The Crafty Flamingo

Criss-Cross Keyhole Scarf

2012-01-05T16:54:00.000-06:00

Recently my grandmother requested that I make her a keyhole scarf. My mom had made her one and she wanted one in a different color. Here is what I came up with for her:

Criss-Cross Keyhole Scarf

Materials:

1 skein Red Heart Shimmer Yarn (I used black)

Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

yarn needle

scissors

Criss-cross stitch:

Skip next stitch and DC. Go back and DC in skipped stitch. Criss-cross made.

CH 34

1. DC in 3rd CH from hook and each CH across. Turn. (32 DC total)

(CH 2 at beginning does not count as DC)
2. CH 2. DC in first stitch. Criss-cross stitch in each stitch to last stitch. DC in last stitch. Turn.
3. CH 2. DC in each stitch across. Turn.

4 - 6 Repeat rows 2-3

Begin keyhole:

First row: CH 2. DC in first stitch. Criss-cross stitch 7 times. DC in next stitch. Turn.

Second row: CH 2. DC in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat 2 keyhole rows 6 more times. Fasten off.

Other side of keyhole:

First row: Attach yarn at next stitch of first row. CH 2. DC in same stitch. Criss-cross stitch 7 times. DC in next stitch. Turn.

Second row: CH 2. DC in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat 2 keyhole rows 6 more times. Fasten off. (Keyhole complete.)

Attach yarn on the end of first side of Keyhole.

CH 2. DC in first stitch. Criss-cross stitch in each stitch across. When you get to the keyhole just continue across. DC in last stitch. Turn.

CH 2. DC in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat these 2 rows until you reach desired length. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

My grandmother requested that I add fringe to hers. It's up to you if you want to or not!

Enjoy!

Loomed Stocking Ornament

2011-11-27T16:18:00.000-06:00

My first pattern made with my Knifty Knitter!

Loomed Stocking Ornament

E-wrap 8 rows

Bring up first rows on pegs like making a brim on a hat.

E-wrap 4 rows

E-wrap pegs 1-6 for 4 rows. (The yarn should end up at the first peg.)

Take the yarn from peg 6 and put on peg 5. (These will be treated as 1.)

E-wrap to peg 5

Take the yarn from peg 1 and puton peg 2. (These will be treated as 1.)

E-wrap to peg 2

You should now have 2 empty pegs. (1 on each side of the heel.)

Reach inside loom and place 3 loops on the edge of heel on the empty pegs and each peg next to the empty pegs. (Empty pegs should have 1 loop and pegs 1, 4, 6, & 12 have 2 loops to knit as one.) Peg 2 is now the beginning peg.

E-wrap 10 rows.

Bind off using gather method like for a hat.

Please let me knows if you find any problems with this pattern since it is my first loomed pattern.

Enjoy!

Knifty Knitter

2011-08-26T12:18:00.000-05:00

I don't have any new designs to share today, but I do want to share about what I've been up to recently. I've always wanted to learn how to knit, but have never really got the hang of it. I've had a Knifty Knitter for a while now, but wasn't really sure where to start to try and make something. Until I was chatting with a fellow yarn crafter in Hobby Lobby. She said she learned just by watching YouTube videos! Why didn't I think of that! So, after searching online and watching many videos, this is what I came up with after using my Knifter Knitter for the first time.

I know it doesn't look like anything, but I was pretty excited that I came out with something that actually resembled knitting. The video kept compairng what I was doing to how to make a hat, so I thought I would try that next. Since I'm new to using the Knifty Knitter, I wasn't aware what size to use, so my first hat came out a little small...

Now I guess Kitty will be ready for winter :)

Who knows what I'll come up with next!

Ripple Blanket

2011-06-13T11:24:00.001-05:00

A lot of crocheters have their go to blanket that they make when they need something done quick and easy. This is mine. I have made this blanket about 4 times in the last 2 years! I can not take credit for the pattern, My friend Jennifer Williams shared this with me when I was looking to branch out from doing granny squares. Thanks Jennifer for providing me with one of my favorite patterns!

Now, how to make it.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn
I usually use an I hook. If you want the blanket bigger or smaller just use a bigger or smaller hook.

