tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537463929485355362024-03-13T09:45:54.961-07:00Cthulhu Crochet and CousinsCrochet, knitting, and cross stitch projects. From the things I've made to the unique and unusual things I find online.amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-51370744382954318002012-08-20T12:16:00.003-07:002012-08-20T12:16:21.576-07:00On Top of the World - Cross Stitch Complete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA__JPY74yE/UDKH5e2ibtI/AAAAAAAABtA/Y4BK9qgo8OI/s1600/Sam+And+Peeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA__JPY74yE/UDKH5e2ibtI/AAAAAAAABtA/Y4BK9qgo8OI/s320/Sam+And+Peeps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Back in May I posted about the adorable designs by Genny Haines that were being released by Goldleaf. Now, a few months later, I can happily show you my completed version of <b>Sam and Peeps On Top of the World</b>.<br />
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I stitched this and had it framed to be part of the boyfriend's birthday gift. He was quite pleased with the picture and surprised to receive it, even though he'd seen me spend several weeks working on it. Considering I have things I stitched 7-10 years ago that still haven't found their way into a frame, I can understand how he wouldn't connect my stitching it with his upcoming birthday.<br />
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This was a lot of fun to put together and definitely gave me plenty of opportunity to practice my French Knot skills, which have always been a little weak. I reduced the fabric size down to an 18 count aida because I wanted the picture to be a little smaller. When working with dark coloured backgrounds, I prefer it if the fabric doesn't show through the crosses of my stitches and I find the lower thread count really helps with that.<br />
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At some point I want to make a complimentary daytime picture of Sam and Peeps to go with this one. The hard part is going to be deciding which of the patterns to choose since they're all so cute.<br />
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Like this picture? It's available as a leaflet or kit, courtesy of Goldleaf, as are a number of other wonderful patterns by artist <a href="http://www.goldleafneedlework.co.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=category&virtuemart_category_id=38" target="_blank">Genny Haines</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-88616752380724371702012-06-18T13:39:00.001-07:002012-06-18T13:39:52.393-07:00Glitch Cubimals - Gotta Craft Them All?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl3H6bivujc/T9-LaRBKEhI/AAAAAAAABqw/mDEGVHjzEsc/s1600/Cubimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl3H6bivujc/T9-LaRBKEhI/AAAAAAAABqw/mDEGVHjzEsc/s320/Cubimals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Since last fall I've been playing an online game called <a href="http://www.glitch.com/" target="_blank">Glitch</a>. It's still in beta testing, but every once in a while they open the doors so that more people can give it a try.<br />
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One of the things you can do in-game is collect these little wind up toys called Cubimals. Each comes in a mystery box so you never know what you're going to get until you open it up. The toys make cute decorations for your house and your in-game character can race its Cubimals against those of other players. There's also a trophy for obtaining one of each, so much like Pokemon, we're encouraged to collect them all!<br />
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I have yet to get my trophy and I'm not going to fill up my real world house by crocheting all of them, but I thought I'd transfer a couple of my favourites to the real world.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WYy2W7coeE/T9-LdNqMA-I/AAAAAAAABq4/zlS-A2R-_IE/s1600/cubiRace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WYy2W7coeE/T9-LdNqMA-I/AAAAAAAABq4/zlS-A2R-_IE/s320/cubiRace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Above you can seem my real world piggy and squid cubimal having a race on the kitchen counter, and below their virtual counterparts are doing the same thing in Glitch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD_wb8gjxaU/T9-QNibnDNI/AAAAAAAABsE/m_E1n9VRhYA/s1600/GlitchRace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD_wb8gjxaU/T9-QNibnDNI/AAAAAAAABsE/m_E1n9VRhYA/s320/GlitchRace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The piggy I made with some pink Bernat Satin, and the squid was crocheted with a sport weight Patons yarn in a lime green shade, hence the slight size difference. For both animals I crocheted in rows, making a flat cube shape and then stitching up the sides to make it three dimensional.<br />
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I haven't written up the patterns for these, but if anyone is interested in having a pattern please let me know in the comments section. I'd be happy to post it to the blog as one of my free patterns. With the game in beta still, I wasn't sure how much interest there would be in making these little critters. Let me know!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-30621401685017289562012-05-31T14:15:00.001-07:002012-05-31T14:15:56.113-07:00Rolling Ripples Afghan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtWuuVEqzYY/T8fekwfz4DI/AAAAAAAABqc/9q5EqMzHlVM/s1600/Ripple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtWuuVEqzYY/T8fekwfz4DI/AAAAAAAABqc/9q5EqMzHlVM/s320/Ripple.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
Another altered project that I made using Leisure Arts's <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Best-Baby-Afghans-Leisure-Arts/dp/1574860429/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338492159&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Our Best Baby Afghans</a>. I liked the style of the waves in this one, but didn't feel like making a baby blanket. Instead I bumped up to a size N hook (10 mm) and used about 5 skeins of <a href="http://www.jamescbrett.co.uk/yarns_marble_chunky.php" target="_blank">James C. Brett Marble Chunky #27</a>. (Didn't these shades used to have names? I couldn't find any websites listing them by name.).<br />
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Happily, my finished product turned out only about a foot shy of covering our queen size bed. Despite being an acrylic I find the James C. Brett yarns are quite warm so this new afghan is perfect for adding to the bed on a chilly night.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wAA-tfdxjo/T8fepdHuujI/AAAAAAAABqk/sqJap_MYLpI/s1600/Ripple+Close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wAA-tfdxjo/T8fepdHuujI/AAAAAAAABqk/sqJap_MYLpI/s320/Ripple+Close.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Above</u>: A close-up shot of the stitching so that you can see the pattern. <u>Below</u>: An accurate picture of what the colours look like in real life.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo7jzbp09OI/T8fJETaCZ0I/AAAAAAAABqQ/IbHLasSk-XA/s1600/mc27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo7jzbp09OI/T8fJETaCZ0I/AAAAAAAABqQ/IbHLasSk-XA/s320/mc27.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a fun pattern to stitch. Very simple once you get the hang of how many stitches go between the increases and decreases of the wave. The rows are an alteration of half-double crochet stitches and triple crochet stitches.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-22203554846944203862012-05-29T14:22:00.001-07:002012-05-29T14:23:07.668-07:00Octavio Ocampo Cross Stitches Finally Framed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zESmMmKn184/T8U7VjwIOtI/AAAAAAAABqE/ZC5cX2wyRSM/s1600/Ocampo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zESmMmKn184/T8U7VjwIOtI/AAAAAAAABqE/ZC5cX2wyRSM/s400/Ocampo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Regular readers of <b>Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</b> probably remember seeing Octavio Ocampo's <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.ca/2010/12/mouth-of-flower-complete.html" target="_blank">Mouth of the Flower</a> (left) and <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.ca/2010/10/family-of-birds-cross-stitch-completed.html" target="_blank">Family of Birds</a> (right) before. (Click on the picture for a larger view.)<br />
