Sunday 29 November 2015

Crochet Pattern Review ~Butterfly Garden Afghan Block

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/11/crochet-pattern-review-butterfly-garden.html
First of all ~ Get your free copy of this fantastic and fun crochet pattern here.
The Crochet Butterfly Afghan Block is designed by Dearestdebi. Be sure to like her on Facebook to keep up to date with her current designs. 




I recently had the pleasure to test out this amazing pattern.
Using yarn from my stash, and armed with a 6.5 mm hook I plugged away at this wonderful creation by Dearestdebi.
I used a variety of yarns so my square turned out larger than Debi's. I know when I make more of these squares I would love to try using the yarns she has listed in her patterns. Like many others, I am trying to use up some of my ever growing yarn stash.

Craftsy

This pattern is extremely well written and includes great photos to help with construction. Debi did a fantastic job designing this pattern, as she always does. 
To be able to create something so beautiful takes a beautiful mind, patience and alot of time. It is truly a labour of love that you too can create in only a few hours. Seriously! I finished mine in less than a day, while my kidlets were away at school. I took breaks. Lots of breaks, but if I were to time it, it would have been under 3 hours.

My daughter absolutely loves the little butterflies that hover over the flowers in this garden of roses. She had a friend over the other day that was amazed by the beautiful design. She begged me to make one for her dolly. Wouldn't that be a fabulous Christmas gift? I personally would love to make a pillow with this one. It would look great alongside my Twist & Shake Square Pillow that I created using my Twist & Shake Square.


http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/11/crochet-pattern-review-butterfly-garden.html












Do you love this pattern as much as I do?
Check out this Free Pattern Here!


Are you are feeling super inspired? Check out all her beautiful patterns!
See more of Debi's patterns on Ravelry.

Friday 13 November 2015

A C2C Review + My Twist & Shake Square Pillow



http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/11/a-c2c-review-my-twist-shake-square.html
Recently I injured my back. I had lots of time to rest while waiting to see a Chiropractor.

I decided I needed a quick and easy crochet pattern to make a blanket for my daughter's birthday. I found the C2C (Corner to Corner) Throw pattern >HERE<
I used yarn from my stash, to match the pillow I created from my Twist & Shake Square pattern.


Friday 16 October 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Passionately Pink Purse

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/free-crochet-pattern-passionately-pink.html

Add this pattern to your Ravelry favourites here.








Materials Required:
~Sewing pins.
~Needle.
~Thread to match yarn.
~5 MM Crochet Hook.
~Darning Needle.
~Zipper. Approximately 15 inches.
~Approximately 1 inch Metal Rings X4.
~Round Markers.
~Yarn: Bernat Mosaic (Medium 4), in colour 'Pink Poodle'; 100g ball X2.
~Yarn: Bernat Satin Sparkle (Medium 4), in colour 'Bronze'; 80g ball X2.
http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/free-crochet-pattern-passionately-pink.html

Gauge:
Approximately 12 sc = 3 inches.
Approximately 7 rows = 3 inches.




Special Abbreviations:
Ch = Chain.
Sc = Single Crochet.
Dc = Double Crochet.
Ea = Each.
St(s) = Stitch(es).
Mnr = Mark New Row/Round.
Rnd(s) = Round(s).
** = Repeat instructions as many times as indicated within **.
Beg = Beginning.
Ss = Slip Stitch.
Hdc = Half Double Crochet.
Sk = Skip.


Instructions:

Wednesday 14 October 2015

I Like Crochet ~October's Issue Is Great!

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/i-like-crochet-octobers-issue-is-great.html
I Like Crochet October, 2015 Now Available!



Make any of the 31+ fall favourites!

