Show + Tell: Off the Needles

Yesterday's Find was a beautiful crochet project (the Babouska Blanket from Sewing Daises), and I was so excited about the discovery that I cast on a square of my own. It's now finished and, though I didn't have the same yarn/colours, it came out beautifully! It's been a long while since I've crocheted anything using a chart so it took about an hour just for this one square. It is very easy, however, and I can see myself making more at some point.

Over the past few days I have also cast off a couple knitting projects. The first is the Last Minute Slouch by Madelinetosh. The pattern calls for two of her yarns, Eyre and Tosh Sock (worsted and sock) but I don't have either so I substituted Cascade 220 and Patons Kroy Socks, and used a 6mm needle. It came out great! I haven't decided whether to keep it or save it for gift giving later in the year.

The second FO is a lovely, anatomically correct Heart by Kristin Ledgett. The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn but I wanted a bigger heart so I used Cascade 220 and 4mm needles to get a finished measurement of 6x8 inches. I love it! And hope to make a really BIG one to use as a cushion on my bed.

That's all from the Cottage today. Have a great weekend! ♥

Friday Find: Babouska Rose Blanket

Hello dears! Things have been rather busy at Fig Cottage this week and I'm very happy to say THANK GLOB IT'S FRIDAY!

Earlier this week I was browsing on Tumblr and came across a lovely crochet project called the Babouska Rose Blanket, created by a very talented gal named Heidi, and posted on her blog Sewing Daisies.

I fell in love with the beautiful rose motif and her amazing use of colour in the blanket, and have decided that I want to try making some of these squares as well. There is no written pattern, but there is an image that charts the construction of the motif. Click the link above to view the image on her blog. It is so pretty! In addition to the blanket, I think these squares would also make a lovely cushion cover.

I think I may just cast on a square while I wait for my goodies in the oven to bake. Do pop by again tomorrow for Show + Tell to see the result, as well as a couple other FOs from this week. Happy Friday! ♥

Little Stars

Do you have an abundance, even a just a little, of scrap worsted weight yarn? You do?
Well, today I prepared a tutorial/pattern on how to make lovely little crocheted stars. I've tried out a few other patterns in the past but didn't like them, so I created this one instead! Here are a couple photos to get your creative cauldrons bubbling...

Little Stars can be crocheted in one or two colours, and they are so quick and easy to make. Just today I made nearly enough to make a little garland! If desired, you could also make smaller or larger stars by increasing/decreasing the size of the crochet hook and weight of the yarn. 

In addition to using them for a garland, they would also look great stitched onto a plush toy, or onto a child's sweater as wee elbow patches. Another nifty idea would be to felt them, but I haven't tried that yet. If you do, be sure to send me some photos!

To view, download, or print the tutorial PDF, click HERE! 

Happy crafting! ♥

Happy Thursday

Just finished off a lovely ripple crochet piece! I used the nifty ripple pattern by Lucy of Attic24. There are lots of ends to weave in but It shouldn't take too long. Originally I wanted to do a baby blanket but didn't have full skeins of each yarn so I did as much as I could with what I had. Plan to attach a fabric backing and make it into a pillowcase. The colours go so well together!

Tomorrow will be a busy day, out of town for shopping with my step-mom and seester, followed by backyard fire/movie/craft night with a dear friend.

Other excitement includes inheriting a few new shirts, and the purchase of Snow White & The Huntsman which I'll be enjoying tonight. And to top it all off, it's sunny and warm outside. Happy Thursday!