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Ever since I finished stitching them I've been saving birthday and Christmas money towards getting them stretched and framed.<br />
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This weekend, I finally picked up the second one from the framers and I now have both hung up on the wall of our bedroom. Yay!<br />
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It's costly, but always so beautiful when a large piece like this is professionally stretched and framed. Smaller pieces I usually frame myself, but I'm afraid to try stretching something this large. Plus, have you ever noticed that cross stitch pictures are never made to fit standard size frames?<br />
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The matte board on both is a dark green and the frame is a dark brown woodgrain.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-62309187854008798402012-05-16T11:56:00.001-07:002012-05-16T11:56:14.003-07:00My Mother's Day Stitching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCxv1CnHnJ8/T7PwaNdVPAI/AAAAAAAABpw/U1o72TqwrMo/s1600/MothersBear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCxv1CnHnJ8/T7PwaNdVPAI/AAAAAAAABpw/U1o72TqwrMo/s320/MothersBear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For Mother's Day I took advantage of the complimentary card patterns that were in some of the cross stitch magazines I've purchased recently and did some stitching for all the moms in my life.<br />
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This Fizzy Moon bear comes from Issue 187 of <b>The World of Cross Stitching </b>and I stitched it for my own mom. I love the beautiful spring flowers and the brightness of the card frame. I have to laugh at the pattern instructions though. They confidently assured me I'd have this design finished in "Approx. 6 hours." I didn't keep exact track of time, but I'd say my six hours turned into about 20 hours!<br />
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I've never used these freebie patterns before and I think the hardest part was holding on to the tiny piece of aida cloth while trying to stitch it. I'm used to stitching with a loom, but the fabric pieces supplied with the patterns were too small to fit any of my looms. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plcfj4BPXIo/T7PwWiwJ7tI/AAAAAAAABpo/Tzfs099c_jg/s1600/MothersMouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plcfj4BPXIo/T7PwWiwJ7tI/AAAAAAAABpo/Tzfs099c_jg/s320/MothersMouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This second design I made for the boyfriend's mom. It's a Margaret Sherry mouse courtesy of <b>Cross Stitch Crazy</b> Issue 163. So cute! I may have to restitch this one for my own collection someday. With a slightly larger piece of fabric and a few less stitches to work, I think it's fair to say this one actually did take only about 6-8 hours to stitch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJA8R361J3U/T7PwdMGg7mI/AAAAAAAABp4/LFBr1fkkavI/s1600/MothersOwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJA8R361J3U/T7PwdMGg7mI/AAAAAAAABp4/LFBr1fkkavI/s320/MothersOwl.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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Last, but not least, something for my Grandma. She's an avid owl collector; pictures, plates, figurines. She likes just about anything with owls on it. I didn't have any good owl patterns on hand so I took to the internet to see what was out there. I found <a href="http://funkyanddelightful.blogspot.ca/2008/06/year-of-owl.html" target="_blank">this owl,</a> which blogger Tory posted about after having found it at a flea market. I used the picture as a guide and reworked the design in colours that I had on hand. I did a little more research and found out this owl is pretty popular, Another blogger, Cynthia, uses this pattern <a href="http://cyns-stitches.blogspot.ca/2009/12/cross-stitch-101.html" target="_blank">when she's teaching</a> young girls and children how to cross stitch. So I'm guessing this little guy has served as a first stitching project for a lot of cross stitchers!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-5249302754950801092012-05-15T13:36:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:36:11.314-07:00Adorable Genny Haines Cross Stitch Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3YmWPS9XJc/T7K6RcpcNHI/AAAAAAAABpc/SO9LQFYDmkE/s1600/Sam_and_Peeps_On_4f78258bd044e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3YmWPS9XJc/T7K6RcpcNHI/AAAAAAAABpc/SO9LQFYDmkE/s320/Sam_and_Peeps_On_4f78258bd044e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was very excited when I checked the mail on Friday and discovered that my Genny Haines patterns had arrived courtesy of Goldleaf. Only about eight days travel time from the UK to Canada, that's not bad!<br />
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I received great service from <a href="http://www.goldleafneedlework.co.uk/" target="_blank">Goldleaf</a> and I highly recommend checking out their range of charts and kits if you're a fan of cross stitch - especially cross stitch with cute animals in it.<br />
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Now I just have to wait for my fabric to arrive so I can begin working on the <i>Sam and Peeps on Top of The World</i> chart that I purchased (pictured above). I could have bought the pattern as a kit, but it came with a 14 count aida cloth and I wanted to make my design a little smaller, stitching on a 18 count fabric. I have so much embroidery floss in my stash that I knew I'd be likely to have all the colours needed to make this. After a quick inventory check, it tuns out I'm only missing three of the colours, which I'll be able to find easily at a local store.<br />
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This design I'm going to stitch for our home, along with a daytime pattern of Sam and Peeps that was in a cross stitch magazine I recently picked up.<br />
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I also bought the <i>Dillon and Ko!</i> chart. It was very hard to resist ordering the one where they're reading a book as well, but I wanted to keep my first order small. I have no idea who I'll stitch this one for yet, or if I'll keep it for myself, but I really like the colours and the uniqueness of the dragon.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WjxWoLwV4VQ/T7K6MkJG2hI/AAAAAAAABpU/VJKA_-JRLWc/s1600/Dillon_and_Ko__C_4f4e2c171a449.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WjxWoLwV4VQ/T7K6MkJG2hI/AAAAAAAABpU/VJKA_-JRLWc/s320/Dillon_and_Ko__C_4f4e2c171a449.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dillon the dragon looks like he has a bit of giraffe in his family tree doesn't he?</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-34563740747623347902012-05-11T12:45:00.001-07:002012-05-11T12:45:05.468-07:00Rock-a-Bye Rainsong Afghan Not So Rainy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_fFOQRY3H0/T61j2AFunbI/AAAAAAAABos/vwORhBBEwuU/s1600/RippleWhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_fFOQRY3H0/T61j2AFunbI/AAAAAAAABos/vwORhBBEwuU/s320/RippleWhole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I always find it funny when I read the names that pattern books have given to their blankets because I find by the time I stitch them they usually have nothing to do with their name. I tend to latch on to a pattern if I like the look of it, then immediately start planning what colours and what kind yarn I'd like to have it stitched in.<br />
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When I saw this "Rock-A-Bye Rainsong" baby blanket in Leisure Arts's <b>Our Best Baby Blankets</b> I figured it would be perfect to help me with my ongoing project to use up what seems to be an endless stash of Bernat Baby Coordinates.<br />
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(If you happen to see a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Best-Baby-Afghans-Leisure-Arts/dp/1574860429/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336765132&sr=8-3-fkmr0" target="_blank">Our Best Baby Blankets</a> somewhere I highly recommend looking through it. I'm finding it to be a great go-to book for afghans for both babies and grown-ups!)<br />
