Free Crochet Coaster Pattern!

Good Monday morning! I've been prepping for a Spring Craft Fair and one of the things I've been making is coasters. Coasters are functional, quick to make and a great way to use up yarn scraps. I've designed this simple pattern and wanted to share it with you all. Enjoy!

Skill: Easy 

Materials:  G hook 

Worsted weight #4 cotton yarn. I Love This Cotton used for samples shown. 

Stitches used:   

Slip stitch (sl st) 

Chain (ch) 

Single crochet (sc)

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Double crochet (dc)

Puff stitch (ps)

V-stitch (vs)

Rnd 1. Ch 2. 8 hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. 8 st. 

Rnd 2. Ch 1. ps in each st. Join. 8 st. 

Rnd 3. Ch 1. *v-st, ch 1* in space after each ps. 8 v-st and ch 1 sp. 

Rnd 4. Ch 1. *sc, hdc next st. 3 dc next st. hdc, sc next st. sl st next ch 1 sp.* Repeat *-*. 8 shells. 

F/O and weave in ends.  

Hope you enjoyed this little freebie! I hope to offer more free patterns in the future. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Lisa

Good to be back! (And a pattern sale)

It's been over two years since my last post. I admit, blogging does not come easy for me. But I thought I would give it another shot. So where have I been and what have I been doing? For one thing, I now have 5 precious grandbabies that I love spending time with. Being a Nana is the best feeling in the world! These are my sweet blessings. Photo was taken in December, 2017. 

In the Fall of 2016, I was busy preparing for the upcoming craft fairs. I was crocheting for hours at a time. I'd occasionally had problems with Carpal Tunnel for four or five years, but it would ease off after a bit of rest and wearing my wrist brace. This time it didn't get better. I was told to take a month off from crocheting. That was so hard! After that, with no relief, I was sent to physical therapy for three or four weeks. That didn't help either. So after seeing a neurologist and being officially diagnosed with CT, I was sent to a hand surgeon. I had surgery on November 10, 2016. I wasn't told about scar tissue and how to massage the area to keep it from getting worse after my surgery. At six weeks post-op, the doctor finally sent me to PT. The Physical Therapist told me most patients are sent at least by two weeks post op. I went to PT three times a week for four weeks. There was some improvement but not a lot. During this time I could only crochet a little at a time and really lost my motivation. It took a little over a year before I could crochet more. So what did I do? I started crocheting practically non stop again, making gifts for my grandkids for Christmas. I was just so happy to have my motivation back again. I decided to get back to working on my crochet business again and have published two new patterns since January. 

Ridgeline Shell Slouch

Evelyn Hat

I've also been preparing for a craft fair in April and have begun to have hand pain again from crocheting so much. I really need to pace myself (It's so hard to do!) and take plenty of breaks to rest my hand. At physical therapy I was given these hand exercises to do at home and have been doing those again. So please, be sure you are taking breaks when you need to and stretch those hands/wrists. Crocheting and knitting can be so relaxing and rewarding, but it also can cause damage to our wrists as well as neck and shoulders. 

I plan to post regularly about new pattern releases, sales, crochet tips and tutorials and even some free patterns, so be sure to check back for updates. I am having a BOGO sale now thru March 31st in my Ravelry shop. No coupon code is needed. Happy NatCroMo!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

Another pattern update and sale!

Good Monday morning! I have just finished updating another crochet hat pattern. This one is the Shelby Beanie. This is an elegant cotton hat with sizes from newborn to adult. It works up quickly and beautifully.

And the best part is, you can get the Shelby Beanie crochet pattern for only $1.50 in my Ravelry shop through Feb. 23rd. No coupon code needed. You won't want to miss out on this special!

Don't forget to sign up for email notifications to get all the latest releases and sales. I will be releasing a brand new pattern at the end of the week!

Lisa

Pattern updates and a BOGO sale!

Hi friends and Happy Hump Day! Just wanted to share what I've been up to lately. I've been working on updating some of my older patterns. I've learned a lot in the past four years since I first started writing patterns and felt they needed a freshening up. The most recent one that was updated was the Lydia Cloche. This is a lovely cotton hat that works up quickly and is perfect for girls of all ages. 

The next pattern that I'm working on updating is the Shelby Beanie. I love this design! It looks pretty working it up in one color or even two. And again, it's a cotton hat with all sizes available. Can you tell that I'm ready for warmer weather? :) The updated version on this one should be ready early next week. 

