Straight from the Life of Kel

Dad's Day Giveaway @ SheSaved.com

2010-06-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

SheSaved.com is giving away a FlipSlide HD Video Camera Stop by to enter http://bit.ly/ssdrcat

Sandal Socks, another FO and some life stuff!

2007-07-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of these. I love my sandals but after wearing them all day I get sore areas where the straps touch so this is a great idea. I found the pattern on Ravelry...love that place!

Pattern
Flip-Flop Socks in Crochet

By Leigh Manson-Brown at Knit-Errant

Yarn

Knit Picks Simple Stripes .5 skein for two

Worked up quick and easy. Was a great little pattern. BTW: Please forgive my not so pretty feet.

Life Stuff for those interested. I have suffered with major anxiety for many years. I never spoke to anyone about it until recently. I have been unable to focus on anything or get anything finished. My anxiety had started to move into a very bad direction. Well... I was coaxed by my mother, husband and best friend to see my doctor about it. Well... I am happy to say that I am so glad that I did. He started me on Zoloft and I cannot believe the change. I feel relaxed for the first time in many many years. I don't feel antsy, edgy, anxious, etc... I feel relaxed and I am beginning to understand that my axienty levels were unhealthy and affecting everything in my life. I have been sleeping beautifully and feel rested and have energy. I want to do things and get things done. If it wasn't for my family's support and encouragement, I would still be in denial that anything was wrong with me. Thank you to them for seeing the unhealthy behaviors and not giving up on me.

Well, friends, I will have many more FOs in the next few days... I am on a roll. I hope everyone's weekend was lovely, and now I need to go wash my car because Caleb said so ;)

Breana's Blanket~ The Story of an FO!

2007-07-21T00:02:00.001-07:00

This is for my niece who is due in November. I have wanted to make this for a long time and finally had the chance but it ended up being the blanket from hell. I ended up ripping it out 4 times because I wasn't happy with the color or it was getting too big and I need to decrease the rows etc etc. But the big kicker was when I left it out over night and Caleb woke up before me. He decided to "help" mama and he cut ALL the ends to about 2 inches long. There is a color change every 2 rows and I was almost done. I cried but knew it was my fault for leaving it out with scissors. I was lucky the yarn was savable. I am glad this blanket is done and I do like the way it turned out. It did end up big about 60" but hey it is a baby blanket that can be used for a very long time.

Pattern: Round Ripple

Yarn: Bernat Baby Coordinates..lost track of skeins with all the problems

Hook: K

2 Strands together throughout.

Rows 1-3~ 2 white

Rows 4-5~ 1 white, 1 yellow

Rows 6-7~ 2 yellow

Rows 8-9~ 1 yellow, 1 peach

Rows 10-11~ 2 peach

Rows 12-13~ 1 peach, 1 pink

Rows 14-15~ 2 pink

Rows 16-17~ 1 pink, 1 purple

Rows 18-19~ 2 purple

Rows 20-21~ 1 purple, 1 blue

Rows 22-23~ 2 blue

Rows 24-25~ 1 blue, 1 green

Rows 26-27~ 2 green

Cro & Go Bag aka Cosmetic Bag

2007-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Kelly's Cro & Go Bag

I used a free Cosmetic Bag pattern located here.
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter in Blue Haze 1.5 skeins
Hook: G
Quick Crochet and an added bonus...stash buster!

I did 30 rows instead of 19 for larger bag. I also crochet very tight so it wouldn't need lining. I sewed the bottom up really well so I wouldn't need the "base" but I did add a CD inside for added structure. I like the way it turned out. I originally made this for my sister but of course decided to keep it. I crocheted the drawstring handles instead of using ribbon.

Slouchy Purse FO

2007-07-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

The lining and the button (lower right corner)

Slouchy Purse by Drew Emborsky
Interweave Crochet Magazine Spring 2007

Cotton Ease 1.5 skeins

G hook

Lined before slouch which made for a lot of layers to go through...I ended up using an upholstery needle but it still required a bit of work. I love the color and the lining, but I think I should have lined the handles since I really dislike the stretch..Oh well you live you learn. The pattern was very easy to follow (but the blo/flo slowed me down some) and I will definitely make this purse again just with a less stretchy yarn.

The Lastest Fat Bottom Bag

2007-06-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

An FO!!! Yay for crochet content. I made the Fat Bottom Bag AGAIN! My 4th if anyone is keeping score. I love this pattern and I wanted one in back with shoulder straps. So here it is.

Pattern: FBB from SnB: Happy Hooker

Yarn: Cotton Ease Licorice 1.5 balls
Hook: I

Adjustments: I continued decreasing the body until I had the width of a strap I wanted. I continued with the strap to desired length and started increasing to match other end's width. I whip stitched the strap to the other end. I lined both the body and the strap. I then finished the bag with a sc with the gathering on the sides.

Happy Rating: ***** I not happy with the gathering because it left gaps which I hate so this only gets 4 stars.

Summer Loving and Crochet Dreams

2007-06-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Yay for summer! We have been busy since school got over last week! We are getting ready to go to the ocean for 3 days as well! I am so excited! We will be camping and Caleb is besides himself with glee. That boy loves the sand and campfires. He asked me yesterday if there will "sharsellows and sticks" Marshmallows and sticks translated! He loves roasting marshmallows and always eats so many I think he is going to get sick.

