Tote Bag {crochet pattern}

{I found this pattern in a box of random vintage crafts that I received from family.  I figured I would share it here in it's original form.  Please note that I have typed it exactly as it was listed and have not worked the pattern yet myself.  I'll probably work it up at some point and post my comments and adjustments too :)  Enjoy!}

This Pattern has been moved to my Patreon library to help support my websites and art adventures.  If you would like to support my work, you'll gain access to a library of awesome patterns, including this one.

My Pattern Experience: Summer Flies Shawl {knit pattern review}


If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll remember my trip to Schaumburg, IL for Stitches Midwest this past August.  While there, I snagged some really cool yarns.  I went knowing I only wanted to buy yarn that I couldn't buy near me, and came home with this beautiful light sport weight yarn varying from white to dark blue.  I was very curious to see how it would work up, and started with this shawl pattern: Summer Flies Shawl.
I found it on ravelry one day and liked the way it laid, just as a collar piece, and I love it.  It was really fun to work up, with the varying pattern stripes, and the color just worked up beautifully!  I think the only thing that I would change for myself would be the way the end curls and ruffles.  I almost wish that it laid more flat.  I also probably would have gone up another needle size or two, as I like the looser look a little better and this worked up pretty tightly.  I think mine is actually a little smaller than the original. Overall, this is a great pattern, was fun to do, easy to understand and I love the way it came out!
I went back recently to discover that this pattern was no longer available for free, which is a major bummer!!  It's still a pretty good bargain at only $1.85, but if I had to pay for it when I made it, I probably wouldn't have made it and gone for something else.
I still love the pattern and would love to do it again :)



Scouting Sunday #9: 5 Valentine Treats to Try



 So if you recall, this series is designed to share with you some of the things I've found during the week that I love- most are diy, crafty items, and I think they're all great!    This weeks theme?  Valentine's Treats!  All of these look super yummy!  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!



Martha Stewart has won me over with her pillowy heart meringues.  Yum!!!





I love eclairs, and when I found these, my heart just melted... :)  Another wonderful creation from Martha Stewart- Chocolate Eclair Hearts





I'm showing these off because I think they'd not only be great for stashing a secret valentines message to your sweetie, but also to think about for easter time!  You could use plastic easter eggs as molds and make your own cadbury or candy filled eggs!  And if you guessed Martha Stewart again, you'd be right!  Check out the White-Chocolate Spheres here.











For a new Valentine's Twist on an old favorite, make some Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies from For the Love of Cooking.






Hope you all love this edition of Scouting Sunday!  If you're a blogger and want to nominate yourself for a Scouting Sunday, use the Link Up below!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!




This Crafting Life

Batman Afghan {crochet pattern}

This pattern was a toughie.  It took a long time to get it written and even longer to get it worked up.  I usually write my patterns as I go, so I know exactly where I am.  This one, I chose to write from the beginning, based off of a picture that I graphed out.  There were many revisions along the way, as well as an error that was made very early on (I inserted 1 extra stitch somewhere while working it) and it threw me off and I had to keep in mind that one extra stitch and make sure that I didn't accidentally insert it somewhere along the line in the pattern.

I will not lie... it's very large.  It is the size of my queen bed.  It took me forever, but I think it came out great.  There is a small problem in one of his ears, where I think i shifted the pattern outward.  By this time, I didn't want to deal with it anymore so I left it be.  Perhaps you can find it, and if you do, just let me know!

*Updated on February 26th to include revisions by dedicated readers and a link to a google doc with the original chart that I used to make this blanket- see notes below for further explanations!*


Batman Blanket Crochet Pattern

This Pattern has been moved to my Patreon library to help support my websites and art adventures.  If you would like to support my work, you'll gain access to a library of awesome patterns, including this one.



Scouting Sunday #8: 10 Valentines Crafts, plus Wreaths!



So this week, the series is going to be devoted to Valentines Crafts.  You've got just over a month to get your craft on, and if you're like me, you're starting now!   I hope you enjoy what I've found!  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!



I love this tree project for kids!  It looks like it will be easy enough to let my messy 2 year old do too!  Check out Pretty Valentine Trees by scrumdilly-do!





I love making ball jar votive holders for the holidays.  I literally ooohed out loud when I found them, and they will be on my to do list for this holiday too!  Check out Votive Candle Holders at Homemade Serenity.










I think this project is for a card, but I would actually do it as a small piece of canvas art.  Check out this grungeboard Valentine Art tutorial by Balzer Designs.









I love the idea of giving a gift that will grow and bloom.  These are filled with daffodil sprouts, which bloom early and are beautiful!  Check out the tutorial for this Fabric Can Planter by Family Chic!






Cute and simple, I loved this project from the moment that I saw it.  I already have the tags all cut and ready, started gluing and ran out of time.  I can't wait to get back to it! Check out this Valentine's Day Craft by My Blessed Life.




I'd share the link, but it looks like this domain has expired.  You get the idea though, glue conversation hearts onto a matte or a piece of paper and frame it.  Awesome!






abc..i heart u!  This craft has so many possibilities- you could use the wooden letters like in the tutorial, or go instead for stamps, foam letters, stencils or just print it off your computer for instant art!  Check out the tutorial at Color Me Happy: Everyday Inspiration.






Another project from my "Easy Peasy" radar, is this Subway Art Printable from Project Inspire.  Simply print, frame and hang (or display).  Love it!







Don't have a heart stamp at home?  Whip one up yourself with something from around the house!  Check out Rust and Sunshine's Heart Stamp Tutorial.




No holiday crafting would be complete without something from Martha Stewart.  If you're more of the secret romance type, check out these Secret Messages!




And if you thought we were done... you were wrong!  Here's  a boatload of wreaths to inspire you!


Hope you all love this edition of Scouting Sunday!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!




This Crafting Life