Thursday, May 30, 2013

Science Fair time!!!!

It is science fair time in the Maw Beez household and I wanted to share my sons first project. It is really easy and some thing fun to do with the entire family. Plus the kids are learning while having fun!

Lava In A Jar

Matierials

1  jelly jar
1 cup of water
Food coloring (red preferably)
1/4 cup of oil
Sugar and a spoon

Directions

Step 1: pour 1 cup of water into the            jar

Step 2: squeeze 5 drops of red food coloring into water

Step 3: pour oil into the water ( stop here and observe and discuss what is happening )

Step 4: sprinkle a spoonful of sugar
            and see what happens!

Do you see the bubbles?? Looks kinda like a lava lamp right? :) Do you know why this happens? Well, oil is lighter than water so it floats. When you add the sugar, a little bit of oil gets trapped. As the sugar dissolves the oil is released and travels back to the top making a "lava" effect.
For an extra bonus add a few drops of a different colored food coloring afterwards and see what happens. The food coloring, which is heavier than water and sinks, gets coated in oil and sinks slower than normal making beautiful "fireworks" in the water.
My son really enjoyed this project and it boosted his curiousity in science and I do believe I may have a little Bill Nye the science guy on my hands. I plan on doing more science experiments with him throughout the summer and share them with you all! Till next time!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Puppies, kittens and mushrooms, oh my!

Back in 2011 when I decided to take my love for crochet a step further and open a "shop", I went searching for a unique pattern to be able to say,
BAM! Here's my work! 
I ended up stumbling the CUTEST puppy pattern EVER. Seriously when this pup debut at my shop orders were pouring in like crazy. And you can see why!
By Hook, By Hand ( www.byhookbyhand.blogspot.com ) is THE most awesomest craft page I have every found. Not only does it have the greatest crochet pdf patterns for free, she also offers amazing tutorials on everything from cloth dolls to how to make a doll house out of cardboard. Believe me when I say you will be lost for days on her site. Here is a side view of the Spaniel pup.
Isn't it so cute. There's so many things I want to make from the site but decided on the woodland scene.
I didnt have fun fur so I decided to make my own meadow and will share the pattern with you all.
Materials
Worsted yarn in green
G hook
Stitches used
Sc=single crochet
Sc2tog= single crochet 2 stitches together
Loop stitch ( click for tutorial)
Ch 30 sc in 2nd ch from hook and across
R1: ch1,turn ,  sc in next stitch,* loop stitch in next, sc in next* repeat across
R2-3 : ch1, turn, sc across
R4: ch1, turn, sc in first stitch, loop st in next 4 stitches, sc across to last 5 stitches, loop st in next 4 stitches, sc in last
R5-12: ch1, turn, sc across
R13: ch1, turn, sc across to last 5 stitches, loop stitch in 4 stitches, sc in last
R15: ch1,turn,  sc across
R16: ch1, turn, sc across to last 4 sc, loop st in next 3 stitches, sc in last stitch.
R17: ch1, turn, sc across
R18: ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 stitches, sc2tog
R19: ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc across to       last 2 stitches, sc2tog
R20: ch1,turn, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 stitches, sc2tog , join in last stitch, ch1 and sc all around, fasten off and weave in all ends
And theres my meadow!
I had lots of fun making the miniature mushrooms. And I think the fungus on the log and tree stump complete the whole scene.
I'd love to see your results and hear what you chose to make from By Hook By Hand. Please send to mawbeez@gmail.com. And last but not least is a Siamese kitten I made from her Kittens for Adoption set. Isn't it adorable! Stop by my facebook page Mama Bee's Crafty Things and share your work. Till next time!!!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Extra Extra Messenger!!

This is a pattern for a super cool,durable messenger bag. A client asked me to make her a bag to carry her childrens toys when they go to Grandmas. I came up with this. I like this bag alot because nothing slips through and its big enough to actually use in your daily routine. I hope y'all enjoy it!




Materials
2 skeins of Red heart with Love yarn in any color
J hook
Stitches used
Ch= chain
hdc= half double crochet
Dc=double crochet
Using J hook and working with two skins
Ch 100
Hdc in 3rd chain from hook , hdc across
Row 1-25 ch 3( counts as first hdc)
turn, hdc across
At end of row 25 do not fasten off.
 
Right now you should have a big rectangle shape. Lay with wrong side facing up.  Count back 60 spaces and  join with slip stitch, slip stitch down the side fastening off at end. Do the same for the opposite side.
If you'd like to make your bag with a little bit of texture; hdc in only the top 2 loops of each hdc. It will leave a nice ridge throughout every row giving your bag a slightly different look.
Strap
Working with two strands
Ch 90
Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across, ch3 turn
Row 2: hdc across, ch 3, turn
Row 3: hdc across, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing
Now you can decorate your bag with any applique. I used a flower pattern from Tangled Happy. I am currently making one in red with a monkey applique for a friend who had twin boys.
The first picture is of my gray messenger bag for my customer. She really loved it! The hdc is tight enough so that nothing falls out or slips through. And by using two strands the bag is durable enough to last a long time.
When I decided I wanted to share this pattern I asked a couple nice gals to test my pattern for me.The second picture is by Terri over at Cozy Baby Crochet. Awesome right!!?!! I love the embroidery work she used to decorate the cover. This shows how you can really make this bag your own. Feel free to comment if you have any questions. I would love to see your results. Please email mawbeez@gmail.com or visit my page Mama Bee's Crafty Things on facebook Till next time <3

Friday, May 17, 2013

Han Solo strikes back!