Let's see....I received my official acceptance letter for the Physical Therapy program.. yays for that. But I do have about load of things to get done before classes start. Background check, CPR, immunizations, TB test, malpractice insurance, etc.

I started this sock using Knits Picks Simply stripes. It is working up quickly but I had to frog it back to the heal because I wasn't happy with it.

I also started another FFB (Fat Bottom Bag) Yes, I know this will be my 4th but I want a black very badly. So I will torture you with the details of course but no pic right now. I plan on making handles out of yarn and making them longer for a shoulder bag style. I am going to play around with it after the body is done. I will let you have that turns out.

Capelet~ DONE!

2007-06-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

I finished this up last night. Please forgive the it's too late to take a picture face!

Pattern: Cool Weather Capelet in The Big Book of Weekend Crochet

Yarn: Lily's Elite Cotton, 3.25 skeins "Moss"

Hook: F

Changes: Made a few changes to the patterns. My row gauge was right on but the capelet was getting longer that I wanted so I did 6 pattern repeats instead of 8 before decreasing. I did only one patt repeat after each decrease except the last one and I did 2 patt repeats instead of 6 for a short collar. I can roll it over or leave the collar up. I also didn't add the border.

I wore it today and got a few compliments and it is very comfortable, I am still not sold on the color.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am loving ravelry. It is such a great tool and I am utilizing it to the fullest!

When there's a problem...

2007-06-01T20:29:00.001-07:00

Make the solution! Yesterday while out side laying in my lounge chair working on the caplet, I had to lie my cell phone/MP3 Player on the ground...I didn't like that at all so I quickly winged this little pouch sling for my phone. I like it a lot because I can easily changed songs. answer calls, etc. I worked it in rounds, 3 rows dc and 2 rows trc.

See I do crochet, I just forgot to tell you all about it!

My bad!!!

2007-05-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry my blog friends..Deneen pointed out that I didn't post where I got the pattern.. I checked the book out from the library.
The Big Book of Weekend Crochet is the book I got the pattern from. I only like a few patterns. Most were hideous, but of course that is my opinion! I basically only loved this pattern.

Actual Crochet Post

2007-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

I started this caplet. Why a caplet in the middle of Spring? I felt like it, it was speaking to me. I am using Lily Elite Cotton in Moss (here it is the first pic, right side). I had to start over the first time because my gauge ended up being so off that I was 10 inches too big. WHAT? I know, that is my response, 10 inches! So I went down a hook size and a pattern size so I think it will fit nicely.
The yarn is a dream to work with, nice smooth stitching. And of course I love cotton and working with it so I say that about most cotton. But this stuff is especially nice. Not like cascade's cotton, where the yarn splits and not like sugar cream, where the yarn is stiff. Just nice and smooth.
I really should be studying, I do have a lab final today but I really have just brushed this class off these last few weeks. Spring Fever is in full force. The weather has been in the 70s in WA so we have been outside most of the time. I even have a pink face to show for my forgetfulness. You know I forgot I was very white and burn very easily. I forgot that spending even 30 minutes in the sun will pink up my face. =) Lesson learned for the summer ...well that is until next Spring when I do the same darn thing ;)
Have a great day my blog friends. I am sorry I haven't been posting comment, my blogger comments have been messing up like crazy so some go through some don't. Happy crafting!

A Sewing FO but still crochet related!

2007-04-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I made this roll up hook case to hold all my hooks!
Rolled Up

Unrolled

All the hooks in their spots
Close up

And the mailman brings another....

2007-04-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

SWAP PACKAGE!

Thank you Thank you Melissa. I am so happy with my swap package. Everything is wonderful.

Melissa sent a crocheted recipe caddy(her original pattern is here) with some recipes already inside, crocheted round hot pad, 2 knitted dishie, a crocheted dishie and she also included salad tongs , a silicone bashing brush, magnet chip clips, 3 packets of herbs, a scrubbies pattern book, a ring caddy, and a sheepie measuring tape.

Thank you again for the wonderful swap package. I am very happy with this swap!

Will finish Summer Tops CAL

2007-04-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

because I scrapped the tank top pictured below and started on the Seafoam Vest from the Spring Interweave Crochet

I am 3/4 of the way done without any major problems. I hoped to have it finished tonight.

Rippit

2007-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

I continue to frog this stupid tanktop! AWWWWWWWW

I Don't Need No Stinking Gauge

2007-04-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

said the woman who spent the morning ripping out all last night's work.

*Note to self* When making wearables..gauge is the most important thing!

I am working on a summer top for a CAL over at Fiber Freaks. I am making the tank on the cover and using the cotton yarn Pearlin sent me last month, it is a coraly color that screams summer to me. It actually said very nicely to me "Make me a tanktop" and I cannot deny yarn when it speaks to me.

Just to share!

2007-03-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Remember this FO. Well here is the baby with the blanket and his mommy did some fun photo shop stuff to it! I loved it and thought I would share!

Car News, Test Anxiety and a Package!!

2007-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

The car is running right now BUT still needs 4 O2 sensors replaced. Which will be taken care of on Sunday.
Fuel Pump: $200
New Brakes & Rotors: $200
4 New O2 sensors: $250
Having a Car that runs: Priceless
Thank you to everyone for the good car vibes! Sorry I haven't been around much. I am overwhelmed with school and well life!

