Pixie Blossom Hair Attire - Pattern Review

I have been trying to test less to make time to work on my own projects. But when I started seeing posts of lovely flower hair pieces from Sick 'Lil Monkeys on Facebook, I decided to join in.

I had the chance to test the twist holders.The small version is the blue pansy, and the rose is the large version. 

It was my first time using the Sizzle line from Red Heart. At first I was thinking of using a different yarn I had, but I wanted to see how different Sizzle was. This was also my first time using my B hook. 

The thread did slip around at first. But after getting the first few stitches in, the flower started coming together. The Sizzle thread had such a nice, clean look to it. The nylon texture was really smooth too, compared to other rough nylon yarns I have. The thread was strong, and it gave the flower a shimmery effect. 

The e-book has 6 flower patterns to choose from. I'm glad I got the chance to try out 2 different types.

 

There are so many varieties of hair accessories you can make with Sick 'Lil Monkeys pattern. You can purchase the full e-book on her Ravelry page. 

Click HERE to buy the full eBook for $2.00

Believe me, once you try one of the patterns, you will be jumping to try the rest of her ebook. To prove this, Sick 'Lil Monkeys is sharing two free patterns. You can find the pattern for the Braided Ivy and Headband on the Sick 'Lil Monkeys blog. This beautiful design made me want to try it out!

She is also sharing the Hair Comb and Rose Pattern on the Cre8tion Crochet website. Look how beautiful this hair comb looks! Imagine how many other flower combinations you can add to this design!

I shared this blog post on: Stitch It Up Link Party #4, Best of the Blogosphere #11

Pattern Review: Lion Brand Perfect Purse

I'm going to write a summary of the instructions, and if you want you can go to the website and double check my work. Lion Brand Perfect Purse (You will need to register to see the free pattern).
The pattern is written in inches, so I'm going to translate it with approximate stitches. I prefer following a pattern that counts stitches then having to measure the work.

The purse begins with a chain stitch of 38. The first part of the instructions said to single crochet rows until you get 12 inches. I measured and it's about 37 single-crochet rows.

This shell pattern is easier than it looks! You just skip 4 single crochet stitches and crochet 4 double crochets in one single-crochet stitch.

I finished crocheting the shells on Friday night. The instruction stated to make rows of shells so that the whole piece is 17 in long. The shell portion measures 9 rows long, with 6 shells in each row.

The instructions then say to sew the sides of the bag together. I decided to do the slip stitch instead. I believe that it gives the sides a stringer hold, and you could always keep the bag like this instead of flipping it around. It gives it a more unified look.

The instructions also give you an optional strap pattern, which measures about 5 feet long. I counted the stitches as I was making it and it's about 225 single crochet stitches. Although I did run out of yarn at the very end, as you can see in the picture above. Sadly, that's what happens when I use old yarn that I might not find anymore.

The best part about this simple pattern is that you can make your purse and length or width you'd like. You can add a strap, sew in a lining, or add a zipper if you wish. I'm going to make more of these purses in different sizes, and I will use different color yarn to give it a modern look, since color blocking is so in-style right now.

Oh, I almost forgot. Check out this awesome button! This was also in the instructions. I'm going to make a separate entry with the directions. I just love buttons!