Hearts, Hearts and More Hearts

In perfect timing for Valentine's Day, I saw a crochet heart pattern on Ravelry that just looked too cute. I just had to try it. I had just finished feeding the babies and decided to try it out while they were watching Noggin on the laptop for a few minutes. The only thing I had handy was a size C or 1 (2.75 mm) crochet hook and some size 5 DMC Pearl Cotton . So, I made these.....

Too cute right? Well, these little things really inspired me. I had so many ideas come out of it, that I still haven't had time to make them all. However, I did make some of my favorites...

I still have more I want to try, but they may or may not get done in time for Valentine's Day. I was trying to get as many of them as I could posted to give people a chance to make some for themselves if they wanted. But with 3 little ones and 8 other projects currently in the works (not to mention all the other life stuff), I feel pretty good to have gotten these done. Also, my model wasn't cooperating! Can you imagine...an 18 month old who won't sit still!?!? :D

And in case you're interested, the pattern is Crochet Valentine by Sara Graham. All of the projects above were done useing the size 5 DMC Pearl Cotton and the size C or 1 (2.75mm) crochet hook.

For the Itty Bitty Heart Ring, make the heart according to the pattern, then before finishing off, add a chain long enough to fit around finger. Join with slip stitch to other side of heart, being careful not to twist the chain. Finish off.

For the Itty Bitty Heart Headband, make 3 hearts according to pattern. Make a chain long enough to fit the head of intended victim, joining ends with slip stitch. Finish off. Sew hearts slightly overlapping onto chain.

For the Itty Bitt Heart Bracelet, make 7 hearts (or whatever number is needed to fit wrist) according to pattern. Thread fastener of your choice through a strand of the pearl cotton (or sewing thread that matches), and tie knot. Thread spacer bead (again, of your choosing) and cover knot. Sew to one edge of one heart. Finish off and weave in ends. Thread through the other side of heart, add bead, and thread through heart again. Then thread back through bead and sew on to edge of next heart. Finish off and weave in ends. Continue in this manner until it fits around wrist. Don't forget to add the jump ring or whatever clasp you have chosen and a final spacer bead to the last side of the last heart. You could make this longer to make a choker or necklace too.

I do have a couple more things that just have some minor assembly needed. Maybe I'll get those done and posted before V-day. If not, I'll just post them anyway whenever they're done! They don't have to be just for Valentine's. And some aren't meant for that holiday at all......

Stay tuned! And Happy Crafting!

OMG! A project finished in a week?!?

Yes, that's right! Believe it or not, I actually was able to start AND finish a knitting project in a week, despite a 6 year old and 18 month old twins running around and screaming the entire time! I'm so thrilled! And if that's not enough for you to be impressed (if you know my knack for not finishing), it was also only my second time working with DPNs!

So what is this miraculous project you ask? It's the Spiral Rib Wrist Warmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It's a pretty simple project, but like I said, it was only my second time working with DPNs, and really the first time (hard to believe I know) doing ribbing. TA DA!!!

Oh yeah, these are done in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in Navy Blue. Sooooo soft! Even my little 18 month old daughter asks to pet them! :D

I was also able to convince my 6 year old not to use his draft stopper as a scarf. It took a little longer than I thought, so I was just able to felt it yesterday. And I forgot to pull it out of the dryer while it was still a little damp, so I'm going to have to spritz it with water again and block it. But my DH already got me the kitty litter to use to stuff, so I'm excited! Hopefully I'll be able to finish by next weekend.

Wondering how I got my DS to let me felt it? I thought you'd never ask! ;) Remember that blue Noro Silk Garden I wrote about in the last post? Well, I did it with this:

He LOVES it! In fact, he just went with me to the LYS to pick up 2 more skeins to finish the scarf and maybe make a hat. We also got some coordinating Berroco Comfort DK to make gloves or mittens. I wanted something machine washable for the hands, because lets face it....he is 6! The scarf is already half finished (done in the same week I finished the wrist warmers I might add), so hopefully I'll finish the second half this week as well. It would be nice for him to get some use out of it before while its still cold enough!

Now my DH has also stated that he really likes the scarf and would like one for himself! This makes me sooo happy! But I wasn't sure if he would really like that bright green after a while, so instead I found some Noro Silk Garden Chunky in a similar colorway, minus the bright green. It also has some darker, more muted blues in it. Anyway, I thought it would be a color he would enjoy more. We'll see.

I also whipped up some little hearts that have gotten my mind running! Now I have several designs I want to do using these little guys as a base. So stay tuned for that! :D

Edited to add: I forgot to mention the bookmarks! I was blocking them last post and now they are completely finished. My 6 year old picked out some Pearl Cotton today for a bookmark he has requested for his teacher. He hasn't decided on which pattern yet, but we have time. He wants to give it to her for Teacher's Appreciation Day which isn't until March (I believe). I told him I would let him pick out the colors and pattern and I would make it for him. So there will be at least one more!

All in all, it has been a very busy, and very productive week! What's that you say? What about those toys that were supposed to be Christmas presents for the kids? I promise I'll get back to them after all of these scarves are done! Which reminds me, I still need to block my Nutcracker Scarf! Looks like another blocking party is coming soon!

Happy Crafting!