Crochet Inspiration #19: Crochet Coasters

It's that time of year already! I've been prepping for all the Growers' Markets. And I was trying to remember what I sold last year. The honest truth is, a ton of coasters. How random. I know! But it was something I couldn't keep up with.

So I decided to look around. For some inspiration. And a little fun. I don't know about you, but I get tired, of the same patterns. And I want to make things that sell, and that are fun for me to create. So here goes...some of the items I found...

 

Last Spring, I ran across this picture. I think I spent 3 or 4 days, trying to hunt down the pattern. I never did. But I figured out a pattern. And I made a ton of these coaster sets. These were HUGE at the Growers' Markets.

 



I'd also come across this picture last Summer. And I liked the simplicity of this design. I never found this pattern either. But I figured something out. It wasn't too difficult. But these were a great sale item too!

I just found this picture. And did a little searching, for a pattern. With no luck. But I'm not sweating it. I think I can figure something out. I really think, these would be fun to make.

And these hearts. For real, they are incredibly cute! I found the pattern here. I think these will be super cute! I just bought a bunch of cotton, in such fun colors. I really can't wait, to get started.

I've had these coasters, on my "To-Do List," since Sarah posted the pattern. I know! It's been over 3 years. And I have all the supplies at home. These would be perfect for the Growers' Markets. And the various Summer Festivals, I keep getting calls about. So fun!

These coasters have a more simple design. And I really like that. Again, I couldn't find a pattern. But these look really easy. I'm sure, I can figure something out!

 

My Mom really likes these coasters. Which means, our buyers will like them too. And I'm happy, that there is a pattern. So I'm going to try, and make a couple of sets.

I'm not sure what to say. A lot of our regular buyers, have sent me this picture. I'm not the biggest fan. But they are. So I'll be making a couple of these too.

These are a bit more my style. But honestly, I never use coasters. I don't own any. I've never thought about them. But I like the simplicity, of these coasters. I think they'd be a good design. No pattern to be found. But simple enough, to try.

These owls, caught my Mom's eye. They are adorable. Again, no pattern. Believe me. I searched. And searched. Then searched some more. I think I went down the Pinterest Black Hole...for 2 days. With no luck!

This monkeys, are equally as cute. And fun! Again, no pattern. Pinterest was killing me...for a few days. But I got the idea. And I'm sure, I can come up with something.

And then I thought, I'm going to be at a Growers' Market. Or two. Maybe even three. So I thought sunflowers would be nice. I know, this girl, would love a set! I should try them out.

Like I said before, coasters aren't my thing. Not personally. For this organizing, OCD, cleaning addict...I just can't imagine rings on the table. But coasters? Not my thing. But I'm not stupid. I see the need for and want for them. So I'll be making a few sets. ❤

Crochet Inspiration #18: Dragonfly Blanket

There is an endless flow of babies...in our family. And among my friends. There is no need, for me to have any. My family does a GREAT job, of multiplying. My friends, have the cutest kiddos. And with all these babies, comes lots and lots of Baby Showers. And presents. And new things to create.

And sometimes, you just get bored, with the same old patterns. So lots of times, when I'm pulling up patient records...I'm also browsing Pinterest for some inspiration. Or a new pattern to try out.

 

Recently, I found this blanket. And fell in love, with the design! The link, takes you to the blog, of the crocheter. Not the pattern. After some digging, I found that pattern. I may or may not...have already started one of these blankets...

And while I was digging around this blog, I might have come across this little guy. And it was love at first sight! The designer of this guy, can be found here.

 

Although this little fellow, is labeled a misfit, I like him. He's just quirky. And would make a perfect gift, for my owl loving Momma. Or a new baby girl, who is on her way.

So many fun things! The Dragonfly Blanket, might just be a new favorite of mine. Like I said. I might have started one...or already finished three! Right at this moment, I am starting another. And will probably have it at my side, all day long!

