Thursday, July 28, 2011

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!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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

      Monday, July 18, 2011

      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

      Tuesday, July 5, 2011

      Lovely Cell Phone Cozies

      Hello friends!

      How are you doing? I hope you all had a great weekend. Thanks you very much for your nice words on my last posts also. It's a while I haven't been here and I miss blogging so!  That's great to have something to blog again! :)

      A friend of mine told me she loved a cozy for her new cell phone, so I made these small stuff to surprise her on her birthday. I took these pictures a week ago but so busy to post.
       
      I made this one using star stitch pattern from Teresa (video tutorial here). I love the stitch and the pattern so much, I used to make one when I had just learned to crochet, by following instructions from her, it turned out not too bad, hehe! But I can feel the difference with this one!

      And this one is my own pattern, with a combination between puff stitch and double crochet, the next round were front post single crochet and repeated, it came out ever so lovely!

      Both of them were given to my friend as a birthday gift, she texted me "I love them so much did you know!", I was happy too!

      They covered and fitted the cell phone perfectly!
      and lovely!
      I will make some more for myself and friends, cozies are always really fun to make!

      Thank you for stopping by, I wish your new week is wonderful and cheerful!!!

      Until next time! x

      Sunday, June 26, 2011

      Another Ridge Hat With Brim


      Happy Sunday everyone!

      I finished this hat last week but was so busy to take photos and post, well, how time flies, it's weekend again and I'm happy to have something to share with you all!

       

      It was made with the same pattern as the one I made before for my Mom (pattern can be found here). I wanted to try it with another type of yarn and hook size, so I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease, Seaspray color and size G-6 4.25mm, bigger than the one I used in my original pattern. I adjusted stitches and shells a bit as I used a larger hook: 6 rounds for top and 8 shells for hat body. The brim was done exactly what the pattern says. It turned out as lovely as I expected!


      Such a nice idea to make a sun hat for this summer, I love this hat, the color is so lovely! It also has a softy touch and so comfy to wear under the sun!


      Have a happy Sunday everyone, I wish your summer is gorgeous and enjoyable!

      ~ Thank you for stopping by and see you soon !

      Monday, June 13, 2011

      Knitting WIP - My Stripped Scarf Is Done!


      Hello! Hello Friends,

      Thank you very much for all your comments in my last post, that's so SWEET and means a lot to me! I would love to THANK YOU, thank you for the amazing bloggy friendship!

      Remember my first knitting project WIP in the beginning of this year? Oh I can't believe it's over six months! The scarf WIP has been in my closet for months then! Finally I managed myself to get it done (phewww!!!), and here is how it turned out:

      I knitted in the rounds with 5.0mm circular needles, worsted weight yarn, 60 inch long (not including the fringes).

      I love the softy touch and the warm feeling as it was knitted in rounds. Take a closely look when it's folded:

      This scarf will be a handmade gift for my honey's sister in July, she is living in a very cold place. I love it, so warm and happy to wear, hope it will make her warm too!

      Sorry for uploading so many photos for one scarf, I'm so exciting and just love to enjoy pretty pictures of my knitting achievement here! Oh I have to say knitting is really another inspiration to me! :)

      That's all for this post, wish you all a gorgeous new week ahead!!!

      See you later!

      Tuesday, June 7, 2011

      Hat of the Month!


      Hi everyone!

      Just popping by to say Hello, hope you all had a great weekend!

      I received a notice yesterday from the Hat of the Month group on Ravelry and I would love to share you all here: My Ridge Hat with Brim pattern has been voted for The Hat of the Month for a crochet-along for June! Such an earburning news to me!

      I would like to express my big thanks to all of you who have brought me all the motivation and encouragement so far! This is my first attempt on designing a pattern and like a magic, it's over my expectation! I'm so thrilled!!!

      Thank you! Wish you all a wonderful week ahead!

      Lovestitch, xo

      Monday, May 30, 2011

      My First Sewing Project: Knitting Needle Roll


      Hello friends, hope your weekend was wonderful and enjoyable, filled with joy, happiness and so many crafty creations to amaze me!

      I'm so excited now as I am going to show you my FIRST sewing project, which I've dreamed on for a long time: Sewing knitting needle roll!

      Using this great tutorial as a guide, I modified a bit and here is my own one:
      Not yet many things to put in the case as I've just taught myself how to knit, but it will be great to keep all my knitting tools for the next future :).

      Single point needles, circular needles, double points, cable needles and other tools are all in order, very neat.

      Needles and other stuff, just some but such a mess before:

      They now have an ideal home! So comfy! So happy!

      Isn't it lovely? I will spend more time to keep going in knitting, as promised to myself. Also have many crochet projects in waiting, but I've found sewing is really fun too! :). Oh my... how much time is enough for doing all things I love to do? Well, I should take it easy...

      Have a gorgeous week ahead everyone!!!