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/i-like-crochet-octobers-issue-is-great.html
I just looked at the October issue of I Like Crochet and it is loaded with some of this fall’s coziest patterns, including the Autumn Zig Zag Throw, the Harvest Splendor Cowl, the Marsala and Cream Set (a personal favourite) and the Vine and Twigs Scarf. Cozy sweaters, like the Changing Seasons Sweater, will make sure you stay warm while the shawls and scarves feature has something to fit every style, from neck wraps and keyhole scarves to comfy Shawls. Whether you want adorable owl patterns for baby or festive Halloween accessory patterns, this issue has everything! Grab a copy today! 

Subscribe today to receive the latest issue of I Like Crochet on your iPad or your Desktop.

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/i-like-crochet-octobers-issue-is-great.html

This month's features:
Enjoy 31+ cozy fall favourites.
Explore the shades of autumn with scarves, blanketsHats and more.
Work up the latest in our elemental shawl series, the Ethereal Lattice Shawl.
Get excited about festive Halloween patterns.
Subscribe Today! 

Check out the October 2015: Table Of Contents. This issue has to be my favourite of them all. With Halloween just around the corner and Christmas Holidays quickly approaching you may decide to gift it or just 'trick or treat' yourself to an amazing favourite magazine. 






Sunday 11 October 2015

Old Slate Make Over ~3 Piece Comic Smash!




http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/old-slate-make-over-3-piece-comic-smash.html
Do you just happen to have a pile of old slate shingles just laying around? I know I do. 
I have just recently begun transforming old slate into fancy decor for my yard and home. 




I am a sucker for comic books. I have children, so not all my comics are in mint condition. I decided to put those ripped, torn and almost dead comic books to some good use. Reusing these pages feels so much better than just recycling them.

Here is the list of tools I used for this project:
~Soap & Water (for cleaning the slate).
~Exacto Knife. Adults Only Please.
~Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish (F) Fluid Medium.
~Paintbrush or Applicator for the Liquitex. (I only had a paintbrush on hand).
~Old Comic Book.
~Screws & Washers(for hanging).


Friday 9 October 2015

Did You Know Craftsy Has 40+ Free Classes?!

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/did-you-know-craftsy-has-40-free-classes.html
Did you know that Craftsy has 40+ FREE mini-classes?

Give Craftsy a try with a FREE class!
Boost your skills in a single day with one of these fantastic mini-classes in cooking, photography, drawing, knitting, quilting, crochet and more!
Once enrolled, the classes you choose, are yours to watch anytime and anywhere you want. 
Craftsy even has an App for Android, iPhone & iPad! 

Learning at your own pace has never been so fun!

>Here's the full list of Craftsy free mini classes to choose from<

Thursday 8 October 2015

Review ~The Perfect Zipper!

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/10/review-perfect-zipper.html
I have been hard at work on my crochet purse. I tried many different ways to get my zipper right, but in the end I found a great zipper attachment tutorial by Pattern Paradise​



Now my zipper is perfect!

Monday 21 September 2015

Mother/Daughter Button Topiary

http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/09/motherdaughter-button-topiary.html #Buttons #Topiary #Craft


This beautiful Button Topiary is a great addition to my daughter's bedroom. She even helped make it. 
Of course, I handled the hot glue gun, as I recommend all parents to do for safety reasons.






Friday 11 September 2015

Beware Of Landmines ~Poo Sign For My Backyard


http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/09/beware-of-landmines-poo-sign-for-my.html

This is my big fur baby, Cricket. She is the best dog, ever. I mean that! Every morning I get cuddles, whether I want to cuddle or not. She puts a smile on many faces. 
I find tho, with larger dogs, the poo situation is not always under control. So I made a sign to warn friends of her landmines. 




I received a large pile of old slate a few years ago when the church in my town had their roof redone. The Pastor was very kind to offer me the 300+ pieces of slate to do with as I choose. For a while I had no idea what I could do with them. Until just lately... I have been coming up with different crafty ideas.


http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/09/beware-of-landmines-poo-sign-for-my.html












Friday 17 April 2015

Polymer Clay ~My First Yarn Bowl

Polymer Clay ~My First Yarn Bowl  http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/04/polymer-clay-my-first-yarn-bowl.html


Yea, I am a beginner when it comes to clay,So this is my very first serious attempt at FIMO/Polymer clay work. I thought I would make a fun yarn bowl for my self. I kind of changed my frame of mind half way through, as I realised that I prefer to use my hands rather than a rolling pin and other tools.... I think I fell in love with the character I can create using my hands and clay...

