May is bike month!

May is Bike Month! Whether you like to go use your bicycle as a primary mode of transportation cause there is something so lovely about travel around knowing you’ve reduced your carbon footprint! Riding a bike around Bologna city amplifies everything magical about it::: with the wind whipping around you and the colorful 'portici' flashing past!

To celebrate Bike Month I decide to take part of the European Cycling Challenge, a urban cyclists team competition that takes place from 1 to 31 May 2015 in different European city::: Bologna is 7th in the leaderboard ! 

Using the app Cycling365 I monitoring kilometers travelling across the city for going work:: it's super funny!

Whatever the reason for your ride, why not celebrate Bike Month with a little bicycle yarn-bombing?

These quick and easy crochet projects are a perfect opportunity to try out new yarns, new stitches or reduce our yarn stash. The best part is, when you’re done, you’ll have a truly customized bike that shows off your creative side!

Crocheted  Basket Bunting by greedy for colour

Crocheted bike seat cover by Carina

Crocheted skirts bike guards La Messer 

Crocheted under-seat bike pack (no pattern)

Images via pinterest 

And you? What is your may inspiration? Have a funny week end everyone!!

Spring attitude:::

Happy new week crafty people! Just a short post to say a quick hello and show you a snap picture of upcoming project::: enjoy the little things!

Many thanks for your visit! Happy Hooking !

Baby ballerina shoes

Hello crafty people! Today I'm gonna show you these little shoes I have crocheted for a dear friend for the birth of her daughter::: Anita! 

 

Crochet baby booties are the perfect handmade gift that everyone will love.  If you are expecting or if you have friends who are expecting, give these beautiful shoes a try! 

They are absolutely adorable and I can’t wait to see little Anita wearing these!

I was so happy to find a free pattern for baby booties here but I prefer to create a ballerina shoes so I follow the pattern till round 10. To attach the trim I follow this cute pattern here. To crochet little buttons I use this lovely tutorial here.  

Hoping you like this mixed pattern and I wish you have a lovely week!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

Spring projects

I'm happy that very soon we hit April already! The days are start to become longer,  the bulbs in the pots are pushing through, days become warm and sunny and Spring will bring colors and joy around! Hope you start a super happy easter week and enjoy spring too:::

To celebrate spring arrival I would like to share some small projects I realize exploring the endless possibility to crochet flowers:::

This little flowers are super cute and funny to realize ::: I use it to embroider hairpins and elastic bands (that I become addicted to)::: Luckily there are small projects which are completed in very short time and thus involving a quick feeling of success!

You can found the free pattern I used here and here. 

Wishing you have a great week ahead!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

With this post I partecipate to Spring inspiration linky party

Pop Pochettes

Hello crafty people, happy monday to everyone! Thank you for all your kind comments on my striped handwarmer pattern::: I feel very blessed to have this space to share my crochet adventures! Just popping in to show you my finished pochettes! I crocheted them in september and I could have finished it ages ago but as usual I was doing other crafty things along side it! But now I'm excited to show you the fully realized crafts:::  

Everything to do with thread, fabric and  machine sewing, has been intriguing me but I have no experience in, so my friend Carla help me to end the job! The fabric used for me is perfect cause I like dot blot sooo much and I'm so glad to have found this fabric in grey.

I love the way this pochettes has turned out::: I have change the pattern a little because I used two different yarn and the tension was quite different. I create the pochettes in two different sizes:  the bigger and the smaller one perfect as a cosmetic bag!

Last week I take part in two amazing  link party so big hello to new followers!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week ahead!

Striped handwarmer pattern

Hello crafty people! Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post on my makes, your encouragement does mean a lot to me!  As I tell you before December days were busy days so I have no time to sit down and write the fingerless gloves pattern. But now that the holidays are behind us and we came back to the daily routine It's time to whip up some projects:::

Abbreviations 
ch = chain
sc = simple crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Ribbed Wrist Cuff:

COLOR A   STEP 1.    Chain 11. SC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn

STEP 2. SC in Back Loop Only of each st across. Ch 1, turn.
STEP 3. Rows 3 – 13: Repeat Step 2
STEP 5. Row 14: Working in BLO and through remaining sts of starting ch, slst both ends together to form a tube. Ch 1 but DO NOT turn.

