How to Swap Crochet Bits with a Friend

I have developed some amazing friendships through crochet. One friend in particular has become such a great friend! The Ravelry Group where we met was gearing up for a monster swap. With swaps, there is no guarantee who you will be partnered with. So, we did our own mini swap off the boards and just had fun with it. And these are the monsters we ended up with!

How to Pick a Pattern That is Good for Swapping

The pattern should have several pieces, but it also needs to have one main piece. 

Finishing Off Friday - an Elephant and Yoda

Before I share my projects, I have to share this photo. Wednesday marked 6 years since my sister passed on from this world. My brother-in-law has been faithful to take a dozen roses to my sister every year on certain dates. When my husband, sons, mom and I arrived at the cemetery Wednesday night, her dozen roses were sitting on top of the tombstone. My niece took a balloon to her mom that said, "Miss You".

Don't cry for us. Just pray that God continues to comfort our family and the two precious kids she left behind.

How to Use Your Crochet Stitch Markers for Knitting

I made these monster stitch markers for myself a few months ago. The problem is I am multi-craftual and I needed some stitch markers for knitting a pair of socks. But, I didn't want to break out the clay to create a whole new set of stitch markers.

Playing with Clay

When I get out clay and the pasta machine, I can't make just a few things. I have to fill the entire baking sheet. I am so excited about how some of these turned out!

Everyone Loves Owls

Owls are such an easy shape for anyone who wants to give polymer clay a try. Just make an oval, then pinch the top two corners to form the ear-looking things. Then, make a teardrop shape and flatten it. Attach to either side and you have a lovely little owl. The eyes were made with the end of a jewelry pin (which you'll need if you are making stitch markers). 

The flowers came from an old bracelet that I didn't love. But, the components on the bracelet are awesome! I will never regret the day that I ripped that bracelet apart. They were the perfect addition to these little owl stitch markers.

Monster Love

I love monsters in any shape and size, but my all-time favorites are the Pac-Man monsters. 

The pink/blue mixed (purple) is sort-of what the monsters look like when Pac-Man can chomp them! I had to work with the colors I had on hand. I know these aren't 100% accurate, but I still think they are awesome!

Adding Clay to Hooks

I started out by using scraps of clay to build up the handles. That part went really well. Then, I used this technique I learned nearly 10 years ago to create a gradual blend of two colors. I used pink and pearl blue. The pearl really shimmers. 

The hooks aren't perfect. I didn't get all the air bubbles out and I think you can see them. But, I still think they are good enough for gifting. Speaking of...there's a giveaway where you have a chance to win these hooks. I have some matching stitch markers to go with them and a matching hook to go with the owls above.

Non-Clay Stitch Markers

I also made another set of these stitch markers over the weekend. They are intended for those of us who are forgetful of which hook size we are using on a project. You can even make your own for under $10.

Winter Gift Exchange Hosted by Craftaholics Anonymous

Twice a year there is this fabulous gift exchange that takes place for crafters of any kind. You sign up to make a handmade gift and you receive a handmade gift in exchange. You can ask Secret Q & A questions and it's lots of fun!

I exchanged gifts with Dara from Not in Jersey. She made me this absolutely gorgeous hat! Ignore the person in the picture...I should have at least put on make-up or something before taking a picture of myself. lol!

How To: Stitch Marking with Yarn

You crochet in the round and don't want a seam, so you work in continuous spiral. But, how do you keep track of rounds without having to stop at the end of each round to move a marker? This is my method and I hope it helps.

When you complete your first few rounds, grab a spare piece of yarn. In the example below, I used this yellow piece that had a circle on the end to make it easier to see.  

How to Make Your Own Stitch Markers on the Cheap