Divine Valentine's Day Card

Crafter's love the holidays. We get to make things and whittle down our yarn stash at the same time. Although, what do we do with all the small bits of yarn leftover? I have a box full of yarn scraps and ribbon balls. So I decided to make knit appliques. They are fast to knit and pack a punch on the brim of a hat or make a great clothes patch when felted. Here is one of my new knit appliques that comes in the Fandangles Valentine's Day pattern set. I am using the pattern for the large heart applique to make a sweet Valentine's Day card for my friend Jordi. I can't wait for her to get it. Here is how I made it.

These are the materials I used, plus a pencil.

Wonderful free borders can be found here: 

http://vintagefeedsacks.blogspot.com/2012/08/vintage-calligraphy-frame.html

So first I folded some card stock in half and printed out this fancy Victorian frame and cut to size.

I glued the frame down with Elmer's which was not my first choice, but we use what we have.

 Then I used a pencil and lightly drew a whimsical design in which to embroider my yarn.

Be sure to trace around the heart applique as well.

 Using the yarn needle I punch holed through the card stock. Be sure to push the needle all the way through the paper at around 1/4 inch between punches or you will get paper tears.

 Thread your yarn needle with the Large Heart Applique's yarn tail and using the holes you just created weave in and out around the heart to attach it to your card.

 Then use a back-stitch to embroider the rest of your card. For the back-stitch you push your yarn up from the bottom of the card..

 and return the yarn one hole punch back from where the yarn came up from.

I also added some French knots.

 Bring yarn up through hole punch and yarn wrap around needle twice. Then carefully place needle back in the same hole punch and pull through to the back of card.

 For the last step you can glue a paper piece on the inside of the card to cover your stitches or let your card receiver admire your needlework.

All done and you have a hand crafted Valentine's Day card!

I have been drafting like crazy and here is my new pattern! Come check it out on Craftsy.

Source: Brimless Slouch Beanie via Ana Valencia on Craftsy

New Beginnings

2014, I'm excited. For one I opened an online store the Red Balloon and secondly I made my first sale! So to celebrate I decided to create this little hat pattern. It is made from the softest acrylic yarn and is a great way to practice your fair isle technique.

 

Preemie Five Hearts Beanie

Original design and pattern by:
Ana Valencia

Yarn: Yarn Bee Cameo Super Bulky in Pink Pearl

Yarn Bee Icelandic Jewels in Ruby
*If Icelandic Jewels is not available Yarn Bee Cameo Bulky in Carnelian may be substituted.

Tools: Size 10 double pointed needles(4), Size 10 ½ dpns only if using Icelandic Jewels Yarn,
Stitch marker, guage ruler, yarn needle, and scissors.

Gauge: 3 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch. 3 rows= 1 inch
Be sure to check your gauge!

Abbreviations: k2tog= knit two stitches together, dpns= double pointed needles,round(s)= rnds
stitch(es)= st(s), Knit= k, Purl= p
Yarn Bee Cameo yarn can be difficult to work with, but the results are fantastic. Take your time with
this pattern and happy knitting.

Pattern: Using Pink Pearl yarn, cast on 40 stitches evenly onto size 10 dpns. (13 st(s) needle 1, 14 st(s)

needle 2, 13 st(s) needle 3). Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a
stitch marker on the first stitch.
Ribbing:
Rnds 1-3: (k1,p1) repeat to end of round
Rnd 4: knit

Chart:

Rnds 5-12: Now follow this chart, starting in the lower right corner and reading from right to left.
Repeat each line to the end of the round 5 times then move up the chart, always starting from the right.
Remember to change colors as the chart's colors change! Switch to size 10 ½ dpns if using Icelandic
Jewels yarn or to keep gauge.

Rnd 13: knit

Keep knitting in the round until hat measure 4 inches from cast on edge.
Decrease Rounds:
Rnd 14: (k8, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 15: (k7, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 15: (k6, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 16: (k5, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 17: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 18: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 19: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 20: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of round
Rnd 21: (k2tog) repeat to end of round, only 3 sts remaining
Bind off in stockinette and cut yarn leaving 6 inch tail. Pull yarn tail through remaining stitch.
Weave in ends.

I hope to offer a patter with tutorial next time.  Let me know how the pattern works for you. Get the PDF file here, http://theredballoon.storenvy.com/products/4749397-preemie-five-hearts-beanie-free-pattern 

I would also love to see the item you knit with this pattern.