Chain 118

DC in third ch from hook (your two ch count as 1 DC) DC in next 5 chs (total of 7 DC including the first 2 chs) *In next ch, DC CH1 DC (this is the peak) DC in next 7 Chs. Skip the next 2 CHS. DC in next 7 CHS* Repeat from * until you make your last peak. After you make the last peak DC in next 6 Chs, Skip the next CH, DC in last stitch for a total 7.

Next Row:

CH 2, Turn. Skip a stitch, DC in next 6 stitches. Then DC CH1 DC in CH1 stitch. Then repeat the pattern like before. After you make the last peak DC in next 6 stitches, skip one DC in last stitch, CH 2 turn and repeat.

Repeat the second row until you have the length you desire.

E-Reader Case

2011-04-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

I actually made this last year when my dad gave me a Nook for my birthday. I wanted to have something to keep it safe when I took it with me traveling.

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn
Size H crochet hook
Needle to weave in ends
Button
Thread to sew on button

Chain 26

Row 1: DC in 4^th ch from hook. DC in each stitch to the last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 2: DC in next stitch and all the way to the last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 3: Skip first stitch and DC in next stitch. DC in stitch just skipped. Repeat until 2 stitches remain. DC in last stitch. Ch 3. Turn. Should have a total of 11 “criss-crosses.”

Row 4-5: DC in every stitch across. Ch 3. Turn.

Repeat rows 3-5 until towel reaches desired length. Mine was made to fit a Nook and measured about 21.25”.

Finishing:

I used my Nook and measured to see how big I needed to make the opening and used pins to keep it together. Then, using single crochet stitch, I just sewed it together on both sides to the point where my pin was. Turn it inside-out and you should have a smooth edge and a flap on your case. Next, you can either use a button, snap, or Velcro to fasten it together. I of course chose a flamingo button to go with my pink yarn :) I just made sure that the button was in place so that I could slip it between 2 of the criss-crosses.

And there you have it! It's just that easy. If you have any questions or see a problem with the written pattern, please let me know.

Go Noles!!

Criss-cross Baby Bib

2011-04-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

In continuing with the criss-cross theme, I also designed a criss-cross baby bib. I tried to write down the pattern for the fingerless gloves, but I already sent them off. I'll try to make them again so I can refresh my memory on what I did! In the meantime, here is a pattern using the same stitch for a baby bib. Let me know if you find any problems with the pattern.

Materials:

Lily Sugar'n Cream Cotton
Size H crochet hook
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

CH 32

Row 1: DC in 4th CH from hook. DC in each stitch. CH 3. Turn.

Row 2: *Skip next stitch. DC in next stitch. Go back and DC in skipped stitch. * Repeat until one stitch remains. DC in turning chain from previous row. CH 3. Turn.

Row 3: DC in each stitch. CH 3. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2-3 until piece measures 5" ending on row 2.

Neck:

Row 1: DC in next 7 stitches. CH 3. Turn.

Row 2: *Skip next stitch. DC in next stitch. Go back and DC in skipped stitch. * Repeat until one stitch remains. DC in turning chain from previous row. CH 3. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-2 6 more times.

Row 15: DC in each stitch. Finish off.

Left Side:

Row 1: Skip 14 stitches and slip stitch yarn to row. CH 3. DC in each stitch. CH 3. Turn.

Row 2: *Skip next stitch. DC in next stitch. Go back and DC in skipped stitch. * Repeat until one stitch remains. DC in turning chain from previous row. CH 3. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-2 6 more times.

Row 15: DC in each stitch. Finish off.

Border:

SC evenly all around.

I used velcro to attach around the neck but you can use whatever you want. Button, snap, ties, etc.

Enjoy!! Go Noles!!

Criss-Cross Baby Blanket

2011-03-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the pattern for my first baby blanket that I've designed. It's really simple and works up fairly quickly! If you see any problems in the pattern, please let me know.

Chain 140 (If you want a smaller or larger blanket, just make sure you chain in even numbers)
Row 1: DC in 4th ch from hook. DC in each stitch to the last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 2: Skip first stitch and DC in next stitch. DC in stitch just skipped. Repeat until 2 stitches remain. DC in last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 3: Repeat row 2.

Row 4: DC in next stitch and each stitch across.

Repeat rows 2-4 until desired length. Mine measured about 36”.