I had an exam today and I am now recovery from my worst case of test anxiety ever. I blanked the entire test and I know that I did not do well. I need to ace the next 2 exams to make up for it. 1 week left of school. Then Spring Break...a much needed break!

So this weekend: Study, birthday party, getting car fixed, sounds like a good time. huh??

Now onto the fun stuff!!! In my mailbox today was a slip because I missed the postman well I saw him up the street and chased him to retrieve this!! A package from Pearlin. I won a blog contest and I was thrilled to get the prize today!

The prize included the following:
Handmade Doily
Beading kit
Apple Crisp Scented Pillar Candle
Drawstring Beaded Purse
Green Gem Brooch
Decorating stones
Bamboo Purse handles
Bamboo Knitting Needles
Embroidery Greeting Card kit
Pony Glitter Size I crochet hook
And the following yarns:
1 peach Big Value Baby DK
1 variegated pinks/greens Cannon size 8 crochet thread
1 variegated peachs/yellows crochet thread
5 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Catania" 100% mercerized cotton in Fl amigo
2 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Catania" 100% mercerized cotton in Pink
1 DMC "Babylo" Crochet cotton in pink
1 Gedifra "Korella" 53% Flax/47% Acrylic in peach
2 Schachenmayr Nomotta "Punto Boucle Color" in Tan/teal variegated

Also included were a few gifts for Caleb:
A package of 3 cars and 2 packs of stickers He wouldn't wait until I was finished opening everything to take a picture so I just took of picture of him with the gifts and sent to play with his toys while I "played" with mine!
Thank you so much for the wonderful prize and I have some projects in mind. I may not start them until after this quarter but you never know with me. This made my day and also Caleb's day!

Follow-Up From Last Post!

2007-02-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

So the craziness of college is slowing down as we move into more in depth chapters so we are not speeding through material plus we are caught up from the snow days. I got my test back and I did so much better then I thought. With the extra credit and 2 thrown out questions(which I got right so it means double points) I got 110%. YAY!!! A big sign of relief...I now officially have the highest grade in the class of 40 students. Trust me, I am earning every stinking point, I have no life whatsoever and I am not even doing my hobbies because I feel like the time is better well spent studying.

Car....GOOD NEWS!! It wasn't the transmission, it was the fuel injectors and that will be a lot less expensive fix. It is still running badly but we elected to take it to another shop and now have to wait until they can fit me in. I can't be without a car so they said to put a fuel cleaner in it and they can get me in next week which is when they would be able to get it done, they are very backed up.

So here is a picture of that crochet edged blanket I finished and mentioned in the last post.

And I am saving the best for last......a swap package arrived a couple of days ago! On Fiber Freaks, we had a Magic Ball Swap and I received from Lori. She really spoiled me. She sent a very rich orange variegated wool yarn, notepad, mints, towelette, magnet, lovely card, muscle soak, bunny note holder, handmade needle holder, 4-leaf clover cutter, a gorgeous rosewood G crochet hook, woolie stamp, wax melts, scissors with a knitted bead tassel.

In this bottom picture is the handmade items closer up. The knitted bead tassel was handmade by Lori as well as the purple clay needle holder.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful surprises Lori. I could not be happier with this swap. {{big hugs}}

Another FO and a bonus Baby Picture

2007-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have been busy with my hooks recently and I think it is a distraction from Anatomy. This is a blanket I made for a friends newborn son. I again choose colors that can grow with him. I used the random stripe generator for the color pattern. I can't find the pattern but it is a basic ripple. It is 36" x 36" and can be a lapghan later for Ryan. I used Jiffy which turned out so soft and cozy, I wanted to keep it for myself.

And speaking of Ryan and because we all love seeing pictures of babies.

Ryan Erich

Born January 5, 2007

8lbs 5 oz 20 inches

This little guy belongs to my dear friends. This is their second child. Their oldest and my Caleb are only a few months apart in age. We are so thrilled for them.

Congratulations, Christina and Erich!

A Blanket for Baby Curtis, a FO

2007-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

My sister is due in April with her second baby boy Curtis. I finished his blanket today, I still have ends to weave in but I wanted to share my FO with you all. I used two strands SS throughout, 2 white 4 rows, 1 white/1 blue 4 rows, 2 blue 4 rows, 1 blue/1 dk blue 4 rows, 2 dk blue 4 rows, 1 dk blue/1 white 4 rows, 2 white 1 row. The pattern was simple and I didn't refer back after the first few ripples.

By My Own Design

2007-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

I finished a scarf for my lil sis to match a hat I made for her birthday in November. I didn't post a FO picture of the hat. I used Cascade Sierra and I winged the pattern as I went using dc and the half double herringbone (which is my new favorite stitch). My sister will love the curly Q fringe. So here it is....as modeled by Leo the Lion.

Close up of stitches and curly Q fringe

CAL FOs

2006-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

There was a CAL at Fiber Freaks for cold weather sets. I made a hat and scarf set for Caleb using this hat pattern in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. The scarf is a tunisian style crochet pattern I made myself. Ray's hat is the same pattern as Caleb's but I used Cascade Yarn's Sierra.

Don't my boys look adorable?

