√ Silent Comeback Contest

√ I'm sure many of you have been wondering where I've been. Well, I've been working on other pursuits but life isn't done twisting me around just yet! However, I've found that no matter what happens, and how far I go, I always come back to yarn. . . so here I am, working on new projects and loving every minute!

As a "silent re-opening" incentive, I'd like to run a small contest. The prize will be <--- a="a" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64582338/pattern-crochet-woven-lemon-neckwarmer" latest="latest" my="my" of="of" prototype="prototype" this="this">pattern. All you have to do is leave a comment to this post thanking a specific service-person or saying why you are grateful to the troops for their service. That's it!

This contest ends on January 2, 2014 and the winner will be announced on January 3, 2014. Everyone is eligible to enter, so be sure to tell your friends to come by and leave a comment! Winners will be selected by a randomizer.

Good luck!

√ Crochet Basket - New Work!

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Happy New Year! I'm starting the year with new work and I'm so excited! When I was pregnant with my son, I found it very difficult to concentrate on anything! I thought I'd be able to knit and crochet some great things and it all went bust because I just couldn't focus. This pregnancy (yes, we're expecting our second child in April) I find that although I can't focus on a good novel, I can digest information in parts, so I've been able to creat some new, fun patterns and it's a blast!

This really cute little utility basket is crochet in a pattern that allows for imagination to take over! You can make it as big or as small as you'd like and use it for whatever you see fit. I personally love the washcloths and soap idea. It's one of many new patterns coming to my shop on Etsy and one step closer to my bucket list goal (take a look at the bottom of the bucket list to see what I'm referring to.

If you're looking for a fun crochet project to help push your skills forward, look no further!

√ Cropped Top!

√ This is my first designed and implemented garment and I couldn't be happier! It is far better than my first project ever (that I will show you one day)! I love it, but I promised my neice she could have this sample top once I took the photos so it's going away!

This piece combines knit and crochet and is definitely appealing to a wide age range. For those who are really interested, here are the stats:

Started: January 17, 2009
Finishded: January 24, 2009
Techniques: Knit body and Crochet sleeves and edging
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cotton Silk (discontinued)re-working with new yarn
Pattern: My own!!!

This pattern will be available for sale soon in my Etsy shop or right here in the sidebar. What do you think??

√ Tunisian Crochet Basketweave Wristwarmers

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On my YouTube channel I've posted videos on Tunisian Crochet (you can view the playlist here). I guess after doing those videos I was inspired because that's when I decided to create these lovely Tunisian Crochet Basketweave Wristwarmers! I wanted to make sure they weren't too complicated, but full of texture and warmth!

These crochet wristwarmers are perfect for a man or woman so the pattern is a great "go-to" when you need a quick gift for a special occasion. Once you get the hang of the Tunisian crochet stitches you'll breeze through this pattern with no problems.

The pattern for these lovely Tunisian crochet wristwarmers is currently available in my Etsy Shop!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

√ Ponchette!

√ I love this piece! It's fun, easy and warm, what more could a girl want from a finished project? I've decided I need to be better at showing the process, but most of the time when I start a project, I get so engrossed, I forget to take photos until it's done.

Anyway, this crochet project is perfect for a little girl as a poncho or for a woman as a ponchette. Take it from me, it will be perfect for Spring and Summer nights when the temps drop a little lower than acceptable. It's really cute and very soft. I've listed it in my Etsy Shop right here

It will make someone very happy!

√ Nesting. . .

√ As many of you may know, I'm 8 months pregnant and waiting to have my baby girl any day now. Why do I tell you that? Because usually at this stage there is a "nesting" process that happens. Mom's want things to be clean and tidy and ready for their coming bundles of joy! I want the same thing too, but because my body has it's "sensitivities" I have to spend more time taking it easy than cleaning. That brings me to my nesting activities, creating my yummy patterns and items in an effort to relax and go through my stash!

So far, things have been going well. No, most items, actually no items are for the baby. I find it difficult to make items for the baby right now, but I have been a busy girl!

