4/15/2013

"There ARE bad people in the world...".

 That is the start of a conversation I have had to have with my sweet Pixie more times than I want to remember...

"...But there are so many more GOOD people. And the power of love WILL get us through."

We must hold each other tight and love with all our might...

It is the only way to stamp out evil...

My heart & prayers go out to each and every person affected by the evil and cowardly acts of terrorism during yesterday's Boston Marathon...

I am grateful that as a resident of Massachusetts with many friends and relatives who were there at the finish line that they all came through with only minor injuries...

However, I know they are forever going to be emotionally scarred by the horrors they witnessed and experienced...

All I can do is LOVE them with all my heart...

And I do...

Blessed,
Susie

New in Shop & Laughing Til it Hurts...

Hey Pixie Pals!

It has been a great week! Lots of Pixie Hats went out the door! Always feels great to make something for those sweet little Pixies! I wish I could do so much more!!!

I am excited about adding children's clothing to my Etsy Shop! I am starting to add summer clothing and hope to eventually have some coordinated sets to go with my Pixie HeartStrings Hats & Shoes. The sewing machine has been humming. I just have to photograph some of my finished products and will be adding them in this week. I do have this set here in there now as a little sneak preview...

All of my items are made by me from cotton/cotton blend fabrics that I launder and dry to reduce shrinkage. I make only French seams throughout so there are no exposed raw edges anywhere inside the garments. Double stitched inseams for extra strength.

I loved sewing for my children when they were, well...children. In fact, my daughter reminded me of some of my more infamous fabric choices (affordable=gaudy) when she was small...we laughed so loud reminiscing. I love to laugh with her. She laughs with her whole body. Then we laugh about that.

She has had a very hard year since becoming a widow at thirty years old last July. She is a mom of three of my Grandy kids and I couldn't be more proud of how she has handled herself during this difficult time...she is FABULOUS!

So you see, when we are laughing together, no matter what it is about, it is extra special...just like her.

I hope you have all visited and LIKED my Pixie HeartStrings FaceBook page! It really is the very best way to keep up with all the new & exciting Pixie Creations. I try to post everyday. Stop by. Check it out. LIKE it. I know you will...

How about you tell me what YOU are working on!!! Leave me a comment here! Send me a pic on FB! I want to see!!!

Stay Crafty!
Susie

Pixie HeartStrings News...

Hey Pixie Pals!

How are you all? The weather here in New England has been really nice the past few days. I actually broke out the flip flops today!

Yesterday was opening day at Fenway!

 

It was a perfect day for it. And, the fact we won made it all the better...

 

I had lunch today with a very special friend. She lost her daughter a couple of weeks ago and will now be raising her 4 year old granddaughter. My heart breaks for her. But she has that little Pixie to take care of now and she will keep her busy and bring her great joy. She has a long journey ahead of her and I pray she will find her strength to go on. Her Pixie will help though...

 

I made this little hat for her Pixie. It is the exact same pattern as the Aruba Pixie hat.  I added a little ladybug to bring her luck. She loves ladybugs...

 

I am getting ready to do my very first craft show. My hands are working as fast as they can! Wish me luck! There is so much more yarn to buy for new Pixie Creations!!!

 

Don't forget to visit and LIKE my Pixie HeartStrings FaceBook page. I am working on more patterns and you can stay updated there as to when they will be posted here. I try to share something new everyday. It won't always be a new pattern But, if I can help with inspiration just a little bit, well, that it good too. And I would love to see what you are working on too! Especially if it is a Pixie Creation...:)

 

Stay crafty my friends,

Susie



Dinosaur Spike Pixie Hat Pattern...

Hey Pixie Pals!

I made this hat for a cute little five year old Pixie. Then I got a couple of requests for one from my Grands. Even my not so little anymore fifteen year old Pixie asked for one today when she saw me working on this pattern.
This hat is made for a larger child. The Pixie I made it for had a pretty big head, as do my Grands. This would fit my fifteen year old Pixie.
Remember, just a Grandma here, not a pro. But, if you have any questions let me know and I would be more than happy to help.

So, here you go...

Dinosaur Spike Pixie Hat



Materials:

 

1 Skein Sugar & Cream cotton for main body of hat.

1 Skein Sugar & Cream cotton in contrasting color for spikes & trim.

I am using Black & Hot Pink! A request from my Grandy Girl. She is 12 and wants this hat very much. She is sooooo fun!

