Archive | 2017

Crochet Gladiator Style Flip Flops

Crochet Gladiator Style Flips flops to turn your plain flip flops into fun sandals.   Who says flip flops have to be plain or boring?  Using some basic crochet stitches and a few new techniques (they’re easy) you can go from plain flip flops to personalized flip flops.  Summertime is here and that means warmer weather.  Ok, I admit that I live in Chula Vista, California (Suburb of San Diego) and our “Hot” weather isn’t exactly what others might consider hot.  Hey, living here we get used to a milder climate but even we get our occasional heat wave.

To beat the heat many of us turn wearing sandals and other warm weather accessories.  I admit that I look forward to being able to wear sandals.  However, I am not a fan of plain flip flops.  I like to customize them a little and jazz them up a bit.  In today’s blog post I will share how I turned my plain flip flops into crochet gladiator style flip flops.   You can customize by using your own colors, make them all one solid color or combine colors.  You can even add beads or a small fringe along the top edge.   As always I have provided a free YouTube video tutorial for visual learners.  The links appear at the end of the post.  I used cotton yarn Peaches & Creme from Yarnspirations.  They have a great selection of solid colors and some varigated choices.

If you would like to purchase an Ad Free PDF pattern please click here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladiator-style-flip-flops

 

Flip flops

Crochet Flip flops

crochet gladiator style flip flops

crochet flip flop

crochet gladiator style flip flops

(side view)

 

 

 

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Learn To Quilt by Using Templates

Learn to Quilt

Have you been wanting to learn to quilt but were a little intimidated?  Using templates makes your Learn to Quilt adventure so much easier.  Today thanks to my friends at Nancy’s Notions  I will be sharing a tutorial for using their Dresden Template.  This kit comes with the Dresden template, seam alignment template, and a colorful and information Instruction Booklet.  There are 15 variations that can be made using this template and the booklet gives you full instructions.   Remember, quilt tops aren’t the only uses for these designs.  I chose to make a decorative pillow and also created a small Dresden Plate in order to embellish a small canvas bag I purchased at my local Joann Craft and Fabric Store.

I think the hardest part was choosing my fabric.  Going to the fabric store has been an activity I really enjoy.  I could get lost there for hours.  Walking down the aisles and see all those bolts of fabrics can be mesmerizing.  So many fabrics and so little time.  First, I used my Dresden template to make a pillow top.  I can bring this pillow out to decorate during the holidays.  Place on my front porch chair or take along for a picnic or parade for comfort.  I had previously purchased a small canvas bag from Joann’s when they were on sale.  I decided to make a small Dresden plate using the templates to embellish my plain tote bag.  Now the tote is so much more colorful and will make a perfect gift for carrying crochet or knitting supplies.  I can already see my colorful yarn balls and crochet hooks and knitting needles inside my little canvas tote bag.  It would make a great gift.

Learn to Quilt - Using templates

Dresden Plate quilting design used on a pillow and a canvas tote bad

You can purchase the Dresden Template kit and other supplies here:    Nancy’s Notions  Grab it now while it’s on sale for only $9.99 until July 31, 2017.  That’s a great bargain.

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Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Crochet Top

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Crochet Top, that’s the name I came up for this top ?  A beautiful warm summer day to wear it of course.

Summer is around the corner and I can’t wait. I love to crochet and knit but with warm weather,  it is sometimes a challenge.

I have tricks I use to help me combat the heat.  One way to get around that is to create and design items that use lighter weight yarn or are easier to handle in the heat.

I wanted to create something that would be ideal for wearing on those hot summer days.  I designed this crochet halter top using cotton yarn.  Cotton breathes and is more comfortable to wear during warm weather.

This cotton is made by Yarnspirations  It is called Peaches & Creme and I used a solid white color for my top.  I love using this yarn because it’s easy to find and easy on the wallet.

I purchased my yarn at walmart but it can be purchased at other retailers.   I also created a video tutorial if you are more of a visual learner.   It can be crocheted in Woman sizes S – XL.

You can purchase an Ad-Free PDF pattern/instructions here:   Summer Top PDF Summer Top PDF

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Crochet Top

Crochet Summer top – Yolanda Soto-Lopez

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It’s Fast, Easy and Beautiful! Crochet Shell and Post stitch pattern

It’s Fast, Easy and Beautiful!  Introducing the crochet shell and post stitch pattern.  With warmer weather, I’m looking for patterns that will not be quite as heavy and warm but still look beautiful.  This stitch is ideal for those warmer days.  I’ve used this pattern to make lighter weight baby blankets using a weight 3 yarn of even baby weight yarn.    The pattern is so easy to make and works up very quickly.  I also like the fact that after your first row you can work this pattern while watching tv, or listening to music.  Once your first row is done there really isn’t any counting so it’s perfect for crocheting on the go.

Crochet Shell & Post Stitch

Crochet Shell & Post Stitch

You can use any weight yarn and hook size as long as they are appropriate for each other.  Yarn labels will give you a suggested hook size for each weight yarn. (I know they do in the USA, not sure about other countries).

Do you want to learn 10 other Easy Crochet Stitch Patterns?  Click here:  10 Easy Crochet Stitch Patterns

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Fun, Crochet Summer Handbag

Summer is a great time to crochet and this fun, crochet summer handbag is the perfect project.  I made this crochet summer handbag using t-shirt yarn.    I used a product from  Hoooked Zpagetti.  I was given this product when I attended the Association for Creative Industries (Formerly CHA – Crafts and Hobby Association).    Learning of new products if always a highlight of the event.

There are many video tutorials for making your own t-shirt yarn.  You can find tarn (t-shirt yarn) at many stores.  I’m not beginning to see this material used in many different projects including handbags, rugs and even some stuffed animals.  I hope you enjoy this project.   I have also included a link to the video tutorial for visual learners.

Crochet Summer Handbag

This is a crochet summer handbag made using t-shirt yarn

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