Left Hand:

ROW 1. INCREASE: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sts*. Repeat from * to *around.
COLOR B 
ROW 2. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each st across, sl st to first sc to join the round.
ROW 3. Repeat Row 2
COLOR A 
ROW 4. Attach color A. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 5. Repeat Row 4
COLOR B 
ROW 6. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 7. Repeat Row 6
COLOR A 
ROW 8. Attach color A. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 9. Repeat Row 8
COLOR B 
ROW 10. Attach color B. Ch1, INCREASE: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sts*. Repeat from * to *around.
ROW 11. Ch 1,SC in each st across.
COLOR A 
ROW 12. Attach color A. Ch 1, SC in each st across.
ROW 13. Repeat Row 12

Thumb

COLOR B 
ROW 14. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, ch 7, leave next 7  sc unworked, and work sc in each of next sc around, sl st to join round.
ROW 15. Ch1, sc in each st around and sl st to join round.
COLOR A 
ROW 16. Attach color A. Ch 1, SC in each st across.
ROW 17. Repeat Row 16

Right Hand:

Work as for left one until row 13.
Round 14: Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each sc around until last 7 sts, ch7, leave next 7 sc unworked and join with sl st to top of beg.
Work remaining rounds of handwarmer as for the left one.

I'm so happy with how they came out! I think I'm improve a little bit in respect to my first and awkward attemp to design gloves::: The pattern is really easy to make even for beginners and mittens will keep your hands and wrists warm this winter!

I used a 4 mm hook and soft wool (Drops Karisma is the yarn used in the sample). The color choices are endless; don't be afraid to mix things up! 

Hoping you have a fabulous week!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

Christmas inspiration & free patterns

Hello lovelies! December days are busy days, don't you think? There is so much going on:: markets, parties, handmade gift to finish, bags to pack to visit your parents and so on! In the meantime things are beginning to look a little festive round here::: Christmas trees and lights are everywere! I just popping in to share some lovely free Christmas decorations patterns I have found around! Hoping that could be useful if you need last minute inspirations to decorate your house before a big extended family party !

All the patterns are in English except the 'Christmas bell' and you can found those and other pictures on my Christmas boards on Pinterest!

Big hello to my new readers and commenters:::: enjoy! 

Christmas Tree Decoration Tutorial by Little woolie

Snowman amigurumi pattern by De Estraperlo

Christmas bell pattern by Draad en praat

Christmas ball pattern by El gallo bermejo

Christmas “Stocking” Star by hvadbiertaenker

Amigurumi Rudolph Christmas Pattern by Little things blogged

Christmas Wreath by Lucy of Attic24

Snowflakes patterns by Petals to picot 

Hexi potholder

Hey there, how are you all? I realize  haven't blogged much  about my ongoing project and I would like to show you something new:::

Can you imagine what kind of project it is?

Because of the new cotton yarn I bought for the first time, I had a lot of fun experimenting with colors. I would like to made a funny and colorful potholder project and I collect some geometrical pin for inspiration and ta dahh!

 I made some new combinations while working on the hexagon project::: which one do you prefer?

I thought these would be cute little presents::: Christmas fever is already in the air!

And you ? Do you work to an exciting WIP or Christmas gift?

Have a great week end!

Cozy mittens

Hello lovelies! This week I have been welcoming October realize the first crochet fingerless mitts pattern that I've done::: Today I show you the step-by-step picture as well as written instructions! The pattern is very simple and perfect for beginners ::: Mittens are very nice and cozy::: I hope you like them!

