new crochet pattern - my favorite mittens by kim miller.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Warm up this season with this crochet pattern for timeless knit-look mittens! The entire mitt is worked in one direction so this is the perfect pattern for self stripping yarn, and because the mitts have lots of stretch they are super comfortable to wear...making them "my favorite mittens"!

This well written, detailed crochet pattern calls for 1 to 1.1 balls of Knit Picks Chroma Fingering Sock Yarn [3.53 ounces (100 g)/396 yards (362 meters) per ball] and uses the following techniques and stitches: the double adjustable ring, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, back post double crochet 2 together and front post double crochet 3 together.

Size Note:
To Fit Ladies: Small, Medium and Large
Finished Measurements: 4 (4½, 5)” in length from the base of the thumb to the tips of the fingers.

Buy Now

kim.



sneak peek.

 
The crochet pattern for these classic knit-look mittens will be ready soon....

kim.

my craft corner

I've been longing for a space of my very own just to dedicate to my craft of crocheting. I love to see my stash all out in front of me at one time so that I can always see what I have to work with and I don't have to go on the hunt for that yarn that I know I have but can't find because it has been tucked away in a box somewhere.

So when we moved, I managed to snag a corner of our new house that happened to have this odd little inset shelving unit.  When the house was undergoing reno's, I was asked if I wanted that shelf left there or not, and I asked for it to stay, as I figured it would be the perfect place to show off my stash. Here is what I did with my new space.

Seagrass baskets turned on their sides work perfectly for housing the full balls/skeins of yarn.  All the little scraps and partial balls of yarn are stored in the boxes on the top shelf.  Hooks, accessories, notebooks and reference books are neatly organized on the bottom shelf for easy access.   I would like to say this is the extent of my yarn stash but no...I have much, much more yarn and half finished projects stuffed in behind.  Eep!! Guess I better get going on designing some more patterns! No more excuses!!

tara.

 

new crochet pattern - cabled boot cuffs by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Whether you are wearing a skirt or jeans these Cabled Boot Cuffs are the perfect way to add style and warmth! Only have enough wool to make one? They also make a great cozy for your favorite to-go coffee mug as shown below.

 

 

 

This well detailed crochet pattern calls for 1¼ to 1½ balls of Vanna's Choice Tweeds which is a worsted weight (4), and includes lots of colour illustrations to help you to successfully complete your project. Instructions are included for 3 different sizes, but size notes are included to help you to achieve the perfect fit...even if you switch up the yarn. The finished Cabled Boot Cuffs measure approximately 8½ (9 ¾, 11)” in circumference and 6” in length.

 

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

kim.

 

sneak peek.

The crochet pattern for this quick evening/weekend project will be coming your way soon...

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - chevron dishcloths by Tara Schreyer

Skill Level: Easy

Who says a dishcloth has to be square? I’m in love with chevrons right now so I thought I would make some pretty dishcloths to brighten up my kitchen. When we spend so much time there, why not make it beautiful?

This crochet pattern uses simple stitches of ch, hdc, and treble crochet to create this desirable and popular design. A chart is included to serve as a visual aid to the written pattern. 

Finished size is 10" x 13".

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tara.

new crochet pattern - dahlia slouch by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

From my family to yours....this crochet pattern was inspired by my youngest daughter whose favorite flower is the Dahlia and who also just happens to love slouch hats!

This well written crochet pattern calls for a 3.50 mm (E) and a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook, and 1 ball of Noro® Silk Garden Sock [100 g (3.53 oz)/300 meters (328 yds) per ball] which is a sport (2) weight yarn. The pattern also includes a chart to assist you with the first 5 rows of the hat and instructions for 3 different sizes to fit ladies 21” to 23" in circumference. The pattern uses the following stitches: single crochet, double crochet, extended single crochet, and double crochet 5 together.

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

sneak peek.

 

Another new crochet pattern that will be released very soon!

 

tara.

sneak peek.

 

 

 

 

 

Another crochet pattern coming your way soon....

 

 

 

kim.

storage idea for crochet hooks.

I found this wonderful burlap planter in the floral section of my local grocery store and I thought that it would make a great container for my crochet hooks.

 

 

Using a sharpie and a homemade stencil I added the sc2tog (single crochet 2 together) and voila...instant crochet hook storage!

 

To read more about this simple technique that I use to add text to burlap please visit our post for the "easy burlap pillow".

 

 

 

 

kim.

yarn bowl.

I love yarn bowls and I wanted to share some pictures of a ceramic yarn bowl that I recently picked up at a local craft fair.
 

 

 

Yarn bowls are the perfect way to keep your yarn from rolling around on the floor and gathering dust. Plus they look pretty!

 

The other wonderful thing about yarn bowls is that there is usually a notch or a hole on the side for you to slide your yarn through, making it less likely for your yarn to accidentally get pulled out.
 

 

 

If you are looking to purchase your own then I would personally suggest going with the notch as opposed to the hole. If you are always on the go the notch will allow you to take your project with you without having to cut your yarn.
 