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Instead of using two shades of blue then white as the pattern suggested I used Baby Coordinates in <i>Sherbet</i>, <i>Lemon</i> and <i>Soft Mauve</i>, which I think gives the blanket a more spring-like look than a rainy look.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKedVGlw2E/T61j7hqROzI/AAAAAAAABo8/jJhZUujK7m8/s1600/RippleClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKedVGlw2E/T61j7hqROzI/AAAAAAAABo8/jJhZUujK7m8/s320/RippleClose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the first pattern I've crocheted in which I had to stitch down into the row below, but thankfully it's a very easy pattern to work, and in each row it's always quite obvious when you have to make those longer stitches into the lower row.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKS6Tjw4vxY/T61j44RHO0I/AAAAAAAABo0/9SqMhvAzM50/s1600/RippleCorner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKS6Tjw4vxY/T61j44RHO0I/AAAAAAAABo0/9SqMhvAzM50/s320/RippleCorner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the middle picture showing the blanket in close-up gives you the truest idea of what the colours look like together, but I wanted to include this picture of the corner to give everyone a closer look at the edging.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0hQmF8YhPU/T61rEv9gq2I/AAAAAAAABpI/HKkuyBrXRHo/s1600/Rainsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0hQmF8YhPU/T61rEv9gq2I/AAAAAAAABpI/HKkuyBrXRHo/s320/Rainsong.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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And finally, a photo of the blanket from the book, showing it in its intended colours. I'm still not sure if it reminds me of rain, but it is a lovely design.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-49357844580520464762012-05-09T12:46:00.002-07:002012-05-09T12:46:30.506-07:00It's Pickwick! Plock Plock!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGLcRXVtOjU/T6rE1OnvaVI/AAAAAAAABoY/7sZt-qEHECk/s1600/Pickwick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGLcRXVtOjU/T6rE1OnvaVI/AAAAAAAABoY/7sZt-qEHECk/s320/Pickwick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm a huge fan of Jasper Fforde's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursday_Next" target="_blank">Thursday Next </a>novels and Pickwick has always been one of my favourite characters. Since science hasn't advanced far enough for me to have my own genetically engineered dodo, I'll just have to settle for this amigurumi version for now. Huge thanks to <b>Melissa1</b> for her beautiful, free <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/89690.aspx" target="_blank">Mauritius Dodo</a> pattern.<br />
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I figure since Pickwick is a marvel of science I can be a little creative with her colouring. The yarns used are all Bernat Softee Chunky, with the main body crocheted in <i>Baby Blue</i> and the tail feathers and eye area stitched in <i>Lavender</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RekOnqQkOuo/T6rE4EEXH_I/AAAAAAAABog/FM7HOY9xR2s/s1600/PickwickBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RekOnqQkOuo/T6rE4EEXH_I/AAAAAAAABog/FM7HOY9xR2s/s320/PickwickBack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stitched with a size G (4.00mm) hook, my Pickwick stands just under 5.5 inches tall. According to the books, I believe Pickwick doesn't have wings, but she just looked so strange without them, I couldn't leave them out!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-16384038549515363262012-01-31T23:45:00.000-08:002012-01-31T23:45:50.282-08:00Last Look at 2011 Cthulhus - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntPUvy_2i7s/Tyjo4CiQJoI/AAAAAAAABoI/pv1LanegkMs/s1600/CthulhusPage3Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntPUvy_2i7s/Tyjo4CiQJoI/AAAAAAAABoI/pv1LanegkMs/s320/CthulhusPage3Crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And let's close out the month of January with our final look at the cthulhus of 2011.<br />
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In the top row we have two wonderful <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2010/05/cuddly-cthulhu-with-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">Cuddly Cthulhus</a>. The one on the <i>top left</i> was stitched by <b>Dorothy</b>. That's a beautiful shade of green she's chosen!<br />
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Meanwhile on the <i>top right</i> <b>Angela's</b> cthulhu is showing off its Browncoat spirit with a classic Jayne hat.<br />
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Now I know it's not a cthulhu, but the picture on the <i>bottom left</i> is also a sample of one of the free patterns you can find here at <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</span></b>. <b>Jes</b> used purple and cream yarn to crochet the <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2010/03/spiral-baby-blanket-with-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">Spiral Baby Blanket </a>for the baby girl she is expecting in just a few weeks. Congratulations Jes!!<br />
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And looking all cute and innocent in the <i>bottom right</i> corner is an adorable <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/05/tiny-cthulhu-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">Tiny Cthulhu</a> stitched by <b>Carina</b>. The hand-stitched eyes really make this one look sweet, and perhaps a little bit curious?<br />
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Once again thanks to everyone who has sent in pictures or posted a comment to let me know they're using my patterns. It's always wonderful to see the unique touches that everyone adds to their creations!<br />
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Happy stitching in 2012 everyone!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-66527870920628007312012-01-29T22:32:00.000-08:002012-01-29T22:32:26.638-08:00Last Look at 2011 Cthulhus - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CHT9PIFxHc/TyY0-yoLmbI/AAAAAAAABoA/R7wbgZ4vS_c/s1600/Cthulhu+p1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CHT9PIFxHc/TyY0-yoLmbI/AAAAAAAABoA/R7wbgZ4vS_c/s400/Cthulhu+p1_1.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
Well, I certainly wouldn't challenge that guy for the remote control. This <i>top picture</i> comes courtesy of <b>Veronica</b>. Those angry eyebrows tell me this little monster takes his channel surfing seriously, but what is it that cthulhus watch on TV?<br />
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I love the shades of pink and purple you see on <b>Cat's</b> cthulhu in the <i>centre left</i> picture. Meanwhile on the centre right we have a somewhat more sinister cthulhu crocheted by <b>minimysz</b>.<br />
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Check out those innocent blue eyes on <b>Lia's</b> cthulhu on the <i>bottom left</i>. In her comment she writes, "It came out cute!" I think she's right. Very cute!<br />
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In the <i>bottom right</i> is a cthulhu made by <b>Michele</b>, who also added a pair of legs to make him more mobile. If you zoom in on the picture you can see that the eyes are actually a larger white button with a smaller black on sewn on top. A very clever way to create a pair of eyes!<br />
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Once again thanks to everyone who took the time to post a link or email a picture of to show me what they've made with my patterns. My cthulhu patterns, and many others, are available under the My Free Patterns tab on the right side of the blog. Keep sending those pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-70373193886193814552012-01-24T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-24T13:26:16.975-08:00Last Look at 2011 Cthulhus - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w23GEz0yT8/Tx8bUL6RqCI/AAAAAAAABn4/gtwDcZMlbkU/s1600/cthulhu+p2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w23GEz0yT8/Tx8bUL6RqCI/AAAAAAAABn4/gtwDcZMlbkU/s400/cthulhu+p2_1.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
A few more of the amazing <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/05/tiny-cthulhu-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">tiny cthulhus</a> that were made by readers of <b>Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</b> in 2011.<br />
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And if you've made something using one of my patterns I'd love to see it! Post a comment with a link to pictures in the comments sections of the pattern you used or send the pictures to me directly at the email address you see in the top left corner of the blog.<br />
