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I am dying to make this crochet mandala rug I found at Craft Tuts. The free rug crochet pattern is pretty simple, and uses t-shirt yarn!
50+ Ways to Upcycle Plastic Bags
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Today I am going to blow your mind with over 50 things to make using plastic bags. You know, the kind that are piling up in trash cans landfills in an epidemic fashion? Turns out you can make some amazing jewerly, home decor and other accessories with this abundant and overlooked resource!
Crochet Ombre Coasters
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Are you ready to add a quick, gorgeous splash of color to your home decor, and welcome in the spring? These ombre crochet coasters are just the project. Wink shares the easy crochet pattern at Craft Tuts+. I am in the middle of a crochet chevron blanket I started like 8 thousand years ago, and just can’t bring myself to finish. It is going to take so long. That is why I love quick, gratifying projects like this. Sometimes crochet home accessories can look hokey, but these I would proudly display. Pick your favorite color in various shades and join the ombre craze!
More Ombre, you asked? Sure…
Knit a Bow Ring
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I found this adorable knit bow ring pattern at One Sheepish Girl, and just had to share it with you guys. This project is quick, super cheap and easy. What a great stash buster to use up you leftover yarn scraps. The little bow rings would make perfect party gifts for a girls night. You could even attach them to ear posts for a sweet pair of earrings. Make them in pink and red for Valentine’s Day. Use them to embellish your handmade paper crafts! Looks like I have some knitting to do.
Make a T-shirt Rug
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Here is a take on making a rug from recycled T-shirts. If you have basic crochet skills, and access to old t-shirts, you are set. This is a perfect project for curling up by the fire for a night of cozy creating! Go see One Dog Woof for the how to.
Want more T-shirt crafts? There is a 50+ for that!
Knit Bracelets + Free Pattern
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Are you looking for fast, easy, inexpensive bracelet that is perfect for fall? Do you have tons of yarn skein remnants you have been hoarding for just the right little project? This post is for you. Many would be knitters are turned off by how long it takes to finish a project. I personally find it way slower than crochet. That’s why this knitted bracelet pattern from Sascha-Love to Knit is right up my alley. It feeds my need for instant gratification and my bracelet obsession simultaneously. What a perfect way to stash bust and knock out some handmade gifts while you’re at it!
50+ (& growing) Bracelets to Make
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The bracelet mania has crept into our 50+ round-ups here at Saved By Love Creations. You will see a few I have made, and a ton that inspire me. I hope you enjoy these projects and this round-up as much as I have enjoyed compiling it. I would love to chat more, but there are bracelets to be made and bare wrists to be adorned.
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[pinit]Haylie’s Handmade – Crochet Meets Compassion
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This is one of the most exciting features I have been blessed to share with you here at SBLC. My family and I headed out for some Saturday morning garage sales and our very first stop was quite the treat. We happened to spy a sign that said craft sale, so we tracked down the address, and here is what we walked upon…
This bright and energetic young lady is Haylie of Haylie’s Handmade. She is an 18 year old with a passion for crochet, and a drive to help those in need. I am amazed at how many beautiful pieces she had on display as she explained the charity she is contributing to with her earnings. Are you kidding me? Check this out…
At 18, I was not thinking “entrepreneur and charity”. I had to know more about this girl. In Haylie’s words…
I started learning how to crochet when I was twelve. I got interested in it by watching my grandmother do it. She started teaching me then. When I was fourteen I liked crocheting so much that I decided to start my own business. At first I only made blankets but as time when by I learned how to make potholders, scarves, placemats and lots of other things. When I’m not crocheting I spend a lot of time studying. I’m home schooled. I go to Indiana University High School. It is a correspondence program for high school students through Indiana University. I’m currently working on getting my honors diploma. I also enjoy Girl Scouts. I am starting to work on my Girl Scout Gold Award which is the highest award. The way that I got interested in the charity that I am helping which is called Ivory Coast Mothers and Children was because of my friend. I found out about what my friend was trying to do to help suffering mothers and babies that have HIV/AIDS in the Ivory Coast and I was really shocked by it. I couldn’t believe all the suffering and poorness that the villagers of Braffoueby which is the village in the Ivory Coast that I am helping were going through. I don’t think that it is right for pregnant women to have to walk fifty miles down a dirt road to the nearest health center. I was affected by what I heard and I decided to use my skills and business to help raise money for them. I donate 20% of my sales to this charity. I have been raising for Ivory Coast Mothers and Children since October of 2010 and I have already raised over $1000.
What an inspiration! We met Haylie’s mother, who explained that the girl has always wanted to have a business, and fundraising is in her blood. Apparently so is crochet! She has some adorable items, and is happy to make custom items to meet your needs. Contact Haylie at her website, Haylie’s Handmade, and support this amazing young woman as she crochet’s her way to a better world.
