Sewing crochet on fabric

Sewing crochet on fabric, originally uploaded by picable.

Sometimes I want to sew something and find that I don't quite have enough material. The solution for me was to look at crochet as fabric.

I use the large safety pins to anchor the crochet in place and then hand sew it in place. This is my personal preference. Some prefer to sew with a machine. I always say I'm just going to baste it on by hand before sewing it on the machine. Then, I end up satisfied with the all but invisible small stiches done by hand.

Crochet Hook Conversion Charts

Aluminum/Plastic/Wood Hooks

B = 2.25mm
C = 2.75mm
D = 3.25mm
E = 3.5mm
F = 3.75mm
G = 4.0mm
H = 5.0mm
I = 5.5mm
J = 6.0mm
K = 6.5mm
L = 8.0mm
M = 9.0mm
N = 10.0mm

Steel Hooks

00 = 3.5mm
0 = 3.25mm
1 = 2.75mm
2 = 2.25mm
3 = 2.1mm
4 = 2.0mm
5 = 1.9mm
6 = 1.8mm
7 = 1.65mm
8 = 1.5mm
9 = 1.4mm
10 = 1.3mm
11 = 1.1mm
12 = 1.0mm
13 = .85mm
14 = .75mm

The Band

IMG_1169, originally uploaded by picable.

On the right, is Mitzi wearing her green witch costume. I used a sheer black spiderweb over the green satin.

The bear on the surfboard, behind Mitzi, is wearing a killer bee swarm on a tulle head piece. If that don't keep you up at night, I'm not sure what will.

On your left is Dook, wearing his pirate costume, complete with dreadlock wig and red skull bandana. His pants were made with old king-size flannel pillow cases. Pretty green of me, eh?

The making of bat wings

IMG_1167, originally uploaded by picable.

Here I am using a rotary cutter and the plastic guide to cut perfect triangles from black felt.

I saved all the little triangles to use as felt noses when I make amigarumi or teddybears. I'm sure I must have a year's supply now. LOL

Bat wings?

IMG_1171, originally uploaded by picable.

The little yellow guy is wearing bat wings made by me. That was a middle of the night project, in case you're wondering. But my inspiration came from a picture in a magazine.

Billy Bob in prison overalls

IMG_1172, originally uploaded by picable.

One animatronic costume I've been working on the past month is Billy Bob's prison overalls. This bear has a 90 inch waist.

It's a dreadlock wig!

IMG_1139, originally uploaded by picable.

All this needs now is a head to go on, and a red bandana wrapped around it.

And its on to the next project........

Dreadlock hairpiece

IMG_1130, originally uploaded by picable.

Here I have placed the black knitted cap over a coffee can. This holds the 'wig' in place while I sew the dreadlocks on. Maybe you can see the silver yarn needle on top that I use to sew each dreadlock in place. I'm going to be covering most of the cap with dreadlocks, so I need them to be sewed to the cap, on the top and also the sides.

Stay tuned for further developments on the Pirate Headpiece. You can make one for a human the same way I'm doing this.

The dreadlock loom

IMG_1135, originally uploaded by picable.

Actually, this is an icord knitting loom, but it makes the best dreadlocks using worsted weight black yarn.

A wig fit for a pirate

IMG_1137, originally uploaded by picable.

I started the wig using this knitting loom and some black yarn. The hat is shorter than usual because it will be used as a wig cap.

Why?

100_0405, originally uploaded by picable.

Why do I have so many pictures like this? Well, a relative bought them and has set them up in a restaurant. I get to take these pictures for him and sometimes I make them new clothes.

My goal is turn this guy into a pirate in time for Halloween. I'll be sharing my progress with you as I go along.

singing frog

singing frog, originally uploaded by picable.

I like this little guy. I sewed him and then crocheted him a pair of overalls since he was so.....naked without them.

Just wanted to share the fun before I call it a night. Ya'll have a good one!

Your Sandi

I did it!

Ta-da! Here are the pants I made with my serger. I am so happy, so proud. I can thread my serger, adjust the tension dials, and have a clue as to why I need to do these things.