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Poor <b>Pinky</b> must have nearly destroyed some fingers making this micro-cthulhu that you see in the <i>top left</i>. That keychain size cthulhu is adorable!<br />
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Now, is it just me, or does that cthulhu stitched by <b>Karma Kitten</b> on the <i>top right</i> look a little bit like an alien? I think it's the eyes! And whose to say, maybe cthulhus actually are space aliens, or at least their distant relatives?<br />
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In the <i>middle</i> is <b>Taco Magic's</b> cthulhu, which appears to be taking its frustrations out on a lemming. It's been a long while since I've played <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemmings_(video_game)" target="_blank">Lemmings</a>, but I don't remember cthulhu attack being one of the things you have to try to avoid. For cthulhu's sake, I hope that lemming isn't one of the bomber ones.<br />
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Need your own lemming for cthulhus (or cats) to attack? You can find it <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/mop-top-mascots/" target="_blank">here</a> at PlanetJune.<br />
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On the <i>bottom left</i> <b>Theresa</b> crocheted a tiny cthulhu who has sprouted legs. I like how she extended the tentacles so they brush the ground when he's standing. <b>Tara </b>went with the traditional legless tiny cthulhu on the <i>bottom right</i>. The blue buttons she selected for its eyes are a great touch. They really make the eyes stand out!<br />
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Thanks once again to everyone who has been posting comments and sending in pictures to show what they're making with my patterns. It's always great to see they're getting used.<br />
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Next post, more 2011 cthulhus!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-76529349642141422072012-01-18T12:13:00.000-08:002012-01-18T12:16:04.953-08:00Christmas Cross Stitch Ornaments for 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WReKrfTo090/TxcgnUjAGCI/AAAAAAAABnw/qr-2UYdcjjM/s1600/Holiday+Eleg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WReKrfTo090/TxcgnUjAGCI/AAAAAAAABnw/qr-2UYdcjjM/s320/Holiday+Eleg1.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
I cross stitched a few ornaments for friends and family as part of their Christmas gifts this year. Luckily we had a bit of a staggered Christmas, celebrating with different people at different times throughout December (and even into January!). So it gave me lots of time to get the stitching done.<br />
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I've had the Dimensions leaflet for these blue ornaments on my cross stitch bookshelf for quite some time and I'm happy I finally got a chance to use it. The pattern is Martha Edward Glass's <a href="http://www.cyberstitchers.com/Publications/index.asp?ID=49943" target="_blank">Holiday Elegance</a>. I'm pretty sure it's out of print now, but a watchful eye may be able to find it on ebay.<br />
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I made a set of four of these for a friend and then made another two to keep for our own tree decorations.<br />
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They were stitched on 14 count aida cloth in <i>Ice Blue</i>. I then mounted them on a foam-backed cardboard and used a glue gun to add the hanging ribbon, and decorative shiny blue cording around the edges. The square ones turned out quite good, but I feel like I need a bit more practice mounting circle and oval shaped ornaments. If anyone has any advice on how to work with these rounder shapes, please feel free to share in the comments section.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNA6bPk0UWI/TxSV2okJiHI/AAAAAAAABng/ChwWiHdHldg/s1600/MiyakoMice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNA6bPk0UWI/TxSV2okJiHI/AAAAAAAABng/ChwWiHdHldg/s320/MiyakoMice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My other holiday stitching project was a couple sets of Christmas mice, which come from <a href="http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/stitch-and-craft-bookazines/The-Best-of-Margaret-Sherry.html" target="_blank">The Best of Margaret Sherry Collection</a>. I made two sets of these, one for a friend and another for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. I also stitched an extra mouse holding a stocking to keep for our own collection.<br />
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These mice were stitched over 2 threads on a 32 count Belfast linen in Cream. The frames are tree hanging picture frame ornaments that I found at Michael's. I thought they were cute, and they kind of look like jam jar lids, don't they? Plus, they were easy to mount the cross stitch fabric in - a welcome relief after struggling with my circular foam-backed cardboard ornaments!<br />
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Next up, some crochet and some cthulhus!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-45150730733592139462012-01-16T12:57:00.000-08:002012-01-16T12:58:26.471-08:00Sue Coleman's Dogwood & Hummingbird cross stitch - Complete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pW1Rz8J8QvQ/TxSKqfT0U7I/AAAAAAAABm4/CEFn8zZIUEA/s1600/Hummingbird+in+Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pW1Rz8J8QvQ/TxSKqfT0U7I/AAAAAAAABm4/CEFn8zZIUEA/s320/Hummingbird+in+Frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been looking forward to posting this one for a long time now. This is the big project I was working on for the better part of last spring and into the early summer. The boyfriend, who is wise and witty, payed for the framing and this was our gift to his mom for Christmas this year.<br />
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I was nervous for the month beforehand, worried she might not like it, but she absolutely loved it! Yay, I'm glad I made the right choice.<br />
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The picture is <a href="http://www.stitchingstudio.com/suecoleman/" target="_blank">Sue Coleman's Dogwood & Hummingbird</a>. Coleman is an artist from British Columbia, Canada and she makes lots of pictures similar to this one, where she incorporates the natural images of animals along with their native symbol. We also live in British Columbia and the provincial flower here is the Dogwood, so it seemed a fitting choice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhMXDHdMxZA/TxSL4JgaFYI/AAAAAAAABnA/imuhBrTKfd4/s1600/HummingbirdFrameClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhMXDHdMxZA/TxSL4JgaFYI/AAAAAAAABnA/imuhBrTKfd4/s320/HummingbirdFrameClose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the dark mark on the right side, that's just the shadow of the camera.</td></tr>
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The picture was stitched over 2 threads on a 32 count linen in <i>Antique White</i>. The background took a long time to do, but it's an interesting technique. It's created by making 1/2 stitches with a variegated DMC thread (4010), rather than doing multiple colour changes to create the shifting colours of the sky. I tried to work bits of the background as I went because I knew that if I left it all to stitch at the very end, I would quickly become bored with all that repetitive work. I think I made the right choice. I only had a very small amount of the background to complete after all my cross stitching was done and it didn't seem like an overwhelming task.<br />
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A couple more photos to show the cross stitching up close. Excuse the reflections in the glass. Cross stitch looks great once it's stretched and framed, but it isn't as easy to photograph!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-87592136925140933122011-12-19T14:39:00.000-08:002011-12-19T14:39:28.175-08:00Waiting For Santa - Free Cross Stitch Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFg9pGkqMQU/Tu-6yMIuUUI/AAAAAAAABmo/LOFURKGDBhM/s1600/StockingCatH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFg9pGkqMQU/Tu-6yMIuUUI/AAAAAAAABmo/LOFURKGDBhM/s320/StockingCatH.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
I'm very excited by the news that Margaret Sherry will be launching a new series of patterns next year. For now, I'll have to satisfy myself with this cute cat waiting for Santa, which she's posted as a <a href="http://www.margaretsherrykits.co.uk/styled/index.html">free chart</a> on her new site.
