Craft 'em All!

It may not surprise you to learn that I was a big fan of Pokémon as a kid. My first game was Emerald Version, and I logged a rather impressive number of hours in Diamond Version as well. I loved collecting all the different monsters, and to this day, I keep an eye on Pokémon news just to see the new designs (even if I don't actually play the games anymore). So it's no wonder that when I spotted a Pikachu crochet pattern from 53 stitches, I had to make it. I had to. My childhood self demanded it. And 53 stitches made it easy to give in with a clear pattern and plenty of photos. The tail was a bit tricky to pull off, but I got it after a couple tries. The result was certainly worth a few false starts.

And yes, I also had to pose it in front of my old Gameboy! I have to say, that thing is made tough: 14 years of use and no more than a few dead pixels to show for it. The game cartridges still work like a charm too!

"All right, now use thunderbolt!"

It's In The Bag

Hello again! It's time for another entry in my quest to learn to sew properly.

A while ago, I made new pillow covers for my mom's living room. Around the same time, I also decided to try my hand at another simple sewn item: a project bag. A wise friend and fellow crafter once said that you can never have too many project bags, and I agree. So I decided to make her one!

I wanted something that would be easy to sew and big enough to carry a sweater-sized quantity of yarn, and after a bit of searching I came across this Market Purse tutorial from Fabricworm. Super cute! A quick dive into the fabric bins yielded some nicely patterned blue quilting cottons, and I was ready to start.

In all honesty, I forgot to take in-progress pictures on this one. But really, if you want that then go to the original tutorial: the pictures are plentiful and informative! I found it really easy to follow; I was even able to adjust the size a bit with no problems. Because I was using medium-weight cottons instead of canvas and batting, my project turned out a bit less structured than the original. But I think it's just as charming!

I'm not usually a huge fan of florals, but I like this understated pattern quite a lot. It's more interesting than a solid without looking like a bouquet!

The bag pattern also helpfully comes with a pocket! It's always nice to have a place to put odds and ends like buttons or stitch markers, so that you don't have to go rummaging around when you need them.

And as Mannie is so kind to demonstrate, it's quite spacious! It doesn't look too big because it's soft-sided, but there's a hefty skein of yarn in it in that picture, and you can't even see it. Not only that, but there was room for at least one, maybe two more skeins of a similar size!

Overall, I'd say this was a successful sewing endeavor. I gave it to my friend and she seemed to like it (I know you read these, so feel free to weigh in!), and it gave me the confidence to look for something a little more challenging next. I'll put the rest of my adventures here in due time, so stay tuned! After all, it is about time for me to begin Halloween planning, and sewing opens up a world of possibilities...

Until next time, stay crafty!

Pining for Pineapples

Around this time of year, I really miss summer. Besides the obvious warmth, I miss long sunny days, getting wet without shivering, and sweet summer fruits. Sure, nowadays we can get fruits shipped from warmer climates year-round, but they're just not quite as good as when they're in season.

Great, now I'm thinking about fruit salad and getting hungry.

So, it shouldn't be surprising that a certain pattern caught my eye while I was scrolling through Ravelry a few weeks ago. I took a long look and decided that I had to make it. Immediately.

I mean, just look at it! The little face! The floppy leaves! The pattern, by Stephanie from All About Ami, is super easy to follow, and works up quickly. Shell stitch is surprisingly reminiscent of a pineapple's spines, so if you're an intermediate crocheter you probably already know every technique to use!

I don't have much else to say. Why wouldn't you want to carry your keys in a cute-faced fruit? Go! Go make this thing now! Maybe it'll make spring come a little faster!

Draw Like No One's Watching

Whoops, I nearly forgot to make a post this week. Things have been a little busy, but it's all good! I was in an artsy sort of mood the other day, so I broke out my tablet and started doodling a ballet dancer. The doodle quickly evolved into a full-blown piece of art, made wallpaper-sized so that I could use it as my computer background. Here's the result:

Something about fog filtering through a silent forest scene is so ethereal and otherworldly to me. Maybe it's how shapes fade into indistinction so much more quickly than usual, and how easy it is for something to sneak up on you through the haze. It seems like you could wander through a foggy forest for hours and end up in another world completely. And maybe this ballerina would be your guide.