Berlin's Whimsy

Wearing Nature.

I didn't win Margie's giveaway for one of her wonderful crocheted acorn necklaces, so I decided to make one of my own using her helpful tutorial!

I used this hemp yarn from Elann that I had in my stash and a size 2.75MM crochet hook. The hemp is an excellent yarn for crocheting!

What's even better about this necklace? It makes a perfect pouch for flowers! The stem fits through the little hole in the bottom. My daughter had a difficult time choosing between her flower, one of our wooden acorns, or a real acorn. In the end, we decided the necklace is a "nature necklace," to be filled with trinkets of the seasons...

The pouch is just single crochet but the necklace's string is made with a Solomon's Knot, or Lover's Knot----here is a tutorial on youtube.

I am very enamored with this crochet technique and I hope to take on a larger project using this knot. I thought the Solomon's Knot chain looked very nice in conjunction with the nature necklace and it also worked up very quickly. Now I'm off to make one of my own!! Have a wonderful weekend!

Playing Hooky. With Links.

 

This past weekend, I endeavored to teach myself how to crochet. I've perused the basic crochet books in the past but never felt the desire to tackle the project fully. There are a number of reasons why I want to crochet: create my own doilies to use on sewing projects; make one of those bright colored ripple stitch afghans; tackle amiguri; and play with tawashi patterns. The latter projects use patterns that are typically in Japanese with charted designs to follow so I need to be fairly adept at understanding the flow of crochet and patterns before tackling them.

The above photo is of my first attempt at this fun project: Crocheted Dish Sponge Pattern. (Don't look too closely at mine---go to the site)! It's a great design because the "sponge" is very absorbent. In addition, the same designer created a Swiffer Cover("shrug") that can be thrown into the wash and reused! This is a future project of mine, too (once I become a little better at crochet)! I didn't continue using my Swiffer because of the guilt involved with throwing out all of those disposable inserts (plus, they are expensive, too).

In trying to learn the crochet stitches, I found this crochet site entirely useful!! How many times can one person watch a video of a half double crochet stitch? Apparently, lots! (At least in my case)...

I feel a bit smitten with the Japanese Tawashi Patterns and many of them call for that Japanese Anti-bacterial yarn I mentioned in my Japan Swap post. One of my very helpful readers who has an extensive scientific & medical background pointed out the unknown effects of this yarn. It is treated with a substance called zeolite to capture positive ions and it includes aluminum in its make-up. It was interesting to read her researched information and realize how much I just take the newest invention for granted----that I assume any side-effects or health risks will have been tested...

But are they? Right after our conversation, I watched this show  about the possible ill effects of bisphenol A (BPA) ----which is used in plastics----and the lack of actual testing by non-corporate entities with a stake in the product's sales; this stuff is found in everything, including 93% of our bodies now. It made me want to run out and purchase this, or this for my children and I rather than using plastic water bottles (oy, they are expensive, however).

A lot to think about while learning those crochet stitches.

***What how-to crochet book do you recommend? I'm looking for a book that includes instructions for basic crochet but has room to grow, as well...

Scrubbie Updates.

 

A couple comments prompted this update to yesterday's Knitted Scrubbie Tutorial. 

SIZE: I found that I prefer my scrubbies in a small square: Cast on only 14 sts and knit until you produce a square (aprox. 3-inches x 3-inches). The square shape makes it easier to get into small spaces and they don't take up as much room around the sink... Oh, and they are fast to knit up, too!!

MATERIALS: Both Mandi & Margie commented on repurposing tulle, netting, and scraps of fabric. And yes, I think the netting from produce bags would work wonderfully for this. Just cut it into strips and away you go! I love this repurposing idea----I'm sure our sisters & moms of the past would have done that same thing.

TULLE VARIATIONS: When you visit the fabric & craftstore, you'll usually find tulle in the bridal department. The tulle I used for the pink scrubbie (above) is called "shiny tulle" and it is rather rough feeling and stiff. Right in that same isle, you'll also find bridal netting tulle like that used for wedding decorations. It's not as stiff as the shiny tulle. This material, knit with cotton, makes a great dishcloth (however, not with as much "scrub action" as the stiff stuff) and a perfect buff for the bath & shower! It's not as rough on the skin. 

