Crocheting Season

I think the cold weather is here to stay, which means I can start all the crochet projects! Last winter I got a bit burnt out and I have barely touched a hook since, but I think I am ready to get back in the game! Erika Knight's book Simple Crocheting gave me the extra boost of inspiration I needed. It is filled with wonderful projects. 

Even though I already know how to crochet, I like to ease back into pattern reading and this book makes that possible. I also enjoyed the refresher on stitches. I can never remember how to HDC... I have to look it up every darn time! 

I have also pinned some projects to my yarn board that I would like to try. I'm excited to get back to crocheting again and I think I might start with a scarf (like I do every year when the cold comes). You can see some of my past projects here.

If you have a favorite pattern you would like to share, please do!

Charlie

(Just so you know this is not a sponsored post. I am sharing this book with you because I truly enjoy it, and the link I included is just for your convenience. I feel silly saying this, but I wanted you to know that I am not trying to sell you something).

Off the Hook

Finished the first cowl of the season.  I have made it a point the last couple of years to make myself a new one each winter (sometimes I make things for everyone els,e and forget I need one). This year, I decided to learn a new stitch. I dug into this book and found a texture (SC/DC #3) that I loved! It is a beginner stitch, but I had never done it before and it worked up very easy and pretty quick!

The book can teach you the stitch (I feel like it might be wrong to put the pattern on here, and the book is awesome, so buy it)... but to create the cowl, I chained 102 and worked the pattern back and forth, not in the round, for 30 rows. Then, I joined the ends together. 

Have you been crocheting.. or knitting? I would love to see it... link me!

~Charlie

Off the Hook

I thought I would stick with this cheesy title... I kind of like it.  This week, I finished up a granny striped cowl for a friend who has an awesome coat that we call the granny couch coat.  I thought it was only fitting that she have a granny cowl to go with it.  It was the first time I didn't use a pattern, and it turned out perfect. I was thinking about sharing how I did it, but I'm not sure I possess the skill to write a crochet pattern out!

I made pillows for the chairs in our living room, but I thought they needed something more so added a little crochet applique.  This was my first time crocheting a motif. They're kind of fun to do, and I think I may try my hand at a doily soon!
~Charlie

Off the Hook

How is that for a cheesy title? For some reason, I often forget to share things that I crochet, so I thought I would try to be better about it this year.  I recently stumbled upon this lovely blog where you can find some of the cutest patterns.  I fell in love and tried these two.

Chunky Circle Scarf

Bow Headband.... or Ear Warmer

I feel like I am still a beginner when it comes to crochet, and anything outside of the granny square is out of my comfort zone.  If you feel the same way, don't be afraid to try these out!

Do you know of any cute crochet patterns I should try?

~Charlie

Restyled Thrifts!

Who doesn't love skirts with pockets?  I wish all skirts and dresses came with pockets. It makes everything easier! That's one of the reasons I couldn't pass up these two skirts while thrifting... they just needed a little love!

I also fell in love with the fabric of this skirt, and the fact that it buttoned. The downside was that it was really long... to my ankles long!

I hemmed it to my knees and added some black lace trim. I honestly can't wait to wear it!! (sorry that the top button just wouldn't close on the dress form... worst!).

I know what you're thinking, and you're probably right... this skirt is ugly!  Sometimes I find the ugliest things cute.  

This was another very long skirt, and due to the fact that I am really short (5'1ish), I tend to not wear very long skirts... so I hemmed it to the knee.  I also thought that I would just play up the dorkyness of the skirt and add some crocheted leaves to accent the leaf-themed fabric.  I personally think this skirt is dorktastic!  Also, the fabric is super comfy like an old sweatshirt, and it has an elastic waist that makes being in a skirt all day much more cozy!

~Charlie

A Very Merry Christmas!

Happy belated Christmas, everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends.  Sorry for my silence over the past few days... I was enjoying all the Christmas activities!  Here is what the last few days have looked like from my phone!

Wrapped lots of gifts.... and we made everyone's name out of pipe cleaners, so much fun!