MATERIALS I USED
~ Oven/Preheated to 265 F
~ Steel Mixing Bowl
~ FIMO/Polymer clay
~ Acrylic Paint
~ Paint brush
~ Rolling Pin
~ Wax Paper

Today I felt like trying something different. I have little experience with polymer clay and would classify myself as a beginner.
My first advice is to start with a clean, dry surface and supplies. I layed out wax paper to help keep my table clean and the clay from sticking to the surface.

Sunday 12 April 2015

Sunday Link Blast~ Let's Share Some Links

Sunday Link Blast~ Let's Share Some Links http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/04/sunday-link-blast-lets-share-some-links.html

Today Niftynnifer's Facebook business page had a fantastic link blast. To visit Niftynnifer's Business page just click >HERE<.

Here is a collection of all those fabulous links in one easy to find spot. This is a compilation of links from a collection of wonderful designers. Please contact the designers if you have any questions regarding their work. 

Don't forget to click on thier names to like their Facebook pages so you don't miss any fabulous new designs. 


Wednesday 1 April 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Dolly's Spring Time Skirt

Free Crochet Pattern ~Doll Skirt http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/04/free-crochet-pattern-dollys-spring-time.html


Doll Size (for generic 18 inch dolls, like American Girl or similar). 

MATERIALS
Crochet thread ~Bernat Handicrafter. Size 5. (Lace 0)
in colour; 'Orchid' or 'Iris'.
3.75 mm hook.
2 Buttons. Approximately 1/2 inch in size.
Round Markers.

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
Ea = Each.
Ch(s) = Chain(s).
Ss = Slip Stitch.

Monday 23 March 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Dolly & Me Child's Choice Buttons Necklaces

Free Crochet Pattern ~Dolly & Me Child's Choice Buttons Necklaces http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/03/free-crochet-pattern-dolly-me-childs.html #Free #Crochet #Necklace

These fantastically fun button necklaces are quick and easy to work up. Let the child pick the buttons they want to make it extra special. If you have never worked the foundation hdc, then this video will help you learn how: http://www.mooglyblog.com/foundation-half-double-crochet/

Yarn: Royale Size 10 Crochet Thread. Colour; 0465 Pastels.
3.75 mm Crochet Hook.


SIZE
Sized to fit approximately age 6 child, with a matching doll size (for generic 18 inch dolls, like American Girl or similar). 


Tuesday 24 February 2015

Review ~A Review And Science

Review ~A Review And Science  http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/02/review-review-and-science.html



This boy is so smart. After we (He and I) enrolled in the
 free 'Stunning Birthday Cards' class from Craftsy, He 
decided to take the cards to a whole new level. Here is a great photo of him hard at work on this years Science Fair Project. He decided to incorporate the Penny Slider Card idea into his project!! And it sure does add some fun to his hard work. We have had hours of fun preparing his display board, and I am so proud of his hard work.


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Monday 23 February 2015

Review ~Whoa! This Hobo Bag Is Loads Of No Sew Fun!


Review ~Whoa! This Hobo Bag Is Loads Of No Sew Fun! http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/02/review-whoa-this-hobo-bag-is-loads-of.html

I made this wonderful hobo bag last night to carry my gym shoes and other items. So easy and so cute! I used my sons old t shirt. I may just have to make a few more to carry yarn projects and other great things. So easy. No sewing. This baby only took me about 15 minutes to whip together!



The wonderful tutorial I followed for the bag is >HERE<.
Such a great idea craft idea for kids too! 