And, I must clarify that the scrubbie idea did not originate from me! One of my friend's relatives makes them and gives them to family members.  

Aren't they so fun?! Now, on with the weekend! We have chickens to round up!

Knitted Dish Scrubbie Pattern Tutorial

  

It almost makes washing dishes fun! Oh, I'll be honest, I love washing dishes----one of the few cleaning chores I actually enjoy. And the little scrubbie fits right within one of my philosophies: if I can make a household chore fun by adding a colorful and charming tool to the task, I'm all for it! 

I must also preface this by thanking Cassi for writing up a tutorial on how to write a tutorial! Very helpful!

 

Knitted Dish Scrubbie

Materials: Cotton worsted weight yarn, such as Peaches & Cream; 3 Yards of medium tulle; a scrap of cardboard or an empty paper towel roll (optional)

Tools: US Size 9 Knitting Needles; Scissors or Rotary Cutter & ruler with cutting mat

Pattern makes one scrubbie that measures approximately 3 1/2-inches x 5-inches

First, Prepare the Tulle:

 

Step 1: I'll warn you, tulle is very unwieldy to work with. I found this method reduces the frustration that can result from handling a big chunk of tulle. Fold the tulle in half lengthwise and then again lengthwise. Carefully lay the "tulle sandwich" on a flat surface and weight it down. Make an initial cut to one short side of the sandwich to even it out and then with either scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler, cut strips of the tulle approximately 1 1/4" wide. You only need approximately 4 strips for one scrubbie, but while you have the tulle tamed, you might want to go ahead and cut the whole thing at once. 

Step 2: Knot each end of the tulle to another to form one long "tulle yarn." An overhand knot works the best. Pull the knot tight but not so tight that it breaks. Cut off the excess. Continue knotting the lengths together.

 

Step 3: I like to wind the tulle onto a length of cardboard or a paper towel roll so it does not become tangled, thus creating my own ball of tulle yarn. 

Make your Scrubbie!

Loosely cast on 15 sts holding both the cotton yarn and the tulle together. 

 

Continue knitting the scrubbie in garter stitch (knit every row). Don't worry about the tulle being straight in the stitches, it'll work itself out...

When your scrubbie reaches 5-inches or desired length, bind off loosely, knot excess thread, and cut the extra (or, make a little loop to hang your scrubbie right at your sink).

 

Now go wash those dishes with a smile! Happy Weekend!

Quick Weekend.

I'm always the one with food drips on my clothing and spilled red wine on the white tablecloth. It's a guaranteed thing. Yep, that's my wine up there (first glass, too)...

We took a quick trip to Portland this weekend to attend a family wedding. It was nice to be back in the city. We returned to 60+ degree weather with a blazing bright sun... Our first bike ride of the season quickly followed. I love Daylight Savings...

I'm behind on the bags for my shop. In fact, I haven't even started them! Ack. Soon, I promise...

For now, I'll draw your attention to some fun things I found upon returning to the cyber-world:

Knitting: Ysolda's 'Verity' Beret pattern

Knitting: Raisin Beret (More photos here).

Cooking: Quinoa Fritters

A Baby Hat. And Bib.

Onto better things... Like crafts! My niece had a baby two months ago, and while I had a few things planned for her, I didn't actually finish them. Until today. When I found out she was in town. I finished one of my go-to infant knitted hats: the best ever infant baby present (the pattern is in this post and also follows in the extended text).

And a bib. Even though it was very simple, I loved the way it turned out. I just embroidered the flower using my free-motion embroidery foot and bit of wool felt. The flower design is a repeat from the fabric pattern on the back.

Again, I was reminded of my goal long ago to have a few little baby presents on hand for that special little baby that enters the world and needs a bit of handmade goodness for their journey. Nothing's better than that.

Sewing Resources: Bend the Rules Sewing

Crafty here, crafty there

I'm back from a whirlwind family trip to visit my mom for Mother's Day...

