Saturday, February 27, 2016

Winter Clearance in my Etsy Shop

Introducing Clarisse.  She is modeling the super cozy, super warm, and super stylish headband earwarmer  now on winter clearance in my Etsy store.  Please click on link to visit my store and see more of my groovy model Clarisse!  Hurry!  They are going fast and won't return until Fall!
Super Cozy Headband

 More Clearance items will go on sale this coming week!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Sunny Sunflower Barefoot Sandals


Looking forward to warm weather, soft grass, and hot days on the beach? That's what inspired the hippy bohemian Sunny Sunflower barefoot sandals!  The perfect foot decor for the summer!

Well, maybe not for my feet, but I'm sure you or someone you know has feet that could rock them!
                                                   Yes, my feet don't do them justice.



Here's a quick tutorial on how to make a pair for yourself (or for someone with feet that are worthy)

Or if you want the written pattern it's available for free here.

Or if you want them made for you you can purchase them here.

Step 1:  Materials

            - Crochet Thread #3  (I used Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 in colors coffee and maize.  Just one ball of each will give you enough to crochet a few pairs!)
               Or you could pick your own colors.

             -Size E, 3.5mm crochet hook

                                                            -scissors and tapestry needle

Step 2: Gauge

               Center circle of flower should measure approx 1 1/2 inches.  Approx.-  Perfect gauge is not as important in this project.

Step 3:  Abbreviations

               ch- chain
                slst - slip stitch
               sc - single crochet
               hdc- half double crochet
                dc - double crochet
               sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (also known as a sc decrease)

And finally Step 4:  Pattern Directions 


  1. Starting with a magic circle, sc 9 and join with a slst to 1st sc.  Or if you do not know how to make a magic circle, Ch 2, 9 sc into 1st ch. Join.  Either one will do.



     2.  Ch 1, then sc 2 in same stitch,  Continue 2 sc in each stitch around for a total of 18 stitches.


slst to top of 1st sc           


Ch 2, *2 sc in same st, 1 sc in next* around for a total of 27 sc.  join with slst and fasten off brown.


circle should measure approx 1 1/2 inches





Attach yellow with slst and sc 3.

Working in rows of yellow now, ch 1 and turn (clockwise turn is best)
sc2tog, sc 1, ch 1, turn (2 sc total)
sc2tog, ch 1, do not turn.
(Basically, what you are doing is going down from 3 sc on first row to 2 sc then 1 to make the petal)

Working down side of petal work 3 sc, then sc in next 3 stitches on center circle.Continue working same pattern around.



              
slst in 1st sc to join.  (easier to slst in the 1st brown sc)

Fasten off yellow.  9 petals.

Join brown with slst to top of any petal



Chain 5 and slst into next petal 


Continue slst, ch 5 around
then join to 1st petal with another slst.  9 ch 5 spaces.


              Here comes the fun part!  Wait, it's all the fun part!

slst into ch 5 space. Ch 1, 7 sc in 1st ch 5 space.

In next ch 5 space 2 sc, 3 hdc, 2 dc.

ch 15 (for toe loop)  Or if you need it bigger, chain a few more.  2 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc in next ch 5 space.




7 sc in next space. 2 sc, 3 hdc, 2 dc in next space, ch 4 (loop for ankle tie)
 2 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc in next space.

7 sc in next sp.  2sc, 3 hdc, 2 dc, ch 4 in next space.
2 dc, 3 hdc, 2 sc in next space.

Join with slst to first sc, fasten off.


Join brown with slst, ch1, sc.
Chain 120 (or easier yet, your desired length)  I chained for 25 inches to wrap around ankle twice with room to tie comfortably in front.  Repeat for other ankle tie.


Tie a knot at ends of each tie and trim.

Weave in and trim ends.

And that's it!  You can always add beads or feathers, or experiment with other colors!

Go Forth and be Hippy!

~donna~              

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Having had a preemie baby myself almost 30 yrs ago, I can't imagine how happy I would have been to receive a handcrafted soft and pretty blanket for my baby!   I am thrilled to be able to donate my own handmade blankie to a sweet preemie baby who may be fighting for their life at this moment!  Feels good to give the struggling and stressed out parents a little joy at this very trying time in their lives.  Here is a link to their website High Risk Hope  and here is a pic of my almost finished baby blanket.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Nobody like bees in their beer.  Here's to them!  Camo can cozy with flip-top cover to keep bees (or any crawly thing) out of your favorite beverage!