On the Hook: Crochet Frost Scarf

Besides knitting projects, I have a few crochet projects I am finishing.  One is a poncho with Lion Brand HomeSpun yarn, while the other is the Alpine Frost Scarf from the Best of Interweave Crochet book. You can also purchase the pattern individually at Raverly.com .

Anna's Yarn Shoppe chose S. Charles Collezione's Luna yarn, which is absolutely perfect for this project. I love the Luna yarn as it is a solid color with a bit of the metallic glitter and is a mohair-silk blend.  If you are new to crochet I would not recommend working with mohair as it can be tricky and if you make a mistake it can be very difficult to take out several stitches.  And if you use the Luna yarn in white the scarf resembles snowflakes.

The pattern itself is not very difficult once you get the stitch because it merely repeats the stitch.  We made a minor alternation to the pattern dimensions to make it more of a scarf than a scarf-wrap, which I will be adding to my raverly project page..  This will also be my first crochet project that I will need to block, but the blocking will enhance the appearance of the pattern stitches when complete.

You can follow my progress and notes as I work on the scarf at Raverly.com .  I will be posting photos as I finish the project, so stay posted for that.

Best of Interweave Crochet - Alpine Frost Scarf

Sewing: Quick Unlined Drawstring Bag

This is a great project for beginners since it basically involves straight seams.  I find this pattern useful for many things depending on the size of your pieces of fabric.  Small squares for a quick jewelry pouch or gift bag;   Medium squares for gifts, shoes or storing other items and Large squares for large gift bags or anything that doesn't fit in the other two size drawstring bags.  It really is a versatile pattern and can be altered for the size you are looking for.

Materials:
Fabric (enough for the size bag you are making)
Ribbon or drawstrings (2 pieces, each should be longer than the measurement of both top pieces together)
Matching thread

All seams are 1/4 inch

Instructions:

1.  Decide on the size your finished bag should be.  Add about 1-2 inches to the measurements for the seams and another 1-2 inches to each of the top sides, this will ensure that you will have enough fabric for the drawstring.  (If you have a large/wide ribbon or drawstring you may need to add more inches to your measurements)

2.  Measure and cut your fabric pieces.  Again you may cut one long piece, so when folded over it equals your desired bag size, but your drawstrings won't be threaded through or look like mine.  I cut two pieces.

3.  Iron if needed.  Pin top edges (wrong sides together) about 1-2 inches down.  Depending on the size of your ribbon or drawstring you may have to pin more than 1-2 inches.

4.  Sew along bottom edge of pinned section from Step 3 on 1 side ONLY (about 1/4 inch from raw fabric edge).  Repeat for other piece.

5.  Sew along top edge about 1/4 to 1/2 inch down from top.  Repeat for for other piece.

6.  Pin both pieces, right sides together.  Iron if needed.

7.   Sew along all 3 sides (if you cut 2 pieces).  Or sew along 2 sides if you cut 1 one long piece.  Sew from the bottom seam from Step 4.  Do Not sew above it or you will not be able to thread your drawstring through.

8.  Clip corners and turn right side out.

9.  Thread ribbon/drawstring through one side and around through the other side.  You will end up with the ends of one piece on the same side.  Repeat with the second piece, starting from the opposite end.

Step 3

Step 4

Finished Step 4 & 5

Step 7 

Step 8

Drawstring and width of top edge

Finished Sewing!

One drawstring threaded through both sides

Threading through second drawstring

It will seem odd threading the drawstrings pass the other drawstring

All Finished and ready for use!

Gift Ideas for you Dog

Maybe it's just me, but I do like to shop for my dogs too.  Some people would probably say I spoil my dogs, and that's okay.  I mean I do bake treats for them so . . .

But if you are like me or are just looking for some new toys or treats for you dog (or other pet) there are many online retailers and some local pet stores that are offering deals this holiday season.  I have already received several emails with early Black Friday deals, other Black Friday deals and so forth.

Here are just a few of my favorite online retailers:
Dog.com
Fetch Dog
In The Company of Dogs
Entirely Pets
Zukes
Only Natural Pet Store
The Honest Kitchen

And many more as well as some local retailers and feed stores.  I hope you can find something for your dog.  What I also love about these retailers is that you can find organic treats, food and toys as well as "Made in the USA" products.  Both of which is hard to find at most chain retailers, at least around my town.

This year I found some great deals on dental treats for my dogs, which they absolutely love, especially the Terrabones.  And as an occasional treat, buffalo bully stix, since I do not feed my dogs rawhide treats.   But my favorite new item that I know I will have to order for the summer time is the "Freezy Pups Frozen Dog Treats".  My oldest dog loves to eat ice cubes, especially during the summer time and I am always looking for recipes or treats that I can freeze.  These are organic treats and the ice cube tray is made in the USA with recycled materials.  Now that is eco-friendly and just what I am looking for.

So make sure you add your pets to your gift list this season.  Remember that if you have something to feed your dog or entertains your dog when you have guests over, you should be able to avoid holiday disasters with your pets.

Please share your ideas for your pet.  I'd love to hear them and it doesn't have to be just for dogs.

Re-Purposing Glass Jars

I am always looking for ways to recycle or re-purpose.  Here's one item that can be used in many ways; Glass Jars.

What can you do with glass jars?  Any glass jar - used spice jars, candle jars, canning jars, etc. will work.  I usually soak the labels to loosen those that are stubborn to remove.  With candle jars I use a candle warmer to melt any remaining wax (which I then pour into a smaller glass votive with a new wick).  And I usually hand wash or put in the dishwasher to clean the glass jar.

Now you have your glass jar ready for projects.  Have a messy desk? Can't find those rubber bands or paper clips?  Organize them into glass jars.  You can even paint and label the jars if you are creatively inclined to.

What do you do with used spice jars (not the plastic ones)?  Clean them up and then you can use them to store your own dried herbs, other spices, spice mixes or rubs and any other small craft item (like beads).



I also use jars for storing my rice, grains, beans, nuts and other baking supplies.  Being able to see the item and having it labeled makes it so much easier to find  in my pantry.  I love the rustic look too.  These jars look great and do not cost very much.  You will also save money by buying the dry beans instead of canned beans and avoid BPA in canned foods.  These make great gift ideas as well.  Measure ingredients for cookies, brownies, hot cocoa into the jars, seal, add a nice cut fabric or a ribbon and a label.  Now you have a great gift item straight from your kitchen to theirs.

Now let's organize the bathroom with your glass jars.  Store your band aids, Q-tips, cotton balls and any thing else you would like.  If you have a beach/ocean theme decor you can hot-glue a seashell to the top.  I even display some seashells that I found and collected as a child.  Very simple decor that also is unique and memorable.

Need some other ideas for your glass jars? 

- glass pebbles

- needles

- beads

- toothpicks

- buttons

- bath salts

- birthday candles

- bookmarks

- paint brushes

- nails, nut, bolts, etc.

I would love for you to share your idea.  Photos are even better.  So what do you do with your glass jars?