Mile a Minute Baby Blanket

I was not the biggest fan of join-as-you-go or stitch-together projects, so doing this mile-a-minute blanket was a challenge for me to even start. But this blanket pattern from Bob Wilson was a lot of fun to stitch! It was easy making each part of the strip separately then putting it together all at once, or when I chose to. This may have taken me longer to make than just crocheting in one piece, but there are color changes that I wouldn't have normally made. It was also nice to be able to make this any dimension I wanted, add or subtract panels to customize the size. This was a nice change of pace for me and I look forward to stitching another one soon.

I crocheted this blanket with Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft in White and Stripes Times Square. I love this yarn, it's so soft and easy to work with. And it's easy care, which is something that's really important when it comes to babies!

If you're interested in purchasing this blanket, you can check it out on my Etsy store here: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/702927964/confetti-shell-crochet-baby-blanket

Beading When You Have No Inspiration Part 1

Being stuck at home in quarantine has left me feeling very uninspired. Thankfully I've found a way to get myself to start getting back into beading. Bead kits! Here's my take of the Annie's Attic Simply Beads Kit. 

PROS

What I like the most about these kits is that someone has already done all the work for me. They provide everything, the pattern (most important!), the beads, the findings (clasps, earring hooks, etc), stringing materials, and depending on when you subscribe, they will give you some bonus items, I got a 4-in-1 tool and a beading guide. They also have member instructional videos, I haven't viewed any yet only because I have my other beading site video tutorials I like (Fusion Beads!). Another great thing about these kits is that it usually makes a complete design set: necklace, bracelet and earrings. This is also a downside too since I don't wear earrings. 

CONS

The first thing against this kit is that I'm not fond of the style of the designs. While the designs themselves are nice, they are definitely not my style, I wouldn't wear them nor do I know anyone who would. These are very modern designs, I'm a bit more conservative, more of a simple classic look. Another thing I'm not crazy about is the quality of a few of the items they send. For example, the instructions stated they sent pearls, but they felt cheap, more like faux pearls. For another project, I know clasps can be a bit finicky, but I received a large bag of clasps and half were not closing properly. I think they know about the clasps because they sent so many extras so I was still able to finish the project.

OVERALL

The price isn't bad at $19.99 plus shipping and handling for a complete set of necklace, bracelet and earrings, but be sure to take a really good look at the designs they have before just purchasing this beading kit subscription.

https://www.annieskitclubs.com/

Fusion Beads Website Closing!

One of my go-to online bead stores is closing today, July 27, 2020! I am so sad to see fusionbeads.com shut down their site. I will miss the project inspirations they have,totaling over 1,000 projects. The convenient thing was that you could purchase the beads on the same page as the pattern.

Another great section they have is the techniques/tutorial pages with video and written instructions. I've learned many techniques from here and I also use it as a reference when I can't follow another beading site's instructions. They really took their time with their computer illustrated diagrams. They are simple, clear and easy to follow. I can't say that many other bead sites do the graphics as well.

Fusion Beads has a great selection of items and not just carrying the high-end sterling silver or low-end silver-plated, but there is something for every budget. They used to have great sales that I frequently took advantage of, especially on the Swarovski crystals, so beautiful!, and the seed beads.

Here are a couple of projects I made with the beads I got from them and also made using their inspiration projects.

I'll miss you a great deal, Fusion Beads!  Good luck on your future endeavors!

New Craft - Chainmaille!

I just started this new craft and now I'm totally addicted! This is my first completed project with a simple weave called the Byzantine Chain.  I used 200  4mm jump rings in 19 gauge.  In my lack of knowledge, I accidentally bought either a too large of gauge wire or too small of a diameter ring, so I had to modify the weave a bit to get it all to work properly.  I have to say, I love the way this came out.  I'm now working with all the correct jump ring sizes according to the guides and it's so much easier.  It was difficult to learn with the wrong supplies, but I got to experiment early!

Puff Stitch Wool Scarf

Oh boy, I can't believe it's getting cold already!  Time for winter scarves to come out.

I love this pattern so much!  The yarn, not so much.  I never thought I would have any problems working with wool, or wearing it for that matter, but I do!  I used Debbie Stoller's Stitch Nation Full 'O Sheep yarn, 100% Peruvian wool and the results are amazing.  I'm definitely going to be making this pattern again, just in a different, non-wool yarn.  I'm curious to see what kind of texture the puffs/bobbles will have with a different type of yarn.  Currently on sale on my Etsy site.

 

Summer Shawls

For the spring/summer months, I made these two shawls with regular worsted weight yarn and used a large hook, US size N15-10mm.  The larger hook really changes the weight of the shawl and makes it almost weightless, it's kind of amazing to me!

On a side note, I really need to get a lighter or a more comfortable grip for this size hook because the weight of this bamboo handle aluminum hook is pretty hefty and really wears out my hand quickly.  I'd make more shawls with the same combination if I could get a better, more comfortable hook.

Both shawls are available for purchase on my Etsy site.

Crocheted Seed Bead and Crystal Bangle

I really love how this bangle turned out.  I used size 8 seed beads and 4mm fire-polished glass beads crocheted in a 6 bead round. Because of the larger fire-polished size, the seed beads have to angle around a bit to frame them which gives this bangle a pretty unique look.  I used crochet cotton size 10 in silver to match the main background.