June 7, 2017July 10, 2019 - Erica17 2 Comments

Strawberries and Cream X’s & O’s Infinity Scarf

strawberries and cream x's & o's infinity scarf

Hey Everyone!

I hope your week is going well. Even though I’m writing this post in June, it is never a bad idea to start making hats and scarves so you’re prepared for the coming winter. What was that story about the grasshopper who sang all summer?

Ah, never mind. You get my point.

It’s also funny to think that even though, here in Pennsylvania, we are just beginning our summer, the whole other side of the world is working their way through fall and into winter. So I suppose technically, winter hats and scarves can be relevant year round for at least someone!

May 27, 2017May 16, 2019 - Erica17 4 Comments

Cullen’s Baby Blanket

Cullen's Baby Blanket laid out flat draped over a couch Cullen’s Baby Blanket

Baby blankets.

You can never have too many, especially the warm ones when the temperatures are low. Then there is the chance of spit ups or other messes. It’s like baby clothes. You always need a ton,just in case. And what a fantastic combo to have a warm blanket AND it’s handmade.

Can’t beat that.
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May 27, 2017May 16, 2019 - Erica17 Leave a comment

Burlap-like Ruffle Garland

crochet burlapp-like ruffle garland pattern

Burlap-like Ruffle Garland

Hey Everyone!

I love the look of the burlap wreaths and garlands that you see everywhere these days. It’s so country! I’ve been meaning to try my hand at crafting with the burlap, but I just never got around to it.

One of the archways in my house, a rather large one that opens up to my staircase, was looking a little bare. I dug through my gigantic yarn stash (anyone else have one of those?) and found a couple skeins of the Red Heart Warm Brown. It was remarkable how close this color came to matching burlap.

And it hit me! A soft, flexible garland that looks like burlap! Fantastic!

May 21, 2017May 16, 2019 - Erica17 Leave a comment

Navy Clusters Infinity Scarf

I’m all about matching sets. I love sets! So naturally I had to make the Navy Clusters Infinity Scarf to match the Navy Clusters Hat. Sounds logical, right?

When I looked at the original design of the Cream Clusters Infinity Scarf, which is super long, I decided that I’d go shorter this time. Maybe something that could still wrap around the neck snugly to fight off that cold winter chill or even something that could be worn around the neck like a giant fiber art necklace—a statement piece.

Navy Clusters Hat

Hey Everyone!

When I crocheted the Jess Mess-y Bun Hat, I loved the cluster stitch and wanted to use it again and again and again. And I thought what if not everyone likes the ponytail hat? Or what about women with short hair?

I, myself, prefer the full hat without the hole for my hair to peek out. I’m the kind of woman that wears my hair in a ponytail most of the time because I’m too lazy to style it. (Truth bomb) LOL! So, that’s why I prefer a full hat like this Navy Clusters Hat.

I’m able to let my hair down and it doesn’t matter if I’m having a bad hair day or not. The hat covers any wild locks that have a mind of their own. Unfortunately, the minute I remove the hat, my hair goes right back into a ponytail.

C’est la vie, I guess.
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May 21, 2017May 16, 2019 - Erica17 Leave a comment

Cream Clusters Extra Long Infinity Scarf

I spent the first 13 years of my life growing up in the southern states before my family moved to Pennsylvania. It was a complete temperature shock. I was used to sometimes wearing only a light jacket in the winter and I remember getting a new bike for Christmas one year and I was able to go outside on Christmas day in shorts to ride it.

And then the first year we arrived in the North, they got the worst blizzard they had had in…I don’t know how many years. All I could think of as I looked out our living room window where my mom’s Mustang was buried in white stuff with only the antennae sticking out was, “Where did we just move to?” Dun, Dun, Dun.

Jess Mess-y Bun Hat

A friend of mine asked me last year to crochet her one of those messy bun hats. I said sure, but then I let it go. I didn’t ask for any details like what color she wanted or what style of stitch. The holidays were coming and I thought it would be a nice surprise for her to get the hat for Christmas. When I imagined what I would make her, I pictured something classy and feminine. I also wanted a color that would literally go with anything.

I believe I achieved everything I envisioned with the Jess Mess-y Bun Hat. (I hope she doesn’t mind the play on her name. I thought it was cute!) Although I do think I probably should have called it the Jess Ponytail Hat since I’ve never seen her messy, but it just didn’t have the same ring to it.

Dish Drying Mats or Dish Towels

Hey Everyone!

Please tell me that I am not the only person without a dish washer. Because that would be tragic. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but I do have dish washer envy. It seems that with three little boys and a husband, as soon as I finish washing the dishes by hand, walk to the fridge and back to the sink that the sink is full again. It’s like magic, I tell you! That or I live in a house full of stealthy ninjas and just don’t know it. (My boys wish they were secret ninjas, but, in reality, they are more like a herd of elephants.)
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May 20, 2017November 13, 2019 - Erica17 10 Comments

Ruffle Washcloth

ruffle washcloth dishcloth crochet

Ruffle Washcloth

Hello Everyone!

Should I crochet these Ruffle Washcloths for the bathroom? Or the kitchen? I just can’t decide.

I guess I will have to make a ton of these washcloths so there are enough for both rooms. With five people in my family, that’s going to be a substantial amount that we need. I’d say I have a pretty good start already, but I’ll have to find time to make some more. Honestly, it’s addicting. I’m considering making some to give away as gifts as well. They are so easy to make! And did I mention fun? Because they are!

They would make a great project for when you’re on the go too—riding as a passenger in the car, on the bus or train, lunch break busy work or while watching your children play at the park. I love portable projects. You can take them anywhere.

May 20, 2017May 15, 2019 - Erica17 4 Comments

Jumbo Dish Scrubbers

jumbo dish scrubbers crochet

Jumbo Dish Scrubbers

I have seen quite a few washcloths and dish scrubber patterns circulating around Pinterest lately and I wanted to put my own spin on it.

Several years ago, I designed a scrubber that was two panels thick, palm-sized and smooth on both sides. And here’s a secret—I’m still using them! They may be faded, but they’ve held up awesome! There were aspects of my design that I didn’t care for though. Like for one, they took forever to dry when laid flat on the counter—yuck! I actually use them once and then wash them. It just doesn’t seem sanitary to leave a wet scrubber lay on the counter. Maybe it’s just me… And you really had to put some elbow grease in if you needed to scrub something.
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