Merry Christmas

 

What a year it's been. I had a bumpy start, but it luckily only got better. Oh, how I love this place and how much it has helped me ahead. It's great to experience what color and some stimulating comments can do in ones' life.

This is some the stuff that came out of my hands and head these last twelve months. It makes me so happy to see all this color!

Before I take my loooong vacation, I wanted to take the time to thank you all for visiting me. For the compliments, the support and the inspiration you gave me. I loved doing it and hope to have inspired some of you.

And for now I will wish you all a very merry christmas and a festive new year! May it be colorful and happy and may we see each other then!

Inspiration

I was spoiled last week at Sinterklaas. I asked for the Haken en Kleur book and got it! Yes! I was extra excited, 'cause I'm going to the book signing next saturday at Echtstudio. 

The writers of the book, Saskia and Claire, work with just as many colors as I do, so the book is very inspiring. The pictures show you some of the patterns I really like. I'm sure I'm going to make the yellow shawl, and I love the colorful flower tote... 

Got another lovely present. A big wallet from Santoro. Last week when we were in Antwerpen at Akotee, I was checking this out, not noticing my man keeping an eye on me. I was totally surprised he got this for me. It makes me instantly happy just looking at it. (Even if it's empty...)

And this is what I'm working on now. Still finishing the coasters. I think this pattern is going to be in my shop, as are the coasters themselves. Can anyone tell me, how do you make a pdf pattern. Do you make a chart or a description? Is it possible to just draw a cart and make a picture, or does it have to be digital?

Anywho, am also (finally!) finishing the granny baby blanket and loving it to pieces. 

Have a pinkish monday!

PS. Does anybody have suggestions for crochet drawing software for Mac??

Crocheters Block

I've never experienced this before. I feel a bit flustered... I don't know what to crochet these days. I start all kinds of patterns, but don't fall in love like I'm used to. My Etsy shop is in my mind all day and I wonder what to sell, and if my work is good enough. I'm afraid the yarn ends will come loose, or it deforms after washing or stuff like that. I know, I'm a bit of a wimp!

I've been postponing this moment for over a year now. It makes me kind of nervous. It's quite a commitment, if you ask me. Well, others might disagree... It's just an online shop. But I have to make sure my work is high quality. And I have to send it on time. And on top of it all, I will have to learn how to work with Paypal... Been postponing that too.

I feel like such a nerd. What's the big deal? I can just open up the shop, see if anyone would like to buy my stuff, and make a little money during the process. No big deal. If no one wants to buy it, I just close the shop, right? Or wait a bit longer (patience is not my strong point). I know, I KNOW! I just have to JUMP. Gonna make the pic's next week. And the text too.

I did find a lovely color combination yesterday. And am trying to make a new pattern for some coasters. Yes I know, AGAIN... I just love them so much! What d'you think?

One more note. I came across this post at Dada's Place. She used my pattern and I'm in love with the result. It's so much fun to see how others use your pattern. I also like the change of the center. Works perfectly. Oh, and I absolutely LOVE her colors! Go over there and check it out.

Anywho, this was an extra post. I will see you all on monday!

Have an uproarious day! (I could have said stormy, but liked this translation better... It's gonna be a stormy day here in Holland).




Nog een opmerking voor mijn Nederlandse lezers: Op 14 december aanstaande is er een signeersessie van Claire en Saskia en hun boek Haken en Kleur, bij Echtstudio in Alphen aan den Rijn. Ik ben erbij. Kom jij ook?

Yarn Talk

The last few weeks I got several questions about the yarn I use. I thought I'd answer you all in a post about it. I use a lot of different brands, because I need the colors to be just right, and haven't found a brand yet that has all the colors I love. They are all (more or less) the same quality and thickness.

For cushion covers, coasters, potholders and other small projects I use about 5 brands of the same type yarn. I use Schachenmayr SMC Catania, Phil Coton 3, Rio (this one is significantly cheaper), Katia Capri and Cotton Quick. The last one I only discovered recently (I don't have a picture of the label... I'm not so organized with yarn). This shop sells 4 of these brands. Because you all come from different countries I'm not sure which ones can be ordered or bought in you country. Just look for the brands on the internet and I'm sure you'll find something. It's all mercerized cotton and I use a 3,5 mm hook. There are other brands too that have the same quality.

For blankets I use a thicker yarn. I use 3 different brands and just mix them, the same as I do with my other yarn. I use Creative Cotton, Drops Paris and the yellow I use is Catania Grande (I don't like the other colors of this brand). The last brand is mercerized, that's why I only use it for the center of squares or circles,  otherwise it would be noticeable it's a different yarn. (The first 2 brands aren't mercerized). Some people don't like the first 2 brands, 'cause it splits easily, but I really don't mind that so much. You need to use a smooth high quality hook and than you'll be fine. I really like the softness of this yarn and the great great colors! And on top of all that, it's really inexpensive!

I did only a little crochet this last week. Still busy designing and making coasters. I've always loved the African Flower Hexagon, but never used it before. I thought they might make some nice happy coasters... And they did!! I used Pigtails' tutorial. (Thank you Magda!).

There's also some unfinished business I'm transforming into something else. Started it ages ago and don't like the color combination anymore. So it's going to be something else...

A last remark on the yarn: Echtstudio is a great yarn shop. It's in the town where I live, so I'm very lucky, but it's also possible to order. (I'm not sure if you can order from abroad though...)

Hope this was helpful. Enjoy your day!

Cheating...

Yes, I know, I would be talking Christmas Crochet Gifts last week... Well, I was having a little  crochet meltdown. I did crochet some christmas gifts (some would say they are easter gifts...), but after my third egg cozy, I flipped. Nothing is as boring as repeating a single crochet (in the same color no less) for who knows how many rounds. This is why I've never made a single amigurumi in my life, it's plain BORING!!! To me it is anyway...

So I started an affaire. With FELT. Wanted to make some christmas ornaments and found this pin in Pinterest. How lovely are they? And since felt is an old lover of mine, I went back to my ex for a bit. It's so fun and easy. No loose ends to finish of, no endless yarn, no hook. Just some felt (in every color of the rainbow), a needle and a few buttons here and there and your DONE.

And although I haven't made a lot, my affair didn't last long. I'm missing my True Love already. I need to get me another yarn fix. A hook, some stitches, the familiar feeling of RSI in my wrist... What can I say, I'm a hooker through and through...

Anywho, how do you like the felt mustaches?? Thought they were an extra nice feature during Movember...

Made a new potholder pattern too. I saw something like this in my mother in law's kitchen. They were about a hundred years old and clearly ready for replacing, so I made these for her. I really like the pattern. It's so easy and they look stylish. I think I'll make a few pair for my Etsy shop (opening in January...)

I might be out for the rest of the week. These are busy times. In Holland we not only celebrate christmas, but also Sinterklaas. Our kids are out of their minds with tension and this will last for 3 weeks (another 1 and a half to go). After that, there's christmas and after new years normal life will start again... Oh, how great is december??!!

Have an over easy monday.