Actual FOs

2006-12-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

I finished the snowflakes. I was able to get all the stains out of the 13. I only have a pic of 10 as I had to hurry and package up the others to mail in time....so here are the snowflakes.

From the 99 Snowflakes book. I used the recommended thread size and hook. I also sprinkled clear glitter on them after I blocked them and they were still wet. So now they have a sparkle. I am going to make a bunch for my tree next year. Snowflakes are fast and easy to crochet but the prep after is the hardest part.

My First Felted Project

2006-11-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

I used Deneen's Pattern "Marvelous" Fulled Mini Tote Bag . I just love her patterns, well written and easy to follow.

I used Bernat Lana (100% wool)~ 1 natural, 1 beige & 1 chocolate (1/2 skein). It felted nicely. I was impressed about how easy it did so I am very happy with my results.

Prefelted 14" x 14"

Felted 9" x 11"

With stuff inside

This pattern was a great first felting project and I will more then likely make it again. Thanks for the pattern Deneen!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2006-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

I has been raining almost non-stop here for the last 2 weeks. Not little showers but down pours!
Right at this moment, it is pouring buckets. See below. I circled where I am which is the center of the RED(heaviest rain) zone.
Rainfall in inches
Thurs 11/8 0.52 Normal 0.19
Nov (8 days) 8.88 Normal 1.58
Since 10/1 10.43 Normal 4.77
Since 1/1 34.37 Normal 27.13

How do you entertain a 3 year old while it is raining so hard that you can't even see passed your driveway?

Build a fort and "camp" indoors. Fire going and all! He "roasted" marshmallows and hot dogs, the works!

Caleb loved the indoor camping and he has such a great imagination that he went fishing and picking berries. We had a good time this morning!

I am a nostepinde winner!

2006-11-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Jimbo had a contest on his contest to win this lovely hand turned nostepinde. I was lucky enough to win this beautiful yarn winding tool. I now have it in my possession.

I showed it Ray and he gave me the weirdest look you had ever seen when I was all excited about it. I had to explain and demostrate how you use it. If you enjoy wonderfully hand made items, check out Jimbos blog. He makes the most beautiful hand craved crochet hooks. Stop by and say hi even. He is a nice guy and has a great sense of humor!

Thank you once again Jimbo. I will cherish this always and hopefully pass it along to my children/grandchildren someday.

Opps..I did it again!

2006-11-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

I went on a yarn spending spree! Well, not really. I didn't use my fiber allowance for October and I had November's as well so it was a budgetted shopping spree. Yes I said, I didn't use October's allowance, well remember I received cash for my October 11th birthday. I receive the same amount from the same people every year so I didn't spend my allowance knowing full well that I would be able to spend more in November. But I am tapped out for the allowance and it is November 8, lol!

Here is my yarn buying adventure..

4 skeins Bernat Cool Crochet
1 HUGE 14 oz skein of Bernat Handicrafter
Red Heart Crystilites L,M,N,P
These were all purchaesd at Wallyworld. I didn't have anything in mind but the huge ball of Handicrafter I have never seen before so I *had* to buy as well as the Cool Crochet.

Joann stop yielded some Simply Soft Shadows on sale so I of course *had* to buy it and this neat little crochet/knit how to kit. I am considering giving it as a gift but well will see. USed my 40% off coupon so I may talk myslef into to keeping it. Who knows!

This was a Destash purchase. 4 skeins Misti Pima Cotton

This was my finds at my local Barnes and Noble. They are moving to a larger location and the old location is selling off most of the inventory 50% off so I made a few purchases.

Well that was the fun I had for November fiber shopping. Nothing super special but I am happy! Well at least for now.

FO~ Another Fat Bottom Bag

2006-10-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Second one finished. I had only planned to complete 2 FBB and I did. One more WIP to check off!
Made out of Tahki/Stacy Charles Cotton Classic (100% mercerised cotton) 2 skeins with a about 24 inches left-over.
I had to use a J hook to acheive gauge with this yarn. I used my method to line the bag. I did hand sew because I am finding I like the result better than machine sewn.
I got the handles and broach from Joanns.

Clickable

Yarn Overload

2006-10-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

With my birthday money, I bought yarn, lots of yarn.

From Smileys:

3 skeins Bernat Lana (100% wool)~ 1 natural, 1 beige & 1 chocolate
5 skeins Bernat Handicrafter cotton~ blue haze
11 skeins Lily Elite Cotton~moss(color is much brighter than the swatch

From Knitting Warehouse:

6 skeins Bernat Satin~ 2 silk, 2 mocha & 2 lagoon (yes I love this stuff)
3 skeins Bernat Cool Crochet~ 1 demin, 1 summer cream & 1 chocolate

As I was typing this I realized how many skeins were Bernat. Weird that I bought alot of their yarns this time. Well, I guess it doesn't matter, does it?

From WEBS:

10 skeins Valley yarn Lonfmeadow (60% cotton/40% mircofiber)~ lilac
11 skeins Knit One, Corchet Two Angora Soft~ sky (I love this stuff)
1 lb Valley Yarn Everett Silk (70% silk/30% cotton)~ blue (it is a very tweedy type yarn)

From Annie's Attic:

Desperate Crochet $.99
Polish Star $.99
Year-Round Scraps $.59
Needles
a folding tote

I mainly bought the pattern books because of the price. They were normally $9.99.
Are you shocked I posted 3 times today. I took a day off from school work and just chilled today. Well I cleaned but that can be relaxing for me sometimes.

