crochet coral

Yarn is a mix of Missoni and Noro. So organic-feeling and fun to work with!

Volcano Cowl knitting pattern

It started with a perpetually chilly neck.

You may be one of those people too-- people who are always cold. Growing up in Wisconsin, there were plenty of ways to deal with the chill: Prodigious piles of mittens, gloves, hats and scarves; fluffy down coats; fleece blankets... heck, when you enter my parents' house, there is a basket of cozy slippers by the door for visitors. 

In some places, people are Prepared. Their houses are properly insulated and they know how to layer.

Living in southern California for the last 5 years, I have become well acquainted with a new phenomenon-- perpetual chilliness in a land known for its warmth and sun. As an Always Cold person, LA nights mean bundling up, even if it never dips below 50 degrees. Because, dudes, our apartment has no insulation.  Friends around the city say the same thing: This place is not Prepared for cold.

Thus, this cowl was born. I wanted something to cover my entire neck, to pull up over my face and head if needed,  that also had a collar of sorts-- something to keep the chill from creeping up through gaps in clothing. A seamless, snuggly, adaptable THING that could be worn out-and-about just as easily as in-bed-with-a-cold. Also, I wanted it to look awesome on everyone. 

When not being worn, the shape confuses people ("Is that a skirt?" "Where's the rest of the sweater?"), but once you stick your head in there, you'll be in love. 

This pattern includes instructions for a one-size-fits-most cowl in two gauges/styles (worsted weight, shown in emerald, and sportweight, shown in mustard). Ravelry info here.

Volcano Cowl knitting pattern

$6

 

Gitana Hat knitting pattern

This is still one of my favorites. 

Easily customizable, One-And-A-Bit Skein Wonder (the contrast color is the Bit), quick to make, rolls up if you want, easy to wear... it's almost like I DESIGNED the thing, I love it so much! 

Gitana Hat Knitting Pattern PDF

Ravelry info here
buy now

$5

Holiday 2012 Gift Sale

Are you ready for a Ruby Submarine trunk show/holiday gift sale?

Lots of hand-made-by-me-with-love items: Scarves, hoods/cowls, hats for adults and babies, creatures and ALL my knitting and crochet patterns! 

Thursday December 6th (party!) to Sunday the 9th, Knit Culture Studio.

More info here!

Baby Octopus and Squid crochet pattern!

When I first set out to crochet a realistic octopus, over five years ago, I had no idea what this cephalopod-fancy would become. The first octopus was yellow, with an oblong head and tiny eyes. I gave it to my dad for his birthday. He put it up in his first grade classroom, on the wall above the "O" in the alphabet. It was a hit.

On a whim, I made another and posted it on Etsy.



Many years (and 1,000 crochet octopus arms and squid tentacles) later, I had sold hundreds of the little handmade creatures, and was getting frequent requests for a pattern.

This was before I even knew how to read a crochet pattern. At the time, it seemed far-fetched. Still, as much as I loved making the animals, turning the grunt work over to enthusiastic hookers was a very appealing idea.

So I got serious and learned the lingo, and cooked up this octopus pattern, and soon after, this squid.


Seeing the realistic creations flow from the hooks of crocheters across the internets (which was so freaking cool), I got to thinking about the balance of cute and realistic. I prefer the cephalopods to look more true-to-life, but there is something irresistible about a tiny, giant-eyed squiddy creature.

While those previous patterns hover between anatomically correct and adorable, this one was made for pure squee-factor. Both octopus and squid are written to be crocheted in 2 pieces, so there is minimal sewing. They're fast, easy and use little bits of yarn. If you can single crochet and work in the round, you can do this! There are lots of step-by-step pictures to guide you along.

I hope you enjoy these little creatures as much as I do!

Baby Octopus and Squid crochet pattern

Approx. 30 yards each aran weight

G hook

Cephalopod pattern sale!

To celebrate the upcoming release of my Baby Octopus and Squid (both in one!) pattern, enjoy 20% off my Realistic Crochet Octopus or Squid patterns until 11/30!

Make sure to click "use coupon code" and enter OCTOLOVE when checking out for the discount to apply. Valid only through Ravelry.com.

Realistic Octopus crochet pattern

Realistic Squid crochet pattern

Renegade Craft Fair Los Angeles!

The crafty event of the year is upon us. I'll be there (booth 106!), will you?

Fun in the sun for every-one

 

 

 

 

 

I can't wait to share what I've been busy with for the last 6 months. Here's a sneak peak:

I'll have LOTS of handmade stuff-- hats (to the maxx), scarves, jewelry, headbands, barrettes, octopus and squid (for starters) and will also have copies of my patterns for sale. I will also take custom orders for holiday gifts to be shipped after the fair. Get creative! I love a challenge.


If you've never been to a Renegade Craft Fair before, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Free admission, killer food, activities, tons of amazing art and crafts (the best gifts EVER)... Walking around last year I could find at least one thing to covet in almost every single booth. They really bring in the best creative indie-craft artists around.

July 28th-29th in downtown Los Angeles (although the grounds don't really feel like they're in the middle of the city- it's a nice big greenspace).

Click here for more info, including driving directions. I hope to see you there!