You see, my pups are going to be at the vet today. It's time to get them spayed. And I will be a total wreck! So I might get another one of these cute blankets, finished. What else, can a Puppy Momma do? ❤

Crochet Inspiration #6: Crochet for Dogs

I'm not going to lie here, this entire post, was inspired by a customer. And my dogs. You see, we crochet all the time! ALL. THE. TIME!!! And a few times a year, our church has a Craft Fair. We have been selling at them, for a few years now.

We have some steady customers. They'll call us from time to time, to make various things. Baby blankets, dolls, gifts. And we'll meet them at church, with whatever they've ordered. Sometimes, they'll text me a picture of something, that they want made. Or they'll bring my Mom a doily, that their grandma made. Years ago. And my Mom will figure it out. That sort of thing.

Well, for a couple of years, a few ladies have asked for dog sweaters. I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. Honestly, I didn't put much thought into it. And they never really pushed too hard. Just asked if I'd ever made on before. Would I ever consider making one. That sort of thing.

And honestly, I didn't. Until I got my puppy. And she didn't fit into any sweaters. Then I couldn't find any sweaters, that didn't scream Christmas, all over them! So one night, I did a Google search. Somehow, my Pinterest account was suspended. I don't know why. And the people I've been e-mailing, have been rather weird about it. So off to Google I went.

I found a couple of pictures. No real pattern, but even if I would have found a pattern, my sweet girl was so small, I don't think they would have worked. So I created my own sweater. And my puppy loved it! My Mom LOVED it even more! And over the next 2 days, her dog got one too!

One day, I took our dogs to the park, in these sweaters. And one of these ladies, from church, saw them. So she took it upon herself, to find me some inspiration. She collected a few pictures, and on Sunday, she put in her order! Now, let's take a look, at some of these cute creations!

She really liked this sweater. In fact, this sweet lady, just might have brought me some buttons too. Little dog bone and paw buttons. It doesn't look too difficult. So this might be, the starting point for me.

This sweater has a bit more, detail to it. In terms of stitches. But I think it is also, completely doable. I want to make this so bad! Maybe my puppy, will be my test model. :)

This sweater/dress completely cracked me up! But this is one of the outfits, that the sweet lady requested! First. As in, can I have it done by Sunday? I'm working on it!

Shut up! I know! This would be outfit number two, that must be done, by Sunday. Honestly not too bad! Looks like a basic sweater. Made with single crochet. A little color change. And a cute bow. This should be fun!

And a hat! I have never considered this. Ever! Years ago, we had rescued an older poodle. Male poodle. My Mom was always dressing him up. He wore hats...but it was generally for some Halloween costume. Nothing like this.

My pups now, would never consider it! I can barely keep a bow, on my puppy. My Mom's dog, HATES anything in her fur. So a hat? I'm really wondering if this lady's dogs will wear them. I have to figure out the ear thing. But I think it is completely doable!

She also requested a few paws and bones, on the sweaters. How cute! That should be easy to do. I'm thinking these can go on the first two sweaters. The other two, have quite a bit going on, already.

And she wants two of these dog mats. Actually, just a few weeks ago, I was setting my Mom up on Pinterest. And one of the first things that showed up in her feed, was a similar picture. The only difference was, the one on Pinterest had a dog paw on one side. Our dogs, actually need one of these. You'd be shocked, by how many times a day, the water bowl goes flying across the floor...

And because I make baby blankets, she's requested a puppy blanket. This looks like a pretty easy blanket. I think the toughest part, will be making the appliques.

Lastly, she wants some dog bones. Her dogs must be spoiled. But who am I to talk? I'm sure I can find a pattern, somewhere, for these bones!

Lots of cute ideas. Lots of things, I'd never think of. Lots of ideas, for my pups. Honestly, this lady stood and talked to me, for about an hour. I can only imagine, she is searching for more ideas. As I type this. But that's OK. Just to see her smile, would totally be worth it!