I'm lovin' the fun projects I'm working on and these are just a few! In the coming weeks there'll be a lot more. . . of course after the baby comes mostly since I am in the "any-day-now" realm. But come by often and see what's new! I'll be selling the patterns as well as the prototypes so send your friends to the Etsy Shop you never know what they'll fall in love with! Oh yeah, and more contest will be coming!

√ Crochet Tag!

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This weekend I was browsing through YouTube and came across a crochet tag on Marcelle's channel(One Virtuous Woman). I decided it would be fun to do a tag and let you know a little bit more about my crochet journey so here it is. My video response to the crochet tag on YouTube.

Consider yourself tagged, you can do a video response or a blog response, but let me know by leaving me a comment so I can go by your channel or blog and take a look. Have a fantastic day!

√ New Crochet Project. . . Details To Be Released Soon!

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Ah ha! That's the moment the lightbulb over your head lights up and others can practically see it! That's the type of moment which inspired this new project. It's a pattern, but it's a bit different than my other patterns because this one is meant for those who want to learn how to crochet or the beginner who wants an opportunity to practice the basic stitches of crochet.

It's gonna be a full booklet with photos, definitions and practice exercises that will then culminate in the creation of a final "project". Not only will you be excited to work with the booklet, but you'll love your results! I'm hoping that in the next two days I can have it available in my Etsy Shop for all you aspiring crochet artists!

√ Tiny Cables Crochet Wristwarmers

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Tiny Cables Crochet Wristwarmers

It took a bit longer than I anticipated, but these Tiny Cables Crochet Wristwarmers are finally done! I got the idea because at my job I can wear a sweater, but my hands always seem to stay a bit "cool", I wanted some cute wristwarmers that would do the job, keep my fingers free for typing and the mouse and look cute when away from my desk. These are perfect.

I worked these crochet wristwarmers up in "Bamboo Ewe" which is a lovely yarn. The stitch texture can be clearly seen, the yarn is soft to the touch, and warm. I couldn't ask for a better yarn for this project. These crochet cables are small and easy to learn, the wrist ribbing is done in Tunisian Crochet.

I would categorize this crochet pattern as intermediate. These lovely crochet goodies take one ball of yarn to complete and can be done quickly for any gift-giving needs. The pattern is available in the Etsy Shop, Ravelry, and soon for the Nook and Kindle!!

What do you think? I'd love to see your comments.

√ 12-hour Contest - Winner!

√ First, I want to thank all the really great fiber lovers who stopped by yesterday during the 12-hour contest! It was so much fun watching the comments come in. You were all so very kind and gracious. I also loved hearing about all the fiber love out there! It makes me feel good when I can "enable" your obsession, after all, that is my motto!!!

I promise, there will be another 12-hour contest very soon, with another really fun prize. National Craft Month is not over yet and there is so much to do!!! If you didn't win this time, come back and try again. . . I may get addicted to doing this.

The winner of my first 12-hour contest is

Seema

Congratulations!!!

She has the cutest crochet Amigurumi in her shop. I know she'll get a kick out of making other crochet items as well!

Your book, Crochet Squared: 30 Easy Crochet Projects Made from Simple Squares,
will be shipped out by Friday so you can be working on your next crochet project by the end of next week!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your new book!

√ Cloche

√ Sometime last year I saw something that stuck with me until I finished this hat. What I saw was this really stylish looking young woman wearing jeans, a nice t-shirt and a cloche hat. The hat was a totally different color than her outfit, but it was a neutral color that could have been worn with anything and look wonderful. The reason it stood out was because, I'm all about not always having to do my hair. As much as I like it when it's done, I find it tedious to do it everyday. So, I decided to make myself a cloche that would work as an alternative to doing my hair this Spring.

Here it is! My amazing crochet cloche with it's beautiful accent flower! I wear this with jeans, but I know it can be worn with a dress or a more fancy outfit. For me, I just love the look of it without the fuss!

Pattern: My own
Material: Cranberry acrylic yarn, 1-skein
Time: 4-6 hours

This was a stash-busting project for me! I think if I can do more projects like this, I'll be through my stash in record time. . . especially since most yarnies, like me, never really get through the stash!!!




I'll make another one and post the pattern here for all to enjoy soon!

√ Why Crochet Is Better Than Knitting. . .