Drank way too much Egg Nog!

Snuggled with kitty!

Played with the Elf on a Shelf.... we still haven't decided on a name :).

I finished crocheting a blanket for a gift... hope they love it!

That's some of what we've been up to today!  Tonight is a sing-a-long... yep, we like to make Christmas stretch for the week! :)

~Charlie

All photos taken using vignette for android!

Sometimes...

I get quiet around here... this time I was busy enjoying the season! 

Crocheting a leaf garland for the chandelier that I don't love, but still haven't found something perfect enough to replace it.

Making mini apple and banana cream pie for the Mr's birthday!

Working on the chairs... First coat of stain done!

and lots of snuggling with this little guy! 

Hope you have been enjoying this lovely time of year! 

~Charlie

Winner!!

The winner of the most cuddly cowl ever is........ Marysza!  Please e-mail me your address so I can send you your lovely cowl! 

Since only two lovlies chose to participate, I feel that Shpulka deserves something special too!! Shpulka if you send me address too I will send you a sweet little surprise!!! 

Thank you so much for participating! 

~Charlie

Crocheted Cowl & GIVEAWAY!!!

I recently finished crocheting this wonderful cowl.  I made one last year too, but it got lots of love and it was time for a new one!

Another reason I love it... It doubles as a hood!

and....

Because my days wouldn't be the same without you and your lovely comments and helpful words...  I made one for you too!!!  Plus, what better way to start the weekend than a giveaway??

It measures about (laying flat and in the round) 16 inches long by 13.5 inches wide, made from gray Caron Simply Soft (soooo cuddly)!

How to win this lovely wonderful cowl:

1. You must be a follower of this blog (via Google or Bloglovin)

2. Leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite autumn activity is.

3. You can earn extra entries by:

a. Blog about it and leave a comment with a link.

b. Tweet about it (@c_h_a_r_l_i_e_) and leave a comment telling me!

Good Luck!! I hope we get lots of entries!  Giveaway will close Wednesday, October 19th!

~Charlie

This Week

I had fun painting my nails...

Made some amazing, awesome banana nut muffins from this recipe. 

Finished up my chalkboard banner! I added some pumpkins on clothes-pins so it is still fully changeable :).

Bought a ton of yarn for this afghan.  Here is the pattern if you want to make one too!

We picked big pumpkins on a freakishly hot Fall day in Michigan. 

Hope you had a wonderful week and weekend!

~Charlie

I got a little distracted!

My book came!!!  I am really excited! I am in love with it so far, and I want to make all of them right now! (can't you tell i'm excited?!?! look at all the exclamation points :) )

I started playing around with this block! It's a little messy, but I'm using different types of scrap yarn.  In this book all the blocks are made to come out the same size, so your blanket/afghan possibilites are endless.  She even gives you color chart options...love!

I did finish one of the DIY's I was talking about in the last post, but due to some lovely rainy weather I do not have pictures yet! They're coming, I promise! Btw, do any of you have issues with command picture hangers?  For some reason they never want to sick in our bedroom?  Suggestions?

~Charlie

Finished...

I finished both of these blankets and they have been gifted... I think I might work on one to keep next!

Have you checked out the Granny Square Coaster DIY??? If you haven't you should :)

~Charlie

Granny Square Coaster DIY

What you need:

1. Eight granny squares or enough yarn to make them.

2. Scissors

3. Yarn needle

4. Crochet hook (I used size H)

5. Rotary cutter (optional)

6. Spray adhesive 

7. Scrap fabric

8. Cardboard

1. Make the granny squares the size you would like your coaster to be.  I made mine three rows.  If you do not know how to make a granny square, there tons of videos. If you are able to read a pattern, here it is: 

PATTERN NOTES:

Work in continuous rounds, do not turn.
DIRECTIONS:
Rnd 1: Ch 5, join with a sl st.
Rnd 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1st dc & ch 2 sp in this rnd & Rnd 3). 3 dc in same sp, 2 ch. *3 dc, ch 2, rep from * for a total of 3 times, end with 2 dc in same ch sp, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5, sl st into corner sp.
Rnd 3: Ch 5, 3 dc in same sp. * Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) – first complete corner made. Rep from * three times total, end with 2 dc in same ch sp, & join to 3rd ch of beg ch 5, sl st into 1st corner.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, * work 3 sc in corner sp, & sc in every dc & ch sp along the side around, rep from * around, join with sl st into first sc. End off, & weave in ends!  (Theses were copied from this book).

