The Diva (Knits) and Crochets!

Starting the New Year with a New Blog!

2011-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

Please visit me at http://mama-beth.blogspot.com I want to start 2012 afresh.

Thanks to all my loyal followers, it tickles me that so many people are interested in my handicrafts.

I will be posting the Star Afghan/Starghan pattern for purchase as soon as I can get a Step By Step Photoshoot done. Thanks again for your patience.

Happy 2012!!

A Renewed Passion...the Crochet Diva Knits!!

2010-11-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

I was into knitting (especially machine knitting) 9 years ago and made a few items with my knitting, but it wasn't until I was introduced to the Woolie Ewe in Plano, TX by a friend that my knitting really went into FTL (Faster Than Light for you non-Stargate Universe fans out there). ;D

My first knitted project of the year was a Pumpkin Hat made for my Chiro's newborn son...little did I know that his wife loved all things pumpkin and when he gave her the hat she soo totally flipped!

Here is a picture of baby Asher dressed up as a pumpkin!

Here is the hat just finished!

I had made a second pumpkin hat, but do not have a picture of the recipient wearing it as of yet....

PS: Although the body of the hat is knitted in the round with 12" size 7 circular knitting needles with Lang Sari 100% Mercerized Cotton in Pumpkin & Lt. Green, I crocheted the stem and leaf...not that adventurous in my knitting as of yet! ;D

Long Time No Blog!

2009-03-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a year since I posted anything on my blog...with my new job (teacher) and keeping up with 4 kids and my hubby, down time is a precious commodity!

I have made a few more tops (and crocheted girls dresses) since last year, but I have decided not to post anything yet as I am thinking of submitting them to various crochet magazines in hopes of getting a nibble.

When that is going to really happen? I don't know, but this Spring Break has given me some time to breathe and reflect and to focus on what needs to be prioritized and what needs to be put in the back burner for now...no worries about the crocheting though, there will be always time for that! But at the rate things are going, it might not be until summer vacation before I post anything more here (also I cannot blog in school, but I think that might not be the case soon).

Thank you dear visitors for still visiting my blog and letting me know how my patterns have added some joy in your lives.

Always crocheting, with yarn or in my mind...

yarndiva

Violet Kimono Cardigan Revisited

2008-01-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I decided to sc the bottoms so that the edges would stay put, got rid of the black ribbon and put a black long-sleeved top on the bottom and viola! A whole new look! This one is definitely a keeper!

Burgundy Fan Lace Top

2008-01-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

Just finished weaving the ends last night and wore it to school today! Made with elann.com sonata (100% mercerized cotton) and I used about 4.5 skeins of it. Pattern stitch (plus my own modifications) was found in a Brazilian crochet magazine and crocheted free-hand. I just measured myself after making a test swatch and based the pattern from that after making calculations. Took me 3 days off and on to finish. It was a very gratifying item to make as it was so fast and the stitch pattern could be done without looking at the piece.

Thanks for dropping by!!

PS. It was supposed to be a skirt, but it was a very tight skirt! I scooted it up and was very pleased to find out that as a top it was a perfect fit!! As with most of my wearables, my flukes turn out to be my best ones!

Sera Lace Tunic

2008-01-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

From the Fall/07 issue of Interweave Crochet, I present the "Sera Lace Tunic" an adaptation of the "Sera Lace Top" by Doris Chan.

I used Classic Elite "Provence" in Natural (from eBay and Woolie Ewe in Plano, TX) and omitted the sleeves and made the top longer. With a black ribbon woven through the bottom 1/3 of the outfit and a black long-sleeved top and black pants to complete the outfit!

It took about 2 months off and on and I finally finished the ends last Wed. so I could wear it Thurs. As always, I received lots of compliments on it!

Enjoy!

Hot Baby Pink Skirt!!

2007-11-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

I really had fun making this skirt. Actually this is my "I can't study for my Teacher's Exam any more I'm going to crochet" skirt that I started in May and put the final touches (the last 5%) last month (October).

