One Pillow, Two Pillow and a set of Booties. Year of Projects Week 2

So as soon  I decide to buckle down on my list I find myself suddenly diverting  onto other things. I've been trying to organize my craft room, putting yarn up and putting yarn together with patterns for a while. And as I move one more box and I then realize I've got a nice selection of pillow forms just hanging around. SO instead of working on a project that needed to be completed I started another. In my defense it was quick and I've added a spot of color to my living room/office space and utilized a pillow form. And did I mention that I used two skeins of yarn that I had in hand? Win/Win/Win in my book!

Its a pattern from the crochet crowd, Crochet Textured Flower Pillow, Here's the pattern I didn't have a bulky yarn I liked so I went with two strands of Red Heart that I had on hand. And I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'll be making another one in a different color soon, well as soon as I find two skeins of a color I think will work in that area. The stash hunt is officially on !

Then as luck would have it I got a message from a person who follows my daughters Instagram and she asked about a pillow I had done for My daughter a year or so ago. We struck up a conversation and soon she was placing an order for an Acorn Pillow, yes you read that right, Acorn. So that was pillow two of the week and I can't say how much fun those large stuffies are. In case you wondered the one for my daughter was a beet! My daughter is vegan and she loved the small version so well I thought a big one would be fun and a conversation piece too. I actually ended up making a few beet pillows and a couple of other veggie pillows last year for a friend of hers that had a vegan store on the coast. You just never know where the world of yarn will take you!

Then it was on to a special order of Booties. Dad is a baseball fan and with a new baby on the way and hope for the season opener, Mom ordered these Chicago Cubs inspired booties, These are fun and easy, toe of my favorite things, and I get it add a check mark to the finish column even if it's not on the list!

I'm hoping to dive into my project bags this week and drag out my long suffering cardigan, I might have it finished by the time it gets cold. I'm really glad I bought so much yarn for it since i"m pretty sure they don't make it any more.

So having said that It's time to track my Cold Sheep/ Clean out the Disaster  Craft Room

Yarn

OUT 2550 yards (rounded) 

IN 0

Other Craft Supplies

1 Pillow Form

So that wraps up another week of Projects for me, Please be sure to check out all of the other blogs in the group and  remember it's always a good time to join. Check it out here.

Have a Wonderful Crafty Week!

Reevaluating My Mess, I mean List ..YOP Week # 1 Year 10!

Well It's been a while and I completely admit that I had/have lost my Crojo.. (crocheting Mojo for those non crafters out there) over the last two years. In my defense I had some crazy life changes two moves, one of which was coming back to a old residence in a different situation. But with all of that I think I am finally wanting to get back into creating and sharing those creations with the world, yeah I know delusions of grandeur..lol

While its Year 10 for the “Year of Projects”, I can say that I’ve been off and on since year 5.. and some years I’ve done better than others. This year I want to really spend some time with my list and see what still speaks to me and what doesn't fit now. I still have a craft room full of yarn, fabric and other items that were for projects that at some point had to be added to the never ending list that I carried around in my head and on my Pintrest boards. I fully expect to get a message every time I open my Pintrest saying something along the lines of “Certainly you’ve pinned enough on all of these boards not to need a NEW idea by now”. Thankfully they encourage over indulgence..

I haven't been completely without out a hook. I did manage to make some items for the holidays for family and friends, and fill some orders for my Etsy shop. Who knew that Farmer's market veggies would be such a hit? Enough so that I’m working on adding a new “set” of veggies in the next couple of weeks.

Having said that I've also been on the cold sheep bandwagon, and doing better than expected. Not saying that my craft room couldn’t be mistaken for a small craft warehouse, I do need to clear out yarn, fabric as well as other kinds of projects, I'm looking at you basket making supplies. Anyone looking for a good amount of vintage Italian Cotton tape yarn? I mean really where in the world did I come up with these random things..lol



But one thing that I have added to my list, *Sigh* is crocheting 30 items, blankets, loveys and hats for a charity, Charis' Love. This is a kind of a birthday present for my daughter who will be 30 this year. She was born 8 weeks early and spent a month in the NICU. I was really lucky, I had lots of crafty support by way of blankets that aunts and my grandmother had created in anticipation of her arrival, even if it just happened to be a bit early. That “organized to get things done early gene” totally skipped me. But with the event sped up they kicked it in gear and knocked out small version of booties and hats to go along with the gifts of blankets already created. It was so appreciated in that crazy time. And we continued to craft as we waited for her to come home making more items to donate for other parents and infants in the NICU. I know there are plenty of other parents without that special support that I had and I hope these items will bring a bit of happiness to them. I have a few hats completed, a blanket started, and ideas for things they often request, we'll see if I end up with just a couple of patterns or thirty different ones. I'd love to have these knocked out quickly but I know my track record and I'm not making any promises..

 

And since I’m dreaming big this year, I’ll say I’d love to get my stash loaded onto Ravelry. While I’m destashing, Moving yarn to new loving homes I hope to organize a bit a bit too. I’m adding all of this to my wish list..

