Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Quick Update

Phew! This week has been so busy, since Les isn't home. I have lots to do with baby and everything else around here. I haven't had much time to post. I have been crochetting like crazy trying to get an order done of 5 pieces. Yesterday, I almost finished one of the touques, but then I realized it was ugly and took it all apart!

I have been baking, making pyrogies (and yes my friend ditched me)! You wouldn't believe how many pyrogies I made. Thank goodness my mom helped for a bit. I don't know I have to order do it when I decide to make something! I did the same thing last year with fatires.

Well anyway I have lots to do today. I will update soon with new completed projects and pictures! Happy holidays.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Weigh in today

Today I have lots to do! For some reason my kitchen is a disaster...hmmm what's with the dishes!

Anyway, this is my crafting blog, but I do a little personal stuff here too. So as some of you know I have been steadily working toward my weight loss goal since Dec 1. Today I weighed in and I have lost 5lbs! Yippee! I know it doesn't seem like much, but is a definite start and 5 lbs less to lose! I am happy because since Cody was born I haven't seen that scale budge at all.

I have a lot more to go. But after the next 5 lbs I get $100. That is my treat to myself. For every 10 lbs that I drop I am putting aside $100 for new clothes once I reach my goal. It's a good motivator.

So far what I have been doing is my new exercise dvds and watching what I eat. I have cut waayyy down on my cereal addiction. Because if you know me, you know that I could eat cereal for breakfast lunch and supper! Now I only have it at breaky, and I stick to the correct portion size. I have also upped my fruit and veggie intake.

The other bad habit that I kicked to the curb is my Diet Pepsi fetish. Both my husband and I love DP and were drinking it steady. I think was counted that I drank 5 cans in one day!!!!! That is ridiculous. So I kicked the can in the ass and said bye bye! Now DP's are only a treat once in a while. I have had only 2 can in 2 weeks, which is really good for me!

I feel better already and am really proud of making healthier choices. I don't know when I let things get so out of hand. Anyway here's to another week. We'll see what the scale, body and mind say next Monday! Ta Ta For Now!

Orange Crush




Yesterday amoungst the normal day-to-day activities, I managed to complete a baby blanket! I made it for a friend whose baby could be being born as we speak...I am not sure! She was feeling like the baby might come at any time, but I haven't heard anything yet.
This was a great project to do because it was so easy and quick. Instead of using squares of fabric, I just chose a print and used one big rectangle for the center. Then I bordered it with some fun funky orange flannel. The back is green, and tied to the front throughout the quilt. This tying method is quick and not nearly the work as actually machine quilting. I sewed the front and back in a envelope style so that the edges are finished and not ragged as they are in the middle.
I am really pleased with the way it turned out! It was fast and fun to do. I love that baby stuff now can be any color. And orange is a fun color to work with.
If you know of someone who would like one of these for their baby...or if you are having a baby...I can make something like this for you. What colors would you like?

Friday, December 11, 2009

HEY HEY!!!

Hey Again!

Just wanted to point out that the "How To Order" Instructions are actually under my Creations List in the side bar. If you click there it will tell you how the order process works.

If you live in the area of St. Lina, St. Paul, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche, and even Cold Lake I might be able to hand deliver your orders. I regularly visit St. Paul, Bonnyville, and Lac La Biche. So that will save a little on shipping.

I know lately that there have been lots of crochet posts, however, keep in mind that come the New Year you will likely see more sewing projects! I am thinking of having a little do it yourself section too.

Thanks to anyone and everyone who has logged on to this blog. I appreciate it! Have a happy and safe holiday season too!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Tealness


Here is another version of my "Laugh" scarf done in that lovely satin finish yarn that I love. It has such a nice sheen to it and makes the finished piece just sparkle a little. This one is wrapped up and ready to go for a friends order! Can't wait until she sees it.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Chocolate & Mint


Another delicious loop-de-loop "Laugh" scarf!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Bag Lady

Well as I mentioned in a previous post, crochet isn't the only craft I like to do. I also really like to sew. One thing that is fun and quick to make is a tote bag, or really almost any kind of bag. Totes can be made in so many different ways, all different sizes etc etc etc. There's no end to the possibilities.

