Mary's Birthday Present

November is Mary's birthday. She's this really cool lady I know that came to America from England a long time ago. She still has the British accent and tea parties.

I crocheted this necklace for her because she loves handcrafted items and she makes me feel pretty special.

Happy Birthday, Mary! And thank you for being you. I think you're pretty special, too.

It does now

In the spirit of DIY, I cruised the yarn aisle to find the perfect shade for my fringe. You can make this with pearl cotton thread, or do what I did and use Micro Spun by Lion Brand.

I tried different hooks with this, but finally settled on a size D hook. You can also use a steel hook in size 2. I like the longer handle on the D and the head was large enough that it didn't split the yarn.

With hook in hand, I made a chain and one row of single crochet before I fastened off. I then cut the yarn in 9 inch lengths. I used one length per stitch.

You can make this fringe as long or short as you need. And it doesn't cost you $2 a foot to make it. It feels so much better than anything I found already made, and looks better, too.

Remember, when they tell you it can't be done, then just go and show them how it's done. It'll make you giggle out loud and proud that you didn't take no for an answer.

Does This Come In Another Color?

Have you ever needed something in a particular color and nobody had it? And then you made the mistake of asking if the store did special orders?

This happened to me recently when I needed fringe to sew on a curtain. First I had sticker shock while looking for fringe at the stores. It averages $2 a foot for the style I was looking for.

The price made me think I needed to make fringe for a living. And why not? It couldn't be any lamer than the lady on tv bragging about how she makes scrunchies for a living.

Okay, back to the problem with fringe. I couldn't find the fringe in the shade I needed at any price. And then it hit me, I can make it myself. The whole DIY philosophy developed over frustrated shoppers.

Next up is how I solved my little problem and how you can make fringe in the shade you want. No snooty salesclerks either.

Ghostly Pins

"I don't have time to crochet anything for Halloween!"

Relax, because this one can be crocheted quickly and best of all-- perfection is not required.

You will need a small amount of white yarn and a hook size that you are comfortable with. Two squiggly eyes and one small pom pom, pin back, white craft glue or a hot glue gun.

Begin with the head.

Rnd 1: Ch 5, join to make a circle, ch 2, 2 hdc, dc, 7 tr, dc, 2 hdc, sc, join.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in next 12 sts.

Body

Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, join to rnd 1 of head with a sl st.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loops only of last row. (6sc)
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, sc in back loops of first 6 sc, sl st in Rnd 1 of head. (8sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loops of next 8 sts, ch 5, turn.
Row 5: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 chs, sc in back loops of previous row, join to Rnd 1 of head with a sl st. (12 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loops of next 10 sts, ch 2, turn.
Row 7: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in back loops of previous row, join to Rnd 1 of head with a sl st.
Row 8: Rep Row 6.
Row 9: Rep Row 7.
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loops of next 7 sts, ch 3, turn.
Row 11: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, sc in back loops of previous row, join to Rnd 1 of head with a sl st.
Fasten off.
Push pom pom through the hole in the head. Glue in place from the back of head. Glue pin back on the back of head above the pom pom. Allow glue to dry. Glue two squiggly eyes above the pom pom nose. Allow glue to dry for 24 hours before attempting to wear these. Make more ghosts in the meantime. Make it a group project and you could potentially produce enough of these in a week's time that you will be able to use them as a fundraiser.
ENJOY!

Bootie B?

Informal Baby Bootie Survey! Which one do you like best, A or B? Why? or Why not?

All in the name of fun, please feel free to leave a comment on the latest Great Crocheted Baby Bootie Debate.

Bootie A?

I came up with two different crocheted baby bootie designs today. This one, I'll call Bootie A.

I'm taking an informal vote for Bootie A or Bootie B. So if you prefer one over the other, your comments are most welcome.

Isn't She Lovely?

Wearing a burgandy crocheted gown trimmed in black lace is Barbie. Every time I make one of these, I think I want to make a human size replica of the top and/or the entire gown. Wow! Barbie always did have an awesome wardrobe.