Just showin' and sharin' today!!

I crocheted a giraffe for my wee grandson Eli.  I've been at it since January, It's finally done and turned out toddler sized literally!  I am, as I discovered a very loose crocheter and therefore I think it's a bit bigger than expected LOL, but somehow quirky and so ugly it's cute!  Laugh if it lightens your day!!  

I got the book Edward's Menagerie as a birthday gift from my daughter and wanted to try crocheted animals (amirgurami).  This is my first attempt, I'm not discouraged, I will keep trying to perfect my stitching.  I tried standard sized.  Next time I will try the smallest one!!

The book is wonderful and there are lots of size and animal choices and the instructions were excellent Kerry Lord ( the author) obviously knows her stuff if she can explain it to me, it can be explained to anyone.

​The description of the book is as follows:
These cute animals with larger-than-life personalities are made using simple crochet techniques and the step-by-step instructions enable a complete beginner to get hooking straight away. Each animal also has a universal pattern where you can change your hook and yarn to create four different sizes, making 160 different possibilities.
​The book is shown below.

Like "Elf on the Shelf",  "Jimmy" the Giraffe, keeps showing up in different places in our house!  Time to ship him to BC.  I think eventually Eli will love him!!
Happy Tuesday ?

Hi Everyone, yesterday I spoke about my basic toe up crochet socks I made for my daughter.  I was remiss to say that they would not have been possible without taking a refresher class on Crochet!  

I also found out recently that my oldest daughter (the one who got married in June) is expecting  and so I realized that some crochet projects are needed!

I have not crocheted in years, I was hemmed in at home and not able to go to our local knit shop to gain a lesson, so I took a course by Kim Werker on www.craftsy.com Crochet Basics and Beyond.  

It was a fantastic refresher and gave me the confidence to start some projects.  The first part of her intro says "get hooked" and I am.  I love to sew and quilt but it's refreshing to try something new :)

What I learned:
The basic chain stitch -Yes I needed a refresher!
The Magic Ring & Slip Stitch
Single Crochet
Double Crochet
Treble Crochet 
Half Double Crochets
How to make a granny square
How to crochet in a circle
Crochet Abbreviations
Basics of pattern reading and graphic patterns
I need to start a Crochet page on my blog- under more in the menu above!
Most importantly I can Crochet!

I highly recommend this class if you need a refresher and/or want to be confident enough to start crocheting.  For $25.93 Canadian$  you cannot pay an instructor to show you what Kim Werker shows you.  

​You also have access to the class 24/7 once you register and can rewind or stop your class to review at your own pace. Believe me, my own pace is critical!  

I will show you some photos of my crocheting practise below and in the next few days, I'll show you some of my projects.

Yes there are errors in my practise, but as they say "practise makes perfect" We shall see what the future brings.

Another resource on Craftsy that might interest you:

A FREE downloadable e guide "The Beginners Guide to Crochet" Click on the image below to download.

I don't think it matters what you stitch. If you like to stitch just do it, knit embroider, quilt, sew, crochet or whatever, you will be happier for it!  My motto is "their should be no such thing as boredom, there is always so much you can do with a little bit of creativity"

Have a great Tuesday!🍁

 I am so sorry you have not heard from me lately! I have been trying my best to relax my body and mind to heal this new ankle.  I hope you can forgive me!

So I am now 9 weeks post surgery and I thought I would share with you what a "craft, sewing and creatively addicted" person does when they have a right leg out of commission!  But first a little more about my journey.  The first post after my surgery shows a silicone cast and a stirrup and then a week later I got my "fashionably purple" silicon cast and the stirrup again.  See below:

5 weeks after my "fashionably purple" cast, I was the proud recipient of a "very sexy air cast".  Of course I am trying to have a sense of humour about all of this!  See my air cast below:

So as you can tell, it's been 9 loooooong weeks!  I cannot use my right leg to sew, drive or go up the stairs to my studio!! So what to do?  I will share some of my projects in the next few days.

#1 Project- Crocheted Toe Up Socks
My youngest daughter had a birthday in September and I knew that getting out to shop may be a challenge and so I decided on some hand made gifts.

I took a knitting course from a local knit shop and no offence to the teacher! I would have gotten an "F" for failure if I was marked.  I did not succeed at knitted toe up socks.

Hence, I decided to challenge myself to make them in crochet. Although, they are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.  I was able to succeed at least at getting a crocheted pair made.  So I am good with this and will perfect my sock making skills once I try this pattern again. The free pattern  link is here from Patons Kroy Socks, it is a toe up pattern in crochet and if I can make them anyone can!

#2 Project - Hand Embroidered Pillow Cases
The first time I injured my ankle, I embroidered a table runner and really enjoyed it.  Hand embroidery for me is enjoyable because 1) it involves  using and choosing colour and 2) It's hand stitchery, which for me is a peaceful, happy pursuit!
​

In case you were wondering where the above design and pillow cases are from, I purchased a pre stamped kit of 2 pillow cases and an embroidery floss kit as well online from marymaxim.ca and the link to purchase them is here


I encourage you to check back often now, I am back

in action and planning on posting more projects and

ideas daily!

I am ready, willing and enthusiastic to share where

my "creative addiction" has taken me while I have 

been convalescing.

Happy Monday and Welcome to October🎃 ☀️😊❤️