I made this tote in a bigger size for a cousin who is a school teacher. It is big enough to fit her 3" binder and a few other things. Along the outside are several pockets to put other items in such as a water bottle, pens, etc. A bag like this is also great for a beach bag, diaper bag, or overnight bag.

I haven't made very many since because I have been busy with other projects. Hopefully, once the new year comes and I catch up on crochet orders, I can put it aside and make some more bags. I found a program online to build simple bag patterns so I am hoping to print some off and make several different styles of bags. They are a great accessory and are very functional. AND you can never have too many bags.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Pink Candy


Here's a version of my "Laugh" style scarf, that I just finished for an order. There are 3 more in the order to go! Doesn't this one look good enough to eat. The other color combinations are coming up...pretty green and brown, and a cool turquoise and black. Keep your eyes open for them.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Busy Busy

The orders are coming in and that's great! I am really happy about it. I have quite a few things to make before Christmas and even a few after.

Sometimes with a little baby it's hard to find time to do everything. But I just have to capitalize on nap times and when I can slip and few stitches in here and there! Either way it's fun to be busy. I have always felt that when I get bored I start to get down or just feel blah. When I keep busy I feel happier because I am able to focus my energy.

Today we did a few things around the house...switching around our living room. It looks way better now...more like a living room.

I also started working toward my ultimate goal today. I really need to lose a lot of weight from my pregnancy and before, so I am getting my ass in gear. I ordered some dvds and they seem great. I have started already today, and am carefully watching what I am eating. I have really had enough of being overweight like this, and I am sick of wearing the same two pairs of pants!

I have a long hill to climb. But I am feeling upbeat about it. I want to stay focused. Well anyway I will jot down any progress I make. Here goes nothing! Well hopefully a lot of poundage!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Loop-de-loop


As I mentioned in an earlier post, I make three basic styles of scarves that can be altered by color(s), and the addition of a flower or other accessory. Here is a picture of my "laugh" style scarf. It is a skinny scarf with lots of length for lots of loops. If you take a look under the Creations List in the side bar you will see the other styles under scarves.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

$5 Too

THESE ITEMS ARE NOW SOLD!

5-5-5-5-5 BUCKS!


THESE ITEMS ARE NOW SOLD.

HEY EVERYONE!
Just to let you know I have a number of items here that I would like to clear out. I am selling them for $5 each. That's only 5 bucks! The yarn costs more than that!

These were all items I made for myself over the last while, but I just have toooooo many now so I would like to make room for more creations.

If you are interested please drop me an email to hannanlambert@gmail.com.

If I can deliver locally there is no shipping charges! Yippeeeeee!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Caramel and Chocolate



Tonight I finished another Love style scarf for an order. I picked a rich chocolate brown and a taupe color that I thought worked well together. In the end it looks good enough to be a chocolate bar! I used the regular stitch that I usually use except this time when making the stripes I decided to vary the size of the stripes. So some are one row wide, some are two or three rows. It makes it a little more interesting I think. Anyway I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I think next time though, if I use chunky yarn again I will use a larger hook. The scarf is a little stiff due to the thickness. It should soften with wear. It will definitely be warm!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Sew Special



As I said in my previous post I love to make ragtime blankets. Here is a special one that I made just for my new baby.

The story is that I hunted all over to find the perfect crib bedding while I was waiting for my baby to arrive. The trouble was that everything I found that I loved was just too expensive. I really didn't see the necessity of spending $250 or $300 dollars on a crib set. Especially since they included bumper pads which most people don't use anymore anyway. I kept hunting, but the cheaper ones just weren't very nice. I was really disappointed.

Anyway I finally decided that I would just make the blanket and cribskirt myself. Everything turned out great and honestly I don't think I spent more than $50 on the whole thing. I ended up with a sweet blanket, cribskirt, and matching rod pocket curtains. With a little bit of extra I made curtain ties and a cover for the changing table pad. So now everything matches in a green and yellow print of froggies and stripes.

I really like it and it actually means a lot to me that my little guy is warm under a blanket that I made for him. The best part is that I can easily make another for baby number two (someday).

Sew Much More



Well since I started this little project...the blog..I have mostly talked about and displayed crochet items. I also do other things as craft hobbies. I actually really like to sew.