It looks like Mindi the herican needs a little gold chain to wear around her little waist. What do you think?

True Confessions

I'm here to let you know that I have fears. Big ones, small ones, but more than anything is the fear of trying anything new. Yep, its true.

Today I faced a long standing fear in the face, took the challenge, and I won! Color me pink, folks, 'cause I am tickled.

So what is/was my great fear? Oh, just the serger my husband bought me four years ago. The problem was it had so many dials, so many new thing-a-ma-jigs on it that was wa-a-a-y beyond my level of comprehension. Yes, I read the manual that came with it. It was written in so many different languages, it was confusing all by itself.

Well, so, what happened to make me brave my fear? I got this book, "Simple Serger Sewing" and it explained it with words and pictures in a way that it made sense. Before I even got to the projects to make in the book, I had my serger out of the box and up on my table.

I cleaned it up proper, just like the book said I should do. Then, remembering that the last time I attempted to use it, the thread broke and that's why I put it away--before I messed up even more seeing as how I wasn't clear on where exactly I went wrong. I mean, it sewed when we bought it brand new, but my fiddling around with the dials and such messed it up so the thread broke and I had to re-thread it. Horrors!

But that was then, and this is now. I checked my threading and found 3 areas that were not threaded proper. Fixed that--not a problem. Feeling all confident, I plugged that baby in and pressed down on the pedal and it looked fine. Put some fabric in place, and after a few inches I stopped to check out the stitches....needed some adjusting. Checking the book, (by the way, the manual makes more sense to me now) I adjusted one dial and started sewing again. Checked after a few inches--perfect! Ha Ha! I'm dancing a jig in my chair at this point.

I changed the dials up and down to see the result, and now I am no longer afraid of my serger. Yay! I am going to cut out some pj's tonight and serge them right up. Never mind I have pressing deadlines on a ton of other stuff. I'm on a roll with this, and I do not want to put it away until I actually make something. Besides, the book has a pattern in it to make something that is on my list of things to do for a paying customer. And if its as easy as the book made it look, then I should have those done in no time at all.

*smiling really big now*

Pineapple Neck Cooler

IMG_1064, originally uploaded by picable.

I made one of these for myself and when I wore it the other day while walking to the library; I was sure glad I did. It kept me a whole lot cooler just having it on my neck, and if I shrugged my shoulders I would get instant cooldown of my corotid arteries. Now that made it all worth while, besides the fact that I looked pretty chic with it on.

I realize that those that know how to crochet might look at this picture and figure out how to make one for themselves. While that may be true, you can find out a lot easier if you just buy the complete instructions from me. I have the finished neck coolers in stock, or the pattern ready for purchase. I think you will find my prices are fair and reasonable. You can click on my Etsy mini for purchase or just send me an email.

What is this?

This is a nifty little tool for making icords. I am making several cords
for Halloween projects. I can turn some into snakes by adding a head.
Pretty scary if you find one in your bed one night. Do this at your own
risk.
--
Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®

Summer Jacket

Summer Jacket, originally uploaded by picable.

I added some motifs to the front neckline and lengthened the sleeves. The original pattern was made with size 10 cotton thread. This was my rendition of the pattern using baby yarn.

You can switch the yarn and adjust for the gauge using a schematic. That's where you have a diagram drawn with the measurements included that show how a crocheted item is put together.

While it looks good in the picture, the actual wearing of this garmet has been a problem because acrylic yarn has more stretch in it than cotton thread does.

I believe that if I add another strip of motifs to the center front and join them together, making this a poncho with sleeves...it will be perfect. Otherwise, I will have to sew in a cloth liner.

I'll keep you posted.

Beads and I-cords?

IMG_0995, originally uploaded by picable.

Made this with a knitting loom. Using two pegs, you knit it as an I-cord. First, you string the beads, make a slip knot on the first peg, and e-wrap the next one. Continue to e-wrap the two pegs, knitting off each time you have two wraps on a peg. Gently tug on your work as go and stop at 7 inches. Knot your ends together and weave in the tails.

