BearyAnn Crafts

I could not stand it any longer. I had started taking things out of my bedroom, dining room and sitting room where I had multiple projects underway and dropping them into my craft room. This is the result.

I was unable to step into the room any more.

Armed with a audio book through Audible, Debbie Macomber’s ‘One Word’ playing through my tablet and an external speaker, I got started.

I started by emptying the 3 containers of yarn and needles I purchased last week at a garage sale and estate sale.  For $20 I obtained 2 sets of size 50 knitting needles, 1 size 35 needle, a large wood afghan hook, 2 full sets of crochet hooks sizes D –K (one with the Hobby Lobby $13.99 price sticker) 18 skeins and yarn and several partials.  I threw away some partial projects and then put away a large stash of knitting needles and crochet hooks received from a friend clearing out her mother’s belongings. She felt I would appreciate them as much as her mother did; and she is correct.

Then I dove into the many boxes and bags of yarn and put them away by color. I pulled out the remaining completed projects and will now place them in one of the 2 local stores or in my soon-to-be-created online store. If not there, then to charity.

Three hours later, this is what my room looked like:

The yarn is neatly stored by color and not on the floor. Hooks and needles are on display in miscellaneous vases, prettier than flowers.

Now on to preparing some online listings and finishing up a couple of bears I have in progress.

If you have followed me for any length of time, you know of my love for teddy bears. Over the past 2 weeks I have created  5 more bears.

I have one pattern I knit that has been my favorite.  You can find a copy here (CLICK FOR PATTERN LINK).  I have made many bears from this pattern. I just completed one using Patons Shetland Chunky yarn. It is a bulky weight acrylic/wool blend. Typically the Purl side is the right side on this pattern, but the way the yarn worked up I used the Knit side as the right side for this particular bear.

Then I found an amigurumi bear by Sheep of Delight. An adorable little bear that worked up quickly. You can find the free pattern for this darling creature HERE. Be sure to surf her website for more patterns.

I found it fits nicely in a tophat I crocheted a while back  

This was followed up by a teddy bear from a pattern by Little Abbee Patterns. The pattern includes a sweater for him, but I had a sweater I made previously which fit perfectly.  You can find this pattern on the LITTLE ABBEE PATTERNS website.  She has some cute free and available for purchase patterns.

This guy tried on the top hat after polar-bearling got out of it.

Using a combination of Lion Brand’s Baby Soft yarn in pink with a strand of Baby Bee Peach Fuzz also in pink, this super soft bear came to life. I believe the Peach Fuzz yarn is discontinued. If you are fortunate enough to find any, try it. Add a strand of it to any pattern for a super soft project. I added it to a baby blanket crocheted as a large granny square that was baby soft and elegant.

This is the designers first teddy bear. You can find the pattern HERE. Mine doesn’t look quite like hers, I decided to make the eyes from black yarn so I could consider giving this to a little one if I wanted to.

Of the 5, this was my least favorite, but I believe it was my work, not the pattern, that I am unhappy with. I will try this pattern again with a different yarn.

My favorite though is Huggy Bear.  Made from a pattern I purchased at Shady Lane, this one has personality and huggability.  Be sure to look over her website for more patterns.  Now available for only 50 cents, this pattern will be free soon per her comments on the pattern. go to SHADYLANE DOT COM and click on Doll and Toy Patterns On Sale. (this may change in the future to free patterns)

I am off to put another bear on the hooks and/or needles. Not sure which one will be next. If you have any bear suggestions, please comment here with the pattern link.

2012 has bid farewell, and 2013 begins anew.

Last year was the first time I had worked on a WORD for the year. The word was “Unfinished”.  A lot of things went unfinished, including my posting.

I have not been diagnosed with A.D.D.  I know several who have been diagnosed and take medication for it. They look at me and question the possibility I may be a bit A.D.D.  I tell them “I am just a multitasker”.  Unfortunately my multitasking has led to more ‘unfinished’ projects.

That is what last year’s word has shown me. I lose focus and leave  too many tasks incomplete. Losing focus can come from physical pain, from crafting distractions, from life in general.

So, this year’s word is FOCUS. I can continue to multitask but I need to reach completion.

I work very well with deadlines.  I have been fortunate to begin pattern testing for some designers through facebook.  I watched myself set aside current projects to work on their assignment to completion. I learned a lot about myself looking at last year’s word.

So, my assignment for this week…….

Make lists:

• Goals for 2013
• Current unfinished items
• Planned projects

Then with list in hand, make deadlines and move forward. Become more focused on what I am doing and, if necessary, make an assignment of each project if that is what I will respond to.

I think 2013 will be a very interesting year.

Welcome 2013. Let’s get FOCUSED.

P.S.  Do you have a problem focusing or completing projects? How do you deal with it? What tricks it techniques have worked for you?  Comment here. We can focus together.

