Ari's Purse

 Hi loves, 

Happy New year to you. I would love to wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2023, filled with good health, wealth, happiness and all your hearts desires.  On January 18, 2023, I was browsing YouTube and found a very easy to follow tutorial of a cute purse.  I watched the entire video and decided, hmmm I am going to make my little girl one.

I usually don't pay much attention to the type of yarn and sometimes the needle size.  I just use what I have and make modifications where necessary, and this time was no different.  I had this yarn , I unfortunately don't know the brand as it was a completed item I was asked to unravel to make something for my daughter's god mother, she however did not give me the go ahead and she has since past.  

I did the number of chains the pattern required but since the yarn and needle were different, my piece was small so I doubled the number of stitches. It was quiet an easy pattern to follow, I was in the rhythm minutes after starting.  After completing the number of rows she did, I decided to do another repeat which gave me the size that would be perfect for my 2 year old.

This was the amount she did.

This is what I did.

With the front being completed, I went and did the back panel.  Can you believe I modified the pattern to my liking and almost forgot what I did (😀😁😂😃😄).   I did another modification to the pattern by joining my pieces together then did the strap separately.  I did a 6 stitch knitted I-cord strap, attached my strap and cleaned the edge of the bag up, add a button and closure. My bag was all done. This took me 2 days to complete.  It would have been done in 2-3 hours but mama had a ton of things doing in between.  The straps took the longest if I'm being honest. 

@ACraftyConcept how did I do with my version of your cute bag?

I took a few pictures of the bag and also of her wearing it.  She loved in instantly.  I was however instructed to take other pictures to post by my eldest, so that's what I did.  Side note, I normally get  some form of opposition to enter the shower (then to get out) but all I had to say was; "Lets shower to take pics with your bag".

 

Trying to close it.

Do you all see that leg? Baby know how to pose.

Can you tell that she loves her new bag?  I didn't attached the tassels because I was ordered by her sister to make another and wanted to ensure I had enough of the yarn to do so.  I was given some specific instructions to follow when doing the 2nd bag:

"Mommy can you make me one as well, but make it so my phone and other things can go in it!" "And it needs to go across my body, like so (demonstrating with her hands)".  So loves look out for the sequel.  

Lets be friends, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter and TikTok   Check out my Etsy page as well.  New items to be added.

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Until next time. Khenzuri

Loopty Loop

Hi Loves, 

Tis the season for giving and for that reason, I would like to share this easy cross-body bag pattern with you.  I know this post is not like any I've done before in terms of writing style but as we grow as individuals I would like to grow as a blogger.

In this blog, I am going to provide you with the full details of the written pattern which is quite easy for you to follow, as well as the yarn type etc.

I do hope you love this bag as much as I did.  The yarn was one carried by Ice Yarns, though the colour I used is out of stock there are still a few colours you could choose from.  This bag is completely customizable so you could also use just about any yarn you like.  The size would then be different.

As promised here is the full written pattern.

Yarn Information:

Ice Yarn Woolfine in the colour Gold fnt2-58305

1 ball

Fiber Content: 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic

Weight: 50 gr. / 1.76 oz. per ball

Length: 350 m. / 382 yds. per ball

Yarn Thickness: 2 Fine: Sport, Baby

You will need to know how to do the loop stitch which is quite easy. There are also many easy-to-follow videos on YouTube. I used one skein but held 2 strands together for the bag. The pattern is done in one piece then folded and joined in the side and base to make the bag.

Loop stitch – insert your hook as you would to sc, loop the yarn over your finger and stretch it to the length you desire. Put the hook under both strands of yarn and pull both through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the loops on the hook. 

Abbreviation:

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

The bag is 7′ without the loops and strap, 9′ with the loops, 30′ with strap un-stretched… 34; when strap is stretched (when loaded).

Pattern:

Chain 61.

row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in all stitch.

row 2: 1 loop stitch in all stitch 

Repeat rows 1-2  5 times for a total of 12 rows. 

Next step:

sc in each stitch for a total of 30 rows.

Construction:

Fold your piece in half with the right side on the inside. Ensure all your loops are inside. Start at the top of the bag slip stitch along the side and base. For re-enforcement sc from the base, along the side back to the top of the bag. Turn your bag back on the right side.

Strap... Option A:

Cut the yarn after you finish sewing the side and base.  Attach the yarn in any stitch on the side... sc in 6 stitches ensuring you have 3 on either side.

ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (6 sc) - repeat for the length of your straps.

Or 

Option B: After sewing up your bag, do not fasten off.

Sc in 3 stitches from where the yarn is connected... Ch 1 turn sc in the 3 stitches you just made, then hdc in the next 3 stitches (this will ensure it levels out) 

ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (6 sc).  repeat for the length of your straps.