On another note, the lady that sells all the cute dog clothes at the Craft Fair, has asked us to make some sweaters too. She sells her stuff, in a local dog grooming place. And lots of people have been asking for sweaters. This might turn into some sort of side business. I guess I should get to work! ❤

Crochet Inspiration #5: Babies Everywhere!

Sunday, I just found out, I will have a new baby cousin. In August. So many babies are coming! Or have just arrived. In my family. With my friends. They are all so very precious!

And it got me thinking. I need to start working on baby gifts. I have been crocheting, 100 MPH lately. But it doesn't seem fast enough. And I need some new ideas too!

I found this picture on Facebook. I've made 3 Call the Midwife Blankets. And I think maybe I'll be making a forth. But the little outfit is really cute too! I've been making diaper covers, to go with the animal hats I make. But this is just too cute! Would be perfect, for newborn pictures.

And let's be honest, we have way more girls, in our family, than boys. I need to make this set! To me, it just looks like some basic pieces, dressed up a bit. A little flower, and some embellishments. Time to get to work!

This little guy, kills me! My friend actually sent me this picture. She's expecting a baby boy. And her hubby is a HUGE baseball fan! This would be perfect! Heck, I might just surprise them, at the Baby Shower. She ordered it, but it might just be her gift...

And this blanket. I've loved it for a while now! I'm actually thinking of making this, our next Crochet Along. I have a couple of skeins of yarn, that would make a perfect blanket!

I'm already so far behind, in baby gifts! Not lying. And I've already hit our stash. We are down to, almost nothing. So my crochet hooks, will be going 100 MPH for a while. Baby blankets, little hats, booties, tiny toys, and cute sweaters...are all on my brain! This is just such, a ray of Sunshine for me!!! ❤

Crochet Inspiration #4: Crochet Dolls

After visiting my Little J, on Saturday, I knew I had to start searching out more crochet patterns. You see, a few years ago, I made her a bunch of Disney Princesses for her birthday. I also bought her a big book of Disney Princess Bedtime Stories. She LOVES them all!

Part of it, is they were made just for her. And I've only made one other little girl, that she knows, these dolls. So they are special. Something that not many people have. And she told me, she loves them, because I made them.

But what to make this sweet girl next? I've made her purses, and different things for holidays. I've never made her a blanket. Which is next on my list. But I wanted something she could play with, and love. In comes, one of my favorite blogs...Jenny and Teddy.

I've made quite a few of the toys, from Jenny and Teddy. Both free patterns, and patterns I've bought. And you know what? I LOVE them all! They are easy to follow. Work up fast. And turn into the cutest dolls!!!

There is roughly 6 weeks, until Little J's 4th Birthday. And I want to make a few things for her. A blanket being one. Maybe a little bag, to carry her dolls. And these 3 dolls...

First up, is Bella. I just think she is a cutie. I would probably just change the color of her dress. Little J, happens to be a big fan of pink and purple. Big shock there, I know! I think this doll would be cute in hot pink!

Next up, would be Leena. Pretty similar in style. But I do enjoy her little hair style. Something different, from the typical amigurumi dolls and toys. I'm thinking this cutie, would be cute in purple. Something on the darker, yet bright side. And definitely, I'll be adding some shoes.

Last up, would be Kate. I'm thinking something in a turquoise color. Bright and fun. Something that coordinates with the other 2 dolls. Maybe change up the hair color. We'll just have to see.

I know, this is a ton of work! But I have 6 weeks. And it's for a special little girl! Which, honestly always makes a project fun! The bonus being, that Little J really enjoys playing with homemade toys. Girl has got a ton of toys! But always goes back, to these little crochet toys and purses, that I've made her. ❤

Crochet Inspiration #3: V-Stich Flower Granny Square

Sometimes, you just need to sit and make something. For no real reason, other than creating. That's what I felt, when I saw this pattern!

I enjoy Sarah's patterns so much! Most of which, I make for our various craft sales. But these days, I'm craving a project for me. It's not a lie, when I say, I rarely make myself anything. And I've been wanting a blanket. Something I can pour over, off and on, for some time. I've considered a "Temperature Blanket." They seem to be all the rage right now. But this, seems a lot more fun!

