Free Pattern: Spring Flowers Hairband on #Crochet Addict UK

I am writing to let you know about a wonderful new guest post I did on Crochet Addict UK!  Crochet Addict UK is a wonderful blog with lots of crochet inspiration and fun.  It is written by Susan, who discovered crochet after learning it could help her with Cronic Fatique Syndrome, or CFS.  It's inspirational to know that the yarn and hook can make such a difference in someone's physical health.

I was honored to be able to participate in her blog and I decided to write up a quick crochet pattern to contribute to her collection of free patterns on the site.

I love this pattern for people who enjoy funky headbands, especially girls.  I could see my students wearing them, and making them, too!  It's a very easy pattern, so I hope a lot of people will give it a try! :)

To link to the pattern, click on the picture!  Thanks for stopping by! :)

Slinky Sleeves #Knit Arm Warmers from Vogue Knitting

One of the members of my knitting group found an amazing store called Fil, which is in Colonia Roma, Mexico City, D.F.  I was glad to have found a Mexican yarn store dedicated to mostly natural fibers from Mexico and Latin America.  I may dedicate an entire post to the store later, but right now I wanted to share a finished object made from beautiful yarn I found there. 

The Yarn: Lanai by TM Imports.  It's 100% wool and to my eye it looks like an aran to bulky weight yarn.  It's a beautiful, variegated, single ply yarn with long color repeats between raspberry, wine, light denim, and olive.  I found the yarn to be beautiful to work with and it produced a very pleasing product.

Shop Mexico: Ana Gorozpe & Barks Masaryk

Ana designed this amazing bag and her mother crocheted the boa!

 One of the coolest, nicest, and most creative people I've met in Mexico has got to be Ana Gorozpe.  Ana is the proprietor of a chic accessories boutique that bears her name and Barks Mazaryk.  Pay her a visit, and both you and your dog can enjoy cute and trendy wearables!

Yummy charms, sequin wrap bracelets, exquisitely-designed necklaces, felt flowers... All handmade!

It's hard to choose just one, but my favorite style is the sequin wrap bracelet.  See that black and white number at the left of the collage?  I've been wearing that nonstop since I bought it!  She also has sequin earrings and all different colors of each style available.  :)  Glee!

Your prized pooch can have a perfect perch on this cute pet bed.  Ana also carries a number of adorable doggy outfits!

Find Ana Gorozpe & Barks Masaryk online and follow them on facebook!

Gift Crafting: Leethal Quick Knits 10-yard cuffs

Don't you want these?

photo property of leethal.net

I know!  

I wanted these so much, that I learned how to knit with these in mind.  Here's the beauty:  The patterns are simple enough for a beginner, knit up really quickly, use only a bit of yarn, and let you use all those gorgeous buttons you love.

I got to knitting these after my amazing friend Elaine brought me back a bagful of gorgeous yarn from Scotland. 

 Gift ideas:  Make them as stocking stuffers, friendship bracelets, or co-worker gifts.  Add one to a card, or even to the outside of a larger gift.  Wrap one around a bag of candy!  Buy the pattern or kit for a knitter, or someone who wants to learn.  It's a great way to use up yarn scraps and to become acquainted with different techniques.  Enjoy!

For Jennie!

Does this look vaguely familiar?

Yes, this is the complement to the purse I made for Erin.
Jennie is one of my oldest friends and an AMAZING, AMAZING artist.
I wanted to show her that I really missed her when she was away and give her a pretty, handmade gift to welcome her home!

Crocheted Purse

I whipped this up for my best friend to say thanks for having me at her home in Irvine for two weeks! We had so much fun together. I loved the way this purse worked up. It's done in a half-double herringbone stitch, which gives it the delicate look. I got the pattern from Stitch N Bitch The Happy Hooker. I modified it by making the handles of yarn.
It think it worked really well, and Erin loves it.