Super-Bulky Infinity Scarf in Little Rock Granite

Hey, y'all!

I'm writing in the middle of the night from California, where I'm working this week.  It's been hectic, but I have a few minutes, so I thought I'd share a recent project with you.

And without further ado, I give you the Super-Bulky Infinity Scarf in Little Rock Granite:

This scarf works up quickly using Lion Brand Hometown USA (a super-bulky yarn) and a plastic Q hook.  The tie is made using the same yarn and an aluminum N hook.  Both can be made from the same skein of yarn, so the total $ investment is quite low.

What do you think...do you want to learn how to make one?  I'm thinking of publishing a pattern.  You know, when I have time.  :)


'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

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

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

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

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.

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.  ;)

Elizabeth's Scarf and Hat

Hey, y'all!

Long time, no see. My computer died again, and you know what the holiday season can be like. Things are starting to get back to normal, and I'm going to try posting some recent projects from my iPod app. Here goes nothin'.

First up: Elizabeth's scarf and hat. This set was made using Bernat, and it's super-soft to the touch.

I hate modeling, but I love this set.  :)

View of the right side

Texture shot of the scarf

Front view

Texture shot of hat, with strap and button detail

This order came in after Elizabeth saw my set, which I made from Red Heart Super Saver in brown and mixed fall colors.  I'll post pics of that set soon.  You wouldn't believe how cute it is with my fire-engine red winter coat.  ;)

See you soon!
~One Crafty Broad

Fatty Handbag: Cottage

It's been a while since I posted a new Fatty bag.  I know y'all are probably sick of lookin' at my purses, but that's the beauty of being the administrator of the blog...I get to pick what you see and when you see it! ;)

This is one of my favorite color combos thus far:

  

The entire bag has been lovingly constructed by hand using 100% cotton yarn with bamboo handles.  The finished product measures approximately 7" high (not including handles) by 11" wide by 6" deep.

Buy it on Etsy!

Tickled Pink

Over the summer, I decided to embark upon a seemingly monumental task: the creation of my first sweater.  I finished it in early- to mid-August, and today is the first day it's been cool enough in northern Illinois to sport it.

So sport it I shall.