Moogly CAL 2016 – The End

23 Friday Dec 2016

Tags

CAL, Crochet, Crochet Along, Crochet Blankets, Moogly CAL 2016

The Moogly CAL 2016 officially came to an end on the 24th of November when the final block was released. All that was left to do was to begin the joining process and add a border.

Mine is all done now and I’m so pleased with the way its turned out! I can’t believe I stuck to it and finished it before the year is up 🙂

I’ve used my favorite joining technique – The Flat Braid Join (considering that I’ve never tried any other method and only ever used this once before in my African Flower Square Baby Blanket, I’m really not sure how its a favorite. I mean, you decide on a favorite once you’ve tried a couple of things and then you choose one, isn’t it? Which I haven’t.) Maybe I just wanted to use something I was familiar with and get the whole thing completed as quickly as possible so I can move on.

For the border, I used the Treble Scallop Edging that I had listed in my post on Borders and Edgings that you can read here. I loved it! Dare I say, its a favorite 🙂 !

So now that one big project has been wrapped up, I can now focus on my Sophie and a bunch of other little things I’ve been really hoping to make.

My 11 year old has been getting a little creative as well with some random doodling and she made these –

I think the first one looks like a little gift paper and when I told her I’ll probably use it to gift-wrap something small, I was subjected to the death stare and some angry rants akin to “it will just be torn off and trashed! Is that REALLY what you want with my drawings???” . Made sense, I guess.

Next time I shall just keep my ideas to myself, ooh and aah over it and quietly sneak it off when its completely forgotten about. Nah! Easier said than done. I’m not sure if I’m evil enough to do that. Will see what I’m capable of if ever a desperate need arises 😀

So for now, it looks like its just going to be piled up and treasured with all the other things she’s drawn up in the past.

So that’s all for now, dear readers.

I wish you all the Most Merriest X’mas and Fun-filled Holidays!!

Learn A Stitch : Star Stitch

27 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crochet Stitch Library

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Crochet, Crochet Stitches, Learn a Stitch, Star Stitch

I had started a crochet stitch library on my blog last Sunday, where I would file all the new stitches that I learned, the link for the stitch pattern and what I made using that stitch.

So today I’ve got the Star Stitch to rave about.

The written instructions were a bit confusing for me. So after a couple of failed attempts, I then learned it by watching Michael Sellick’s video tutorial on You Tube. He really does great tutorials!

The video link is : Star Stitch

Link for the Written instruction can be found here : Star Stitch

I’d initially thought I’d make a dishcloth using this stitch since it would be quicker to complete. But once I commenced, I found I didn’t want to stop and eventually ended up making a neck-warmer 🙂

Here it is!

A lovely stitch once you figure out where all the loops on the hook has to come from.

DIY : Recycling Old Tin Lids

21 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crafts, Crochet

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Crafts, Crochet, Crochet Photo Frames, DIY, recycling, Recycling Tin Lids

Apart from learning new crochet stitches, I have been recycling some lids that I’d saved from my son’s formula milk tins and I am so loving what I’ve begun to do with them. Always felt these lids would come in handy some day and that day is here :).

I’ve been working on turning them into photo frames most of last week and I’ve completed 2.

Look!

I had gotten myself a power punch that could punch holes in thin metals (Neiko Hand Held Power Punch). So I used that to make holes 1.5 cm apart all around the lid.

Took glossy prints of photos that I’d like displayed, cut them out round and stuck them on the base.

Then I just crocheted around the holes on the lid, added embellishments, et voila – I’ve got myself some lovely photo frames to adorn my walls!

The pink one was the first one and it was sort of a trial and error attempt. Hence, the uneven spacing of the holes. The orange one was done with a little more proper measuring and planning and so, looks a bit more neater.

I’ve got 6 more to make and plan to turn one into a fridge magnet.

Once I’m done with all, will put up another click.

What do you think?

