Crocheting Up A Storm

Hey now!  If you follow me on Instagram, you'd already know this -but I am a crocheting crazy lady!  For reals!  And when I'm not crocheting, I was dancing (will post some sweet vids of my students soon!)  It's been so beautiful here, and last week I was stuck inside teaching at my studio's summer intensive.  It was great fun, I choreographed six mini dances (well a couple full ones almost)!

But I just wanted to share with you some of my favourite patterns that I've been working on lately.

You can find the pattern for the Turban Earmwarmer on my Blog and Ravelry.  The snowflakes posted just above are also available on Ravelry.

This week I'm visiting with my in-laws, so I probably won't be all that active this week.  So enjoy these patterns in my absence!

Quick And Easy Turban Style Earwarmer

There really isn't much to this simple earwarmer.  If you can handle a chain, double crochets, and slip stitch you are good to go!  This is a perfect pattern for new crocheters or kids/teens who are learning.

Yarn Used:  Loops & Threads Dewdrops in Amethyst

Hook Used:  K 6.5mm

Chain 50, join chain with a slip stitch to form a ring

Rnd 1: ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), dc in each chain 49 times, sl st to second chain to join

Rnd 2-5: repeat round 1

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

To create turban and finish: Cut your yarn with ample length to wrap around the seam.  Once you've cut the extra length, pull through to fasten off.  Then continuing with this extra length, pinch the width of the headband and wrap around the seam ensuring that all loose ends are tucked underneath.  Finish with a secret knot under the wrapping and weave in the end.  Try to do so to ensure that it could be worn reversibly!

I couldn't believe how quickly and beautifully this came together.  The yarn I used is SUPER bulky (6), and it creates a really nice wide headband that juxtaposes against the pinched part.  The sequins are a great little extra that makes this simple pattern really sparkle. 

The pattern is quite self explanatory, but as always if you ever have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Salad Sunday

Well it's been hotter than stink here, making me crave salad.  It's a rare thing...craving lettuce.  Ew - I sound like an adult!  But I want to take salads to a whole new level...hence 30 Days of Salad!

Did you know I even have a 30 Days of Salad Pin Board?  It's got some great ideas for new and innovative salads.  Of you feel stuck in a rut, go check it out.  Seriously there are some awesome salads on there, even if I do say so myself!

So get pinning.  Or searching the pins.  Whatever floats your salad boat!  Oh and stay cool, it's hot out there!

Altered Canvas

I had actually started this canvas as a birthday gift....but I was too busy to finish it.  Luckily I had a bridal shower coming up and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to finally hunker down and finish it.

First I started with a 12 x 12 canvas and a piece of scrapbooking paper.  I Mod Podge the paper to the canvas.  Once it was dry I sanded away the edges of the paper (read time consuming).  I also sprayed the surface with some grey spray ink to give it an antique look.

Next up I added a page from a book that had fallen apart.  I tried to find the most romantic passages since this was a bridal shower gift.  If I'd had a picture of the couple I would have used it instead!

I tore the edges of the book page, inked the torn edges in brown and then used grey spray ink again to add that vintage touch.

Then it was onto the embellishments, which included a bird, the word "love" some washi tape, some lace, 2 fabric flowers, and paper flowers.  The lace originally was BRIGHT white.  I sprayed the back of the lace with a combination of blue and grey spray ink for just the right hue.

These were both wood laser cuts that I sprayed with spray ink so they would match the canvas theme (I think I have a problem?!?!) 

And here's what the finished product looked like!

I won't lie.  It was definitely a big hit at the bridal shower.  And I may or may not have made another one already.  I'm not sure if I love it as much as this one....if you'd like to see it, check out my Instagram.  I'm on Instagram quite a bit.  It's fast and easier than writing a whole post...especially when the weather is nice.  Be sure to follow me to see what I'm up to this summer.

Buh Bye Google Reader?

So I guess y'all know by now that Google Reader is no longer.  I personally never used it, but that doesn't mean there are people out there who don't.  So I just wanted to let all my lovely followers, however they choose to follow me tryin' to keep up, that you can now easily follow me on Bloglovin'. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Google friend connect seems to still work, so if you have a Google Account just click "Join This Site" up there on the top of my sidebar.

Also if you like me on Facebook, I often post my most recent blog post there!  Follow me on Facebook

If you're into seeing what inspired me, check out my Pinterest account.  It's a hodge podge of creativity - ENJOY!

And for a behind the scenes look, follow me on Instagram.  I'm microblogging all the time, crazy pics of me and what I'm up to in between posts!  There's a little blue icon right there on the side, to follow me on Instagram! ---------->

Thanks to everyone who follows me, reads the blog occasionally, interacts with me on Facebook, or by email.  I cherish and appreciate every comment, like, smile, and encouragement.