Kiser Krafts Handmade Link Up Week 43

I don't know how many of you have an indie business, but I'm willing to bet that at least a few of you sell your handmade items. That's why I thought I would tell you about a lovely little handmade link up over at Kiser Krafts Handmade. It's a great chance to share your awesome products by linking up to four items from your shop (It has to be a shop on a selling platform, not Facebook or a blog.). It's also one of my favorite ways to network and discover new shops. Honestly, I spend a good amount of time each week just internet window shopping on Etsy and Storenvy. I love to see what other makers are passionate about, read about their shop stories, and add things to my ever growing list of items I think I'll simply die without. 

I picked 4 items from this week's link up that I really, really love. 

It's a pirate bear. What's not to love?

Handmade Cloth Bear from Moon Over My Monkeys

I love all things unicorn, and this necklace is super cute! I especially love how the hand stamped word "unicorn" is done in rainbow letters. 

Unicorn Necklace from Unique2ChicDesigns

 This is a great statement piece! It's vibrant, a little quirky, and very stylish.

Tassel Necklace from Pelhuaz

This blanket is gorgeous! The colors and stitching are absolutely perfect! I always drool over beautifully made crochet blankets because so much time and talent goes into them. 

Interlocking Stripes Baby Blanket from The Craft Penguin

So, join the link up and maybe I'll get to share something you've made next week! 

Donut Applique (without hole)

Hello out there in crochet land! I apologize for not posting this pattern yesterday as I had planned. My littlest guy has been sick, so I've been in Nurse Mom mode. It is a very time consuming job! 

Here is the second donut pattern for you guys. These are made to resemble your cream filled type of donuts. My favorite part is doing the icing embroidery on the top! It's so fun! Am I easily amused or what? I'm thinking I may need to take a trip to Dunkin' Donuts soon and do a little research...for the sake of writing more patterns. I swear. 

I've made my donuts into pins, hair clips, and headbands, but there are a ton of other things you can use them for as well. These guys come out measuring just slightly over 2 inches. 

Just a note- I used scrap yarn for the icing colors, but my donut color was Red Heart Super Saver in Buff.

As always, whatever you make from my patterns is yours to do with as you see fit. Sell pretty things, make gifts for friends, or go out and cover the world in crochet donuts! Just please don't sell or distribute my pattern as your own, and please don't use my pictures to represent your work. 

DONUT APPLIQUE (Without hole)

Hook- 2.75mm

Yarn- Worsted weight in two colors-

Icing color and donut color

(Optional- alternate icing color for embroidery)

R1- With icing color- Make a magic circle. 6 SC in magic circle. Join. (6 SC)

R2- Chain 1. 2 Sc in each. Join. (12 SC)

R3- Chain 1. 1 SC in same stitch as joining. 2 SC in next. *1 SC in next. 2 SC in next.* Repeat from *to* until end. Join.(18 SC)

R4- In front loops only- Chain 1. 1 SC in same stitch as joining. 1 SC in next. 2 SC in next. *1 SC in next 2. 2 SC in next.* Repeat from *to* until end. Join. (24 SC in FLO). Finish off.

R5- Switch to donut color. In back loops of R3- Chain 1. 1 DC in same stitch as joining. 1 DC in next. *1 DC in next 2. 2 DC in next. * Repeat from *to* until end. (24 DC in BLO). Join. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing the icing to the donut portion. 

Use your third icing color to embroider a fun icing pattern, and enjoy your awesome crochet donut!

If you want to see my pattern for the donut applique with holes just click here.

Donut Applique

It might not be apparent to you all just yet (unless you've checked out my Etsy shop), but I LOVE to crochet food! It is my favorite thing to hook up! I especially love to turn crochet food into hair accessories and pins. I have made a lot of fun pieces that are food inspired, but donuts hadn't made it to my hook until recently. I am so happy that they did because this pattern was really fun to design! 

These donuts measure about 2 inches in diameter, which makes them super versatile. I made hair clips and a headband out of mine. You can sew them onto a hat, make a donut pin, and you could even make a bookmark or planner clips out of them. There is nothing these little donuts cannot do (except satisfy the donut cravings you'll get while making them)! They are also great stash busters as they require very little yarn to make them. So, break out all those little balls in your stash and put them to use!

I designed two types of donuts- with holes and without. Today I will share the donuts with holes, and I'll post the pattern for donuts without holes tomorrow. 

