~ Puppy and Christmas ~

Hello! How is everyone doing? I hope all is well and your weekend have been gorgeous!

While I have been inspired with so many crafting projects from so many talented bloggy friends, I would really wanted to make something for Christmas this year and I almost gave up the idea until I found a pattern in last minutes! I was so happy that I can't wait to start it right away! Look how it turned out!

I spent my whole Saturday with this little doggy and his Christmas Hat, Christmas scarf... Isn't he cute?!! :)

I found the pattern in a Japanese crochet book and I love this! Have a look at him from the back...

And see what he is thinking... Perhaps he needs some snow but that never happens here!!! Poor puppy!

Christmas is coming so close, you all must be so busy with home decoration or so... Enjoy your time and Happy Holidays!!!

Best wishes, ♥

PATTERN: Crochet Hat for My Mom

Hello friends!

Thank you so much for all your comments on my last post, I'm so warm in my heart with your kind thoughts and uplifting words. They are so precious to me, just let you know how much I appreciate!

I have received some messages from some of you recently asking for the pattern of the hat I made for my mom a while ago. When I made it before I just moved the stitches and didn't notice to write the pattern down (lazy me!), that's why I couldn't remember the pattern to share. But I've been so happy you like it! So now I just wrote the pattern and made another one to test, with different yarn and hook. Hope you like it and give it try!

I made this hat with the same cotton yarn of the rose brooch I made a few months back. This way I don't have to make a flower to attach! But it looks nice, isn't it? :)

With the brim turned up... This pattern is quite simple and easy to make, but it turned out just lovely!

Well, enough for my showing, it's time for the pattern!

HAT PATTERN:
Yarn: Cotton yarn (Sugar 'n Cream also works well with this pattern).
Hook size: F - 3.75mm

Make a magic circle.

Flat circle for the top:

• Round 1: Ch 1, 7 sc through the loop. Do not join, place marker and work a continual round.
• Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (14 sc)
• Round 3: *1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (21 sc)
• Round 4: *1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (28 sc)
• Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (35 sc)
• Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (42 sc)
• Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (49 sc)
• Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (56 sc)
• Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (63 sc)
• Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (70 sc)
• Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (77 sc)
• Round 12: sc in each sc around. (77 sc)
• Round 13: *1 sc in each of the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (84 sc)
• Round 14: sc in each sc around. (84 sc). Slip stitch to the next 2 stitches. 

You can adjust this flat top to fit your head by adding more or subtracting the last row (84 sts).

Hat body: 

• Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same stitch, skip 2 stitches, *3 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * till the last shell, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
• Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, *3 dc in the next space. Repeat from * to the last space, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
• From round 3: Repeat round 2 until you get the desired length.

Hat brim:

• Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *sc in the 6 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. Do not join. (96 sc)
• Round 2: sc in each sc around. (96 sc)
• Round 3: *sc in the 7 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (108 sc)
• Round 4: sc in each sc around. (108 sc)
• Round 5: *sc in the 8 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (120 sc)
• Round 6: sc in each sc around. (120 sc)
• Round 7: sc in each sc around. (120 sc) 
• Round 8: *sc in the 9 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (132 sc)
• Round 9: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
• Round 10: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
• Round 11: sc in each sc around. (132 sc) 

Slip stitch (or reverse sc all around) the last round.

There you have the hat pattern, appreciate if you point out any mistake I might have. Thank you!


Hope everyone had a great weekend and wishing your new week ahead is gorgeous!!!

~ Much love, ♥

* UPDATE on July 24, 2012 *

Many of you have asked about the rose pattern, I already posted it on my blog so I copied the link here for your convinience.

Check out this link for ROSE PATTERN. Enjoy! x

Missing Crochet and Blogging

Hi everyone! How are you? It's been a long time since my last post, I hope everyone is so well and did enjoy a gorgeous weekend!

I have been so busy for work and family recently and hardly find time for other things. It's been more than one month I didn't blog, but you - my bloggy friends - are still there, continue visiting, following my blog and leaving sweet words on my posts during my "absence", that really warms my heart... Thank you! I'm sorry for not either visiting back or leaving comments on yours as often as I wish, but I surely will, I will try to get back to my favorites as soon as I can!

