Ciao Everybody!

Hi girls, it's such a long time that I don't write on my blog!

I have to say that I miss it a little, even if I'm still receiving many comments on my free patterns and that's making me so happy every time.

I'm sorry if I'm not replying to all of them, but this is the first time since more than a year that I enter my blogger account, and really the first time by then that I have something new to show you.

This is a ribbed cowl made from this Lionbrand Free Pattern, very easy and fun to make. A piece made to start again with knitting..

I've been doing other stuff during this period, first of all learning how to use the sewing machine. Sometimes I need to learn something new and to make different things, and that's why I've quit chocheting and knitting for a while.

Can you see? I've also cut all my hair..it's the first time I have them so short!:) Many changes this year!

Now I feel I'm ready again to have hooks and needles in my heands, so I can say that probably some new free patterns are coming out...within this year hopefully!

I'm still trying to do some sewing stuff, but I'm a beginner with the sewing machine as I've always handsewed in the past. We'll see.

How about you?

I hope you had a great 2010, and I wish you an even greater 2011.

As you can see this is more a letter to my blog readers, instead of an usual blog post. It came out naturally while writing, as I feel you're like real friends to me. That's because of all your nice comments left here for me and your support and appreciation.

Thanks dear readers, hope to write back soon,

Marta

Puff Stitches and Bow Beret

This pdf is really amazing!
Since now I've made three berets starting from that file, and each one is so lovely and easy to make..
As usual I've added my personal touch to the pattern, and most of all a tiny little bow on a side, which I love to put on my berets.
I love how it turned out..hope you'll like it as well!
I take the chance to thank all the people who leave sweet comments on my blog, that makes me want to keep on creating always new stuff to share!
Thank you so much with all my heart!

Earflaps Hat

Another hat made starting from the pdf I've talked about in this other post.
This is the no. 15, but as always I've made some changes to make it more personal. I've added a contrasting colour, earflaps and a flower on a side.
It was fun and quick to make, and I'm again in love with making hats thanks to this pdf!
Isn't it lovely?
The yarn is a mix of wool and cotton and it's so soft, and I like the colours as well.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I hope you enjoy my creations!

Spider Net Beret

I've found this pdf to download at Crochet Pattern Central website.
I'm in love with vintage style hats, and this pdf is really amazing.
It has thirty-six hat patterns to make, and the first I've tried is the no. 27.
I've made some modifications to have it more like a beret than a beanie, here there are if you want it like mine:
Follow the pattern till Rnd 6.
Rnd 7: Ch 14, *dc in next dc, ch 11*. Repeat from * around, sl st to third ch of ch 14.
Rnd 8: Ch 16, *dc in next dc, ch 13*. Repeat from * around, sl st to third ch of ch 16.
Rnd 9: Repeat Rnd 8.
Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 7.
Rnd 11: Repeat Rnd 6.
Rnd 12: Repeat Rnd 5.
Rnd 13: Ch 3, 5 dc in ch space, *dc in next dc, 5 dc in ch space*. Repeat from * around, sl st to join.
Rnd 14: sc in same st as joining,*skip 2 dc, 5dc in next dc, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc*. Repeat from * around, ending with a sl st in first sc of round.
I've added a flower on a side with a mother of pearl button in the centre..it gives a more stylish touch!
Here's a picture of the back:

That's it..hope you'll enjoy this pdf too!

Giant Granny Bag

Another last year's project made with a beautiful cotton yarn.
I love this bag, especially for the colours which are really bright. I've used this Groovy Crochet' s pattern, but if you know how to make granny squares you won't need any. This is super easy!
Great market and beach bag, I didn't lined it inside, but you can do it if you prefer.
Have fun!

Lion Brand Half Moon Shawl

I've made this shawl as a custom order to match the beret with antique rose applique in the picture below.
The pattern is the Lion Brand "Half Moon Shawl" that everyone has done, but I've added some fringe.
I've made one for me as well in the same color, and I'm really in love with it!
The beret is made from my free "Soft tam beret" pattern, to which I've added a simple crochet contrasting color border and a simple rounded applique.

I think the both are nice, and I love them together..well, I'm proud of my creations!
And I can't stop working with my hooks and needles!!