I was called in to my Michaels store last week to do a crochet demo. When I first saw the project I thought “Finish this project in an hour? No way! Who are they kidding?!”

Then I started the project.

With 1 skein of Lion Brand’s AMAZING yarn and a 15mm Q crochet hook (yes, I said Q, that is one BIG hook) I got started.

Working with 2 strands I held the end from the outside and from the center. Chained 38

SC in 2nd from hook and across, join to form a circle,

Working in rounds now you will not turn at the end of each round. Beginning chains do not count as stitches.

Round 1: ch 3, DC each stitch around, join with slip stitch in top of beginning Ch3

Round 2: ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch in 1st sc

Rounds 3-8: repeat rounds 1 and 2 three more times

Fasten off, weave in ends.

This cowl worked up very quickly. The time consuming part was getting used to the large size crochet hook. Once I had completed a couple of rows I was comfortable and the item completed quickly.

This would be a quick and inexpensive item for your project list.

I have not posted in awhile.  Unfortunately the weather has been kicking my butt and my focus has been wacky.

But… I have started a number of projects. I even finished a couple

I knitted a few more teddy bears. 

I found some beautiful yarn at Tuesday Morning.  When I finished with the same bear pattern it appeared to be more of mouse. So I added whiskers and a long tail.

I have been helping test some patterns for crochet designers. Finished up a few items there.

I haven’t touched either of the 2 sweaters I started earlier this year.  I am working on an Elvis Presley doll commissioned by a friend. I have the body finished, except the head. I need to embellish the white outfit with bling. The head scares me. It has to be right and capture his personality or the whole thing is a fail.   I am making hats for the younger generation in my extended family. Basically they are all getting beanie hats that I will modify to show off some character: Hello Kitty, Angrey Bird, etc.  I am getting ideas from the parents so I know what to make.

I found a pattern for Penguins of Madagascar.  I have the bodies finished. Now to put them together, add feet, fins and face.  I hope to add some wire to the fins so my granddaughter can post them.

I learned to knit the ruffle scarf with Sashay yarn from Red Heart.  Now I need to learn to crochet one.

So, as you can see, I have been busy.  I have been asked to make 6 dishcloths and 6 potholders, only got 1 of each done. And every day the internet shows me more and more fun projects I could make.

If I can resist temptation, I will get some projects completed.  In the meantime,

Happy Stitching,

I am trying to clear out some of my stash so I can get more stash.

One of the ideas on my Christmas giving list is to make hats for all my extended family younger generation. I am thinking of this Grumpy Bird hat, at least for those over 6. What do you think? Will they like it?

This is made from a pattern designed by Crochet Geek. It’s a free pattern if you’d like to download it. (click here)  BUT if you would like a chance to WIN IT……..  continue reading.

I am offering you a minimum of 8 chances to win. One entry allows you to post a favorite from my etsy store, and you can do that every day to increase your entries. You can also repin from my pinterest each day for more chances.

Are you ready?  

The contest will begin at 12:01am Thursday September 6, 2012 and run through to midnight September 12.

• No purchase necessary
• You are giving your information to me, BearyAnn Crafts
• Facebook is in no way associated with this giveaway
• Winner will be randomly chose via Rafflecopter
• Winner will notified via email, facebook announcement on BearyAnn Crafts and blog entry. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If I do not hear from the winner, that person will forfeit the prize and another winner will be chosen. This process will continue until I can place this hat on someone’s head.

Now, I think I better start this giveaway and get back to some serious Christmas crafting.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I posted my story about redoing my kitchen countertops yesterday when I realized I had not posted my knit or crochet items in some time.

I have had a very bad case of startitis. We had  family vacation and I completed a couple of unfinished items.

While on vacation I took a couple of incomplete bears and completed them.

I went to a Build-a-Bear Workshop and bought a dress for their “small fry’ line and tried it on the black bear.  It fit!!

My step-son’s mom is a fan of Snoopy. I found a pattern on Ravelry and worked it up for her.

I worked up a set of Minnie/Mickey Mouse hats with shoes for a newborn set of twins and their cousin.

I completed a crocheted sock monkey plush with matching hat for a newborn from a pattern by Red Heart. They set is available in my etsy online store.

I started working on some jewelry pieces, but they aren’t nice enough to show you yet.

I still have 2 sweaters on the needles, I must get them finished. I just remembered I started to knit a nativity set. I better pull that out.  I even started crocheting an Elvis Presley doll.  I Can’t wait to show all these off. But first, I must finish them!!

My kitchen counter tops look rather blah and definitely showing their age.  Slowly we have been reworking the kitchen with fresh paint, pergo flooring and a new white sink. Current plans estimate replacing the counter tops in a couple of years, but in the meantime, ‘blah’ is the look that will continue.

Unless…………

When hubby is away for a few days, that is the time I try new things around the house. This time, it was the kitchen counter.