I've been missing crochet so much. I tried some moments I had in the busy days to make these small flowers...

I also don't know what they will be for, just to crochet, just to pick my hook and touch my yarn again. That feeling is always so special to me...

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my rambling today. Take care, and wish you all a wonderful new week!

Love and hugs ♥

Crohet Polka Dot Bag

Hello friends! How you are doing? I do hope you all had a wonderful day, and had so many inspiring creations over the weekend!

It's been quite a long time since my last crafting project, crochet, knitting, sewing,... have been in my mind during these busy days... But finally I have something to share to you all and must say I am so happy... What do you think about my newest crochet project? :)

I actually started this bag a few months ago, but so many things happened then that I had to put it aside. Now look how the bag came out now and a few sneak peak of the lining...

I'm so pleased with the lining fabric and also the zipper, their colors are quite match, right? Hmm, sewing zippers is now no more changeling to me, after so many times I had to sew and unsew again them in my other projects, hehe!

In case you wonder what pattern this bag came from, you got it right here, I used it for the whole bag.

It's hard to explain, but I'm always excited every time I get a crafting project done, whether it is a big project or just a little one!

Enough for my new bag, I wish everyone a fabulous new week ahead!
~ xxxxxx ~

Second Giveaway Win!

Hello everyone,

I could not believe my eyes that I was noticed I won another giveaway just right after the first one! One on Saturday and one on Sunday! How happy and lucky I was to win two giveaways at nearly the same time! I had never won any giveaway before and then I won two! Don't you see it strange? But it's amazing!

This necklace arrived at my doorstep in the midst of last week, from our very lovely lady Teresa and I was thrilled! Thank you Teresa for such a gorgeous giveaway, I love it! It's so beautiful!!

Visit her shop here to enjoy a lot of handmade jewelry items in all kinds of bead, you will be amazed, for sure!

Thank you again, Teresa!

♥ Take care, and hope everyone a happy day!
Lovestitch, x

First Giveaway Win!

I received this lovely giveaway from our very lovely friend Aurora Blythe in the midst of August but was too busy with my family troubles to post about it. This is the first time I won a giveaway and I'm really happy!

Opened the box I was amazed with this beautiful fuzzy case! I love it so! Thank you, Aurora! x

Oh it's a lovely case with so many lovely stuff inside! A sneak peek first:

See what I took out, aren't they wonderful?!! So many gorgeous things were packed for the giveaway that I was really lucky to be the winner!

I love them all! Thank you very much, Aurora!

♥ Wishing everyone a fabulous new week ahead!

Till next time,
LS,  xxxxxxxxxx

~ Thank You! ~

Hello Friends!

Thank you very much for your kind thoughts and treasured prayers on my father's illness and my family. They are such heartwarming words and mean a lot to me...

I'm sorry I have not been saying anything to you all, honestly it has been so hard for me to find time and spirit for blogging during the time... But I'm so happy as now my father is getting better and on the road of recovery. On behalf of my family, I would like to express my big THANK YOU to all of you, my very kind friends!

Thank you my dear sweet friend, Donna, for so much care and thoughtfulness, for always sharing and uplifting me in such a hard time, and, for the generosity in offering the wonderful quick post with such beautiful words... Thank you, my dear friend!

I'm very happy finally I can get back to blogging, to my little crafts corner, not much time though, but I can be back, that's great enough to me! Once again, thank you!!!

♥ Hope you all enjoy a wonderful week!

See you soon!
Lovestitch, xo

Quick Post from a Dear Friend

Dear Blog Friends,

It has been quite some time since our wonderful and dear friend, LOVESTITCH, has had time for blogging.

She is just fine, so I hope to relieve your mind of worry.  Her precious, loving father suffered a massive stroke in mid August, and a second one while in the hospital a few days later.  He has come home now and is progressing well, but still needs much care.

Please join me in praying and sending positive thoughts for her dear father for a complete healing, for her mother for strength, for our dear friend and her beau, as they work all day and care for her parents each night and weekends.

She is strong and loving, and will be back to her crocheting, knitting and sewing very soon.  I know she will delight us with her new projects soon!

