Brown Stripey Blanket!

Here is the big unveiling...finally!
It has grown from this

and yes, I know that is a miserably bad photograph. I have posted about this blanket multiple times and it is good to finally have it complete.

to this...

It is made out of Vanna's Choice yarns, 100% washable. It is very masculine with all the men at my house wishing it was theirs. It is a big 65" x 42" rectangle which makes it a perfect size for the recliner. I love the basket weave pattern. It has taken me a long time to get this one finished but the wait was worth it. I put a very simple border on it of a blue stripe followed by a chocolate brown stripe.
I am so pleased that it is as beautiful completed as it was  a joy to make.
Talk to you later,
Karen

Yes, it is available in my  Chocolate Dog Studio shop.

Ticker Tape placemats

Hey, I posted this project on Pinterest awhile back.

It is from this blog: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/10/scrap-buster-project-tiny-ticker-tape-quilt-tutorial-from-amanda-jean/

 I finally started some projects for us. My mom had given me some vintage fabrics that were cut into strips. She had used them for a quilt and they were left over. Well, week before last I started on these place mats. I wasn't sure that I wanted to make a quilt with the ticker tape design. My goal when I started making these was to not have to purchase any of the materials to make them.

I made this pink one for our youngest dd. She is excited. I then made the red one below. I have yet to make any more placemats, but I did completely finish these in one weekend. 

I really like the fact that they are going to be different colors. Mom was really kind and had packaged the fabrics up according to color families so trimming and sewing the fabrics was simple. I do think I prefer the quilting on the pink one. So this is what I finished recently.

Things I will do with scraps!

I know, I have pinned a bunch of things that I will do with scraps....lots of ideas. Well, I have started looking at different ideas and I have come up with some ideas that I definitely want to do...and some that I have tried. So here we go!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/07/his-hers-personalized-baby-quilts.html[/caption]

I have this things for quilts. I like these but in a large size without the names. Unless it is our last name.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="307"] http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/world-quilt-giveaway.html[/caption]

This quilt is gorgeous! I must have one soon. I think that I would use fabric strips but not selvages.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] http://www.i-do-it-yourself.com/2008/11/spools-bird-softies/[/caption]

I can just imagine what my family would say. I love the birds and the different fabrics that they are sewn out of. What a great idea for Christmas ornaments! Hmmm...I would love  a tree like this in my den. It would be fun and light hearted!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/2011/08/-playing-with-dresdens.html[/caption]



I love this quilt, it is only surpassed by the ticker tape quilts.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="549"] http://sewfun2quilt.blogspot.com/2010/05/ticker-tape-quiltsgreat-scrap-buster.html[/caption]

I just found these place mats. I have just decided since we moved that I need to replace ours. These are gorgeous and I could get the feel of what it is like to make a ticker tape quilt before I commit to cutting out all those little squares. I could also see how it wears.



and this....

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] http://www.mygirlthursday.com/2011/05/diy-scrap-busting-pot-holders.html[/caption]

and then there are  these....

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="728"] https://sew4home.com/projects/table-linens/kitchen-confections-modas-vintage-modern-patchwork-napkins[/caption]

Well, I had better stop. The list is going on forever. I think this is turning into a form of procrastination.

See you later,

Karen

 

 

 

Photo Monday!

Who needs anymore stress on Monday? So here are some beautiful photos of a baby blanket that I just finished and shipped off on Saturday!





I simply love the beautiful colors and it is wonderfully soft. It is 36" square.  It was a custom order and started from these beautiful yarns. It was a super quick crochet job as I started it on Sunday and shipped on Saturday!



I am working on another custom order now and it is huge. I believe it is going to take 150 crocheted granny squares. Yes, 150! Yikes, I have a plan though and it is happening pretty quickly. I have about 80 centers worked now. I will show you more at a later this week.

See you on Tuesday!

Karen

Christmas Ornament

Here is another Christmas ornament. I sewed this using the same pattern as the star. I love this little house it is so cute.



I know that some of the embroidery is wonky but I think it just adds to the handmade look. I really like the shape of the roof on the cottage.

see you next week.

Karen

 

Christmas Trees

These are new to the shop. A very close friend gave me a bunch of fabric. She sews for a living and often has the most wonderful scraps and pieces left over. Here is a photo of a small portion of what she gave away.



Here is what I made from them. I still have a huge number of squares left. So I will need to figure out what to do with the rest. I love these little trees and they are even more fun as they are made out of reds and neutrals.

These are a few of the new I have been creating. I have these listed at http://www.chocolatedogstudio.etsy.com if you want to know.

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

As always the photos were shot by Stewart Photo Tulsa.

 

 

WIP: Works in Progress Update

You are my accountability partner. Did you know that? I need accountability to finish what I start so today is my day to show you my current status on some long standing projects. I do have to say in my defense that I have been working diligently but have had some custom orders come in, in addition to regular http://www.ChocolateDogStudio.etsy.com sewing of cup sleeves and cup cozies along with all the aprons I have been finishing up for the shop. So here is my list of accomplishments.