Did someone say party?

Crochet Dog Sweater

IMG_1001, originally uploaded by picable.

I'm liking this year's version much better. It has sleeves that you can roll up or down, plus they are ribbed so they make room for the doggie elbows.

Also, I have made the neck roomier and left the collar open a little in case your dog is like mine and likes to have room to breathe inside the sweater.

Crocheting a dog sweater

IMG_0985, originally uploaded by picable.

You start with a square or rectangle depending on the size/breed of dog your crocheting for. Add ribbing to the end that goes toward the tail. Crochet a belly panel. For girl dogs you make it longer. The belly panel is wider at the bottom and narrows as it goes up. Make ribbing for the neck.

Assemble the pieces using whip stitch. Leave an opening for the legs when sewing the belly panel to the back. Crochet around the leg openings to complete the outfit.

Ta-Da! You have one cute little doggie wearing a crocheted sweater.

Cute baby shoe

IMG_0937, originally uploaded by picable.

When I saw this pattern, I knew I had to make it. It's called 'Baby Moccasin Booties' and the pattern is by Sylvia Schuchardt.

Thank you, Sylvia, for my crocheting pleasure of the day.

The dog sweater

IMG_0931, originally uploaded by picable.

Finished the sweater today. Fefe let me take pictures of her wearing it. It's a little big for her even though I made it in size small. She has a 16 inch chest, and this is for a 20 inch chest.

Dog sweater--wip

IMG_0925, originally uploaded by picable.

It seemed like a good time to start making dog sweaters. This is my first time to crochet this particular one. I'm using a pattern from the book 'Chain-Free Crochet Made Easy'.

The dog in the book looks a lot like Fefe's boyfriend. Perhaps that was my initial attraction to the pattern. It has button closures and as far as I can tell it does not slip on over the head. Plus, it doesn't fit so tight around the dog's neck. Guess even dogs like to have a little room to breathe inside their clothes.

When it's completed I will be sure to post on my dog's blog so you can see how she looks in it.

Monkey Business

IMG_0917, originally uploaded by picable.

My first monkey! Completed him a few minutes ago. He started out on a knitting loom. The face is crocheted. Button eyes are sewed on with black crochet thread.

I find using Fun Fur with worsted weight yarn easy to do with the knitting loom. Yes, it was even fun. LOL Now I can make those shaggy purses and a whole lot of animals since I learned the easy way to stitch them. Who knew?

Red Thong

Red Thong, originally uploaded by picable.

My inspiration for this crocheted thong came from viewing the free pattern at http://www.christinascrochethaven.com She has a couple of patterns that I liked.

I made some changes to it, but in all fairness I wanted to give credit where it was due. Thank you, Christina!

For my version I used thread and turned it into a thong. I made a wiastband for the elastic to run through and a ribbon as a finishing touch. This is a size 6/7 measuring 30 inches around the top. It fits at the hip. My model is extremely small and she makes things look bigger than they are.

My first attempt

IMG_0861, originally uploaded by picable.

Thought I'd give this a go. The next one should be a lot easier now that I've done one the absolute hardest way possible. I learned so much about myself, such as I seem to need to do things the hard way first and after that it just gets so much easier. LOL

wip- the sweater

wip, originally uploaded by picable.

Coming right along with the sweater pattern that I started. I used baby sport weight yarn instead of thread, so I'm going by schematics to achieve my goal.

Monkey from a loom?

IMG_0863, originally uploaded by picable.

I am attempting to make a monkey with a knitting loom. I bought the book 'Loom Crafts with Knifty Knitter' with designs by Shannon Erling and using the pattern in the book for making teddy bears, I am attempting to come up with a monkey.

Shannon Erling was the one that made loom knitting possible for me. I like the way she explains things and her illustrations are simple enough that I have been amazed at what I can now do with a knitting loom.