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Crochet Collar Wrap Hood

I love to crochet! I taught myself in 2002 and we've had a love affair ever since. A few years after learning to crochet, I decided to teach myself to knit. Why? Because I love yarn too, and knitting is also done with yarn. The more I can do to dimnish my stash, the sooner I can purchase more yarn. However, as much as I loved to do both, I always found that crochet fit into my lifestyle better. It was easier to carry, faster to work up and I found it easier to do. So, for now I've hung up my knitting needles and I only crochet.

Now, I see amazing knitting everywhere, and not as much amazing items in crochet. I thought I was alone in thinking crochet was tops, until I read this article by Jayna! Jayna loves to crochet and she created a list of 8 reasons why crochet is better than knitting. Well, I'm not a big fan of saying "better" since they are different, but I love her list of reasons and I'm happy to know I'm not the only one embracing crochet to this extent.



Knit Collar Wrap Hood

Going forward there will be a lot more crochet patterns, talk and tutorials while I phase out the knitting in my life. After all, I have two young children and the faster I can get through a project, the better for everyone! I do like knitting and I may get back to it later in life, but for now, I'm a crocheter and I'm exactly where I want to be.

√ 12-hour Contest!

√ In honor of National Craft Month, I'm having a 12-hour contest! The prize is this book! Crochet Squared: 30 Easy Crochet Projects Made from Simple Squares. I'm working on a book along these lines, so I purchased it to take a look at the "competition". Although I love the patterns, I don't want to be influenced by the patterns so I'm giving this book away to one lucky ready.

What do I do? Well, all you have to do is: 1)answer the new poll in the sidebar over there <--- ; 2) Leave a comment on this post letting me know that you've answered the poll and a way to reach you if you win!

That's it!! However, this contest ends at 9:30 PM today (3.11.09) so make sure to tell your friends!

This book is a great addition to any crochet lover's library or as a gift to someone who loves crochet!!

Good Luck and thanks for stopping by!

√ How I Learned To Crochet

√ It has all become a blur to me, but I can reasonably say that about 9 years ago I met my then boyfriend's grandmother and decided to learn to crochet. What did I do? I went to Barnes & Noble and purchased the book pictured here, I then went to Michael's and purchased a skein of yarn and a hook. My first project was a scarf for my husband (you can read all about it here) that I still have a bittersweet relationship with today. After that first project it's a blur of gifts and trips to the yarn store and stashing away yarn etc. . . but I digress, I started telling you how I learned.

After purchasing my "tools" I sat down and as I read, I did. I learn best while doing or from watching someone else do, so since I didn't have anyone to show me, I just keep working my piece over and over again. I worked the chain until it was even, then I worked the single crochet until it was right. . .etc. you get the idea. Just like anything, if you don't keep working till you get the results you want, then you're not really doing what needs to be done. What I realized in the process of learning to crochet was that I had an aptitude for it. It came easily to me and I evolved quickly.

For several years I was making projects to give away (my bridesmaids all got afghans from me) baby blankets, coats, buntings etc. Then at some point, life got in the way and I did less. Between 2009 & 2010 I'm not sure I made many items at all. But life has once again changed, I'm equiped with more information and things are looking "Yarny" again.

I'm teaching two of my neices how to crochet and I'm hoping to develop a beginners course to teach at local yarn shops. All this because I met a kind lady who inspired me to "learn something new".

What new thing have you learned recently and what inspired you?

√ Custom Knit & Crochet Items. . . Coming Soon!

√ When I first opened my Etsy Shop it was made up of completed items that were "Ready to Ship". Eventually I moved to the area of creating patterns because I realized my audience was made up of knitter's and crocheters. However, I've gotten a few requests for custom items so starting this week there will be a "Make Mine Custom" section in the shop where you'll be able to order some of the items you love, in your favorite colors or the perfect color for that special gift!

So now, whether you knit, crochet or just love yarny stuff, you'll find something in the shop to suit you! Below are a few of the items that will be soon offered in the "Make Mine Custom" section of Yarn Obsession... Oh, and don't forget, there are also new patterns in the works that I think you'll love, so visit often to see what's new!

√ Moving To New Site!

