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size matters not…

big knitting needles large crochet hook

…judge me by my size, do you?*

I’ve always wanted to try knitting with a set of really big needles.

Do or do not… there is no try.*

Whenever I see them in the craft store I wind up passing them by because I’ve already got too many things on my to-do list.

The other day in the thrift store, when I was buying the black and white sweater, I happened upon this set and a big hook, too. At thrift store prices, I couldn’t pass them up. The needles are US size 35 and the hook is a size Q.

My wrists are starting to feel better. These might be the perfect way to ease back into things. I’m thinking Purl Bee’s Eleventh-Hour Scarf with some Manos del Uruguay from my stash might make a nice weekend project.

What crafty projects do you have planned for the weekend?

*Yoda

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putting a dent in that big spool of wool

more crochet vases

Believe it or not, I’m still crocheting little vases. In fact, I just received a wholesale order for three sets. I’ve finally worked through most of my tan and navy wool and can’t wait to start using some new color combinations.

Thank goodness it’s football season. If you need me, I’ll be on the couch surrounded by yarn.

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halloween overload

crochet ghost black cat candy corn spider amigurumi

I spent the last few days crocheting up a spooky storm. I think I am finished with Halloween-themed crafts and ready to just sit and eat some candy. Phew!

I stayed up late last night putting the finish touches on these cuties, packaged them up for the mail, and then headed out to the pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful day to be outside with good friends, creepy amusements and funnel cake for lunch.

pumpkin patch

On the schedule for tomorrow: my daughter’s Halloween party at school in the morning and trick-or-treating at the zoo in the evening. When did Halloween become so darn busy?

pattern info: The ghost and cat are loosely based on the Skeleton Bride and Devil patterns from Creepy Cute Crochet. The candy corn began as a free pattern from Lion Brand with added rows and a rounded bottom to match the others. The spider is over here.

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tiny crochet spider pattern

crochet spider amigurumi

Thank you for the wonder feedback on my little pumpkin pattern. I’ve received the nicest comments and have been flattered by how many people have linked back to it.

When I sat down a few weeks ago to make some little crochet balls, I didn’t intend to whip up a bunch of Halloween-inspired projects, but you go where the inspiration takes you.

This spooky little spider is fast and easy to make. You still have plenty of time to crochet one (or a few) before October 31st. Have fun!

Spider Legs (make eight)
These are just like the pumpkin stem, only longer.
R1: chain 12
R2: sc in second bump from hook, sc in next ten bumps*

Spider Body
Crochet Rows 1-11 of Tiny Crochet Ball with black yarn.

Before stuffing, attach or embroider eyes. Then attach legs, four on each side. Bury ends inside body.

Stuff and finish off with Row 12.

*Go into the bumps on the back of the chain, not the stitches on the front of the chain.

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pattern: tiny crochet pumpkin

crochet pumpkin amigurumi

On Monday I mentioned that I had been playing around with variations on the Tiny Crochet Ball pattern. Hmmm… it’s October. Is it any surprise that I’m making pumpkins? Here’s how you can, too.

Using Tiny Crochet Ball pattern:

Pumpkin
Magic ring, R1-2: brown yarn
R3-R11: orange yarn
R12: brown yarn

Stem
R1: using brown yarn, chain 5
R2: sc in second bump from hook, sc in next three bumps*

Finishing
Break yarn and tie a knot. Using a darning needle, attach the stem at the top and bring the ends down through the bottom. Squinch the ball until it’s pumpkin shaped and tie a knot to hold the shape. Bury the ends inside the pumpkin.

*Go into the bumps on the back of the chain, not the stitches on the front of the chain.

Enjoy!

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my creative space

my creative space

Our knitting guild has received yarn from the Land’s End Share the Warmth project. Have you heard about this? For every Feel Good sweater that is purchased, Land’s End will donate yarn to The Knitters Guild Association to be made into squares for Warm Up America. Our guild received three cones and I’ve got three “yarn cakes” to turn into squares. The colors are really beautiful and the yarn is super soft. I’m enjoying these squares a lot.

What are you doing in your creative space today? If you knit or crochet, consider making some squares for WAU! (You can use any yarn.) Details are on their website. Don’t forget to hop on over to Kirsty’s blog, as well, for more creative spaces.

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tiny crochet ball pattern

tiny crochet ball pattern

It took a few tries until I was satisfied with this pattern. At first, they were coming out too hexagon shaped, so I decided to alternate the increase/decrease placement every other row. That gives the ball a more round shape.

I also wasn’t happy with the gaps that the decreases made, especially on the navy ball. You could see the white stuffing! Then I remembered this invisible decrease from Planet June. Problem solved!

Have fun with this one. On Friday I’ll show you a little variation. Stay tuned!

Tiny Crochet Ball Pattern
worsted weight yarn (I used Aunt Lydia’s cotton)
size G/6 (4.25mm) crochet hook
polyfil for stuffing
tapestry needle for weaving ends

sc: single crochet
inc: 2 sc in one stitch
dec: 1 sc over two stitches through the front loops only

gauge: not important, but mine are about 2 1/2 inches wide

Make a magic ring.
R1: 6 sc into ring
Ball worked as a spiral. Place marker to keep track of rounds.
R2: inc in each stitch around
R3: *inc, sc* around
R4: *2 sc, inc* around
R5: *inc, 3 sc* around
R6: *4 sc, inc* around
R7-11: sc around
R12: *dec, 4 sc* around
R13: *3 sc, dec* around
R14: *dec, 2 sc* around
R15: *1 sc, dec* around
Stuff with polyfil
R16: dec around

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my creative space

cotton crochet bottle

The day before our vacation the little crochet bottles sold. When I got back home, I started to miss having them around. So I’ve decided to make a few more—some for the shop, some for gifts and some just for me. I’m also experimenting with different sizes, shapes and types of yarn. I love how a little re-purposing can transform a castaway into something beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, don’t miss the lovely spaces over at Kirsty’s blog.

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my creative space

In my creative space today, I spent the last day of my vacation crocheting squares at the beach. I’m cruising along on these, although it took way too long for me to memorize the pattern. Of course, now that I’m all relaxed and on a roll, it’s time to go home.

Make sure you pop on over to Kirsty’s blog for more creative spaces.

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little crochet balls

crochet amigurumi ball

I started this little guy one day when I needed to cleanse my crochet palette. It’s just a simple ball. Something that will fit in a little hand and is safe for chewing. I blame this project on all of the cute little babies in my life. Maybe I’ll make a whack of them to give as holiday gifts.

stash: aunt lydia’s cotton that’s super soft and machine washable.