Granny be good

The Amazing Granny Square is the building block for many a good quilt, sweater, vest, shawl, scarf, potholder, pillow.  I've used a variation on the great granny in this vest.  The yarn is Bernat's Mosaic and takes about 3 skeins.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88954970/sale-maid-marion-sweater-vest-sleeveless?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=needlemaven&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade

Happy hooking to you!  Kim

Summer Crochet Stitches Easy to Intermediate

My latest quick crochet is not a novel new stitch, but rather a simple pattern made from the most basic stitches.  This stitch can be mastered by beginners and added upon for intermediate to advanced crocheters. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76042403/gossimer-green-leaves-shrug-perfect-for

Done in mutiples of 4 plus 1, start off with a chain of 13 for a pattern. 

Sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 5, sk 3, sc in next ch.  Repeat till the end of row, ending with a sc

Row 2:  ch 5, sc in next ch loop, repeat till end. 

This pattern is lacy, quick and airy.  I've made a few garments by using this pattern and adding flowers and leaves to embelish. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74536828/camomille-tea-shrug-plus-size-xl-xxl


Happy Hooking!  Kim

Summer Layers

Everyone---and I mean everyone---looks great when layering their wardrobe.  Stretch your budget in these tough economic times by buying several tanks on sale, and adding a customized piece such as a shrug, bolero, or sweater. 

Whether you choose streamlined shrugs with a little ruffled edge, or sweaters that are girlie to the max, I have options for almost everyone's taste.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75373125/sale-serenity-seafoam-shrug-bolero

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75656111/pink-chablis-mini-cape-shawl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71636399/sale-champagne-hand-crocheted-shrug

Don't see the color or style you like?  Contact me and I can customize your sweater. http://www.etsy.com/listing/75658852/yarn-colors-for-custom-orders

Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration doesn't come until you start a project.  Sometimes you just have to keep stitching, keep crocheting, and then the inspiration will strike.  In those "off" times you can find new sources for ideas from exploring http://www.etsy.com/  .  Type in crochet and see where it takes you.

You Tube offers another avenue of inspiration; patterns and stitches are shown by many different crafters.  The like above shows how to make a Puff Stitch Hat.  While my least favorite stitch to do, it makes up very nicely.