West Lynn Headwrap

West Lynn Headwrap

I found this cute pattern on Ravelry and thought "that's so simple, it'll be done quick!".  The problem is that the headband came out way too big!  I used a size G hook and medium weight yarn (the pattern calls for worsted) and I did the size S/M.  It was huge.  So I frogged it and restarted with a few things in mind: the band needed to be smaller and I wanted the bottom of the band to be narrower so I could wear it under my hair.  I'll try to walk you through what I changed.  I first decided 78 dc was too much and shortened it to 68.  Because I wanted the band narrower on one end, I did the foundation as follows: 16 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 16 sc.  I did rounds 3 and 5 the same way.  Rounds 2 and 4 I did differently: 12 sl st, 4 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc, 12 sl st.  To me, this made the band easier to wear and more comfortable.  The only other change I made was that I only did 6 rounds on the wrap and 4 rows on the band.  It didn't make a huge difference in size to me.  I am overall very pleased with this pattern (the way I did it).  In fact, I've made two of these today!  The pattern is free and you can find it on Ravelry here.  I hope you guys try it out.  I can get three of these from one ball of cotton yarn so it makes a great stashbuster.  Enjoy.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and share your photos on my Facebook page.  Also, as always be sure to hit the share button below.  Thanks for reading!

Free Pattern--Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

     I love making purses!  I found this pattern while browsing Ravelry's database.  I just love how these little bags can be worked up in a few hours and they really look stunning when finished.  This boutique bag was made with 100% cotton yarn in the color Spring Ombre.  Here in Memphis we are covered with ice and I needed a little touch of Spring.  This bag did it!  The color is beautiful and I think the flower just adds to it's appeal.  To use this as an everyday bag you would want to line it to prevent little bits from falling through the fabric but it is the perfect size for a gameboy or iPod or kindle.  You can find the pattern here (very easy pattern, great for beginners) if you want to make one or the bag pictured is for sale in my creations shop (link in sidebar).  Let me know what you think of my new boutique bag below in the comments and hit that share button while you are down there.  Every share helps! :)  If you have suggestions for this site feel free to contact me and let me know!  I hope you enjoy the bag as much as I do.  If you would like to learn crochet, I have plans to make some tutorials in the near future!  Until then, you can check out Craftsy's Crochet Classes.  Craftsy is always running sales on these classes and, having purchased one myself, I can tell you they are great classes.  The platform is great: you can ask questions and share your thoughts (and projects) with other people in the class.  You also get access to the class forever.  Buy once and you can access it whenever you want with no expiration.  I'll be back tomorrow, see ya then!

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Free Afghan Pattern--Do As You Dream

DROPS Design: Do As You Dream

     Last week, I picked up a 1 lb skein of white yarn intending to use it for some mario mushroom hats (yes, that's going to happen soon).  I didn't read the yarn info as it was on sale and I knew I would use it.  Well, long story short this yarn is not the same weight as my red and green so I decided not to use it for the hats.  Instead, I am making this beautiful afghan.  With spring just around the corner, the blanket will be a perfect accent for any home.  The pattern is available free from DROPS and is really easy to work up.  I'm using Bernat Pound of Love in white (feels like medium weight 3 or 4) and each motif measures 4.75" for me (using a G/4.25mm hook).  I think mine will need some additional motifs added to make the afghan as large as I want it to be but it will be super easy to do.  The squares are joined as you go which I also really like.  It gives the blanket a lacy feel to it.  As you can see below, I have completed 5 squares since starting last night so at only 4 rounds per motif it works up super quick.  I'm extremely excited about this pattern and I hope you guys click the link above and try it out for yourselves.  It's beautiful, light, easy, and quick.  What more could you ask for?

That's it for me today, guys.  If you try this pattern out, be sure to share your photos on my Facebook page.  As always, be sure to like, comment and share!  Also check out my shop where you can order awesome items made custom for you by me.  Thanks for reading!