New Yarn, New Design with Cahlista

Does your yarn talk to you? Sometimes mine does, and sometimes it is very quiet--just resting politely on the shelf awaiting my head and hook to come together with a destiny for it. I've actually got yarn that I've had since I learned to crochet that awaits the proper project. But recently I received every single color of Scheepjes Cahlista in wee 15g balls, and it yelled, "I know what I want to be!" My heart and hook jumped immediately. 

First thing I needed to do was sort the colors. I let the yarn continue to talk..."Pick me! Pick me!" So many of the 109 colors were talking at the same time, I ended up picking 84 of them. (Hey, I don't like to let anyone feel left out and not get picked for the team.)

But in the end, I set aside the neutrals. This process not only left me a colorful collection of wee yarn balls, but it also inspired me with an idea for another design involving the neutrals. (Wait for it...)

Janus Blanket Crochet Pattern

When my newest blanket design came into being--with plenty of playing on my hook--I was in a pickle of a jam. Why? Because I couldn't figure out which side was the "right side". When I realized that they both were equally as beautiful, it was easy to choose the name Janus. Let me explain...

Petrichor Hood Reveal

Last week I teased you with some obscure pictures here of a crochet design that was in the works using Scheepjes Stonewashed. I'm back to reveal to you what just rolled off my hook and will be ready for your hook next week.

I'm calling it Petrichor Hood. Petrichor is defined as: a distinctive scent, usually described as earthy, pleasant, or sweet, produced by rainfall on very dry ground. My model is my daughter Lizzie, and she absolutely loves rain. She actually was hoping for rain on her wedding day--which she got! So in honor of my sweet girl--Petrichor Hood it is.

New Stitch, New Yarn, New Design

Last week I showed you a new yarn I had ready for my hook (here). Today I'm popping in to show you how beautifully the Scheepjes Stonewashed* is working up. And in my "playing", I created a new textured and interesting stitch pattern that makes me happy.

One of my favorite things about crochet is the versatility of textures. Using the very same stitches--US dc here--but with a little tweaking of the stitch placement, you can do magical things.

Review: Love Affair with Scheepjes Stonewashed

I've got my hooks in some yarn. Well, what's so new about that, you say? I'm thrilled to say that it's Scheepjes Stonewashed!

Since first seeing this lovely stuff around the web I fell in love with the "washed" effect, the colors ranging from pastels to brights, and the fiber being primarily cotton (80%) with the added strength of a bit of acrylic (20%). Then, when I finally got my hands on it, I fell in love with the softness, too. I'm smitten.

Long and Short Scarf Reveal

Popping in today to share with you my new design made with Scheepjes Secret Garden yarn. 

I'm calling it the Long and Short Scarf--mostly because it is a long scarf made with short rows. If you've never tried your "hook" at short rows or slip stitch crochet--this is your chance to learn a new skill. It's super easy--and although it grows a tad slower than a taller stitch, gives you a fabulously textured and stretchy fabric. 

The Washburn Blanket is Yummy

It's an exciting day in my Felted Button world since I'm releasing one of my most favorite recent designs! I'm tickled with it for so many reasons--but as usual, it has oodles of color, lots of texture and is reversible. Yep. My favorite things about a blanket design. Introducing the Washburn Blanket--named after the candy of the same nme.

And would you look at how beautifully flat the border lays--without blocking!

Caramel Whirl Blanket Reveal

Recently, I've shared my thoughts about the terrific Scheepjes Whirl* yarn lately (here) and teased you with a little sneak peek of what I was making. Today is the day where you get to see the sweet little creation I made with my single cake. I suggested that my design was small. It's a small blanket. Here's why...

See, when my daughter was little I was unfortunate enough to have her fall in love with a HUGE and thick crib blanket. Don't get me wrong. It was beautiful and matched her nursery. She named it Fluffy. But...she wanted to take it everywhere--literally, everywhere. It didn't stay beautiful for long. That blanket circled the globe, went to every restaurant, shopping trip, and sleepover at Grandma's. It even went with her to college. On all of our excursions, there was simply no way to stuff it in a bag or suitcase. Oh, how I wished Fluffy was smaller! Like--this Whirl blanket. If only. It would have been such a better blanket with which to create a life-long bond!

Whirling Along

Last week I let you in on my Scheepjes Whirl* project. You can read more on my thoughts about this yarn here.

I have decided to make a "portable" little design with a single cake of this scrumptious stuff. Here's a little peek at my work-in-progress:

WIPs anyone?

If you are anything like me, you probably have more than one project going at a time. Maybe you need one for "on-the-go" types of crocheting--the portable ones you can do while waiting. Maybe you need the mindless one that you can work on while you are binge "watching" your favorite Netflix show. Or maybe you've got that one that takes a bit more focus--counting or interesting stitch placements--that you work on when you are feeling motivated and inspired to make something really incredible. And don't forget those that you're getting ready for the next craft fair or as gifts for the arriving new one. I've got one in almost each of these categories right now! (Sadly, I've got several I can't show you just yet. But I will soon, I promise!)

Here's a peek at some of the yarn I'm working with right now.

I picked up this incredible yarn last Fall while shopping with Atty, my fellow Scheepjes Blogger in Amsterdam. I didn't even hesitate when I saw it. I snatched it all up and giggled the whole time. 

Crisscross Catona Cushion Cover Revealed

Last week I shared a sneak peek of what I was working on with the brilliant Scheepjes *Catona. You can see that post here. But today let me reveal what I made with those colorful little yarny balls.

I'm calling it Crisscross Catona Cushion Cover. (Now that's an alliteration, huh?!)