After seeing pyogazel's take on the VS knockoff skirt using the painted thread technique, I decided to make skirt in a similar fashion.

I used 3 strands of UKI size 5 mercerized cotton in Baby Pink, Med. Pink and Fuchsia in a simple pattern made up by yours truly with a ruffle bottom. The underskirt I use is actually a skirt that I purchased a few years ago and it blends perfectly with the crocheted skirt...just how kewl is that!!

Violet Ruffle Skirt

2007-11-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

Used 2 strands of #5 UKI mercerized cotton and the skirt pattern is a heavily modified version of a Brazilian Skirt pattern...I just finished this last night and wore it to school today with gnarly matching purple shoes both from eBay!!

Violet Kimono Cardigan

2007-11-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

I used 3 strands of size 20 mercerized cotton thread made by Monaco in the Philippines. It took me about 2-1/2 months off and on to make. The stitch is a variation of a pattern from Little Diana Russian Magazine so I guess I could claim it as mine (no copyright police please), or not, not that I really care either way.

So, back to my oh so fashy Kimono-Cardigan. It is a top-down pattern from the shoulders...I don't like raglans so shoulder-top down tops are my forte!!

I wore this to school today and got rave reviews!! The black is an awesome contrast to the violet and I might crochet the bottoms so the edges don't sag.

Waddya think???

Lots of Fabric and a Little Crochet

2007-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is such a quick and painless idea for an instant dress!!

Got the fabric at Wally World...it's the one with the stretch thread sewn on the top portion...instant body hugging appeal! And I don't have to sew a separate skirt on it!

I did add the crocheted tie on straps so Anne Marie can wear it to school.

The hardest part about the whole top is crocheting straight on the fabric, but it got easier after that!

Looking forward to making one for Laura Rose.

"The Groove is in the Heart" Granny Skirt!

2007-09-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Made this skirt years back, took me about a month off an on to make.

Used Sugar N Cream cotton yarn in a gazillion colors.

Might not make another one any time soon, but golly I do look groovy in it!!

PS, The vase of roses was given to me by my hubby "just because" and he delivered it to me at school!!I plan to give each of my lovely students a rose...I have 12 girls on my roster, so this is perfect!

Victoria's Secret Skirt w/ Side to Side Shrug!

2007-08-21T18:01:00.001-07:00

I wore this to our District Wide Staff Meeting today and people were soo amazed that "I made it" and wanted me to teach them to crochet after school!

It was great seeing all the other teachers in our District...there are over 4,000 teachers and 600 of them (including me) are New Teachers!! (either new to the district or brand spankin' new teacher like moi)

I'm glad today is coming to a quiet end, I can't wait to get more stuff done and prepare for the ever-important first day of school!!!

The colors really complement my "tan"...forgive my flip-flops, my feet wanted a break and I had to take a picture before changing :D

Now, should I wear a white underskirt next time? It would seem to blend better than the black.

Side-to-Side Shrug!

2007-08-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

I started making this as a cardigan and realized that it was too short so I gave it up and was in a tote under my bed until I was digging through last week...looked at the dimensions and compared it to my Pacific Blue Shrug and voila!

I loove making shrugs, it's easy, quick, simple and stylish! Reviving my current wardrobe is just a shrug away!!

From Interweave Crochet Spring 2007 Edition.

Again using Nicky Knits mercerized cotton yarn, DK weight...I love this cotton and color and hope to make one more thing before I run out!!

What is Old is New again....

2007-08-19T15:47:00.001-07:00

Well, being hired for your first job does have its ups and downs, one of the not so great things are the fact that my wardrobe is sorely lacking and it needs major updating.

Going through my small closet of clothes, this crocheted top came into view and then it hit me:
I can wear this over my long-sleeved office shirt as a vest of sorts!!

And so without further ado, here is my newly recreated wardrobe (or at least one outfit):

And the back view:

Yes, summer is fun, but school is definitely cool!!