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Both cats were stitched over two strands on a 32 count Belfast Linen in <i>cream</i>. The stitched area measures about 2.5 by 3.5 inches. The one to the left I've made into a tree ornament and I'm going to be keeping it for myself. The bottom one, placed in a sparkly red stand-up frame (found on sale at Michael's), will be a stocking stuffer for my mom, who is also a major cat person.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1McUH2LiuDM/Tu-8RafdK4I/AAAAAAAABmw/eFYNc_ZkBgY/s1600/StockingCatP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1McUH2LiuDM/Tu-8RafdK4I/AAAAAAAABmw/eFYNc_ZkBgY/s320/StockingCatP.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Sorry the second one is looking a little blurry. To get the pictures I set these on my scanner and since the second kitty is recessed a bit in the frame, it comes out a little blurry. I assure you in real life he's quite clear, and adorable!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-49259762075157586612011-12-13T11:15:00.001-08:002011-12-13T11:31:13.046-08:00Oh Christmas Tree - Crafts in Action!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxzFSOa2lY4/TuekdSF1V0I/AAAAAAAABmE/pLkAZYb9bS8/s1600/ChristmasTree2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxzFSOa2lY4/TuekdSF1V0I/AAAAAAAABmE/pLkAZYb9bS8/s400/ChristmasTree2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685693877558007618" /></a>Most years we don't put up a Christmas tree because we go to other family members' homes to celebrate the season. This year we decided we wanted a tree of our own and decided to decorate it with our geeky, non-traditional tastes. <div><br /></div><div>With all the sparkly lights, taking a clear picture of the tree is no easy feat, but the boyfriend did his best. Nestled among the branches you may be able to see a few of the <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/07/merry-moe-and-flurry-cross-stitch.html">cross stitch ornaments </a>I've posted on <b>Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</b> before, some beaded ornaments I've made over the years, our <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2010/11/browncoat-christmas-ornaments-with-free.html">Browncoat ornaments</a> and a few other handcrafted items. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though not hand-made, but just as awesome, our tree is also decked out with a few plastic dinosaurs, a Despicable Me minion, a Farscape <a href="http://farscape.wikia.com/wiki/Ka_D'Argo">Ka D'Argo</a> action figure and of course, our Cookie Monster tree topper. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been busy working on homemade gifts for this holiday season which I hope to post on the blog come January, after everyone has received their Christmas presents. </div><div><br /></div><div>'Til then, I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! Thanks for dropping by!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-20672662886604616472011-11-04T12:38:00.000-07:002011-11-04T12:59:12.112-07:00Leaving on a Jet Plane - Softies for Mirabel 2011<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnLKVhsJB3M/TrQ_uom7QWI/AAAAAAAABlw/1ukDdAMPHZA/s1600/Mirabel%2BSofties_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnLKVhsJB3M/TrQ_uom7QWI/AAAAAAAABlw/1ukDdAMPHZA/s400/Mirabel%2BSofties_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671227901173514594" /></a>These little cuties took flight last week and are on their way to Australia where they'll be helping out with this year's <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2011/10/softies-for-mirabel-mailbox-is-open.html">Softies for Mirabel</a> campaign. Each year people around the world contribute handmade softies which are then given out as Christmas gifts to children supported by the Mirabel Foundation. The foundation assists children whose families have been affected by substance abuse. <div><br /></div><div>Pip. of <b>Meet Me At Mike's</b>, is one of the main organizers for the Softies for Mirabel campaign and you can learn more about the effort and where you could contribute your own softies by clicking the link in the top paragraph. </div><div><br /></div><div>Softies for Mirabel is a great excuse to make some toys. It helps children in need, allows you to try out some new patterns and gives you an opportunity to use up some of that extra yarn or fabric that's been building up in your stash. </div><div><br /></div><div>Need some inspiration? Check out the patterns I have available under the My Free Patterns tab in the left sidebar. Of course, don't feel your creativity is constricted to just crocheting. Mirabel gladly accepts any child-safe toys that are handmade. Feel free to pull out those knitting needles or warm up that sewing machine.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-11534943317065745382011-11-02T12:56:00.001-07:002011-11-02T13:19:29.540-07:00My First Knit Toy - Elefante<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskeqAVNLaI/TrGgjqFAxtI/AAAAAAAABlM/zgop51kYlRU/s1600/Eli1_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskeqAVNLaI/TrGgjqFAxtI/AAAAAAAABlM/zgop51kYlRU/s320/Eli1_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670489940287342290" /></a>I've made a lot of crocheted toys over the years, but here at last is my first attempt at a knitted toy. <div><br /></div><div>This knitted <a href="http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/2007/04/page-18-elefante.html">Elefante</a> is a free pattern courtesy of Susan B. Anderson. Everyone who has seen him keeps telling me that he should have a longer trunk, but I think he's pretty cute as is. Besides, he needs that short trunk to act as a fifth leg and hold up his enormous head!</div><div><br /></div><div>The instructions were easy to follow and I love how soft and squishy knitted toys come out compared to their crocheted counterparts. For this Elefante, I used some leftover <a href="http://bernat.com/product.php?LGC=handicraftercotton340400">Bernat Handicrafter Cotton</a> in <i>May Flower Ombre</i>. Anyone who has used this yarn knows it's not the softest choice, yet by knitting with it instead of crocheting, I did end up with a rather cuddly elephant. </div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APPZPPdCTso/TrGikAF-uMI/AAAAAAAABlk/rtmj__dCejE/s1600/ElephSide.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APPZPPdCTso/TrGikAF-uMI/AAAAAAAABlk/rtmj__dCejE/s320/ElephSide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670492145220237506" /></a><br /><div>I find making crocheted items relaxing, but mastering the balancing act of keeping my stitches on four different needles at once was a tad too stressful for my down time. I think I'll stick with making crochet toys in the future. Plus, I'm sure this would eventually come with more practice, but I find I always end up with a bit of a gaping hole between the first and last needle no matter how hard I try to avoid it. <div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVKMkVXBkC4/TrGijXwTKbI/AAAAAAAABlY/rmvskzZZcX0/s1600/ElephTop.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVKMkVXBkC4/TrGijXwTKbI/AAAAAAAABlY/rmvskzZZcX0/s320/ElephTop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670492134391884210" /></a><br /></div><div>One final picture, showing the cool spiral effect you see when looking at my little elephant from above.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-86174522623796669632011-10-31T13:18:00.001-07:002011-10-31T13:24:03.799-07:00It's the Great Pumpkin, Cthulhu!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I82lwKT-v-Q/Tq8CvA7D-kI/AAAAAAAABlA/-7hEC6jPIh8/s1600/HalloweenCthulhu.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I82lwKT-v-Q/Tq8CvA7D-kI/AAAAAAAABlA/-7hEC6jPIh8/s320/HalloweenCthulhu.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669753462607575618" /></a>Just received an email from <b>Hilde</b> that included this adorable Halloween cthulhu that she stitched up for her son. Anyone else out there decorating their house with cthulhus tonight? I love his little shirt!<div><br /></div><div>Happy Halloween everyone!!! Thanks for the great picture Hilde!</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-28642394952504605672011-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:12:24.470-07:00Cthulhu Cousins - Looking Good in Green!