      See you soon, x

      Sunday, May 29, 2011

      Free Pattern: Crochet Catherine Wheel Tissue Box Cover


      Hi everyone, here is the pattern for my crocheted Catherine Wheel Tissue Box Cover mentioned last post.

      Sorry for not writing the pattern and posting it soon as promised.  Some of you have asked for the pattern and I'm glad to get it done today to share you all. Let me know if there's any mistake found.

      Crochet hook: 3.25mm, cotton yarn of your choice.
      Ch 38, join with slip stitch to the first chain to form a circle. 
      • Round 1: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, 1 sc in each chain around. Join.
      • Round 2: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, join with slip stitch to the first sc (42 sc in total).
      • Round 3: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 18 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, join with slip sitch to the first sc. (50 sc in total)
      • Round 4: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next stitch, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 20 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 20 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, join with slip stitch to the first sc. (58 sc in total)
      • Round 5: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, 2 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 22 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 22 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, join with slip stitch to the first sc. (66 sc in total)
      • Round 6: ch 1, sc in the same stitch, 3 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 24 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 24 stitches, 3 sc in the next stitch, 3 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, join with slip stitch to the first sc. (74 sc in total)coners
      Continue with the same increasing rule (to create the corners) for the remaining rounds till round 11:
      • Round 7: 82 sc in total
      • Round 8: 90 sc in total
      • Round 9: 98 sc in total
      • Round 10: 106 sc in total
      • Round 11: 114 sc in total
      • Round 12: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *skip 2 stitch, 7 dc in the next stitch, skip 3 stitches, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the last 2 shells. (Skip 3 stitches, 7 dc in the next stitch, skip 3 stitches, sc in the next stitch) twice. Join with slip stitch to the first sc. (16 shells in total)
      • Round 13:  Slip stitch to the 4th dc, ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *ch 3, work 1 cluster over next 7 stitches, ch 3, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to end. Join with slip stitch to the first sc. (16 clusters in total)
      • Round 14: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *skip 3 ch, work 7 dc into the loop which closed next cluster, skip 3 ch, sc in the next sc. Repeat from * till end. (16 shells in total)
      • Round 15: Slip stitch to the 4th dc, ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *ch 3, work 1 cluster over next 7 stitches, ch 3, sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * to end. Join with slip stitch to the first sc. (16 clusters in total)
      Repeat rounds 14 and 15 for the remaining depth of your tissue box.

      Picot edging: Join new yarn in any stitch, * ch 3, slip stitch to the first ch (make picot), ch 2. Repeat from * to the remaining stitches to create lovely edging for your tissue box cover.

      ~ Enjoy!

      Saturday, May 28, 2011

      Crochet Little Bear Coasters


      Hello Hello everyone!

      Thank you so much for your sharing and your comments on my last posts, I'm happy to have you here! 

      Well, today I feel great and have something little to share you, I've just made some coasters, they're easy and so fun to make!
      Stack them up
      You would like the pattern? You got it right here:

      Face: 
      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. Slip stitch all around the circle to make it stronger.
      Ears: 
      Join new yarn in any stitch of the circle, ch 1, skip 2 sc, make 6 dc in the next stitch, ch 1, skip 2 sc, slip stitch to the next stitch to join. Fasten off and weave all the yarn tails.
      Count to the next 10 stitches, make the same ear for your coaster. 
      Use French knot for the eyes and sew to form the mouth in any way you like. 

      You are done! It's time to take one for your sweet cup!

      ♥ Have a happy weekend everyone!

      Tuesday, May 24, 2011

      Thursday, May 12, 2011

      Crochet Scarf With Galaxy Stitch


      I've just finished this scarf for my Uncle, using Galaxy stitch. Video tutorial HERE.


      From more than two skeins of this yarn.

      I love the color, love the stitch pattern, and love how happy my Uncle looked when I gave it to him!

      Happy day to you all!

      Tuesday, May 3, 2011

      Crochet Catherine Wheel Tissue Box Cover


      Hello everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

      I just finished this tissue box cover and must say I'm pretty pleased with it, can't wait to show you here! I love the softy cotton touch, the Catherine Wheel look and the cheery colors as well.


      Take a look from the top:

      This tissue box cover fixes a tissue box with 4.0"D x 6.5"L x 4.2"H, like this one:
       
      After dressed:


      This is my own design and I'm very pleased to share my pattern with you. So if you like it, just come back, I will write and post the pattern very soon!

      Enjoy your new week and see you later! x

      Friday, April 29, 2011

      Just Lovely Things...


      ... love this little birdie...

      and a little flower and leaf...
       

      also love this little bowl ...

      love how it keeps the bobbins safe in shells...

      but this lovely one also does its job well...

      ... just simple things, but my heart feels lovely...
       

      Hope everyone enjoy a SWEET and LOVELY weekend!