L i t t l e B i t s O f L i f e L a t e l y

C r a f t B r e a k : G r a n n y S q u a r e G o o d n e s s

I'm on a bit of a granny-square-making kick right now and this multi colored scarf is one of the results! I wanted a project to work on while I was on vacation in Germany that would keep me busy, but also require minimal tools/supplies. 

I used 6 different packs of the Lion Brand Bon-Bon yarns and with each pack I made 10 granny squares (each one uses 4 colors). I got all of my yarn with coupons so the price wasn't too high for the whole scarf and I have enough left overs to make at least one more scarf, if not more. I was thinking of trying one using three colors in each square and having all the edges done in black or white yarn. For binding and edging any worsted weight yarn will do. This would also be a great project for using up yarn scraps! 

So, make 60 granny squares each consisting of 4 rows. I stuck to making 10 squares from each color pack. Tuck in all the strings. Using an invisible joining method join the squares in 3 rows of 20 squares. Finally, add an edge by doing one round of single crochet around the whole scarf with your worsted weight yarn. 

I love the bold colors and vintage granny square feel that this scarf has. 

 Now if only it would be fall already. Can't wait to wear it!

C r a f t B r e a k : G i a n t W o o d e n L e t t e r

As you can tell by the pictures, I completed this project back in winter.  I had been seeing lots of typography inspired decorations and decided I wanted to make a giant E to hang in my apartment. I used a little precut E from the craft store as my pattern and projected it onto the wall tracing it on to a thin sheet of plywood. With my dad's help we cut it out, sanded and then stained it with a cherry wood stain (not pictured) and now it's hanging in on the wall in my kitchen! Hope this offers some inspiration for your own typography DIY!

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

L i t t l e B i t s O f T h e M o M A

On my last day in NYC I had some free time and decided to check out the Museum of Modern Art. Best decision ever! 

I left feeling very inspired by all of the amazing works of art. It's truly a magical place.

Now to get to work on some of my own creations!

L i t t l e B i t s O f T h e B i g A p p l e

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to head to New York City to attend and present at a national Sociology conference! It was such a great experience and left me even more excited about the work I'm involved with. It also has me thinking about what to do with my future... to PhD or not?

C r a f t B r e a k : C r o c h e t e d C a t B e d

I decided it was time I get onboard with the t-shirt yarn trend and when I came across this pattern I knew I had to make this crochet basket for my sweet (well not always so sweet) Ivy. I followed the original instructions and cut my yarn (with Ivy's assistance) but opted to make my basket one solid color.  I was originally concerned that it wouldn't be big enough for her (she's a voluptuous 12lbs) but it turned out perfectly. You could always increase the size of the circle by adding additional rounds before creating the sides of the basket.

I love the final result (and I think Ivy likes it too)!

A r o u n d B a d D ü r k h e i m

Here are a few photos from my recent trip to Germany. 

These are from the lovely town where my grandparents live, Bad 

Dürkheim!

L i t t l e B i t s O f L i f e L a t e l y

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

C r a f t B r e a k : M y C r o c h e t K i t ( P a r t 1 )

I've really gotten hooked on crochet lately (pun intended). Awhile ago I realized I needed some storage for all of my hooks that would also be cute and portable! My mom and I came up with this simple roll up design. To make it we used a 12"x12" piece of thick felt (found at Hobby Lobby). Fold up the bottom third and sew straight lines every inch or so to make the pouches for the hooks. Then sew on a piece of ribbon to the opposite side. Viola! You're done!  Add your collection of hooks and you're ready to go!