Cancer News

Which is not good, btw. I started a second round of chemo last week as I now have a lymph node with non- Hodgkins lymphoma. My case is a rare one to have switched cancers. Second round of chemo is going ok so far it's just that I have to be hospitalized during each treatment.

I have been working on a few crochet projects just not recently. I've been busy with the Ren Faire the last month and a half and I have one weekend of it left. Here is one dishcloth I completed using a pattern from Crochetville. I also worked on a scrapghan project but I don't have the picture on my phone. I need to make more cancer awareness ribbons as well in different colors as I've been slack on this.

I did finish up my outfit for the Ren Faire and through together some eclectic pieces from old costumes to match the other bodice I had bought and both turned out looking good. I like the thrown together one best. I will find find pics of both to post. I still have the dress to make for the green bodice and the steam punk costume to make as well so I need to get my butt to sewing. Faire is over after this coming weekend though. So those new outfits will be worn probably at Georgia next year.

I'm going to try and do a small crochet giveaway here soon as well as posting a new hand warmer pattern I came up with. Things have just been hectic with the Faire but they will slow back down with me being on chemo again. Hope everyone has a blessed day and thanks for reading.

Pictures

Here are the pictures of the baby blanket I recently finished. The center is a multicolored yarn double layered with a baby pink. Its a basic V-stitch. The first rows of the border are a baby yellow layered with the same baby pink and the last rows are 2 layers of the baby yellow as I ran out of the baby pink. I got the border out of a book that I have here at home. It is mostly shell stitches. Hope you enjoy!

Good News!

I got great news from my cancer doctor today. My Hodgkin's lymphoma is in remission and I am cancer free after 6 months of Chemotherapy.

I have been working on a crochet baby blanket for a friend of mine and I will post pics of it soon, as soon as I take some. I'm also working on a pair of hand warmers for me to wear to the Ren Faire this year as I'm working.

Other than those 2 things I haven't really been much too crafty lately or gone to any more craft shows, though I'm planning on trying my hand at a flea market in a weekend or two.

I did go on my annual vacation this past weekend. I go camping every 4th with my cousin and friends at a nearby lake and when I get them on the computer I will upload some pics I took there as we had a great time!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Last Weekends Craft Fair

I didn't lose as much money of this one day event this past weekend, and I sold slightly less being only one day instead of two. All in all though I had more people buying of those who actually stopped and browsed my wares. I was also in a bad location at this festival as I was at the end hidden behind a BBQ trunk. I don't have any plans as of now to attend any in June but there is one I want to go to in July. If you know of any craft shows in the Pee Dee region of SC that I may be missing out on please comment or send me an email and let me know about them. Here are a few pictures of my setup this past weekend and I even get a pic of my helper though she was excited about it at all.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Sunflower Dishcloth Crochet pattern

Happy Mothers Day Everyone! Hope you have a wonderful day!

This is my rendition of Champygirl's Bountiful Petals dishcloth pattern as listed on Crochetville. The original pattern (the first 2 colors) is reprinted with her permission.

Materials:

Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn in 3 different colors
(center color, petal color, leaf color)
Size G hook (4.25)
Yarn needle (to weave in ends)
Finish Size: Almost 8”inches round picots and all.

Different Stitches:

Front Post Double Crochet Decrease (FPDCDEC)-[Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around post of next st and then to the front going thru other side of st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull thru 2 loops] Do this 2 times, yarn over and pull thru all 3 loops on hook.

Picot- Ch2, sc in 2nd chain from hook.

Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTC)-Yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back around post of specified st and then to the front going thru other side of st, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull thru 2 loops] Do this 3 times.

Directions:

Rnd 1: With center color, ch5, join with sl st to first chain to form ring, ch2, 12 dc in ring, join with sl st to front loop of first dc.
(12dc) (ch2 does not count as dc)

Rnd 2: [Ch3, sl st in front loop only of next st] repeat 11 times, ch3, join with sl st to joining sc of Rnd 1.
(12 sl sts, 12-ch3 loops)

Note: On Rnd 3 your working into the back loops left free from working Rnd 2 in front loops only. Do not work into any of the sc sts and ch3 loops from Rnd 2.