I used many different yarns for the icings, but for the light brown donut part of each donut I used Red Heart Super Saver in Buff. 

Donut Applique (With Hole)

Hook size- 2.75mm

Yarn- worsted weight

R1- With icing color- Chain 10. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring. 12 single crochet into ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC of round. (12 SC)

R2- Chain 1. 1 SC in same stitch as joining. 2 SC in next. *1 SC in next. 2 SC in next.* Repeat from *to* around. Join in the front loop of the first SC of round.(18 SC)

R3- (Front loop only) Chain 1. 4 SC in same stitch as joining. Skip next stitch. Slip stitch in next. 3 SC in next. Skip next stitch. Slip stitch in next. *4 SC in next. Skip next stitch. Slip Stitch in next. 3 SC in next. Skip next stitch. Slip stitch in next.* Repeat from *to * around. Finish off leaving a long tail to sew the icing down the donut portion after round 4.

R4- (Worked in back loops of round 2) Join buff to back loop of round 2. 1 DC in first 2. *2 DC in next. 1 DC in next 2.* Repeat from *to* around. Finish off. (24 DC)

Sew your icing down onto the donut portion (Unless you like the way it looks already.), weave in ends, and there you have it! Tune in tomorrow for the donut without holes pattern! 

Lacy Turban Heaband Pattern

How many of you out there are preparing for back to school? I know, I know. It is only July, but summer is flying by and before you know it it will be time for school shopping. So, if you have a shop you might want to start getting ready now. I know I am! I've been designing some new ear warmer and headband patterns and I can't wait to share them with you all!

This pattern is for a shell stitch turban headband. I made mine with cotton. If you are going to use acrylic I would suggest one that isn't too thick. I like to use Red Heart With Love often, but it was just a little too bulky to give this headband the delicate look I was going for. So, you may want to skip the RHWL for this one. 

This pattern is a one size fits most. It should fit most adults. The shell stitch I'm using is in multiples of 6 (plus 2), so you may adjust your sizing that way or just change your hook size. I have a head circumference of 23 inches (I know, I have a big ol' bean!) and this headband fits me perfectly with stretch. You can also add rows on to make it wider if you wish. It's a versatile pattern and easy to work with.

Also, note that the second round will be worked on the opposite side of the chain from the first round. It is the only round worked this way. 

As always, feel free to sell anything you make from my patterns, but you may not sell or distribute my patterns, or claim them as your own. Share the link to this post anywhere you want and as often as you want. I also ask that you use your own photos to represent your work. 

LACY TURBAN HEADBAND-

Hook- 6.0mm

Yarn- Worsted weight cotton or acrylic

Shell- (All in same stitch) 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet

R1- Chain 68. Single crochet in second chain from hook. *Skip 2 stitches. Shell in next stitch. Skip 2 stitches. SC in next.* Repeat from *to*. (11 shells and 12SC)

R2- For this row you will work on the opposite side of your starting chain. Each stitch will be directly opposite of the stitch on the other side. Make 1 SC in the same stitch as the last SC of row 1. *Skip 2 stitches. Shell in the same stitch as shell on opposite side. Skip 2 stitches. SC in same stitch as SC on opposite side.* Repeat from *to*. 

*Note that what you have facing you will be referred to as the right side of the piece. It's important for R5 that you know what side is the right side. Also, you will no longer be working around, but you will be turning the piece.

R3- Turn. Chain 1. SC in first stitch. *Skip 2 stitches. Shell in ch 1 space of shell from previous row. Skip 2 stitches. 1 SC in next stitch (your SC from previous row.).* Repeat from *to*.

R4- Repeat row 3. Finish off.

Now you will going back to finish the other side of the headband. Make sure the right side is facing away from you. This is so the two sides of the headband will mirror each other.

R5- Join yarn in the last SC from row 1. Chain 1. SC in same stitch as joining. *Skip 2 stitches. Shell in chain 1 space of shell from row 1. Skip 2 stitches. SC in next stitch (SC from row 1).* Repeat from *to*.

R6- Turn. Chain 1. SC in first stitch. *Skip 2 stitches. Shell in ch 1 space of shell from previous row. Skip 2 stitches. SC in next stitch.* Repeat from *to*. Finish off leaving a long tail to sew the two ends together and wrap around to make the headband into a turban style headband.