One of my favorite projects to work on are ragtime quilts. These quilts are pretty fool proof because the effect of the frayed edges hides any crooked cutting! I love that! These projects so far for me have been all made from flannel and for various babies including my own.

Each time I have made one I have worked differently on the layering to try out various techniques. For some I have used quilt batting, and for others I have layered many layers of flannel. I am not sure which is my favorite method yet.

So as you can see you sew the quilts so that all your seams are too the right side of the fabric. Once that is done and your quilt is all together and quilted you then work on the fraying. This is done using a special pair of snippers (able to cut thick layers). You snip along all your seams. Then the fraying is done just by washing and drying your quilt.

All of the fraying gives the quilt a beautiful distressed and textured look. I have seen lots of projects done this way from pillows to bags to blankets. I love them. Another great fabric for this is denim. It's a great way to use up old jeans.

Here are two pictures of a pink and brown quilt I made for a baby girl.

Alpaca Love



Today I finished a beautifully soft and thick scarf for a friend. She ordered it to give it out as a Christmas gift, and I am sure they're going to love it! For this scarf I used a yarn that I haven't used before, an alpaca and acrylic blend. Aside from a few shedding hairs, it is a really nice yarn to work with. I love how full and soft the scarf feels now. And I tried it on my neck...it's not too itchy which I was worried about.
I wrapped it up complete with a Thank you note and the washing instructions. I think it looks pretty good! Thanks Lindsay for the order.
Other than that I just did the usual house work which always keeps me busy. My floors really needed a good scrub. And I don't know how things can get so dusty in just a few days!
Well off to work on a few more projects.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Yarns


Price List

PRICES
Touques
Happy: $20.00
Durango: $15.00

Scarves
Happy: $25.00
Love: $20.00
Laugh: $25.00

Baby
Cody hat: $10.00
Snug:$30.00

Flowers: each $2.50

Shipping: $6.00

Keep Them Warm!


Babies love to be swaddled up in a soft blanket as they sleep. However, as they are able to move their limbs more, it can be hard to keep the blanket wrapped snuggly around them. So as I was roaming the internet one day I thought of other ways to keep baby cozy and warm. I am working on fashioning a sewing pattern for this purpose as well...but I have come up with a crochetted item that was super easy to make.

A baby cocoon is a great item to put your baby it. They are warm, cozy, and oh-so-cute. I found a number of patterns online, but none that I was super excited about because they didn't include a hood. Most patterns are a sack to put baby in with a matching hat. They are cute too, but I what I really wanted to make was one with a head cover too.

So I came up with this pattern myself using a combination of patterns or skills that I have used before. The bottom half part is crochetted in rounds, then the top is stitched in rows and sewn together.

I am really happy with how it turned out since I put the idea together myself. Maybe someone out there as come up with a similar pattern, but I haven't found it yet.

I made the one pictured about for my friend whose baby was just born a few days ago. I hope she fits it and is able to use it.

I am going to play with this design a little more and look at aways to improve it. I hope you like it so far though. I call it Snug.

Babies

I have to say that I love babies! I always have. But there is one special baby that I love the MOST and that is my son who is almost 5 months old.

When I was pregnant I started to work on sewing and crocheting things for him. I made him a crib blanket, cribskirt, curtains, receiving blankets, etc and that cute little touque. Having him inspired me to make baby things and I love it.

Childrens patterns and fabric are so much fun. It makes me feel good just to look at all the bright colors and soft touch fabric.

He is the most special thing to me in the whole world. I love him so much.

Soon I will post more of the baby items I have made. Hopefully as I get going here I will be able to make more baby things. I have some ideas in mind for new items as well.

Touques For Babies Too



One thing that I have really enjoying making in the last few months is a touque for my little baby. He looks sooo cute in it.

I was visiting my mom one afternoon, and of course the baby is whisked out of my arms so she can kiss him 1 million times (her first grand-baby). So my hands were free. I dug through her yarn and within about 1 hour I had this beautiful little hat done. I just tried something from my head. I didn't use any specific pattern. I love the way it turned out. The ribbing makes it more textured and unique looking and regular weight yarn (not baby yarn) keeps it warm. The little extra bulk I think makes it even cuter.

