wise craft

cloud cowl

Sometimes the yarn dictates the project, doesn't it?

I saw this yarn the other day by the winding table at The Weaving Works, Crystal Palace Mochi Plus yarn in #612 (which I believe is called Seafoam) and I just had to get a bit. Of course, I had no idea what I would use it for, but I loved the feel and colors in this combo (its referred to as a slow self-striping yarn).

I decided to do a quick cowl pattern just to see how the striping would work with it. Turned out kind of cute! Super easy to do (done in just one afternoon).

I just did a foundation chain of about 25 inches, joined into a circle, then did rows of single crochet stitches until it measured about 8 1/2".

I added a dark charcoal single crochet border at the top and the bottom, just because I am very inspired by light/pale with dark these days, but you could certainly leave that off.

The changes in the colors create lovely stripes of blues and pale greens. I bought 3 skeins, but only used a skein and a half for this project.)

I have added this to my Ravelry page (why did it take me so long to get on the Ravelry bandwagon??)

the sink used to be here

We are in the midst of putting a double vanity in our master bathroom. This is truly exciting, an 11 year process for Peter and I, exactly 10 years and 11 months, 3 weeks, and 6 days to make the decision to actually do it, justify the money, and exactly 1 day to find something we both like. (17 years of marriage and we are getting this compromise thing down!) Just stage it in the garage, have the plumber come and replumb for 2 sinks instead of 1, and put it in, maybe repaint (finally!).

Um, hold it right there. Not so fast.

We now have a plumber, an electrician, a friend who's handy, a friend of a friend who's possibly handy, all joining in. The power is completely cut off of that room, just look at my tub and its "light"-

This was taken on Sunday, middle of the day, but it was cloudy and rainy. That's the only light we have in there to speak of.

You can imagine what my makeup must look like at this point.

Nothing is ever easy is it?

I really don't mean to complain. We are so lucky to have this bathroom all to ourselves. In our previous house, our bedroom was so small we needed fairies to decorate it, not even an inkling of hope for a bathroom. We stood sideways just to get between the dresser and the bed. So having this bathroom as part of our bedroom is really wonderful. It was fitted by the previous owners before we bought the house and, overall, I really like what they did. Its neutral, white (love white bathrooms) and the hexagonal floor tile is classic, works with everything. But they put in one pedestal sink. Made no sense. There is ample room for a double vanity, and there is no storage with a pedestal sink. So, we are really glad this is all finally happening.

But in the meantime I will think about how every little thing costs money and will continue to nervous crochet more grannies each night.

At this rate I will soon have enough of these to cover a king sized bed.

Thank you for all the really nice feedback on the granny tutorial, by the way!

This week I am also thinking about Emma's room. Now that she's a teenager and all, her room depserately needs an update. (But first it desperately needs a huge cleanout.) I have been collecting ideas on a pinterest board just for her room. Its going to be so fun to collaborate with her on this!

But did I mention that first it needs a huge cleanout?

a granny square with a circle center- tutorial

 

Not even sure what the proper name is, but here is how I make them. Please let me know if you have questions in the comments and I will answer them there.

Materials:

- 4 yarn colors. I almost always use Cascade 220, mainly because I love the way it knits and crochets up, its affordable wool yarn, and has a beautifull array of colors to choose from. Use what you prefer, adjusting your gauge and hook size as necessary.

- Size G/4 Crochet hook- I use Clover Soft Touch Crochet hook. I like these fairly tight, and I recently switched from a H/5 hook because I wanted them small and dense. You do what works for you.

Abbreviations:

bet- Between

ch- Chain

dc- Double Crochet

sl st- Slip Stitch

rnd- Round

To Make:

1. Using the color you chose for the very center, put the yarn on the hook using a slip knot. Ch 5-

Sl st into first ch to form a circle-

Rnd 1- Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), 11 dc into the circle. Here is how mine looks half way round-

 

Sl st to join (12)-

 

Rnd 2- Change to 2nd color. Ch 3 (as previously, counts as first dc) into space between previous row's dc, then dc into same space. Like this-

Continue doing 2 dc in each space, and sl st to join into a circle (24).

