Thursday, March 28, 2013

1st Professional Photos

I am thrilled that I finally found a local photographer to work with on taking photos of my designs.  I wish I had photos of my things done from day 1 - but I'm not looking back.  These photos are amazing and really show off the Butterfly Garden Overlay and Afghan. 

If you have a minute, stop by Nicole Nelson Photography and check out her work. 

I can't wait to add these photos to my new patterns.  Both the Afghan and the Overlay should be released by Saturday.  I will have them on sale individually and as a set and will share the link as soon as it is up and running. 

Happy Easter Weekend my friends! 




Monday, March 25, 2013

Spring is in the air

Good evening my friends :)  I hope you are all off to a wonderful start to your week.  So far this year has been a roller coaster for getting sick around our house and it's all been different issues.  Right now, with the snow melted and the trees starting to bud there is quite a bit of pollen in the air and we all have allergies.  Never fun, but we will get through it! 

I love the change of seasons.  Each one helps me appreciate the others.  I am so excited to see the flowers popping up all over our gardens.  Last week, my husband and 2 little girls planted peas and carrots.  They LOVE being able to go out and pick fresh peas to just snack on.  With the baby due in just over 2 weeks and my allergies being terrible, I wasn't able to go out and help.  I'm hoping that once the baby is here, I will be able to get some more treatments and  get over the pollen, weeds and grass allergies...crossing my fingers it works.

Last year, I started designing a butterfly dress.  I designed this beaded one and wrote the pattern down, but it wasn't "exactly" what I wanted.  So, this one has never been typed up and I'm not sure I know where all of the notes are for it now.

I started another one in pink with the butterfly on the shoulder, but when it came to the skirt, I wasn't sure what I really wanted.  I still have the top, but it was put away until the design could just come to me.  It seems like that usually happens at night when I should be sleeping...I started keeping a paper and pen by my bed just in case an idea hit me and I could write it down.  That doesn't work though since my husband has the lamp on his side of the bed and with his work schedule, I don't want to bother him. 


Finally, after completing the tuxedo pattern, I had an idea.  This is my latest dress design.  The "Butterfly Garden Overlay"
I wanted to try some different types of yarn, so the first one I made used baby yarn and the skirt wasn't full enough.  This one is made using cotton and ended up to big.  It wouldn't be bad if the hook size is adjusted down, but the cotton is harder to work with and takes longer.  I made 2 others using Bernat Softee Baby yarn and really liked them.  I will have to share photos later. 

Of course, after I sent the dress pattern out to be tested, I HAD to make a baby afghan to go with this dress to make it a set!  I am so happy with how it turned out.  I have taken the set to a professional photographer to get some better photos for the pattern and can't wait to see what she comes up with.  

Both patterns should be released this weekend :)
 

Monday, March 4, 2013

X Stitch Afghan Pattern

It has been a while since I have gone through some of my old patterns.  I was asked if Allfreecrochet.com could publish one of my patterns in an Ebook they are working on.  I figured I had better look at it again before they used it and I'm glad I did!

The pattern has been updated and makes better sense than it had.  I made a new afghan and was able to get a better photo :)


**This post contains Affiliate Links**
Yellow & Blue X Stitch Afghan Pattern


X Stitch Afghan

An ad free / printable pdf of this pattern is available here for a small fee: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/388585

Stitches:
Sl St – Slip Stitch 
Sk - Skip                                            
Ch – Chain                                                                                           St – Stitch (es)
DC – Double Crochet
HDC Chainless Foundation     

Materials: Size H hook
       18oz Caron Simply Soft Yarn or 4ww

Size: 35" x 27" or customize by working the foundation chain in multiples of 3 + 2

Gauge: 4 DC & 2 Rows = 1"

Begin with a 137 HDC Chainless Foundation.
If you have not used a chainless foundation, you can learn how through this photo tutorial

Row 1: Ch 3, turn, Skip next 2 Sts, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in 2nd skipped St, *Sk 1 St, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in skipped St* Repeat from *to* across, sk next st, DC in end St. (45 X stitches made) 


Row 2: Ch 3, turn, Sk next 2 Sts, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in 2nd skipped St, *Sk next St, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in skipped St* Repeat *to* across, sk next st, DC in end Ch 3

 



Rows 3-48: Repeat Row 2 (x will match up with x in lower rows)
Fasten off and edge with your favorite edge pattern