 

The yarn bowl that I chose was created by a local potter and ceramic artist named Sheryl Willson. You can learn more about Sheryl and see some of her other creations by visiting her website at Sorrento Stoneware.

 

If you are not sure that you want to invest in a yarn bowl at this time then why not try using a teapot.

 

 

 

 

Here is some links of a few of my other favorites for you to enjoy....

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111087248/yarn-bowl-knitting-bowl-yarn-bowls

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92354068/yarn-bowl-knitting-bowl-ceramic-yarn
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89946706/little-bird-yarn-bowl-custom-bird-yarn

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

 



new pattern - drawstring slouch by kim miller.

 

 

 

 

Skill Level: Easy

If you can double crochet, and you are comfortable with front and back post stitches then you will be able to make this stylish slouch. This easy hat pattern not only looks great, but it works up quickly and is perfect for that last minute gift.

This detailed crochet pattern calls for 2 ½ balls of Knit Picks® City Tweed DK Yarn (50 g/123 yds per ball), and includes instructions for 3 different sizes ranging from 21¼” to 22¾" in circumference.

Buy Now

 

 

 

kim.

 

photo gallery.

One of our dear customers, sent us some pictures of her latest project. Do you recognize these "Hanging Storage Pouches"? I love the crispness of the white and the way they are displayed! Gorgeous! 

 

 

Renee, a busy, multi-talented wife, mother, and grandmother of 4 has been crocheting for 30 years. "Crocheting is my passion and what I do to relax." she says.  I hear ya, Renee! What a great way to unwind after a hectic day at work.

And may I share with you all the rest of her beautiful space?  It looks so inviting and serene. 

I can hear all the sighs coming from you all now.

 

 

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us, Renee!  Keep up the beautiful work!

tara.

sneak peek.

Perfect for fall, the crochet pattern for this super easy, stylish slouch will be coming your way soon...

 

 

 

kim.

november 2012 issue of inspired crochet.

 

Kristi Simpson of RAKJpatterns has put together a digital crochet magazine featuring lots of your favorite online crochet designers and we are thrilled to announce that one of our crochet patterns, the Felted Mary Jane Booties, will be featured in the November 2012 issue of Inspired Crochet.

 



Felted Mary-Jane Booties by Kim Miller

If you would like a chance to win the November, 2012 issue of Inspired Crochet Digital Magazine visit http://www.inspiredcrochet.com/Subscribe_c4.htm. All you have to do to enter is 'LIKE' Inspired Crochet on Facebook and leave a comment saying that you are entered and also who sent you! So hurry on over to enter!!!

 

The giveaway will end Friday October 19, 2012 at midnight and the November's issue of Inspired Crochet will be released on November 1st. Kristi will personally contact the winners via Facebook.

 

 

 

kim and tara.

 

 

can you felt items in a front loading washer?

I have found that items will felt in a front loading washer, but it may take a few washings. Remember that it is a combination of heat and friction that causes an item to felt, so throwing the item in the dryer will also speed up the felting process. Although these are the easiest methods for felting there are some downsides. The biggest being that with machine felting you don't have as much control over how much the item felts.

For example, I had one pair of slippers that I didn't love enough, and I just kept throwing them in the front loading washer. I probably washed them about 3 or 4 times and in between washing I didn't even so much as give them a second glance. Unfortunately, as you can see from the pictures, I found that they didn't felt evenly.

 

The machine scrunched up the fabric in such a way that wherever there was a fold, the fabric didn't felt completely.

In the end I was able to salvage the slippers by vigorously scrubbing them by hand, but tiny evidences of the wrinkles still showed.

 

Now, to eliminate this problem I will often do a combination of hand and machine felting. Also, because a front loading washer spins the fabric until it is almost dry I will always finish off with a quick hand felting. That way I am able to shape the item and allow it to dry naturally.

I would love t hear from others about their felting experiences.



Related Posts:

what is felting?
felting tutorial.
felting gone awry.
can you felt wool by boiling it?

kim.

day at the office.

Have you ever wondered what an average work day for a crochet designer looks like? Drew Emborsky, AKA The Crochet Dude, posted this video on YouTube and I think that it is absolutely hilarious! Enjoy!!!

 

 

 

 

 

kim.

new pattern - midnight wrap by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

This beautiful crochet lace wrap was designed to be worn as a scarf or a light wrap and can be paired with jeans for an everyday look or worn as an elegant shawl on that special evening out.

The crochet pattern calls for 2 ¼ skeins of Knit Picks® GlossTM Lace (0) which is a gorgeous combination of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk.To show off the pretty lace pattern blocking is recommended. The blocked shawl measures approximately 195 cm/77” long and 38 cm/15” wide.

This rectangle shawl is crocheted from the center out and the pattern uses the following stitches: sc, dc, tr, dtr, clusters, and bobbles. To compliment the written pattern a chart has been added.

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

getting organized - DIY dry erase board.