Friday 23 January 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Dolly and Me Ear Warmers

#Crochet Free Crochet Pattern ~Dolly and Me Ear Warmers http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/free-crochet-pattern-dolly-and-me-ear.html #Dolly #EarWarmers

MATERIALS
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver; Medium 4, Worsted. Colour is 'Monet'.
5.0 mm Crochet Hook.

GAUGE
Approximately 11 hdc = 4 inches.
Approximately 7 rows = 4 inches.

SIZE
Sized to fit child's head, measuring at approximately 21 inches in circumference, with a matching doll size (for generic 18 inch dolls, like American Girl or similar). 


Friday 16 January 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~A Silly Hat For My Silly Dog

Free Crochet Pattern ~A Silly Hat For My Silly Dog  http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/free-crochet-pattern-silly-hat-for-my.html #Crochet #Hat #Dog
She is so adorable sleeping in her new hat! She didn't like it on her head until I added the braided ties.
I would say this hat is easy to make.


It involves some front post double crochet, as well as single crochet, double crochet and half double crochet stitches, skipping stitches, and decreasing.




Sunday 11 January 2015

Sunday Night Link Blast ~A Collection Of Fabulous Links


Enjoy this great collection of fantastic Crochet links. I had a Link Blast on my Facebook page earlier today. It was so much fun. I shared a pile of wonderful links published by some really smart ladies. Check them out! You won't be disappointed! 

Friday 9 January 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Twist & Shake Square

Free Crochet Pattern ~Twist & Shake Square http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/free-crochet-pattern-twist-shake-square.html #Crochet #GrannySquare
MATERIALS
5 mm crochet hook.
Phentex Merit, Medium 4 Yarn in colours; 'Creme Menthe', 'Candy Floss' and 'Chocolate'.
Caron (one pound) Baby, Medium 4 Yarn in colours; 'Yellow' and 'Denim'.
Darning needle to sew in ends.

Add this pattern to your Ravelry favourites here.

Easy~Medium.
This pattern includes a mix of stitches to give it this unique appearance.

Sunday 4 January 2015

Pattern Review ~Ribbon Candy Dress

Pattern Review ~Ribbon Candy Dress http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/pattern-review-ribbon-candy-dress.html
My little princess asked for some new doll clothes for her new American Girl doll. So I'm on a bit of a mission to get some made up for her!









The pattern for this lovely dress is called 'Ribbon Candy Dress'. It is very nicely written by Kate Wagstaff of Crafting Friends Designs.

I purchased this pattern a few weeks ago, and finally had the chance to give it a go. I made a few small additions/modifications to the pattern to suit my princess's requests.

The very first difference I made is the yarn choice. I did not have the yarn listed in the pattern, and my husband says I need to use some before I can purchase more, so I gave my princess the chance to choose the colours she wanted. I used: Patons Canadiana Yarn, Medium 4, in colours; 'Med. Green Tea' and 'Dark Green Tea'. I also used: Patons Allure Bulky 5 in 'White'. I do recommend using the yarn listed in the pattern for best results.
Pattern Review ~Ribbon Candy Dress http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/pattern-review-ribbon-candy-dress.html














My princess and I worked together to decide where we would switch colours. If I do this pattern again I will definitely try alternating colours as the pattern requests. After working up the dress base, following the pattern exactly, I finished off by adding 2 more button holes & buttons in the back. I then evenly Single Crocheted on the furry yarn around the neck, bottom and sleeves of the dress. 

She also wanted a jewelled belt and the snowflake button, so I sewed them on easily.


Pattern Review ~Ribbon Candy Dress http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/pattern-review-ribbon-candy-dress.html


Saturday 3 January 2015

Free Crochet Pattern ~Taylors Washcloth

Free Crochet Pattern ~Taylors Washcloth http://www.niftynnifer.com/2015/01/free-crochet-pattern-taylors-washcloth.html #Crochet #Washcloth

I made some more washcloths.
These ones are super easy. A great project for beginners. These ones work up pretty quick and look great prettied up with ribbons.





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