That's it! Next time, the pattern for the fingerless gloves that I showed in my last posting.

Go Noles!

Recent Crafty Endeavors

2011-03-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I've accomplished a lot of many different projects since my last posting. I've found that sometimes it's easier just to create a pattern from scratch rather than follow one.
In January, I joined this group on Ravelry.com where you were assigned a person to make a pair of gloves for. (For those of you that haven't heard of it, I describe it as a site similar to Facebook, but geared towards crocheters and knitters) I searched through all of the patterns and didn't really like what I found so I decided one day to just sit and try to come up with my own. I really liked the cross stitch that I discovered when I made my dishcloths so I decided to try and incorporate that in my gloves. Here is what I came up with:

I really like how they turned out and my swap partner in Connecticut really liked them too!

I haven't actually sat down and took the time to write down what I did, so I don't have the pattern for you. Yet. I will soon, I promise!

(I've also incorporated this stitch into a baby blanket, but I'll save that for another post :) )

iPad App

2011-03-08T21:53:00.002-06:00

Testing out an app for my iPad.

Check back soon for more posts on my recent craft endeavors! I will also be posting a few crochet patterns...

My First Crochet Pattern I Designed!

2010-05-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

This is the first crochet pattern that I totally designed myself. I made these for Christmas gifts for my family. I did a smaller version in a square for dishcloths. Enjoy!

Criss-Cross Kitchen Towel

This is my first pattern that I designed myself so if you have any problems, please let me know.

I used the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. Looks like 1 skein might make 2 towels. I used a size H hook.

Chain 60 (Chain 40 for dishcloth)

Row 1: DC in 4th ch from hook. DC in each stitch to the last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 2: DC in next stitch and all the way to the last stitch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 3: Skip first stitch and DC in next stitch. DC in stitch just skipped. Repeat until 2 stitches remain. DC in last stitch. Ch 3. Turn. Should have a total of 28 “criss-crosses.”

Row 4-5: DC in every stitch across. Ch 3. Turn.

Repeat rows 3-5 until towel reaches desired length. Mine measured about 27”.
(For dishcloth continue until cloth is a square.)

Took a Hiatus

2010-04-27T12:27:00.000-05:00

A lot has happened in my life since my last posting. Yes, I've been crocheting and making jewelry. It has helped me get through this tough time in my life. On December 8, 2009, I lost my mother, Debra Aich. She was only 57 years old...

Losing my mom has been really hard, but I know that she would want me to carry on and make the most of every day that I have with my family and friends. That was how she lived her life. No matter what the situation. she always tried to make it fun.

I also turned 30 on March 31. I know that turning 30 can be hard for some people, but I didn't have that hard of a time with it. The only hard part about it was knowing that I was now entering my 30's without my mom. She wouldn't have wanted me to not celebrate it though so Gordon and I went to Tunica! I played her favorite slot machine in her honor, the "Triple Diamond Haywire" :) My great grandmother always said that your age was just a number, you are only as old as you feel. She lived to be 92 years old.

From now on, I'm going to try and make this blog as fun as I can. That's what my mom would want me to do. Actually, I don't even know if I told my mom that I started this blog! Guess she knows about it now :) She would want me to make it political since she was always sending me emails about things Obama has done or didn't do but claimed he did. One thing she was always convinced of was that he wasn't born in the United States and was always trying to track down his birth certificate! I'll let everyone know about what's going on with Kitty & I and also post my latest craft projects. Maybe even post a few jokes that I get forwarded to me from my mom's friends (I get some pretty funny ones sometimes!)

Check back soon for more postings!

Go Noles!

My Hobbies

2009-10-11T17:23:00.004-05:00

Lately, I haven't had much work doing graphic design so I have had more time to devote to my hobbies. I love to crochet, make jewelry, & read.

I picked up crocheting from a friend, after finding out that my sister in-law was pregnant with twins. I wanted to be able to make them something special from their Aunt Lindsay. She taught me how to make a granny square. After finding out that she was going to have twin girls, I then decided to make them each a big granny square blanket, 1 pink and 1 purple. From there, I've just built on my hobby. I made a couple other granny square baby blankets for family & friends, then decided to try something new.