Thank you all so very much!
May you all be blessed and loved,
Donna
(grandma4five)

Patterns: Crochet Flower Brooches

Hello everyone!

Thank you very much for making my day with all your sweet words on my flower brooches and my posts so far! That really meant a lot to me, I do appreciate!

I made these flowers using some patterns from Japanese books and they are all in chart form. I've just "translated" them into US term for your convenience (as I guess most of you may prefer written patterns, hoping I'm right!). So, here you go - please let me know if there's any mistake:

1. Cream daisy flower: 

(Make two alike in different colors)

Magic circle.
Round 1: 5 sc in the loop. Do not join.
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (10 sc)
Round 3: 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch (15 sc in total)
Round 4: * Slip stitch to the next sc, ch 2, 4 dc in the next stitch, ch 2, slip stitch to the next stitch to complete the first low petal. Repeat from * for the remainder (5 petals in total).
Round 5: * Slip stitch to the 1st chain of the first ch-2, sc in the next chain, work 1 hdc in the first dc, 1 dc in the same stitch, dc increase in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 dc in the 4th dc, 1 hdc in the same stitch, sc in the next ch-2 space, sl st in to the previous sl st. Repeat from * for the remainder.
Round 6: * Sc in the next sl st, ch 2, 3 dc increase in the next 3 stitches, 1 dc in the next st, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch, 1 dc in the same st, 3 dc increase in the next 3 stitches, ch 2, sc in the previous sl st. Repeat from * for total of 5 petals.
Cut the tail, fasten off and weave in ends.

Use a contrast colored thread to sew 2 layers together with petals are alternate to each other. Sew the center as it looks like in the picture.

Crochet a tiny flower to sew it in the center (magic circle, * ch 5, sl st into the loop. Repeat 4 times from * to finish) or just simply sew a button in center to complete the pistil.

2. Other daisy flower in Orange: 

Magic circle, 
Round 1: Ch 3 (count as the first dc), 15 dc in the loop, join with sl st to the first ch 3. (16 dc)
Round 2: Work in back loop only: 2 dc in each dc around (32 dc)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, ch 5, sc in the next stitch, *sc in the next stitch, ch 5, sc in the next stitch (16 ch-5 spaces in total).
Round 4: * Slip st to the ch-5 loop, ch 2, work 9 dc in the ch-5 loop, ch 2, sl st into the loop. Repeat from * for the remaining loops. (16 petals in total)
Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Round 5: Join new thread to the front loop created at round 2, repeat the instruction for round 3.
Round 6: repeat round 4.
Fasten off.

Make a tiny flower (magic circle, * ch 9, sl st into the loop. Repeat 9 times from * to finish) to sew in center. Add button in center to make the pistil look a bit different.

3. Colorful flower with many layers of petal:

Magic circle,

Round 1: Ch 1, 16 sc in the loop. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, ch 3, skip one sc, * sc in the next stitch, ch 3, skip 1 sc.
Repeat from * for the remainder. Join with a sl st to the first sc (8 ch-3 loops in total).
Round 3: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from * (8 petals total)
Round 4: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the first sc in round 2, ch 4. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-4 loops in total)
Round 5: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 6: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 4, ch 5. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-5 loops in total)
Round 7: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 8: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 6, ch 6. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-6 loops in total)
Round 9: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 10: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 6, ch 6. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-6 loops in total)
Round 11: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.

Complete this pattern you will have 5 layers of petal, change color for each if desired.

*** To turn them into a brooch or a hair scunchi:
Cut a circle of felt fabric or crochet a circle with sc for 7 rounds and sew in place in the back of the flower.
Here is a pattern for a circle just in case:

Magic circle,
Round 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in the loop. Do not join.
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16 sc). Mark the first sc with a contrasting color maker.
Round 3: 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch (24 sc)
Round 4: sc increase in every 3 stitches (30 sc)
Round 5: sc increase in every 4 stitches (36 sc)
Round 6: sc increase in every 5 stitches (42 sc)
Round 7: sc increase in every 6 stitches (48 sc)
Round 8: sc increase in every 7 stitches (54 sc)
Skip 1 stitch, slip stitch to the next stitch to join.
 
