Hydrate!

I finally got around to making something for myself yesterday!  I've been constantly thirsty with the crazy weather and the parasite both demanding all of my hydration.  So, I've been carrying my Klean Kanteen with me everywhere I go.  However, it leaks all over my purse, or it's hard to carry, and I have to put it down to do other things.  Annoying.  So, I made a little sling to carry it in!  Dorky, yes.  Do I care?  No.  

I loosely based the design off of a pattern I found on Ravelry, but I distorted it so much, I had to write down the pattern as I went in order to remember how I changed it.  I think I must have a very different water bottle... the initial one I made using the exact specs of the pattern was GIANT!

But, after some trial and error, I think it looks awesome, and it's super functional.  I used two strands held together of Lion Cotton yarn.  It used up almost all of the skeins.  The colors were Orchid and Espresso.  It also uses a size I crochet hook.  If the pattern is too big for your water bottle, as well, let me know, and I'm happy to type up my changes to the pattern.    

Bonus:  It doubles as a weapon in case of zombie attack!  That sucker is heavy and could definitely take off some zombie head if swung properly!

Give a Hoot Mug Cozy

After doing the Hootie Booties a while ago, I've eased my fears about an owl cable.  It's pretty much the easiest cable there is, and looks adorable.  So, I found a rad pattern for a mug cozy... I'm totally obsessed with making and using them, though I'm not sure anyone else shares my weird obsession.  Anyway, I grabbed a spare half-skein that I've used for two other cozies (told you I had an obsession), and knit it up in an evening.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, too, though next time, I'll be going down a needle size, and also doing 2 fewer ribbing rows at the bottom, so it's not so tall.  

And here's a close up of the owl cable.  I don't really have any buttons that fit for the eyes, and I haven't yet raided the bead stash, but I sort of like it without the creepy eyes added.

Cozy on up to the Jar

Okay, so my title is a little bit lame, but "Jar Cozy" just doesn't say all it needs to for this awesome project! I've seen "patterns" for jar cozies all over the web, and a few, even, that I put in my queue to try. However, I got a wild hare last night, and decided to just wing it and see how difficult it was.

Difficulty level: EASY PEASY for a semi-decent crocheter. :)

What you need:

• Scrap yarn (I chose this yellow bamboo because it looked like mustard and I thought I was being funny)
• Empty, clean jar (I just recycled an old mustard jar... that's why it's funny... get it?)
• Any size crochet hook (I used a G hook)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

I used the magic loop method, which is my method of choice when working in a circle. I cast on 7 double crochet stitches and joined.
I worked in a standard circle until it fit the bottom. It was one row of double crochets (2 stitches in every stitch of the row before for a total of 14) and one row of half double crochets (2 in first stitch, 1 in second stitch, repeated around for a total of 21). Then it was just a matter of working those 21 stitches in some sort of a pattern until reaching the top.

I kept trying it on to make sure it was going to fit on the jar. I did one row of HDCs all around, and one row of chain 1, skip one, DC repeated around.

I, again, kept trying it on as I went to make sure it wasn't too big or too small. It's a very forgiving project, so it doesn't matter too much if your crochets are perfect. I think it sort of looks like those Chianti bottles with the basketry on the bottom.

Continue in the pattern until you reach the top. Then, skip one in between HDCs around, to tighten it at the top.

Weave in ends, and place with another cozied friend made the night before!

This project is so easy and yields a nice product. Perfect for this time of year with last minute gifts, gifts for those you're not sure what to get, or just for yourself if you need something new to store pens in on your desk, or a new vase for some flowers (or something to put your longer knitting needles in!)