My green Easter top was also "revived" (and revised) as a vest for this coming school year, I will try to get a picture of me wearing it soon!

Pacific Blue Weekend Shrug

2007-08-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

I had thought with all the new teacher training that I had to do for Garland ISD, crochet will take a backseat, but fortunately because of information overload I had to do something to bring my brain waves down to a comfortable level and here is the result:

Another shoulder down original design made by yours truly! I really love the no-sew technique and am currently making one in white...that's for another show and tell for next week after my last 5 day weekend before I start working full time.

And of course the back view:

Made with 2 strands of Bramwell Savannah Mercerized Cotton Thread (another eBay haul) and a size 5 Tulip Crochet Hook. The pattern stitch is from a Russian Crochet/Knit Magazine called Little Diana (look up eBay name taigayarns). The mag had a skinny person wearing a tunic...ah, um, yeah, right!.... but I loved the pattern stitch because it is sooo fast!

I asked the other teachers if this is an ok outfit to wear to teach and the unanimous answer was "Yes!" and "Will you teach me to crochet?"

I will be trendiest teacher in school!!

Classic Elite Provence Yellow Blouse

2007-07-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Someone from church gifted me 4 skeins of this lovely yarn...she was knitting a top and decided that I could do something with it...and she had specific instructions for me to make something for MYSELF and not for my girls.

The pattern is from Family Circle Easy Knitting Plus Crochet Spring/Summer '04, it's also in their wardrobe book.

I really just used the pattern stitch to my own measurements and I fudged the sleeves somehow and it was a perfect fit!

Fuchsia Bolero

2007-07-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

I used 3 strands of UKI Supreme Mercerized cotton size 5 thread in Fuchsia.

It's a shoulder down pattern, similar to the Short n Sweet Shrug Schematic. It's really easy to do and measure. I did not sew anything except the ends. Maybe I should do a step-by-step on how to do that because goodness knows how much I hate handsewing.

I still need to crochet 3 rows of sc around it, but it looks great as it is!

Here is the front close up :

The sleeves are tapered to fit, but when I made a black b0lero, I kinda like the bell-sleeved effect...makes me look thinner...LOL

Victoria Secret Knockoff Skirt

2007-07-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

I saw the Victoria's Secret Skirt CAL (crochet-along) on Crochetville's CAL's pages and I looved the different versions of the skirt and here is my take on it:

I used mercerized cotton yarn that I got from Hobby Lobby on the clearance section. It's Nicky Epstein's Nicky Knits Line.

I just loove it!

Lots of Catching Up to Do!

2007-07-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

I was in a crochet funk after Christmas (as would most crafters be after the holiday rush!) and so when I saw Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch:The Happy Hooker book at the library, I checked it out and immediately went on to make my first Fat-Bottom Bag. I loved to book soo much that I bought a hard-backed copy on Amazon for $12++ (incl shipiping ) and preceded to make more Fat-Bottom Bags! Here are most of the bags that I made and managed to take pictures of. There's a denim one that my cousin received that I was not able to take a pic of and it was a really nice one...now I gotta make another one to make up for it...LOL http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamabeth/ is the link for the bags.

Me & My Awesome Skirt!

2006-12-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

I need to make this in lots of colors!

My Snowflakes for the Ornament Exchange

2006-12-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

Holiday Exchange Goodies

2006-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

More Ornaments from the Ornament Exchange

2006-12-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

Crochetville Ornament Exchange Package #2

2006-11-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

I just got a woonderful super kewl box from KateCrochets!! It said "Fragile, Handle with Care" and I was like, "why?"

Lo and behold, her package was a pretty gold box with a flip top lid with not one but FOUR ornaments (and candy)! She said in her beautiful Christmas Card that she could not find snowflake patterns in her stash so she hoped that I wouldn't mind putting these on my tree instead.

Oh, I like I wouldn't mind having these beautiful crocheted covered glass ornaments plus the angel!!!

I did say four but one broke (boohoo) but never fear! I will get another glass ornament and just slip the cover over it.

