2 more thread flowers

More of the 5 petal flowers... hmmm... I seem to be making this a lot.  It's fun, quick and easy.  Both the tapester and the bookmark are going out as Random Acts Of Kindness to some members of Crochetville.  I hope they are well received.

Some bookmarks

I have learned to love thread! Hooray! I have been busily making bookmarks the past few days for gifts for my daughters' teachers. I really enjoy working with thread; it always looks fancy (even when it's really, really easy). I'd love to start on a summer cardigan in thread-- but considering my "crochet ADD" it might take a decade for me to finish!

The pattern I used is Apak's Butterfly Bookmark. I used the chart, but kept going in the round to make the 5 petal flower. I added an extra (3 dc, ch 3) in the first round to make the 6 petal flower. A row of foundation single crochet makes the thong part and the leaves are freeform.

The butterfly is done in Noro Sekku and a 1.5 mm hook, it has a charming, rustic quality about it.

Turtle Tape Measure Cover-- The pattern!

I wrote up the pattern and had it tested-- have fun! Click the text for the pdf! Crochet to your heart's content!

Please do not distribute or copy the pattern. You may post links back to this blog. You have my permission to sell and donate items made from this pattern as long as you give me full credit as a designer. And, by all means, let me know what you think! (I'm allieliz on both Crochetville and Ravelry)

Turtle Tape Measure Cover by Alice Kaufman Rich

Materials: 2 inch diameter plastic tape measure, size 10 thread in variegated green (or Green for MC and a coordinating color for CC), 1.65 mm steel hook (or size for gauge), small amount of polyester fiberfill, black thread or beads, for eyes.

Special stitches:

Back post double crochet (bpdc)--  Yarn over, insert hook from back to front around post of stitch below,

Reverse Single Crochet (rsc)

“Claw Picot”—Chain 3, sc into 3^rd chain from hook, sc into stitch below.

To start, chain 5, join with ss

Rnd 1—Chain 3(counts as 1^st dc ), 14 dc in circle, join with ss. (15 sts)

Rnd 2—Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dcs in each st, join with ss. (30 sts)

Rnd 3—Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc in following st, 2 dc in next st) 14 times, join with ss. (45 sts)

Rnd 4—Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st (1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in following st) 14 times, join with ss. (60 sts)

Rnd 5—Ch 3, 1 dc in nex 2 sts, 2 dc in following st, (1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in following st) 14 times, join with ss. (75 sts)

The circle should come out somewhat concave so it forms the shell.

(The next 2 rounds are to be crocheted back and forth in order to make a gap for the tape measure to come out the back)

Row 6—Ss ito 1^st st (to make the gap). Ch 2, bpdc into st below and next 6 sts. Ch 3 (makes a loop to attach the limbs), bpdc into next 23 sts, ch 3, (bpdc into next 7 sts, ch 3) twice, bpdc in next 23 sts, ch 3, bpdc into last 7 sts, turn (do not join with a ss). (74 bpdc)

Row 7—Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in each dc below,  2 dc in the last dc (leave the ss unworked).  Join with a ss in the top of the ch 3.  Note: Do not work into the ch 3 loops, keep them to the front so you can fasten the head and feet on later.

At this point you may want to put a small amount of fiberfill in the “shell”, and place the tape measure inside, button side down, poking the tape through the gap made in the 2 previous rows.  You will work the decreases around the tape measure.  If it gets too hard to hold the tape measure, take it and the fiberfill out, work 2 rounds of decreases (rnd 8 and 9) then put the tape measure back in and, using the end of your hook, stuff the fiberfill up in the shell and pull the tab through the gap.

Rnd 8—(begin decreases) Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts (dec), (dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts) 14 times, join with a ss. (60 sts)

Rnd 9—ch3, dc in next st, dc2tog in next 2 sts (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts) 14 times, join with a ss. (45 sts)

Rnd 10—ch 3, dc2tog in next 2 sts, (dc in next st, dc2tog in next 2 sts) 14 times, join with a ss. (30 sts)

Rnd 11—Ch 2, dc in next st (counts as a dc2tog), (dc2tog in next 2 sts) 14 times, join with a ss. (15 sts)

At this point you should have an opening for the button on the tape measure.  If it is a little large, dc3tog in the first 3 sts and dc2tog in the remaining sts.  If you want to fill it in a little more add a round of scs in each st. 

Finishing—

To make the head: attach thread (or CC if using 2 colors) to the ch 3 loop opposite the opening for the tape measure. 

Row 1--Ch 3 (counts as a dc) 14 more dc in the loop, ch 3, turn (15 sts)

Row 2—ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc2tog in next st, (dc in next st, dc2tog in following 2 sts) 4 times. (10 sts) ch 2, turn

Row 3— dc2tog in next 2 sts 5 times. (5 sts)

This should make a nice 3-D semicircular head.  Add 2 dark colored e beads or use black thread to embroider the eyes.

For legs: In each of the remaining 4 ch 3 loops:

Row 1-- Attach the thread, ch 2 (counts as an hdc), hdc, 2 dc, tr, 2 dc, 2 hdc.  Ch 1, turn. 

Row 2--  Claw picot (sc, claw picot) 4 times.  Finish off.

You should have 4 wedge shaped legs with 5 triangular “claws”.

Join thread in the in the ridge created by the bpdcs in row 6.   Rsc  around the ridge.