Serious Stuff Here

This is about writing patterns. When you create a pattern, and put it down in writing, you are automatically granted the copyright to that piece of work. You can pay the government money to make sure you have your rights covered in case someone steals your work and puts their name on it. It happens. But, you are granted those rights for free by your government. You pay the government to make sure there is no question that you are the legal owner of that copright. Not paying, leaves you trusting people not to rip you off. Think of it as insurance, and decide for yourself if its worth the money. OK?

Now then, if you sell your pattern to a publisher such as a magazine or website, generally you sell the rights along with that. That means you cannot go and sell that pattern to any one else. You no longer own the rights to do that, you see. You sold them along with the pattern. If you don't want that to be the case, then make sure its in the contract exactly how you want it. But most likely, they will buy all rights along with the pattern. Period. But, they give you a fair price in exchange for that. If you don't agree, you can refuse to sign the contract and the pattern along with the rights remains yours and yours alone.

When you see that you are going to be making lots of patterns, you can make someone the beneficiary of all your copyrighted works upon your death. Lets face it, we all go sooner or later. You may as well give these rights to someone you know so that they can make money on your labors of love when you are no longer able to be here on earth. Put it in your Will who gets the copyrights. If the person that gets them knows anything at all about how to sell your patterns after you are gone, then they can make money for years off them. If they don't know how, and don't learn how, then its like throwing money out the window. Make sure you will them to the right person and your legacy will live on and they will be glad you chose them as the heir to your copyrights.

How do I do that?

To sell your patterns, you can offer them to magazines. Pick one you like, and think your pattern will fit in with the rest of what they tend to include in their magazine. Go to their site online, and read how to submit your work for publication. Follow their instructions to the letter. And then sit back and wait. Expect a few rejections before you make it as a big time pattern writer. Quite a few, in fact. But, it can be done. So don't give up yet.

Another option, is to find a craft site that gives away free patterns. Some of them will pay you for your patterns. Read the guidelines for publication, and follow them to the letter. Again, be prepared for rejections. The best writers in the world get them. Some even wall paper their office with the reject letters. They are that common.

But listen to the reason they rejected your piece, and learn from it. You know you're not a failure as a human being, and you know you're good at writing patterns because some other people told you so before you decided you wanted to get paid for it. Remind yourself as often as you need to and get over it already.

There is another option. You can sell your patterns to individuals. Yep. And you can sell them over and over and over again. As often as someone is willing to pay you the price you ask. Pick a place like Etsy.com to list your patterns. Can you do a pdf? If not, you might want to learn how. It's amazingly easy once you know how to do it. One click of a button and poof! it's in pdf format and ready to be attached to an email to send out to your customer.

Take some digital pictures of the finished item, write up a description so they know what they are buying, decide if you will allow the buyer to sell the item they crochet from your pattern, decide how much you want to charge for the pattern, you have a paypal account by now...right?, remember you prefer paypal and put that in your description, let them know you'll send the pattern by email within 24 hours of payment being made and make sure you do exactly what you promised, say thank you each and every time--they could have gave that money to someone else, you know.

That's about it. A lot to think about. The money is out there to be made if you want it bad enough. Just do it. When you start thinking its a lot of work for too little money, remember when you crocheted for free and gave it all away? That should make you appreciate every dollar you make crocheting. After all, it could be a whole lot worse. How many people do you know that took the initiative to actually persue their dream of making money from home? You're a winner in my book just because you took the steps to achieve your goal--whatever your goal was.

Keep learning, and pat yourself on the back every now and then. You can do it! I believe! LOL

Have a great one!

"7 days without crochet makes one weak"

We aren't done making crochet money yet

Once you've made a lot of crochet items from somebody else's pattern, you start to make changes to the pattern so that it becomes your version instead of the writer's. That's great!

You can begin to write down how you did that, to come up with your version of the pattern in print form. When you write crochet patterns long enough, you begin to get the feel of how its done. But to begin with, you will find yourself writing your patterns using the same words you found written by someone else. But you made changes to their pattern, so you didn't exactly commit a crime. But you still can't legally sell that pattern until you can write down how its done without copying someone else's work. You have to change a minimum of 40% in order for it to be anywhere near legal to do that and offer it up for sale. And it can't look like a knock off of the finished item, either. This is important!

