"C" is for cookie.....

Despite my best efforts to get my to do list accomplished, my daughter had other plans.  While trying to finish up that cardigan (which at least is almost finished now), my little one informed me that she NEEDED a Cookie Monster hat!  It became clear to me that I would get nothing else accomplished until she had her new hat.

So off I went through my stash in search of some blue.  Would you believe that in ALL  the yarn I have, the many totes full to the brim, the cabinet with skeins falling out each time it opens, the yarn stash that may have more than I have time to use it in, I have hardly any blue?!  Seriously!?  The bulk of the "blue" is really a teal or bluish green.  I must remedy that situation.

I found some fuzzy soft blue which I teamed up with some darker blue pima cotton/acrylic and got to it!  She kept trying it on as I went (my very own quality control inspector), and as I was nearly falling asleep while "hookin'", I finished it up this morning.

I think he came out pretty cute, if I do say so myself!

She loved it!

 So I am back to work on the cardi, and thinking of adding some cute ladybug buttons......

Going to try to get some photos done for a tutorial or two in the next few days, and I will be adding a couple of free pattern/tutorials here for you.
Don't forget my pattern for Coastal Kaleidoscope is now available on Craftsy and Ravelry!
And my newest slouchy hat, the Rosalie Slouchy, will be coming soon:)
Happy crocheting!

WIP Wednesday....Thursday

I have been so busy as of late working on my new patterns, typing them up, making edits, taking photos, etc.,but it's time to get back to a few things that must get done.  I have a set of dolls that need finishing, a couple of packages that need to be mailed out, and I would really love to make something new for my daughter to wear for Easter.
It seems there is never enough time to get everything done that I want to.  I still have a few tutorials/patterns to share with you all this month, but for now I will give you a peek at what I am working on at the moment.  It's WIP Wednesday! Thursday!

 I set up a fun crafty trade with a fellow crafter/business owner online.  I have done this once before, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Such a fabulous way to share your talents, enjoy other's creations and network.  I will tell you more about that, and her awesome items when I finish this project.
But for now, here are a few quick peeks at the sweater I am making for her daughter:

I am also finishing up the pattern for the Rosalie Slouchy-Adult size.  I am loving the look of this hat, and I love that it's something that my daughter and I can wear together.  I do enjoy a good Mommy and Me accessory.

I am also anxiously awaiting some product photos for my next pattern release.  It's something fun and cute for Easter, and it will release within this next week.  Stay tuned!

Rosalie Slouchy

Inspired by my latest pattern, I couldn't help but make this adorable little slouchy hat for my daughter.  And of course she wanted to model it for me.  She has recently discovered her love of the camera:)

I have decided to release this pattern, for the Rosalie Slouchy(Toddler) and I will be adding an adult version soon as well.

It was just too cute to keep to myself! 

As a special treat for those who purchase my Coastal Kaleidoscope pattern on Ravelry, I have added a coupon code to the bottom of the pdf for $2 off their purchase of both of the Rosalie Slouchy's(toddler & adult)!  If you purchase on Craftsy or my website, please email or message me the code and I will invoice you with the discount.

 Love the way the hat looks from the back!

This pattern is out to testers, and should be released by early next week!  The adult version will be coming soon, but I have another fun Easter pattern up my sleeve first.

Pattern Release and a Winner!

The pattern is now live!  Listed on both Craftsy and Ravelry at the introductory price of $3, now through midnight(EST time)!  The Ravelry price will adjust at checkout.  After that, it will be $5.50.  I have also included a nice little coupon at the bottom for all who purchase this pattern!  I have a new pattern, inspired by this design, that is going out to testers today.  As soon as it lists (probably early next week) that coupon may be applied to that pattern purchase:)
I hope you all enjoy this pattern as much as I have!  I am having so much fun with all of the size and color options, that I can't seem to stop making them (heehee).  Please feel free to post your finished project pics on my facebook page and on Craftsy and Ravelry; I would love to see them!

And now for the winner of the free copy of Coastal Kaleidoscope!

Drum roll  please....
Diane Best!

Being that this giveaway stayed so small, I had my daughter draw a name from her Bunny Basket:)

Thank you to those who entered, and you can now get your very own copy while it's on sale!

Coastal Kaleidoscope Pattern Release and Giveaway!

Here it is, Coastal Kaleidoscope!  I have been working on the pattern for a time now, and finally have it perfected and ready to release!  I am soooo excited!

I love this pattern!  Ok, yes, I did design it.  But really, this is by far my favorite design so far.  With its groovy, swirly center, and leveled perimeter, it has a very unique look.  I love its texture, which makes it an excellent choice for not only a throw, but also an area rug (the one above will be my new crafts room rug!)

I worked very hard on this one, creating a step by step photo tutorial for most of the pattern, and then sent it out to my testers.  Through a happy accident (my favorite kind!heehee), the pattern expanded, and it now includes a 7, 8, and 12 sided option!