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6JrwziyqQ/ToDVAnLkikI/AAAAAAAABkc/-Buf_kjWeJU/s1600/Cthulhus3_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6JrwziyqQ/ToDVAnLkikI/AAAAAAAABkc/-Buf_kjWeJU/s400/Cthulhus3_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656755338471574082" /></a>It wasn't until after I had put together this collection of cthulhu cousins that I realized they were all in different shades of green. Despite being similar in colour, it's easy to see that they each have their own unique look!<div><br /></div><div>In the <i>top left</i> corner is <b>Psychogere's</b> tiny cthulhu. Those red eyes are making it look pretty scary! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rob</b> created that cthulhu in <i>top right</i> that's posing with its favourite book. Rob wrote that he is new to amigurmi and that this cthulhu had some "teething troubles", but I think it turned out great. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the <i>bottom left</i> is a lovely tiny cthulhu that was stitched by <b>Chelsea</b>. She also writes that this was her first crochet project and I think she did a terrific job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just below Chelsea's cthulhu on the <i>lower bottom left</i> is <b>Tuome's</b> tiny cthulhu. I love those big eyes on her cthulhu and the way it's blending in with the foliage. I may just have to use this photo as a desktop wallpaper someday. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really like the jade coloured eyes that you see on the cthulhu in the <i>bottom right</i>. This one was stitched by <b>Amanda</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Move over Johnny Depp, there's a new pirate in town! There in the <i>middle</i> is the Dread Pirate Cthulhu that was stitched by <b>Emilie</b>. I'm actually going to share a larger photo of this one, just so you can see all the detail that Emilie put into this project. Very cute! I love his little peg leg!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSviAr1rco/ToDaZWxGYKI/AAAAAAAABkk/Y3w4K1uYsUg/s1600/Emilie.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSviAr1rco/ToDaZWxGYKI/AAAAAAAABkk/Y3w4K1uYsUg/s400/Emilie.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656761261120446626" /></a><br /><div>And because it was such a great photo, I'm also going to share this larger picture of <b>Tuome's</b> cthulhu. Isn't that a sweet photo?<div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xF8nlyX1zs/ToDbFnJ9bNI/AAAAAAAABks/wlxNks22V0Y/s1600/Tuome.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xF8nlyX1zs/ToDbFnJ9bNI/AAAAAAAABks/wlxNks22V0Y/s400/Tuome.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656762021433928914" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share pictures of their completed projects. It's always great to see my patterns in use. If you want to make a cthulhu of your own, the patterns are available in the left sidebar under the My Free Patterns heading.<br /><br />Have you made a cthulhu or one of my other patterns? Got a picture to share? If so, feel free to email me a copy at the address you see in top left of the blog, or post a link in the comments section for the pattern you used!<br /><br />Happy stitching everyone!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-80872805002778599442011-09-19T12:53:00.000-07:002011-09-19T13:25:45.603-07:00Here Be Dragons<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHujuV3JYZM/Tned8hku51I/AAAAAAAABkE/GbrxdKEd8lA/s1600/DragonsBoth.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHujuV3JYZM/Tned8hku51I/AAAAAAAABkE/GbrxdKEd8lA/s400/DragonsBoth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654161520317097810" /></a>I've had my eye on <b>Lucy Ravenscar's </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fierce-little-dragon">Fierce Little Dragon</a> pattern for a long time. And at last I had some time and some yarn that I suspected would be perfect for giving it a try. The pattern is available as a free download, and while there are lots of parts to these dragons, the instructions were quite straightforward and there are plenty of pictures you can use as references when it's time to stitch everything together.<div><br /></div><div>My first dragon was made using some James C. Brett marble chunky <i>Jeweltone</i> that I had left over from the <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2011/09/simple-v-stitch-afghan.html">V-Stitch afghan</a>. This is a chunkier yarn than what is recommended for the pattern so I upped the crochet hook size and ended up with a rather sizeable (more than 2 foot long) pet dragon. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhKMYQLlC8o/TnegDYC_prI/AAAAAAAABkM/hNk_BRT1cdY/s1600/DragonMarble.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhKMYQLlC8o/TnegDYC_prI/AAAAAAAABkM/hNk_BRT1cdY/s320/DragonMarble.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654163837042009778" /></a><br /><div>My crafty friend Lisa has made a few of these dragons, and I can see why, the pattern is highly addictive. After putting together the first dragon, I couldn't resist making him a companion. I wanted this second one to be a bit smaller, so it's made with Patons Astra sport weight yarn in <i>Purple</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>It turned out about a foot and a half long and is much stiffer than the first dragon, making the wings sit more rigidly. It is also quite lightweight. One of these dragons made in sport weight could easily rest on a persons shoulders with the assistance of a couple safety pins. Now wouldn't that be great for a Renaissance fair or costume party?<br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXQBFct3sSU/Tnehanf-xwI/AAAAAAAABkU/Leh-hfclV7w/s1600/DragonPurple.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXQBFct3sSU/Tnehanf-xwI/AAAAAAAABkU/Leh-hfclV7w/s320/DragonPurple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654165335838738178" /></a>Now, don't ask me to choose a favourite because I'm very happy with how both of these turned out, and I'm resisting the impulse to fill the entire house with dragons. Ultimately, I think I'm going to be keeping the larger dragon, and the little purple one is going to be going to charity (more on that in a future post). But for now, they can frolic together and guard our living room. <div><br /></div><div><b>Want the Pattern?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Lucy Ravenscar's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fierce-little-dragon">Fierce Little Dragon</a> pattern is available as a free .pdf via Ravelry. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-58363317039202819712011-09-10T12:29:00.001-07:002011-09-10T13:13:32.926-07:00New to the Blog List<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfY1Lfpris0/Tmu63AseMNI/AAAAAAAABj0/_aX50JL017Q/s1600/MSherryBlogPic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfY1Lfpris0/Tmu63AseMNI/AAAAAAAABj0/_aX50JL017Q/s400/MSherryBlogPic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650815611708518610" /></a>I've made a couple of new additions to the list of <i>Blogs I'm Reading,</i> which you'll find in the left sidebar. <div><br /></div><div>The first new addition is the <a href="http://msherrylovers.blogspot.com/">Margaret Sherry Lovers</a> fan blog. I've also joined this site as a contributor, and made my first post there a few days ago. Margaret Sherry's patterns are always adorable and I found the community at Margaret Sherry Lovers very welcoming. Anyone who makes patterns with her designs is welcome to contact the blog administrator and become a contributor to the site, creating their own posts displaying their Margaret Sherry stitchings and other related news. <div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mli94aCvb0/Tmu9bvU0dcI/AAAAAAAABj8/vBUM07IDS50/s1600/birdhouse.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mli94aCvb0/Tmu9bvU0dcI/AAAAAAAABj8/vBUM07IDS50/s400/birdhouse.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650818441724327362" /></a><div>I'm also very excited by <a href="http://pinwheelponders2.blogspot.com/">Pinwheel Ponders</a>, which I accidentally discovered while searching for something else. Author <i>Pinwheel</i> makes ornaments (mostly cross stitch) for her friends and family every Christmas, and her blog is a treasure trove of gift ideas and crafty tutorials. There are lots of great ideas here for creating various types of cross stitch decorations and how to reuse greeting cards. I was very impressed with the level of detail, clear instructions and numerous pictures in the tutorials. I'll definitely be going back to read more!