Sharpin Designs Blog

Starting on Ornaments!

8/5/2019

Last weekend I took an embroidery class at Rocking Bobbin Quilt shop. I had a great time and got to sharpen my embroidery skills that had gotten a bit rusty over the years. Not only did I get to learn several new techniques, I walked away with 12 completed ornaments for the holiday. If you've never worked with Kimberbell designs before, check them out here. I am hooked!

This design set is called "Happy Hoop Decor Volume 1 Whimsical Christmas Ornaments."

Happy Embroidery!

Care'

2018 Holiday Baubles! (aka Christmas Ornaments)

11/4/2018

I had so much fun last year making crochet Christmas balls I decided to make some more this year. The problem? These are like potato chips - you cannot make just one!

The pattern is called "Christmas Bauble" and is designed by Carmen Heffernan. You can find the pattern here, and it's free!

Last year I made them in non-traditional colors, so this year I decided to stay to the typical color pallet. I also did not change colors every row, which I think gave it more of a snowflake appearance. These work up very quickly and make great last minute gifts for friends, teachers, neighbors, etc. I've also made them with different types of yarn and with 2.5" and 3" balls, and the pattern adapts well.

Maybe this will become a tradition? I will need another tree!

Happy Hookin!

Care'

Holiday Heads: More Hats

10/14/2018

Getting ready for my next show at St. Jude's in Allen the first weekended in November. The selfie station was such a hit with the birdbrain hats, I decided to work on some holiday-themed hats too. So far I have a Rudolph Hat and two colors of the Elf Hat. I may make a fourth if my idea works out . . .

In the meantime, here's some pics of what I have so far. If you are in the Allen, TX area, come by and see me and try one on!

Happy Hookin'!

Care'

Baubles or Ornaments? What do you call them?

12/10/2017

Every year I try to add a bit of homemade items to our holiday decorations. Last year after Christmas I found this pattern by Carmen Heffernan called "Christmas Baubles." I knew what my 2017 project was going to be. Fortunately I found the pattern just in time to take advantage of 90% off sales at the stores on decorations, so I stocked up on some of the non-breakable balls.

These were a lot of fun to make and work up very quickly. I did about 4-5 each evening. It was a fantastic way to use up some left over yarn from various projects, and I think the impact is great. Here are a couple more color ways I tried out.

In this picture I stuck to a single or a double colorway.

And, of course, all white looks stunning too. I'm thinking yarn with sparkles or sequins would be fantastic. Or how about all that eyelash yarn that you bought years ago and can't figure out what to do with it? Or, some of that crazy yarn with all the pom poms in it? Oh wow. I may need more ornaments!

Happy hooking!

Care'

It's Cold Enough . . .

12/20/2016

Brrrrr! The weather this week in Texas has been COLD! Now, I know what you guys up north are thinking - that we are a bunch of whimps down here in the south. You know what? You are correct! The thing that would make these temperatures better is if there was snow. At least then you'd get the day off, cozy up by the fireplace, and watch movies with the family. You could also send the kids (who are already bored 1.5 days into Christmas break) outside to build snowmen.

Well, since we can't build a real snowman, we can at least crochet one! Last year I made this guy after Christmas. It was cold outside and the decorations were already packed away, and the house seemed so empty after havng holiday cheer dripping for every surface of the house. Since it was cold (and yes - no snow) I made this guy to cheer me up. It worked! Not only can he hang around on your sofa until early March, he's also a breeze to make. You can get the pattern at any of the links below:

Craftsy creaters click here.
Ravelry fans click here.
Etsy peeps click here.

Happy hooking!

Care'

My Nose is a Bit Red

12/11/2016

But I promise I am not contagious.

Rudolph is a pillow pattern I designed last year during the holiday season, and he seems to be a favorite around here. He works up quickly so there's plenty of time to whip him up and add him to your collection. You can get the pattern here.

Happy Hooking!

Care'

Ho!

12/6/2016

More holiday cheer as Santa comes to town. With this pattern I give you several options for the eyes to really bring Santa's face to life, so this is fun to work with. This one also goes pretty fast so there's plenty of time to work it up for the holidays. You can download the pattern at any of the sites below:

Etsy
Ravelry
Craftsy

Elf Yourself

11/25/2016

That's right! You can Make an Elf Yourself!

I've been wanting to make more holiday-themed pillows for our home after making the Snowman and Rudolf last year, and I knew I wanted to make Santa and an Elf. Inspiration hit me like a lightening bolt a few weeks ago and I'm pleased to say the Elf is done! And, I wrote up a pattern in case you want to make one too.

I know it's the day after Thanksgiving and you are probably exhausted from all that shopping, so why not keep that holiday spirit going while relaxing on the couch with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate?

Oh, and Santa is in the works - hopefully he will be ready for his debut next week. HO HO HO!'

Etsy shoppers can pick up the pattern here.
Ravelry lovers can get it here.
Craftsy fans can get it here.

Happy Hooking!

Care'