Learn a Stitch : Rickracks Stitch

20 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crochet Stitch Library

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Crochet, Crochet Stitches, Learn a Stitch, Rickracks Stitch

I need to learn new stitches in crochet. There are just too many and I don’t know if one could learn them all!! But I’m gonna try out as many new ones as I possibly can.

So with that in mind, I’ve decided to set up a stitch library on my blog. Every Sunday (hopefully), I will be adding on new stitch patterns that I come across, the link to that particular pattern as well as a sample that I’ve made using the featured stitch.

I think its a nice way to learn to create something yourself using these techniques. And trying them out could give an idea of what those particular stitches would be ideal for.

So for today, I’ve got the “Rickracks Stitch” that I’ve practiced doing and have made a sample square that I’ll use as a dishcloth 🙂 . I think I’ll probably end up with hundreds of them if I really get on with it.

Link for this stitch is : Rickracks Stitch

And here’s the dishcloth I made using this stitch.

Interesting hmm?

Liebster Blog Award! A Lovely Surprise..

25 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

About Me, Crafting, Crochet, Liebster Award

Hello again all of you amazing people!

Yesterday was my first day back at work from my holiday and there I was sitting at my desk feeling a little homesick and generally sorry for myself, when lovely Tanya from Yarnya lifted my gloomy spirits and made my day by nominating me for a Liebster Award. Was I thrilled to bits! Thank you, Tanya!

The Liebster Award is one that is given to new bloggers by other bloggers welcoming them to the blogging world 🙂 It gives us all an opportunity to get to know each other too and I am excited to be a part of this modern chain mail.

Here’s How It Works :

Make a post thanking and linking the person who nominated you. Include the Liebster Award sticker in the post too.
Nominate 5 -10 other bloggers who you feel are worthy of this award. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on one of their posts. You can also nominate the person who nominated you.
Ensure all of these bloggers have fewer than 200 followers.
Answer the eleven questions asked to you by the person who nominated you, and make eleven questions of your own for your nominees or you may use the same questions.
Lastly, COPY these rules in your post.

Here’s who I Nominate :

Here are the questions given to me to answer :

What’s the origin of your blog name? – Shells and Bobbles are my favorite stitches in crochet! Being in love with this craft, I thought it ideal that my blog be named after it. Besides, a few other names that came to mind were already taken 🙂
What’s your craft of choice? – Crochet, for sure!
If you could have any craft item in the world (yarn, storage, accessory, etc) what would it be? – Lots and lots of yarn!
What are your favourite colours to work with? – All the lovely colors of the rainbow.
What is your favourite way to relax other than crafting? – Curling up on my couch with a nice hot cup of coffee and a good book.
If you had a superpower, which one would it be? – A Photographic Memory 😀 If only..
What is the favourite project you have completed? – My over-sized Lacy Shawl. The largest project I’ve ever done!
Where would your ideal holiday be? – Norway. I sooo want to experience the Norwegian Fjords.
What TV show would you recommend as a must watch? – I liked Secrets and Lies. There are more, but I’ll just name the one.
What was your worst crafting disaster? – Fortunately, I don’t have one yet.. I seem to start on projects that I feel I’m sure I can accomplish. Not much of a risk-taker, me. Coz I just detest the unraveling part of it and the despair that follows 🙂
Do you have pets? If so, please post a photo! If not, what pet would you like to have if time, money, allergies didn’t come into play? – I don’t have one. But would love to own a Maltese some day.

Eleven Questions for my nominees to answer :

Who or what is your crafting inspiration.
What is your favorite way to relax apart from crafting.
Where would you go on your dream holiday?
What is your favorite accessory?
What is your favorite crafting project?
What was your worst crafting disaster?
If you had a super power, which one would it be?
Name one item that you cherish the most.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
What is your favorite quote?
Do you have pets? If so, please post a photo! If not, what pet would you like to have if time, money, allergies didn’t come into play?