I am also working on a triangle scarf design which I hope to release next week also. So be sure to keep your eyes open for what's coming up! :)

Now for the BOGO sale. Today, I am helping Carol from Sweet Potato Crochet Creations celebrate reaching 4K fans on her FB page by offering a BOGO sale. Just visit my Ravelry shop and add at least two patterns to your cart and use the code BOGO at checkout. 

Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!

Lisa

My latest new release is the Colden Cowl and Headwrap pattern!

A few weeks ago, I released my Colden Beanie. I loved the stitch pattern so much with the chunky yarn that I wanted to design a cowl to match. Once I did that, I decided a headwrap would be a nice addition to the pattern. I love how it turned out!

Visit my Ravelry shop to purchase this pattern set for 50% off ($2.49) through Wednesday, Feb. 10th. No coupon code needed. 

Have a great week and stay warm!

Lisa

Introducing the new Bailee Blanket pattern!

My 4th grandbaby is due in just over 2 months so of course, Nana has to make him a few things. The first thing I wanted to make was a blanket. I had my colors picked out but wasn't sure what pattern to use. I had recently made one of my Bailee Hats and just love how the design is reversible, so I thought I would see how it looked as a blanket. I'm so glad I did because I love how it turned out! I have written the pattern for a baby size blanket but have given instructions on how to customize the size.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bailee-blanket

Here is the Bailee Hat that inspired the new blanket design.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bailee-hat

You can get the Bailee Blanket pattern for only $2.50 through Friday, January 29th. No coupon code needed. Or if you would like a matching set, get BOTH the Bailee Blanket and Hat patterns for 50% off using code Bailee at checkout. Simply click on the pics above to go to the Ravelry listing and add them to your cart. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Lisa

New Wrist Warmer pattern now available!

My new Winter's Bliss Wrist Warmer pattern is now listed in my Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy shops. They are on sale for just $1.75 in my Ravelry shop through Saturday, January 23rd. 

I designed these wrist warmers to go with my Winter's Bliss Beanie pattern released earlier this month, because who doesn't love a matching hat and gloves? You will love the texture of these gloves. Also, the thumbs are worked into the gloves, so you don't have to reattach yarn and work them separately. This makes them so quick and easy to make. 

If you haven't already, please consider following my blog so you don't miss out on any sales or giveaways I have going on. Also, you can find me on Facebook and Instagram. 

It's Release Day AND a giveaway!!

My new Colden Beanie has been listed in all of my pattern shops and is on sale for only $2.99 on Ravelry and on Craftsy through Sunday, no coupon code needed. 

This chunky hat is full of texture and is sure to keep you warm. I love how quickly it works up and that it's suitable for boys or girls, from baby to adult. 

Head over to my Facebook page for a chance to win a copy of the pattern!

Have a great day!

Lisa

I'm back!!

Good morning! It's been way too long since I've posted here. Do you ever just feel burnt out and need a change? That's what happened to me last Spring. I took a break from crochet designing and only did a little bit of crocheting. Instead, I spent some time pursuing other hobbies and mostly was busy with my grandkids, one of whom I babysat five days a week.

But now I'm back and ready to start designing again! Yay! I have recently released two new crochet patterns. The first is the Winter's Bliss Beanie. I love the subtle texture of this hat and the color possibilities are endless!

I also designed the new Karys Cowl pattern to go with my Karys Cloche. I used Red Heart Unforgettable in Tidal and just love the way it turned out. 

Here is the Karys Cloche being modeled by its namesake. 

This week I will be releasing the new Colden Beanie crochet pattern. You will love the chunky texture in this hat and that it is suitable for boys and girls, from newborn to adult. I used Loops and Threads Charisma in Mountain Majesty. My adorable granddaughter, Serenity, is modeling this hat for me. 

So be sure to check back in a couple of days for the release of the Colden Beanie crochet hat pattern! Also, check out my Facebook page. Happy Monday!!

BOGO Pattern sale!!!

BOGO sale!

Have you had your eye on one of my patterns? Or do you need some new patterns for Christmas gifts or craft shows? Now is a great time to stock up with my BOGO pattern sale TODAY only in my Ravelry shop. No coupon code needed. Just add it to your cart and the sale price will show up when you check out. Enjoy!! 

Have a great weekend!

~Lisa

Worldwide Artist Blog Hop

Worldwide Artist Blog Hop

I am so honored to have been nominated for the Worldwide Artisan Blog Hop by my friend, Jonna, from Frayed Knot! So it’s my turn to answer these 4 questions about myself and this amazing craft....

