More of Your Chunky Baskets

I just had to share some more of the beautiful baskets that you all have created. Considering this time of year, these baskets are a good idea for holding candy or gifts, or to be created specifically as a gift. I love the colors. The first one is so pretty.

How gorgeous is this green? This was made by Romina from Madrid, Spain. I have to say...Romina totally inspires me. Check out her blog http://damelalata.blogspot.com/. She is amazing

I also love the neutral colors used in these...

These look so much like my own version, but made by Sophie, from France, http://figuierdesophie.canalblog.com/

and this one ...made by Stof, http://kneutsel.blogspot.nl/ Go on over and check this blog out...there you will find a tutorial on how to recycle t-shirts or sheets to create yarn

these colors look so autumny;D...you know what I mean. This one was made by Carol from Wakefield, MA.

and these were made by my dear Meredith, http://mereknits-mereknits.blogspot.com/. She added some pretty embellishments

this one by the creative Ali, http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ali-green

this altered version is so cool, made by Simona from the Czech Republic. She's giving me some ideas here

keep sending me your links...I love to share. I may add some more later. The pattern for this basket is here on my blog.

Today I'm finishing a pattern to post tomorrow so check back with me then.

Oh, and by the way, has anyone seen Sandra K, the winner of the slippers? She hasn't claimed her prize.

Sandra K if you find this post please send me your info so I can send your slippers to you;D

Tie Dye Project

This weekend I stumbled upon a quick project...

Tie Dyes!!!

I went to get my hair highlighted on Saturday and ran into the Harvest Festival. The tie dyes caught my eye so I just had to stop. I intended to buy a couple for myself and Ireland, but the ladies from Parties2dye4 talked me into making my own. 

I've never made tie dye shirts before and thought that it would be really difficult. I had the easy part. The ladies there did the actual folding and rolling and rubber banding. I put the dye on the shirts. Then brought them home letting them sit in the bags for 6 hours. Then Ireland and I rinsed them out and threw them in the wash for 2 complete washes and then to dry. 

Ireland's design is a heart. I think it looks pretty cute.

I wanted the Classic Swirl

They turned out much better than I expected. I sure hope they don't fade too much. Anyone have any ideas for how to keep the colors vibrant? Every time I buy a tie dye they fade a lot. The ladies told me that they shouldn't fade. I hope they are right.

I might just have to try the entire process myself. I would love to have another shirt with pinks and purples or blues and greens.

Today I'll be working on the Pink Panda Pattern...been dragging my feet on that one;D

Have a great weekend!

The Winner For the August Giveaway

I know I am a day late with the announcement of the winner of the August giveaway. That seems like the story of my life at the moment:D

Here is the prize for this (last) month's drawing...

So I used Random.org and generated the winning number. I threw out 3 comments and the winning number is...10

The 10th commenter is Sandra K Williams

Congrats Sandra K:)

Please send me your contact info

Thanks to all for your nice comments and have a great week!

August Giveaway

Finally...this month's giveaway. Please forgive me. Things here are stressful right now. We've been house hunting and have just bought a house (scroll down for photos). Trying to round up all of the documentation required is so time consuming. Anyway, here's what's up for grabs this month...

I made these from a pattern that can be found on Etsy. It can be found here. I made a couple of pairs and these turned out too small for my feet. 

I changed the design by not adding the back part which would go around the back of the foot.
This pair would fit a size 5.5 - 7.5 US.
So if you are interested in winning this pair of slippers just leave me a comment. I'll randomly choose a winner in a week or so...probably next Sunday (in about 10 days)

Sorry about the blogging inactivity here lately. The house hunt and negotiating has put everything else on hold.

Here's a little preview of the house and land

9.2 acres

Sunroom...I've always wanted one. (These photos show the side of the house. The front is to the left side of the photo below.)

I love weird and different

Not so much for Ireland...this is how she feels about it all:D

She may not be happy about it, but I am. I sure do hope that all goes well (inspection and all) and we can close with no problems.

I'll keep you posted.

Come back in a few days for the Pink Panda hat pattern. I'll have it soon, I promise:)

Don't forget to leave a comment if you would like to win the slippers.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend:)

A Crochet Resolution...and a Preview of This Month's Giveaway

I've made a crochet resolution...As of now, I am not crocheting for payment any more. I'm sooo over Etsy. I joined in 2009 and have never really enjoyed selling. Don't get me wrong, I love Etsy. I buy most of my bags and jewelry from the talented sellers there.   I love to purchase crochet patterns as well. I appreciate all of the great finds that can be found there.

These are some of my latest purchases

Using Etsy as a buyer is much more satisfying (for me)

I actually sell more outside of Etsy. People email and message me with requests. Some are friends and people I know...that's the toughest. Saying no to all of them. 

Personally, I find no pleasure in selling my crocheted projects any more. I love being able to provide something for someone, but find more joy in giving crocheted gifts, offering patterns for free, and blogging. I haven't really spent much time on my Etsy shop. After getting an order for the Colorful Stripey Mitts, I realized that I would rather spend my time doing other things...

I love my day job much more (it pays more of course) I love blogging much more. I love bartering a heck of a lot more. I found that I love crocheting much more without attaching dollars to it all. It's no fun anymore. So now I hope to regain the love of crochet again. No stress, deadlines, or obligation to get it all done.

I have a new friend, a knitter, who I love to swap with. I really enjoy swapping on Ravelry as well.
If anyone would like to swap, let me know...but for selling, I'm done, mostly. I may make a project here or there for sale. But for the most part, I'm gonna give, swap, and enjoy myself again:D

With all of that being said, I'll announce this month's giveaway soon:D

Here's a hint...it's a finished item or two;)

The Pink Panda pattern will be ready in a couple of days as well. I'm slowly trying to get back to what I love to do.

I will offer more details about the giveaway tomorrow when I have better photos.

Have a great week:D

New Projects and a Pattern Preview

I'm finally starting to finish some of my projects;) Considering it's summer, I'm not too worried about it. Here's one of the bunnies. I'm still working on the second. This boy was really easy to make...just time consuming

I've also been putting Pinterest to good use. I've been wanting to make an earring organizer for so long now. I love the frames with the screens, and I've seen them on Etsy and in person at a couple of shops and boutiques. I decided to try one myself. Michael actually made it. He painted the frame and tried to staple the screen inside the edge of the frame.

This was definitely a learning experience. I'm going to ditch this one and start on another. The frame was not sturdy enough. The staples warped the edges of the frame.

So I've decided to go back to Pinterest and follow the tutorial that uses good old Duct tape:)

I've also been working on a new pattern;) 

Can you guess what it is?

Stayed tuned...I'll have it ready in a few days.

Have a great week:D