On the Hook..

Ripples are in fashion again..  be it for a cushion or an afghan. I have been hooked on Crochet the whole month of August, my knitting projects have taken a back seat. Varying between different granny designs and  ripples.. I am kinda addicted to them.. began with trying to create a soft ripple pattern and now I just cant stop!

My first ripple-gan is almost done and its fascinating for me to keep adding more colors to it.. here is a sneak peak..

 Absolutely love the rainbow colors and its so soft to touch ! This one is made with all 100% acrylic yarns so the afghan is hard wearing and can be tossed into the washer-dryer without any problems. Looking forward to some snuggle time on the couch !

Right now I am loving the pastels in my new Ripple-ghan.. This is one of my most favorite color combination for little girls. Its working up fast but I think I will run out of yarn on this one.. A sneak peak for all ripple fans..

 My variation of the Ripple-Ghan pattern will be up here soon.. watch out for the updates on my Facebook Page. Enjoy !

Baby Item Color Choices

When it comes to picking colors to make something for a baby, its an impossible task !! I love colors and I especially enjoy making baby items.. This month has been all about Baby Blankies.. So far I have made 4 Baby blankets this month and the next one is in the making.. Will share the pictures soon.

Today's post is all about the colors I love to use for my baby projects. Here are my most favorite choice of colors..

If you like anything in my SHOP and would like me to customize it in your coice of colors, please take your pick from here and send it to me in a note. Thank you !

Hex Motif Car Seat Baby Blue Blankie

Hey Everyone, I am back with a new blankie for the little ones.. in a unique hex shape thats perfect for a cozy wrap and also works great in the car seat. The floral allows the buckles to fit in place without difficulty.

Delicately made with 100% acrylic yarn makes for a great gift thats easy to care for.  I especially enjoyed picking the colors for this one, so cute for a baby boy !! And a little baby girl blankie is in the making too !! This blankie can be customized to any color and with every new change the look changes completely. A very versatile piece thats built to last for generations !

For more details, CLICK here.
Enjoy !!

My FIRST EXHIBITION !!!!!

Hi Friends !
I am super excited to announce my FIRST EXHIBITION !!

A friend and I will present a collection of handmade Glass & Zardozi paintings, Knit & Crochet Accessories and Artisan Jewelry at the exhibition.

If you are on facebook, please connect with us at - OUR FACEBOOK PAGE (Click Here)

LIKE our page and stay tuned in for updates and give-aways during the two weeks of Exhibition. Please feel free to pass on the invitation to your Family & Friends and bring them along!
Thanks for your support!! See you there !


Exhibition Details -

Venue: New Park Mall - Cultural Corner
           Newark, CA 94560
Date: May 18th to May 30th
Time: 11am to 7pm everyday, including weekends

9 Petal Flower Coasters and Scrubbies

This past weekend was sunny and warm, lots of new colors in the Garden now.. I drew inspiration from mother Nature and came up with these bright and cheerful 9 and 7 Petal Flowers which are so versatile! Use them as Coasters or as Bath accessories... These are lovely !

Colors in this set -

1. Fuchsia
2. Lime
3. Purple

This second set is all about the exciting and colorful treasures beneath the blue oceans! Coral reef inspired set of five flowers. Machine washable and dryable, made of 100% Eco Friendly material, these would make lovely gifts for anyone! 

Available soon in my STORE. Click to see.

 Colors used in the set as seen here-

• Coral
• Sea Foam
• Coral Bliss

Spa Scrubbies !!!

A current hot favorite that has caught the fancy of so many !!! Spring inspired NEW spa scrubbies that you can use to remove make up or with a face wash... so many uses!

These cute scrubbies are in colors of the rainbow… just beautiful! The design is a daisy in white with color surrounds. These scrubbies are hand made with a lot of love and care. I take great pride in my workmanship and ensure that every piece is nothing less than perfect. 

These are made of Eco friendly 100% cotton yarn. After use just toss them in the washing machine with your laundry to wash and dry. They can be reused again and again. This is a set of 10 scrubbies that are Travel friendly (pssst! travel pouches available). Each scrubbie is beautifully finished to last you a long long time.

Click HERE to own a set !

These are available in a variety of colors, choose yours from the list! Or You can have the whole set of ten pieces in one color of your choice.If you would like to hang your scrubbies, a loop can be added to each one of these on request.

Happy Spa Time !!

List of Colors avalable - 

 

Colors used in the set as seen in the pictures-

• Purple
• Orchid
• Ocean
• Aqua
• Kiwi
• Lime
• Butter
• Tangerine
• Coral
• Scarlet
• Snow - for all center Daisies

Happy Holidays..!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE !!

May all your lives be filled with hope, good times and cheer!!! Have a great New Year 2012 !

For the past sometime I have been enjoying crocheting teeny tiny things... embellishments and decorative fringes to add to my projects. And I had a kool idea to make these into jewelry pieces. I adore these! and I hope you will like them too! So cute and perfect for the HOLIDAY SEASON!! Here are pictures of rings I made..

Please leave me comments if you like these.. available in custom colors. Suggestions are always welcome. Click HERE to own one of these beauties.

