#ThrowbackPatternThursday

Hello everyone! Taking my idea from last month with Donatello, I have decided to revisit another old pattern that I found when I was just learning to crochet.

These are "Pop Tart Cats." I made them for a feline loving friend four years ago for her birthday. Honestly, most of my crochet went to friends as gifts so you will be reading that story through out the #Throwback project.

They're cute and lovely, but their pastry needs some new filling. I decided to do something new this time around and give them more of that classic Pop Tart look. Think Nyan Cat, but no rainbows and song.

The first one I'm working on is "Oreo Cookie." The other one will be strawberry "flavored." I'm excited to see how these will look fresh from the toaster!

Have you gone back to redesign an old pattern, readers?

Happy hookin!
Bertie

#Pattern Revists 1

I've been crocheting since 2009/2010 when I found an extremely helpful book in the high school library. Crochet became my go to for present making. Birthdays, weddings, Christmas, you name it.

Around May 2010, I crocheted my friend Anaiza the four ninja turtles for her birthday. Yeah, we're a little old for dolls, so what? They were ooo'd and awwwww'd over and (in my opinion) won the best gift. I was really proud of those dolls.

Now, looking back at the pictures in my craft album, I wonder how much I've improved. Certainly my shapes have gotten better and I no longer use googly eyes as often.

Yesterday, I decided to return to the pattern that I used to make these dolls. This was originally posted by underthemountain on craftster. Find it here. It really is a wonderful pattern. I noticed right off that I was able to read it better and go a little bit faster.

I only made one doll. It took about 5 or less hours for me to complete it. And it turned out waaaay better than these four.

It's really cool to be able to use the same pattern and have it turn out differently years later. I'm glad to see improvements in my skill.

I will probably be doing more of these as I have a lot of patterns that I would like to retry now that I have more experience.


If you love this doll as much as I do, you can pick him up here for $15.

Burgers are good, burgers are great

It's summer time, folks! Time to wheel out the grill and show your buddies who makes the best burgers in your area. Kids can have the pool and the sunshine, you have what's most important- burgers.

Burgers come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. You can have a quarter pounder with cheese, a beltbuster with guac, or a turkey burger with chipotle mayo.

I love burgers. I love turkey burgers. Bean burgers. Veggie burgers. Chicken burgers. Nothing beats a solid patty loaded up with lettuce, bacon, tomato, and sandwhiched between Brioche buns. (They recently started serving one of my favorite chicken sandwiches on those at Jack in the Box. Soooo much goodness.)

 I recently made a burger similar to this one. Just gonna make a few changes to the ingredients list.

Fiesta Turkey Burger

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 small white onion (though I would have liked to use 1/2 of a red onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced green onion
• 1/4 of a cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano 
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices pepperjack cheese, cut into quarters 

Literally the best burger ever. I had brought it for lunch at work and I could not wait to eat it!

Speaking of burgers, I just put up a crochet version of yummyness in the shop. Feel free to show off your love for burgers in a healthy way or use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about what makes a good burger so tasty.

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/xBlueUnicornCrafts/stats/listing/191489049#

Happy grilling!

Bertie

Magical Elephant!

I'm in love with this pattern by Pierrot Yarns! The instructions are in Japanese, but come with charts so the anyone can crochet this adorable elephant. If you click the link, you can see one of my elephants featured!

Crochet charts were new to me when I stumbled across this pattern and I had no clue how to work them! If you're lost as well, here's a good tutorial.

I have crocheted this pattern once or twice.....

And now THRICE!

It's just a really cute outcome and I can't (won't) stop!

 

This little guy is currently in my store, waiting to bring his magic into your home!

He stands at about 7 1/2 inches, with hat. The hat is light pink and removable, revealing a little yellow chick that is attached to his head. He is also wearing white magic gloves and a lime green bow tie. The rose is not included. His eyes, as well as his feathered friend's eyes, are sewn on securely.

$12 for this Magical Elephant. Punch in 'NUBLU14' at check out for 10% off your purchase.

Happy crafting!
Bertie