And there you have it. A lacy turban style headband. I hope you love it! Feel free to share your work from my patterns on my Facebook page! I love seeing what you guys create from my patterns! Share here.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Hair Clips

I've been seeing those adorable feltie PB and J hair clips all over the place and I thought that they would look just as cute crocheted. I was right! These make perfect best friend gifts, but I wouldn't mind just wearing them both myself. I did use felt for the peanut butter and jelly. It was easier to get the blobs of peanut butter and jelly into the shapes I wanted with the felt than if I had just crocheted them. I've also been using felt details on some of my hair accessories as a way to cut down on production time and thus cut down on costs for my customers. This pattern is super simple and super fast to work up! You'll have adorable hair clips in no time!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Hair Clips-

Hook- 3.5

Yarn- Worsted weight in white and buff

R1- Chain 7. SC in the second chain from the hook. SC in next 5 chains. Turn. (6 SC)

R2- R6- Chain 1. SC in each stitch. Turn. (6 SC)

R7- Chain 1. 4 DC in next stitch. Slip stitch in next 2. Chain 1. 4 DC in next stitch. Slip stitch in last stitch. Finish off.

Switch to your light brown color. Join in the bottom left corner of the bread. Slip stitch around the slice of bread. In each bottom corner put one slip stitch, chain 1, then another slip stitch. When you come to your first slip stitch of the round continue to put one slip stitch in the back loops of the previous round of slip stitches. Finish off. 

I glue on peanut butter and jelly in heart or blob shapes. Then, I put a dot of hot glue on the back of the bread and glue all my ends down. It is much easier and neater (for me) than trying to weave them in. If I can find a way to avoid weaving in ends you bet I'm going to do just that! Cut a piece of white felt slightly smaller than the back of your bread and hot glue it on to further secure your ends and make your piece sturdy. Then, glue on your alligator clip (I also hot glue some felt onto my alligator clips.). Here is what the back of my clips look like. 

And here I am being silly with the clips. I like to get some quirky shots in and show them in action.

As always please feel free to sell anything you make from my patterns, but do not sell, alter, or distribute this pattern as your own. If you wish to share the pattern itself you must link back to this blog post- no copying and pasting. Please use your own images- you may not use my images to sell anything.

Happy hooking!

Deer Head Applique (revised) with picture tutorial

Hello out there in crochet land! I've revised my Deer Head Applique pattern. I've made a couple of minor changes regarding the spacing of the antlers and ears, and I now have a complete picture tutorial to help you all along. I'm working on putting it all together in a PDF so that you will be able to download it. I'll update you all and include the link for that once it is complete. Please feel free to follow me on Facebook for more updates on patterns that I will continue to post. My Facebook page is HERE.

*For the original pattern please go HERE.

*For the purpose of this tutorial I have used a 5.5mm hook so that the details are more visible.

HOOK SIZE 3.25MM

HEAD-

R1- Chain 3, SC in second ch from hook, SC in next chain. Turn.(2 SC)

R2- Chain 1. 2 SC in each stitch. Turn. (4 SC)

R3- Chain 1. SC in each stitch. Turn. (4 SC)

R4- Chain 1. 2 SC in first stitch. SC in next 2 stitches. 2 SC in last stitch. Turn. (6 SC)

R5- Chain 1. SC in each stitch. Turn. (6 SC)

R6- Chain 1. 2 SC in first stitch. SC in next 4 stitches. 2 SC in last stitch. Turn. (8 SC)

R7- Chain 1. SC in each stitch. Turn. (8 SC)

R8- Chain 1. SC2tog, SC in next 4. SC2tog. Turn. (6 SC)

R9- Chain 1. SC in each stitch. DO NOT TURN. (6 SC)

R10- Chain 1. SC around the entire piece putting 2 SC in the first and last single crochets from R9. Slip stitch in the first SC. DO NOT FINISH OFF. (See PIC 1)

LEFT EAR-

Chain 5. Slip stitch into second chain from hook, SC in next, HDC next, SC next (see PIC 2), slip stitch into the single crochet that your chain started from (see PIC 3). Now, you will be crocheting on the opposite side of the chain. SC in first ch, HDC next, SC next, slip stitch into last stitch. Finish off. 