Crochet Garnstudio Tunic Dress

This Garnstudio tunic dress is wonderful!
I've made it last year and finally I've got the inspiration to take some pictures and show it..
I've used the "DROPS tunic with mussel pattern", an easy but quite long pattern, and a beautiful bright purple cotton yarn.

I'm very happy on how it came out and I sell it on my Etsy shop with a hight price because otherwise I'd love to keep it for myself! :)

I really suggest to try this pattern, it takes some time but the result is lovely!

Garnstudio Neck With Buttons

I've made this Neck some months ago, and I sell it on my Etsy.
Finally I've done a nice picture that I'm not ashamed to post on my blog, and I can show it with the link to the Garnstudio's free pattern!
I think that's pretty nice..
The pattern is easy and it's made with 8mm needles, which makes the work fast and confortable!
My Neck has came out a little more long than the original, but I like it because this way it's also a shoulder warmer.
Hope you'll enjoy it!

It's a Wrap Shawl!

I've always wanted to make a crocheted shawl for myself, and finally, after some weeks of hard work, i've done it!
I've followed the "It's a Wrap" pattern, just making less rows and fringe.
I adore it, it's so cozy and warm.
Here you can see the stitches pattern:

I can say it was very easy to make, but it takes some time, especially for the last rows which seems to have no end!
Anyway, a great easy pattern and a great shawl!
Have fun!

No-Knit but Knot Scarf

I love this scarf!
The pattern is the No-Knit Scarf from Martha Stewart, and it was so easy to make..with a great result i think!
I put on my Black and Silver flower brooch, which is made with the same yarn, and i think it gives a more stylish touch.
I recommend this pattern, quick and beautiful!
Here's another one in a chunky green yarn and white flower brooch pin.

Roses are blooming!

You have some nice yarn's scraps and you don't know what to do with it?
The answer is: Roses!
I use all the scraps from my bigger projects for these beautiful little ones, you can make them in different measures and different colors, and the result is always great.
I love to sew a brooch pin and have them on coats and jackets, put some nice small beads on them and sometimes sew a pendant.
I've used the Lionbrand pattern "Crocheted Rosettes/Flowers" for these..
Have fun!

New sweater in progress

I'm working on a new project.
I've bought this green mohair yarn and started drawing down sketches for a sweater. I'm in love with eyelets, and so I've decided that my sweater will have them!
This is my first attempt for a knitting project, so i'm working really slowly not to make mistakes, but i hope soon there will be a new free pattern on my blog..
Meanwhile i'm working on christmas's gifts for my four nephews, i'll list down some link of what i'm doing so maybe some of you will find inspiration for your baby's or nephew's gift! They are all from Lionbrand:

• Baby kimono
• Baby hooded poncho
• Little girl's playtime top

Another beret!

I've made another beret for my Etsy shop. It is the first time that i've used mohair yarn, and i've adored it even if it was a bit hard to work with it.
I've started with this pattern from Coats and Clarks, but then i had to change half of it to make my beret looks nicer..it was becoming too large!
If someone is trying the pattern and have problems with dimensions, just contact me and i'll send you my modifications.
I really love the colors, they are like autumn's leaves or like the sky at sunset, and mohair is so soft! I've used the same yarn for a crocheted fringed scarf that i'll post as soon as i make some nice pictures..it's so cloudy here these days.
Thanks everyone for looking inside this crafty world of mine!

Father-in-law's tie

I've just married an incredible man. We've been living together for almost four years now, and we share our ideas and interest with love. The day before our wedding was the birthday of his parents..yes, they're born on the same day! They are very sweet persons and, as last year i've made a beret for her, this year i'm trying to make a tie for him. The pattern is the "knit necktie" from Lionbrand.
I've started crocheting and knitting to make gifts for the people i love, and this has been a great inspiration to me. I've enjoyed it so much, that now it is one of my favorite occupation, and i'm always thinking about new stuff i could make, drawing down sketches of my ideas.
I also think that it is a good psychological exercise, it brings you in a quiet and relaxing state of mind, which is really hard to be in this frantic and chaotic society.
So, Happy Crafting!