It Is What It Is Pillow {Knit/Crochet Chart}

This is really such a fun piece.  I actually worked it up on my knitting machine, and then filled it with a prestuffed pillow.  (I didn't want to mess with stuffing it myself)

Use the chart below to work up your piece.  If you are knitting, you'll knit one stitch for every grid on the graph.  If you're crocheting, it gets a little weird.  I find that 1:1 works well enough for single crochet (sc) but that you can also use double crochet with 2 stitches for each square.

You can work the same on the front and back or you can work up a solid piece for the back (which is what I did).  If you're going to do a solid back, just work the same amount of stitches and rows from the graph and it will work up to be the same size.  You could also sew on a piece of fabric if you don't want to work a piece for the back.

You can find the chart for the pattern here, and it comes with an additional 9 quirky sayings graphs for you to use!:  It is what it is Pillow Pattern

If you like this one, I have a whole new line that I'm going to be putting up in my shop very soon!!!

Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments section below!

Long and Lengthy Cowl {Knitting Pattern}

Long and Lengthy Cowl
Use a medium weight yarn, size 8 circular needle.

Cast on for the length that you want it to be, in my case I made it extra long- I can wrap the cowl three times around my neck.

R1: K around
R2: P around
R3: K around
R4: P around
R5-9: K around
R10: P around
R11-15: K around
R16: *YO, k2tog* around
R17: *k2tog, YO* around
R18-20: Repeat R16-17
R21-25: K around
R26: P around
R27-31 K around
R32: P around
R33: K around
R34: P around
R35: K around
Bind off with last row using the three needle method.


This is one of the first cowls that I ever made, it works up very quickly and very easily.  This is a great beginner project.  Enjoy!

Crazy Awesome Sock Patterns to Try

I've been becoming a little bit of a knitter over the years, and while it still isn't my preferred method of yarn craft, I have to admit it holds it's own merits.  For example, I've made gloves, mittens and fingerless gloves in both knit and crochet and I like the lay of the knitted ones better.  They are thinner, but still warm, which allows for more ease in movement, they're stretchy too, which also lends well to this type of garment.  I still favor crochet for hats and afghans, but would never think of crocheting a sweater!  I think that would just be too bulky.  Another area that I think knitting takes the cake is socks.  I haven't yet knitted a pair of socks, but I have crocheted one, and I didn't like the way they felt at all!  I think a knitted sock would be much more comfortable!  This is why I have made it my goal this year to knit a pair (or two!) of socks just to give it a shot and see how I like it.  While I know these won't be the patterns I'm starting with, I am starting quite the stash of fun patterns to try out!

Winter Rose Socks

A Dance for Maus Jung

Mustached Cat Socks

Little Sock of Horrors

Emoticon Socks

A Flock for Your Feet

Knitted Christmas Pattern Socks

Tardis Socks

Oh how my little mind is racing with all the fun I could have with loads of sock yarn and lots more time than exists!  :)  Also, must find Tardis Blue Sock Yarn, know where to find any?

Do you have any crazy awesome socks to share?  Leave a comment!

Gryffindor Illusion Bag, Part 3 {knit pattern + tutorial}

Now, if you've completed Parts 1 and 2 of the Gryffindor Bag, you're ready for the final (and most fun) part of them all!  It's finally time to see how your bag looks!

I started by pinning my two insides to my two outsides.  I want both of the right sides facing out (wrong sides together).  I started with the pins on the bottom, just doing a simple zig zag stitch (which tends to help hold together knit better)

the bottom on the back side of the piece

the bottom on the front illusion side

I ran the same zig zag stitch up the sides of the piece (which again I didn't take a picture of...  le sigh)

At the top, you're left with a funny overhang, so I cut a slit in it like this:

Opened the top part of the bag like this:

Folded in the corners:

And then the whole top part:

Then I pulled the top of the knit over the edge of the inside fabric and pinned:

And then took it through the sewing machine with another zig zag stitch.

After you've done this to both sides (make sure when you attach the piece with the pocket that the pocket is facing up!!!)

Then, trim off the excess fabric:

Next, lay the right sides of the knit together, pin around the edges that should be closed and sew a zig zag stitch all the way around.  (again, sorry there's no picture of that, I guess I was in a hurry!)  Turn your bag right side out and you're ready to finish up!

After the bag was all assembled, I attached the shoulder strap and button tab and button, just by using yarn and an embroidery needle.

 I hope this tutorial has been helpful and that it has shown you a new way to take any pattern and make it your own!

For a Recap:

Gryffindor Illusion Bag Knitting Pattern Part 1

Gryffindor Illusion Bag Knitting Pattern Part 2

Soft and Snuggly Cowl {Knitting Pattern}

 Copyright 2010-2012 LiLu Studios: This Crafting Life, by Lori Steffens. {http://www.thiscraftinglife.com/} Make it, Wear it, Love it, but above all, Share it, don't Sell it!

Soft and Snuggly Cowl

Materials:

Light Weight yarn, I used Bamboo

5mm circular or dpns

Cast on 248, join in round

Place marker, remembering to slip marker at end of every round

R1: k around

R2-5: *k4, p4* around

R6: *YO, k2tog* around

R7: *k2tog, YO* around

R8-18: Repeat R6-7

R19-22: *k4, p4* around

R23: k around

Cast off, weave in ends.


I had never worked with bamboo yarn before, but I think it's one of my new favorite yarns!  It's super soft, cuddly and I wish I had made one of these for myself!  (now i might have to!!! lol)