The Grey

Who ever would have thought we'd be putting beards on hats?  I bet Gran's looking down at us and shaking her head, having a good laugh.  But the truth of the matter is that adding some kickass details to a hat, like - say - a beard, can turn it from a functional piece of gear to a costume.

Bear loved his Striking Viking so much that he tasked me with the creation of a Gandalf hat based on the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings films.  Kind of a tall order, considering the assymetrical nature and wide brim.  Not always the easiest things to do with yarn, but I thought I'd give it a shot.  Gotta say, I am pretty flippin' proud of this one, y'all.

For those of you who haven't already Googled "Gandalf hat," here's what I used as my reference:

To start off with, I had to get the point right.  It involved a bit of finagling here and there, but I was happy with it pretty much from the start.

At this point, The Hubbs wasn't too sure about it.  He had lots of questions, and every time I asked for his opinion, I was answered with copious shrugging and the shifty eye.

Lots and lots of increase rounds...felt like each little piece took forever and the spacing of the increases was a challenge.  Too close together and I'd get these weird little bumpy things.  Too far apart and the shape wasn't right.

Somewhere along the way, it got big enough to start modeling, stitch markers and all.  Hot, yeah?

The brim posed the biggest challenge of all.  Now that I'd engineered the body of the hat to stand up on its own, I was faced with adding a wide brim and preventing it from flopping.  At first, I wasn't so sure it was going to work, but I kept on increasing.  As the brim grew, it became apparent that some sort of reinforcement would become necessary.

Not wanting to put any kind of crazy wire or mesh frame inside the hat itself, I decided to stiffen it.  I mixed Elmer's School Glue and water into about a half and half solution and used a foam brush to apply it liberally to the brim.  Then I let it dry and went through the process again.  While the glue solution was drying, I made the beard.

The Hubbs does a way better job at modeling the finished product than I do.  I guess I make a better Viking than a wizard, eh?  When all was said and done, even he was on board with the design.

Most importantly, Bear and his buddy loved the finished product.  Here they are together, The Striking Viking and The Grey:

I'm uber-happy with how these new costume hats have been turning out, and I will most certainly be making more of them in the future.  My Etsy shop has had quite the nice little rest recently, and I think it may be about time to dust off the shelves and get some new products in there.

Simple Round Coasters

Hey, y'all!

Okay, so I've been looking for multicolor round coasters, and I've hit a dead end.  All of the ones I find are either too spendy or not quite right as far as the colors go.

The solution?  Make my own.

I've had a lot of fun making these little guys in a ton of different colors, and I have ideas for rugs, blankets and other things using them as motifs...stay tuned for more on that.

These were all made using super-bulky yarn (Lion Brand Hometown USA, for the most part) and an aluminum N hook.  I'll be posting a pattern before too long, which I'm really excited about.  There are so many things scribbled on napkins and note pads around here, and I'm starting to take some time to compile them into something that's legible to people who aren't already inside of my head.  ;)


'Til next time,
OCB

Chair Arm Remote Caddy

Hey, y'all!

As part of the redecorating process in our living room, I decided our old over-the-arm remote caddy simply had to be replaced.  I already had the yarn from the Lancaster Quilt throw I made, and I borrowed a striped granny stitch pattern from Bobbi Anderson's Simone Scarf & Blanket pattern in the May/June 2013 issue of Crochet Today! as a basis for this:

I worked the pattern until it was wide enough for my 5 remotes, fastened off and created the five separate pockets by slip stitching through both layers in matching yarn.  It definitely goes much better with the new color scheme than the old blue-and-red one did.


'Til next time,
OCB

Bulky Fiber Necklace: Dark Wash Denim

Hey, y'all!

Here's another color variation on my Bulky Fiber Necklace.  This shade of blue goes fabulously with every pair of jeans in my closet.

I used super-bulky yarn and a plastic Q hook to make this.  Pattern coming soon!


'Til next time,
OCB

E's Sunday Swing Coat Revisited

Hey, y'all!

Remember E's Sunday Swing Coat?  I'm happy to report that the birthday girl herself recently posed for a special photo shoot.

Check out those eyes!  Oh, yeah...and the coat.