Not Your Mama's Crochet Book Review

2006-10-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

As stated below, I checked out this book from the library. The book's first chapter is all about the basics and is written well enough for a beginner to understand. Throughout the book are nice little tips or tidbits about crocheting. A great troubleshooting section and a nice section about blocking, wet or steam, and even when to block. A very small section on some common stitches and how to use them in your own designs. A wonderfully full chapter on yarn and dyeing, spinning, and recycled yarn. There is a well written chapter on measuring and sizing. A break down on reading patterns that would be very helpful for a beginner just learning to read patterns. Most of the patterns are beginner patterns but there are a few that I found interesting, the "Pseudo-Kimono", the "Who Hat", "When Jeans Don't Fit Recycled Demin Rug" and the "Weekend Vest" all looked interesting enough to consider. Each pattern has a variation side box which I thought was very neat. All in all, this would be a good reference book and I am putting this book on my wishlist.

Rating
*****

Fun Book Find

2006-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday my local library has an used book sale. While I was there picking up reserved books, I went and looked through their selection of children's book. Look what I found for $0.50.

It is a sweet children's book about shearing a sheep's fleece, cleaning, carding, spinning, dyeing and knitting with it all the while the sheep are trying to get their fleece back. The sheep end up with knitted sweaters that they love and every spring after line up for their shearing.
Caleb enjoyed the book and I love the fact that is about something I am interested in and it can involve Caleb. I would recommend it. The picture were beautiful and bright. The story was not too long but very cute..

I checked out Not Your Mama's Crochet and Tis' the Season to Crochet. I haven't had a chance really look through them so I will give a quickie review after I can get through them.

And I still owe you yarn photos from my big online shopping spree. More later today.

Sew you wanna line your fat bottom (bag)? Fat Bottom Bag Lining

2006-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Like the title?? It makes me giggle :)

I made a picture tutorial for a simple way to line the Fat Bottom Bag from SnB: HH. I used this method for my first bag and it turned out amazingly perfect, much to my surprise. The bag is lined before you start the handle flaps. I cannot stress the before enough. When you start the handle flaps, the bag will be gathered at the handles and it is very difficult to line a bag that is gathered.

Materials Needed:
measuring tape
scissors
fabric for lining
sewing thread to match yarn
pins
needle for handsewing or sewing machine for machine sewing

So to start, finish your Fat Bottom Bag body portion and weave in all ends before you begin. The body will not lay completely flat. Due to gauge and yarn differences, I will not be adding measurements for the lining but will show how to find your measurements.

The widest portions will need to be measured. Folding like shown in the below pictures will help body lay flat for the areas that need measuring.

A. B.
Add 1/4 inch to these measurements for seam allowances. This lining will be a rectangle shape so no tracing is needed to fit the bag.
Cut lining to fit the measurements..remember to add the 1/4 inch before you cut.
Fold and press all four sides over 1/2 inch. (Not a typo, 1/2 inch because of spacing)
Now is the fun part pinning the lining into place. Start with length sides (A.) first. Find the center and starting pinning, leaving 1/4 inch from the top or enough spacing between the lining and edge so you will have loops to crochet into. (the 1/4 spacing should go all the around the bag for uniformity.)
After both length edges are pinned, it should look a bit like this

**The sides will have extra fabric, that is the way it needs to be. It will allow 100% usage for the bag space. With this method you will not end up with a short lining therefore will not rob the bag of valuable space.**

Gather the extra fabric to form pleads (folding the fabric over onto itself) at the sides.
3-5 pleads should be plenty. Pin pleads down. When completed, both sides should look like this.
After all four sides are pinned down, this is what it should look like. The body will not lay flat but will curve into a bowl shape.
Now you are ready to sew the lining into place. Using a machine or sewing by hand are both effective for this task, whatever you prefer.
Handsewn with a whip stitch
This is the first Fat bottom bag I made and lined.
Machine sewn
After the sewing is done. Move onto the handle flaps per directions in pattern.
Finish the bag as directed in pattern and you should end up with

If there are any questions or comments, if I can make anything more clear, please let me know.

Email me crochet_kel(AT)yahoo(DOT)com or comment here. I don't actively use that email address anymore.

If you are on Ravelry.com .....I am kelcrochets there and I go there daily, so much quicker response from me on ravelry.

Copyrighted 2006

Stash Enhancement

2006-09-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today was yarn yumminess! I have a weak spot for cotton. I know that for alot of crocheters and knitters, the weak spot is wool or alpaca but me it is cotton. I do not know why!
My Chem class let out early today and I had 45 minutes until I had to pick Caleb up at daycare so what does a girl do for 45 minutes! Yarn Shop, of course.
I found a new yarn shop by campus. So I purchased some yarn there.
1 skein Candy Apple Cotton Fleece
2 skeins Rivera 45% cotton/30% linen/25% rayon

Both I think I am going to make Fat Bottom Bags with.

The cotton fleece is not so red it more the color of the broach.(not purchased at the yarn shop) Here it is in the natural light.
It was a nice little shop and owner was so friendly. I like it better then the shop near my house which I did go to as well today.
And purchased, you guessed it more cotton.
Another fat bottom bag??
2 balls Cotton Classic %100 mercerised cotton by Tahki
Notice how the broach matches great!