 

 

Rnd 3: Change to 3rd color. Ch 3 into one of the spaces between the dc sets in previous round-

Make 2 dc into the same space, then proceed to make 3 dc in each space between the previous rounds dc sets. Sl st to join into a circle. (36) This is what yours should look like-

 

Rnd 4: Change to color 4 (you may want this to be the same color in all your squares).

Join with ch 3 in between one of the spaces between the 3 dc sets in the previous row. 2 dc into same space, then ch 1, like this-

Dc 3 times into next space. Then ch 3 (you're making your first corner)-

*Dc 3 times into next space, ch 1. Dc 3 times into next space, ch 1. Dc 3 times into next space, ch 3.*

Repeat between * * twice more.

Dc 3 times into next space, ch 1 and sl st to join. Your finished granny square (with a circle center) should look like this-

These come out a bit rounded, but once the grannies are joined they will be square, like this-

To join your grannies together, I point you to this video (not the greatest video, but it helped me learn and at least his nails weren't long and bright like some of the others). I use the single crochet method he describes, and the "ridge" created is on the back of my work.

To make a pillow like the one picture at the top, I needed 25 of these granny squares with circle centers for the front, and 25 for the back. 50 may sound like a lot. By comparison, for Truly's pillow, I used a larger hook, but same yarn, and needed 16 squares for the front, and 16 for the back. Once you start making these, you will see how fast they go.

patchwork and chalkboard hearts

Happy Valentine's Day! I was playing around with patchwork and half triangle squares the other day and was inspired to do a patchwork heart as a creative exercise. I kind of like the way it turned out, and for now its on my studio wall. Valentine's Day is low key around here, although there will be heart shaped pancakes and these chalkboard hearts at the breakfast table-

Wooden hearts from the craft store, painted with chalkboard paint, a small hole drilled in, and neon pink nylon cording threaded through the top.

Now to cover them with x's and o's.

Ian's Valentine card's are holigraphic Star Wars scenes, and I decided not to force him to be more creative. They are cute and made him happy. He addressed each one and stuck a chocolate kiss all on his own. Emma's class don't do individual Valentine's, instead they drew one person's name to make a homemade Valentine for. She folded the most beautiful bouquet of origami flowers.

<><><><>

The winner of five flavor set of our Komforte Chockolate bars is Alison, who said-

"The world needs things like quirky chocolate bars."
Maybe it's silly but that line kind of hit me where I live. Somehow I have surrounded myself with friends who are all healers and firefighters and advocates for educational equality and sometimes I can't help it, my focus on art and creativity feels inadequate. But the world needs things like quirky chocolate bars. It does. I'm going to hold on to that.
And, obviously, I would love to hold on to the actual bars and then eat them, because they all look incredible!

Alison, please send me your address info to wisecraftblog@gmail.com and I'll get some quirky bars out to you right away! Thank you to all that entered, and for all the nice comments about our chocolate brand. We truly appreciate the support!

<><><><>

OK, have a great Valentine's Day. And I haven't forgotten the crocheted granny circle tutorial, its still coming in the next day or so. But in the meantime, I'l dying to start making one of these for my bike. Ah!

ojo de dios

This has been a quiet little obsession in the back of my mind for a long time. I don't know where I first discovered Jay's ojo de dios (also sometimes called "God's Eye"), but I'm pretty sure I audibly gasped when I saw them for the first time. I was taken with the complexity of his designs, I loved the idea of taking a simple craft I've made with my kids to a completely different level. He does sell his originals, but I knew I had to learn how myself, so I purchased the PDF instructions Jay offers to explain how to make his complex ojo's. I've had them sitting in a corner of my craft studio for ages, I just didn't have the time to devote until recently. I'm so glad I finally took time to learn. Using just what I had on hand in my yarn stash yielded an ojo that feels very much like me and I'm in love with it. Funny thing is I am sure I did something different than Jay's weaving instructions specified. I can't figure out what I did exactly, but hopefully starting a second one will help me understand. Plus, my yarns could be lie a little smoother, but I also kind of like seeing the definition of the yarns.