When you can come up with your very own pattern based on the techniques you've learned crocheting, and put it down in your very own words, and you know it is yours and yours alone, then and only then can you put your pattern out there for the world to see.

Put your first patterns up on the internet for free in a public place, such as crochetme.com. You won't get any money for it, but you might get a lot of praise and that's what you want. People will tell you if you made a mistake. Go ahead and fix that mistake. Don't waste time getting your feeling hurt or worse--getting all mad about it.

When you are good enough at the free patterns that people start asking you if it's really your pattern....THAT'S when you are ready to start selling your patterns.

Making more money with crochet

Can you read a crochet pattern? Can you follow the pattern and does your finished item look anything like the one in the picture? Can you pronounce those French words correctly?

Motif is pronounced mo-teef. Not motive. Mo-teef. The 'o' is long.
Picot is pronounced pee-ko. Not pie-cot. Say it with me, pee-ko. Again, the 'o' is long.
And of course, you know that crochet is pronounced kro-shay. Not crotch-it.

Seriously, when you pronounce the words correctly you come across as a professional instead of a dork. And people will pay you more for crocheted items if you speak the language correctly.
It also helps to be able to read crochet correctly. If you don't already know how, then by all means learn how. It's in the magazine you bought, or the book, they include a list of what it all means.

Read and follow the directions. Pay attention to gauge, hook size, stitch count, and yarn. Beware of yarn substitutions until you've had enough experience to make them. You'll make a lot of mistakes in learning how to substitute any of these. But eventually, you'll get it, if you don't give up.

Making money with crochet

So, you want to make money with crochet? There are several ways you can do that, some easier than others. You can sell your finished items to family and friends. You might sell your crochet items to people you know at work, at church, to people you meet in the doctor's office waiting room.

You could set up a booth at the flea market, sell it online at places like ebay, or etsy. You might sell it to people you meet on myspace or other social networks. Sell it by email. Use paypal or some other such service to protect both you and the buyer. It's worth the small fee, I promise you.

You may find that doing all the above is taking too much of your time and taking a toll on your body. Crochet is repetitive movements and that can give you a reason to be sitting in the waiting room of your doctor's office.

But don't give up now! You've come too far to quit now.

A pattern is merely a guide....

I found a pattern I liked in a magazine, but for some strange reason I wanted to use yarn instead of thread. Perhaps because I had lots of yarn in that color, but no way did I have enough thread of any color to complete it. Hmmm, will it work out? Well, so far the gauge is way off. That's okay, I am using the schematics to attempt to make it work.

So far, so good. I had to put it down a few times and walk away. I resisted the urge to throw it away several times. The good news is it is starting to take shape and actually look like a sweater; which is what it was supposed to be anyway.

I'll keep you posted as to how well it turns out.

My mannequin or maniken

Red & Black Bikini, originally uploaded by picable.

I bought this mannequin. The one in the picture. But it looks nothing like a man. It more acurately represents a female body. That's why I bought her. To show off the clothes I make and sell.

So, let me introduce her properly. Her name is Mindi, and she is a heriken. ha ha ha I like that. A lot better than mannequin or maniken. I mean, come on, does she look like a man to you? LOL

Which way to go

Indecision on my part ended up with these in more than one version, as far as the backside goes. Yep. I made them up as thongs (woo-hoo!) in addition to some minimal coverage on the back-which gives you maybe 5 inches coverage at the widest part. Seems I like options and choices, and figured there must be like minded others out there.

I even made my mother blush when I showed her what I was crocheting now. Shame on me, huh? LOL

Not a croc...

It's a high top tennie for babies. I love it! LOL Wish they had these when mine were little. But that's okay, I am a grandma. And I do love to crochet.

Crocheting bikinis

My broke thumb is healing quite nicely. I can crochet again! Yay!

New wip

100_1602, originally uploaded by picable.

Okay, I know it's been a while since I had any new crochet topics. I hurt my thumb and it's been real ever since.

However, I have this new pattern in the works. Here is a 'brief' view of what it looks like. I'm making a top to go with it and making the pattern multi-sized.