I'd definitely pick a color scheme. Something more my style. Perhaps reflect on my lavender and grey scheme. I'm not completely sure. But I do know one thing, I'd love to make something like this, just for me! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 2: Snowflake Ornament...Turned Into A Snowflake Garland

I was looking for something fun to crochet. Something to add to my Dad's hospital room. You know, these rooms are a little boring and bland. And since it looks like it will be a few weeks until we get home, I need to add a little something-something to this place.

I was thinking of a garland. But Valentine's Day decorations are just a little too much right now. I'm thinking something for winter. A little bit of fun and whimsy. Then I thought about this little snowflake...

 

So I'm thinking, these little snowflakes, made into a garland. With a few wintery blue colors. 7 white, 6 little blue, and 6 medium blue...connected with white. I think it would make for a fun garland. You know, with all this weird winter weather that we are having. I think we need some snowflakes. Real snowflakes. Not the pretend things, that are all over the weather maps...and never make it to the sky.

 

Recently, I was telling a friend of mine, that patterns are just a little "roadmap" for you. It's there. It gives you an idea, or a direction. But it's not the "end all." You can change that pattern around. You can add to it. You can use a pattern like this, to add an applique to a hat, scarf, or even a blanket. Lots of times, I find a cute appliques, to make different garlands.

 

So the next time you see a cute applique, ornament, or other little trinket...think of all the things you can make with that pattern. This pattern, I've added to a scarf and hat recently. And it really came out nice. My little cousin likes that she has a "Frozen" hat and scarf. Funny how she made that connection. But it's a nice little treat. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 1: Pom-Pom Crochet Blanket

It's been so cold round here! We haven't gotten much in the "snow department." Well, not here in my hometown anyway. But the snow has been falling all the way around us. Literally! My home, just a few hours south, got nearly a foot of snow!

So you can just imagine. Cold! And I all I want to do, is wrap myself up in a blanket. And take a nap. Or read a good book. Let's be honest, I want to be warm and a little lazy! But we've been in the hospital for what's seems like forever and a day! And I usually only go outside, every other day. But still, this cold, just makes me want a nice warm blanket!

I was doing a little blog reading on Sunday night. My Dad was having a very restless night. And I didn't want to make too much noise. But I needed to keep on eye on him. The tech for our unit called in sick. And the staff was a little short handed. So in the dark, I caught up on blogs.

I can't even remember what blog post I was reading, but I saw this incredibly cute blanket. Jess always has such cute things on her blog. I kept reading. And hoping, I'd find the source of this blanket. Something about it, was screaming, "Make Me!"

 

I found it in an earlier post. Jess designed this beauty! I just don't know what it is. This blanket just looks fun! I love the pom-pom action. The color. The casual feel of the blanket. And that chair! If anyone knows where I can find one, let me know. ASAP! I LOVE the bones of this chair! Now I'm off to see, if this guy will go do a yarn run for me! ;) Maybe I'll have a fun blanket, by this weekend. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 27: Baby Panda

Is anyone else still trying to get their Christmas presents bought? How about finished up...you know, if you are a crafter. Well, I am. Mostly because life has been crazy around here. And since we are going to be in the hospital for the next week or so, my gifts this year are going to be homemade.

Most are done. But then, I had a ton of orders to fill. And Christmas came fast. So yes, I sold a few of the gifts I had made my family. I have a few left to remake. Mostly hats. Some toys. And a scarf. But I thought, we needed something fun in the hospital. In pops...a baby panda!