I love learning something new!

Specific info: yarn is Cascade 220 wool, dowels are 1/4" size, cut to 16" long.

i have been remiss...

I haven't mentioned our little chocolate (make that Chockolate) brand in a while. A major oversight, as it is such a part of our everyday lives. Being that we are so close to Valentine's Day, let me right that wrong. For those who may not know, Komforte Chockolates was a brand that began in Peter's head a few years ago and became a reality after many many meetings, late nights, taste tests (many), homemade kitchen mixtures and concoctions, and trained professionals who finally got it right for us. Many stumbles (and small triumphs) later, these bars are still selling. Peter and our partners are very grateful for that. These bars are our little babies.

Last summer, two new babies/flavors were added to the mix, taking our original assortment from three to five. (Five!) I can't believe I've never mentioned these before now, but I guess that's how it is when days are heads down in our work.

We need to remember to look up.

The original flavors of "Ramen Noodle" (dreamt up by my Ramen noodle-lovin' daughter Emma when she was 11), "French Toast", and "Tortilla, Lime & Salt" all continue to do very well. People love the quirkiness of these mixtures (we have heard tales of the secret stashes kept by devotees), and are pleasantly surprised when they bite into a bar and realize that they actually are not only quirky, they taste good!

However, we were getting occasional feedback that folks were a little disappointed at the lack of the ramen noodle flavor packet powder in the ramen noodle bar. Yea, that's right, they wanted the chicken flavor packet in with the ramen and the chocolate.

I know, right??

Well, we had to consider. Did we feel this was necessary to develop? To put energy into creating this "new" flavor?

Heck yea! Power to the people!!! After all, it fits nicely into our "Savory Combinations that are Easy to Love" philosophy.

But, geez, it sounded kinda gross.

After a few taste tests, "Savory Ramen" was sent out into the world to earn its wings. Before you scowl (as I did) at the thought, let me tell you. It is good. I like it better than the original Ramen Noodle flavor. I can't believe I just said that. But tasting is believing. It is my favorite of all the five!

Our second new flavor developed last summer was "Apple Pie & Graham". This one we always knew was coming, it was just a matter of getting it right, which took a while. But after many taste tests (so many sacrifices we make!), we nailed it. This flavor is the only one with white chocolate added, an addition that makes it work.

So there you have it. Our ever expanding family of chocolates. If you'd ever told Peter and I that we would now be in the chocolate business ten years ago, we would have looked at you blankly and only asked "Why?" But somehow, here we are and we are very proud indeed.

I am giving away 1 set of all 5 Komforte Chockolate flavors to one person who comments on this post. Unfortunately, the winner won't get these in time for Valentine's Day, but what day isn't made a little better with chocolate?? Just leave a comment and I'll draw a name on Sunday night.

In the meantime, please accept our sincerest thanks for everyone who has become our friend on facebook, tweeted about us, finding our bars for sale in their local coffee shop or market, or has otherwise helped us spread the word. We have happily shipped our bars all over the country (our store locator list grows every day), and we are so excited to continue expanding.

The world needs things like quirky chocolate bars.

<><><><>

Tutorial on the granny circles coming next week!

Have a great weekend!

B

Comments closed and winner chosen, thank you!!

new things you should know about

My friend Betz has a new organic fabric line called "Stitch", made by Robert Kaufman. She is so clever, this line is full of good stuff in so many ways. Here's her words on the inspiration behind "Stitch":

"Stitch is inspired by all types of stitchers and the beautiful handiwork created by them. My Grandmother's knitting, my Dad's needlepoint, my Mom's sewing...all of the needlework that's ever been a part of my life influenced this group. Stitches and textures from crochet, embroidery and crewelwork and more are interpreted as bold and graphic motifs."

I'm dying to make a quilt block with these! Betz is giving away a complete set of all 22 prints on her blog at the moment.