Attach a brooch pin if you want to have a brooch, or a pony tail if you  want to have a hair brunchi.

 

 ♥ Enjoy, and Happy hooking!!!

 Thank you for stopping by, hope you all a very Happy Weekend!!! ♥

Crochet Flower Brooches

How is everyone doing? I cannot believe it's been the beginning of August already! It feels like just yesterday July was starting. Time sure does fly by! I do hope you got many things done in the last month, as I didn't! My to-do list in July is still in progress, and August has come! How about you?

I made these flower brooches a few days back and would love to share you right here. I found it was such a fun when playing with cotton!

A colorful flower with many layers of petal...

take a closely look...

A rose in blossom...

A daisy with two layers of petal...

And this lovely one I don't know what to call, maybe another kind of daisy... :)

All of them were attached a brooch pin, to become these flower brooches...

Didn't they turn out lovely? I love them all, especially the creamy one with an orange button center, my favorite colors as well...

I've still not worn any of them, but my clothes are ready to go with these 'new friends'! 

Well, enough for my brooches, I would come to see what you've been up to, but I know they must be awesome, whatever you do!

Best wishes to you all, hope your days are always gorgeous! 

♥ Thank you for stopping by! See you later!!!

Pattern: Puffy Cell Phone Cozy

Hi everyone!

I made this cell phone cozy for a friend awhile back and was asked for the pattern. OK, I can't let you wait any longer so am glad to share you here:

PATTERN

Yarn: cotton or any yarn.

Hook: any size to match your yarn. I used 3.5mm hook and cotton yarn for mine to fit a cell phone with 4.5" H x 2.31" W x 0.37" D.

This pattern has a multiple of 2, so you can easily adjust the bottom narrower or wider in an even number of stitches.

Puff stitch: Please refer this site for the method of finishing a puff stitch - using method A for this pattern.

Bottom: 

Make 14 foundation single crochet (or chain 14 if you prefer to use a chain instead).

Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in each of the next 12 sts, 4 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 12 sts, 3 sc in the last stitch, join with sl st to the first ch. (32 sc in total)

Body:  

• Round 1: ch 2, *make a puff stitch in the same st, dc in the next stitch. Repeat from * for the remaining stitches, slip stitch to the first puff stitch to join. (16 combos of puff stitch and dc in total).
• Round 2: ch 1, sc in the same st, sc in the next st, *front post sc around the next puff stitch, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * to the last st. Sl st to the first sc to join.

Repeat round 1 and 2 until you get the desired length of your cell phone.
Make one or two rounds of sc on top, attach a button if you like and your cozy is ready!

Here is the new one I made with this pattern, isn't it lovely? :)

Enjoy! Lovely day to you all! ♥

Happy Returns and Sunshine Award!

Hello, hello everyone!

I've got back after a short vacation, so now I'm so happy to be here and say Hello again! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! For me, I know I had! ;)

I would like to express my THANK YOU for all your kind words on my last post. They really touched my heart. My dear friend Donna told me your comments warmed her heart so much. How precious bloggy friendship is! I'm sure she would not mind when I reprint this from her message to me: "And the comments left on your blog warmed my heart so much! They were so kind in their comments about our friendship and about my FRIEND album, so very, very nice!". So, we thank you!

When I returned, I received many lovely things which made me so happy! My Mom prepared food for me to enjoy together, my dear friend's message arrived to welcome me back! I also received this Sunshine Award from lovely Aisyah at My Tinker Space, thank you Aisyah!

Well, to follow the rule I have to tell something about myself:

• I love sunshine! :)
• I love coffee and... dogs! :)
• I learned to swim last year and now I forget how to swim!
• My childhood memories are always in my mind...
• My hair is dark brown naturally and I don't want to dye it any color.

