Crocheted Tops

After crocheting granny squares blankets, I wanted to incorporate the same design into a top. Using 4 colors of yarn (yellow-cream, light blue, dark blue, white), I crocheted a floral burst center in each of 6 squares. I connected the squares together and crocheted white along the edges to complete the shape of the top. I added 4 long straps along the top and bottom edges to be able to adjust the top to fit snugly. Here's how I crocheted this Granny Squares Halter Top:

This top would go well with a dark bandeau, and shorts or a long skirt, to be worn to a summer festival.

Using some leftover maroon yarn I had, I practiced crocheting lace and fitting a top to fit my body. I plan to crochet a dress in the future, so this top makes a great start to that form. For this top, I crocheted each piece of the bar, with an extra few rows along the bottom to connect the pieces. I also added a few rows of lace along the bottom edge and rim of the bra, and crocheted lace straps to match.

It was fun trying out these seasonal pieces this summer. I'm excited to begin knitting a dress, and to see what other projects I come up with.

<3 Mandy

Capri Sun Backpack

Inspired by the Capri Sun wallets I made a few years ago, I decided to take on a bigger project to use up more of my Capri Sun pouches (though I don't regularly drink them -- they've actually taken a while to collect because I have to casually ask other people for their garbage when I see them drinking a pouch).

This project used 15 pouches and is completely sewn by hand. It took about 2 weeks to make (30 hours?).

 

I sewed 6 pouches together (3x2) for the front and back. I cut and sewed 2 pouches together for a front pocket, using excess from the front and back pieces to make triangles to expand the pocket. I cut 3 pouches in half lengthwise and sewed them together (1x3) with a 14" green zipper for the top. I sewed 4 pouches together (1x4) for the bottom of the pouch.

I wanted to line the backpack with some kind of sturdy fabric -- originally, I thought of using old canvas bags. My roommate had an old Jansport backpack she didn't want anymore because the large zipper was broken, so I cut it up to use for my backpack. I kept the smaller front pouches intact because the pouch was the same size as my backpack; I decided to sew this piece to the inside front of my backpack to have some secret pockets. I cut up the back of her backpack (foam and fabric) to add a sturdy and comfortable lining to the bottom and back of my backpack.

The backpack is pretty sturdy and is the perfect day-pack size for a festival or event. I feel like a preschooler when I wear it, but I'm glad I can sport some recycled materials in my outfits.

<3 Mandy

Upcycled Tea Cozy

My roommate wanted a tea cozy for her glass tea pot, and I wanted an excuse to crochet. I didn't have any yarn with me at school, so we decided to upcycle an old scarf of hers to have yarn for the tea cozy.

I undid the scarf and used the purple yarn to crochet my own pattern. I made a rectangle that fit around the teapot, but left holes for space for the handle and spout. I added buttons for adjustable closure around the spout, and also lined the whole thing with purple felt for better insulation.

I crocheted a floral lace overlay to incorporate the white-yellow gradient yarn into the project and to add some cute contrast. To secure the tea cozy around the teapot spout, I sewed on velcro circles. I also added a non-functional button to add to the look.

This 3-layer tea cozy will keep the teapot insulated, helping tea to stay hot or cold for a long time! My roommate and I plan to do an experiment to see how well it works.

<3 Mandy

Crochet Granny Squares Blanket

Since December, I've been working on crocheting 2 blankets simultaneously. I really love to crochet all the time but don't have the time to during the school year -- once I get started on a project, it takes a lot to stop working on it. I found this image that sums up my feelings pretty well:

I had a lot of yarn in different colors that my mom found at my grandpa's house that my grandma was using maybe 20-30 years ago, so I wanted to make a blanket out of that in memory of her. I followed a video on YouTube to learn how to make granny squares, and decided to make a checkered pattern of alternating colors of squares. I had just enough yarn in the colors I wanted to make a blanket that fits a twin-sized bed pretty well.

 

top side of blanket

underside of blanket

When I was buying yarn for making stockings, I found some really soft, pretty yarn in colors I loved, so I bought some yarn to make another project. I really liked the feel of this yarn and the way the colors matched with each other, so I just decided to make another blanket. This blanket is slightly larger, and fits between a full-sized and queen-sized bed.

dropped some stitches

I completed these blankets just in time for the end of winter... but they'll be perfect for snuggling up with next winter or while it's still cold for the next couple months. They also make beautiful bed covers or decoration for chairs or the couch. I plan to build some blanket forts too. Maybe one day I'll knit and crochet enough large pieces to make tapestries for every wall in my house.

<3 Mandy

Amigurumi Taiko No Tatsujin

I play taiko drums.

In our group at school, we are doing Secret Santa. Everyone likes playing a video game called "Taiko No Tatsujin", especially the girl whose name I drew for Secret Santa.

Rather than getting a stuffed animal for her online, I thought it'd be nice to crochet one (amigurumi is the art of making crocheted stuffed animals).

Here's how I made it:

crochet circle

add white border for each taiko face

winking face sewn on

with red body

I cut foam (from making chair cushions) into small pieces for filling

legs

 

<3 Mandy