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So that's two blogs I think are worth checking out. Let me know what you think of them. And if you've got any recommendations for other blogs I should add to the reading list let me know with a comment (and links). </div><div><br /></div><div>Things I look for when I consider adding a blog to <b>Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</b> reading list:</div><div><ul><li>it covers a topic I'm interested in such as amigurumi, crochet, cross stitch or geeky crafts</li><li>it's still active and gets updated fairly regularly (there's been at least 1 post in the last 2 months) <b>or</b> it has an extensive archive of interesting posts/patterns.</li><li>it offers some free patterns, tutorials or other crafting advice/insight</li><li>it isn't just a vehicle for the blogger to display the latest item they're selling</li><li>it's focus is primarily crafting, as opposed to being the person's day-to-day life story with occasional mentions of what they're crafting.</li></ul></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-65038267708190547372011-09-07T11:13:00.000-07:002011-09-07T12:45:18.970-07:00What I Did on My Summer Vacation - Victoria, BC<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tOhgMFOFdPg/Tme4ML6J1EI/AAAAAAAABjE/waGKUMAGO6g/s1600/VIcPar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tOhgMFOFdPg/Tme4ML6J1EI/AAAAAAAABjE/waGKUMAGO6g/s400/VIcPar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649686777054221378" /></a>If you're a crafty geek then Victoria, British Columbia is a wonderful place to visit for your summer vacation. Back in July the boyfriend, who is both wise and witty, and I were able to get away for a few days to this great city.<div><br /></div><div>We stayed at a hotel in the downtown core where we had not one, but three different comic book stores and right across the street. There are also numerous bookstores, for both new and used books, and at least 3 different yarn stores all in or around the downtown core. </div><div><br /></div><div>We parked the car at the hotel the first day and then walked everywhere for the rest of the vacation, which was a treat in and of itself. We also ate lots of wonderful food and spent a day at the Royal B.C. Museum, where they had a pretty interesting feature exhibit on the life of <a href="http://www.svreeland.com/fl-paintings.html">Emily Carr</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to say I took lots of fabulous pictures of the sites and scenery, but the truth is I only took the picture of the parliament buildings that you see above and a couple other pictures. So instead, I'll tell show you my vacation through the awesome fibres I was able to pick up during the trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCsL9vppTqI/Tme6tNFSAJI/AAAAAAAABjM/QQkH78OsgUQ/s1600/FleeceArtist2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCsL9vppTqI/Tme6tNFSAJI/AAAAAAAABjM/QQkH78OsgUQ/s400/FleeceArtist2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649689543328268434" /></a>Considering the one local yarn shop in my town packed up and moved to a new city, I was pretty impressed to find three independent local yarn shops in Victoria, each with their own unique style and line of products.<br /><br />The first one we visited was <a href="http://knottybynaturefibres.blogspot.com/">Knotty By Nature</a> where I picked up this Kidazzle hand dyed 70% Merino/20% Kid/10% Nylon yarn which is made by Fleece Artists, in Mineville, Nova Scotia. This stuff feels incredibly soft and has a beautiful assortment of colours in it. Sometime this fall/winter I'm hoping to knit some of it up into a pair of fingerless gloves. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Knotty By Nature</b> focusses heavily on natural ec0-friendly products. It has a large selection of hand-made products, many of which come from spinners throughout Canada.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ9KBGXGTe0/Tme2sHCjofI/AAAAAAAABi8/7nrfQap_nMA/s1600/FleeceArtist1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ9KBGXGTe0/Tme2sHCjofI/AAAAAAAABi8/7nrfQap_nMA/s400/FleeceArtist1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649685126479847922" /></a>I was also really excited that the store had a mechanical skein winder (first time I'd ever seen one of these!) and in only a couple minutes they were able to transform the skein I was purchasing into a workable ball of yarn for no extra charge! Those who read <b>Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins</b> regularly know of the headaches I've had trying to wind skeins into balls.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next on our yarn tour was <a href="http://www.beehivewoolshop.com/">The Beehive</a> where I picked up this unusual, and extremely soft skein of Bonsai Colors, which is a mix of 97% Bamboo and 3% Nylon. I only bought one skein of this and I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but it was so unusual I couldn't resist getting some. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktsoUdjBgXo/TmfBzT7eYSI/AAAAAAAABjU/ot7G7Q7TFck/s1600/Bonsai1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktsoUdjBgXo/TmfBzT7eYSI/AAAAAAAABjU/ot7G7Q7TFck/s400/Bonsai1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649697344826794274" /></a><b>The Beehive</b> is a fairly large 2 room store that carries a good selection of yarns. There were a lot of hand dyed/spun products, as well as products from well known manufacturers like Patons. I think it's a yarn shop that could fit any budget and any skill level of knitter/crocheter. They also had a mechanical skein winder, and when we came in one clerk was in the process of winding several skeins for a woman who was buying enough wool for a sweater.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrQefPsF1S0/TmfDGojXPCI/AAAAAAAABjc/1jCVBIT8jkw/s1600/Escape.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrQefPsF1S0/TmfDGojXPCI/AAAAAAAABjc/1jCVBIT8jkw/s400/Escape.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649698776291949602" /></a>While at <b>The Beehive</b> I also purchased three balls of Sirdar Escape chunky which is 51% wool/49% acrylic. I'm not sure what I'll make with this, but I really liked the mix of colours in these balls so eventually I'll come up with something. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last stop on our yarn store tour was the <a href="http://www.buttonedup.com/">Button & Needlework Boutique</a>, though truth be told, I think I went in here 2-3 times during our trip, trying to decide what I should buy. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAXT82IupfU/TmfFX7QcF4I/AAAAAAAABjk/3h14jgOxi9c/s1600/Glint.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAXT82IupfU/TmfFX7QcF4I/AAAAAAAABjk/3h14jgOxi9c/s400/Glint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649701272393881474" /></a>This store carries a variety of crafting materials including yarn, cross stitch supplies and a large selection of buttons (hence the name). I was impressed that not only do they carry a lot of cross stitch patterns, they also have a framed, stitched copy of every pattern they sell. Anyone who has ever stitched a large cross stitch picture knows how long it takes to complete, so having one finished for every pattern the store carries is a pretty big achievement. </div><div><br /></div><div>I finally settled on getting three balls of Glint yarn in blue from the <b>Button & Needlework Boutique</b>. It's a blend of 80% cotton, 12 % Nylon and 8% metallic. What can I say? I liked the way it sparkled in the light. Again, I'm not sure what I'll make, but something will come up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also picked up a copy of the cross stitch pattern for Vancouver Island artist <a href="http://stitchingstudio.com/suecoleman/index.htm">Sue Coleman</a>'s <i>Cougar Kitten</i>. I'm looking forward to finding some time to stitch it!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0121KkZLLE/TmfHMaBpRMI/AAAAAAAABjs/gW-tojhZJLo/s1600/cougar_kitten_lg.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0121KkZLLE/TmfHMaBpRMI/AAAAAAAABjs/gW-tojhZJLo/s400/cougar_kitten_lg.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649703273518154946" /></a>And that is how I spent my summer vacation! We had a lot of fun, and I came home with a suitcase full of books, comic books and lots of crafting supplies to keep me busy!<div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-25048519144678293742011-09-06T12:58:00.001-07:002011-09-06T13:32:59.009-07:00More Cthulhu Cousins!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU_s1N1wkg0/TmZ7gFI3agI/AAAAAAAABig/R4OQD5fweuA/s1600/Rachel.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU_s1N1wkg0/TmZ7gFI3agI/AAAAAAAABig/R4OQD5fweuA/s400/Rachel.