Anything worth having is worth waiting for. Right? LOL Here's hoping there will be some interest in it whenever I get it done. Believe me when I tell you I would rather not deal with the hurt thumb. I miss my crocheting and that's why I quit talking about it.

The doily dog sweater!

100_1526, originally uploaded by picable.

As promised, this is the completed crocheted doily made into a dog sweater. It ties at the neck and under the belly.

The neck ties each have a flower sewed to the end. (Love those details).

If you can make a doily, attach ties for the neck and belly, you have a dog outfit.

Pretty, isn't she?

What do you do with them all?

What do you do with all the little amigarumi's in your life? I'm turning some of them into keychains. No sense letting such cuties go in the bottom of a toybox only to be forgotten. I decided to put them to good use instead.

You're kidding me!

This is a dog sweater in the making. Yes, I know it looks more like a doily right now, but wait for it and you'll see it on my dog.

I'm always amazed at what you can do with a little bit of yarn and a crochet hook.

Snow? Outside my window?!

100_1468, originally uploaded by picable.

Now ain't this something. It's snowing outside. Yesterday, it was almost warm enough to wear shorts.

This is the second time it snowed here in March, as far as I can remember. But snow is rare here, and it usally melts as quick as it hits the ground.

I'm going to have to take my dog out to see this. It's her first snowfall.
Oh! and call someone up to talk about the snow because its so weird to have it outside my window.

Clover the Bear is born!

100_1464, originally uploaded by picable.

Is she cute, or what? She is wearing a 4 leaf clover on her ear. It looks like she had a good time getting it on there.

This little crocheted bear makes you grin out loud.

She measures in at 4 1/2 inches tall. Toes are thread sculpted.

Understanding Crochet Instructions

One great thing about written crochet instructions of any kind is that it always sounds like garbledlygook unless you’ve got enough experience or moxie to be able to both read it, see it in your mind’s eye, and somehow manage to say, "Oh that’s easy!" and do it with a straight face. For the rest of us, I suspect we fake it ’till we make it.

crocheted wrist warmer

crocheted wrist warmer, originally uploaded by picable.

Worsted Weight Yarn in your choice of color
Size H hook, 5mm

Row 1: Ch 25, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: FPdc around second dc, dc in next dc, [ FPdc, dc ] 9 times, FPdc, dc in turning ch, ch 3, turn.

Row 3: BPdc around second dc, dc in next dc, [ BPdc, dc ] 9 times, BPdc, dc in turning ch, ch 3, turn.

Row 4: Rep Row 2

Row 5: Rep Row 3

Row 6: Rep Row 2

Sew short sides together. Weave in loose ends.

Afghan stitch?

After doing about a hundred afghans with the afghan stitch (tunisian); I have come to these conclusions...

1. For the beginning chain, use a regular hook that is two or three sizes larger than the afghan hook you intend to work with.

2. Begin using the afghan hook starting with row one.

3. Sometimes you can go up a size or two with the afghan hook and still be on the gauge. Not always. Refer to step one and two.

4. Relaxing with the afghan stitch is vital to your physical and/or mental health. Take a deep relaxing breath. Take a nap. Take a walk. Drink a beer. Take a pill. Whatever you do, relax. Otherwise you will experience great pains in your arm and shoulder that will keep you tossing and turning at night until you finally get used to working so hard and being so tense. Remember that it is supposed to be fun. Relax and be nice to the dog again. It’s not his fault you want to do something awesome like the afghan stitch.

5. Smile! When your afghan is all done and the compliments start pouring in, grin and bear it. Say "I know" and "Thank you!" Don’t point out all your flaws and mistakes. If they can’t see it, let it go. Pat yourself on the back because you earned it. And be proud of your accomplishment. You deserve it.

fun with crochet

100_0061, originally uploaded by picable.

This one I called 'Rhyme without Reason'. My intentions were to make it a buddy and call it 'Reason', but since I never quite made it to 'Reason' this little guy became 'Rhyme without Reason'.