Rnd 3: Ch1, sl st in first free back loop, ch2, 1 dc in same back loop, 2 dc in each of the next 11 back loops, join with sl st to front loop of first dc.
(24dc)

Rnd 4: [ch2, sc in front loop only of next st] repeat 23 times, ch2, join with sl st to joining sc of Rnd 3.
(24 sc, 24-ch2 loops)

Finish off center color.

Note: On Rnd 5 your working into the back loops left free from working Rnd 4 in front loops only. Do not work into any of the sc sts and ch3 loops from Rnd 4.

Rnd 5: Join petal color with sl st to first free back loop, ch4, 1 dc in same back loop, 1 dc in next back loop, [(1 dc, ch2, 1 dc) all in next back loop, 1 dc in next back loop] Do this 11 times, join with sl st to 3rd chain of beginning ch4.
(36dc, 12-ch2 spaces) (Beginning ch4 counts as dc and a chain space)

Rnd 6: Sl st in next chain space, ch3, (1 dc, ch2, 2 dc) all in same chain space, [skip next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) all in next ch2 space] Do this 11 times, skip next 3 dc, join with sl st to top of beginning ch3,
(48dc, 12-ch2 spaces) (Beginning ch3 counts as dc)

Note: On Rnd 7 when working a FPTC you’re working into the dc on Rnd 5. On Rnd 5 there’s 12 groups of 3 dc separated by ch2 spaces. When working a FPTC you’re working into the middle dc of each group of 3 dc.


Rnd 7: Ch2, FPDCDEC first 2 sts together, (2 dc, Picot, 2 dc) all in next ch2 space, FPDCDEC next 2 sts together, FPTC in middle dc on Rnd 5, [FPDCDEC next 2 sts together, (2 dc, Picot, 2 dc) all in next ch2 space, FPDCDEC next 2 sts together, 1 FPTC in middle dc on Rnd 5] Do this 11 times, join with sl st to first FPDCDEC.
(48dc, 24 FPDCDEC, 12 FPTC, 12 Picots) (Beginning ch2 does not count as a st)

Finish off petal color.

Rnd 8: Working in back loops only, join leaf color with sl st to dc sp between 4 dc on Rnd 6. Ch 2, dc in next st. [Ch 3, sk next st, dc in next dc, dc in space between next 2 dc, dc in next st.] Repeat [] around. Ch 3, sk next st, dc in next dc, sl st to beginning ch 2.

Rnd 9: sl st in next st, ch 2, dc in same st, [hdc, sc in next sp, fptc, hdc, in same sp, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc, picot in next st, 2 dc in last dc] rep [] around, stopping at picot and sl st to beginning ch 2.

Finish off and weave in ends.

Enjoy!

If you find any mistakes in this pattern please send me an email at ariiaana@gmail.com or comment here and I will correct the pattern! Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Crochet, Crochet, Crochet

I want to offer more crocheted items at my next craft fair next weekend so I have been busy crocheting different items to display and sell. 2 potholders, a headband, and I finished up the second thread potholder for my friend Spyglass. I also have a set of 3 sunflower potholders to make for one of my chemo nurses for her wedding present which is memorial day weekend. My afghan has been put on a temp hold till I get all this done. I don't have any pictures to post today, but I hope to have a tutorial up this weekend for one of my new dishcloths or potholders ( I'm still writing the pattern ). I even have to make a baby blanket in June for a friend of mine who is due the first week of July, and I've only ever made one baby blanket that took me 3 years to finish, so I"m going to have to set my mind to this one to get it done in time. Anyway I must get back to work now, so thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Craft Fair Pictures

Here are the pictures of my table set-up at the craft fair this past weekend. Even though I only sold about 5 small items, I have sent in an application to do another craft fair next weekend. I should have took a picture of my helper as she was awesome and I couldn't have done it without her.