Yarn Bomb Comes to Town
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Have you had the chance to see a yarn bomb in person? I have been fascinated with these urban landscape upgrades since I first ran across a post about them, not only because yarn art is just beautiful, but because of the commitment involved in installing these things. If you have knitted or crocheted, you know what I am talking about. While it can be meditative and relaxing, lets face it, it is time consuming. I admire the selflessness of someone willing to give themselves in this way to beautify their surroundings, fiber style.
How thrilled was I when on my visit to downtown, I parked my car next to this tree cozy on Friday?
It sits in front of a splendid local yarn store, Yarns Unlimited. I decided to go inside, and see if I could locate those responsible for this particular yarn bomb, and wouldn’t you know it… there they were!
The central knitting table was surround by six ladies, needles moving, conversation and laughter flowing. “Did you do that?”, I asked pointing to the stylish tree. They explained there were several contributors, each knitting a piece that was unique to their particular style. One loves chunky yarn, so her contributions were thick and made with huge needles, another crocheted her part, and another used multiple colors. Together they pieced their portions around the tree, commemorating their individual uniqueness and group unity, while brightening their community.
Bravo ladies! How I would love to have participated. I may just have to join their cozy table and hope they plan a 2nd bombing. If you are local or ever in town, be sure and visit this store. There are amazing pieces of fiber art, from footstools to wreaths, even wire crocheted pendants and hanging yarn globes… a definite yarn lover’s paradise. They offer several classes, even some for free, so go on over and treat your creative self. You know you want to see it in person.
Knitted Hat With Garter Stitch Brim and Flower
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I am crushing on this cute hat with flower embellishment, big time. It is so fun to wear and simple to knit. I knitted the hat last year, then crocheted the flower recently to jazz things up a bit. It is the perfect addition and I am excited to share how I did it with you. If you make your own, come share pictures with me, please!
***Pattern***
Worsted or aran weight yarns may be used, but please check gauge.
Gauge 17sts x 26 rows in stockinette stitch = 4 inches or 10cm
Gauge does not have to be exact, as the hat is stretchy. This pattern makes a hat to fit most teens and adult females.
5.5mm (US #9) dpns or circular needles
If using circular needles, a length of 40 inches is recommended for magic looping throughout.
Garter Brim Hat
Cast on 72 sts. Join in the round, place marker for end of round.
BRIM:
Rows 1-8: Begin working in stockinette stitch; knit one row, purl one row – for the brim of the hat.
BODY:
Rows 9-40: Change to stockinette stitch (knit every row) and continue until the hat measures 6.5 inches from the cast-on edge (about 40 rows).
CROWN:
Decreasing for crown: (switch to DP needles when necessary)
Row 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 2: Knit (on this and all even numbered rows)
Row 3: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 5: Knit across all stitches
Row 7: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 9: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 11: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 13: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 15: *K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 16: Knit across. Break yarn leaving a tail for securing.
Row 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 2: Knit (on this and all even numbered rows)
Row 3: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 5: Knit across all stitches
Row 7: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 9: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 11: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 13: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 15: *K2tog* repeat to end of row
Row 16: Knit across. Break yarn leaving a tail for securing.
Run yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight to secure. Weave in ends.
FLOWER (CROCHET)
Using Crochet hook size H, and the same yarn used for the hat:
ch 5. Join ch with a sl st
forming a ring.
Round 1 (right side) Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 21
dc in ring, join round with a sl st in 3rd ch of begin-
ning ch-3—22 dc.
Round 2 Ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), skip next
st, *dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next dc; repeat from * 9
times more, join round with a sl st in 3rd ch of
beginning ch-6—11 ch-3 lps.
Back row of petals
Round 3 *Work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3
lp; repeat from * around, join round with a sl st in
first sc. Fasten off.
Front row of petals
Round 4 With right side facing, join CC with a sl st
in any skipped dc of round 2, ch 3, *sl st in next
skipped dc, ch 3; repeat from * 9 times more, join
round with a sl st in first sl st—11 ch-3 lps.
Round 5 *Work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3
lp; repeat from * around, join round with a sl st in
first sc. Fasten off.
Front row of petals
Round 6 With right side facing, join CC with a sl st
around post of any dc of round 1, ch 2, sk next 3 dc,
*sl st around post of next dc, ch 2, sk next 3 dc, sl st
around post of next dc, ch 2, skip next 4 dc; repeat
from * once more, join round with a sl st in last
dc—5 ch-2 lps.
Round 7 *Work (sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-2
lp; repeat from * around, join round with a sl st in
first sc. Fasten off
FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends and sew to hat.
