Easter Swap Project Inspiration #2: Do you crochet?

For my crochet friends out there...I found this adorable little pattern via, can you guess? Yep, PINTEREST! Seriously, what did I do before I could "pin" things?

Pop on over to Easy Makes Me Happy...what a great blog title! Doesn't easy make you happy? It sure makes me grin:) Check out the Easter egg pattern and then browse around for a while. She has such cute crochet patterns available in her Etsy shop too!

Finding a Purpose...

So...in the last week I have run across the same theme, not once, not twice, but three times. It's kind of been one of those sledgehammer-meets-noggin moments in your life. And I'm pretty hard-headed, but after the third whack, I decided I needed to pay attention.

For the record, I am a Christian, and yes I am veering slightly off the crafty path here, but for my Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. friends, don't run away just yet. I'm pretty sure this message is non-denominational.

The question I've encountered THREE times this week is this:

What talents/skills has God (or insert your own belief system here) given to you? And what purpose do those skills/talents serve in the greater plan or for the greater good?

So I did what any crafter would do...I picked up my knitting needles and started to think. Or am I the only one who thinks better with busy hands?

Eventually I came to the conclusion that I have primarily been using my skills to serve my own purposes. I make things because I like to. I sell things to have a little bit of extra money to buy materials so I can make more things. And I blog about what I make because I like to talk about the things I enjoy. Except that, recently, I haven't been enjoying it...at least not very much or very often. It seems I really was lacking a purpose and it was leaving me with very little motivation.

I continued to knit...and I began to think of alternative purposes for my craftiness. Why did I receive this particular set of skills and what was I intended to do with them? I came up with a list of ways I could use my skills in service to others...you really don't want me to list them here. Trust me, it's a long list.

But in the end, I came up with one realistic goal of how I could use my talents to have a more positive impact on the world, and it centers on this blog. Rather than merely showing off my latest creation, I could use this as a forum to share ways that crafting can serve others.

Not that I won't ever just post cute pics of my kids in clothes that I make...'cause I will. But, in general, you will begin to see a change in the content of the blog. Lots more opportunities for you to give back by crafting, tutorials on items that can be made in service to others, and links to great charitable organizations that need your help. Because, regardless of race, creed, color, of craft preference, we can all get behind the idea of helping others, right?

So let's start off with a knitting/crocheting challenge for all my yarn-craft friends out there...Special Olympics Scarves. A friend of mine shared this project with me and I committed to helping out. Each year, the various Special Olympics winter events give coordinating scarves to the athletes, coaches, and volunteers. The scarves are a symbol of unity, support, compassion, and empowerment for all who are involved. I'll be making at least one scarf to send to the NC Special Olympics and I challenge all of you to do the same. You can find specifications, yarn colors, and due dates for the various states by visiting the Special Olympics Scarves 2012 website. Willing to lend a hand??? Leave a comment and let me know that you'll be sending one or more scarves to the Special Olympics and we can cheer each other on!



Because our crafts can have a purpose that is larger than ourselves!

GIVEAWAY DAY!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. I'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH THE WINNER VERY SOON:)

If you are a new visitor to Belle + Bee...WELCOME! I'm so excited about Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day because not only do I get to meet new blog friends, but I also get to roam cyber-world and drool over all the prizes that I want to win! I had the WORST time trying to decide what to offer here at Belle + Bee. There were just so many choices of fun things to share:)

But, first a tiny bit of background about Belle + Bee for our new friends. I'm a stay-at-home mom with two adorable little girls, "Belle," who is 3 and "Bee," who is 1. I started quilting as a little girl and over time have branched out to pretty much any thing that can be sewn, stitched, or created. I'm a compulsive project-starter, which drives my incredibly supportive husband just a little crazy. And Belle + Bee, the blog, is my outlet to share all the various projects that fill my days. You can find everything from needle felted fairies to clothing tutorials to kids' crafts in the archives. And there's always something new around the next corner!

But enough of that...on to the fun stuff:)

In my world, winter is all about cozy crafts...things that warm you as you work. So, after much debate, I settled on a COZY CUSTOM HAT AND SCARF SET for my prize. The options really are endless. Adult, child, infant, earflaps, fur, fuzz, animals, flowers, pompoms... I'll contact the winner via email to design your custom set.

Now, if I were you...I'd take a good hard look at that Christmas shopping list. Then I'd bury it in my bag and order this first set for myself. Of course, I'm just a bit biased. That's my hat and scarf:) It is the thickest, softest, my luscious yarn ever! Warm, wooly, and oh so happy:) (And available in other colors, of course!) The perfect way to reward yourself for surviving all the holiday hubub! I just wish you could touch it through your screen!!!!

But, there are lots of other options too! Animal hats are very popular with small children, but also HUGELY popular with teenagers and young adults. I've actually sold more in adult sizes than child sizes this holiday season.

And every little girl needs a snuggly flower hat that ties securely around her chin so she can't wrestle it off in mid-walk. Because that has NEVER happened in our stroller! HA!

Teddy bears, panda bears, cats, and lions, oh my! [That's a "GRRRR!" in the pic:)]

But of course, if you live in a windy climate, it's nice to be able to tie your own hat securely around your chin.

And one more flower because Bee is just so darn cute!

