Fruit Hats

These hats, done from Sara's pattern, have received lots of complimentary comments from my friends. They're a nice change from the traditional style I usually do and work up just as quickly. The patterns for all of Sara's designs are available at http://www.loomknit.com/ .

Felted Bags

After seeing a friend's felted purse, I decided it was time to try the process. The first attempt was needleknit. Turns out my washing machine's very gentle agitation makes it worthless for felting, so I tried doing it myself in the sink. The purse ended up being 10 in wide by 6.5 in high.

Next I made one on the yellow KK. It was made in the round like a hat but I seamed the bottom flat instead of gathering it. This went through the neighbor's washing machine. In my attempt to removed the ridges, it shrank more than was intended. The final size is 7 in wide by 6 in high.

The third attempt was done as a flat panel on the yellow KK. I knit down the front, did 2 inches of garter stitch for the bottom, knit up the back and made the flap. After seaming the sides, it was ready for felting. Now that I knew what to expect, this one came out better. The final size is 9 in wide by 7 in high and the bottom is an inch wide.

Crocheted Cloths

I found a couple of crocheted goodies on people's blogs that I just had to try. The first is a dishcloth. It was an easy project but I haven't wanted to actually get it wet and dirty yet. Shortly after finishing it, I saw that Janice on the Looming Dishcloths group posted the directions for it there. Here is the link to the pattern I used: http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/cpatterns/crodress.html .

The other projet is a hot pad that is two thicknesses. It is crocheted in one continuous piece with no shaping. To finish it, just fold it properly and close the seam. This link will take you to the pattern and some nice pictures of the work in progress: http://www.mielkesfarm.com/diagonal_hotpad.htm

A Circular Knit Dishcloth

I spotted this dishcloth on someone's blog. It looked so intriguing I just had to try it. It is shaped into a circle by shortrowing. The first one was done exactly as the pattern said. On the second one, I eliminated the edging.

This is a needleknit pattern and I found the pattern several places, including here (http://www.mielkesfarm.com/dishclth.htm) . Some suggested knitting the two edges together to finish it and others suggested sewing them. One suggested using the kitchener stitch and that's what I did.

Crocheted Mug Cozy version 2

The first cozy I made was done with yarn that was too soft. It loosened up so much it would only fit an extra large mug. This version is made with WoolEase. It has loops and buttons to keep it together, which are less bulky than the ties. Also, I ran a thin piece of elastic around the top to help hold the shape. After constant use for a few weeks, I hear it's doing its job well.

Two-color Hat

I've done many hats with two different colors but usually they are simple patterns in the band above the brim or in the whole top portion of the hat. With this hat, I just played around with different patterns until I liked the design and the hat was long enough. It was a lot of fun but I can see the advantage of planning a design to avoid ripping out ideas that don't work! This is definitely something to try again.

Woven-Top Hat

Another project that was fun to complete is this hat from Learn New Stitches on Circle Looms by Anne Bipes. The weaving was very easy to do even though it looks intricate. What a great pattern!

Strata Yarn

While at WalMart one day, I found some yarn by Red Heart called Strata. First I tried using one strand of the Strata and one of a coordinating color. The hat was pretty. But then I wound the yarn into two balls and matched the colors on the two strands. This is the result with no help from me. It was such fun watching the stripes form on their own. I'm definately going to try some of their other color combinations.

Isela's Arellis Bracelet

It was a lot of fun learning how to use a bead spinner and choosing the beads I wanted. Making an icord with a string of beads is pretty different.

As usual, Isela's directions were clearly written and easy to follow. My biggest problem was
fastening the two ends together in a way that didn't show. You can find the pattern at http://www.loomknit.com/arellis-bracelet.html .

Crocheted Mug Cozy

A friend asked for a cozy to keep his coffee warm while he's busy on his computer. After doing a search for patterns and comparing the features, this is what I came up with. It is open on the side for the cup handle. To keep it on, he fastens the ties over the handle.

Crocheted Espresso Cup Sleeves

I made these cup sleeves with leftover WoolEase. They are a fast project and can be varied in many ways. And they can be washed if your drink spills --- always a possibility in the car.

Supplies:
small amount of WoolEase

G crochet hook

Note:

The completed sleeve is 13 rows of single crochet. At the end of each row, join to the first stitch of the row with a slip stitch and chain 1.

Pattern:

Using 2 strands of yarn, chain 30 stitches and join with a slip stitch. Chain 1.

Work 4 rows of single crochet.

On row 5, sc 8 stitches, dec, sc 8 stitches, dec, sc 8 stitches, dec.

Work 3 rows of single crochet.

On row 9, sc 7, dec, sc 7, dec, sc 7, dec.

Work 2 rows of single crochet. Fasten off.

Attach yarn to the top of the sleeve and work 1 row of sc. Fasten off. (This gives the top a finished edge.)

Weave in yarn ends.

Camera Bag

Another variation on Crystal's pattern. This is a small bag made to hold the supplies for my camera. The camera itself has its own case and will fit in my purse. I wanted something to hold the cords, charger, and mini tripod. The pocket on the inside of the flap holds an extra memory card. The bag can be stored in my dresser and takes up much less room than the box. It also keeps everything together in my suitcase when traveling.