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/63263354/beautiful-carnation

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/63236616/mistique-victorian-ring

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/63262409/elise-rose-ring

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63260983/my-fuchsia-chocolatey-fix-ring

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70167128/carnation-blossom-ring

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!

New Baby Blanket

I enjoy using the Ranbow Classics Yarn for Baby things... it was real fun making this one. Using one style of cluster stitch I created a baby blankie that is light and airy and looks adorable! The colors used are bright teal for the body and crisp white for the border.

The stitch is very versatile and could be used for shrugs or shawls and even throws.
The Blanket measures 30in x 30in
Enjoy !!

Crochet Hook Holder

I've received many requests for Crochet Needle cases. I created this pattern after long experiments. This Crochet Needle Caddy is special because it holds every size of hook snug, you never have to worry about dropping one again!  

A  beautifully handcrafted nature friendly crochet needle holder. This bright and lush apple green crochet hook case is handmade in 100% natural cotton. Reminds me of bright springtime.. a fun accessory that anyone would love to have for the holidays season.  :o)   
Could this be on your list for Santa?

It is the perfect addition to your crochet basket. Delicately crocheted to ensure that your needles fit and stay put inside this stylish accessory. It makes a lovely gift for a Crocheter and also a big inspiration for some to begin! Give one as a gift, they'll surely fall in love…

The special motif of this crochet needle caddy is an original design that enables you to put the hooks into each space that holds it snug. You will never have to worry about dropping one anymore. The case has seven needle spaces that can hold needles up to size K (6.5mm). Custom colors and sizes are available.Feel free to write to me, or leave a comment here if you need more information. The closure of the case can be tied up two ways, through the loop or wound like a string around the case.

CLICK HERE for Crochet Hook Caddy.

Floral Waves Baby Blankie

I really wanted to make a special baby blanket, something different and very intricate. I wanted it to be swirly and to have curls at the edges. For a blanket to have even swirls I needed to begin it from the center and build it out. This is what I came up with...

The center flower is made in avocado-mint and snow white puffs in a granny square pattern. I am calling them Honeydew Squares.  The simplicity of the single crochet rows makes the florets pop! The string of blossoms are crocheted individually and then joined together, they add to the lush feel of the blankie.

I enjoyed the color combination, very fresh and so elegant. The flowers look identical from both sides and can be used for many different projects. Since they are so puffy, for this project, they make the blanket curl up from the center to the end.. how adorable !

The center piece is important, it must be measured carefully and be a square with sides exactly double of the Honeydew squares. This is what makes the base for the rest of the design.

Here is a sample of all the Honeydews together with the center piece. Yes, it needs some more work... and I will soon update with the completed work. I hope you like it...

By the way, is anyone interested in the pattern ??

Green Swirly Scarf

I had been thinking of making a scarf in Kelly Green. I tried out a few patterns, created a couple designs.... etc..  Although I liked the designs, it was not what I had imagined. Since this green is so vibrant and bright, I wanted to create something that made a real statement. Something bold yet elegant and feminine. I found this pattern by accident. I remember it was part of the designs that were being promoted by Martha Stewart. It caught my fancy. I began making this scarf a long time back... I ran out of yarn towards the end and needed more to make the tassels. I had to run to the stores several times before I found one skein, hence the delay in posting it here. I wonder if Kelly Green was the color of the season!??

The Swirly Scarf... is so pretty and could be customized for anyone.. little girls or young ladies.. it was awesome working on it. I found the pattern on Lion Brand's website. CLICK HERE to visit the link. This pattern is super easy and makes me wonder why dint I think of this? It is just an extension of what I've made several times - crocheted circles ! Its a great project for a beginner, especially because you can finish it in a day ! Instant gratification!   ...well, almost.  :-)
I am glad I looked at the pattern and just started off...

I believe I must have put in about five hours to complete the scarf. I made it extra long for myself because I love to double my scarves when wearing them. I made the scarf in two parts as suggested in the pattern. There is no particular reason why the scarf should be made in two parts. I decided to make it in two parts because it helped me keep the circles under control. If I had crocheted the whole length together it would have been a lot to move around, specially because I like to carry my projects wherever I go. I worked on the two parts separately, got the tassels on and then sew them together. I feel making it in two parts was much easier for me. However, if you are crocheting a smaller length, I think doing the complete length at one go would save a lot of effort.

I made a few changes to the pattern. I used Half Double Crochet stitch for the whole pattern instead of the Double Crochet stitch as suggested in the pattern. I think the HDC looks much nicer than the DC stitches and this also helped me keep the width of the scarf under four inches.

Baby Booties

I was going through websites and found a picture of a cute Baby Bootie pair. The pattern was knitted, so I made up my own Crochet version. :-)



Enjoy the pictures, the pattern will be up soon !!!

If you really like this, leave me your comments..
Here is the Knitting pattern -
http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf

Crochet Hook Sizes

I've been asked about US Crochet Hook Sizes...
Here is my list -



There are many charts online that can give you a comparison of Crochet Hook sizes, with the variation of US, UK, Vintage hooks etc.

