FINISHED: Custom Flower Hair Pins

Who doesn't love a pretty crocheted flower?  I shipped these puppies out earlier this week and love the way they came out.  I'm so sick of winter that it was nice to work on something more spring-like for a change.

What's more is I loved the yarn I got to use for them.  My customer sent me several skeins of Cascade Cherub Aran - two plain and two with sparkles - to make for headbands that she knits.  It was OMG HEAVENLY!  Just like the name "cherub" would imply.  As if I was crocheting with a cloud.

Obviously, the next step in this whole process was me visiting Jimmy Beans Wool and buying some for myself (especially in that coral color!  Drool!)  I plan on making several headbands or other accessories with them for my etsy shop - just because I can.  That does mean the prices for these will be a bit more than usual because the cost of yarn and shipping will naturally increase costs, but I think it's worth the investment.

Oh, Cascade Yarns... I've heard of you for years, but never had the chance to indulge.  Now I know what I was missing!

Finished: Newborn Baby Crown Photo Props

The other day, Hubby and I were doing our weekly grocery shopping at Wegman's when I came across a toddler wearing the cutest pink felt crown.  The first thing I thought was that I could create something similar in crochet.  The next thing I thought was that I'm a lazy crafter, and surely a crown pattern already existed.

So of course I found this pattern over on etsy from TheHookUp3400.  It's for a newborn photo prop, so it's not exactly what I wanted to originally create - but I still love it.  The example photo on the pattern download page also shows the crown with beads sewn into it for an added touch.  Like I said, I'm lazy, so sewing beads onto a crown I was experimenting with was not an option for me :)  It does look even cuter with the gems, though.

For the main part of both crowns pictured, I used Caron Simple Soft.  I was amazed at how well the yarn held the shape, considering I gravitate toward SS when I need something to drape and not be so sturdy.

If you're in the market for a super simple crown pattern, then I highly recommend this one.  It's well-written and short (which means easy!)  And although you can legally sell finished items from patterns without asking the author's permission, the designer explicitly grants you permission - which is nice because then you don't have to worry about finding a lawyer to represent your small business!

Finished: Knit Newborn Baby Bunny Photo Prop Set

Happy Friday, everyone!  If you need something to coo at on this chilly winter morning, here's a cute little knit getup that I shipped out this week: a baby bunny newborn photo prop set!

I was contacted before the new year to see if I could make a bunny set based on a tan-colored one I made back in 2012.  Of course, I was more than excited to jump at the chance because these are fun little projects that are both fast and cute.

I based the hat pattern off this Basic Baby Hat pattern that you can find on Ravelry, and the diaper cover is from this pattern designed for worsted weight yarn.  I free-styled the bunny ears and the carrot because - well - why not?

Speaking of the bunny ears, keep your eyes peeled for the all-new free knitting pattern that I'll be posting next week!  They're a great addition to any baby hat and super easy to make - but more details then :)

And with that, I'm off to finish out the last day of the week and then settle in for the opening ceremonies of the winter Olympics.  I've got my "Ravellenic Games" project ready to go, and even though I have no confidence that I'll be able to finish it in two weeks, I think it'll be a fun challenge.  Is anyone else participating?  Or will you participate now that I've told you about it?  Whip out that yarn and those needles and get to work!

Finished: Puff Stitch Slouchy Beanie

Did everyone have a fun and fabulous Superbowl Sunday? As someone who hates football and all the surrounding hooplah, I surprisingly did.  I was able to curl up in a pile of yarn and work on some custom orders, like a baby bunny photo prop set and a toddler crown prototype. It was a productive evening, if I do say so myself!

Unfortunately, our little party for two didn't include fun foods or beer. Hubby and I have been trying to eat better these past couple weeks, with him starting a strict diet at the new year and me starting just a week-and-a-half ago. It hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be, and I'm happy say I'm down 7lbs since December 30th. I even got a badge from FitBit since purchasing the Aria Wi-Fi scale recently (let's be honest - I don't do everything I do unless I get some kind of reward). I'm proud of myself... and eating a lot of cucumbers. Plus hula hooping!

I was also finally able to grab some photos of other custom orders I had received last week and finished up over the weekend. Here's a grey puff stitch beanie - one of my favorites/go-to projects for a stylish beanie that needs to be made quickly. I based it off Vickie Howell's Urban Jungle Beanie; it's essentially the same pattern, but I adjusted the joins at each row so they're not as noticeable.

The yarn I chose is Caron Simply Soft in Heather.  I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to the grey shades of Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn or what, but its sheen almost looked lavender. Very bizarre. Despite that, it came out great and worked up fast (as always!)

I hope everyone had a fun weekend and that you're not getting bombarded with snow again like we are. I wish I could opt out of winter. It's been particularly rough this year and I'm tired of driving to-and-from work at 7mph because the roads aren't cleared. Today's total should reach 6-8", which I know is nothing for some people, but our area is used to being in a bubble that gets a couple inches every year - not a foot a month. Bring on the spring!