RIGHT EAR- 

Count 8 spaces from the left ear and join your yarn (see PIC 4). This is where your right ear will start. Chain 5, slip stitch into the second chain from hook, SC in next, HDC in next, SC next, slip stitch into the single crochet that your chain started from and start working on the opposite side of the chain. SC in first ch, HDC next, SC next, slip stitch into last chain. Finish off. *Tip* At this point I usually go ahead and weave in the ends that are on the ears. It gets them out of the way and makes the piece easier to work with. (see PIC 5)

Here is what you should have so far.

ANTLERS- (There will be step by step picture directions for the right antler and condensed photos for the left antler.)

You will start with the right antler and work your way over to the left antler without breaking your yarn until that last antler is finished.

RIGHT ANTLER-

Join yarn in the single crochet directly to the left of the right ear. Chain 12 (PIC 7A).    

Slip stitch into second chain from hook, then slip stitch into the next 4 chains . Chain 9 (PIC 7B).

 Slip stitch into the second chain from hook, then slip stitch the next 4 chains (PIC 7C). 

Chain 6 (PIC 7D).

Slip stitch into second chain from hook, then slip stitch the next 4 chains (PIC 7E). 

Slip stitch the rest of the way down. Slip stitch into the SC that your chain started from (PIC 7F).

Slip stitch into the next single crochet. Chain 4, slip stitch into second chain from hook, then slip stitch the next 2 chains, slip stitch into the single crochet your chain started from. 

Slip stitch into the next 4 single crochets. Chain 4, slip stitch into second chain from hook, then slip stitch the next 2 chains. slip stitch into the single crochet your chain started from. 

LEFT ANTLER-

Slip stitch into the next SC. Chain 15. Slip stitch into the second chain from hook. Slip stitch the next 4 chains. Chain 6 (PIC 8A).   

 Slip stitch second chain from hook. Slip stitch the next 4 chains on your chain 6 (PIC 8B).

Then slip stitch the next 4 chains. Chain 6 (PIC 8C).

Slip stitch second chain from hook, the next 4 chains from your chain 6 and all remaining chains until you are back at your starting SC. Slip Stitch into your starting SC and finish off (PIC 9). You can leave a long tail for sewing, but I like to sew my appliques on with sewing thread instead of yarn. I think that it looks nicer that way. 

As always, please feel free to sell anything you make from my patterns. Please do not sell, alter, or distribute my pattern as your own, but feel free to share the link anywhere you like. Please do not use my images. 

Rebel Skein is evolving

Wait. It's December already? This has kind of been my life since I opened my shop up 3 years ago. I get so busy between the shop, family obligations, my daily household routine, and whatever else might be going on that before I know it a month, 2 months, a whole year has gone by and I feel like I wasn't even there for it. This realization hits me every few months...it's all going by too fast and I feel like I'm not getting where I want to go. 

It started weighing heavy on my mind and I have been wrestling with what to do for some time now. After a lot of careful consideration I have decided that it is time for Rebel Skein to evolve because I'm not happy with where I am at right now. I love being a maker and having an indie business, but there are highs and lows. I love being crafty and I love to crochet, but I lose that crojo (Crochet mojo) so often these days. So, I had to sit and think about where I wanted Rebel Skein to go...and that is when I decided that it is time to close the shop doors and focus on my blog and writing patterns. That makes me happy. I have so many patterns, designs, and ideas written down or even just in my head, but I feel like I never have the time to get them worked out completely and shared with the rest of you. 

This decision is bittersweet. On one hand, I love having a shop and the little bit of extra income certainly never hurts. On the other hand, I never have enough time or energy to truly grow my business into that unstoppable force I always imagined it could be. Unstoppable force? Slow down, Kat, these are beanies. Yeah, well...I like to dream big. I've always been that way. I like to plan, and create, and master my skills. So, that is what I am going to focus on- the dreamer, the planner, the creator. Will I change the world one hat at a time? No, probably not, but I can make the world cuter one hat at a time! Let's just start there. 

There may never be a crochet super hero. I may never get called to the White House to save the world through my hooking skills. I won't ever win an Olympic medal in beanie assembly. I won't fill up stadiums of people who have come to see my crochet super talent in person. I'll keep training and preparing for all that. In the meantime, you can find me here on my blog where I will be working on posting patterns for all you lovely hookers out there! 

And for all my customers out there thank you so much for 3 great years! You've fed my kids, warmed my home, and bought me the occasional bottle of wine! ;-) I'm so grateful for all that!