Because I have a large family, and work from home as an independent crochet designer, I am always looking for ways to get more organized. I saw some dry erase boards on pinterest made from picture frames and I thought what a great idea! I immediately went looking to see what I had lying around the house that could be repurposed. It just so happens that I had this old window in our basement that was all perfect and distressed looking. I should have taken pictures of the process but there really wasn't much to it...



I just lighted sanded up the wood, both to clean it and to expose the edges a bit more. To give it a more antique look I used SamaN Water Based Stain. For a nicer finish I then rubbed on a little Minwax Wipe-On Poly.

I chose a light coloured, neutral material for the background so that the writing would really show up. I am forever changing my mind so I simply attached the material to the back of the window using Frog Tape. That way I can easily change up the look or colour whenever I get the urge.

I originally purchased the little bird that you see pictured at the bottom from a great little etsy shop called Single Stone Studios...and I think that he was nice touch.

Lastly, I added a couple of eyelets to the top corners so that I could string some twine across the top. I then added some miniature clothes pins so I now have a place to hang cards, invitations, notes and what have you.

The big thank-you note that I wrote across the front of the window was for my hubby for hanging it up for me. My youngest daughter laughed at the way I spelled "hon". She thinks that it should be spelled "hun", but I think that it should be "hon", short for "honey". I don't really think that it is a big deal though. It is not like I said, "Thanks Sweatie!"

kim.

sneak peek.

 

I've had this in the works for several months, so I'm happy that it is almost ready for publication!

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

yarn bombing in saskatchewan.

Yarn bombing is everywhere.  But perhaps so subtle that you may not even really notice.  Check out what I came across in my wee little town in rural Saskatchewan! How many times had I passed this spot and not noticed its beauty and the talent that was poured into this art form?  I was drawn in by the artists color choices and the fact that it was so uniform and neat.  I was so impressed by the sight of it that I had to stop and take a few pics to share with you.

Proof that there is always someone in your community (no matter how big or small) that will share in your passion of beautiful fibers and all things knit and crochet!!

tara.

and the winners are....

Yay!!  Today is the day we announce our winners to the crochet pattern giveaway that ran through the weekend.  This has been our biggest pattern giveaway yet so we are super excited for the winners!! Thanks to all who participated and for leaving us such great comments and spreading the word.  You guys are the best!!

Without further ado, here are the winners!! 

1st prize - GreenCats who left the comment "Love love love your patterns, and already have numerous. But I can always use more! :D"  Yes, a girl can never have enough crochet patterns, that is for sure!!  GreenCats has won a $50.00 gift certificate to use towards any crochet patterns in our Etsy shop.

2nd prize -  Diane F. commented  "Love your patterns!" and she walks away with a $20 dollar gift certificate to use towards any crochet patterns on our Etsy shop 

3rd prize -  Sarah G. also commented "Love your patterns!". She wins our third prize of a $10 gift certificate from our Etsy shop.

All drawings were random using www.random.org. Winners will be contacted personally by email with details on how to redeem their prize.

Thanks again everyone for participating.  Can't wait to see you all again for our next drawing!!

Have a great week and see you next time!

tara and kim.

we are now on facebook.

Just to let you know that we now have an active facebook page. We will be using facebook to notify you of our latest pattern releases, sales and events.
 

http://www.facebook.com/knotsewcutedesignshop

 

 

 

 kim and tara.

new crochet pattern - button-up cowl by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Look great and stay warm and toasty through the cool season with this stylish Button-Up Cowl!

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1 ½ skeins of Berroco Vintage which is a worsted weight (4), and includes illustrations and a chart. The finished cowl measures approximately 58.5 cm (23”) in width and cm 28 cm (11”) in length.

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

kim.

sneak peek.

 

Something warm and toasty...

 

 

 

kim.

5000 fan celebration and huge giveaway at bonita patterns.

The very talented crochet designer, Lianka Azulay of Bonita Patterns, is hosting a huge giveaway on facebook.

Lianka Azulay

Lianka has rocked the world of crochet with her amazing collection of crochet patterns featuring the crocodile stitch.

Crocodile Stitch Booties by Lianka Azulay

 

Be sure to visit http://www.facebook.com/BonitaPatterns to see the wide assortment of amazing prizes and how you can enter your chance

to win!

 

 

 

kim and tara.

photo gallery - felted nesting bowls and mushroom catch-alls.

I always want to start out every blog post with "I'm super excited", but that is because whenever I am sharing something I am super excited!!! I especially love the customer photos that are sent our way because I find them so inspiring and I love to see someone else's twist or interpretation.

With all of that said, I'm super excited to share with you some extremely sweet pictures of the Felted Nesting Bowls and the Felted Mushroom Catch-alls sent to us from Melanie of Bixi and Goxi.



Felted Nesting Bowls

 

Felted Nesting Bowls

 

Felted Mushroom Catch-all

 

Felted Mushroom Catch-all

 

Be sure to visit Melanie of Bixi and Goxi and to see how this creative mom of three little ones stays busy. Melanie's blog is in German but thanks to Google Translate we can inspire one another no matter what language we speak :)

 

 

 

kim.