I've updated my list a bit and I'll insert a few relevant pieces here, but the whole thing can be found on another page, for those who want to see the whole ugly mess..lol. I think I'll be revisiting patterns and a few more will be falling off and I'm sure that a few more might even be added..

Current WIP- Crochet
Falling Leaves Blanket (Baby) Spring 2019
Moss Stitch (premie size for charity)
Catherine's  Wheel Blanket Winter 2018
Honeycomb Blanket Fall 2018
Stitch Story CAL  (I actually started two in two different colors!) July 18 2019
Peach Blossom Blanket from spring 2018 _ Almost done, just ends to weave in!
Bee Hive Blanket- Spring 2018
Unicorn Ripple- May 2018- frogged
Pom Pom Rug- April 2018
Whale Shark- Gift for E- from two years ago
Carrot Snuggle sack- 75% done- Spring 2017
Deftly Delft Mystery CAL 2016
Flower Garden Blanket- Started 2016
Cardigan for Me -Started 2016
Sidewalk Blanket- started 2015
Twilight Ribbon  Blanket before 2015- Almost done (ends maybe) DONE!!

Crochet Projects I want to start

New Additions that I have patterns for

De Dannan wrap Tunisian Crochet 

Sheep Blanket from owlbhooked

Bee Blanket from owlbhooked

Bee blanket (I have the yarn and the pattern in a box haven't even opened it yet)

Old listings that are still hanging on 

Blankets

Mystical Lanterns - I have the pattern and started one but decided to change my colors

Monarch blanket By Hailey Bailey- I bought the pattern and it will be a gift

Patterned C2C

Wendy Blanket

4 Seasons CAL from Deramores

10 Fleece "blankets' awaiting edging

Mini Spirals of Change

Star Blanket

Angelica Afghan

Blue Mandala Throw

So here I am again with a long list of ideas and it's week one of the Year of Projects group on Ravelry. If you's like to join in or just check out some great blogs, see lots of wonderful projects or just follow a group of talented and friendly people hop right on over and check it out!

Upcycling Jars for J in the A to Z Challenge

As a Canner I use jars for everything, especially since I always have them hanging around. And I do like to store in glass instead of plastic so that's a bonus. But what do you do with all of those jars that aren't canning jars, put them in the recycling bin? Well that's one thing but how about prettying them up and using them all around the house.

It doesn't matter if  you have big jars or small jars, decorative jars or simple pickle jars there is an idea for it.  Scroll down to see how others are saving money and adding storage and interest to their spaces. And what's even better these don't generally need more than some basic tools, paint and  a glue gun.

 While a jar is a jar, and it's made for storing something not much you can do about that, the easiest change you can make is with the lids. Adding a knob, finial or even a little plastic animal can turn plain into chic.


 
Ideal Home                                                                                      Torie Jayne

A little paint can go a long way towards creating something new out of something old


Create Craft Love                           Attainable Sustainable


With a small amount of effort you can go all out and create something truly remarkable
How about Apothecary Jars, they can be very expensive but are the rage for all kinds of decor

Say Not Sweet Anne  used jars, bowls and candle sticks to get this great arrangement. I don;t know how many if these items I've seen at yard sales and auctions for very little money.

Love the idea but want a little less Bling- Check out A Diamond in the Stuff version

Candle Sticks, Mason Jars and a Finial- Add a little paint and glue and a bit of nature for inspiration

And last but not least if you are really handy or want a bigger project, try your hand a lighting

You can start with Candles, Luminaries are a great idea, fill the bottom of the jar with your decor of choice, sand, pebbles, stones or marbles, then add your candle. they can be hung, placed on shelves or just set along a path.

Rae posted this tutorial over on A Southern Fairy Tale

Then you can work up to LED or solar lights also as luminaries or as outdoor lighting

Fairy Twinkle Lights? Lightn' Bugs? I'll take them!

Thanks to All Things Heart to Home for this idea

Are you feeling you want a bit more? Here are two ideas for Chandeliers, one is on the simpler side and the other will require a bit of electrical know how.

Here Comes the Sun took an existing light and just added jars. Love the new colored jars Ball is coming out with, look for these blue, green and even purple jars.

IkeaHackers took some everyday items and made some eye catching lighting for the kitchen!

This one used premade light cords but there is a bit of electrical work in tying it all together.

No matter your level of craftiness, there is a jar project just waiting for you! Have you upcycled some jars, used them for storage or just for display? Le me know how it went!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all of the other bloggers who are doing the A to Z Challenge this April!

Tomorrow my K got started in the Kitchen but it can't be contained! I'll see you tomorrow for more ideas...

Graters for the G

I'm closing out the first week of the A to Z Blogging Challenge with G for Graters. Yes, those metal things that such a hazard to your finger tips, but you can't live without them because, well we need Taco Tuesdays, too.

If you've moved on to pre shredded cheese or another fancy do dad and yours is lounging away in the back of the cabinet here are a couple of ideas to upcycle it into something useful.