Weave in all of those pesky little ends, give your turtle a cutesy little name, and enjoy!

Copyright 2010 by Alice Kaufman Rich.  Please do not copy or distribute this pattern.   Individual crafters may sell items made from this pattern for their own cottage business 

Turtle Tape Measure cover

Isn't it just too cute (if I do say so myself)? I used an inexpensive plastic tape measure, size 10 thread (Omega cotton thread in Dark Green Variegated) and a little polyester fiberfill to puff up his shell. I am typing up the pattern, and I hope to get it tested soon. I'll let you know what I decide to do with the pattern once I'm done.

Now I'm off to crochet a little before I have to start some major housecleaning. Wish me luck!

A Bead Shawl Pin Tutorial

Some the lovely ladies on Crochetville have asked me how to make a beaded shawl pin so I made up a little tutorial. You need 24 or 22 gauge wire, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and plenty of beads.

1. Cut 3 12" pieces of wire

2. Then choose your beads. I line them up in 3 rows that are 9-10 inches long. (If you are using larger beads 10 mm and larger, intersperse them with smaller beads so the wires bend well)

3. String a row onto each of the wires.

4. Holding the 3 ends of wire together, twist the strands together and loop them into a circle.

5. Carefully hook the 2 ends together are try to hide where they are joined. Pull the ends of the wire tightly with needle nose pliers and weave them in. (Sometimes I tie a coordinating piece of ribbon over the join if I'm having a hard time camouflaging it.)

You will end up with a roughly 3 inch diameter pin. Use a chopstick, DPN, or a 5 inch piece of ¼ inch dowel to fasten it.

I'm taking the pledge...

... to actually blog about my crafting and occasionally the exploits of my 2 zany daughters. Really. What, you don't believe me? So my track record isn't so hot... okay it's abysmal... but I've had such good intentions! Hmm, what's that about the road to hell...? Well, gosh wouldn't asphalt work better than good intentions? The contractors they hire to fix the roads these days, humph!

Oh, I think I've gotten a little off track. Well, I have been crafty. I figured out how to sew a very roomy crochet hook case using only 2 fat quarters... I just have to get some pictures of the one and sew buttons on the other. Also, I've created a cute pattern for covering a 28 ounce tomato can... I just have to write it down for my sketchy notes and even sketchier memory. I guess my follow through needs work. Oh well, I'll at least get the pics posted soon. Ta-Ta!

I just received a Yudu for my birthday

I am so very excited...but there are so many possibilities, I don't know what to do. I have a shopping bag that I sewed but never embellished, and another which just needs the handles finished... they may need a pretty picture or clever phrase printed on them. I will definitely post some pics soon ( I just need to post something, since my blog has been ignored, unloved and un-updated for so long)

Rainy day... good time to sew, or crochet, or knit, or bake or...

So far this month has been rather cool and somewhat rainy. I'm actually rather grateful for that-- it's much more pleasant to run, and there have been some good opportunities to stay home and craft too. The other day I sewed myself some pajama bottoms (they turned out quite nice, a little big, but they are PJ's) I also went to JoAnn yesterday and bought a few patterns for tote bags. (Butterick patterns were on sale for only 99 cents-- I couldn't help myself!) Perhaps I'll chech out my fabric stash and see what I can do.



I am also crocheting a hat using Patons Silk Bamboo in sea. I really wanted to try the yarn, so I bought a skein to make something small. Oh, is it soft and pettable! It is definitely a luxurious yarn, I like it. I am trying to figure out what stitch pattern to use for the body of the hat. I'm thinking some kind of post stitch to add texture. I'll take a picture when I'm done.


Well, I'm off to play with the kids and maybe start something cool this morning. Have a creative, fun day!

Wow, I've really been a bad blogger!

Goodness, it's been eons since I last updated my blog! Sorry to everyone who is dear and sweet enough to follow my somewhat random musings and occasional rants.



In my defence, I have decided to train for a 5 K run, and making time to run has really cut into my computer time. So far I can go about 2 miles without having to stop, so I'm 2/3 of the way there (a pretty big accomplishment for someone who could barely run a tenth of a mile just a year ago). I have added in a little strength training too (which also cuts into my computer time). I feel very healthy and empowered and I enjoy getting out of the house. My neighbor is kind and sweet enough to watch my girls, so I actually get a little time to myself when I run-- an added bonus.



I guess, perhaps, I've become one of those crazy exercize loving people. So mow I'm obsessed with crocheting, crafting and running. I really need to figure out how to stretch time so there are more hours in the day for me to get to everything-- you know, since I actually have to take care of my children, husband, dogs and house too!

My new skinny bolero

Yay me! I have officially lost 30 1/2 pounds! Now to celebrate my new-found figure, I made myself the Short 'n Sweet Bolero from SnB The Happy Hooker. I finally feel comfortable making myself more than shawls to wear. I already have the yarn for another cardigan. I feel great, I have lots of energy, I exercise regularly, I'm eating healthily-- and I get to make myself sweaters in a smaller size-- I'm definitely liking this!

As for the sweater-- I used Lion Glitterspun and an I hook. I think I will add a hook and eye closure just under the bust. It's really hard to see the texture the fpdc and bpdc give the shells in black yarn. I think I'd like to make this again in a lighter color to show off the stitches