Can't Stay Away from Catona

Since becoming a Scheepjes blogger and having the chance to work with their wide range of yarns (including the new "secret" ones--shhhh), one of my favorite go-to cottons is Scheepjes *Catona. You can read more about my thoughts on this yarn here. But, to be brief--it has the most amazing color range, a lovely sheen, crisp stitch definition, affordable pricing, and a soft hand. Can it get any better than that? 

Take a peek at some projects I've made using this fabulously colorful mercerized cotton:

Crochet Pattern: Parrotlet's Flight Blanket

My hook has been flying lately! Want yours to take flight, too? Here's my newest blanket design ready for your hook...

I've named it Parrotlet's Flight Blanket because the fabulous colors were inspired by my son's Pacific Parrotlet, Elend. Let me introduce you.

Felted Button Temperature Blanket CAL 2017

One of the best parts about this crochet designing gig is the people. Yes, people. I have met literally thousands of folks around the globe with whom I share a common love of yarn, hooks, creating, and color! So, with the new year approaching, I thought of a way to connect better with you and decided to conduct a temperature blanket CAL throughout next year!

Here are a few details that hopefully answer questions you might have about how to participate...

1. What is a CAL? 
CAL stands for Crochet-A-Long and is a fun and interactive way to be working on a common project at the same time with other like-minded folk. I have set up a Facebook group where we can chat about yarn, colors and pattern choices, share projects/progress, and talk about the weather. Why weather, you ask? See #2.

2. What is a temperature blanket?
Typically a temperature blanket is worked in varying colors of yarn depending on the daily temperature (high, low, average, both...) of where you live. You can choose the color range and temperature ranges for each color depending on your climate. If you are in the US there is a good site to see temperature ranges by state/city here.  If you want lots of color make your ranges small--if you want just a few, make your ranges bigger. (I'm thinking that because of the temperature range in my neck of the woods and because I love lots of colors, I'll probably have 5 degree increments which give me about 18 colors.) You do what works for you. Bust that stash and have fun! By the end of the year--or whenever you want to finish--a unique and "story-telling" blanket.

3. How do I join?
You can use any Felted Button blanket pattern (free or premium, your choice). Since I'm a bit obsessed with blankets, you have a LOT to choose from. You can browse in my Ravelry shop here. You should also join the Facebook Felted Button Temperature Blanket CAL group here. Just click "Join" and when approved read the group rules posted in the Files section at the top of the page. You might also want to read through the feed for any info that might help you.

Above is just a tiny sampling of Felted Button blanket designs. Some of these would not be ideal for the CAL, but some would be fab! (We'll talk more about this later.) 

Eight's Great--Cotton 8, That Is!

I hope life is finding you peaceful and happy--with plenty of crochet time. I've been feeling a little chill in the air and it makes me think about making blankets. Oh, silly me, I'm always thinking about making blankets. And cotton blankets are my perfect go-to all year round because they are soft and warm but breathe well. Bonus: Easy care!

Although it has grown a tad slowly (squirrel!), I've been working away on my brilliantly colorful Scheepjes *Cotton 8 blanket. (You can read my thoughts about this soft yarn here.)

Remember this one?

Here are some pics of a bit more progress...

I actually changed up a number of colors once I got started--took away some softer pastel peachy colors and added some more purples.

And finally settled on "only" 32 colors! Haha! How do you leave one out? They might feel badly, right? Plus, remember, this yarn is super affordable--good-sized 50g balls for around $2.58/ball in 48 colors. You can get your hooks on it from Wool Warehouse *here. And they ship internationally.

Does this stitch pattern look familiar to you? It might as I've used it before here. It's just so full of texture and works up beautifully in this cotton that really defines the stitches.

I recently got this fortune and though it was fitting for a color-crazed person like myself. Someone once called me a "yarntist". I like that. :)

Watch for a full reveal of this blanket next week! The border is now done and I'm preparing to photograph it. Have a color-filled and yarny week!

| On the Board | -- I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache. 

                                               ~~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

* This post contains affiliate links marked by an asterisk. Thanks!

I Need a Sugar Rush! Must Have Bonbons!

I'm not talking chocolate or an actual sugar rush here. But what I have to show you today seems to give me the same happy energy as actual chocolate...

It's yarn!! The fabulous Dutch yarn company Scheepjes has recently released Maxi Bonbon and Maxi Sugar Rush which are the same yarns (and colors) in different sizes. The *Bonbons come in 25g balls--perfect for smaller projects or where you want to use lots of colors. Sugar Rush comes in 50g balls for those larger projects.

Teetering Tower Blanket Crochet Pattern

I'm so excited to share with you my latest crochet blanket pattern! It's something that came to me whilst playing with my abundant color-stash of Scheepjes *Colour Crafter. 

Cotton 8 Rainbow on the Hook

I've got another color-filled design on my hook right now. Surprised? No? Well, me either. Ever since receiving this delightful palette of Scheepjes *Cotton 8, I had to get my "hooks" into it!

See, Scheepjes has some pretty incredible and colorful yarns! Like these...

Christmas in July: Two New Crochet Patterns!

It's July and you may already be thinking about crocheting for the holidays. If so, I've got two new patterns for your holiday celebrating!

Honoring Wink

I've been as busy as ever behind the scenes, crocheting away on some fun little projects. But while doing so, my mind has been heavy with thoughts about the loss of a dear friend to her battle with depression a year ago.

I discovered Wink (Marinke Slump) of the popular blog A Creative Being several years before we crossed paths. After getting acquainted online and having her say the nicest things about my work, she encouraged me to join Design Wars Challenge. She believed in me when I was doubting myself, but I applied. From that experience, I have made some beautiful designs, met many amazing folks and had opportunities for growing my craft and my business in ways I couldn't have imagined. Here are a few designs that came from that fun experience...

Mariposa Throw