√ I'm so excited to share with you that Yarn Obsession has moved to its new home at http://valentinedaysgiftz.blogspot.com/. We still have all the great patterns, crochet information, new pattern information (free and paid) you've come to expect, but we're also offering help with your crochet business and helping you grow! Happy hooking!

Yarn Obsession

√ New Project - Soon To Be Released!

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I've been working on this project all weekend! In between laundry, dishes, feeding children and cleaning, I worked to get this project done because of a goal I wanted to meet. Now it's done and I'm so excited because my goal will be met, and I'll have a new item in the shop by the end of February ready for Spring!

I would love to reveal it to you here, but I want to make sure it's properly represented, so I need to block it and take photos and package it just the right way.

I've decided to give away a few copies of the pattern once I do release it so stay tuned. . . for now, I'm just going to give you these images and you can tell me what you think it is. . . if you happen to guess correctly, I will also send you a FREE copy of the pattern once it's released. When will that be? Before February 29th so stay tuned...

√ Cropped Top Pattern!

√ So it's finally been released! This is my cropped knit and crochet top with long sleeves and I love it! You will too once you get your hands on it. Just in time for Spring, this top can be worn fancy or dressed down. It all depends on what look you'd like to exude. This piece is fun and, dare I say, practical!

What's your favorite color? Cause you can make this top in that color and be the envy of all your non-knitting and non-crocheting friends. They won't find this in the stores! But, beware, you may be asked to make it more than once.

For the yarn techies in my audience, here are the stats:

Started: January 31, 2009
Finished: February 14, 2009
Pattern: My own, found here
Yarn: BAM BOO 100% Bamboo yarn (Classic Elite Yarns, 9 balls
Color: 4971 - Bougainvilla
Technique: Knit & Crochet

This pattern is available at my Etsy Shop and will also be available at Ravelry, as soon as I get the chance to list it there! I'm always available to help with any questions you may have with any of my patterns, so do not hesitate to email me.

Enjoy the pattern!

√ My First Crochet Project

√ This is my husband. This is my husband modeling his scarf. This is my husband modeling the scarf I made him about 7 years ago before we were married. . . Yes, and he still married me!

When I met my husband's grandmother she showed me all the crafts she did like crochet, knitting, paining, paper bead making, quilting etc. At the time, she was in her late 70's and had raised 8 children! When we left her house I said to my then Fiance, "I'm going to learn to crochet, and I'm making you a scarf."

I was true to my word and the scarf you see in this photo is my very first project ever! I'm proud that it's still around, but every now and then I'm tempted to take it apart to re-do it "better". My husband won't hear of it! He loves his scarf and he doesn't care that it's got flaws.

What flaws? Well, If I were to make this scarf today, it would be the same width all the way down and not "varying widths" as this one is. Why? Because I know now what the stitches look and feel like and that I need to go all the way to the end. There were places when I missed a stitch and "decreased" when I shouldn't have and then "increased", without realizing. Also, at the end of the color blocks, I'd leave a tail and weave in the ends. Back then I didn't know about "weaving in ends" so I just cut the yarn as short as possible and left it at that. When I ran out of yarn, midway, I'd tie a knot and keep going (I still do this sometimes because I hate to waste yarn, but I'm much better at hiding it). Finally, I'd put a border around the whole thing to give it a "finished" look. Whenever I look at this scarf, I feel like I have more work to do. . . .

The beauty of having a project like this around constantly is that it reminds you of how far you've come. Sometimes I feel like I'm not growing, then I look at a project I did two or three years ago and realize that every day I pick up my hook and yarn, I'm growing.

I'm sure I'll always have the urge to "fix" my husband's scarf, but I'll always suppress it since it's nice to have a reminder of how far I've come. Besides, if my hubby can wear it proudly, it can't be all that bad!!!! ;-)

√ Yarn Obsession Is On Sale!

√ With no time to maintain an Etsy shop and my real estate career, I've put everything in my store on sale! You won't find a single item in the shop on sale for more than $29.99!! That means lots of the great items you've been looking at and coveting at higher price points are not just $29.99 or less! Hurry! Once an item is sold, I won't be re-listing and once everything is gone, the shop will close! It's a winning situation all around!!!

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