That's a Wrap

When my close friend's birthday was on the horizon, I scrambled, trying to think of the perfect gift.  Boy was it hard!  She has a daughter who crochets (she's awesome!) so it was challenging coming up with something that I could make that my friend wouldn't already have.  Sure, I could have just run out to the store, easy!   But I wanted to give her something that would remind her, when she looked at it, that I spent hours crafting it, pouring in all of my affection for her as a small token of thanks for her friendship.  That's a tall order for one handmade birthday gift!  Then I remembered how she's always rocking beautiful scarves and wraps at church.  Lightbulb!  Enter two skeins of Caron's Simply Soft in that beautiful (often used by me) peacock blue and this Sage One Skein Wrap pattern.

I can't wait to see her wearing it!  If she's loves it even half as much as I love her we're good to go!

Sock Monkey Hats

Right behind all things owl, sock monkey hats are my most requested.  Who doesn't love a sock monkey?  One thing I love about these hats is that it doesn't matter how big (or small) they are or what colors you use, they're always easily recognizable and sure to elicit a smile!

Floral-inset Baby Blanket

Remember when I said before that our church has a lot of growing families and that gives me a lot of opportunities to make baby gifts?  Here's another example!  I used a basic v-stitch but decided, partway through (because that's when I make most of my design decisions, on the fly!) that a couple floral panels would be pretty.  To be honest, it was a huge pain and a terrible idea for something that was supposed to be a quick project.  I still love how it turned out though!  

I based the blanket off of the Lion Brand V-Stitch Blankie pattern and I used the flowers from their Summer Flower Baby Throw.

Hooded Beauty

Am I the only one who has always loved capes and hoods?  Ever since I was a little girl I've always secretly (or maybe no so secretly) dreamed of wearing a beautiful hooded cape that tied at the throat.  While these aren't capes, I still love the drama--and warmth--of a crochet hood!  

Whether it's a pullover hood with cute little ears, 

a cowl style with lots of volume around the neck

or a tied version with pretty scalloped shells around the bottom.

Even baby dolls can get it on the action!

Is it feasible to add a cape to the bottom, or am I just dreaming?

Perfecting the Perfect Slouchy Hat

A while back I proclaimed that I made myself the perfect slouchy hat.  I still stand by that =) but I made some tweaks that, in my opinion, make it even more...perfect!  I kept the same basic shape but used an open stitch (dc + ch 1 in the place of one dc).  I first tried a super slouchy version using Bernat Softee Chunky yarn.

I've used a soft, thick yarn for a warmer winter hat

but I think my favorite version is made with Caron Simply Soft and a K hook.  

It's very soft and lightweight, a great addition to any wardrobe.

Cup Cozies

These cup cozies have all the criteria for a perfect weekend project: quick, easy, no pattern necessary and endless options for customization!  

If you want to make one yourself, simply make a chain long enough to fight tightly around a travel mug then connect it with a slip stitch.  Single crochet around, making as many rows as you like.  I used small circles for eyes and did two colors to make owls but the possibilities are endless!

Baby Bear Hat

I love making hats for newborns!  Tiny, soft and picture-perfect...and then there's the hats!  =)  Our church is full of growing families so I have a lot of opportunities to make baby shower gifts.  I couldn't resist making a little hat for a baby girl due in about a month.  Her daddy just deployed and, at the very least, I'm hoping he'll enjoying seeing pictures of his newborn babe, snoozing away with a sleepy bear hat on.