 

'Til next time,
OCB

Joni Flower Tunic from Vintage Crochet

Hey, y'all!

I'm getting a bit more adventurous in the patterns I'm trying these days.  There are so many sweaters and other things I've wanted to make for years, but I've been too scared to commit the time to make them.

This one is from a book I love, called Vintage Crochet.  The pattern is called the Joni Flower Tunic, and I've been drooling over it for about three years now.

I chose to stay with the ecru color that's featured in the pattern, because it's one of my favorite colors to work with.  Unfortunately, the pattern is written for DK weight cotton, which I just can't seem to find around here...at least not at a decent price or in as many colors as I'd like.  And, a problem I run into frequently, all the cute stuff is written for skinny gals...no plus sizes here.

So I modified things, but only a bit.  I used worsted weight cotton from Lily Sugar 'n' Cream and followed the instructions for a size M.  Using the larger yarn and the same hook, I was able to successfully make this for myself, typically a size18-20.

A word of warning if you decide to purchase this pattern or use it from the book: watch the repeats.  The pattern is written a little wonky, getting out of sync with the total number of repeats in quite a few places...especially in the flower mesh pattern.  If you count your stitches and use markers, you'll be fine.  Just don't skip the double-checking on this one, guys.  If you do, you'll be sorry.


'Til next time,
OCB

Short-sleeved Summer Sweater

Hey, y'all!

Well, I've officially broken my New Year's resolution to post here once a week.  I was out of town for work all of last week, and I left the memory card with all of my pictures at home.  I'll try to be better, I swear!

As my first attempt to make it up to you, I'd like to share my recently completed short-sleeved summer sweater:

 

I based this on a pattern I found for the Jetsetter Sweater in Crochet Today's May/June 2012 issue.  I lengthened the body, removed the neckline trim, shortened the sleeves and modified it to make a larger size.  The whole thing was crocheted using Lily Sugar 'n' Cream worsted weight cotton yarn and an H hook.

I really love how the variegated yarn patterned itself across the piece.  What do you think?


'Til next time,
OCB

E's Sunday Swing Coat

Hey, y'all!

My super-sweet little goddaughter recently turned one, and we had a fabulous time at her birthday party.  I wrestled with myself about what to make her...she has so many toys to play with, and I really wanted to do something special.

Enter the Sunday Swing Coat from the March/April 2013 issue of Crochet Today.  It's a super-cute little number that works up quickly.  I finished the whole thing in two evenings after work.

Here's my version of the coat, worked in Red Heart Fiesta yarn.

I absolutely love Crochet Today.  Out of the three major US crochet periodicals, it is far and away the most relevant to younger crochet artists who like to add a modern twist to their work.  I'd totally recommend it to any of you who are considering a print subscription.

And here's hopin' my sis-in-law sees this post and remembers to take a pic of lovely E wearing her Swing Coat.  With her permission, I'd love to share that with all of you.  ;)


'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

Bobbles and Cables Bag

Hey, y'all!

Holy poop on toast...Thanksgiving is tomorrow!  I can't believe how the time is flying.

Now, I'm assuming you are familiar with my purse obsession, especially given that about 1/2 of what I've posted on here is purses.  What you may not know is that I love big bags in funky colors.  Oranges, turquoises, hot pinks...for me, no color is taboo when it comes to purses.

Browsing through the local shops earlier this fall, I fell in love with quite a few mustard-colored leather bags.  You know, the ones that feel like butter and cost as much as a car?  Yeah.  Those.

Since I can't exactly justify spending a mortgage payment or two on a bag, I thought I'd raid the ol' stash and buy some new handles.

 

This project also helped me to begin the process of overcoming my fear of sewing.  I've never lined my bags in the past, but I think that's going to change...and soon...based on how well this one turned out.

Whaddaya think?  I may be in love.

Yarn: Caron no-dye-lot one-pound skeins in off-white and mustard yellow (100% acrylic)
Hook: Aluminum M
Handles: Nylon with braided detail from Jo-Ann
Lining: Modified standard pillowcase.  Oh, yes.  I did.
Total Project Cost (if I bought everything full-price and new): about $25-30 plus time



'Til next time,
OCB

Color Block Sweater

Ok, y'all.  This thing has been a work in progress for I-can't-tell-you-how-long.  One night last week, I decided to let it graduate to the next step: a finished project.