Why do I do what I do?  I started crocheting about 5 years ago but was really inspired when my first grandbaby was born 4 years ago. Once I started making things for him, I couldn’t stop. One thing led to another and by the next year, I was designing my own patterns. It is so rewarding to choose a skein (or more) of yarn, sit down with a hook and create something beautiful with it.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?  Most of my designs are beginner friendly but also fun for the experienced crochet to make. I also focus on designing things I would wear or that I would put on my grandbabies. If you've seen my work, you know that I absolutely love texture and that's usually what I try to add to each design. 

 How does my creative process work? Sometimes I'm inspired by my grandbabies and want to make something special for them. Sometimes my photographer will ask for a new photo prop. Most of the time, I look for new stitches to use (especially with texture!) and strive to create something pretty.

What am I working on now? This time of year is a busy time for me. I take a break from designing to participate in a few Christmas Bazaars. A few things I've been making this week are boot cuffs, ear warmers and wrist warmers. 

Here are my nominations: 
My first nomination is my dear friend, Melanie, from 3 Boys & A Ball of Yarn. Melanie was one of the first fellow crocheter that I "met" online. She has such amazing, fun designs! Be sure to check out her blog. I would also love to nominate my good friend, Lisa, from Creative Kitty Crochet. I've known Lisa for over 2 years. She has tested many of my patterns for me. She's a very talented lady! If you don't crochet but would like to order something, contact Lisa and she can "hook" you up. ;) 

The Karys Cloche new pattern release!

The Karys Cloche 

I am so excited about this design! This is not your ordinary shell stitch hat. Add a bit of a flared brim and a ribbon accent, and you have a lovely hat that is perfect for girls of all ages. 

The pattern is on sale at the introductory price of $2.99 through tomorrow night (March 4th) in my Ravelry and Craftsy shops. Enjoy!!

Now let's have a giveaway! Three lucky winners will win a copy of the Karys Cloche. Giveaway will be open until midnight tomorrow night. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The new Owen Hat pattern has been released!!

The new Owen Hat has been released!

The Owen Hat

I am so excited about this hat design! Learning new stitches that create a rich texture is something I really try to focus on, and I think this hat has a beautiful texture. I love that it is suitable for girls, as well as boys, which is sometimes hard to do. Sizes included in the pattern are from 0-3 months through adult.

Use two or more colors to show the texture even more. 

As an added bonus, I have included directions to create a different design/texture as shown in the photo above. 

You can purchase the pattern in my Ravelry and Craftsy shops for the introductory price of only $2.99 through Monday, Feb. 10th. 

Dreaming of warmer weather!!

Dreaming of Warmer Weather!

I don't know about you, but I am so over this cold weather. I'm longing for days when I can open the windows and enjoy the cool breeze, being able to take my grandson to the park, and going camping and biking with my hubby. What about you? Do you enjoy the winter months or are you ready for Spring?

How about a look at a few of my patterns to help shake off the winter blues? Here are a few of my favorites. :)

First is my Sailor Hat. This is probably my most popular pattern. Make one as a photo prop or as an accessory to a cute little sailor outfit.

My Little Man & Little Miss Sunhats are also fun hats for the warmer weather. The patterns each include 4 applique patterns. Your little one will be the cutest kid at the playground wearing one of these sunhats. ;)

My Peek-A-Boo Cocoon is an adorable photo prop and perfect for Spring. It makes me think of butterflies that will be fluttering around.

I hope you've enjoyed this little peek at a few of my patterns. All of my patterns can be found on Ravelry, Etsy, and Craftsy.

New designs AND a sale!!

New Designs

Hope the New Year has started out great for you! Ours has been wonderful with the addition of our first granddaughter, Serenity, on January 2nd, and let me just tell you, we are in love! :)

I have released three new patterns this year. First was the Elise Wrist Warmers. These are very quick and easy to work up and the stitch creates a beautiful texture which is also very warm.

My next pattern that was released this month was the Elise Slouch. This is a fun hat that goes perfectly with the Elise Wrist Warmers and the Elise Cowl, all found in my pattern shops. Sizes include newborn through adult.

The latest pattern I released was the Serenity Hat, named after our sweet granddaughter. This hat also comes in newborn through adult. Here is our beautiful Serenity modeling for Nana for the first time. :)

I've decided to have a "Just Because" sale in my Ravelry shop
through tomorrow night, so you can stop by and pick up one of these (or any) patterns for 25% off. Enjoy!