• finished sewing 10 aprons have three left


• finished embroidery of one pillow top


• finished 5 - 3" embroidery hoop wall art.


• finished two crocheted baby blankets


• almost finished this blanket, I have run out of the blue yarn and I am searching for it.

• Started on this little beauty for fun and there is no deadline.

• Started this out of sock yarn, it should work beautifully for its purpose. (Shhh, it's a surprise!)

• Turned these into something new and fun. Which I will show you later.

• I am working on these to create a beautiful custom blanket for a friend and customer.

• And these to create a warm, cozy, baby boy blanket for a different friend and customer as well.

So that is my accountability list. I hope to have at least four of these off the list this week! I have a bunch of cozies that need to be sewn up and some shipping to do today, but other than that the crochet hook will be flying as I  wait on kids for different activities. I am not even going to start on the all the house chores sitting in front of me this week. I am pretty sure that you have a pretty good idea of what kinds of work it is.

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Granny Blanket

This is a fun little granny square baby blanket that I crocheted up quickly a week or so ago. I started it during the move and then ran out of yarn as I only picked up one skein. So I added the green and pink to make it large enough. It starts with a 20 round granny square of the multi-color yarn. Then it has a row of green, another variegated round and two rounds of pink. I then added sweet little two round granny squares to the ends to make the blanket a rectangle.The whole thing is bordered with two rows of green and the pink scalloped border. Here is a detail photo of the cute little granny squares. 

I apologize for the snap shots of the baby afghan. I have lost my good camera sometime during the move. I really think it is hidden in a box that is not unpacked yet. Hopefully it will turn up soon. This pretty little blanket will be in the shop as soon as some decent photos are taken. It was really just a quick little fun project! The good news is that I used up the variegated yarn.

What have you been working on?

Talk to you later,

Karen

P.S. I can always make one in blue and white for that baby boy in your life!

 

 

Link Up!

Hi all I am linking up with Tip Junkie for the Tip Me Tuesday!

Here are some new coffee cup sleeves from Chocolate Dog Studio. I have been busy sewing some new cozies and photographing some that never made it to the store. So for a quick Christmas preview here they are.





I love this cozy created from Laurel Birch's cat fabric. I love how the button matches the purple in the cozy.



And then last but not least.



There are only one of the Noel cozy. So if you have fallen in love go ahead and shop now.

Things have been a little wild at our house as we adjust to a new Autumn schedule but I am sure that things have also been busy at your house too!

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

 

Granny Stripe Ta Dah......

I know this sounds like so many other Ta dahs that you read about in the crochet blogging world. Actually, there is no other way to celebrate a wonderful finished project, aside from a party, but who goes to a finished project party?

Here you go the newly finished Granny Stripe!

I love the chocolately richness of the zig zaggy border.



This was created with soft new yarns from England. Yes, I actually ordered in enough yarn to finish this crocheted blanket. The yarn is so incredibly soft that it puts our American yarns to shame and the colors are bright and cheerful.



I love the way the granny stripes vary from one section to the next, always with the same  seven colors bordered with the chocolate brown stripe. It is big, twin bed sized.



It is 72 inches long and 45 inches wide. A perfect size for a throw at the end of the bed or couch. The yarn is 100% washable on gentle and low temps with a low temp dry. Yes, it is for sale in the Chocolate Dog Studio shop. https://www.etsy.com/listing/108330486/crochet-blanket-crochet-afghan-granny

 

See you later,

Karen

 

 

 

New baby blanket

I just had to show my newest creation. It is a custom order baby blanket and I just love the colors. They are a bit daring and different for this part of the country. It completely updates the granny square afghan and in beautiful modern colors. The yarn  is soft, cuddly and completely washable. Pop it in the washer and the dryer and have it out clean and ready to go in no time. Perfect for new babies.

Check out the bright and beautiful granny stripes.



Completely bordered with granny circles. This beautiful baby afghan is finished with beautiful scalloped edging and a ChocolateDogStudio tag. There is a teeny tiny baby bonnet with flower to go with it. I am so excited that it turned out so well. It was tricky to get it finished while moving from one state to another. So finishing it on time was the icing on the cake. This one won't be in the Chocolate Dog Studio shop but I sure hope to make another in a similar style also complete with bonnet! So keep checking back and I hope to have the next one up quickly. http://www.chocolatedogstudio.etsy.com

talk to you later,

Karen

 

Good Morning, It's Tuesday!

Good Morning everyone,

Today I woke up and found several fun things had happened.

1. The shop is featured in this contest.  Please vote!

http://etsycontest.com/?votefor=ChocolateDogStudio #handmadebot #shopetsy

2. I was featured in this extremely cool Coffee Treasury.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2OTc2MTh8MjcyMzE3ODI5Mg/everything-you-love-about-coffee

Have a great day today! I am busy this week unpacking, dreaming up new things for the Etsy shop, getting a girl ready for college, cleaning, and running a family! It is a busy time of year for everyone isn't it! OH, and I have been crocheting a luscious baby afghan for a new Mom. I called the customer and asked if she wanted a little bonnet to match, of course she said Yes! I love crocheting for babies!