I saw the pattern for this sweater in Crochet Me a couple of years back and instantly fell in love.  Parts of it didn't work for me, so I tweaked and full-out changed quite a few things.  The result is this super-cozy, totally-me color block sweater:

For anyone who is interested, I made it with Caron one-pound skeins of no-dye-lot worsted weight acrylic yarn.  All of the stitching is done with an H hook, and there was a hell of a lot of sewing involved...not my favorite.  When I make my next one, I'll be modifying even further to remove that part as much as possible.

But, I gotta say, I had great timing.  The weather here is transitioning into that perfect sweater temperature, so I can see this baby getting a lot of use over the next few months.


'Til next time,
OCB

Holding Myself Accountable

It's Fall, y'all!  My favorite time of the year. 

Somehow, I just can't seem to find the time to finish this sweater I've been wanting for the last couple of years.  I'm really close...seriously, about half a sleeve to go...but I keep finding other things to do with my time.  Go figure.

This is my way of holding myself accountable, I guess.  The next time you see this baby, I'll be wearin' it.  :)

~OCB

E's Baptism Prayer Shawl

In January of this year, our family was blessed with a new addition.  My beloved sis-in-law gave birth to our second niece, E.

The cherry on the sundae?  She asked The Hubbs and me to be godparents.  Before taking part in her baptism ceremony back in March, I stitched up a special baptism prayer shawl for my sweet little goddaughter.

It's all acrylic yarn, and - of course - I don't remember the dimensions.  What I do remember is that I really enjoyed making it.  I really do love this little girl.

A special thanks to my mother-in-law for taking these beautiful pictures.

I'm just so glad Jello and her family are back in the area now.  It sure is nice to see them more often.  :)

Bulky Fiber Necklace: Teal

I'm a hot-blooded person.  You know, one of those gals you see wearing only a tee shirt in weather that prompts others to don hoodies, hats and gloves?  Don't get me wrong; I love me a good hoodie, but my point is that I don't do well with heavy stuff all up in my grill.  I get hot, I get cranky.  I get cranky, you don't want to deal with me.  Capisce?

With that said, I've come up with a solution for fall and winter accessorizing.  I can't walk around in a full-out scarf all day, but I love the idea of the bright colors and fun drapey quality. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the first in what I'm sure will become a series to include many colors of the Bulky Fiber Necklace:

This necklace has been constructed completely by hand using acrylic yarn.  I can't wait to share the other colors with y'all!

Interested in one of your own?  Let me know...these will be for sale soon.

Purses in Progress

I know I'm not the only one trying to figure out a more economical solution for round, wooden purse handles...someone out there has to have an idea.  My problem is that the 9" rattan hoops from Jo-Ann Fabrics are so darned expensive; I just can't afford to keep them on hand.

And so, until I come up with a brilliant idea, my completed Super-Fat bags look like this:

Not exactly ideal, but it's working out so far.  I figure I'll stash a few dollars away when I can, and each of these will get handles when I can afford to get them.

In the mean time, does anyone have any brilliant ideas for me?  The hoops I'm buying at the retail store are either $5.99 or $6.99 a set.  I'd love to hear any suggestions you may have.

Short-Sleeved Shruggy Sweater Thing

Mm-hmm.  I'm gettin' all technical on ya with the names, now.  :)

I love cardigans and sweaters of all kinds.  My problem is that I tend to run warm, so here's my solution...at least for the summer months when all I really need is a little something for when the office AC tries to turn me into a girl-sicle.

When I decided what I wanted to do, I visited the ol' Mountain-O-Yarn in the basement and picked out one of my favorite colors of Red Heart Super Saver.  It took about 3 of the 5-oz skeins to complete, and I'm typically a 2X or size 18-20.  In my neck of the woods, that would make the total investment about $9, plus time.
The really cool part?  I already had this yarn from a trade or previous craft store raid, so it was essentially free.  Bonus!

It's really comfy, too.  I think I'm going to end up making another one or two in different colors.

If you want one, you know where to find me.  ;)