Compilation of My Favorite Baby Blanket Patterns – Part 1

23 Saturday May 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crochet

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Baby Blankets, Crochet

Baby Blanket Compilation

These are my favorite Baby Blanket Crochet Patterns that I have compiled and hope to be able to complete some day!

1 – The Cuddly Zebra Blanket

Cuddly Zebra Blanket 2

http://cre8tioncrochet.com/2012/12/zebra-newborn-blanket/

2 – Basket Weave Baby Blanket

http://www.craftpassion.com/2010/11/crochet-basket-weave-afghan-baby-blanket-pattern-tutorial.html/2

3 – Modern Grace Baby Blanket

Modern Grace Baby Blanket 1 http://moderngracedesign.blogspot.com/2012/09/baby-blanket-free-pattern.html

4 – Sea Blue Baby Afghan

http://lionbrand.com

5 – Leaping Stripes & Blocks Baby Blanket

http://www.mooglyblog.com/leapingstripes-blocks-blanket-crochet/

6 – Lacy Round Baby Blanket

lacy-round-baby-blanket

http://crochetncrafts.com/lacy-round-baby-blanket/

7 – Striped Lace V Stitch Baby Blanket

http://crochet.about.com/od/babypatterns/p/Striped_Baby_Blanket.htm

8 – Granny Square Baby Blanket

http://daisycottagedesigns.net/free-crochet-pattern/free-crochet-patterns-granny-square-baby-blanket/

Out of the 8, I am happy to say that I have completed Number 5 & 8 (with different colors, of course). They were easy enough for a beginner.

Number 7 is still a Work-in-Progress and has been for a long time now. I don’t really know if I will ever finish that although its a really pretty piece 🙂

Keen on starting Number 6 by the way, because I have the exact same brand of yarn for it, in variegated colors as well as solids and can’t wait to put it to use! Thinking about alternating the colors between rounds. Will put them up once completed.

The rest, I shall attempt if I ever complete 6 and the never-ending 7.

Now, if only there were a baby or 2 around that I know of so I could gift the completed ones to!

Summer Hats 1 – Shell Stitch Sun Hat

12 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crochet

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Crochet, hats, shell stitch

Shell Stitch Sun Hat

Summer is already here and what better way to beat the heat than with crocheted hats?

I made this hat featured above based on a pattern by Lauren from Daisy Cottage Designs. The link to her pattern is :

http://daisycottagedesigns.net/crochet/shell-stitch-sun-hat-free-crochet-pattern/

Although the pattern says it fits children 4-8 yrs old, mine fits my niece Zoe, who is 15 months old, very nicely. It could be because the yarn I used was a mercerized cotton yarn (only ones available at hand) and I used 2 strands of it in order to adjust with the hook size. Hence, I have my doubts about my hat fitting anyone older than 2 yrs :D.

Anyways, I feel the hat turned out well. I love the color and my niece looked absolutely adorable in it! I must get a picture of her wearing it and post that too.

Coming back to the yarn, I really need to get out there and look around for some nice, proper worsted cotton yarns to make more of these. But being where I am, the cottony ones seem quite hard to find and way too expensive . Acrylics-a-plenty though.

Good luck to me!

I’m Blogging! Yay!

11 Monday May 2015

Posted by Bessie V in Crochet

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Bobbles, Crochet, Shells

Hello Everyone!

My first blog and I’m sooo excited about it.

I truly hope (fingers crossed) I can keep it up and running 🙂

I got into crocheting 3 years ago and what started out as a light hobby has got me totally hooked and bewitched.

Its amazing!

I spend hours surfing the net and marveling at all the creations and especially the creativity behind those creations, hoping I could someday be as good!

Although a novice, I have learned heaps from experts. For those who would like to learn to crochet, I will include links to other expert crocheters who have videos and written instructions of their own patterns.

It really is a very fulfilling hobby and I hope you all enjoy it!