Isn't this panda outfit cute? Well, I thought so. I'm going to make the hat for my little cousin. She just turned 7 months old. I'm thinking of adding a little pink bow, to the right ear area. And then, I just might make one for an upcoming Craft Fair. :)

And just for a second, can we talk about this awesome blog? All About Ami. I literally stumbled on it. Because I was looking for a baby panda hat. And I was a little tired of all the character hats, that I've made this holiday season. I just wanted something adorable. But All About Ami...definitely one of my new favorite blogs! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 26: Snowmen for Two Little Men

We're just 2 days away from Christmas! And I found out just a few days ago, that my cousin is coming from Virginia. And her brother is also coming to town. He lives a few hours away. Both with their new spouses. And baby boys. One of the boys is 2 months old. The other is 7 months old. You know, totally adorable.

 

But that means, I need some quick gifts. And because my 2 cousins are very competitive, I decided I needed to make the same thing for both baby boys. You know, we've got to be 100% fair. And I wanted it to be something homemade. But it needs to be simple. Something that can be worked up in 2 days. Then I remembered these 2 little snowmen...

 

We all know about Sarah's cute snowman. And I think he will be just perfect. Minus the little flower. You know...it could be a choking hazard.

And I thought a snowman hat would be perfect. It doesn't get really cold here, but Virginia gets it's fair share of snow. And winter. So why not? I'm thinking one can be red, the other blue. Add in some grey for fun. And a few cute buttons. Just a little modifications. Well, I better grab my hook and yarn...and get busy! Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!! ❤ 

Crochet Inspiration 25: Out & About

At the beginning of the month, My Mom and I sold at our church's Christmas Craft Fair. We did so good. And sold a ton of stuff! I mean a ton! Many items that we'd had for a while. But we kept a little list of the top sellers. You know, we only have about 6 weeks to stock up. You know, before our next sale. :)

Well, I was trying to stock up on some of these items. One being a certain scarf. The real story being, my sister wanted a dark purple scarf that we had. She put it down, to look at a few other things. In case you don't know, my sister works on TV shows and movies. So she works long, crazy hours. And hadn't had time to go shopping. I think she did a good 50% of her shopping in one afternoon. Our fellow crafters, were very happy!

But when my sister put that purple scarf down, and a friend of ours...well she bought it. So I thought, I could make my sister the whole set for Christmas. Something that matched. In her favorite color. So she doesn't freeze on set, at 3AM.

Then I hit a snag. I couldn't find the pattern. Anywhere! And my sister is headed to Croatia. For 2 months! And I got a call. From a lady at church. Wanting to order 5 sets! What to do???

Fast forward almost 10 days, and I still couldn't find the pattern. I searched our containers of patterns. I searched online. And then I started asking friends. I kept coming up empty handed.

Finally I realized, when Coats & Clark merged their free patterns with Red Heart, not everything made the move. This pattern happened to be one of those...

So as any other crafter would do, I kept on searching. Then I remembered the pattern is called "Out & About." A few Google searches later...I found Purple Kitty Yarns. And the pattern! Don't you just LOVE it?!?!?! Now I better get to crocheting. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 24: Snowman Purse

'Tis the season. You know...candy canes, Christmas trees, and Santa. Did I mention that I haven't decorated. At all! This is not me. I usually have the entire house, outside and in, decorated. Like every surface is covered in something glittery, shiny, or twinkly.

But this year, I just haven't been into it. In 10 days, we are having our company Christmas party. I got to get moving on this stuff. I haven't even done 10% of my Christmas shopping. I know. I know people. 16 days until Christmas...

So I've been looking for some crafting inspiration. Especially, for the little ones. My Little Cousin J has LOVED everything "Snowman" since I can remember. Frosty is her guy. She will watch Frosty the Snowman...at least 100 times. That's between Thanksgiving and Christmas. After Christmas, they hide the movie from her!

She'll be 5 next month. And is now in Pre-K. So I've been hunting down a little something special for her. I wanted a little bag of some sort. Something she could carry with her. She likes to have little bags to stash her ice cream money, lipgloss, and special little toys. I did a quick search on Etsy, and look what I found...