I like the big nose. I got that effect by using Lion Brand Suede Yarn. I made it seperate from the rest of the doll and sewed it on his snout. I did the body and head in the round using single crochet. The arms and legs are seperate pieces. I made the thumb by increasing and using hdc in place of sc. After that you just decrease and go back to sc stitches and it works out to look like a thumb.

I like to attach arms and legs using the string method. You just use a big needle to sew from one arm, through the body, and out the other arm, and back again. Do this right and knot it under the arm real tight. Then hide your loose ends. If you practice it enough the arms stay on and they also move up and down and all the way around. Pretty neat, I think.

Do the legs that way and the doll can sit and you can pose it nicely. I like safety eyes, but now I'm getting better at embroidering them on.
My dog likes to chew on plastic eyes, so that got me looking for a better way.

I did the hairy ears by attaching yarn one piece at a time the same way you would fringe. Did the tail that way, too.

Crocheted Tales

100_0466, originally uploaded by picable.

I had the idea of making crocheted dog sweaters, and that I did. Still do, but I learned a LOT along the way. Such as dogs come in all sizes and temperments.

Also, when I followed a pattern for dog sweaters, I quickly realized that the pattern never fit the dog the way it was supposed to. At first, I thought it was because we underestimate just how big our dogs really are. So I would fudge about the size of the sweater so the dog's owner wouldn't be insulted.

After awhile I just accepted that dogs, like people, are all unique. That, and its not as simple as it looks to fit a dog with an outfit. It takes a bit of trial and error.

baby sling - back view

baby sling , originally uploaded by picable.

To help you understand better how it's done.

baby sling

baby sling, originally uploaded by picable.

If you can sew on a machine, you can make this! It consists of one long double panel of fabric. Wider at the top and narrowing down as you go.

Two long straps at top to go around the Mom and criss-crossing her back. One long strap centered on narrow end of main piece with two short straps sewed on top of that. Sew a ring on ends of short straps for looping the long straps through. Bring up between baby's legs and tie the long strap in a knot to secure the baby. (Reminds me of cloth diapers without the pins)

Criss cross the upper long straps across Mom's back and run through the rings, tie in a knot behind Mom's back, or put a buckle system in place. Make it as easy or complicated as you like.

Either way, its not that difficult once you understand how it works and why. Two knots/five straps/ a strip of cloth to cradle the baby/ and the Mom now has two free hands to do what she needs to do.

I love it!

Show and Tell Time

I'm a-showing off my work here and a-telling you that I love making things from bits of fabric or string. ha ha ha

Seriously, I sewed this last night. With black satin.

I know it's cold outside right now, but Spring is right around the corner. We have flowers blooming and bees are in the clover grass this week.

inside crochet bikini bottom

inside crochet bikini bottom, originally uploaded by picable.

This is about how I line the inside of crocheted bikinis.

Lay the bikini out on top of the fabric you intend to line it with. Cut around the outside edges of the bikini. Don't cut the crochet!

Pin the fabric to the crochet with safety pins, so it doesn't shift while your stitching. Be sure the fabric is on the inside of the bikini, not the outside.

Hand stitch the liner in, using small stitches, being careful to stitch to the inside of the crochet--not all the way through--so the stitches stay hidden.

Tuck the fabric under about half an inch so the edges don't show. If you are a perfectionist, you can stitch the liner on your machine first, but you have to be a lot more acurate in cutting the fabric that way.

Start sewing at the crotch and work your way up one side, then the other. If you start at the top and work your way around, you may find yourself frustrated and ripping out all your stitches.

That's about it. Don't worry, you'll be a pro inside of two suits.

Bikinis in February????

Why not? What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a sexy little number like this?

If you can't turn up the heat in February then I don't know what to say except that this suit can get you warmed up in no time. Let it snow. Close the doors. Unplug the phone. Light your fireplace and enjoy the holiday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Crocheted boot

Crocheted boot, originally uploaded by picable.

This was made from a pair of houseshoes. I punched holes around the shoes, and then crocheted in the round using half double crochet stitches.

My husband loves them.