unblocked crochet projects

unblocked crochet projects

I’ve been hooking up a storm lately. I finished this scarf and I’m using up the extra bits to make a bookmark. I’ve also started a new scarf that’s almost done. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. Maybe it’s the cool Autumn weather?

I can’t wait to block the scarf for a final reveal. It’s going to be so beautiful!

What are you working on this week?

my creative space

my creative space

This week I crocheted a little flower bookmark for a friend. I mailed it to her “just because.”

I wish I did things like this more often, but I tend to get wrapped up in my own little world. I’m going to try and change that.

What about you?

More creative spaces here.

updated to add: This is my standard bookmark pattern. I replaced the ornament with “Daisies” from Crochet Embellishments. There’s a similar pattern online here.

tiny crochet ornament bookmark pattern

tiny ornament bookmark crochet pattern

I’m sorry my pictures aren’t the greatest for this post. The sun went down too early today. I can’t wait for the winter solstice. I just can’t get my photo-taking act together before dinnertime. I might try and retake the photos over the weekend.

This is the same pattern I used for the tiny baseball bookmarks, without the little top of course. If you want to do baseballs, I recommend marking the curves with a disappearing ink pen before embroidering the red stitches. It really helps!

tiny ornament bookmark crochet pattern

Tiny Crochet Ornament Bookmark Pattern
worsted weight yarn (I used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece)
size F/5 (3.75mm) and D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hooks
tapestry needle for weaving ends
small bead

sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
inc: 2 sc in one stitch

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

ornament
With larger hook, make a magic ring.
R1: 6 sc into ring
Ornament 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 until last two stitches. Sl st in last two stitches.
R5: sc in first stitch, change to smaller hook, chain 55, add bead, chain 5
Finishing: cut yarn, tie knot, thread end back through bead, tie double knot, trim close to knot.

ornament top
R1: pick up stitches at top of ornament as follows: pick up and chain 1, *pick up and sc* three times, turn work
R2: chain 1, sc 3
Finishing: cut yarn, add a little loop between middle two stitches while weaving in ends

These work up really fast and add a nice handmade touch to book gifts this holiday season. I’ve got a lot of books on my list for Santa — better make a few more just for myself. Enjoy!

stash: These only take a tiny bit of yarn. You can definitely go stash diving for this project!

finished: baseball bookmarks

baseball bookmarks

So many little baseballs. Seventeen, in fact. They turned out cuter than I imagined. Don’t you just love when that happens? I first posted about these in my creative space. I haven’t forgotten that I promised a pattern. Maybe by the end of this week? In the form of a Christmas ornament?

recycle: White yarn unraveled from a sweater. Red yarn left over from chromium star blanket.

my creative space

baseball amigurumi bookmark

In my creative space today, I’m slowly getting back into my crochet groove. These little circles are actually baseball bookmarks for party favors. I’m thinking they would make cute Christmas ornament bookmarks — something handmade to go along with a book as a gift. Pattern coming soon.

More creative spaces over at Kirsty’s blog. Enjoy the crafty goodness!

recycle: Bookmarks made from last week’s sweater yarn.

granny bookmark and the kind diet

the kind diet alicia silverstone

My little granny bookmark is finished. Actually, this is my second one. I gave the first one to my mom and now I’m working on a third. I went down a hook size since the first and I think I prefer the tighter stitches for this wool.

The book I’m reading is The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. I just happened to pick it up at the library because it was on display next to the knitting books. I had to give up beef and dairy once before when my daughter had an intolerance. I remember thinking how hard it must be to go vegan because you had to give up even more!

Her book got me thinking, though. Here I am trying to save all of these things from the landfill for a better earth. Then I go out and order a hamburger for dinner. The dairy and beef industry are definitely not nice to our planet! I might have to rethink how I spend my food dollars.

in search of: currently looking for an inexpensive, used version of this book for my home collection.

my creative space

my creative space

After a few weeks of circles, I really needed to get back to squares. I didn’t have anything particular in mind. I just grabbed this little basket of wool that I use for wrapping packages and started making grannies. I’m thinking it will be a bookmark. I need a new one for my summer reading. Speaking of which, look what I happened to spy at the library today: three of my favorite Rs! After just flipping through the pages, I’m already in love.

Check out other creative spaces that you’re sure to love over at Kirsty’s blog.

question: I check out a ton of books from the library on sewing, knitting, crocheting, and vintage/cottage style. I never thought to write reviews of them on my blog, but it just occurred to me that maybe someone out there might be interested. If you are, let me know. I’d love to share some of my favorite books with you!

handmade father’s day bookmarks

father's day bookmarks

I had a hard time coming up with a gift for my dad and father-in-law this year. We did our daughter’s hand print for Mother’s Day and wanted to do something Bella-related for Father’s Day, too. After surfing crafty blogs for inspiration, I decided on a photo booth bookmark. Both of our dads like to read, so it seemed like a perfect idea. When we talked with them yesterday, it sounded like they were a hit. I’m sure they’ll get a lot of use!

inspiration: Bookmark idea from Make and Takes. Photo booth artwork from Sugarplum Paperie. Blue sparkly paper from my stash. Laminated at our local office supply store.