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649338573648259586" /></a>Apologies to <b>Rachel</b>, whose wintery little cthulhu somehow got left out of my final round up of <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2011/05/last-cthulhus-of-2010.html">2010 cthulhus</a>. Rachel shared a great story about this little guy too, so I'm really sorry he got left out. <div><br /></div><div>The hat this cthulhu is wearing comes from the Innocent Smoothies <a href="http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknit/get_knitting/how_to_knit/">Big Knit</a> campaign, which Rachel takes part in. Being in Canada, I hadn't heard of this UK charity before, but as Rachel explains, "[it] involves knitting tiny hats to go on the top of Innocent Smoothie bottles. The hatted bottles are then distributed to our local supermarkets, and a small amount of the sale goes to Age UK, a charity to help the elderly." </div><div><br /></div><div>What a great idea! We don't have Innocent Smoothies in the stores around here, but I know if I saw a drink with a little knitted hat on it at the grocery store, I'd buy one, especially if it was helping out a charity. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now a few other great cthulhus that I've received in the past couple months...</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtkzQ2C6xRc/TmZ_3BHAZjI/AAAAAAAABio/aEPSfw6sU8A/s1600/CthulhuSet2_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtkzQ2C6xRc/TmZ_3BHAZjI/AAAAAAAABio/aEPSfw6sU8A/s400/CthulhuSet2_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649343365750220338" /></a><br /><div>Remember when I was asking readers what they thought of <a href="http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/09/glow-in-dark-yarn.html">glow-in-the-dark yarns</a>? Well, <b>Rosemarsh Art</b> decided to test some out on a tiny cthulhu. In the<i> top left</i> photo you see how her cthulhu looks in the daylight, and in the <i>top right</i> photo you can see his glow. Very cool, and kinda creepy looking!<div><br /></div><div>In the <i>middle</i> photo we have a beautifully striped cuddly cthulhu from <b>Terra-Storm</b>. That angry cthulhu you see in the <i>bottom left</i> was stitched up by <b>Ginny</b>, and <b>Knotical Knits</b> created the jolly Santa-Cthulhu on the <i>bottom right</i> as a gift for her sister-in-law last Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again thanks to everyone for sharing their creations. As always, if you've made something with my patterns feel free to share a link in the comments section on the pattern you used or send me an email at the address you see in the top left corner of the blog. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-6380349778033894342011-09-03T13:48:00.001-07:002011-09-06T13:34:17.267-07:00Simple V-Stitch Afghan<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZ9pu7nSfY/TmKSxB1hvFI/AAAAAAAABiI/YCoDzVwlvDw/s1600/V-StitchAfghan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZ9pu7nSfY/TmKSxB1hvFI/AAAAAAAABiI/YCoDzVwlvDw/s400/V-StitchAfghan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648238253680213074" /></a>I had to put this one aside for a while because it was just too warm to be crocheting a wintery afghan. It's based on the Cottage Decor afghan in the July 2011 issue of <b>Crochet!</b> magazine, only I opted to use a variegated yarn rather than creating solid stripes with multiple balls of yarn. <div><br /></div><div>The yarn is <a href="http://www.kertzer.com/Yarns/MarbleChunkyAllShades/tabid/164/Default.aspx">James C. Brett</a> marble chunky in <i>Jeweltone</i>, which I was lucky enough to pick up at a buy 3, get the 4th ball free sale while visiting the awesome <a href="http://stevestoncraftsnmore.blogspot.com/">Crafts N' More</a> store in Steveston, BC.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-3luUFCQY/TmKUnhY4bII/AAAAAAAABiY/8FxaSLWaguo/s1600/V-StitchEdge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-3luUFCQY/TmKUnhY4bII/AAAAAAAABiY/8FxaSLWaguo/s400/V-StitchEdge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648240289374563458" /></a><br />The blanket is a dream to work up, especially if you want something a little mindless that you can work on while focussing on something else. It's stitched with a size J (6 mm) hook and is essentially row after row of V-stitches. Then it's finished off with a fairly simple shell border on two opposing sides. <div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEgSQwcMle4/TmKUnUHIJDI/AAAAAAAABiQ/2YG6LpY92xY/s1600/V-stitchClose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEgSQwcMle4/TmKUnUHIJDI/AAAAAAAABiQ/2YG6LpY92xY/s400/V-stitchClose.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648240285810435122" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's simple to stitch, but comes out looking quite fancy. I had fun making this and really love the shades of blue and purple in this <i>Jeweltone</i> yarn, although I don't think I really got a photo that shows them accurately. Hopefully you get the idea!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/8C1A4346CD5EB6B6205A0D3E7390861B.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353746392948535536.post-90461344245580355132011-08-31T12:51:00.000-07:002011-08-31T12:57:25.205-07:00Cthulhu Cousin Collage!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8johZU8F5dU/TlLdtoGOQOI/AAAAAAAABhg/ELbwiIfbBHs/s1600/CthulhuSet5_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8johZU8F5dU/TlLdtoGOQOI/AAAAAAAABhg/ELbwiIfbBHs/s400/CthulhuSet5_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643817058976022754" /></a>I'm sort of killing two birds with one stone here. Or maybe the new adage should be killing two pigs with one bird...Anyways, I thought I'd post a few more of the great cthulhus that readers have been making with my patterns and try out my new HP Photosmart Create software at the same time.<div> </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Okay, I'll be honest, I don't know if this is <i>new</i> software. I was checking what was in some of the folders on my harddrive and I came across this. It may have been part of a recent software update from HP, or it may be that it's been on my harddrive for years. Still, it's a neat little program that allows you to drop .jpegs into predesigned layouts, without the hassle of having to crop or rotate the photos yourself. Quite fun!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>But enough about software, let's talk about cthulhus! In the <i>top left corner </i>is a great little cthulhu, who looks like he's wearing a Hawaiian shirt, created by <b>Nita</b>. <i>Top right</i> is a cuddly cthulhu stitch up by <b>Helen</b>. In the<i> bottom left</i> <b>Augusta crafter</b> stitched up a tiny cthulhu in what I think is a wonderful shade of blue. <b>Nekochan</b> is hoping that her cthuhu, in the <i>bottom right</i>, has an evil spark in his eyes. I think he does! I also like how he appears to have a backpack clip or some other type of hook coming out of his head, perfect for travel. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Finally, I'm going to give honorable mention to the blue cuddly cthulhu in the <i>middle</i> that was created by <b>Raven Corinn Carluk</b>. It's hard to tell from the picture, but he's actually a mini-cthulhu. Raven wrote, "He's DMC size 5 color works thread, done with a #3 (2.25mm) hook. The eyes are glass buttons I found at Joann's. He took about six or seven hours total to make, because I'm still new to crochet." </div><div>
<br /></div><div>For a beginner project I think he looks terrific and I love the eerie quality that the glass eyes give this little monster. Plus, I don't think I'd have the patience to stitch a cthulhu with a 2.25mm hook, but the results are wonderful.</div><div>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPa6HgngHv8/Tl6QfsAE1QI/AAAAAAAABiA/tLp6Kt5y8pw/s1600/Raven.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPa6HgngHv8/Tl6QfsAE1QI/AAAAAAAABiA/tLp6Kt5y8pw/s320/Raven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647109856831001858" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div>Thanks to everyone for sending in their pictures showing me how you've been using my patterns. As always, if you'd like to share your project feel free to post a link to a picture in the comments section for the appropriate pattern or send me a .jpg at the email address you see in the top left corner of the blog. amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03972471077953562082noreply@blogger.com0