A snowman purse! I about died. The cuteness alone, just got me. And honestly, this close to Christmas...with chemo and everything else we have going on...I should just buy it. But my Little Cousin J, she just adores when I make her stuff. :)

I think I can have this little gem, made in about a day. I'm thinking a purple "hat" with pink cheeks. Her two favorite colors. And maybe, if I have time, making a pink one for my pal Little J. I think these are so much fun! Better than the stockings, that I was going to write their names on. Bonus...I already have tons of treats to fill them with! Happy Tuesday! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 20: Olaf

Are you getting ready for Christmas? I decided, for a bunch of reasons, to make it a "Homemade Christmas" this year. Which I think my family, and friends, both enjoy. They get some "one of a kind" gifts. I get something to do, while my Dad is at chemo. And well, I just enjoy it so!

I'm sure, the little girls in my family, are no different than the ones in your family. Totally in love with everything Frozen! To be honest, I haven't even watch the movie. Does anyone want to lend it to me? No, for real. Just for a couple of hours. My 4 year old cousin, is refusing! I MUST go to her house to watch it. It's one of her most prized possessions. :)

Well, I've been doing some digging around. I've managed to crochet a few amigurumi sets of Elsa and Anna. But I've been looking for something a little more fun. And well, One Dog Woof, totally came through for me. Just this week, ChiWei posted this FREE pattern!

Isn't Olaf too cute?!?!?! I adore him! Like I said, I haven't seen the movie. All my knowledge of Frozen comes from the itty bitties in my life. :) But this little guy...I might be crocheting a dozen or so of these. For gifts. Maybe a few for our upcoming Craft Fair. I might even get one made for myself. We ONLY have 44 more days until Christmas!!! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 14: Unicorn Hat

I know. It's ONLY September. But it is the last day of September. Here in the Southwest, we're still months away from cold weather. You know, the really COLD weather, that you break out hats, scarves, and gloves for.

But recently, my Goddaughter has shown a lot of love for all things My Little Pony. And unicorns. I can relate. When I was little, I adored My Little Pony. Had houses, ponies, cars, blankets, stuffed animals...anything and everything that you could imagine. And unicorns. Well, during a large part of my childhood, I collected them. My own Godparents, would indulge me in my fascination. They'd buy me ceramic unicorns, stuffed unicorns, and even a big minky blanket with a unicorn on it.

So after having a long convo with Miss A, I thought of something crochet. I had already started this star blanket for her. But in her favorite colors...pink, purple, and blue. I'm using a Red Heart Yarn in "Bright Mix." And some white. I can't decide, if I should give it to her for her birthday, in October. Or wait until Christmas.

Then I remembered seeing a few different unicorn patterns on Etsy. Really I had been looking for a Horse Hat. For Miss Abby. And her big sister, Lauren. I did a quick Google search, and found a real beauty on Repeat Crafter Me!

For real?!?!?! Sarah is an AMAZING designer. But this is just too cute! I'm thinking of using the same Red Heart yarn, in Bright Mix, for the mane. And I might just have to give this beauty to Miss A, for her birthday. It's in just a few weeks. And I think this would be a perfect fit.

Between, I think this could be a cute little horse. You know, for 2 of my favorite little cowgirls. I'm thinking of changing up the colors, losing the horn, and maybe adding on a face. :) I just LOVE when things start coming together! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 6: Alligator Pencil Case

It's the first week of August. Which means, school is just around the corner. And quite honestly, I'm not ready for that. And I don't even go to school anymore! I'm just dealing with my Dad's business. But we shall see what the new school year will bring us.

On the other hand, I know a group of kiddos, that is just dying for school to start! Especially, a sweet five year old. That is ready for kindergarten. And all the yellow school supplies you can find! ;)

Let's not forget, all things algenator (or in our words...alligator.) So this week's inspiration, is coming straight from little Miss M and her favorite animal...

 

A certain little Miss M, definitely deserves a new alligator pencil case. You know, just in time for the 1st day of Kindergarten. Which means, this Tia better get moving. Besides slow poke me, we have the USPS to deal with. And well, we surely can't be late! ❤