Only 5 days till my first baby turns 6 which means only 6 days left to make him some Star Wars amigurumis! So far I've finished a Stormtrooper, R2D2, and Bobo Fet. *drum roll*
Here is the latest in his collection,

Han Solo!

I really like how he turned out, especially his little gun holster. I do think I need to embroider his hair a bit better, but other than that I think he came out great and my son will love him.
I am excited to make the next doll since I recently bought saftey eyes. It will be my first time using them so I can't wait. Till next time!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Granny squares are the Beez Knees!

Granny squares are a fave of mine to make. There are so many variations and patterns to choose from. A quick change of color can make all the difference in a granny square.
I would like to share with y'all a basic granny square pattern. This pattern is perfect for people who are beginners and just starting your love for crochet.

Materials
Any color worsted weight yarn
H hook
Needle to weave ends

Ch4 join making a circle, ch3( counts as first dc)

R1: 2 dc in the circle, *ch1, 3 dc into circle*3 more times. Ch1 , Join in top of ch3

R2: slip stich next 2 dc , slip stich into chain1 space, ch 3.
Working in the ch space,  2dc, ch2, 3 dc, ch 1. Working in next ch space, 3 dc, ch2, 3 dc, ch1. Working in next ch space, 3 dc, ch2, 3dc,ch1. Working in last ch space, 3 dc , ch2, 3dc, ch 1, slip stitch to top of ch3.

R3: slip stitch next 2 stitches, slip stich into ch 2 space, ch 3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc ch 1. In next ch space 3 dc, ch 1. * Working in next space, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch1. In next space; 3dc, ch1* around join on top of ch 3.

Notice the pattern??? Every corner is 3dc,ch2,3dc and every ch1 space is 3 dc ! Now here you can finish off and have a great 4 inch square or continue the same pattern to make a granny square blanket. Try different colors, alternating each row.
If you find any mistakes or problems please feel free to ask me for help. You can email me at mawbeez@gmail.com or visit my facebook page Mama Bee's Crafty Things . Enjoy!

Monday, May 13, 2013

My first free pattern!

Recently I was asked to make a dino hat for a 6 month old baby. I'd like to share this pattern with y'all as my first free pattern. Well, actually, half the pattern is mine hahaha. 
The hat part is the basic earflap hat pattern by Alli Crafts which awesomely provides a great and easy hat pattern from newborn up to toddler size! I worked the pattern for 6 months in aqua sith orange trim. 
Here is the pattern for the spikes and spots :

Materials
G hook
Red heart worsted yarn in aqua, cherry red and autumn orange
Yarn needle

Spikes ( make 5) do not join
Using orange
Ch2
R1: 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook
R2 : 2sc in first sc, sc, 2sc in next sc, sc (6)
R3: sc around
R4:  2sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc,         2sc in next, sc in last 2 sc (8)
R5: sc around
R6: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc,sc in last 3 sc (10)
R7: sc around
R8: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc,2sc in next sc, sc in last 4 sc ( 12)
R9: sc around, fasten off leaving long tail to sew.

Large spots ( make 2) using red
Ch2
R1: 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook
R2: inc around (10)
R3: sc, inc around(15)
R4: 2 sc, inc around (20)
Fasten off leaving long tail to sew

Medium Spots (make 2)
Ch2
R1: 5 sc in second ch from hook
R2: inc around (10)
R3: *sc,inc *around (15)
Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing

Small spots ( make 2)

Ch2
R1: 5 sc in second chain from hook
R2: inc around (10)
Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing

Sew on spikes and horns. Weave ends and done!!
The first pic below is before sewing on all the pieces  :-) The second is of my sweet little Savannah Rose wearing the hat <3
I hope you enjoy my first free pattern post! I'd love to see how yours turn out  :-). Send pics to mawbeez@gmail.com and I will display them on my facebook page Mama Bee's Crafty Things .

Tiny little dinosaur

I was ask by a friend to make dinosaur for her little brother or nephew ( I can't remember which) and after much surfing I could only find a few. It really surprised me because ALL boys like dinosaurs right!!??!! I really was lucky I came across this little guy. He was really easy to make although with all his spikes and horns he had 15 parts total. Waaay more than the usual 5 or 6. My friend really liked him  :-) if you'd like to make one too and follow the link below !

http://freepatternsbyh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/stegosaurus-amigurumi.html?m=1

Welcome!!

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Shannon. I am a thirtysomething proud stay at home mama of 3 little ones. And I am addicted to CROCHET!!!! Lol. Ive started this blog to share patterns I make and/or have used in my facebook shop www.facebook.com/mamabeescrafts
My eldest is turning 6 next week and as he is the apple of my eye, I wanted to finish his Star Wars amigurumi collection. Here is my latest creation BOBO FET <3 I hope you all like him. He was really fun to make.