Sashay Ruffle skirts and diaper cover

Recently I was killing time and walking around the local big box store. And of course I found myself wandering through the arts and crafts section,because it really is the best aisle in the whole store. And to make things even better I found the clearance yarn shelf!!! Now my husband's voice ran through my head, "Buying something that's on sale, isn't saving money if it is something you don't really need." But let's be honest here, I always need yarn. I justified it as a business investment. So I proudly left the store that night with a bag full of Red Heart Boutique sashay yarn that I scored for a great price.

I had never used this brand before. It resembles a mesh ribbon more than a yarn and I'd only seen it used to make ruffled scarfs. While the scarfs are pretty, I don't see them being a big seller. So with a glass of wine in hand and a Hallmark movie playing in the background I went to my favorite place, Pinterest for some inspiration. After browsing the patterns I picked 3 to try out this skirt, a diaper cover and a cute top. If you want to see the patterns I followed go ahead and follow the links.

I am thrilled with how my projects turned out! I've made several diaper covers now and a couple of skirts. The top is next on my to do list. Here are a few pictures of my creations. Enjoy! 

Cookie Grandma Booties

I'm told that my husband's maternal great grandmother was a wonderful crafty soul.She was known as Cookie Grandma for she always had cookies and handmade goods galore. How I wish I could have met her! My mother in-law has saved several crochet items that Grandma had made, and since no patterns exist I've been attempting to re-create them. The pattern I have to share with you today is based of a pair of baby booties Cookie Grandma made for my husband when he was a baby. This pattern is recommended for those of intermediate or advanced beginner skill level.

Materials

worsted weight yarn (I used Red Heart Super Saver)

small amount of contrasting yarn for pom poms

tapestry needle

Stitch marker ( i use a piece of yarn in a contrasting color)

H-8/5mm Hook- for 6-12 month size

Abbreviations:

sts-stitches 

CH- chain

SL ST- slip stitch

SC- single crochet

HDC- Half Double Crochet

DC- Double Crochet

BLO- Back Loop Only

FPDC- Front Post Double Crochet

Instructions

The bootie is made starting at the toe, working in the round with main color. move stitch marker up with each round. Make 2 booties, 2 strings and 4 pom poms.

ch 3 sl st to form circle

Rnd 1:  ch1(does not count as stitch) 12 HDC in circle, sl st to join (12)

Rnd 2:  BLO DC in 1st 2 sts (2DC in next st.DC)repeat. 2DC in last 2 sts.  (18)

Rnd 3:  DC around. Sl st to join (18)

Rnd 4:  Inc 1 in first st, DC next 17 sts, Inc 1 last st (20)

Rnd 5-6:  DC around, sl st to join (20)

7-10 will be worked in a row instead of a round

Row 7-10: DC across,ch2 turn (20)

Fold in half and turn inside out. Sl St across rows to attach the 2 sides together to form the heel

fasten off, weave in ends

Cuff: Starting at the center front of the bootie

Rnd 1:Evenly SC 26 times around the the top of bootie (26)

Rnd 2: DC around (26)

Rnd 3: 2 DC (FPDC, DC)*12 times (26) this is wear the string will go later

Rnd 4: HDC around

fasten off and weave in ends

String: 

ch 70

leave extra yarn on the ends to attach pom poms

make 2 pom poms in CC

weave string behind FPDC row of cuff

attach pom poms at end of strings

The Original Booties

Happy New Year!

It's a new year and you know what that means, time for the dreaded resolutions. If you are like me, every new year starts with a long list of lofty goals that seem to be forgotten by March. Not this year my friends, not this year. I'm not even making resolutions this year instead I have 2 goals. Yup just 2. I want to better myself and better my business. At the end of 2017 I want to look back and be proud of the progress I made. 

Here is a short list of things you can expect to see from TR Talents this year:

1. A more active presence here and social media
2. 1 pattern or Tutorial posted monthly 
3. Increased inventory in my facebook shop
4. Participating in a minimum of 4 craft shows
5. More Giveaways

Now that I have some goals the next step is setting up some timelines to reach them. I'm excited for a successful year of reaching new clients and fellow crocheters.

 I hope you check back often and have an amazing 2017! Comment below and let me know what your goals are for the year. Or any new patterns or items you'd like to see.