Ensure the strap is not twisted once you have achieved your desired length. Connect to the other side of your bag using your desired method.

For closure, I attached my yarn to the centre of the opening on one side of the bag,  chain 15, sc in the 6th chain from the hook(buttonhole made) and in every chain back to the middle of the bag. Fasten off and hide the yarn tail. Sew a button a few rows down from the opening on the other side of the bag.  Feel free to close your bag however you like.

If you do make this bag please tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry and Twitter.   

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Until next time.

Slayed

 Hi loves,

Man oh man how long has it been????? A while... I know. 

Well you see 2018, was the last time I made dolls for Things Jamaica 🇯🇲, they haven't reached out to me and neither have I.

2019 came and gone, then there was that year we all wish never came.  2021 came with a glimmer of hope and I thought... Wait!!!  I should make contact as I'm sure a few items were outstanding for me still.

The question was asked are you still in operation? My answer was yes. They placed an order, their biggest one yet.  I was really happy about this as I haven't been in the creative mood for a while and this got the juices flowing.

I gave an estimate of a month for the completion. The first week sees me moving at lightning ⚡ speed (you would have thought I was related to Usain Bolt, 🤣🤣🤣). Then comes motherhood, school work, housework, and my 9-5 among other things and my month deadline was fast approaching and I was nowhere near completion 😭😭😭😭...

I would be lying if I say I wasn't worried... Thankfully it wasn't a hard and fast deadline so a week or so over the month they were all finished.

Packaged and ready to be delivered.  I was pressed for time,  as I was working late into the night with work the next morning, I forgot to take the finished product picture of the keychains.

So loves without further ado here are my beauties in all their glory😁😁😁😁.

The gents are out

Missy heading to the mall.

Little black dress

Me and my girls💃 

Moesha and Chip date night.

Sam and Nikki

Ahm. Can you just take the pic already

Grammy's ready.

These  2 love birds

Oops. It's just a little leg lift.

"Looking into my eyes, tell me what you see"

Almost done

90% finished

We're coming on quite nicely, aren't we?

Squeak!  squeak!

The last doll to be made and I'm honestly in love with the outcome... The way the beret sits on the side of the head... The braids to the side... This girl slayed.

Looking at the picture, justice isn't being served.  Oh, how I wish you all could see them in person.

Bye until next time.

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Please follow me on FB, Instagram, and Twitter

Ripples and Waves

 Hi Loves, 

I was allowed to design something using Ice Yarns Softly Baby.  I had no clue what type of yarn it was, how it felt, was it easy or hard to work with.  Nothing, I knew absolutely nothing about this yarn, so when my package arrived and I ripped it open, I was in utter awe.  The yarn felt so soft. My girls even agreed.

They started placing orders as to what they both wanted me to make from the yarn.  I had to remind them of the task at hand, lol.

I decided to design a baby blanket, one that a beginner could do as well.  I first went to stitchfiddle.com to ensure what was in my head looked good on paper.    With that aspect completed and looking as I thought it would.  I wrote the steps down (as it did not transfer to the written pattern automatically with the basic option) and then I gather my supplies.

Needle.... ✔

Yarn.....✔

Pattern....✔

Though simplistic it may seem, if I didn't have the above tool to show what the finished product would look like.  Man, I would have had a foggy 🐸🐸🐸🐸 farm before the item even get midway.  

I worked on my blanket, took pictures, and upload my design to Ice yarn.  What's next? 🤷‍♀️ ....................... I don't know.

So I folded my blanket, and store it away.  Fast ward a few months I heard friends of mine were having their first child... I decided to gift the blanket along with a hat as my baby gift.  

Was wondering if they didn't want the gift as they were taking a mighty long time to retrieve it... But was overjoyed when the dad finally picked it up, and the mom messages me squealing about how she loved them.  I was beaming with pride😁😁😁😁

These are moments to live for as a creator/designer ( in the making) 🤭🤭🤭🤭..giggles!!!

You can make your very own Slanted ridges.  Go ahead try it and give me your feedback. 

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Please follow me on FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

Just saying 👋

Hi loves, 

Wow, it's been ages... Just stopping by to say hi...  

I have been trying to juggle work, motherhood, family life, and the whole shebang.  Can't say I have been doing a good job but I have been giving it my best, working in the shadows.

Drafts gathering dust and all...