This pattern is written in US crochet terminology

Material

2 skein of wrosted yarn

5mm hook

LEFT MITT INSTRUCTIONS:

To start::: pink color::: Chain 23. Slip stich in first chain to form loop. Chain 1 (counts as first single crochet, here and throughout). 

Step 1. Single crochet in each chain around. Slip stich in top loop of first chain 1. Chain 1, turn

Step 2. Repeat Step 1 for 7 more rows. At the end of the last row change color.

Step 3. Grey colour::: Single crochet  in every single crochet to end. Slip stich in top top loop of first chain 1. Chain 2 (counts as first double crochet, here and throughout), turn

Step 4. Double crochet in each chain around. Slip stich in top loop of the first first chain 2. Chain 2, turn

Step 5. Repeat Step 4.

Step 6. Double crochet in every double crochet to end. In the last stich do two double crochet. Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 7. Repeat Step 6  for 2 more rows.

Step 8. Double crochet in each stich until 6 stiches remain, chain 4, skip 4 stiches, double crochet in last 2 stiches; Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2.

Step 9. Double crochet in every double crochet to end.  Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 10. Repeat Step 9.

RIGHT MITT INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1-7. The same as for left mitt.

Step 8. Double crochet in the 1st and 2 sts. Chain 4, skip 4 stiches, double crochet in remaining stiches around; Slip stich in top loop of the first chain.

Step 9. Double crochet in every double crochet to end.  Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 10. Repeat Step 9.

Hope you like this super-easy projects that will help keep you warm this winter:: If the pattern is unclear or you have any questions please contact me by email or leave comment below::: Thanks for following me and for your sweet comments:::

Happy crocheting!  

Doing homework

Hello crafty people! It's been a while since I had show you some squares regarding the mood blanket 2014 contest!  But school is already started and for sure I do my homework!

I'm enjoying every step of this journey but during the last month my little mountains of squares grew and grew, and I have to confess that I can't wait to assembly the blanket!

Thank you for your sweet comments in my previous post, they really motivate me::: I have a big news::: a fingerless gloves pattern with tutorial will be published here on the blog very soon! I took the last pictures for my upcoming step-by-step tutorial and I laid down the written pattern so it will be released soon. Stay tuned! 

And you ::: What have you been working on? Wishing you a happy week end!

Baktus mania

Hello lovelies, I want to thank you all for the comments on my last post::: So glad to see you here! I'm back from my nice trip to Sardinia and as my first project from my break, I'll show you my Baktus scarf!

Searching for a one-skein pattern for a scarf or small shawl, I stumbled across a super easy crocheted Baktus that I found on Ana's blog.. she'e quite addicted to Baktus! It has the shape of an elongated triangle, with narrow tips and a wider center. 

I heard Baktus comes from Norway, where it became very popular some time ago.  The original pattern is a knitted version and in Raverly there is a huge gallery of Baktus made with different yarns::: The method couldn’t be simpler. You weigh your yarn, cast on a few stitches, and then increase every so many rows, always on the same side. When you have half the yarn left, start decreases!

I follow the most popular pattern on Raverly by Helda Panagary, using a soft blue shade chunky yarn and a 8mm hook::: I confess it's the perfect project to work on in relax during the afternoon or evening! N.B. This pattern is written in UK crochet terminology::: I notice it too late, so I realize my Baktus scarf in US double crochet! 

Hope you're enjoying a nice weekend!

Pop up your september

Hello dear readers! September It's a new month, so it's time for a new crochet project!  I have a deep affection for bulky yarn, and this time I use it to make a colourful zippered pouch! 

I was searching for a pattern of a cozy purse and I found this lovely project of  Lindsay and immediatly fall in love with! I realize two bags with the same shape but with different colors::: aren't they super-pop?

Now I need two colourful zippers, a beautiful piece of fabric, a sewing machine and someone to teach me how to sew the zipper to the crochet clutch!

This is a short post because my luggage is ready for another break:::I'm gonna spend two weeks in the beautiful Sardinia island! 

Hope you have a great sunday and an inspiring september!