Here are some links -

http://www.geocities.com/nornsneedlework/crochet/hookchart.htm

http://www.yarnforward.com/crochetconv.html

Crochet Classes for IHM - Part 3 - Class Information

Hey Friends,

A lot many people took the poll... the number is larger than what I expected ! Which is always a great thing :-)
So I've decided to have classes on both days -
Wednesday, 16th Sept and
Friday, 18th Sept

The classes will be an hour long, give or take a few minutes. They will be just the same as far as content is concerned. Sometimes I get different set of questions from the participants in different classes and I assimilate them in the Follow up post for the class (which you will see on my blog soon after the class) just so everyone can read about what we learnt in class.




These classes are for BEGINNERS ONLY. If you are new to crochet or if this is your first time holding a crochet hook, you are MOST WELCOME TO THE CLASS !!! We will be talking about yarns, learning about crochet basics and we'll practice as many stitches as possible. This class will be aimed towards getting you ready to begin your first crochet project.



WHAT TO GET FOR THE CLASS -

1. YARN - 4ply worsted 100% cotton yarn
2. NEEDLE - US Size G crochet hook (4mm or 4.25mm)

Cotton yarns are the best to begin with because -
a. They are not very stretchable so you will be able to work with it without issues;
b. They are best to practice with since they are thick enough;
c. They come in such a variety of color... you'll be surprised.



So when you go looking for this yarn, just look for "Sugar n Creme" or "Peaches n Cream" cotton yarns (I am adding a few pictures of the cotton yarn that we will be using in the class). These are readily available in stores like Michaels, Joann, Walmart, Hobby Lobby etc.... these are fun to work with.. and you can choose from a wide variety of colors !!!

Feel free to leave me your questions and comments.

Crochet Classes for IHM - Part 3

Hey Everyone !

Welcome to our new online class !
This is going to be for BEGINNERS. Yes, we are going to do the very basics of crochet.. I hope all those who missed out the last classes will be able to join us this time.

You are required to fill out the Poll here. I guess you all have voted in the IHM Poll. I have created this one to ensure that your details can be kept confidential.

CLICK FOR THE POLL HERE

Crocheted Coaster Set

A simple and sweet project to begin crocheting...
thats what this is - COASTERS.

As seen in the picture, this is a set of 6 round coasters that fit into a round crocheted box with a lid. Making the coasters is very simple. All you need for this project is -

-2 skeins of 4ply worsted weight 100% cotton yarn
('Sugar n Cream' or 'Peaches & Creme' cotton yarn are good options)
-F sized Crochet Hook
-1 carpet needle
-1 big bead or button



COASTER PATTERN

4 ch, sl st in 1st ch to make a ring.
Round 1: 2 ch (counts as first hdc), 11 hdc in ring; sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (12 st)
Round 2: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each st; sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st)
Round 3: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in the next st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (36 st)
Round 4: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (48 st)
Round 5: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 3 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (60 st)
Cut yarn and finish off.

Make six of these.



COASTER HOLDER BOX
We begin making the box from the base. Here is the pattern -

Round 1 to 5: same as above.
Round 6: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 4 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (72 st)



Now to make the side of the box -
Round 7 & 8: 1 ch, sc in every st around (72 sc)
Round 9: 4 ch (counts as 1dc and 1 ch), dc in the same st(V-Stitch made), *skip next st; dc in next st, 1 ch, dc in same st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of 3rd ch of the first four chain to join. (36 V-Stitches)
Round 10: 1 ch, *sc in the 1 ch space below, sc in the next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of 1 ch to join. (72 sc)
Round 11 to 15: 1 ch, sc in every st around, sl st on top of first ch 1 to join.
Cut Yarn, Finish off.

Lid of the box -
Round 1 & 2: same as above
Round 3: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 ch, skip next st, * 2hdc in next st, 2 ch, skip next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st, with ch 2 gaps)
Round 4: 2 ch, hdc in same st, 2 ch, skip next 2 st, * 2hdc in next st, 2 ch, skip next st #, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join. (24 st, with ch 2 gaps) Note: in this round we work only in the ch 2 spaces of the previous round.
Round 5: 2 ch, hdc in the same st, 3 hdc in the ch 2 gap, *2 hdc in the next st (these hdc are worked between the two hdc in the previous row), 3 hdc in the ch 2 gap #, repeat from * to #, sl st on top of ch 2 t join.
Round 6: 2 ch, hdc in same st, hdc in the next 4 st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 st#, repeat from * to # around, sl st on top of ch 2 to join.



Loop -
10 ch, join in the first ch with sl st.
15 sc in the loop, sc on top of first sc to join.
Keep 6 to 8 inches of the yarn intact, cut yarn, bind off.

Putting it together -
Use carpet needle to sew in the ends of all coasters.
Sew the loop to one side of the lid.
Sew the other side of the lid to the box.
Check position of loop and sew the button / bead on to the box.
Sew in all ends, cut extra yarn.
Place coasters in the box, close box.

All done !!

The box could be kept soft or made stiff by using a stiffening product available at your local store. Hope you enjoy this simple project as much as I enjoyed making them. This crocheted set of coasters makes for a cute housewarming gift too.