Crochet Dinosaur Hat

I made this cute dinosaur hat based on a stegosaurus.  It has two rows of spikes and a small yarn dinosaur embellishment


The hat pattern is the same as the monkey hat pattern with ear flaps posted in September.  


You can find the pattern for the spikes on the Boy Trifecta Blog.

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I decided to try adding an embroidery using the same yarn.  
First, I found a simple clipart image and printed it out in the size I wanted.  
Then, I traced the image onto some stabilizer/interfacing.  I just used some that was laying around my house, but ideally, you should use some tear away fabric so that you don't have to cut it away with scissors.  I think it worked out rather well for my first attempt.

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I hope this inspires you to try adding a creative twist to your next project!

-Amber

Sweet little picture

This is my friend's daughter looking ever so sweet in a hat I made.  I couldn't resist posting this picture.  


Oh, and the Flower is the same I use on the monkey hat, but with an extra layer of petals and sewn on backward.

Sneak Peak

Here's a sneak peak at a new pattern I'm working on for e-readers.  

I love this fabric Kawaii from Hawaii by City Girl Natural.

My first run turned out pretty well, but definitely needs some adjustments and a few extra touches.

I love the wristlet handle!

The prototype is going to my niece to tote around her new Kindle Fire from Christmas.

Christmas

I got a new camera for Christmas so I've been having lots of fun taking pictures to get to know all the features.  It's a Canon Powershotsx230, just incase you were wondering.

Delores stomping across the paper.  Rawr!

Delores, my dinosaur,
looking fierce as ever!

My books looking not so tidy
using the miniature effect,
blurring the top and bottom.

A row of my bookshelf looking gorgeous thanks to the fish-eye effect. 

This is something I'm playing around with, piecing several fabrics into a block.
I used the Color Accent effect to keep the pink and make everything else black and white.

Thanks for the camera Mom!

Here's a peak at what I've been up to lately.  I'm very excited about a purse I made for myself.  It turned out beautifully.  I used some fabric I bought a while back, but had not decided what to do with it, plus a little scrap fabric I won in a recent giveway.  The purse is the 241 Tote pattern from Noodlehead. The one thing I changed was the clasp.  The pattern called for the clasp to be placed inside the tote which prevented me from reversing it and enjoying the inside pattern when I feel like a change.

Outside view of my purse.

Reverse view of my purse
with hand pieced pocket.

Embroidery closeup of teabag.

Cupcake clasp closeup.

Giveaway - Winner!

A big thanks to everyone that participated in the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway. I love the suggestions everyone provided! I wish I could make a scarf for everyone that left a comment, but I know that's not realistic.... So, now it's time to announce the winner!

Congratulations Amanda!

Giveaway Day!

- Gator Scarf Giveaway -

Leave a comment for your chance to win!

--  This is the scarf being given away  --

Sew, Mama, Sew! is hosting their annual giveaway day!  Visit their website Dec 12-16 to see all the bloggers that are giving away items this week for your chance to win.


I am giving away one of my crocheted gator scarves.  
For a chance to win, please leave a comment on this post.
Tell me what you'd like to see a crochet pattern for?  Perhaps a whimsical hat or cheery owl?  Be creative!


Please note, I will only ship within the US for this giveaway.  I will randomly pick a winner on December 16th at 5PM PST, so check back to see who won!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

click here for Free Gator Pattern
click here to see all my Tutorials

Bias Tape Tutorial

- Bias Tape Tutorial -

How to make and sew bias edging

When you want to add a nice finished edge to a fabric project, you can cut and sew strips of fabric called bias tape.  This is how I finished the fabric lining on my gator scarf tutorial. 

I like to  store my bias tape by wrapping it around  cardboard and pinning it in place.

This tutorial is designed to help you learn how make your own bias tape from the fabric of your choice and then apply it to the fabric edge.  You can also buy bias tape in a range of solid colors from your favorite fabric store if you want to skip the cutting and pressing step.  There is more than one method of applying bias edging, so feel free to experiment or ask how others bind their fabric's edges. 

     What you need to make bias strips:

          -   Fabric (see link at bottom to determine yardage needed)

          -   Cutting tool: Rotary Cutter is preferable - it is faster, easier, and more accurate than Scissors 

          -   Cutting surface/self healing cutting mat (if using rotary cutter)

          -   Straight-edge ruler: Clear Quilters Ruler is preferable - the grid helps you find the right angle and mark fabric for next cut 

          -   Iron and Ironing Board

          -   Bias Tape Maker (optional, but highly recommended - speeds up the project greatly) click here to find one

-Start with Step 1-

        

     What you need to attach bias tape to your project:

          -   Bias Tape (pre-made from store or make your own from materials above)

          -   Sewing Machine and Thread (Thread and needle will do if you want to hand sew your project.)

-Start with Step 5-