Since then I have made one for a friend whose baby was just born a few days ago. I used the same design as the blue one, but I added a purple flower. It looks adorable.

Oh I have to give credit to a dear friend, Lindsay, who took the photo of Cody and I. She as a wonderful talent for taking beautiful pictures and is very creative when it comes to scrapbooking (her passion). You can see more of her beautiful photography at www.lindsaydawnesthoughts.blogspot.com.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Durango Hat


Here is a great hat that I love to make. Credit goes to Catherine Lindsay who designed it. I found her pattern at http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/. She has tons of patterns posted there that I love.

Anyway I find this hat very easy to work up and it looks awesome as a one or two toned hat. It may be hard to see in the photo but it actually has I bit of ribbing down the upper half of the hat. This gives it a unique look.

I have made lots of these as they have a great finished shape that flatters a lot of faces.

If you crochet and want to see more patterns I encourage you to check out the above website and also the designers website which I believe is http://www.yarncat.com/.

Totally Touques



When I first started to crochet, I began making touques right away. They were a great way to cover my not-so-styled hair dos during those university days. They worked well to cover my unwashed hair! (okay I only let it go one day).
Either way, right away I had a couple of classmates and friends ask me to make them some. And that winter I probably made 5 or 6. Pretty good for just starting out. It was around this time that my mom decided to get re-hooked and begin crochetting again. So I got to take my new skill and refresh hers.
Anyway this hat is just a basic double crochet hat. You can find the pattern that I learned with at http://www.headhuggers.com/. It's very easy, versatile and easy to make in different sizes. I added the flowers myself to had a little flare. So here are my "Happy Hats". And they easily go with the scarves of the same name. They are a very cute set.
I made the pink hats for a lady I worked with. She ordered them as gifts for her daughter and granddaughter. I had a ton of orders that winter (about 2 years ago)! Wow! By the end of the winter I was all crocheted out.
Touques are great as a fashion accessory but also as a way to stay warm. They can be made with almost any weight or type of yarn. I can make them to a length so they just sit over the ear, but also longer so that I rim can be flipped up.
Contrast edging, flowers, and ol'fashioned pom-poms are great accessories.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Quazy-quilt



Well I guess I could say "I did it"! I finally finished my first patchwork quilt project. I guess I have mixed feelings about it...I am not jumping for joy...but I am still happy I did it.
I started this project I think in September, because I have always loved quilts and wanted to make one. I found a great website http://www.icantbelieveim.com/ that has courses that you can take. So I watched all th videos and got to work on it.
I have to admit I got a little frustrated with it because it seemed like nothing was lining up the way it was supposed to. So I had to do to a lot of farting around. In the end...I don't think it will be winning any awards, but its done anyway. I am really happy that I made it and took the time to finish it even when I got discouraged.
I think part of the problem was/is that I am really tired. My baby doesn't sleep through the night so it's hard to get a decent sleep. This in turn leaves me impatient when things go a little wrong. Maybe it wasn't a good time to start a project, I don't know.
The value of the experience is really what matters. Usually I would have balled it all up and put it in the closet. But I saw it through and that's what counts. Plus it's made of so many different colors that when Cody lays on it he will have lots to look at.
I definitely think I will make more quilts in the future (I already like making ragtime ones). I think though now I know that I would work with bigger squares and just keep it simple. I am not planning on entering competitions anyways.
And well all those miss matched seams just make it more unique. It's pretty enough. Well...it's good looking from afar, but far from good looking!