Now you've done it Kathy! You have changed my obsession from snowflakes to covered glass balls! I can't believe it! I still need to stiffen my flakes and here I am wanting to crochet ball ornament covers!

From a greatful and happy exchangee,
theyarndiva

"Poncho-Bilities!"

2006-11-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

I had just finished making the Olivia Gourmet Crocheted Skirt Knockoff when somehow I went into my closet and by chance glanced at two ponchos I made a couple of years ago. I had only worn them once or twice and into the closet they went after I felt that ponchos went out of style as quickly as they were in.

Since the poncho was a simple lace pattern consisting of chains and single crochets, inspiration hit me as I realized I can revitalize the poncho as a skirt with a little "creative frogging" and a little more crocheting. Here is a close up of the poncho before "creative frogging" .

Here is the other poncho that I already "converted" into a skirt. I carefully frogged the neck and somehow figured out how to crochet the foundation ch's into the pattern stitches. I then single crocheted elastic around the foundation stitches. I did run out of the yarn while I was crocheting the elastic. I went to one of my bags of cotton thread and found at least 4 yards of the cotton yarn that I put away "for a rainy day". Boy that sure saved me a loot of frustration!!

Here is a convoluted close-up of the "converted" skirt.
Wow! I never imagined I would triple my crocheted wearables in one day!
Thank You Lord!!

Annie's Attic Crocheted Skirt Konckoff (Sorta)

2006-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I visited my neighbor (she crochets and sews) and she showed me the current Annie's Attic Catalog's crocheted skirt patterns. I was amazed at the simple yet elegant and stylish look and immediately wanted to make my own.

Financially, I cannot buy any more clothes but I have a decent sized cotton yarn stash (got rid of most of my acrylics and stuff) and I remembered I had 2 full cones of Crystal Palace Monterey yarn in lilac (discontinued brand) that was worsted mercerized cable cotton yarn. And I also had a knitting machine (purchased when I was till working) that I had not touched in almost 2 years and so inspiration came upon me full force.

I visited my friend Thursday night and started gathering materials to knit Friday morning. It took me the whole day (off and on while taking care of my 4 kiddoes-the knitting machine was in our office so I was able to lock it to keep the kids from playing with it) to knit both sides. I sewed the sides together on Saturday and started crocheting the bottom Sat. late afternoon and finished at about 12:30 am Sunday. I was thinking of knitting a shell-type pattern on the machine but I was crunched for time and I decided to KISS it off (Keep It Simple, Sister).

Since I sing with our church's Praise & Worship team, I wanted to wear something that I haven't worn before since most of my stuff is kinda worn out and I was crocheting like mad so I can finish the skirt in 2 days.

Well, here is my masterpiece:

Woke up this morning to my husband reacting badly to something he ate last night and since 2 of my 4 kids have been sniffling, lightly feverish, or coughing at any given time, I had to stay home to tend to my sick babies. So no church, no chance to show off my skirt and no Thanksgiving lunch after service at the church gym.

Nuts.

Laura's 4th Birthday Princess Dress!

2006-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

She looked perfectly pretty in her Birthday/Costume!

I made a bodice using Baroque in pink that was doubled, but unfortunately I didn't bring it when I went fabric shopping so of course the fabric I bought (tulle + matching lining) didn't match the Baroque one.

Good thing I had like 15 pre-made bodices (made over 2 years ago) on standby. When I saw the cream one in speckled pink, purple, yellow and aqua, (I actually had 2 diff. versions, one with the tie sides and one without, just a sleeveless one) it was soo perfect with the skirt and I didn't have to worry about making another one from scratch as her party was only 4 days away.

Laura was the Belle of her Birthday and I apologize for the camera-phone quality as our real camera died early this year (maybe I should put a new digicam on my wish list LOL), but she really looks like the beautiful princess she is!

The theme for her birthday was Hello Kitty, but none of her gifts were of the said kitty because apparantly she's kinda hard to find outside of Target. Heeheehee.