The talented Nikki, from LooHoo Creations, made this eight sided baby blanket, and I just love how it turned out!  The middle section reminds me of a snowflake.

Loving the little baby hands!!!!

This is a great stashbuster project!  You can use up all of those "random" pieces/colors and make a "kaleidoscope"of colors!  The best part is you can use any yarn weight and hook size!  You can even combine them.  You really can't go wrong and the possibilities are endless!

Of course, lots of colors, means lots of tails.....
(save them, and I will share a fun tip soon on how I use the too small to use tails!)

The back side comes out beautifully as well, which is important when working in the round and not side to side.

I am usually one who does not like to make the same thing over and over again (I get bored easily), but I could make these forever!  I already have a couple done and several more in progress.  I think my whole family will be getting them for Christmas this year.lol

Now that the pattern is ready, I will be releasing it tomorrow (3/4/13) for a low introductory price of $3!!!  After that, it will list at $5.50.

But for all of my facebook and blogger fans/friends, here is a chance to WIN a copy for free!!!!!!!

The rules are simple:

1)Become a follower of my blog (click on the "Join this site" button on the right side of the screen)

If you're already a follower, great!

2)Leave a comment at the bottom of this post telling me your favorite crochet stitch and why!

I will draw one winner tomorrow at noon (EST time), and then I will release the pattern for its introductory price of $3 till midnight(EST time)!
Good luck!  Happy crocheting!

National Crochet Day 2: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Well, it's day 2 of National Crochet Month, so here is post #2!  It's a special day too.  Not only is it Dr. Seuss's Birthday (Seuss' (?) hmm... anyway), but it was also my mother's birthday.  My mom was a very special woman, and she inspired me to create and do what I love.  I miss her dearly, and think of her all the time.  My business name "Cavendish" is a small tribute to her (kind of an inside joke relating to the Lone Ranger) and she really was a big reason behind me starting this venture.

“I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.” 
― Dr. Seuss

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 
― Dr. Seuss

Unfortunately I don't have any super cute Dr. Seuss related crochet items to share:(  I did make my daughter this cute little skirt last year with some fabulous Seuss fabric!

In addition to all the pattern writing/editing I have been doing recently, I have also been trying to finish up quite a few WIPS that have been laying around the house for quite some time.  Some of them have been waiting years (that's right, years!) for me to pick them back up.  Here are a couple of blankets that I have in the works for my daughter's room.  The first is actually the first blanket I "made"!  Though I suppose I can't really say that it is the first, considering I haven't even finished it.  Hmm... Anyhoo, it grew to be bigger than I planned, and now it will be closer to a twin bed size.  She is not yet in a twin bed, so I am still ahead of the game I figure.

When I found this beauty sitting in a bag in my craft corner, I thought it would be perfect for Easter!  Maybe I will actually finish it by then......maybe.  Oh, did I mention I started this while pregnant with my now 2 1/2 year old?  Yup, it's been a while.

I also started these African Flower hexagons a good while back (a year ago), and had every intention of turning them into another twin sized blanket for my daughter.  I created an edging for the top and started to make all of the colorful hexies in shades of purple, blue, and teal.  My attention span being that of a gnat, I set them aside to work on something else, and forgot to pick them back up again.  They will make a wonderful blanket, but it's going to take at least another 100 of them for it to happen.  I'm thinking that one will not be ready by Easter.  Perhaps I can shoot for her birthday in September... or Christmas?

“You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

What are you crocheting today?  Hope it's something fun!  If you get the chance, read some Seuss today!  I know we will;)

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” 

― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MAN WHO BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO ALL!

It's Crochet Month Baby!

March is a big month!  There is Dr. Seuss's Birthday on the 2nd, St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, the 20th marks the first official day of spring (yay!), and Easter falls on the last day of the month (the 31st).   But the best part of March.....  it's International Crochet Month!  Woohoo!!!

That's right!  They designated an entire month for crochet, and why not?  I think it deserves its own month.  Every month is crochet month to me, but a month devoted to it makes it extra special.  Don't you think? So in honor of that, I am going to try (note I say "try") to post something here crochet related EVERY day this month!  Let's see if I am up to the challenge.
I have been trying to post more frequently, but things always seem to arise.  Regardless, I want to make this happen, so I am giving it my all.

I have several crochet patterns/tutorials I will be posting this month:

 A bulky crocheted cowl......

A little hatchling baby chick.....

An elegant crocheted flower adornment (a smaller version of the one from my Aurora Slouchy Hat and used on my "Leilani's Lace" skirt/poncho pattern)...

Some simple crocheted hearts....

And a covered elastic hairbow!

I also plan on releasing several new patterns this month, including my "Coastal Kaleidoscope",

 "Coastal Slouchy" in toddler and adult sizes,

and a special item for Easter!
I also have a purse, scarf, skirt and top in the works, but we will see.

I would also love to showcase some of the other talented crocheters out there.  So if you crochet, and you would like to share some of your work, please email me some of your photos and a link to your business page (if you have one).

cavendishclassiccrafts@gmail.com