I'm done! In turn I have to pass this award on to other blogs, oh I'm so scared of this part! All your blogs are awesome, and all deserve the award, but I have to pick some friends so I would like to pass it on to:

1. My dear friend, Donna, who is very special to me and is a part of my life...
2. Josie, who always makes me happy with her words of encouragements...
3. Susie, lovely lady who is always with me from the beginning of my blogging...
4. Tammy, she seems never misses any post of mine to leave her kind words on!
5. Penelope, a nice friend who gives me so many inspirations...
6. Annemiek, talented lady who loves dogs as much as I do...
7. DaPerfectMix, lovely friends who is also with me from the beginning...
8. Carol, a kind lady who always spreads her love to everyone...
9. Sonia, who leaves her sweet comments of motivation on my crafting work so far... 
10. Caz, "never knew" how her nice words meant...

I would be happy if you feel free to take this award and pass it on to other blogging friends, but please don't mind if you don't want to!

Great day to you all!

Take care and till next time! x

Wonderful Gift from a Special Friend

My dearest friend Donna (visit her blog here) told me she was making something for me, something small but special! How I thank God for the amazing friendship we have, she is very special to me, always caring and so thoughtful! She always cares about me and my family, my work, my love, my life, my hobbies, ... and we share everything together! She always brings joy to my life with a sweet friendship and thoughtfulness. We have so many things in common, same hobbies, same month of birthday, and our sweethearts are both great! :)

One day she notified me "something special" was on the way, so excited! We waited and prayed, again and again, for our "Dove" arriving safely and soundly, over the mountains and the Pacific Ocean! We were very excited, really excited while waiting! When my Mom called at Monday noon to tell our "Dove" had just arrived my home, oh God, my heart jumped up and down, I wrote her right away to tell the "hot news", and she was also so excited as much as I was!!!

I came home from work and rushed into my room. I guessed something would be in the box before, but when I opened it, I just cried...! There was so many beautiful stuff she made especially for me, I took every item out with tears in my eyes, I could feel the LOVE she put in each of them, I was really really touched...

The FRIEND album she sent me is her first Word album, but it came out fabulous! I love it ever so much, and obviously, I was special!

I cried again when I opened each page...

The "R", with a beautiful crochet butterfly, everything little in it carried a Love message from her heart to mine...

The "I", with many beautiful ideas and creations in, only came from LOVE...

The "E", oh how I love these pretty flowers, with some lovely tags included for me to fill in with anything I would like...

The "N", so vintage, so beautiful and I believe the folded round in green paper at the center with a pretty flower on is an "O" from the word "lOve"...

And the "D", look like you are opening the doors when you take the button and open it out. It's the room filled with LOVE, just open it to feel overwhelmed! But I will not worry if it's closed, as her love is all around here!

She asked me to be honest with her first word album, oh which word I can say better than WONDERFUL! "Yes, Donna, only a very talented woman can make such a wonderful album like this herself! And you made it with love, so it's much more amazing! Believe me!"

She also made me feel I'm special with this: "The crochet heart is from mine to yours! Just give it a couple of squishes and the aroma of Lavender will fill the room!". Soooo sweet!!!

 

"And I'm going to try to squeeze in some yarn for you to play with!"...

Such a beautiful yarn, so soft and lovely! The other yarn below is very beautiful, she was so careful to press it in a plastic bag with a Food Saver machine, so it can fit the box easier!

I kept my patience not to cut it out until I can take a picture, and oh my, look these beautiful yarn when I took it out of the bag! How I just love love love them!!!

And here are two jars of jam she made, one Strawberry and one Mango. I and my family have just enjoyed it and must say it's so yummy! We all love it! The most delicious jam I've ever tried!

Many beautiful flower seeds for my Mom...

And a very lovely card with her hand-writing letters on... Each word in it touched my heart, so much...

I love all of them, each of them, it meant a lot to me. I told her, it's not only a gift, it's a GREAT gift from a heart to a heart! What I could expect more?!!

I appreciate this more than I can say. Thank you my dear friend for making me such a wonderful and unique gift! A huge hug and thank you both - Donna and Don - for your love and thoughtfulness to a friend from so far away...

Thank you everyone for your visit and taking the time to read my post today. I would love to share you all my feeling and my happiness that the friendship has been bringing to me. Thank you for your lovely comments of encouragement so far...

Best wishes to everyone and enjoy your gorgeous new week ahead! Enjoy the friendship you have and Happy Blogging!!!

Until next time, x