Striped Ear Flap Hats

Hey, y'all!

Back to the Christmas presents!  You didn't think I was done, did you???

Pop, Hambone and The Hubbs aren't exactly the wear-a-fuzzy-creature-on-your-head kind of guys, but I wanted to make hats for them just like I did for JAKE.  My solution: make the same basic pattern in a two-tone stripe without all of the extra doodads.

They loved 'em.  I'm super-entertained by the fact that they all made goofy faces and played around with the ear flaps.  The Hubbs was the only one who left 'em down for his picture, and I'm glad someone did...it's nice to have shots of them both ways.  :)

Pop

Hambone

The Hubbs

Each hat has been crocheted by hand using acrylic yarn and an I hook.  These, too, were made using scraps from previous projects, and I'm always excited to use up leftover yarn.

I also made one for The Hubbs' best friend, but - alas - I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of him before he left.  Rest assured, good ol' Uncle D knows how to make goofy faces just like the rest of the boys.


'Til next time,
OCB

Repeat Crafter Me's Owl Ear Flap Hats

Hey, y'all!

If you couldn't tell, it was a bit of a hand-made Christmas around here...just the way I like it!  One of my favorite gifts to give was this set of owl ear flap hats, which went to JAKE - my sis-in-law and her brood.

I found the pattern through Repeat Crafter Me, another blog I've recently discovered and come to love.

Each hat is hand-crocheted using acrylic yarn and an I hook.  All components are made from yarn, so there's nothing to it if you've got scraps in your stash like I do.

I'm looking forward to doctoring up this process to make different animals in the future.


'Til next time,
OCB

Bulky Fiber Necklace: Moss

Hey, y'all!

Here's something I didn't make as a Christmas gift, just to give you a change of pace.  One of my gifts is in the photos, though...how do you like my new model?

This necklace has been crocheted by hand using a P hook and super-bulky acrylic yarn.  It's available in a wide variety of colors, and it makes a perfect accessory for those chilly months when the HVAC systems in our homes and offices can't quite keep up with our needs.

One of the next things on my list is to update my Etsy shop, which has been empty for the last few months.  If you're interested in one of these necklaces, feel free to contact me directly for pricing and options.


'Til next time,
OCB

Moogly's Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf

Hey, y'all!

I'm gonna try something new here in 2013.  I tend to use a lot of free online patterns for inspiration and to make the actual projects.  Starting now, when I use someone else's pattern that I found online, I'll link to it so you can make one of your own.  Deal?

I may even start publishing some of my own patterns...stay tuned for updates on that front.

First up is Moogly's Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf.  I chose to make this in a luxurious ribbon yarn I've had in my stash forever...it seemed like it would be the perfect use for a special yarn.

 

I also chose to omit the button-tie, not because I didn't love it, but because I ran out of yarn.  I love the versatility of this piece; it can be worn so many different ways.

And if you're not already following Moogly's blog, I have one question for you: WHY?

'Til next time,

OCB

Massaging Soap Savers

Hey, y'all!

Christmas on a budget is never easy, but I was really excited about these little gifts this year.  I made one for everyone in my office and all the gals in the immediate family.

I originally saw these on Moogly's blog and made them what I thought was loosely based on her pictures.  Turns out all I really changed was the number of bumps on the front side.  For the original pattern from Moogly, click here.

Each soap saver is crocheted by hand using 100% cotton yarn and an H hook.  They're just the right size for a bar of soap, and each one has 15 little massaging bumps on one side.  I used scraps from old projects, and one of the fabulous things about the construction of this is that there is virtually no waste.  Oh, and they cost me nothing in materials, though I did have to buy the soap to put in them.

We use ours at home for old soap chunks...you know, the ones that are too big to throw out but too small to use effectively by themselves?  We're all about reducing waste around here, seeing as how we can never even seem to remember to take our garbage cans out to the street.  :)

'Til next time,
OCB