Alas, her pretty dress is now a ripped wreck. She also wore her "Princess Costume" to 2 Harvest Festivals sponsored by different churches and well, let's just say she really looked pretty in it while it lasted.

I don't know if I am going to repair it right away. Right now the thought of even fixing her dress is depressing. But one day it will get done.

Happy Crocheting Y'all!

Flowers Galore Stole

2006-06-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this stole for the stole swap.

It was kinda late in getting to my swap partner, terrijo. I sprained my hands from crocheting/taking care of the house and hearts/life and I was unable to do much with my hands for days at a time.

I hope you like your stole, Terri!

I used Lion Brand's Microspun in Periwinkle (I think) and a size 7 Tulip Japanese Crochet Hook.

The floral design I used can be found in the first issue of BHG's simply Creative Crochet. It was used to make a skirt.

Here's the close-up of the pattern stitch.

Sugirox's Top Stitch Pattern

2006-05-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

I looved this picture of the top she made here.

And finally I got around to making and figuring out the pattern stitch (after a few frogs)

And here it is in denim, but I have not written down the pattern yet.

I will recreate it in purple sometime this week, with pen and notebook in hand.

I can't wait to wear the finished product sometime this summer!!

tHe wOrN-oUt dIVa

2006-04-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

I am sooo tired of crocheting and sewing that my right hand and arm can hardly do much other than type right now :D

This Easter shell was made in 48 hours.

My son lost the hook I was using to make a cardigan for Easter so I was forced to take drastic measures.

This is me modeling my creation and my sister-in-law with her new baby boy. I love his smile!

I searched high and low for the perfect cami/tank to wear under and I found it at the last minute, of course!

P.S. This is just the beginning for this top. I plan to add 3/4 sleeves to it and make it an open lacy summer sweater. I just needed to wear it for Easter.

tHe iNsaNe dIVa!

2006-04-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, I promised myself two months to make 2 dresses for my girls and a cardigan for me, but as usual, 3 days before the day I find myself rushing and having to do overtime to get our Easter outfits done by Sunday morning.

Here is one of the two Easter dresses for the girls. My eldest is modeling hers while wrapping up an indoor Easter egg hunt at Grandma's house

Here is another pose from my sweetie.
She sure looks lovely in her new dress!

I used a pretty Floral patterned cloth from Wal-Mart for the bottom and I used drapery sheers for the top layer. I've used tulle on other dresses that I have made before and they have a bad tendency to rip and tear. I figured the sheers can take the rough and tumble that little girls do and I was right!

The Ditzy Diva Redeems Herself

2006-03-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some before and after pics of the bodice:

I'm soo glad it's clean and bright white again!

Now on to a groovy tasseled top for yours truly!

The Ditzy Diva

2006-03-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a bodice for my girls' Easter dresses using this unusual stitch pattern I got from an old japanese crochet book.

I am almost done with the first one, I just need to put an edging on the armhole (it's going to be sleeveless, with this Texas weather and all). It's turning out beautifully and if I have enough time I want to make a matching cardigan or top for me and maybe a matching skirt with the girls' dresses.

And then IT happens. We went to a park today for a play group with some friends and I brought along some popsicles for the kiddos. BIG MISTAKE

I stupidly had my bag of projects in one hand and decided to pick up the opened popsicles with the SAME HAND. Of course you know the rest. I'm just thankful that the yarn is cotton and WHITE so I can clean it out with bleach and Oxy Clean (yeah, I know you're not supposed to but it really makes the stains go away)

Still need to finish edging the bodice so I can clean it. It's been almost a week and I've barely touched my project.

Must crochet more.

Need to surf less.

Need to crochet more!

2006-03-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, I've been surfing and reading more than I am crocheting.

I have like 20 WIP's and am planning to make Easter dresses for the girls and Easter vests for the boys.

I wonder when I will have time to make stuff for me.

I really got to stop surfing and start crocheting LOL!