Just regrouping to come back stronger.  In the meantime feel free to follow me on FB, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Until next time... Live, laugh, and love.❤❤❤

Half Double crochet

Hi loves, 

Today we will be doing the Half Double Crochet (hdc).  This stitch is taller than the single crochet but shorter than the double crochet, hence the name half double crochet.  It is also a slightly dense stitch that is good for clothing like skirts and shorts.  Your projects work up faster than doing single crochets.  There is much to be said about the half double crochet but without further ado, let's learn how to do the HDC so we can start making beautiful pieces.

How Is It Done?

To do the HDC you would begin as you would for the double crochet by yarning over before inserting your hook into the desired stitch.  Then this is where the difference takes place.  With three loops on your hook, you yarn over and pull through all three loops and there you have it, one hdc completed.  Easy as pie don't you think?

You are a visual learner

No issues there... Let's get some visuals for you.

The finished swatch

not so close up.

Yarn over (yo)

Insert your hook into the stitch. Yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook

Having issues with my pictures.  Hope my video will help.

Hdc on a current WIP

Hdc from the starting chain.

I would like to hear from you.  Let me know what you think in the comments.  Until next time.....

Thanks loves for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Please follow me on FB, Instagram, Twitter. You can also purchase yarn to make your masterpieces here.

Air Shine

Hi Loves,

      Here I was browsing the web, looking at different yarns when I saw this beautiful yarn called Air Shine.  I ordered the green and waited..... and waited...

4 weeks later..... 

My yarn came, I ogled over the way it looked and felt, but didn't know what to make with it.  A few months pass and still no idea what to use my Air Shine for, then Petra Breakstone decided she was having another "anything Petra KAL".

I thought to myself 🤔🤔🤔, Rayne, wouldn't that look elegant in the Air Shine.

@petrabreakstone's Rayne

I cast on and within 3 days completed my shawl and my oh my, it looked absolutely beautiful.  It was that beautiful that it was claimed before it was completed.  I didn't get a chance to really photograph the finished product.

The night I finish my shawl

pics not doing it justice.

a closeup

The happy Customer. She contributed the photos.

Thanks loves for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Please follow me on FB, Instagram, Twitter. You can also purchase yarn to make your masterpieces here.

Speaking It Into Reality.

 Hi loves, 

Have you ever wondered why something keeps affixed to your imagination or dreams?  I have.

I've dreamt many years ago of owning my own Beauty Salon which was operated as a classy beauty salon, with an actual start and end time. This last bit (opening hours) was very important, as at that time I was working in a hair salon that did not have an end time.  I would go to work by 9am and in comes someone after 3 pm requesting to get their hair braided small (if you have ever gotten your hair braided with extensions you know it takes time).  Once my boss accepts this client it means I could be at work until after midnight and still have to be back at work by 9 am the next morning.  That was exhausting and to say the least, I wasn't getting a lot of pay.

Fast forward a couple of years I got certified in general Cosmetology but right after completing tragedy struck and I was forced to seek employment fast as the sole breadwinner at the time died and my baby was just about to turn 2 years old.  While working at my new job I continued to do natural hairstyles (my specialty).  This was my second job, my weekend job, but a little over a year I had to change department and this caused me to lose clients as  I started working on weekends.  I stayed in that job changing departments and moving up the ranks until 2017 when I got laid off.  This is when my dream of becoming my own boss came to life, though not as a salon owner.

I've always been creative at heart, whether it's creating beautiful hairstyles, crocheting/knitting, or embroidering... So it came as no surprise when I registered the business name Khenzuri's Treasures.  I was really pumped up about sewing my seeds and getting my name out there.  But it's not that easy.  

My daughter's first day of school hairstyle

A simple twist with beads

I did my own hair as well

crochet braids

crochet then twist out

I've had good days and some not-so-good days but that doesn't stop me from believing that I will succeed.  I know I will not just own a successful business where I crochet and knit other people's designs... But I will become a designer as well... 

How are you so confident you will become a designer?

I am sure because no matter what pattern I am making my mind is racing 100 miles a sec with new ideas of what to make or how to change the current pattern I am working on. I have designed things in the past it's just not written for others to remake and that is what I am working on.

For instance, I made a dress from a scarf I test knitted.  While I was knitting the scarf, the idea came to turn it into a crop halter top.  However, after starting the new project that idea shifted and became a dress. Can I tell you how this dress stayed on my mannequin for almost a year before the final touches were added?  Take a look and tell me what you think.  Did I do well? 

My design, it was birthed from a scarf I test knitted for Petra Breakstone.

The issue I have now as to why I am not actively pursuing this part of my dream is designing takes time and I am a bit stretched at the moment but the stars are being aligned as we speak so it's just a matter of time.

And you know as long as there is life a dream can still become a reality.  Come along with me on my journey.  Until next time.

Thanks loves for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Please follow me on FB, Instagram, Twitter. You can also purchase yarn to make your masterpieces here.