Besides the poignant poems and little pots of nasturtiums and marigolds presented to me by my little-ish ones after school on Friday, I also received this photo print from Simply Photo's etsy shop from my hubby. The photo reminds me of a Japanese print, though I don't think it's from there. I was pleased to see that the hue of blue in the print is exactly how I imagined it to be! It's so lovely.

I finished a set of linen napkins for my mom embroidered with whimsical tea designs---some from those Japanese craft books and some of my own. I wish I would have had the time to take pictures of the finished napkins, as I really liked the way they turned out, but I was in such a rush to get out the door. She seemed to like them. There's an interesting discussion going on over on the Flickr Embroidery Group in which I had originally asked what you're supposed to do on the "wrong" side of embroidered linens... let it be or cover them up somehow. Check out the discussion of showing your "backside!"

And, I picked up needle and yarn again!!! I have two baby gifts to give next week and these little hats are the perfect gift. One of my friend's moms made these little hats for my friend's little boy. How do I love these little hats... let me count the ways: They fit an infant's head like those ones they give you in the hospital but better (they are homemade, afterall!); they are springy and soft because of the elastic in the yarn; they are machine washable; they are EASY! They're going to be a staple baby gift of mine from here on out. I wish I would have had a couple myself when my kids were infants. So, I'm posting the pattern for you to pass the soft, stretchy goodness along to the infants in your lives... (BTW, the hat in the top photo is being knit with two of my favorite colors together---aqua and red. The pattern below is for a solid colored hat).

Stretchy Cotton Baby Hat

Materials: One ball of Cascade Fixation Yarn and US size 6 dp needles

Cast on 80 sts and divide between dps

Join for in-the-round knitting, being sure not to twist the yarn

Knit in the round until hat measures 5 inches

Begin decreasing for the crown as follows:

Round 1: *K 8, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 2, and all even rows: Knit

Round 3: *K 7, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 5: *K6, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 7: *K5, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 9: *K4, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 11: *K3, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 13: *K2, K2tog*, repeat around

Round 15: *K2 tog*, repeat around

Pull the working yarn through the remaining sts and secure. Weave in ends! You're done!

The Granny Factor

The Granny Factor is strong within me. I remember doing cross-stitch when I was 21 and my boyfriend (now husband) and his friend invited me to go to a party with them, yet I casually declined, being too involved with finishing my cross-stitch project. I remember feeling a tad bit embarrassed when, as an eight-year old, my mom showed me how to do a chain stitch and while all the neighbors made forts and played Star Wars, I sat idly in the yard, chaining away. Around this time, I also learned to sew and made pillows and doll clothes. While in high school, I much preferred reading a book to all the drama that was going on in the social circles. Around this time, I remember a rather significant break-up with a boyfriend only to learn later through the grapevine that he thought I was "too boring." Yeah, I guess I kind of am.

I made my daughter a pair of the quintessential Granny Slippers. I became motivated when my sister-in-law showed up here last summer sporting a pair. They were just so darn cute in that charming Granny sort of way. She told me about her Grandmother and how she knitted these slippers non-stop and that after she passed away eight years ago, they found a huge cache of them in her attic when they were going through her things. The ones my sister-in-law was currently wearing were cherished because they were the last of that batch. Ahhh, I thought, I want to be a Granny passing on my handcrafted love to the generations to follow. What a warm thought.

And as I watch my daughter bouncing around wearing her slippers, I smile. And cast on a pair for my son. "Do I get pom poms on mine, too?" he excitedly asks me. "Of course!" I reply!!! I'm glad he feels comfortable with pom poms.

You'll find the pattern I use in the continuation of this post below...

It's EASY!!! And fast! I used GGH Aspen for the kids' slippers----this yarn is so soft and cushy. 2 Balls of yarn will make child sized slippers, plus a little for the pom poms. I used a Clover Pom Pom maker to make the pom poms----this nifty little tool makes it very easy to make pom poms! Plus, it's fun (my daughter is addicted to making them now)!

*****100th Post Contest Entrants: I will announce the winner on Saturday's post!!! Our multi-talented Pug Dog, Tori, is going to be choosing the winner on Friday.