Getting Hooked


I think I started crochetting about 6 years ago when I was about 21. I don't know what really got me intersted but I just decided it was something I wanted to try. Actually I think part of it was the fact that both of my grandmothers crochetted and I always thought it was cool how 1 long piece of yarn or thread could be made into so many things.
So one day I decided to ask my dad's mom to teach me. We spent the afternoon together which now is a wonderful memory for me. Although my grandma raised a big family (11 kids) she doesn't get much company and not many young people these days are interested in learning how to crochet either. So she gave me some green yarn and a hook and showed me what to do. It didn't take me long to catch on.
After that I bought a beginner book on crochet and went from there. My first couple of projects were scarves and touques and one long narrow afghan that I tried to make for my boyfriend (now hubby). Ahhh I guess the fact that the afghan sucked didn't matter.
So now 6 years later I still make touques scarves and other things. I keep my projects small for two main reasons 1) I don't have the attention span or patience for large things. 2) I like to crochet while I travel, and keeping it small means I can comfortably sit in the truck and crochet without having to lug a whole bunch of things along.
One of the nicest things about crochet projects I find is that they can be compact. Just grab your yarn, hook and pattern put it in a large ziploc bag and there you go. You can do it anywhere. In fact last summer while a friend and I suntanned she read a book and I made a poncho.
My grandma still crochets but this year she will be 89 so it's getting harder for her. Actually, her real talent is her natural, self taught ability to paint beautiful art. She is an amazing painter....I sure wish I would have inherited that trait. I can paint walls...that's about it!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Yarn it Up!


Okay so remember when I said "the possibilities are endless" earlier? Well when it comes to yarn that statement is very true (believe it or not) and I know I haven't even seen half of what is out there yet.

It's important for me to consider what type I want to use when I am making a project because the material really creates the overall piece. Also, by trying different yarns I have learned that I certainly detest certain types. For instance I don't like working with baby yarns. I find them hard to work with. Instead (to keep things soft for bambino) I use a regular weight but in a satin or soft finish. I find the completed project is so much nicer that way. Also, it gives me the opportunity to hunt for unique colors to use for baby rather than what's traditional.

So what types of yarn can you expect one of my projects to be made of? Here's a list of common finds that I currently use. But I am always searching.

Acrylic worsted weight- This is your standard "grandma made me slippers" yarn. It crochets a bit stiffer than others, but is still very comfy. It has a matte type finish. This type of yarn is very inexpensive. It washes up great too. I don't tend to use it as much for scarves because I like my scarves softer. But it is great for basic touques.

Satin or Softee finish- I love this yarn. A number of different companies make a similar product. It has a nice sheen to it. What I love about it is the smoothness and softness it has against the skin. It also makes items just a little more luxurious. You will find I most commonly use this material. It comes in a full rainbow of colors too.

Chunky yarns- Some heavier yarns are wonderful for an extra warm piece or just to add more texture and dimension. These can be fun to work with too. The look especially great in earth and natural tones.

Natural wools and fibers- At your request I will use this. I don't often because it can be very touchy for some people who have allergies. Also, it can be extra hard to launder. It makes beautiful pieces though.


Happy Scarf




Here is an example of my Happy Scarf that I made last year. I had made it as a gift for a secret santa gift exchange. It was a big hit!

Want Something?

Thank you for your interest in my work. I am happy to get to work on something special just for you! Here's how ordering works:

1)Take a look through my blog. You will see pictures of the different things I make. In the corner of each picture is the name I have given for that type of project. Take note of that name.

2)Send me an email with your request. My email is hannanlambert@gmail.com.

3)I will then send you an invoice that is generated through PayPal. On that invoice will be an itemized list of the items you are requesting. AT THE SAME TIME I will send you an email with ordering information i.e. color, fiber, size, detailing, and shipping information.

4)Send your payment.

5)I will then get to work making your item. And when it's done it's on it's way to you.

PLEASE NOTE: Your information is safe with me. I have no interest in giving out your personal information or anything like that. I just want to make pretty things for you!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Around Your Neck

There is no better way to stay warm (and stylish) than with a soft, fuzzy, woven scarf around your neck!
All of my scarves are made just using simple crochet stitches...really nothing too complicated. In fact, I choose to keep the actual stitching simple so that I can start and finish a scarf in a reasonable amount of time.
The fun comes from the endless designs that can be created using a variety of different yarns, colors, a combination of the two and by adding a simple accessory such a few buttons, a crocheted flower or lengths of fringe.

Scarf Styles:

Love: A nice wide scarf with warmth in mind! I usually make it approximately 50 inches long so you can wrap it up and stay toasty. The fringe finish keeps in playful! Can be made as a solid color or two-tone striped.

Happy: You cannot say this scarf isn`t cute! It`s just a simple scarf with a finished edge, but the best part is the flower embellishment on the end. The flowers are also crocheted and keep this scarf fun! Can be made as one solid color with contrast flowers or solid color with contrast flowers and edging.

