Archive | 2016

Easy to Crochet Messy Bun hat – Fun and Easy!

By Yolanda on December 15, 2016 in Craft Tools, crochet equipment, knitting equipment, Crochet Hats, Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Crochet Womens Garments, Holiday Projects, Kids Crochet 94

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 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

Continue Reading →

The Craftys Awards – Nominations now open

By Yolanda on December 13, 2016 in Business, Crochet Projects, Giveaways / Contests, Home Decor, Kids Crochet, Knitting, Miscellaneous, Sewing Projects 0

Craftys Awards time

It’s time for The Craftys Awards and that means nominating your favorite crafter. The Craftsy Awards were created to celebrate the best of DIY and Crafts. The categories range from traditional such as knitting, crocheting, sew, and scrapbooking to a category known as “geek crafts.” The Craftsy awards were launched in 2014. This is such a great way to recognize our creative community. Crafters have submitted so many awesome projects that selecting a winner will not be an easy task.

Craftys award

I am so honored to have been selected as one of the judges for this year. Here is the list of the other judges. So many talented people on the judges panel.

The Editors of Babble
Marisa Pawelko – Modern Surrealist
Yolanda Soto Lopez – All Crafts Channel
Marly Bird – Yarn Thing Podcast
Beth Kingston – Kingston Crafts
Vickie Howell – DIY Network / HGTV
Ed Roth – Stencil 1
Mark Montano – Big Ass Book of Crafts
Galit Lebow – FoodStirs
Amber Kemp-Gerstel – Damask Love

The best in show winner will receive $1,000 and each category winner will receive $200.

Some of the Categories include the following. Please go to thecraftsy.com to a complete list and instructions/rules to enter:

Baby Crafts
Craft Blogger
Crochet
Knitting
Decorative Painting/ Mixed Medium
Edible Crafts
Geek Crafts
General Crafts
Sewing

The winners will be announced in a Live stream in February 2017 from New York City. There are so many great sponsors for the Craftsy Awards. If you are a creator and would like to participate you can nominate yourself or another person for an award. Please go to the website thecraftys.com in order to enter. and learn all about The Craftys awards. You will also be able to see the complete list of categories and sponsors. Each year this event has grown. with over 400,000 votes submitted.

Here is a link with the official rules: Official Rules

Good luck and get those nominations in. Let’s do our part to get recognization for all of those awesome crafters out there.

Crochet Fun Snood – Kids of all ages will love this

By Yolanda on November 5, 2016 in Baby Crochet Projects, Crochet Hats, Crochet Projects, Crochet Womens Garments, Kids Crochet 1

Kids of all ages will love this crochet fun snood. It works up quickly when using chunky weight yarn. I used the Bernat Blanket Yarn from Yarnspirations. It is soft and I really like the texture. I used the color: Pumpkin spice. The ears I used the chocolate color. The ears and the snood can be made in other colors if you prefer. I think this snood is a fun way to stay warm. The Bernat Blanket yarn is nice and warm. I made the adult/teenager size. You can purchase Bernat Blanket Yarn from your local Joann’s store or go online to Yarnspirations.com for more selection.

Crochet Fun Snood

Please keep reading for instructions and link to Video Tutorial Continue Reading →

Crochet Super Scarf using Chunky Yarn

By Yolanda on October 28, 2016 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Crochet Womens Garments 1

Now you can crochet a super scarf using chunky yarn. I have created this pattern using a Jumbo weight yarn from RedHeart. It is called “Grande” yarn. I chose the “Foggy” color since this could work for most wardrobes as it is a neutral color. Since this super scarf uses this chunky yarn it works up very quickly. I wanted to design a pattern that would be easy enough for beginners to crochet. I hope you like this scarf. I wrapped it around myself several times and it feels so plush and comfy. I want to thank RedHeart Yarns and Boye for sponsoring this project. It was a great opportunity to try the Boye ergonomic hooks and the Red Heart Grande yarn. (photos courtesy of RedHeart Yarns).

Crochet Super Scarf

Super Scarf by Yolanda Soto-Lopez

I usually don’t use Chunky yarns but creating this pattern allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and use a chunky yarn and the Boye ergonomic hooks. I am really pleased with how it came out. I also uploaded a free YouTube video tutorial of this project. On the next page, I had included the free written pattern and a link to the video tutorial for visual learners. Enjoy!

Continue Reading →

Ombre Shawl using Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations

By Yolanda on October 25, 2016 in Crochet Womens Garments, Home Decor 27

I love Ombre shawls, using the Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations I was able to design this beautiful shawl. I wanted to take full advantage of the ombre effect created when using the new Caron Cakes by Yarnpspirations. This design allowed me to make a shawl that would show off this beautiful effect. I want to thank Yarnspirations for sponsoring this post. This design and ideas are my own. This shawl will make a great gift or make it for yourself. Caron Cakes are exclusive to and available at Michaels stores.

Ombre Shawl using Caron Cakes by YarnspirationsSupplies needed to create your Ombre Shawl

Supplies needed for your Ombre shawl

2 Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations (colorwave of your choice)

Yarn needle

Scissors

H- Crochet Hook 5mm

Square (I used a CD case) to measure your yarn for tassles

Here is a back view of the shawl. Can you see the beautiful ombre effect not only on the body of the shawl but also on the tassles? Keep reading to learn to crochet this beautiful shawl.