You can barely see my banner hanging over head in this picture. I later moved it to the table as people were hitting their heads on it. You can see here that this is what I used the suitcase for although after I got it up there I didn't like the look of it so I didn't use it on Saturday. But don't worry I will find another use for the suitcase or a way to incorporate it in my display. Here are a few close ups.

If anyone has any suggestions on something I should do different with my display to increase my sales please don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment below. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Craft festival

Had a great time at the festival although I didnt even sell enough to cover my booth fee. I met some wonderful people. Made it home earlier today to find my Internet is down and won't be fixed until Tuesday. Thanks for reading my little update and have a great day!

Suitcase Pictures

Here is the suitcase I picked up the other day!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

Tatertots and Jello: Giveaway Monday -- Epic Six Letterpress System {$169 value}!!

Tatertots and Jello: Giveaway Monday -- Epic Six Letterpress System {$169 value}!!

Been Busy Crafting

I've been super busy this week preparing for my craft show next weekend so I'm sorry I haven't posted any since Monday. I'm glad so many have enjoyed my Skinny Notepad tutorial. After the craft fair I will post more tutorials and patterns, trying for at least one a week.

I found a beautiful (to me) 1920 black wood and iron suitcase to dress up my craft table with next weekend, I just need to sand some of the rust off of the iron but I'm going to leave the black scuffed as it is. The wood inside is in great shape to be as old as it is, I will ass pictures of it later on when I can.

I also saw a cute corner shelf at another thrift store that I'm going back to get Monday, but it will have to be repainted. As well as a wire mesh basket that matches two of the ones i already have to display my items in. I love shopping thrift stores, I rarely have money to spend in them, but it is amazing what you can find there.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Skinny Notepad Tutorial

Here is the finished project we will be making today.

First you cut your main color cardstock to 5 3/4 x 8 1/8 inches.

Then you score it at 2 3/4 inches in from each long side.

To decorate the front cut a piece of coordinating cardstock 2 1/2 x 7 3/4 inches.

Finish decorating the front as desired. The yellow strip is this picture is 2 1/2 x 3/4 inches. I used a circle punch for the notes which was printed off from my computer. Cut a tab of cardstock 2 1/2 x 2 to cover the top of the notepad. wrap it around the top of the notepad and glue down.

Glue the notepad to the inside of the cardstock.

Viola you are done! The notepads I use are from the Dollar Tree and then taken to Office Depot and cut lengthwise down the middle. They are 3 for a $1 and cost $2 to cut 2 packs generally. If you have any questions about this tutorial please leave your question in a comment below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day.

Tutorial pattern for crochet potholder

Picture is on previous post. This is my first time writing a crochet pattern so bear with me and let me know if you find any mistakes or if anything is hard to understand.

Size 0 hook and Red Heart Size 3 Bridal White thread was used for my version of this potholder, but of course you can use any color you so desire. IT took a little over the 125 yard pack from Wal-Mart to complete the 3 layers that created the one potholder.

Chain 5, slip stitch to join to first chain. Circle created.

Rnd 1. Ch 2, 23 Dbl in circle, join. 24 dbl crochet in all.

Rnd 2. Ch 2, dbl in next 2 chains across. *Ch 3, Dbl in next 3 chains. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, join. 24 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Rnd 3. Ch 2, dbl in next chain and in chain 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 3 chains, dbl in next chain 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next ch, join. 40 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Rnd 4. Ch 2, Dbl in next 2 chains, and in ch 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 5 chains, dbl in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 2 chains, join. 56 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.


