Tag: handmade gifts

  • My Emotional Support Chicken (ESC)

    My Emotional Support Chicken (ESC)

    I’ve officially joined in the ESC craze, and finished my first hen. “Fluffy Freda” – pictured above – helped me learn the pattern, think about how I might want to adjust the pattern, and perhaps most importantly; fall in love with these chickens! My interest in the many benefits of knitting and crocheting have taught…

  • Some favorite sites

    Some favorite sites

    I have been thinking about the MANY sites that are out there for fiber artists that provide patterns, tips, tricks and more and wanted to highlight some of the ones I have found in my travels. NOTE: this is NOT to suggest that I know it ALL about great sites – there are MANY out…

  • Quick and cute

    Quick and cute

    As I finished my most recent sunglasses pouch, I was still needing some “yarn therapy” so I picked up some pink, cotton yarn and was about to make ANOTHER glasses pouch when I got inspired to free hand something. I decided to make a small holder for folded paper money or ID to tuck into…

  • A sense of satisfaction

    A sense of satisfaction

    There’s something satisfying about finishing a project. It’s like an affirmation that we have our act together and on some weeks, I need that more than I care to admit!! I’ve referenced the many benefits of knitting and crocheting in previous blog posts, but tonight I want to highlight the positive benefits to our state…

  • Our legacies

    Our legacies

    I moved solidly into the next decade of my life last month, having celebrated my entrance into this decade with a big party last year (that included a knitting-themed cake!). This year is more measured as I’m moving into that stage where I’m clearing out and downsizing in preparation for retirement in a couple years.…

  • Let’s talk craft show pricing

    Let’s talk craft show pricing

    I come from a family tradition of artists. My father is a scientific glassblower who supported our family for a number of years as an artistic glassblower in the 1970’s as he was getting his start This meant that my sister and I spent many Summer days running around at juried arts festivals all over…

  • In the bag

    In the bag

    I finally finished my red, white, and blue cotton bag for small shopping trips. I made it with Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn and using the Yarnspirations free pattern for their Mesh Bag. It’s perfect for quick trips to the store (I take it to the drug store when I’m picking up vitamins, etc.) I had previously…

  • Bottle slings (holders)

    Bottle slings (holders)

    I’ve been a bit obsessed with this pattern – especially when it’s made in a cotton yarn. For this (green) version, I started with a smaller base (30 sts), still using the H hook. I have a pink one also in progress, but in Big Twist yarn that I’m making with a G hook (pictured…

  • Summer accessories

    Summer accessories

    I recently had a need for a water bottle holder, and thought I’d try my hand at making one out of yarn. The project ended up serving a couple purposes, including using up some yarn in my stash (always a good thing!). Although I free-handed this pattern, I recognize that I did not come up…

  • Gifts of love

    Gifts of love

    I decided to make a family member, who loves flamingoes, a poolside bag as part of her birthday gift ensemble this year. I used cotton canvas from Joann’s and lined it with Novelty Cotton fabric (also from Joann’s). The pattern is Simplicity 9308 and it went together quickly (it’s not the first one I’ve made with this…