Sleeves are last year!  This year, wear your heart on your scarf (or hat)!  :oD

Been a bit distracted lately, but I've still been busy crafting!  I dug out my Ultimate Sweater Machine, and started doing scarves.  LOVE IT!  Here's a scarf and hat set I just finished.  This is totally going in the Etsy shop, if we ever get it opened.  ;oP

So, I totally have a new obsession.  Matchbook notepads!  I ♥ them!  I made some that are approximately 2x2", and some that are approximately 3x2 3/4".

Each matchbook has 12 sheets of paper inside, perforated to tear easily.  As soon as I get a decent stapler, I'll be able to make thicker ones.  LOVE THESE!  :o)

Wow, it's been longer than I thought since I updated.  I've been working on Jo Ann's water bottle cozies.  Here's what I've got, so far.

That's five down, five more to go.  Actually, six to go, because I think I'm going to give the pink ribbon one to Jo Ann, and then she wants ten to give as gifts.  She'd love the ribbon one, though, I believe.

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I've also started working on a knitted hat for my cousin for Christmas.  I'll try to get a pic of my progress, so far.  If it turns out nicely, I'll write up and post the pattern.  'Tis of my own design, so we'll see how it works out.  :o)

Jo Ann's Bottle Cozy

A member of my family recently asked me if I could make some water bottle cozies for her.  I decided to try a few different styles, and this is the one that worked best.

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• Small amount WW yarn (I used Red Heart Soft)
•  Size H crochet hook
•  Stitch Marker
•  Large-eye yarn needle

(Edited for corrections)
I've discovered that if you use a thinner WW yarn, such as Caron Simply Soft, you'll need to make a minor adjustment, or your cozy will wind up too small.  Just add a stitch in the beginning.

(Adjustments for thinner yarn marked with *)
Make a 'Magic Circle'  and work 6 SC.  *7SC  (Round 1)

Round 2:  Work 2 SC in each SC around.  (12 stitches)  (*14 stitches)

Round 3:  (SC in next stitch, 2 SC in next stitch) around.  (18 stitches)  (*21 stitches)

Round 4:  (SC in next 2 SC, 2 SC in next SC) around.  (24 stitches)  (*28 stitches)

Round 5:  Chain 2.  1 HDC in each stitch around, back loop only.  Join w/ sl st to top of Ch 2.

Round 6 - 22 (or however long you want it):  Ch 2.  1 HDC in each stitch around.  Join w/ sl st to top of Ch 2.

Finishing:  Pull yarn end through last loop, and pull tight.  With yarn needle, weave in loose ends.  Done!

I hope y'all enjoy making these as much as I do.  Peace!  :o)

I finished another cozy.  Man, these things are so easy!  Got into the holiday spirit a bit with this one.  :o)

Lately, I've been obsessed with cell phone/mp3 player cozies.  I made another one last night, and it turned out way too cute not to put up pics.

 

It's knitted with an old skein of Caron Jewel Box, which I don't think they make anymore, unfortunately.  Any pretty, bulky yarn would do, though, i think.  It's topped off with Lion Brand Fun Fur, which I think just makes it adorable.  :o)

These are so easy to make, and they work up so quickly.  I used size 10 needles, and knitted it flat, then stitched up the side and bottom.

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Cast on 20 (this may need to be adjusted, depending on the size of your phone/mp3.)

Work in Stockinette stitch until it's almost long enough to cover your phone/mp3.

Switch to Fun Fur, and work a few rows in garter stitch.

Cast off, and stitch up the side and bottom.

Done!  See, couldn't be easier.  :oP

Despite having a bum right wrist, and my right shoulder blade killing me, I found myself in the mood to paint tonight.  So I dug out my acrylic paints, brushes, and a 16x20" canvas, and got to work.  I have to say, for being somewhat handicapped tonight, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I'm sure there'll be things I see tomorrow that I'll want to go back in and touch up, but overall, I'm satisfied.

Of course, I think I got more paint on me than on the canvas.  Hee!

I figured out what to do with my new knitting needles.  I found this awesomely soft, gorgeous brown yarn.

I'm going to knit a simple, roll-brim hat, and crochet a light pink flower to stitch onto it.  Hopefully, the finshed product will look as pretty as is does in my head.  :o)