How about a utensil holder? Plus bonus points since it creates a handy towel holder too!

www.Homeroad.net 

Or a hanging it the same way it makes a great display piece for flowers or other decorative items and a little rust doesn't hurt either!

At home with K

The design lends itself to be a great luminary, you'll be wanting these for your patio too!

Pani Dyrektor

Do you have one of these hanging around, have you recycled yours into a great project? I've also seen pendant lights and ear ring holders, I'm a bit wary of those designs, I've had a ru nor two with those sharp edges. Share your ideas with us!

If you've made it this far, I say THANKS!. It's been a fun week and there is so much more to see. 

So hop back on Monday for the next post in line and I don't think you'll be disappointed!

A to Z Challenge - Let's start with A

It's April 1st also known as April Fools Day but I'm not fooling around this year!
Normally this spot is reserved for my Year of Projects posts, but I'm doing double duty today, It's also the first day of the A to Z Blogging Challenge. If you haven't heard about it, then stay tuned!
A group of us crazy bloggers have each picked a topic and we'll be posting every day of the month except for Sunday, this post not included, with a letter of the alphabet.

I chose for my theme- Upcycling Crafts for you and your home! You've heard that everything old is new again and reuse and recycle. How about this one, repurpose or upcycling? I'll be talking all month about doing just that. With small things and large things, and I hope you check back each day to see what else I've managed to dig up for you. You never know you might just find something awesome for yourself!

So let's start with A for Armoire. They are not just for clothes anymore!
If you're like me you can't pass up a yard sale, flea market or a thrift store, you never know what you'll find!

Goldsboro Habitat Restore

These are two from my local Habitat, both great shape and great pricing. Which of course were both gone by the time I got there.. I'm not the only one with ideas it seems.

So now you have an idea of what we're talking about and where to pick on up, now for ideas on how to transform them into something else for your home.

Have a small space but need a dedicated office or crafting space?
Check these out!


As an office- Hub Pages



or as a sewing craft station - Girl In Pink

You are only limited by your imagination!
Use them in your Kitchen as a Pantry

How cute is this! Yes Please! From Tidy Brown Wren

or as your Kitchen! For those wide open floor plans. tiny studios or workshops

This is premade by Culshaw but with a little work you could create a version of this yourself!

Older furniture was made out of solid wood unlike a lot of the newer components, that just don't stand the test of time. Here are a few things to think about when you are out searching for that just right piece.

Is the piece solid wood? You don't want to work with pressboard or chip board, they just won't hold up.
Does it need a lot of repairs? Know your comfort level and stick to it. Definitely don't be afraid to try new ideas but if it's falling apart and you don't have the tools to do the repairs don't get in too deep.

Know the age of what you've found, don't refinish something that is truly old and would be worth more if kept in it's original state. Solid wood backing and hand cut dove tail drawers are one thing to look for, these are usually expensive but if you find something in a barn for really cheap that looks really old have it checked out before you start painting it!

In my grandparents day all they had was solid wood furniture and some of it was even made by family members, after we've spent 30 or so years using nothing but pressboard and plastic we realize that they may have been on to something. People are interested again in these items that have held up to the test of time so well, they are refinishing and repurposing them for new things that fit our busy lives.

So be sure to stop at that local flea market or thrift store, take a walk around you might might find exactly what you were looking for. It's fun and better than buying from the big box stores. You don't have the space or time to do it yourself, check out those same sells for prefinished items too. Support local handmade, even if it has been made over a couple of times!

Thanks for stopping by and happy hunting! Monday's letter is of course B and I'll be talking about something a bit smaller..check back to see what it is!

Also be sure to check out other bloggers who are doing the A to Z Challenge in April!
Do you have an idea or have you done a bit up of upcycling? Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you and see your projects!

Going Cold Sheep for 2015

As you can see I have plenty of Stash and I should be able to find nearly anything I would ever need to start another pattern or project. So in order to make room for other items and make use of what's already in here, I'm going Cold Sheep. Yep I said it and I really mean it. I'm even encouraging E to come and shop mom's stash.

This was my original idea for stash.. shouldn't need more room than this...right

This is two containers deep see the other stack peeking out. And there's my quilting frame.

And another stack as you walk in

So far this year I've done very well. I bought two skeins to finish off a project already started and that's it. In fact Chris sent me a message that he had a coupon for 50% off at Micheal's and didn't I need some thing.. I said no. I know, I was even shocked at myself.

Having said all that I am going to Heelside Farms the end of the month and I will leave with a skein or two but that's just supporting your local farmer right? Supposedly I'm going for a dying class but I'm really going to smooze the lambs..lol

 And seriously who can resist this face

Photo Credit : Heelside Farms

And on another note I'd did get the Window Toppers hung in my craft room. I had wanted to curtains but I need all the light I can get, so we compromised. I'm moving some items out, rearranging other things and maybe doing a bit organization, but I'd rather be crafting..