I purchased a kit from my local Lowes store.  It was the Giani Granite Paint for Countertops.

First, I wiped and and thoroughly cleaned all the counter tops and removed any caulk around the sink and walls. After taping the area to prevent paint spatters I painted the counter surfaces with the base color in the kit.

After it dried I used the practice paper in the kit. There are 3 colors and sponges you use to sponge on the marble look. After practicing and feeling comfortable I started on the counters.

A little light sanding and 3 coats of sealant were applied. I watched and waited for it to dry.

This is my new kitchen. I used a clear caulk around the sink and wiped it all down. I sent a picture to my husband, he was out of town for a business meeting. He called when he looked at the picture. He said “I just keep looking and saying ‘wow’, that is so ‘wow’.  I took that as a compliment and fully understood, as I was standing in the kitchen doing the very same thing.

With the cost of the kit and few accessories I purchased, the whole thing was just under $100.  I stretched the job across 4 days, but it could easily have been done in a 24 – 36 hour period. It has now been 4 months since the job was finished. It is holding up beautifully. Easy to clean. Lovely to look at.  Now, waiting for new countertops is not a problem. 

I love the Giani Granite Paint for Countertops and would recommend it to anyone.

I have been down with lot of pain for the last several weeks so that has kept be away from the computer and therefore put me way behind in my weekly posts.

The good thing, however, is that my hooks and needles have been busy.

First, the cutest thing ever would be the horse I made for my great-niece. This is made from a free pattern . (click here for link to pattern)

I stuffed the legs with a heavy weight filler I found at a craft store. It’s like little bitty pebbles. I put some into a ziplock bag which I wrapped several times with strapping tape. This filled the leg of the horse and ensures it will not open, and that the horse will stand.

The hat is not in the pattern. Anna loves the color lello, and she has a lello hat I made her, so it just seemed appropriate to make a lello hat for the horse. Now, to find time to meet up with her and give her this gift. I sure hope she likes it.

While laying down I watched all 14 episodes of ‘Firefly’. I loved that show! I now understand the uproar at its cancellation. At the same time I was watching this, the book “Knits for Nerds” came out. In it is a sweater that resembles the brown dusters they wore the short-lived series. I started it in a size to fit my daughter, she asked for grey.

The stitch pattern on this is 12 rows at 223 stitches per row. So when I screwed up the pattern the first time, I just frogged and started over. The second time I tinked 7 rows of 223 stitches. (You do the math – that’s a lot of stitches tinked off)

After that, I inserted a life line at the end of each repeat (there are 12 repeats) so I can just frog to that point and reinsert the stitches on my needle and move forward.

What is a lifeline? With the stitches on the needles, insert a thinner thread through the loops al the way across the piece. You must be very careful not to knit this thread into the stitch when you begin the next row. This thread now saves the loops of the stitch so that if I must frog "(rip-it rip-it, rip-it) the loops are secured in the thread. No chance of dropping a stitch. Just run a needle through the loops along the thread line and begin to knit.

I joined “CrochetMe” on Facebook with their Easter crochet-along and made Sir Stephen the Bunny.

I purchased a booklet with cocoon patterns and made both of these.

I managed a couple of days with manageable pain during which I redid the counters in my kitchen.  Using a product called “Giani Granite” I transformed my old yellow countertop into a lovely marbletop look.

I am finalizing my notes to send in to the Craft Yarn Council to complete my certification as a crochet teacher (I am currently now certified as an Instructor).  I had to make a garment from my own or a commercial pattern. So I made this cute dress for size 18 months.  My bear was happy to model for me.

This is made from 100% cotton yarn “Cotton Tots”by Bernat.

So, I may not be very communicative, but I have been productive.

I am busy going through what I have in order to attend a craft show next weekend.  Any suggestions on what you look for when you attend a craft show? 

Take care of yourself and keep on stitching.

My knit/crochet attention deficit disorder and startitis joined forces and bit me in the tushie this week.

Several months ago I made these fingerless gloves as a teaching tool for the knitting cables class I teach at Michaels.

These are made to be bulky so they can be worn over a pair of gloves.

I made these from some Caron Simply Soft yarn I had in my stash. This is not the recommended yarn.  Though we had a mild winter this year, I did wear them often – with and without the gloves – and they are already showing wear.

So I decided to make another pair, this time with some Red Heart Super Saver yarn I had in stash.  I finished one glove then got startitis fever and set the project aside.

Browsing one day I found this beautiful victorian style neck warmer.

I went shopping and this yarn jumped into my basket.

Which very quickly became this:

So when we popped in disk 1 of the 55th anniversary blue ray enhanced “The Ten Commandments” I decided to work on the 2nd wristlet.

Unfortunately I forgot I made the 1st one smaller to fit tighter on my hand. Yep, you guessed it.

I am now making another set just like this one

How was your week?