So next was Joanns, for more yarn..big surprise, not for cotton. I bought
1 skein Sensations Rainbow Boucle in Blue. I am going to knit the shawl that is pictured.
The best part of my yarn adventure today was when I came home I had this awaiting me.

3 skeins Bernat Satin in Sea Shell
When I was making the Seija Set, I had 3 very knotted, frayed skeins so I wrote a letter to Bernat. Well, they sent me 3 replacement skeins. How exciting! Free Yarn!

Onto an un-yarn related subject. School is kicking my tush and I should be studying right now but I had to blog. Caleb's third birthday is next week and the following weekend is his party. I am feeling overwhelmed so the retail therapy helped today.

Anyways, have a great one! Thanks for stopping by this place I call my blog!

Tada!

2006-09-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I finished the Butterfly Dishcloth. I just forgot to post it yesterday. Oh well, isn't like I didn't post at the Freaks. Anyways, I did knit this. And I am very excited about it. The butterfly is hard to see because of the colorway but trust me it is there. I just used what cotton I had around so this is what I got.

I don't have much to say today but I am very tired. I am also looking forward to Grey's Anatomy tonight. I have been waiting all summer and tonight is the night.

I am still reading blogs everyday just haven't had much time to comment but I will try harder. Have a good night all!

Cotton Skull Cap

2006-09-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

I mentioned the cap I finished with my leftover yarn from the Fat Bottom Bag. So here it is. I used Deneen's Cotton Skull Cap pattern. I did make one change and instead of sc in the last rows I used the herringbone half double like the Fat Bottom Bag uses. I am sure I will use them together since they match. So a big thank you to Deneen for sharing her pattern. It worked up quickly and easily. Great pattern writing, Deneen.

Pattern used: Cotton Skull Cap by Deneen St Amour
Yarn used: 2 oz Casacade Yarns Sierra 80% cotton/20% wool
Hook used: J

Also you may have notice that I have been playing around with my template. Well Faces of Yve has some free fiber related templates and I could not pass up the Stash and there was also the knitting one but I am not quite where I would call myself a knitter. I also made my new button using the same header. I am yarn crazy! So check out the new lay out and please forgive the construction mess as I continue to play with it.

Yarn Yummies

2006-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I went my my LYS today and picked up some more of the Cascade Sierra Cotton/Wool blend. With my leftovers from the bag I made myself a hat and now my hubster wants one. I went and got him a charcoal grey (pictured on right). They had some Rowan All Seasons Cotton on clearance so I bought the last 2 skeins of the grey as well. So it turns out that they will no longer be carrying the Rowan brand yarn and gave me (yes free of charge) the Rowan All Seasons Cotton pattern book. It is all knit patterns but who am I to turn down freebies. Plus I figure with my budding knitting that it would be a nice addtition to my pattern collection...well and I am a pattern whore. No better way to say it.

Hi my name is Kelly. I am a yarn addict and pattern whore. *waves*

Battery Costume-Done!

2006-09-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I finished the stenciling this morning. I know that it is a simple costume but when we asked Caleb what he wanted to be for Halloween, he said batteries. Where did he come up with the idea? We have no clue but I think it turned out cute.

Pictures of FOs

2006-09-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

I knitted my first ever dishcloth. I did in all in the garter stitch but that is how I do things when I am learning something new. I will not move onto another stitch until I am comfortable doing the current one. When I was learning to crochet that is how I did it and it worked wonderfully for me. I have dishcoths is all the crochet stitches. I know that is weird but it works for me. The purple dishcloth in the back is done with the Knifty Knitter and is a dishcloth as well. I used two strands of Sugar n Cream white and purple.
Up-close knitted dishcloth using the knit stitch.
Close-up Knifter Knitter Dishcloth

Caleb wearing his t-shirt that I stenciled using freezer paper.

My Adventure in Freezer Paper Stencils

2006-09-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have recently been hearing (ok, reading) a lot about freezer paper stenciling and I am excited to try it. I went to Joann's today and bought my supplies....

Step 1: Pick an image

So I want to turn this into a stencil. My hubby designed this for a tattoo that I wanted. I have decided not to get the tattoo but love the design. The design has my and my son's zodiac sign(Libra), my hubby's zodiac sign(Scorpio) and my son's name, Caleb. This was exactly what I invisioned when I was describing it to my hubby. Can you find where they are? Look below for the answer.

Step 2: Print off and Cut Out Image

Step 3: Position and Iron on stencil

Step 4: Paint Stencil

Forgot to take picture

Step 5: Remove Stencil

Tada! Finished Shirt with stenciling

Knifty Knitter

2006-09-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at the Knifty Knitter. I used some leftover yarn to practice and I made a small child's hat. There are a lot of flaws but I am impressed with it as it was my first try. I will be trying it again real soon....I am even thinking about making a shawl with the JA Rainbow Boucle. More to come soon.

September CAL~Finished

2006-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

One Skein Scarf

Free pattern from Paton Yarns or from SnB: HH

Made with 1 skein Bernat Satin in white. Hook sizes as suggested in the pattern.