As you can see, the options really are endless...you design your own prize. I'll work with you to get color, yarn, style, and size that will be perfect for anyone on your list, including yourself!

To enter, just comment below! Tell me your favorite winter crafting activity, and PLEASE leave your email address in your comment so that I can track you down easily. I'll randomly select a winner on December 17. Of course, I'd love to have some new followers, so take a look around and if you like what you see you can use the various tools on the right to follow in your reader or on Facebook. If you follow on Facebook you'll find occassional FB specials and Etsy coupon codes available only to followers.

That poor child is so tired of having to pose in hats!!! I hope she'll forgive me someday!

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to take a look at the other great giveaways at Sew Mama Sew.

Ha!

This just makes me laugh!

Making Do Monday - FREE PATTERN - Cozy Hat

I make hats...it's good for my marriage!

???

Yep, that's right. It's better than counseling, because it prevents us from needing couseling.

???

Ok - maybe I should explain.

I'm a control freak. Especially when it comes to driving. My husband is a terrific driver. He's safe; he's responsible; he's reliable; he's aware...you know, all those things you are supposed to be when you are behind the wheel. HOWEVER, the rest of the world...not so much! It seems that lane lines have become optional, speed limits are mere suggestions, and common courtesy is out-dated. Glance in any window on the interstate and you can pretty much guarantee that the driver is talking on the phone, texting, or checking their email. I think my life is shortened by one year every time I am on a highway!

So how does this relate to hats???

I make them. In the car. While my husband drives.

I can happily crochet, still carry on a conversation, and never have the opportunity to glance up and see the swerving vehicles, drifting tractor trailers, and teeny-tiny little lanes through the construction zones. I used to try to read, but every time I wanted to talk to my husband I looked up...not good! I tried just talking about really riveting things, but then I could still see everything that is going on...not good! I've occassionally tried to sew, but bumps result in finger pricks, then my eyes wander, and well...you get the picture.

Then one day I brought some yarn along on a trip, and before I knew it we were there. I hadn't gasped, gripped the mercy bar, or hissed, "They're stopping!" at my husband even one time. He was smiling; I was smiling; We were happy! It was a minor miracle!

So now...I make hats.

And in honor of the month of October and the return of cool weather I'm sharing my SUPER-SIMPLE Cozy Hat pattern. This pattern is easily adjustable from newborn to adult. You will need basic crochet knowledge, but I mean BASIC. And if you've never crocheted, but still want a hat...let me know. I have LOTS of them. One for every ride I've taken in the last 6 months:) Did I mention that we recently purchased some land in the mountains??? It's only going to get WORSE!

And how, might you ask, is this a Making Do Monday project? Well, each one of these takes about half a skein of yarn (even less for the newborn hat), so it's a great way to use up bits and pieces of yarn that are left over from other projects.

Cozy Hat Pattern:

You will need - 1 skein of medium weight yarn (a 4 or 5 weight will work), crochet hook (H)

Size - Pattern is written for an adult. Stitch count changes are in parentheses for 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 2-6 years respectively.

Row 1: Chain 24(13, 16, 21).

Row 2: Skip chain stitch and single crochet in BACK LOOPS of each stitch, 23 (12, 15, 20) stitches in all. Chain 1.

Rows 3+: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approximately 20 (13, 15, 18) inches (. BE SURE TO STITCH AN EVEN NUMBER OF ROWS!

Last Row: Fold hat right sides together and match up end rows. Skip chain stitch and single crochet in each pair of stitches (pass hook through loops of both ends of piece with each stitch). 23 (13, 15, 18) stitches.

Tie off. Clip yarn leaving long tail (25+" long).

Weave tail around circumference of hat. Pull tightly to gather top of hat. Tie off and clip strings. Turn hat right side out and fold up edge if desired.

DONE!

Just Couldn't Wait...

My crochet hooks were getting really jealous! And after all that yearning for yarn, I just had to scratch the itch:)

I took Belle and Bee to the "projects" store, as Belle calls it. We had a specific mission...more ribbon for dresses. How we ended up with a new crochet pattern book in the cart is still a mystery! I guess Tasty Crochet by Rose Langlitz was just too appetizing.

So late last night, when my fingertips were just too sore to sew another stitch, I dusted off the hooks and made a couple of sweet little toys. A plump strawberry and a juicy carrot will make the perfect little gift sets with the onesies I have in the inventory box. A small silver lunch pail completes the meal. Next mission: A picnic set of foods perfect for a sunny afternoon tea party!

Looking Forward to Home-Spun Fun!

If you love to knit or crochet and are not a member of the Lion Brand website, it is a must! With your FREE membership you receive two catalogs per year and endless online patterns. My first catalog came today and it is packed with tons of new project ideas. I spent over an hour (when I should have been sewing for the upcoming market) perusing its pages, circling my favorites, and printing the "must-trys". On tap for my post-market days: baby blocks, tote bags, cowl scarves, baby cardis, a beautiful sampler blanket, and so much more. After the winter we had, I never thought I would be longing for cold weather again, but I love to crochet on frosty nights.

Be sure to check out www.lionbrand.com to collect project ideas of your own. And if anyone knows how to knit and wants to give lessons...that's on my to-do list too:)

Here's that throw I'm yearning to start...