Fun with crochet food

I love to make crochet food. They work up quick and kids love them! I think they're especially great for kids to play with while you're trying to get dinner made. That way they can help you make dinner (without getting under foot)!

1 - Carrots are one thing that are great any way you want to eat them. My favourite is fresh from the garden! Nothing better than that crisp snap as you bite into one.

Squid, snails, and other "non-traditional" amigurumi that need some love too

I have always had a soft spot for "non-traditional" amigurumi. Squid, snails, and other so called non-cute critters. Poor things just seem so unloved because they aren't a cute little puppy. So anytime I see these I get a little excited. Here are some of my favourites.

1 - Squid are cute! This Young Kraken is proof.

Where to hide your stash..

Ok I am talking about your yarn stash here. I keep trying to hide it from my husband but he finds it anyways. So I gave up.

Instead of hiding it, I wanted to find a better way to organize it and store it. Cause let's face it, there's nothing worse than stocking up on a pretty new yarn only to find out you already did and have twice as much now! Of course not that it's a bad thing to have lots of yarn to play with, but when you're on a budget, that stings a bit sometimes.

A new cap from Jake and The Neverland Pirates

It's amazing sometimes how your going about your day and someone asks you about your crochet.

This happened to me the other day.

I went to the doctor for a check up and the nurse checking me in saw my son's pacifier clip and asked if I made anything else. I replied that yes I make all kinds of things. She wanted a cap for her daughter. Specifically a cap from a character from her favourite TV show: Izzy of Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Best thing for a cold day

I love finding new soups and stews and chowders. They make you feel warm and fuzzy and happy no matter what. So when I can combine it with fish, I'm on board all the way. Three words: cod corn chowder.

Cod is one of my favourite kinds of fish. It's just so beautifully versatile. You can fry it, bake it, dump it in a stew and it holds up every time. I like that in my fish. It gives me options to my culinary creativity. So here's my take on a cod corn chowder.

The joys of sizing hats

I struggle with this a lot, I will be the first to admit that. Sizing hats for people can be difficult. But it can be broken down to a way to make it a bit easier.

Now these are generalizations for hat heights. There is some wiggle room for sizing just to account for head size. No babies come out the same size as another baby (my son was a big baby). So if you are making a hat for a baby, just keep in mind. If the hat is a bit too big, they will grow into it, but you can't come back from too small. I personally like to go for a bit on the big side. That way they can wear the hat for a bit longer while they grow and can enjoy it that much longer!

Itty Bitty Crochet - oh the possibilities!

I have been crocheting for years, and upon finding this book at the bookstore, it seemed like the crochet world I thought I knew had suddenly found a new street that had never been seen before.

I'm not talking about a new technique (although those are always *a lot* of fun despite my husband's amusement at how easy it can be to entertain me), I'm talking about a new material. Instead of using yarn, this crochet uses sewing floss. Yes you read correctly. Floss. The kind that cross stitchers use. The best part is that sewing floss keeps up with the colours available in regular yarn. So you don't have to feel like your loosing out on the colour spectrum by changing mediums.

Baby Bubbles set

Remember the sneak peek post?

Well here's the final result of that neat new stitch!

Time to get your nerd on!

To me, being called a nerd isn't a bad thing. It's much more freeing than trying to keep up with the latest trends. Plus I adore the creativity of it all. The sky isn't even the limit. If you can imagine it, it can exist and I love that. Here's a little taste of the nerdiness that I enjoy and I hope you will too.

1 - Jayne's hat - from Kim Werker at CrochetMe. While Fox may have cancelled Firefly, Jayne's hat will live on!

My Guilty Pleasure

I don't have much of a sweet tooth much to the horror of my husband who has enough sweet tooth for the both of us. One thing I can never resist though is rice pudding. Now most people like it cold. I prefer it hot with raisins in it. The creamy goodness and sweet/savory spices do me in every time.

Spring projects to bring out the sun!

Springtime is is nearing and the snow will be melting. At least that's what us here in frozen Northern New York are hoping for. Any time now would be great. So maybe we can tempt spring to show itself with some fun springtime crochet.

1- Springtime Bunny - I adore this pattern by Stephanie Lau. Her adorable creation is the perfect springtime toy to make.

Hawaiian Bread

Aside from coffee, Hawaiian bread is a weakness of mine. The wonderful thing about it is that you don't have to put any jam or butter on it to add a touch of sweetness. It's already sweetened!

This recipe from Nikki at Seeded at the Table is the best recipe I've found for home made Hawaiian bread. I love making it every time and I usually have to fight my husband for it! 

Now go make a batch! You won't regret it... I promise.

Bits and bobs for making toys

There are a few "essentials" when making baby/kids toys. Although I do enjoy using the things on this list, you don't *have* to have them to make a toy that a little one will love. Cause let's face it, sometimes a cardboard box amuses them to no end.

As for where to find these items, Etsy and Amazon are the best bet I've found for finding these at a good deal. Your local craft store will also of course be a good place to look if you need them faster than the post can deliver it.

1 - Rattle Inserts - My son loves his rattles. Thankfully you can find these in packs or 3 or 4 so I can make him little noisemakers to his hearts content. Another option that's cost effective is to find a small Easter egg shell and put rice or beans in it. They can be sealed up but I'm always a smidge leary of this method simply because my son is good at dropping things in just the right spot that they get stepped on. So it's a waiting game on how soon it pops open and no longer rattles. So I do prefer the inserts.

A sneak peek and its fun stitch

A friend of mine is having her first baby today. So my fingers have been busy busy making things for her new little one, much the same way I made lots of stuff for mine.

The piece I'm finishing up is a burp cloth. I don't know about anyone else, but my son can spit up and go for distance. That burp cloth is never far from him to clean up his little messes as quickly as possible. There are lots of different stitches you can use to make a cloth but I find the tighter the stitch, the better it'll keep the mess from your shirt before you head out to work! 

Some inspiring St. Patrick's Day crochet projects

St. Patrick's day is a fun day for lots of reasons. Now you can add some cute crochet projects to the list!

1 - Shamrock Garland from Sarahndipities. Make some garland to hang up for your festivities.