granny update

 

There's great progress on my "granny along within a granny along" blanket. I have 60 squares made up and have started crocheting them together. I am still debating on how big I want the finished blanket to be. I am dreaming of one big enough for my bed...

granny along within a granny along

Have you all heard about the great granny along? I absolutely love the sewn square design based on the classic crochet granny square. I was a little bummed that I could not participate since my sewing skills need great improvement, but then I realized "duh!" I can make real granny squares. So my mom (HappyLittleCottage) and I decided to do a little granny along together. She is doing the sewn granny squares and I am doing crocheted grannies, so it's a granny along within a granny along :)

She picked out the fabric and I did my best to match up the colors. I am using my new favorite acrylic yarn... Hobby Lobby's "I love this yarn, in aqua, light yellow, red, medium pink, and leaf green. 

Be sure to check out the adorable sewn granny square details over at Happy Little Cottage!

Sophie's Got a Brand New Bed

I love taking old unloved things and making them new and I also love my dog Sophie. So this project was a combination of two things I really love.

This is how it started. An old suitcase from the thrift store ($3.00), a pillow, spray paint, and some fabric.

First I gutted the whole thing and gave it a good cleaning. Then I spray painted every nook and cranny with Krylon high gloss spray paint in "banner red".

Next came the fun part... accessorizing!

  I covered an old pillow form with some blue floral delilah fabric. Crocheted up a mini granny bunting banner using Perle cotton size 5 and hung it at the top.

Sewed a new gingham pocket with lace edging for all of Sophie's toys (she has a lot).

Lastly, I painted a chipboard "S" white and added a cute crochet flower and leaves.

I think Sophie loves it :)

A Cuddly Owl

Well the heat has finally broke and thanks to my new air conditioner I am back with hook in hand and tons of inspiration.

 Here's my newest little creation. He measures about 7 inches tall and is crocheted out of acrylic yarn.

The pattern comes from this adorable etsy shop full of fun crochet patterns.

He is currently nesting on my window sill bringing me smiles every time I see him. I think he needs a name. Any suggestions?

happy banner

Is there anything happier than a bunting banner? 

This is a really simple pattern from the fabulous Bunny Mummy!

Mine is made out sugar n cream cotton is red, white and aqua. To join the triangles together I just single crocheted 3 rows in the top stitch of each one, then gave it a good steam with the iron and went on the search for the perfect spot.

It's definitely patriotic for 4th of July and will be perfect for the Olympics as well. I can't wait to make more in different colors!

Let's Talk Weather

The weather in Cleveland this past week has been H.O.T. They were steady in the mid 90s for 4 days straight with high humidity. Unfortunately, when its this hot my creative mojo just disappears. All I feel like doing is sitting in front of the fan and watch a favorite show or read a good book (thanks to having no air conditioning in this old house). There was one good thing that came from the heat... the first water park trip of the year! I love lounging in the wave pool, people watching with my sunglasses on, and soaking up the sun.

During the heatwave I did get a little cross stitching done.

It's a Cath Kidston pincushion pattern. I love anything Cath Kidston and I can't wait to have a little pincushion to add to my supplies box :)

I'm happy to say the heat broke and I'm happily enjoying temps in the high 70s. Let's hope the creative bug bites again soon.

How has your first week of summer been?

Thrift Store Finds

I am very lucky to have at least 10 or 12 thrift stores that are at least 35 minutes away, but there is one that is the all time best! I have never left there once without some kind of treasure and I consider my last visit the best score yet! 

These gorgeous wicker cases were the first thing I spotted. The large case was $2.00 (it is in brand new condition!) and the little one was only 90 cents. They are the perfect little containers to store my WIPs (better than the grocery bags they were in).

Here is the inside of the smaller case. I have lots of crafty embellishment plans for this little one!

After I found those two along with three wicker baskets for my plants (each 50 cents) I spotted a birdcage behind the counter. This is where they keep all of the "high end" items. I have to admit that the cage did not look at all like this picture now. Sitting on the top shelf behind the counter it was embellished with so many beads, silk flowers, birds, and glitter. Very tacky indeed, but I asked to see it and knew it would be easy to take all of it off (it ended up taking me a half an hour). So it came home with me for $8 ( a little pricey for a thrift store item, but it is so hard to find large birdcages and this one completely made of wood.) It is currently all aglow with a few strands of white twinkle lights!!

There is something so exciting about thrifting! You never know what treasures you will find. I'm officially addicted!