My family has new placemats to dine on, and they are just in time too (placemats have a hard life around here). Leslie makes these chalkboard placemats (a bit of background from Leslie here) and my kids have had fun with these since we got them last week. These are substantial placemats, they are each like their own chalkboard, sturdy. The price for 4 of them is a steal and we've already thought of a zillion uses for them. Available here. 

Finally, I am preparing to do a little yarnbombing. Details when the time is right.

sunshiny pinks and oranges

A granny/starburst/circle thing-y that I love pillow. This was a very happy pillow to crochet.

For reference, this is the exact same pattern I am crocheting for these, same yarn colors with some additional ones added in. But these are crocheted with a smaller hook/tighter gauge, will be getting cream-colored borders instead of oatmeal. I use 100% wool, and usually use Cascade 220 yarn.

I had some questions about what type of crochet pattern I use for these. I took a class a couple years ago, and we literally eyed this blanket on my phone during class to try make up some sort of pattern, not the best way to create a pattern, but that blanket is why I wanted to crochet in the first place (the power of a photograph!). I practiced but got a bit frustrated until I found instructions on Yvonne's blog, which now seems to be gone. So I don't know if this is the same pattern or not anymore, its had a few evolutions. If you all would like, I can post a tutorial on how I make these here, and how I connect the squares. Actually it would be as much for me as anyone else, it would be nice to have a reference.

I also sketched out a new quilt pattern today that I am so excited about! I started sketching last week and just wasn't happy with anything, so I took a break. It helped, because when I came back to it a few days later I was able to sort everything out much better.

 

repetition

This is most definitely a season of yarn for me. Feels so good to sit down every evening and work on these circles. I looked back at this time last year and realize I was fully into crochet then too. Isn't it funny how our brains work in a rhythm that way?

I am such a "learner by doing" that it has often made me a little nuts at times. Trying to read through any kind of instruction before I start actually cutting, knitting, cooking, crocheting, etc is like reading something in a foreign language. I just don't have a clue. But give my hands a chance to get to work and memorize the movements, and suddenly, I'm fully in the process and I get it. Are you this way? With crochet, as with knitting, my hands eventually know how to move without much thought and I am able to let go of a bit of the mental concentration.

What I love about crocheting these granny circles (or whatever the technical name of this pattern is) is that the movements and stitches are the same with each one (repetition leads to improvement), but the color combinations keep changing. No dull moments with these little jewels.The repetition is so calming and meditative. I grab the yarn, start moving my hand, and before I know it, I have made something. And I was hardly conscious of it.

I need to get back to working on the granny stripe blanket, but I am waiting for more yarn so I'll continue granny circling for now. And now, thanks to Erin calling it to my attnetion, I need to add this project to my list. So so gorgeous.

Quilts and crochet, the wise craft household is truly covered.

And on the subject of Truly. I need to get to Portland to hold her while she's still little.

look closer

Have you heard of Uppercase Magazine? Dubbed as "a magazine for the creative and the curious", I have been purchasing individual issues locally at Assemble and I am hooked. What a treat each issue it. I finally ordered myself a subscription. I can't say enough good things about this magazine. The quality of the paper in your hand, the photographs, the stories and inspiration on each and every page. Janine, the editor and creator, is the tour de force behind the magazine, and the core contributors are some of my favorite creative folks on the web. Its worth every penny to someone like myself, who loves to see the inner workings of all kinds of creative minds. Every issue becomes a permanent resource for me.

I have had an Uppercase postcard (the one featuring several of their magazine covers in 1 1/2" x 2" size) sitting on my desk since I went to Tif's book signing, and because I love the Uppercase covers so much, I a couple for the walls of my dollhouse (which still needs finished walls, but its not as fun to do that part). These were originally gold Mayberry Street dollhouse frames. I pulled off the picture, gave them a quick coat of primer gray paint, and hot glued in the Uppercase cover images.15 minute project! (Love those!)

They look so nice with the new dollhouse-sized pouffe I got from PRD Miniatures.