Monday, December 30, 2013

Christmas Crafting: THE MASTER POST

Holy Tinsel, Batman. 
My fingers ache from all the crafting I've done. And there are still a few to finish up. But here is the big overview of everything I made for my family and friends! 

**Note: this post is best enjoyed while wearing jammies and/or wrapped in squishy blankets with a warm cuppa somethin' in your non-dominant hand**



My twin loves school supplies. Her room is 90% notebooks and pens and 10% bed. I promise you that is not an exaggeration. So it was only appropriate that she receive a composition notebook lap blanket
(sorry there's no bedding. I was mid-clean when I thought it would be a good time to play photographer)

Then there was my sister's blanket, which I'm calling the "Indiana Winter Lap blanket". I used somewhere around 110 squares, but I had originally intended to use about twice that number. Unfortunately I ran out of time (I was sewing this bad boy on Christmas day, and by "I was sewing" I mean my mom got to use her new sewing machine). I absolutely hate sewing all the squares together. 
There are three squares types. Your typical granny square (four rounds), a v-stitch square (I modified it to suit my needs) and a ridge square (double crochet in back loops only). Slip stitch those little dudes together and you have yourself a blanket! I added a picot stitch edge (not pictured) and a yellow/white chevron fabric to the back. 

I will never again add a fabric backing to a crochet project. Nope, never. I read several tutorials and we tried our best (thanks, Ma) but I just don't have the sewing skillz. Which means the real reason I got a plaque for "excellence in apparel development" was because I was the only one who didn't make our teacher cry. 




This last blanket is my favorite. In fact, I'm knitting one for myself. Because my new year's craft resolution is to learn how to knit better and I'm a Whovian SO WHY NOT?! This blanket is for my sister and her boyfriend, both of whom are massive Whovians as well. 
  

 
I used this fabulous website to find the colors and I tried to follow their pattern so the rows would accurately reflect that of the infamous scarf, but It just didn't work out. It's still easily recognizable for the classic Whovians. I made it a bit too wide for my tastes, but they loved it. It's a nice little throw for their couch. I didn't follow a pattern, but it's just double crocheted until I ran out of yarn. 

And my final sibling needs something. My favorite (and only) brother drinks a lot of coffee, tea, and other hot beverages of choice. He also loves Star Wars like I love Harry Potter. It's only fitting that I outfit him with the most badass coffee mugs this side of the Empire. 
Boba Fett never looked better. I washed them after this was taken (just to see if the tutorial was right and that my sharpie would not wash off) so naturally the sharpie washed off. I redid them and they came out a lot cleaner the second time round. He was so happy with them!  I also picked out manly tea (including smoke-jumper ginger) to fill them. Sharpie-Mug tip: use a fine-point, oil-based Sharpie for clean lines. If the Sharpie is old, get a new one so you don't end up going over the same lines again and again. 
Muh big bro has requested a mini Boba Fett and I have agreed because I need a reason to make more tiny things. 

I also completed my first commission this season! I hate doing commissions so this will be the last one for quite a while. But hey, now my friend's friend has a rockin' mini-Ozzy Osbourne. 

He was made using the same pattern as The Maine Dolls I made over the summer. The glasses are made from painted and hole-punched Ziploc bag, a twist-tie I found in our drawer, and clear glue. The necklace and safety-eyes were found on Etsy.

And the final craft of the season, beanies. I made each of my best friends a beanie using this pattern. I used Caron Simply soft, and each hat took about half a skein (I am ALL about that two hats for the price of one deal). It actually fits my head, so it's a bit big (I have a large noggin, don't judge). They each got a book along with it (Hyperbole and a Half's new book for Paige and John Green's Looking for Alaska for Amanda).
                                                                                        

  I still have to find something for my niece seeing as hers was probably the worst thing I have ever created. I attempted to make one of those "outline your state in glitter and put it on a canvas" things that were all over Pinterest, but it just didn't work out. I should stick to yarn and coffee mugs. After that, however, it's all about what I wanna make! 

Imma ice my hands while you refill your mug. We'll meet back here after the new year and we'll march on into the wilderness! 

and by wilderness, I mean life. and by life, I mean the internet. 


 **to see how my crafting is getting on, follow me on Ravelry and to see what inspires me, follow me on tumblr!**

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Now Playing: 
 Sempiternal- Bring Me The Horizon
 Common Courtesy- A Day To Remember
 Your Favorite Weapon- Brand New