Archive | Holiday Projects

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 to Crochet Messy Bun hat – Fun and Easy!

Yes, I got on the Messy Bun bandwagon

Today I want to share a pattern for an Easy to crochet “Messy Bun” hat.   I have received so many requests for an easy pattern.  

So, by popular demand here it is.  This is what I came up with for an “easy” pattern.  You can follow the instructions for rows 11-12 for a mock rib brim or just continue with double crochet for a plain edge hat.  

Either way, it looks and fits great.   You can customize the hat by choosing your own colors.  School colors, favorite colors or season colors make it so much better.   

I later realized that perhaps using this type of yarn might not have been the best choice.   Oh, well live and learn. 

Easy to crochet Messy Bun Hat

Easy Messy Bun Hat

Supplies Needed 

Approximately 3 1/2 ounces of Medium weight yarn.  I used  RedHeart Supersaver Cameo  – Color  Mirage

Scissors

Yarn needle

Crochet Hook (I used a size I ) for larger heads use a J hook.   For children use an H hook

I apologize for this photo.  I was having technical issues and just couldn’t get my beautiful photo to upload so I was stuck using this one.  Boohoo 

If you prefer you can purchase an Ad-Free PDF pattern Here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-messy-bun-hat-2

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Autumn is here and it’s Pumpkin Hat time

Pumpkin hat time is here.  It seems everywhere I look traces of Autumn are finally arriving in my neck of the woods.  OK, so I live in San Diego, California and there aren’t many signs of the seasons changing.  However, stores are now decorated with items that remind us it’s Autumn.  Pumpkins are making an appearance in windows and advertisements.  Halloween is just around the corner.  Pumpkin spice lattes are brewing and I am crocheting pumpkin hats.

Crochet Pumpkin Hat

I decided to design a pumpkin hat that can be worn by babies to adults.   I used medium weight acrylic yarn for my hat.  The hat in the photo I used an H hook however by adjusting the hook size the hat can be made for various sizes.  Here is a suggestion for hook sizes.  Please remember that everyone crochets with a different tension and these are just suggestions.   I used a fpdc (front post double crochet) stitch to simulate the ridges on a pumpkin.  You can choose any shade of orange and green for your hat.  You could even choose a ten or brown color as pumpkins come in a variety of colors.

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Easy to make Paper Roses. Beautiful and Inexpensive Gifts

Paper Rose pen

Paper Roses

Paper Roses are fun and easy to make.

When we were kids we would make crepe PaperRoses.  They make fun and inexpensive gifts for Mother’s Day,  Teacher Gifts or Secretary’s Day.  You can make them as stand along roses or place them on the top of a pen for a fun and pretty alternative to a plain pen.   You can make several rose pens (in different colors) and place in a small cup that is then placed on top of a desk.  These are perfect as inexpensive gifts.  With so many teachers and other people to give gifts to sometimes staying within our household budgets can be a challenge.  These are pretty  and inexpensive gifts.

Make them in white instead of red for a fun sign in pen for showers, weddings, etc.   I purchased all supplies except the green crepe paper (couldn’t find any) and pens from my local Dollar Tree.   I also used a low temp glue gun (and glue sticks) that I had previously purchased at my local Michael’s store.

 

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Crochet Carrot Bag

Crochet Carrot for Easter

Crochet Easter Basket Carrot

Crochet Carrot Bag

Easter is almost here and for many that means Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Baskets.  There are so many baskets to choose from on the market but how about crocheting something a little different.   A few years ago I crocheted this little orange carrot bag.  One of the reasons I really  like it is that kids can use it after Easter is over.   I think it is a great Easter Projecter – Crochet alternative to traditional basket. During a Easter egg hunt the bag can be used to store your Eggs.  After the holiday it can be used to carry small toys.

 

 

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