New Purse! Simplicity 2396

I wanted to share the new purse I finished a few weeks ago :) I used Simplicity Pattern 2396. The pattern's body was significantly larger than my finished bag. I traced the pattern onto paper and redrew myself smaller dimensions for a medium sized bag. I think it's sizing is now perfect. :) I wasn't paying much attention when sewing this purse together because I accidentally sewed the lining with my pockets to the front side of the bag. Which is ok...except for the fact that my instinct is to put the heavier side towards my body. Note to self. Watch for this next time.


I used Amy Butler's Memento in Burgundy, Sunspots in Wine and lined with Arabesque in Lime. I adore these prints. I used about a fat quarter of each fabric since I played with the sizing of this bag. The only thing that bothers me about Amy fabric is that cat hair sticks to it like a magnet. I have to lint roll this bag every few days. I also didn't put a closure onto the top. I originally was going to put a magnetic snap but the ones sold at Joanns are entirely too strong. They'd pull on my fabric and cause a mess for sure. If anyone knows where to find some light strength ones be sure to send that info my way :)


I also wanted to share this new mug my boyfriend bought for me :) I've been looking for a new coffee mug for work for some time now. Isn't this one just the cutest?

Jellyfish Please!

Etsy
I finally released my pattern for my Rainbow Amigurumi Jellyfish. :)
I took my time writing up the pattern and photographing my process for this tutorial pattern. Its a simple pattern that even a beginner can understand. I'm really excited about this PDF. :D

Fall Scarfs

Via
It's fall and Florida is starting to get some heat relief! The weather has been wonderful and everything I wish our summers would be. With the cold fronts moving into our northern states I know it's due time to start making some lightweight fall scarfs! I came across these wonderful Free Tutorials over on Ravelry and wanted to share :) The photos link out to their pattern sources, so get knitting!

My weekly inspiration this week is Sweet Pea Totes. Her bags are the cutest! You can see more of her creations in her Etsy shop. Not only that but she has licensed patterns through Simplicity! Yaaaay!


I decided to put some of my Amy Butler fat quarters to use. I am currently in the process of making 2396 bottom right. I also absolutely adore the bag in 2205. That one is next on my list. I hope you all have a crafty day! :D

Free Crochet Pattern: Zip Line Scarf

Free Crochet Pattern: Zip Line Scarf

Gauge: Not important. Judge by your yarn weight. I used an H for my medium worsted yarn. I recommend an I or J for chunky yarns.

**Remember The chunkier your yarn, the thicker and wider your scarf will be.

Stitches Used:
ch – Chain Stitch
dc – Double Crochet
slst – Slip Stitch
fpdc – Front Post Double Crochet
bpdc – Back Post Double Crochet
Shell - Shell Stitch (2 dc, 1 ch, 2 dc in same stitch)

If you are unsure how to make a fpdc or bpdc I recommend looking up the stitches on youtube.

*This scarf takes roughly 2 skeins of yarn. I use about 340 yards. *If you use specialty yarn that is less around 100 yards a skein, I recommend getting 4 skeins.

*Note. After finishing with your first skein of yarn, I recommend cutting your fringe. It will lay nicer if the yarn is cut from the top of the skein. Towards the end the yarn gets curly. I cut 4-5 strands for each set of fringe, depending on yarn weight. You will need 12 sets of fringe.

*We will first be creating loops. These are important because they are used to attach the fringe to the scarf. The double crochet is also important, it acts as a filler stitch so there will be no gaps.


Pattern:
1. Ch 19. (Leave a long tail, it will be tucked and blended into the fringe later)
2. Ch 3, dc in your original 19th stitch. (4th chain from hook) Skip 2 ch, slst in 3rd ch. *Ch 3, dc in same stitch, skip 2 ch, slst in 3rd ch. Continue from * to end. (you should have 6 loops total)



*Do not turn, instead continue on the top stitches of your original 19 chains.

3. Ch 3, Shell Stitch into first chain (ch will be connected to your slst knot), *skip 2 ch, dc, skip 2 ch, shell, Continue from *. (Last stitch should be a shell), Turn.



4. Ch 3, shell in first shell stitch gap. (the chain between your dcs), *bpdc around next dc, shell in next shell stitch gap. Repeat from *. Turn.
5. Ch 3, shell in first shell stitch gap, *fpdc around previous stitch's bpdc, shell in next shell stitch gap. Repeat from *. Turn.
6. Continue alternating bpdc and fpdc pattern until desired length.

F.O.
7. Ch 3, *dc in same stitch, skip 3 stitches. Slst in next stitch. Ch 3 repeat from * to end. (last stitch will fall on outside chain stitch)

8. Attach Fringe through the chain loops only, don't pull fringe through the dc's.



This scarf makes a great gift for family and friends! Or just make one for yourself! It's really easy and relaxing once you get the hang of it. I love this pattern and I hope you will too :) I also put this pattern up on Ravelry. If you make one I'd love to see it!

For Personal Use Only Please. :)

Cables!

I only learned to knit about a month ago, and I decided to take a stab at cables! I had a stash of chunky yarn lying around and I figured it was time for a new scarf. I used Kiersten Brandt's Backbone Bookmark Pattern and thought it would look awesome as a scarf. I used size 11 needles and the scarf ended up being a good 6" across. Perfect! Not bad for my first stab at cables! :D I also wasn't sure if I liked my yarn choice after I started knitting with it, but it's one of those 'the more you look at it, the more you like it' kinda things.

Geek-Chic Crafts

Here's a few free Ravelry patterns that are very geek-chic!