Little Cindy Loo Who Hat inspired by Dr. Seuss

Hey All!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExpertCraftss

I'm sorry to have been gone for so long.  If you've ever had to move, you'll understand.  I've just spent 2 months in moving boxes and cleaning products, with very little time for anything else.  However, I did manage to get this adorable hat completed in a couple of colors and just wanted to share it with you.  We made a trip to the library a week ago and I found the pattern hiding among a bunch of other much more normal and not nearly as interesting projects.  I just think it would make an absolutely adorable picture on a newborn babe.  I've posted a couple of other colors on the Etsy store site so please, tell me what you think!

Crochet Dilemma, Must be Monday

I'm calling today mindless Monday.  All my creative energy from the weekend has taken a nose dive.  I put all of my ongoing projects away and started yet another one this weekend.  It was my plan to make a baby blanket, and 30 x 6 inches later, I'm not happy with the way it's going.  It's a simple pattern, double crochet and chain stitch, but what possessed me to think this was going to work for a baby blanket?  I don't think anyone wants a baby blanket with holes in it, no matter how pretty it looks; I certainly don't. 

So, it looks like I will be taking this completely apart and starting again; however, as to what to do now....I have no idea.  I'm sure I'll figure it out, but it's definitely going to take a lot more coffee.  So many possibilities, do you have any ideas for this lovely variegated yarn?  Do you have projects that aren't speaking to you today?  Don't worry, just blame it on Monday.

THIS is loving Crochet, don't miss it

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/may/22/art#/?picture=374857317&index=1

I just had to post this.  Did you see there is a person next to her?  I wonder if I can hide from my kids like that, lol.

Even if she crochets quickly, how long would that take her to do?

If the World is Coming to an End....

I have so many projects to finish!  My 13-year-old has made a point of giving me updates on just how much time I have until the rapture.  Apparently, however, he is only concerned about what I'm doing, as he does nothing but play video games while keeping me abreast of the upcoming doom.  I, on the other hand, have crocheted my fingers off this afternoon... just in case, lol.  And I've now got a new BIG earred bear hat and a crazy Cheshire cat.  Somehow I don't think that the 2 ponchos, 1 earflap, 1 doll, 1 octopus, and the pair of booties that still needs the 2nd one is going to get finished if I only have until 6 p.m.  On a happier note, if it happens I don't have to worry about all those moving boxes I have to fill by the end of June, and I don't have to cut the grass.  Hmm, I'm thinking there's definitely some positives.

Have a great day folks, and I'll be back tomorrow to report on the next thing that tries to get in the way of my creative process.  And if not, I can assure you I'll have a hook in my hand for all of eternity :)  Happy Saturday!

Free Crochet Hat, Beanie, Cloche, Slouchie

I'm so excited to offer this to you!  What you'll receive free of charge and shipping is.....a free hat from my Etsy shop, made to order, size and color of your choice just by doing one of the things below!  Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Here's all it takes:

1.  Become a follower of this blog or sign up for email notifications.
2.  Make a purchase at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExpertCraftss
3.  Like "ExpertCraftss" on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Expert-Craftss-Handmade-Crochet/197236840315171
4.  Follow ExpertCraftss on Twitter.
5.  Tweet about this great giveaway!

For every one of these things you do you'll get an entry in the giveaway that ends on May 31, 2011.  If you do 3 out of 5, I'll give you 10 automatic entries and instantly up your chances of winning!  See all the possibilities at my Etsy shop and decide which one you'd like if you win.  All hats can be made from newborn to adult.  I'd absolutely love to hear what hat you're hoping to get, so please share!  Thanks everyone.  Happy entries!

Free Crochet Bunny Face Applique Pattern

I know it's an odd time to post a crochet bunny face pattern, but I was actually attempting to create a tulip applique (which I'm still working on) when instead I ended up with a very simple way to make a bunny head.  I did a search for other patterns, but didn't find any, so I'm sharing it here with you.  It's very simple and done in one piece.  With a few needlework stitches for the facial features, it's adorable and great for pins, magnets, etc.  Hope you like it!

Crochet Bunny Face Pattern
Hook Size and Yarn:  I used an I hook, but you could use bigger or smaller to get the size you wanted.
Skill level:  Easy.
Stitch knowledge needed:  ch, sc, dc, sl st

Begin with a magic ring and 6 sc in ring.  Do not join.
Row 2:  2 sc in each sc (12).  Join with sl st in 1st sc.
Row 3:  Chain 6.  1 sc in 1st ch from hook, dc in each of next 4 ch st.  Skip 1 sc in circle and sl st in next sc.
Row 4:  Repeat step 3.
Fasten off.

Note:  An alternate to the magic ring is to ch 2 and make 6 sc in first ch, continue with pattern.

That's it!  You've got yourself a perfect little handmade crocheted bunny head to decorate as you wish.  I love how the ears are just a little bit floppy at the tops, but you can stretch and flatten if you prefer.  Please let me know if you have any questions concerning the pattern, I'd be happy to help!