Things I'm Working On, Things I see

 

Here's a sneak peek at something I'm working on for Craftsy.  Cloudborn Fibers sent me this gorgeous yarn to design a free pattern for them on Craftsy.  The launch will be coming up later, so I'll give you a heads up when the time is closer.

Cloudborn Fibers have made this yarn in a perfect blend of baby softness and a lovely halo for the most luxurious feel.  It has great stitch definition with no splitting as you work.

 

Stunning colors that remind me of a jewelry box from Tiffany's!

 

I've designed TWO somethings that uses every bit of yarn, which makes for a good investment.

 

Something else I'm working on is a wedding blanket for my cousin.  Her colors are plum and cream and it will be a nice, generous size.  I really like how it's turning out.  I'm using my Man Cave Blanket pattern.  You can find the pattern links to my shops at the top of this page or below.

The fawn hook is from Kelli at The Clay Bean Co. on Etsy.  

And now for something completely different....I'm working on a Soup Cook Off for my church.  I'm known for putting fun things together, mostly for children at my church.  I did a Kids Cake Contest a few years ago.  Children in Sunday School made decorated cakes at home and brought them to church. I had outside judges come in and then handed out cooking prizes.  It was terrific.  

Anyhoos, I'm doing a soup contest for all ages and these are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize. I found everything for 70% off at Michael's.  Score!!  Tote bag, measuring spoons, paper napkins, blank journal and a note pad.

 

I saw these at a grocery store.  So easy to make yourself, just get a styrofoam ball and glue on the yarn.

I love this fox knitting gauge in an issue of Knit Today.  Found it in my local Joann's Fabric store.

Well, that's it.  Thanks for stopping by,

Sheila

Find me on 

Craftsy

Etsy

Ravelry

Purls of Wisdom:

I find inspiration everywhere.  Outside, shops, magazines, etc.  I always take a photo as I find great color combinations in clothing, food, jewelry, plants etc.  That way, I can look at the photo later when searching for inspiration.

Collecting Polymer Needles and Hooks

Last month I posted about my handcrafted crochet hook collection.  Kelli over at The Clay Bean Co. on etsy does the most amazing things with polymer clay.  Such intricate work.  I've created a number of things with polymer clay, so I can tell you, it's not always that easy.

I bought the hedgehog needles for my mom.  She has a birthday coming up and hedgehogs are one of her favorite wee beasties! So shiny and intricate.  The pink "cheeks" and the face is pinched just enough.  Oh so darling!

 

But this hook just makes me smile.  I keep picking it up and looking at it.  Rolling it around with my fingers...its fat, wooly self.  Admiring its Wallace & Gromit(ish) little face and tiny "feet".

Its bum!

The grassy field with flowers.  All the other little sheep romping around.  It doesn't show up that well, but if you look closely, you can see the grey one that might be "the black sheep" of the family. 

This the photo from last months blog.  If you don't see what you want at The Clay Bean Co., just send Kelli a note.  She's great to work with!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

Having trouble seeing the stitches when using black yarn?  Lay a white pillowcase, dishtowel or napkin across your lap.

DIY Foxy Row Counter

Last time, I blogged about some stitch markers and row counters I made using beads and charms from old necklaces (pictured below).  Well, today I saw this cute fox in the jewelry section at Joann Fabrics and immediately saw a new row counter in my future! 

 

The fox is all one piece but wiggles, if you know what I mean.  The beads are from an old bracelet that I had.  I strung it all up with fishing line, tied it in a knot to the lobster claw clasp and pushed the excess back into the beads.  This will fit up to a US size 10.5 (6.5mm) knitting needle.

Great for crocheters too because of the lobster claw clasp.

I have one for sale in my etsy shop for $20.00.  Pricey I know, but the pieces were a bit costly.  Then you have to add in all kinds of fees and such.  If you have an online shop, you know what I mean.  Could be made much keeper with sales and/or coupons. 

Have a great weekend,

Sheila

Purls of wisdom:

For you newbies...no row counter handy?  A post it note and a pencil work just as good.  I stick one right on my pattern and count off the rows using chicken scratches.

Repurpose Necklaces into Stitch Markers

I did a post last week on making your own stitch markers.  I start looking through my jewelry boxes to see if there are some necklaces I could use.  I pulled out three and here's the result.  TONS of stitch markers!

 

These are from the necklace on the far right.  Just LOOK at all of them.  From ONE necklace, mind you!  About 25 stitch markers.

 I already had a bunch of jewelry findings hidden away from my "make your own bracelets" stage.  Jump rings (some small and some larger ones), lobster claw fasteners, lever back earring bits, spring fasteners and the like.  You will also need some of these straight beading pins with a loop at the end.  I really don't like using them as they are so fiddly, if you know what I mean.  But, if your beads don't already come with little loops already on them, you have to use these.  That's why I like using charms as they come with some type of loop.

These ones below already have little jump rings on them so all you have to do is add a larger one or a lobster claw clasp.

If you don't have any jewelry findings, they are readily available in WalMart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn Fabric and Hancock Fabrics.

 They are so colorful and super easy to whip up.  Every one I made fits up to a size 10 knitting needle and the ones with a spring clasp or lobster claw clasp can be used for your crochet projects as well.

 

You just take the necklace apart on a washcloth, so everything doesn't start rolling around everywhere....

and begin putting them together.  Here's my little work station.  You will need a pair of needle nose pliers.  I used the ones that I had, but it would be a good investment to purchase a pair that is made for jewelry making.  You need pliers that have a really tiny tip.

 Here's what I got from the turquoise necklace.

I'm saving the tiny seed beads for something else.

These are from the necklace on the left.  

 Then I got out some row counters and made these from old beads I found in a craft box.  I used the photo below for inspiration.  Mine are not near as cute as this one from Heidi Bears.

I found another necklace and wound up with these....

 

 

 

and THEN, I got out these cute puzzle charms and made more!  Aren't they sweet?

 

 

So there you have it.  Now, what am I going to do with all of these?  I'll keep some, gift some to my yarn buddies, sell them at our church bazaar, sell some in my etsy shop.  I'll also have some in my purse and give them to knitters and crocheters I run into while shopping as that happens to me often.

When you break down the numbers, it only takes a minute to make and they only cost about one nickel each!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

Of course, you don't need a "real" stitch marker.  I've used cut up bits of a drinking straw, small rubber bands, a small bit of yarn and even the ring off my finger!  I've used a small barrette or safety pin to mark "the right side" of my work.