Rnd 5. Ch 2, Dbl in next 3 chains, and in ch 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 7 chains, dbl in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 3 chains, join. 72 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Rnd 6. Ch 2, Dbl in next 4 chains, and in ch 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 9 chains, dbl in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 4 chains, join. 88 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Rnd 7. Ch 2, Dbl in next 5 chains, and in ch 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 11 chains, dbl in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 5 chains, join. 104 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Rnd 8. Ch 2, Dbl in next 6 chains, and in ch 3 space. * Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 13 chains, dbl in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, dbl in same ch 3 space, dbl in next 6 chains, join. 120 dbl and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Do not weave in ends as you can encase it as you sew the 3 layers together. Complete 3 of these as instructed, making sure you have the same number of dbl crochets on the edge of each so that they line of perfectly when you go to connect them. Use a slip stitch to join the three layers encasing all loose ends as you go.

If you are planning on actually using these make sure the thread you choose is 100% cotton as acrylic thread will melt under hot temperatures and will not stand up to heavy use and washing. Same goes if you are making potholders out of yarn, and 100% cotton yarn is hard to find, at least in decent colors in my area.

If you have any questions about this tutorial please leave a comment and I will answer it. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

Skinny Notepads

Here are the tall skinny notepads that I have been creating for the craft fair. I have no idea how much to sell these for though. I have made a few with attached pens but I like them better without the pens. They have two magnet strips on the back so that they can be attached to any metal surface. I think they will be used primarily as shopping lists though they can be used for anything. As I make the next one I'm going to snap pictures along the way and post a tutorial for how to make them on here. I hope to start creating step by step tutorials for my craft projects that I present or linking to the tutorials if I found them elsewhere on the net. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

Crochet Potholders

Here is a set of potholders that I made for a friend of mine .On the top you can see the original one that he gave me which, after years of use had come apart on the bottom. You can see the one that I re-created using the pattern of the original. It's three levels of crochet so I had to create the pattern three different times and then sew them together around the edges to connect them. It's a very simple pattern that is very beautiful. I think it turned out very good re-creating the original and I think my friend will be very happy with it when I get it to him today. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed my blog today! If u would like the pattern for these please do not hesitate to contact me and I will try to put it in writing for you.

Green Eyelet Shirt

This was my sewing project a few weeks ago. I love the color and style but it's a little big so I need to take it apart and size the yoke down a bit.

My Crochet Baskets

Here are 2 of the crochet baskets that I have made so far.

I've been so busy...

That I have forgotten to post on here. I still have not gotten a pic of the green eyelet shirt, though it is a little big on me, width wise. The shoulder straps keep falling down so I may take it apart and cut the yoke down some. I've made a few items more for the craft show I have at the end of this month including some bookmarks. I also got another crochet basket made last weekend while I was in Charlotte, and I will try to get a picture posted of those as well.

Yesterday and today I visited the Cheraw Spring Festival and walked around the craft fair there talked with a lot of the vendors. I also saw the Civil War re-enactment and their camp site. I love re-enactments and I got the website from them to check out. That would be a new costume to make, but another hoop skirt. Next weekend I'm headed back to Charlotte for a sewing party as a friends house and I plan to take my bustle dress and get started on it. Hopefully I can get part of it cut it out between now and then so I can actually sew next weekend.

Welcome to my craft room!

Its a little bit messy in here right now because I've been making craft fair items to sell at the end of April. I sent my app off today to get a crafter spot at the Bethune Chicken Strut, and I have lots to make between now and then. I took the time out today though to sew together a summer shirt from the green eyelet material I bought 2 weeks ago and actually cut out yesterday. Except for a few hand sewing touches its almost ready to wear and it is adorable, I will try to post a pic of in the next few days.

I have a big weekend planned so I wont get much crafty done this weekend unless I take my crochet with me. I'm headed to a friends play in Charlotte friday night and to another friends birthday party on saturday night in Matthews. I won't return home until Sunday sometime. And all this is planned after I have Chemo tomorrow all day and my follow up shot on Friday.

I do indeed plan to post pics and some tutorials of the craft fair items I'm making as well as the crochet baskets I will be selling. And after all that is done I plan to start a quilt (my first one) which I will detail on here and that will be followed by my Steampunk Victorian bustle dress diary.

Enough teasing for one night, its late and I must be off to bed, sweet dreams to all!