Laugh: Get looped with this extra long scarf. It`s made a little on the skinny side to allow for the extra loopage! Usually it is made in one color. Fringe or flowers can be added.

Note: As I said before...I use just simple crochet stitches. I actually don`t have a pattern for each scarf because it`s just a repetitive stitch. I am not copying anyone, although anyone who crochets can easily make these.

Most patterns that I use...if I use one...can be found at crochetpatterncentral.com. There is a link in the side bar. Thank you to all the people who post fabulous free patterns and tutorials.

Sell it

So now that I have introduced myself, did a little blabbing and so on, I am ready to introduce to you one of the main purposes of this blog: To MAKE and SELL things just for YOU!

I think this blog is a great way to show you all what I can make for you and even some things that you can make for yourself.

If you like what you see...you can have one too!

Please be patient with me. I have never sold things online before. So I am going to figure that all out and let you know how order shortly.

What I love to do...


I believe in "the possibilities are endless". Well that's what I find myself thinking when I am standing in the middle of a fabric store, yarn isle, or fooling around with photos! Really sometimes I think it's a little bit of mania, and I really need to focus on one thing at one time.

The ways that I like to create:

- Crochet

-Sewing

-Photography

-Cooking

Why? I just like things that are homemade and customized. Also because I find I like to keep busy. I am not drawn to the t.v. to watch "reality t.v." (yeah because it's so realistic). I am not interested in that at all. In fact I find it so annoying that I usually just get mad.

So instead I do a lot of the things that I listed above. And so much more.

One time I was mentioning to someone at work during lunch that "I really need to make bread" another girl said with a disgusted tone "Ahhh how old are you"? So I answered (I was 26). She was just so...I don't know...surprised or something.
What? Should I be out partying at my age?
Should I be watching garbage on t.v. numbing my mind?
Should I be....I don't even know!
No, I think I should be doing exactly what I am doing...something that keeps me busy, entertained, healthy, happy, proud.
Maybe I am not like more girls these days. I am not sure...I think there are lots of people out there like me too. We're just not hitting the headlines... well unless I whip up a crochet string bikini!
I actually enjoy some of the easy things in life like just going for a walk down a gravelled road, walking in the fields (a live on a farm), being a farm girl, feeding the animals, loving animals, the smell of the outdoors. I actually like picking the eggs from the chicken coop. I like the smell of horses, and wrestling a little with my big dog. I like cutting the grass, and planting the garden. I like baking bread and making good food. I like quadding and getting muddy. And I like just laughing.
To be honest, I have struggled to be really happy most days for the the past 6 years. I just got really depressed in university and it's taken me this long to not have such crappy days. I think I owe a lot to just doing things I love and letting my mind wander...escape...from the less happy things in life.
So I do what some would call"old ladyish" things at my age...big deal...I love it.

Welcome to Hannana-Banana's!


Welcome to Hannana Banana's. This is my new place. I am actually keeping a blog right now to document the first year with my new (and first born) son Cody. I have to admit that I started a blog in the past but I just didn't have the drive I needed to keep it going. However, when Cody came along I felt quite driven to write about our first year together. Becoming a mommy has been wonderful and I love blogging about our weeks together.

But now I want to start a little blog just for me and the creative things I do on a daily basis. I have been inspired my one of my closest friends. I have seen the beautiful blog she has created and I want one too! I hope that I can develop a place where I can showcase the things that I have handmade and hopefully gain many visitors along the way. I also hope that this new blog will be a great way to generate some income. Who knows...could this become a full time venture???!!! How wonderful would it really be to work from home...

I regularly work full time as an Occupational Therapist in long term care. And truthfully I love my job. I love having to think on my feet, be challenged and help people who have experienced many losses, mainly the loss their independence in one way or another. As an O.T. in a small rural town, you have to be creative. So it's no wonder that it's that same creativity within me that occupies my mind when I get home. Sometimes the "idea" gears in my head are turning so much I cannot get to sleep!

Well anyway, here it goes! This is the jumping off point. Where I land...if I do...nobody knows...

Enjoy!