Fat Bottom Bag

2006-09-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

I visited my LYS and I was in search of yarn for the fat bottom bag. I just did not want to use the recommended Lion Brand Cotton. So I settled on this 80% cotton/20% wool blend that feels heavenly and crocheted up beautiful. So here it is .............

Fat Bottom Bag

I lined it with a sage green solid fabric..I had it on hand so it worked out great. I am still considering a ribbon like suggested but we will see what I find. For now, I am happy with the end results. My mom wants one now. The brooch I picked up at Joanns and loved it so that is why I picked green for the purse plus I thought it was a nice autumny color. I followed the pattern to the stitch, it was easy to follow and the longest part was hand sewing in the lining. I will probably make this bag again. For now I am moving onto my CAL at Fiber Freaks and going to start on my scarf which will be for myself. Yay for FOs!

Also while out and about I went to Joanns and bought this..

AND......

The rainbow boucle is for a shawl..still deciding on a pattern, I am open for suggestions. The Bernat Satin is for my scarf. I will see how much I wear it before I invest in a nicer yarn. I have never been one for scarves but I figured it was time for me make one for myself.

I also got the Knifty Knitter. I think it is fun.. I have been playing with it on and off. So I will see if I can get the $8.50 I paid out of it. Got to love those 40% off coupon plus the extra 10% ones too.

Anyways.. we have not been up to much lately but relaxing. Caleb and I are coming down with colds. Just how we want to spend the rest of our summer.

I am off to be crafty once again. Night all!

Seija Set from HH

2006-08-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Seiji Set from the book Stitch 'N Bitch: The Happy Hooker . Above pictures directly from book.

Here is my finished Seiji Set.

I used the Bernat Satin in Mocha~4.25 oz total used, Silk~3.5 oz + 144 inches total used and Seashell~5 oz total used. So I have a lot of leftovers...I am thinking booties...I am open to ideas..so post them if you have any, please.

Where do you keep your tools?

2006-08-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

I know this is stupid but I was wondering how other crocheters/knitters store their tools....so I thought I would share how I store mine.

This is a three-pocket comestic/jewelry travel case that I use for my crochet tools.

So this is what it looks like inside. I labeled all the tools just for the fun of it.

New Toys, FOs, WIMs, and Ramblings

2006-08-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

So my time recently has been used to play with my new toy......

I have been winding my used skeins into balls and I must say I *heart* this winder so much. I don't know how I ever lived without it..winding balls by hand, a thing of the past.

I also bought some Bernat Satin and I like it very much. For a inexpensive yarn, it is quite nice. I am using it to make the Seija Set from Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker.

I am using almost the same colors as the pattern because I love the color combo.. I am using these colors:

Seashell
Mocha
Silk

The pattern has more of a white instead of the silk but I like the idea of Neapolitan Ice Cream Colors: Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla..yummy

So I finished a few gifts for the Gift-a-long at DoD. That is August's CAL and my first ever to particiapte in. So here is what I completed.

A toddler sized beanie. I really liked how this turned out.
Bootie and hat set
Ballet Slippers..I *heart* these so much. Makes me want a girl.
A blanket that is 36" x 36" square. On & Off two weeks.
The blanket corner
Edge

So I have a huge dent in the gifts that I wanted completed and I am happy with my progress. Considering I have not had much urge to crochet lately. Anyways...life is normal and I am getting ready for school. I enrolled Caleb in a new daycare and I think that will work out... well I hope that works out. I have been a bit lazy with Foodie Friday and blogging but who came blame me.. it is summer and I like being lazy.

Take care and I will blog again soon.

Some Great Title!

2006-07-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

I finished a baby shower gift for my best friend, Hilary. She is having a girl and I really wanted to funked it up for her....here is what I came up with~

Front

Back

I loved the way it turned out...It was a simple white onesie. I used an iron on transfer and then tied dyed it. I had fun making and will more then likely make stuff like this for future baby gifts...What are your thoughts??

I also went to the Goodwill and found this for $1.99

2 unused balls of Sugar N Cream cotton
1 unused hank of wool
1 slightly used skein of Bernat Chunky
1 slightly used skein of Jamie

Not a bad price for 5 balls of yarn. I have scored big at the thrift stores before. Now I must decide what I am going to do with it....stash it or use????

Well.....I also went to Hancock Fabrics which is closing looking for yarn but they were completely sold out of yarn so instead I bought fabric. $60 of fabris for $15. Another big score for the day!

The fabric on the left is a cotton mossy green for a baby sling. The center fabric is a satiny polyester fabric..nice drape and flow for a sarong. Fabric on the right is a sheer and I have no idea what I am going to do with it but I love it. About 3 yards of each. Love it!

Sorry no Foodie Friday..I am lazy this week! No lies or excuses just lazy.

RAOK'ed

2006-07-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Random Act Of Kindness (RAOK)

A wonderful Dogwood Fairy sent me a book in the mail today! One that I have wanted since it was on the shelves; however, due to my very small craft budget, I have been waiting until my birthday to ask for it.

I was surprised in today's mail by the fairy's generousity and floored by the kindness. I know who it is but I am not sure if she wants to remain un-named or not. A small private forum that I belong to has a wishlist area and this awesome lady fulfilled my very first wish. I feel so speical and I am giddy, can you tell?

Anyways, here is the book....

This crochet book rocks and there are many patterns I want to try in it. I am still thumbing through and trying to decide on the first project!

