The Result Of My Color Therapy

In my last post I shared a bit of color therapy I was doing, and the results have been surprisingly pleasant!

This infinity scarf is my new favorite thing. Not only can it be worn a variety of ways, but it's super soft and the color puts me in an instantly good mood!

Check out the pattern here at Moogly's blog. I love love love all of her patterns. And this one is super easy, and perfect for beginners!

I also have been playing with the yarn I recently got from Toil and Trouble on Etsy. (I highly reccomend buying from her on Etsy, she does such wonderful work!!)

After I rolled the beautiful skein of yarn into a ball, I started on a simple hat. Sometimes I just need to get a feel for the yarn before I decide what to do with it. A hat seemed like a good starting point. 

Then I had a lightbulb moment, and decided to make myself a triangle granny scarf. I can't remember where I found the pattern but it is very easy and it came out beautifully!

Now I have plenty of colorful scarves to keep me warm this winter, and to brighten my spirits!

Color Therapy

Now that it's almost halfway through December, the winter blues are really starting to kick in. Luckily I have lots of pretty yarn to make me smile. There's something almost magical about the way a skein of bright colored yarn can cheer me up.

I'm not the only one.. Right?

My newest purchase from Toil and Trouble on Etsy!

Once I started noticing myself feeling a little more down in the dumps than usual, I got an idea. Since every time I looked at my stash I would smile, I decided to grab a basket and put a few of my favorite skeins in it, and bring it upstairs with me (I keep most of my stash confined to my basement). 

That basket has been hanging out in random places in the living room and kitchen, and ya know what? I never look at it and go "Ugh, there's another thing I need to put away!". I almost always smile.

Right around this time I started reading "Crochet Saved My Life" by Kathryn Vercillo. I've been following her blog Crochet Concupiscence for a few months, and when she announced the release of her newest book, I knew I had to have it. Needless to say, since battling depression myself, it's nice to hear others stories and accounts with how crochet helped them deal with and overcome many different illnesses. 

In the book she mentions the use of 'color therapy' a few times, and this really intrigued me. I never realized how much a simple thing like the color of yarn could improve my mood.

Yesterday was one of those days.

I found a skein of brightly colored Simply Soft yarn hiding in a corner, and I decided to make something with it. Instead of using the skein as it was, I sat and rolled it into a ball, focusing on the beautiful bright teal color. 

I slowly felt my mood improving.

The start of my infinity scarf!

Using this pattern just released by Moogly the night before, I started on this super easy infinity scarf. The bright, happy color mixed with the simplicity of the pattern made for some wonderful relaxation time for me. I'm also looking forward to wearing this out!

Hopefully it will carry that bright and happy feeling wherever it goes.

My FAVORITE Thing to Make!

Hey there Hookers! (;

I hope everyone who lives up north is enjoying the cool weather! We haven't had much snow here in CT, but it's the perfect time of year for me to break out my favorite headband!

I love this thing so much, I cant say enough about it. It keeps my ears warm, and it adds just a pop of color to whatever plain outfit I may be wearing that day. And lets face it, it's SUPER cute!

SO now I've convinced you to make one right?!

All you have to do is head on over to this blog. She will tell you where you can find the FREE patterns for both the headband and the flower.

I also created this FREE pattern for another ear warmer that I love to wear.

Still want the headband, but not sure you want to do all the work? Or just don't know how? Check out my Etsy shop! I happen to have a few for sale just because I love making them so much.

Using Crochet In Every Day Life

Many people out there thing crocheting is just for grandmas. I can't even count the number of eyebrow raises I've gotten after saying "I crochet".

it seems like they're thinking "What are you, 80?" 

Then once I begin showing them my completed things, they almost always exclaim "make me one!"

What makes crochet fun for me is finding unique ways to use crochet in my daily life. Around my house you will see crochet everywhere. There's some hats by the door, a shawl on the couch, pot holders in the kitchen, wash cloths in the bathroom. Part of me feels a sense of accomplishment every time I use something I've made, and it feels good! Another part of me is all giddy about what I can come up with next!

So in case you're in a rut with crochet, here's a few unique ideas to use crochet in your every day life!

plastic bag dispenser

wash cloths

dish towels

stuffed animal hammock

pot holder

mug cozy

phone case

a swiffer sweeper cover

yoga mat bag

hair elastic flower

This is just a small example of many different things you can make! Not your typical hat/scarf/afghan now is it? (;

Flower Coaster Free Pattern

Happy Saturday everyone!

Here's what we woke up to in our house this morning..

SNOW!

Christmas is now fast approaching. Have you made your gift list yet? I'm planning on making as many gifts as I can for my family and friends, so that means lots of cute little projects that I can finish in one sitting.

I came up with this pattern after making a few mug cozys with this yarn. I thought it would make a perfect flowery coaster, so here it is! Cotton yarn is preferred to absorb any condensation or spills, but I used acrylic for these. They can be machine washed, so I'm not too worried about them getting dirty.

Of course, this pattern is super simple, so even if you don't crochet, just check out a few how to videos on youtube and you can get started!

Flower Coaster Pattern

Using Worsted Weight Yarn
and a size H hook

Make a magic ring.

Round 1: chain 3 (counts as first DC here and throughout), make 11 DC in magic circle. Join to beginning chain to complete the round. 12 DC

Round 2: chain 3, DC in same space as ch. make 2 DC in each stitch around. Join with slip stitch to complete the round.

Round 3: chain 3, DC in same space as ch. *1 DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next* repeat to end of round. Join with a slip stitch to beginning ch.

Round 4: 3 SC in same space as join. Slip stitch into same stitch. *sk next st, SL st in next st,  3 SC in same st, SL st in same st.* Repeat ** to end of round. SL st to first st to complete. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

I've made a bunch as Christmas gifts already, and hope to make a few more sets. Enjoy!