Macrame anyone??

I found a little inspiration while I was on vacation in Italy. Does anyone remember Macrame? That hobby from the 70s? When I was about 10 or 11 I bought all the materials and attempted to make a plant hanger, but after repeatedly tying my fingers in knots I gave up. That is where that hobby ended for me and that is where I thought it would stay. It has once again captured my attention, however. Just another thing to add to my long list of new things to try...

Macrame Bracelets are everywhere in Italy

I found these lovely macrame plant holders in Spello Italy

What inspires you today?

Cheers,
Jenn

In the works...New Patterns and Free Pattern Tab

I'm working on publishing a new pattern. It will include instructions for making these Tiny Titans and 7 of their buddies for a total of 10 patterns. It will be available in my Etsy and Ravelry store later this month or early in April.

I also added a new tab at the top of the page that links you to a list of all my free patterns. 

I hope you are having a wonderful week.

Cheers,
Jenn

Naalbinding

I was looking into the history of knitting in Egypt when I stumbled across a photo of these Coptic socks that were made in the 4th century. The divided toe is so that they can be worn with sandals. It looks almost identical to knitting, but it is really a very different technique called naalbinding.

There are also ancient sample of Naalbinding found in Peru where the craft is still practiced today. In fact, variations of this craft have been found all over the world.

There are many different types of stitches that you can do using this technique. What makes it different from knitting and crochet, however, is that instead of working loops into other loops you pass the entire length of your working yarn through each stitch. To do this you use short lengths of yarn and a large blunt sewing needle. This makes it a little unforgiving, but it also makes the fabric very sturdy and difficult to unravel. If you want to know more about the basics of Naalbinding you can check it out on Wikipedia or Ravelry

Here are some photos of my first attempts at this technique.

Foundation Chain

The Coptic Stitch

My finished pouch.

I have enjoyed toying around with this technique and I look forward to learning more about it's history and practicing a variety of stitches.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Cheers,
Jenn

Ninja Bunny

This pattern isn't a new one... just a variation on my bunny finger puppet pattern.

 

Materials
E or F hook
worsted weight yarn
tapestry needle

Stitches:
Ch - Chain
Sl st - slip stitch
SC - Single Crochet
Inc - Single crochet 2 stitches into one

Bunny Body: 

Row 1: Start by making 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Row 2: (sc, inc) around (9)

Row 3: (sc, sc, inc) around (12) 

Row 4: to make the white eye slit in the ninja suit simply switch to white in any for any four stitches in rows 4 and 5. Add two black lines to make the eyes and you are done. I made the stitches in the back loops only to keep the stitches cleaner looking.

Row 6-11: sc in each stitch (12)

Sl st into next two and fasten off 

Ears:

Make ears by chaining 8 then sc into second stitch and continue to the end of the row. Fasten off and

attach to the body. Weave in all ends.

Bunny Finger Puppet

Here is a great pattern for Easter. It is quick, easy, and a perfect way to use up scraps of yarn.

Materials
E or F hook
worsted weight yarn
tapestry needle

Stitches:
Ch - Chain
Sl st - slip stitch
SC - Single Crochet
Inc - Single crochet 2 stitches into one

Bunny Body: 

Row 1: Start by making 6 sc into a magic ring (6)

Row 2: (sc, inc) around (9)

Row 3: (sc, sc, inc) around (12)

Row 4-11: sc in each stitch (12)

Sl st into next two and fasten off 

Ears:

Make ears by chaining 8 then sc into second stitch and continue to the end of the row. Fasten off and

attach to the body. Weave in all ends.

Sew on a cute face and you are done.

Finished Objects... Finding an end to my project rut.

I haven't been posting lately because I have been at a bit of a stand still. I'm not feeling the creativity flowing in my crochet projects and so I find myself doing other things.

I finished one cute project for Valentine's day... I made these little change pursed for a friend's daughter to give to a few of her classmates. I'm thinking about whipping up a couple more for my own kids for tomorrow.

I also finished a cover for my husband's GPS receiver.

I made a stuffed fox for my daughter.

And I made a couple of early Easter friends...

Today I am working on a knitting project. I usually crochet, but I thought  little change of pace might get me out of my project rut. I want to get back to feeling creative again.

What do you do when you get in a project rut? Any creativity tips to share?

Cheers,
Jenn

Finished Object- Red Sea Scarf

I started this scarf while relaxing during the holiday at a resort on the Red Sea and finished it just a few days after my return.  I bought a really nice variegated brown and tan cotton yarn several months ago at a local yarn shop and I think this was the perfect project for it.  I have been wearing this scarf ever since I fastened off and weaved in the ends.  It has recently become chilly in Cairo and the added warmth around my neck is welcome.  This scarf is light enough to be worn during warmer months as well. It is just a simple Chevron lace stitch so the project was mindless and easy to do while lounging on the beach.

Cheers,
Jenn

Finished Object Friday-- Barefoot Sandals on the Red Sea

I just got back from a trip to the Red Sea with my parents, my husband and my kids.  On my way to the beach I took the car ride as an opportunity to make this pair of barefoot sandals.  An old friend placed an order and I needed to get them finished before my parents headed back to Texas.  I am sending them back to the states tomorrow with my parents.

I'm going to miss them (my parents... not the sandals)...

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday.  I am making lists and preparing for a new year of projects and resolutions.  I hope that this year will be filled with many finished objects and finished projects!

Cheers,
Jenn