Welcome, welcome, 2011! I’ve pulled yarn and hooks out of …assorted boxes… and started crocheting. I’m more than a little rusty and my “designer’s brain” has a thick layer of dust over it. Still, I’m pleased to tell you that I’m actually going to have something to show for myself in a day or two.
But in the meantime, I’d like to offer a lovely coupon code! For the entire month of January, enter the code 4YEARS at checkout and receive 10% off your entire pattern purchase. (Not sure where to shop for patterns? Go here!)
Well, the new year is almost upon us, and here at Inner Child Crochet that means something special. January is my website’s birthday month and this is its fourth birthday. Wow, can you believe that? I know, it’s crazy.
During the birthday month I try and put together some special things, release new patterns, have sales, and generally get my act together again creating and publishing content for the site. Last year I attempted to blog every day in the month of January, which (although I did not quite succeed) worked surprisingly well. So well, in fact, that I’m going to try it again this year because, let me tell you – I thought 2009 was a bad year for my crocheting, but 2010 was even worse. Instead of the eleven patterns I published in 2009, during 2010 I only managed eight…and five of those were in January. Apparently, learning to cope with twins, trying to see everything I ever meant to see while I was in Japan, packing up and moving to another continent, driving back and forth across the USA, living in a hotel for six weeks, and unpacking in a new house left me with very little mental energy for crocheting.
I did accomplish one thing this year that I am very proud of, though. See? Before:
And after.
Yeah, I did that. (See, Mom? The ability to kill – I mean, keep a plant alive has very little to do with your ability to keep kids from dying!)
Hey, did you know today i- hooooly cow, Christmas is on Saturday! Well if – like me – you’re not exactly finished with the presents on your list, perhaps you’d like to take a look at a few ideas for handmade gifts that you still have time to complete? For instance…
This single-skein cowl is simple and speedy, with alternating bands of single and double crochet forming a subtly interesting texture that requires only bare attention from you to navigate successfully. Time to complete: about one hour.
These slippers were rigorously designed in compliance with previously determined husband-preference specifications. Please note that the slippers are 1) black, 2) plain, and 3) big. You’ll have to take my word for it that they are cozy, warm, and absolutely not itchy at all. You may also notice that they’ve been knit with a princess foot for maximum comfort. I don’t remember for certain, but I believe that each slipper took less than one hour to complete.
Looking for something handmade to round out toy pans and cookie cutters? Or perhaps you want something to stick in the stocking with those EZ Bake Oven mixes? Check out the hot pads and oven mitts in the Little Baker Set. My boys love theirs, and they’re child-sized, which means fast!
Here’s a hat that goes together fast – double crochet, a large hook, and a lovely wool all combine to create a delicious fabric that proves something doesn’t need to be difficult to make a statement. Instructions for making the tassels are included at the end of the pattern. Time to complete: just over one hour.
An oldie but a goodie, finger puppets are a great way to foster creative play with only a small amount of materials. Great for stocking stuffers and using up scraps!
Here’s another hat that goes together quickly, and it’s one of my personal favorites (I made this hat five times). It can be worn a few different ways: to the back like a slouch, to the side like a beret, or to the front like a newsboy. When made in different yarns, the personality of the hat completely changes – and at about 90 minutes a pop, you’ll want to make one in all your favorite fibers!
Admittedly this will take more time to make than a hat, but with worsted-weight yarn held double and an L hook, this is one large project that goes by lickety split! This pattern is graded into five different sizes.
Here’s another hat! It’s knit this time – I love the cables and the simple ribbing. The pattern is actually graded into different sizes, so you can make it for anyone from toddler to adult. Fun, right? It’s pretty fast, too…especially if you know how to cable without a needle.