Thank you to that special person who thought of me and made my week!!

Summer Shawl

2006-07-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my husband Ray and his mother taken Tuesday at Ray's work. I think it is great photo of the two of them plus my MIL is wearing the summer shawl I made her for Christmas. I never got a photo of it so I had to post this.

It is a V-Stitch pattern so the shawl is V shaped. I used 2 strands of #10 thread (white and bridal blue) with F hook. It took me about 15 hours and 3 rip outs to complete it. It is fringed all the way around. I love this shawl and may make one for myself someday. My MIL rolled the edge over into a collar like thing and added a brooch both which I love.

Thong-a-long Thursday

2006-07-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Thong-a-long Thursday! I missed the last two weeks but here we go. I made a moss green super soft plus sized thong. I used Bernat Velour which worked up very fast and is very nice to touch.

Disclaimer: Thong-a-long Thursday is for fun purposes only and is not to be taken seriously for any reason.

Baby Sling

2006-07-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

I make baby slings for the moms-to-be in my life..here is the lastest. My best friend is due in October so I got started on my sewing and finished this tube style sling today. I will be making an adjustable ring style sling in the same color.

It can be used from birth up to 35 lbs. They are great..nursing is so easy in this and it is so comfortable.

Thursday Thong-a-Long

2006-06-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Recently, more and more people have been crocheting lingerie and I was moved to make my own thong. I think that it turned out pretty good considering I didn't use a pattern. I like the way the fringe came out. So drum-roll please.......here it is..

The Christmas Thong
Front

Back

No sorry..there will be modeling for you...for my hubby's eyes only.

For those interested I used Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Yarn for durablity and machine washings. It took about a half hour and about 3 ounces of yarn. very easy, quick project.

Coasters for My Mom

2006-05-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures I promise of the coasters I made for my mom. I dyed them an olive green to match her decor. I have 4 more to make but I am planning on doing that after Spring quarter is over. So this is her present this year. I hope she likes them.

Drawstring Bag

2006-03-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

Back to what this blog is about.....Crochet!!

This is a drawsting bag that I started to follow a pattern but hated it so I frogged it and started over with major tweaks, like the stitch change in the center and the beads were my personal touches plus I didn't make it as big as the pattern called for.

This is a close up of the center stitches and beading. This was first time ever beading with crochet. This will be a gift for my mother.

Doily

2006-03-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

OK OK I did it.. I made a doily. Well actually it was supposed to be a coaster BUT ended up way too big so now it is a doily.....

I have been a busy bee

2006-03-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here are my results, first attempt at dyeing. I liked the way it turned out. This is size 20 crochet thread.

So I have been at a new place of late and I am really enjoying myself.. Thanks Wendy!

I washed my car..Yeah!! I finished my take home test. I have finished 6 of 9 loads of laundry and cleaned the whole house.

Now here is the BAD news.....................

My 2 year old son got of hold of my newly dyed thread while I was in the laundry room and was playing with it when I returned....I almost cried. Oh well...it is my fault for not putting it up on the counter.

Polar Bear Finished

2006-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well I finished the Polar Bear and just gave it to my 2 year old. He loves it but we will see how long that lasts.
After the designer made a few adjustments the pattern was a breeze to finish. I am happy with the results. I did end an inch and a half smaller because there was no gauge included in the pattern. Whatever, I always stitch tightly and should have known better.
Now that this is finished, I am thinking about starting a purse with some boucle I have been holding onto forever. I ordered some round rattan handles and I would like it lined so if there are any suggestions for crochet patterns, I am open for ideas. I should probably post on Crochetville but I don't feel like it right now.
Weekend was wonderful and little man is feeling much better. I am sore from working out on Friday but it is the good sore, the I know I work out really hard.
Should be off to study for my finals. Yeah, classes are almost over and if I was in my early twenties, thin and had no kids, I would to stoked for Spring Break!!! But I am none of those things but still happy to have a break. My wonderful hubby is taking vacation over that week so we can hang out. We are going to the beach, zoo, dentist, and ATVing over that week.

Trimmed Fleece Baby Blanket

2006-02-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

This was a first for me. I liked the way that it turned out and it only took a little over an hour to do. I love that I could quickly make a personal touch on a bought piece. I gave it to my new neighbor who just had a baby. She seemed to like it but you know how it is after you JUST gave birth.
I am still not feeling well or working out. I just can't bring myself to work out when my head is throbbing non-stop. I had to go to class tonight, it was the review before the final next week and I needed the review. I am very nervous about this final. I am doing well a 95 in the class but I feel like it was luck of the test questions. There is so much I do not know in this Medical Terminology class. I know that I need to relax and just study BUT I am a freakin' worry wart so that my MO. Well anyways, I am sitting here at the 'puter watching Law and Order, thinking about crawling into bed. I am now doing the debate, shower, no shower. I never ended up taking one today, in the winter I don't tend to shower every single day. EWWWW I know but it is so cold and to get all warmed up in the shower and have to step out. BRRRRR! I hate that.
I grossed you long enough.

Scarf for Mom

2005-12-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

This is the keyhole scarf I have been working on. I just finished it this morning. I am now going to wrap it up for a gift for my mom. I loved making this scarf. I worked up super fast using a triple and half double combo. Sorry the picture isn't that great.

Here is the best close up I could get. >