Studio Create! Opening soon!

I am SO excited to announce that after almost a years worth of planning, we are launching Studio Create! We found a location, secured the initial funding, signed a lease, and have started remodeling. It's been insanely exciting and a true dream come true! 

This is the transition of my multiple Etsy shops (Horizontal Designs, Shabby Peacock Shack, OrganiGeek Soaps & Gifts, & The Purple Fairy Shoppe) into a real life boutique, craft supply store, studio to host classes, and donation spot for the non-profit I run called The Yarnheads Project. 
 
As a legally disabled single mom who works from home (in my garage studio), transitioning back out into the workforce outside the home can be a challenge! Owning a business allows for freedom to work around my individual limitations - such as making my store VERY wheelchair accessible, and making my own hours. If I'm too sick to go in, my partner/fiance can take over. I plan to use this as a means to come off disability in the future, God willing, and do some good in the community at the same time.

So - What's Studio Create all about?

Craft Fair Fun! OrganiGeek Soaps hits the road

I had a blast yesterday doing my first craft show since 2008! Such a fun personal accomplishment as well, since my health situation had prevented me from doing much "out in the world" for many years. I love the internet, but there is nothing like interacting with real live people! 

Bangin Banana Muffins! gluten free, sugar free, dairy & nut free!

That's a lot of "free" labels! It's amazing that nature supplies us with great sources for flavor with just a few ingredients. Nature and Bisquik GF mix, to be specific.

I had been searching for a corn free, easy mix to use (because I'm allergic and intolerant of most things) and for some glorious reason my tummy likes the Bisquik GF mix. Thank you Lord. You could sub this with any GF baking mix, or your own concoction, my recipes are very "toss it together and see if it works" and flexible. 

Bouncing Bobbles! Baby Blanket and Hat

I recently made a blanket and hat for my good friend and her new baby boy. 

I love the way it turned out! The blanket is a basic Corner to Corner (or C2C), with a bobble edging. Find links to tutorials for these on my Pinterest Resources board:  https://www.pinterest.com/eklayre/beginner-and-crochet-resources/

Here's the blanket and edging:

I made a coordinating hat using a basic beanie style (free handed) in a mimicked pattern as the blanket, same bobble edge: 

It's going in the mail this week! Can't wait! Happy hooking!

-Claire 

SOAP SOAP SOAP!

Blog revamp complete! I'll be posting more, and lots of random projects with random pictures that don't involve selling anything :)  Cooking, Soap, Crochet (of course!), Garden stuff, and more.

So first up - wanted to share geeky pictures of the organic soap I've been making!

Happy Friday! 

This week! The Yoda Hood Pattern Launch!

Soooooooo excited to share this pattern with you! My house is Star Wars crazy, and with the new movie coming, I wanted to design something to honor the ultimate Master Jedi....

In a few days I'll have More pics of the kids size up, and the pattern will launch this week on Ravelry and my Etsy shop. Adult/kid/toddler sizes and works up quickly (took me 4 episodes of the Walking Dead). 

Stay tuned! May the hooks be with you!

-Claire 

 

Free Crochet Pattern! Skinny Sashay Scarf - No Ruffles!

I have a confession to make: I *highly dislike* ruffled sashay scarves! I prefer a feather boa anyday. I don't like making them, or the way they look, but I *LOVE* the yarn! It's metallic and sparkly and soft, and comes in fabulous colors. 

I found a bunch in my stash the other day and decided to solve this problem. This pattern is fast, simple, and there are no ruffles involved :) Hope you enjoy! 

The Skinny Sashay Scarf: 

Material/Notes:

- 2 1/4 skeins of Red Heart sashay yarn, in "boogie" or other color

- Q  / 15mm hook

- large tapestry needle

- stitches: dc = double crochet, ch = chain

- American crochet terms
- I used the "invisible join" method and it worked just fine with Sashay yarn to add a new skein! 

1. Ch 92, dc in 3rd, dc across, be sure to dc in top loop only, join new skein when needed in that row. In last stitch dc 3 times around (see pic below) (92)

2. Move beginning ch "knot" and continue to dc, do not turn, and continue using only the top loop left over from your starting chain (92). Tie off and sew in ends.

3. Cut 10 even lengths of yarn, knot to form fray. I did mine around 10" each, 5 on each side. Customize however you want!

Left: dc around beginning ch

Right: the end of your scarf after dc-ing around

Done! Easy! Fast! Happy Hookin!

-Claire 

***this and all patterns on this site are copyrighted to Horizontal Designs, The Gimpy Hooker and not to be reproduced or copied without permission. PS - You may legally sell finished products from ANY pattern!