M is for Monkey

Is he the cutest?  Just look at his little belly button!  And those fingers and toes!  There is something about a hand knit toy with all its squishy goodness that are irresistible.

What little boy or girl wouldn't give him a good home filled with love and adventure?

He is not for the beginner, but my fellow knitter, Emily at Yarn Miracle sells this pattern and has patterns for all skill levels.  If you pop over to see her, be sure to tell her I sent you!

I am selling this "swinger" in my Etsy shop if you'd like to stop by for a visit.

Have a great week,

Sheila

see my latest pions below

Eden Praire Shawl

Just LOOK at this gorgeous shawl by Nancy Whitman.  You can find the pattern here on Craftsy.com. This is defiantly my next project!  I purchased the yarn online at Jimmy Beans Wool.   Beautiful Madeline Tosh will cost you about $76.  Be sure to read the materials section of Nancy's pattern page as you do not use the entire skein.

This is not for the beginner unless you are very adventurous!  The pattern is well written with very helpful tips and video links.  Nancy also has an online shop here that offers yarn.  I'm not sure that she has all the colorways for this shawl available.

Ooo, I can't wait for my yarn order to get this squishy, yarny goodness on the needles!

Have a great week,
Sheila
See my latest pins below

Granny Square Cherub Baby Blanket

Granny squares are making a HUGE comeback! With good reason!  They are so much more fun in today's colors.  With spring and summer soon upon us, granny squares are the perfect take-along project.  No heavy blanket on your lap! Great project for car or plane trips!  Find my newest pattern here in my Craftsy Pattern Store or click on my Etsy shop or Ravelry buttons on the right.

Stunning in greys, ecru and yellows!   Perfect for the modern mommy and baby! It measures an easy to manage 36" L x 23" W.   Perfect for the stroller.

Great size and weight very for the chilly air conditioned spots!

Use my single crochet edge or browse through your crochet edging books!

The smaller squares add interest and whimsy.  Unique, one of a kind, shower gift!  You will love the ooooo's and ahhhh's when she opens it!

Great project to use up your stash yarn!  Easily make larger or smaller to fit your needs!

Best,

Sheila

see my latest pins below!

Pom Pom Love

I love pom poms!  Actually, it might be that I love circles.  The soft edge of a circle.  The squishy goodness of a round yarn pom.  The circle of life, ring of fire....you get the idea!  I made this blanket for an up coming baby shower.  As I have been knitting and crocheting for years.....over 30.....I'm expected to give something hand made with love!  I confess, I'm happy to do it!  Above is my latest!

Light grey, worsted weight yarn from Hobby Lobby.  Three skeins of I Love This Yarn in light grey.  The pom pom yarn is from Herrschners called Pom Pom Parade, 2 skeins.  Now, I just went on their site and I did not see it!  Maybe they have discontinued that line, so you might have to do a little searching.

I used this pattern from my Craftsy pattern store.

I love the simple elegance of this stitch.  Looks great on both sides making the blanket reversible.  I also am a big fan of grey for babies.  I know, not your typical color choice, but modern moms love it!  Works great for a boy or a girl.

I included a hefty basket too!  I used this pattern from Crochet in Color and crocheted over the yarn between the poms as I went.  Really easy and no cutting of the yarn until the end.  I still need to line the basket with fabric which will help it stand upright.

I used a G/4.0mm hook for both the blanket and bucket.  On the blanket, the pom pom yarn is slip stitched all the way around and I secured the end with a needle and thread.  I love the finished products and I hope you do too!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week,
Sheila

My latest Pins

Crocodile Stitch Shawl

I have had this pattern, by Bonita Patterns, in my Craftsy library just waiting for me to download. This was the month!  Three skeins of Patons Lace Bonfire completed this 2 row repeat pattern.  I really love the long runs of this particular yarn as it creates a spectacular effect!

You can find the pattern from Bonita Patterns on Ravelry.  You can also find it on Craftsy, here.  

Wonderful 2 row repeat pattern! Not for the newbie, however.  Once you get the hang of it, you can hook along, easily chatting with a fellow hooker, watching Downton Abbey or your fav program/movie!

I would suggesting going on YouTube and watching a video if this is your first attempt at crocodile stitch.  There are many to choose from, but I found this one to be the best.

 
I'm not sure you can complete the fringe on the pattern without another skein, so buy one extra than the pattern suggests.

My daughter snapped this up right away as orange is her favorite color!

See my latest pins below!

Best,

Sheila

Buckets & Baskets

I had mentioned in this post that I had been on a basket craze!  I used some of the lovely yarn I received from the Craftsy Deals Shop.  This is Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection Kaleidoscope DK.

You get an idea of the scale here.  Scraps of fabric line the inside with a simple whip stitch.  The fabric gives them a sturdiness and really helps them to stand upright.

The blue yarn was in this Craftsy Mystery Box.  If you haven't pulled the trigger or are new to them, give it a try.  You won't be sorry.  Gorgeous things in every surprise box.

You can find all the basket patterns, and information on my labels and charms in this post.

This isn't the best photo as dark greys and black are a bit difficult to shoot but it's a beautiful squishy yarn that was a joy to work with.  It's Cascade 128 Superwash.  I'm not sure they carry this dark grey any longer, however, they have a long list of other great colors.

I had some Aneela Hoey Little Apples left over from a blanket I made to line one of the baskets with.  You can't see, but the bottom has a cardboard circle in the bottom to help them all keep their shape.  You can cover them with fabric as well.

Now, what to fill them with!

*Slip a jar candle in one.
*Knitting/crochet notions in another.
*One would be a really cute baby shower gift for the nursery.  Fill it with lotion, washcloths and the like.
*One by the door to hold keys, cel phone and whatnot!
*The grey one could easily hold fruit on the kitchen counter!

Have a great week,
Sheila

Photo Prop

I just have to share a photo a lovely customer sent me today!  She purchased this blanket from my Etsy shop and gave it as a baby shower gift.  It's a photo prop with her monogram on the front!  How cute is THAT?

If you are a knitter or crocheter and give your finished items as a gift, you will understand me when I say that there is nothing better than seeing it in use!  A hat on a noggin, a blanket in a stroller, a shawl around someones shoulders or a scarf around the neck.....it's THE BEST!

You can find the pattern for the blanket here in my shop

Have a great weekend,
Sheila