My grandmother crocheted for years, even won awards for some of her afghans that she made. When I went to visit her for her 80th birthday in August of 2008, she let me have some her crochet supplies. One of the things she gave me was an unfinished white baby blanket that she started making a long time ago. I decided that I was going to finish it, and keep it for when I might have my own child one day. I was hesitant at first because I had only made granny squares and every time I attempted to crochet straight across, it always came out crooked. Somehow though, this blanket came out looking great! I think I must have just needed a little inspiration from my grandmother to be able to expand my crochet skills. Below is a picture of that blanket.

I've made a couple of the blankets now, starting from "scratch" as I like to call it (meaning starting it on my own, since I originally made this with grandma starting it LOL)

Now, I am almost willing to try to crochet anything. I've made hats & scarves for my mother in-law and sister in-law for Christmas last year. This year I plan on making something for my family again, I just haven't decided what yet. I am already in the process of making Christmas ornaments for family & friends! Don't know what I'll do if I get a lot of graphic design work!! I'll miss doing my crafts :)

A Day in the Life of Kitty

2009-05-03T12:23:00.003-05:00

Since I work at home now and business is slow, I've been observing Kitty. She has a pretty good life! Here's a few thoughts I think she might have throughout the day.

"The sun hasn't even come out and my parents are already starting to wake me up. They have these things beside their bed that make loud noises in the mornings that is really annoying. I see them hit a button to turn it off, but just as I'm getting comfortable again and almost back to sleep, it goes off again! They do this for about an hour, sometimes more, which really cuts into my precious sleeping time. Finally, my Daddy gets out of bed which usually means I get to move into his spot which is nice and warm cuddle with my Mommy for a little bit longer.

My Daddy leaves to go somewhere almost every day. I don't know where he goes, but he's gone all day. I'm just glad that I get to sleep in his spot then. Usually after he leaves, I go into my room, which I let my Mommy share with me as her office, and eat a little bite of breakfast. Sometimes I use my litter box also. If I feel like it's time for my litter box to be cleaned, I let my parents know by leaving them a little prize outside of it. They usually get the hint and it's cleaned soon after that.

After I go through my morning routine, I go back and lay down on my bed. My parents think it's their bed, but I know the truth. I just let them share it at night time. During the day, my Mommy usually comes in and talks to me every once in a while and gives me a belly rub. Sometimes, at lunch time, she shares with me. Depending on what she's having, I'll eat it. My two favorites are turkey and chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-a.

After lunch, I go back and take another nap. My mommy has this round device that is very disturbing while I'm trying to take my nap. I'm not really sure what it is, but I know that it is very loud. She tells me that she wouldn't have to use it so much if I didn't shed so much hair, but I can't help it. She'll also sometimes take my blanket off of my chair right when I get it broken in. Then, when she puts it back on my chair, I have to break it in all over again! Once again, she tells me that if I didn't shed so much, she wouldn't have to take it away and clean it. I don't know what this "clean" means, but my blanket always smells funny when I get it back.

By now, my Daddy is usually back from wherever he went during the day. I usually come out in the living room by now. I know that when he comes home, my parents sometimes have food, so I want to be ready in case they have something that I think smells tasty. If not, I just curl up in my chair on my blanket and go back to sleep. I know that when my parents decide to go to bed, that they will let me know. Sometimes my mommy will pick me up and carry me back there, which I don't really like, but it does take less energy for her to carry me back there so I don't struggle with her too much.

Tomorrow I go through it all again!"

So, from what I can tell, Kitty has a pretty good life. She doesn't really complain that much, except when I'm washing her blanket or am vacuuming with the Roomba.

Stay tuned, there might be more Kitty posts to come!

First Blog Ever!

2009-02-16T15:15:00.000-06:00

This is my first blog ever! Yeah!

I've titled this blog random thoughts. I'm sure as I continue doing this, the title might change a few times, but for right now, that seems about right. That way I can use this for some of the few random thoughts that I have. And since I work at home, I do have some random thoughts throughout the day.

Like, for instance, how does the Wii Fit determine your Wii Fit age? When I did the Wii fit on Friday my age was 44 and when I did it today, my age was 26. How does it change so drastically from day to day?

Well, that's it for now. I'm hoping to continue with this so check back regularly for more of my random thoughts! :)