 

Size I crochet hook.

Size E crochet hook.

 

Stitches Used:

 

Chain (CH)

Body of hat is worked in half double crochet (HDC).

Slip Stitch (SS)

Trim & Spikes are worked in single crochet (SC).

 

Body of Hat:

 

Use main color & I hook...

1. Ch 5 and join with a SS to form circle.
2. Ch 2 (counts as 1st HDC) Make 9 HDC in circle. Join with SS in top of chain 2. 10 HDC.
3. CH 2. HDC in same ST. 2 HDC in each HDC around. Do not join. Use a marker to keep track of your rows.  20 HDC.
   

   

   Mark your rows...

 
4. Make *HDC in next ST, 2 HDC in next ST* Repeat around to marker.
5. Make *HDC in next 2 ST, 2 HDC in next ST* Repeat around to marker.
6. Make *HDC in next 3 ST, 2 HDC in next ST* Repeat around to marker.
7. Make *HDC in next 4 ST, 2 HDC in next ST* Repeat around to marker.
8. Make HDC in each ST around to marker.
9. Continue row 8 until hat measures 7" from top. Do not finish off.

Ear Flaps:

 

For first flap just continue from where you left off from last row. For the 2nd flap, fold hat in half and begin in HDC directly across from other side.

Start 2nd Flap Here...



1. CH 2 (counts as first HDC) HDC in next 13 ST. Turn. 14 HDC.
2. CH 2. HDC 2 tog. HDC in next 9 ST. HDC 2 tog. HDC in last ST. Turn. 12 HDC.
3. CH 2. HDC 2 tog. HDC in next 7 ST.  HDC 2 tog. HDC in last ST. Turn. 10 HDC.
4. CH 2. HDC across. Turn. 10 HDC.
5. CH 2. HDC 2 tog. HDC in next 5 ST. HDC 2 tog. HDC in last ST. Turn. 8 HDC.
6. CH 2. HDC across. Turn. 8 HDC.
7. CH 2. HDC 2 tog. HDC in next 3 ST. HDC 2 tog. HDC in last ST. Turn. 6 HDC
8. CH 2 HDC across. Turn. 6 HDC.
9. CH 2 HDC 2 tog. Twice. HDC in last ST. Turn. 4 HDC.
10. CH 2 HDC in next 3 HDC. Finish off.

Trim:
With contrasting color (CC), work SC evenly around body of hat.

SC evenly around hat with CC

Spikes:
Use CC and E hook.
Note: I work mine in a continuous spiral, but you can join with a SS at the end of each round. Whichever you like best...

1. Ch 2. 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Pull tail tight to close circle. 6 SC.
2. *1 SC in next ST. 2 SC in next. 3 times. 9 SC.
3. 1 SC in each ST around. 9 SC.
4. *1 SC in next 2 ST. 2 SC in next.* 3 times. 12 SC.
5. 1 SC in each ST. 12 SC.
6. *1SC in next 3 ST. 2 SC in next.* 3 times. 15 SC.
7. 1 SC in each ST. 15 SC.
8. *1 SC in next 4 ST. 2 SC in next.* 3 times. 18 SC.
9. 1 SC in each ST. 18 SC.
10. SS into next SC. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Leave long tail for sewing to hat...

Hat will need 5-7 spikes...check layout to see how many you will need/desire...

Assembly:
Lay your hat out flat so that you can see the ridge where the spikes should be sewn.

Fold hat in half and line up spikes for sewing...

Use yarn to mark where you want all spikes. Then use yarn needle & using the long tails left on spikes sew them in place. I need 6 spikes for my hat. Depending on how tight/loose you crochet you may need more or less.

Ties:
I use both colors. 6 long strands of each. Then I pull all 6 strands through the center of the last 4 HDC made on the ear flaps. Now you have 12 strands...

Pull all six through center of last 4 HDC...

Tie a knot in strands at base of ear flap...

Tie knot at base of ear flap...

Now braid all 12 strands and tie additional knot at end of braid...

Braid all 12 strands...

 Finis! Well...mine will be in the morning. I forgot the not so little Pixie had dance and drama rehearsals today! She is a busy kid! I love it...
Any questions let me know...

And DON'T FORGET TO LIKE my Pixie HeartStrings FB Page so you can keep up with new & exciting projects posted almost daily! AND, feel free to share your finished project there for all to enjoy. Be PROUD! Show it off!!! :)

Happy Creating!
Susie