Chunky iPad Sleeve - Free Pattern

Do you ever find yourself with some chunky yarn and not know what to make with it? Sure you could do a hat or scarf, but how predictable is that? (not to mention I'm horrible at making hats)

So after searching and searching for something to make I decided to just make something of my own. I decided an iPad sleeve would be nice, something I can slip my iPad into and not have to worry about it getting bumped or scratched. The chunky yarn works perfect for this! It gives a lot more padding than your standard worsted weight yarn would.

The pattern is pretty simple, but I figured I'd share it anyways for those beginners that are looking for something quick and easy to make. You could easily resize this to fit a kindle, nook, or other tablet as well by chaining the width of your tablet instead of the recommended number of chains.

Chunky iPad Sleeve

Spicing up my kitchen with some dishcloths (Free Pattern Included!)

It's been a while since I made some new dishcloths for my kitchen, and to be honest I'm kind of sick of those plain old boring squares I made when I first started crocheting.

I stumbled across this free pattern on Pinterest (check out my crochet patterns board here ) and I knew I had to try it. Not only does it make a beautiful dishcloth but it could also double as a trivet or hot pad.

This pattern was so easy to follow, I was able to make 3 of these during my sons 2 hour nap this afternoon! Now that they're all done and ready, I can get to cleaning the kitchen. 

On second thought.. maybe I'll make just one more. (;

What Can You Do With 2 Skeins Of Yarn? (Free Patterns Included!)

I'm the type of yarnaholic that buys yarn without any specific project in mind. If I see a color combo that catches my eye I'll buy it, and then on my way home I rack my brain about what I should make with it.

This time around I ended up getting a hot pink/grey combo. Pink and grey are obviously a very popular color combination, and I knew I could come up with some great things that everyone would love.

I almost had a little competition with myself to see how many cute things I could make with just 2 skeins, and trying to use up all of it. I think I did a pretty good job! And I almost can't believe what I came up with.

First I made this slouch hat. I'm not a huge hat person, so I rarely do make hats, but it's been a while and I had the urge to try something new, so I went with it! You can find the pattern here.

Then I moved on to these 2 bags that are kind of like second nature to me when it comes to making them. I put on an episode of the bachelorette and before I knew it I had them finished! I know someone out there will enjoy these cute creations. I don't have the pattern for these, but I'm thinking I'll write one up soon for the smaller bag! The bigger one is a version of this pattern except larger.

And finally I made something that I've been meaning to get around to making since we moved into our new house in May, a plastic bag holder! I can see myself making many more of these in the future in various color combinations. Not everyone has one so it would make the perfect gift! You can find the free pattern I used here.

I almost cant even believe I made all 4 of these things with only 2 skeins of yarn. It makes me want to do this challenge all over again and see what else I can do! 

Which makes me curious, have you ever tried anything like this? 

If you have what did you come up with?

Plastic Bag Holder! Free Pattern Included

This plastic bag holder is awesome, I don't know why I didn't make one sooner! I like the handle on the top as it makes it easier to stuff bags in when you only have a second.

And the stripes make it even better and more customizable. 
I chose hot pink and grey mainly because they were the only colors I had quick access to (aka: already in my bedroom) and I really like how bright and cheery it looks!

You can find the free pattern I used here. I made a few minor adjustments from what the pattern says by using double crochet instead of single and doing my own thing with the color combo. The handle is 2 rows of single crochet slip stitched to the top. Super easy and makes a great gift too!

Made myself some slippers... Finally!!

I've been crocheting for a little over a year now. And since I have started I always had slippers on my to-do list. I tried one free pattern last winter and it didn't go so well. I didn't even finish the first slipper!

However, when I saw a picture of some slippers posted along with a free pattern on Facebook, I knew I had to give it a shot again. So that night I snuggled up with some yarn and my iPad, and got to work.

The result, to my surprise, was a pair of comfortable, cute colored slippers. What do you think?!

Besides being super proud of myself, I love how comfy these things are! I can see myself making a bunch of them as gifts for all the ladies in my family, and even adding a flower or other embellishment.

You can find the free pattern here, and now you can begin making a pair for yourself! Be careful though, because once you show them off everyone will start asking for a pair! (;

Going Mug Cozy Crazy!

Hey everyone! Have ya missed me?

Turns out, being 7 months pregnant, caring for a 1.5 year old, and moving into our first home (!!) definitely takes a toll on ones body! We've been moved in for about a month now, and am finally getting into a new, hopefully more organized, routine. My family is loving the space, the garden, and (my favorite part) the house is all on one level! No more running up and down with laundry or to bedrooms or anything. It may sound lazy, but I'm excited to put those days behind me. ;)

My son, Jude, enjoying our strawberry patch at the new house!

In the meantime, and after unpacking my yarn stash (which happened right when we moved in of course), I got to work on some small easy projects that I could gift or possibly sell. Mug cozies have always been my go-to project when I have some cotton and don't know what to do with it. They're functional, adorable, and everyone loves them! Here is the pattern I used for the mug cozies pictured. I'm also selling these in my Etsy shop!

My work in progress

The finished product!

I also made some can cozies since its summertime and you could always use a way to identify your soda/beer from the other 4 sitting on that picnic table over there. The can cozies also fit on cups from almost any fast food place, so the condensation doesn't get everywhere! Or am I the only one that has that problem? Here is the pattern for the can cozies! 

Now I have made quite a few more cozies since these pictures, so make sure you check my Facebook page to see what I'm working on daily! I promise to be back soon with some more goodies. (;

Heres a peek at what's to come! I've been on a bag kick lately. To the left is a medium sized clutch, and to the right is a larger clutch with a handle. Stay tuned!

My journey into hand spun yarns

I've been itching to crochet with handspun yarn for a while now. Ever since searching on Etsy and seeing all the beautiful colors, styles, and weights had me chomping at the bit to buy some! The only thing holding me back was the price. Some of those skeins go for up to $50! I didn't have that kind of money, especially not to blow on yarn I wasn't able to see and feel myself.

Well the time finally came. Fate stepped in (okay, maybe it was me) and convinced my hubby to get me a $50 Etsy gift card for valentines day!

<3 <3 <3

I just about cried when I got the email. Then I spent all night on Etsy browsing all the handmade yarns from some amazing sellers!

I've 'liked' Spinning Wheel Studio a while back on facebook. They update almost every day with lots of bright and colorful new yarns on their shop! So I knew I HAD to go there first. I bought 2 skeins of two different colors. When I saw they shipped out the very next day I was jumping for joy (yes literally, if you're half as obsessed with yarn as I am you know what I mean!). I got it in the mail just a few days later and I couldn't have been happier!

I highly suggest buying from her shop. She does such great work, and my yarns came wrapped like a present! I had a great time opening the tissue paper wrapped skeins, it was like my birthday or something!

So, what did I make you ask? Well, it was intimidating at first, I didn't know what to make. at $18 a skein I had a heavy weight on my shoulders to make something awesome, something I would USE, and something I would love.

I eventually came up with this purse/bag. Its small enough to hold a few essentials and take with me on a quick trip, and its fancy enough to be able to take out to dinner or out with friends (but lets face it.. how often does that really happen? haha)

Stay tuned later this week for the pattern!

Have you made anything recently with hand spun yarn? Show me on my facebook page!