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.

Flat Bottom Bag

On her blog, Crystal posted directions for a small, flat bottomed bag which she was going to use for a cell phone or pda. Since I've been playing with purses lately, I wanted to see how her directions would work on a larger scale. This bag took me two afternoons and one evening. It was done on the green KK with 3 strands of yarn and a 1 over 1 stitch. It is 7 in. across, 3 in. deep and 6-1/2 in. high. There were small spaces along the bottom of the sides so I wove in some yarn to fill them. Crystal's pattern can be found at http://crystalkini.blogspot.com/ in her February 2006 archives.

Woven Bottom Bag for LoomClass

Made on the red loom, this bag measures 7 1/2 inches in height. It was done with 3 strands of 4 ply yarn in a 1 over 1 stitch. The woven bottom is more solid than just normal knitting would be. Thanks, Laura, for another great project.

Loomed Purse

This simple purse was made on the yellow loom. I used 3 strands of ww yarn and did a flat knit stitch. It turned out nice and firm. The purse measures 9 inches across and 8 and 1/2 inches high. I seamed the bottom twice to make it more secure.

Adult Bootie for LoomClass

s; I made two pairs of slippers. This first pair follows the pattern as posted. They are finished off with a crocheted ruffle and a pompom. The recipient chose the colors, although when she saw them she said she needs a clown suit to wear with them. The lightest color is a soft yellow.

I saw this variation in Jo Ann's Project 150 photo album. She calls it her EZ Slipper. When I asked for directions, she suggested I wrap 22 pegs so the slipper would stop at the ankle. I just continued to knit the 22 pegs until I got to the row where the top is shaped. Other than that, I followed the original pattern. These are finished with a row of single crochet and a pompom made from all three colors in the slippers.

Thanks for sharing the pattern, Jo Ann. With the 1 over 2 stitch, these slippers should last longer than my others have.

Baby Hat and Booties for LoomClass

Laura Campion's pattern was easy to follow and would make a nice gift. People have finished them off in a variety of ways (using ribbons or yarn flowers). Mine have a crocheted edging in yellow.