See My Design in "Crochet! Winter Warmers"

Scarf and shawl season is almost upon us, and I couldn't be happier! If you're a crochet addict like me, and you're looking for some cool-weather accessories, wearables, and home decor items to make, look for "Winter Warmers" on your newsstand (it's a special publication from Crochet! magazine). I'm thrilled to tell you that my Ridge Rock Shawl is one of the featured designs. These photos give you a sneak peak.

I really can't wait for the weather to get just a little bit cooler so I can wear it. In the meantime, I'll keep busy crocheting. This issue has certainly given me a lot of inspiration!

My Halloween Designs in "Just CrossStitch" Magazine

As you can see, I'm going to be having a very-cross-stitched Halloween at my house this year. I was lucky enough to have four of my designs featured in the special Halloween issue of Just CrossStitch magazine, which is on newsstands now. Here's a peak at my projects: first up is the Halloween Welcome Banner, pictured above.

I've got to admit, this Monster Movie television is one of the favorite things I've ever made. Maybe because I love watching campy 1950s sci-fi movies at Halloween or any time of year.

As you can see from the Nevermore cross-stitched picture above, I'm also a big Edgar Allan Poe fan.

Last but not least is this creepy Spiderweb ornament, which is embellished with a shiny spider charm and silky fringe. (The satin floss from DMC can be a little tricky to work with, but I think it's totally worth the effort.)

If you'd like to stitch one of these designs--or any of the other 49 projects featured in the magazine--look for this cover on your newsstand. And if you want to finish in time for Halloween, you better start stitching soon.

Happy stitching!

Crocheted Bookworms

I have to admit, I love my Kindle. But sometimes I like to read a real book with paper pages, and for that I need a bookmark--preferably one that's handmade.

My grandmother made crocheted "bookworms" like these back in the 1970s. I relied on my memory to re-create her design to make these cute little guys. I'm not sure if my grandmother used pompoms on her bookworms, but I couldn't resist!

This project perfect for using up scraps from your yarn stash. (As you can see, I'm down to my last yards of magenta.) The instructions are simple, and each bookworm takes just minutes to make. I used worst-weight yarn and a size G hook, but you can experiment with whatever supplies you have on hand. Here's the pattern:

Chain 60, place a marker, and then chain 43 more stitches. Make 3 double crochets in the third chain from the hook and in each stitch across, until you reach the marker. Remove the marker, 1 half-double crochet in the chain stitch that was marked, make 1 single crochet in the next chain, slip-stitch in the next chain, and fasten off.

When you adjust the double crochets so they spiral, your bookworm should look like the one in the photo above.

Make a pompom for each bookworm and tie it to the tail, then weave in any loose strands of yarn. See how easy that was? And kind of addicting, right? If you get carried away and make more bookmarks than you need, you can use them as gifts for your favorite human bookworms.

Seashell Hoop Picture

I haven't been to the beach yet this summer, but I do have lots of shells around the house to put me in a seaside state of mind. I also like to create beach-inspired needlework designs, like this scallop shell hoop art. The materials and skills required for this project are minimal. You'll need tan felt, embroidery floss, background fabric, a bit of fiberfill, and an embroidery hoop, of course. If you can hand-sew and use scissors, you can follow these easy instructions. (Click here if you'd like to download a printable instruction sheet.)

First, print out the scallop shell pattern to the size you like. Next, cut the seashell shape from felt (I used WoolFelt from National Nonwovens in champagne). 

Trace the pattern and the inner lines onto a piece of white tissue paper and pin it over the felt shell. Using two strands of embroidery floss and split stitch, follow the lines on the pattern, stitching through the tissue paper and felt. I used DMC six-strand embroidery floss in light tan (437) and very light desert sand (3774), but you can use any colors that complement your felt. 

When the embroidery is complete, gently gear away the tissue paper to reveal your stitching. You may have to use tweezers or a needle to coax every bit of paper out of the stitches. 

Now it's applique time! Place your background fabric in the embroidery hoop and secure it firmly. Position the embroidered shell in the center and sew it in place, using small applique stitches and stuffing the shell lightly with fiberfill as you go.

Trim the fabric and finish the back of the hoop as desired, and your seashell hoop art is ready for hanging.