr
Etsy Shop
Raverly Profile

Package Received

2009-10-22T19:49:00.008-05:00

Here is what I made for my partner, Clara, in the Amigurumi Swap! I was super worried that she wouldn't like them. One of the things I sent her isn't pictured here because I simply forgot to take a picture of it. Sorry. Just so you know it was a lamb that looked a lot like Lamb Chop the puppet. :)

This is the fawn I made her.

This one I named Dark Chocolate Bon Bon because my partner really likes dark chocolate. :)

Every Tuesday I get to hang out with my dad and we go out to eat and do things together, like shop. This is my dad and I. This is a really good picture of us! :)

Happy Crafting!

Michelle