2. Cut cardboard slightly smaller than your finished granny square. I cut them to size and trimmed them down as I went.  I used thicker cardboard from a box.  This will keep the water from coming through the the holes and making rings on your table anyways. :)

 3. Cut fabric to fit the cardboard.  If you want to cover both sides of the cardboard for two sided coaster you could.  I went with one sided this time :).

4. Spray cardboard with adhesive and smooth out fabric. Make sure you let them fully dry before trying to move them, glue will end up everywhere.  (sorry no picture of this step.  It just wouldn't photograph)

5. Sew together the granny squares. Once you are almost halfway, slide in the fabric covered cardboard, with the fabric side on the side that you would like to show up when using.  Once it fits how you like, continue sewing and tie off.

 And you're DONE!!! :)  Now you have cute granny square coasters that won't cause mini puddle rings on your table. 

If you make this, I'd love to see... and if you have any questions don't heistate to ask :)

~Charlie

Tuesday Treasures!

I was so excited about this find!  I can't wait to have my set complete and set a formal table with all golden butterfly pattern!!  They're in perfect condition, the pepper was a little dirty but it washed right off!  Someday soon I will have to take a picture off all the golden butterfly I have found so far!

Last night I was catching up on Grey's and I was able to finish my extra long cowl scarf.  I took the techniques I learned doing this pattern to make this cowl, and made a longer thinner version!  

I made it to go with this super sweet leather jacket my dad gave me from the 70's.  I don't have pictures yet but, I will when it comes back from the cleaners!  In the above picture it is wrapped around 3 times... It's so warm and comfy for the lovely Michigan winters!

(Here is what I did... written out the best way I know how... sorry... im still new to this:  Chained 150, joined the ends with a Slip Stitch, Double crocheted 3 rows, Half-double crocheted 1 row, then double crocheted 3 rows, FINISHED! What I used: Red heart Aran Fleck and Aran.  I used two strands at once with 10mm N hook). 

~Charlie

My apologies for this posting Tuesday Treasures on Wednesday.... but I am still trying to adjust to it getting dark so early!  I always forget to take my pictures till it is too late! 

Rain Rain Go Away.....

Today is very grey... and blah! The rain has been on and off all day.  But spring is here, I have proof...  The Magnolia is starting to bloom!  (Yes I took the Nikon out in a slight sprinkle to capture these pics for you)

Since it has been so grey outside, I decided to play with pretty colored yarn while I watched the rain fall.  I still have a lot of projects that are just waiting to be finished... but, I ended up making lots of bows and a few flowers and now I have yet another project to finish.  I think they're so cute and they all came out just a little different, but I still have to attach them to clips and such. Oh and I tried my hand at making a cuff... with a lovely felt button! (I think it will be a fun little way to wear more buttons :))

I hope the sun comes out tomorrow :)
~Charlie

Busy Crafting!

I will get better at posting every day... I will get better at posting every day... lol I figure if I say it over and over I will get it! I have been very busy working on 30 different projects at once, I can't just work on one thing... I get bored easily :).

I added some ruffles to sweaters I that I didn't LOVE anymore (only ended up with one picture, more to come).

Made some super cute headbands... and I am totally addicted to anything coral colored!

Made the 1st in a series of 3 paintings :). There will be a pear and grape one as well!

Pictures to come of:

Mismatched earrings... I <3 them!

Paper cupcake pictures

Lots of different types of flowers

Old fashioned pot holders to give as gifts for Easter :).

Tomorrow for the 2yr anniversary of my baptism, my husband and I are going thrifting!! I am soooo excited :)

~Charlie