Sharpin Designs Blog

Starry Night Crochet Hooks

2/24/2019

I love it when two hobbies merge. In this case, my love of crochet and polymer clay combined to make starry night hooks. I've always wanted to give this a try, (especially because I've spent quite a bit buying these over the years), and I'm happy with the results.

Have you ever tried a hook wrapped in polymer clay? If not, it's worth it. Not only are they fun, they are more comfortable to work with. I have carpel tunnel and I find the smaller hooks nearly impossible to use. But, once wrapped to make the handle bigger, I have no problems at all.

Of course, these work better if you use the knife hold versus the pencil hold.

These will make their debut at #DFWFiberFest in April. Come see me and check them out!

Happy Hookin!

Care'

New Pattern: Goat Scarf

2/18/2019

New pattern: Goat Scarf! This one is really cute and goes well with the Sheep Scarf. It'easy to make this for a child or adult - just keep working the body until you reach the desired length.

Pattern is available on this site, Etsy, and Ravelry.

Happy Hookin!

Care'

She Shed Progress Report - Part 2

1/21/2019

Hubby has made some great progress over the past few weeks, especially when you consider the wacky weather and daily commitments. Since my last update, he has laid the sub floor and placed in all the electrical lines and outlets. I am looking forward to having TONS of outlets for a chance.

While it's not super sexy, it's a good amount of work to check off the list. Next up is running the electrical and installing installation.

With friendship,

Care'

More Colorways Added to Friday Night Fibers

1/13/2019

I warned you I was working on other colorways! We'll it's time to reveal them! Like before all are inspired by a cocktail.

From Left to Right: Black Cat, Black Velvet, The Blackbeard, Manhattan, Purple Haze, Santa's Helper, White Russian

I have both DK and Fingering weight. All are available for purchase on this site and in my Etsy shop.

Happy Hooking!

Care'

The She Shed Project - Part 1

1/7/2019

Squeal!

A long-time dream is starting to come to reality! I have always been fortunate that I've had my own space for my creative endeavors, but over the years as I've accumulated hobbies and supplies, that space has become disorganized and chaotic. It also shares my home office, so, needless to say, after sitting in there working 8-10 hours a day, I am ready to get OUT rather than hang around to do something creative.

I've longed for a space that was dedicated to my hobbies, that could stay organized, that gave me a way to display my supplies in a manner that would be inspirational. I use to have that kind of space in a prior home, and it was fantastic. Free of clutter and distractions and with all my supplies and finished items on display - it was truly a blessing.

Fast forward to a new home, another kiddo, more animals - well, I got squeezed out. Now I work/play/store in the same space and it's just not working anymore. So, this holiday season we decided to take the plunge and get me an official she shed!

As you can see there is work to be done to get her ready, but just being able to envision it has been super exciting. The shed is 24' deep x 12' wide and features a 4' porch. There are four windows total, so plenty of light.

I've already been planning the design (and, I will admit, shopping), and hubby has already put the project plan together to bring it to reality.

I am so blessed and I cannot wait to share the transformation with you.

With friendship,

Care'

Introducing Friday Night Fibers

12/30/2018

A while back I mentioned I was dabbling in hand dying my own yarn. Since that time I've taken several classes, watched tons of videos, and read several books and articles on the subject. I've spent countless (but fun) hours trying different methods and yarn blends to determine the one that would give me the results I wanted.

I'm pleased to announce that hard work has come to fruition, and I'm now ready to introduce my own hand dyed selection of yarns: Friday Night Fibers!

Each colorway is inspired by a cocktail - yep - a cocktail! So many of the cocktails are so pretty with their unique colorways and garnishes, so I decided to take my inspiration from them. Not only do you get a fabulous skein of yarn in a fantastic colorway, you also get the recipe in case you'd like to try the cocktail for yourself.

During the course of this adventure I tried several different yarn blends and came away with two fantastic options that are a joy to knit and crochet with. The DK weight is a blend of Super Fine Superwash Merino and Mulberry Silk. The Fingering weight is a blend of Extra Fine Superwash Merino, Cashmere, and Nylon.

From Left to Right: Dirty Martini, Blueberry Mojito, Fruit Tingle, Green Eyed Monster, Hookah Butterfly, Tequila Sunrise

As I write this more colorways are in the kettle and more ideas are flowing. There will definitely be a "part two" of this post!.

Happy Hookin!

Care'

New Pattern: Asymmetrical Vest

12/26/2018

The response to my Scarf Vest technique guide has been so positive that I decided to take it up a notch and create a variation - an asymmetrical vest with lots of fringe. The basic concept of working with two pieces and a simple stitch still apply, but this time I threw in some increases and decreases for those that are ready to move past beginner techniques. It's still very doable for a confident beginner, but provides enough interest to keep the advanced stitcher from getting bored. Even better, you can apply the technique to knit, tunisian crochet, freeform crochet, looming, etc. since you are working to finished measurements.

This piece is very fun to wear and looks great if you pin it up over one shoulder. I love creating items that give the wearer flexibility while providing great visual impact. I hope you like this one too. The pattern is available here, on Etsy and in my Ravelry shop.

Happy Stitching!

Care'

Awesome Hat Pattern!

12/11/2018

Meet my new favorite hat pattern: The Sweeney Beanie by Lindsay Allercott. (Pattern here). What I really like it how fast these work up while still giving you an interesting - and complex looking - design. Lindsay's pattern includes sizes from toddler to adult. Each hat took me only one evening to make.

Of course, I just HAD to make some fingerless mitts to coordinate.

If you are looking for a last minute gift with a lot of visual impact, this is the one you want to try!

Happy Hookin!

Care'

FABULOUS Poncho Pattern!

12/3/2018

This was a special order for a co-worker who is planning to give it to his wife for Christmas. He asked me to make it and I was happy to do so. Not only was the pattern fast and fun, but I feel IN LOVE with the yarn. I ended up going back and buying all the colors!

I admit I tried this on after it was done to see how it looked. There will be one in my closet too. Here is the pattern link. It's called Midsummer Joy and is by DROPS Design.

Happy hookin!

Care'

Candy Scarf: Free Pattern!

11/25/2018

This scarf is a free pattern by Atty's called Crochet Candy Scarf. You can get the pattern here. I actually made this a while back but never posted a picture of it for some reason, even though it's one of my favorites. It reminds me of the candy dots that come on the paper rolls.

I worked mine with medium weight yarn, but the samples on the pattern page are also very lovely. I may need to make another one soon as it works up quickly and is very enjoyable to make.

This month I'm working on a lot of custom orders for holiday gifts, so I can't post those pictures just yet. But, I'm keeping VERY busy! What's on your hooks this month?

Happy Hookin'!

Care'