I also finished up the knitted blanket for my college bound daughter. I can give her hugs from another state that way. It is stripey with a wide crocheted border. It was started in all the moving chaos and was supposed to use up yarn but somehow it didn't. Hmmm. My yarn stash is growing, again. I will have some pictures of the projects to show you next time.

Talk to you later,

Karen

PS. What have you been creating?

SALE!

All cup sleeves are $2 off in Chocolate Dog Studio!

Stop by and say hi!

Karen Stewart

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateDogStudio

 







 

Why Write Goals?

After packing and moving for the second time in twelve months, I find myself asking "Why do I keep writing goals just so I can change course four times in three months?"

At least it feels like I am changing my goals all the time. Frankly, I needed some direction on why I need to write another set of goals. I think this is the fourth set in 6 months? So I am reading what some goal setting gurus say. I found this on Michael Hyatt's blog. He writes like a real person with real life happening. He has five reasons why you write goals but I love this statement here.

"Of course, most people don’t bother to write down their goals. Instead, they drift through life aimlessly, wondering why their life lacks purpose and significance. I am not saying that committing your goals to writing is the end-game. It’s not. But it is the beginning." Michael Hyatt

Ok, so according to Michael I need to write my goals down to keep me from drifting aimlessly through life. Rather like driving in a new town without a map. You WILL get lost even if you do get directions and finally do end up at the right place. So I will lose time trying to get back on track.

Then there is this comment from the Goal Setting Guide.

"When you put pen to paper you turn your thoughts into something tangible."

Then the actual act of writing goals down causes me to believe that the goal I have written is actually going to happen.

This is the third gem I found while searching for answers procrastinating.

" To remind yourself of what to focus on. Often we get caught up in our everyday business and lose track of what is most important."

This is a great point and I think that people in creative jobs need more goals than most. It helps us to stick to the point and keep moving forward. I did notice that many of the articles I read all stated not to be afraid to rework your goals and to prioritize them.

Here are all of the links to the articles that I read for this blog on goal setting.

http://michaelhyatt.com/5-reasons-why-you-should-commit-your-goals-to-writing.html

http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/step-5-write-your-goal-down

http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2010/09/30/write-things-down/

Talk to you later,

Karen

PS. I am heading off to re-examine my goals while I unpack a couple of boxes in the kitchen, so I can cook again in an organized space. How is that for a tangible, immediate goal? What is one of your goals for this week?

 

Goals, again...

I know I promised more pictures but I left the camera in Tulsa and I have been a little busy. Packing a house for a move is a huge job. Thankfully, I have had lots of willing helpers (the kids) and we have had quite a few laughs, some new family jokes and some down time watching old tv shows. I have somehow made my kids Agatha Christie fans.  I think it is a great thing and we have watched some old Hercule Poirot mysteries. It has been a lot of fun since they have read quite a few of her books and we keep trying to remember who the murderer is.

It has been a busy couple of weeks and I will get back with my goals in a week or two or maybe even in September. The bad part of moving is getting all internet turned back on and figuring out where everything goes.

See you later,

Karen

Scrap Yarn projects

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570"] http://www.etsy.com/listing/62030561/pdf-crochet-pattern-mighty-mug-cozy[/caption]

It seems like my yarn stash has/is growing out of all bounds. I have been searching for scrap yarn projects and found these. I hope that they help you find more room in your house, too.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570"] http://www.etsy.com/listing/89170166/pdf-pattern-pretty-up-your-fruit-bowl[/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="240"] http://wolfcrochet.wordpress.com/2012/02/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20077.html[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20081.html[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="308"] http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/112553.aspx[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"] http://verypink.com/2012/01/26/todays-work/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] http://elisabethandree.posterous.com/threads-threads-lots-of-threads[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="342"] http://www.etsy.com/listing/38871159/scrap-yarn-afghan-crocheted-stained[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="570"] http://www.etsy.com/listing/77038019/knitted-banner-pattern-happy-day-bunting[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] http://crochet.about.com/od/afghansquaresandblocks/ss/Rainbow_Crochet_Square.htm[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] http://knitnut.blogspot.com/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] http://maribelmade.com/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] http://sheepspace.ca/category/crochet/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="460"] http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/23/how-to-make-crocheted-flowers[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] http://resurrectionfern.typepad.com/resurrection_fern/2008/10/crochet-acorns-and-felted-pumpkin-bowls-a-tutorial.html[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] http://www.crochetbug.com/tag/scrap-yarn/page/2/[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] http://valzcorner.blogspot.com/2012/06/4-more-summer-crochet-projects.html[/caption]

 

Well, this is a small list of ideas that are out there on the internet. I hope it sparks some inspiration for you and sends you in new directions. What do you do with all your scrap yarn? How do you use it up?

See you later,

Karen