Now, there are two reasons why I’m talking about these scarves (okay, three…I just really love them).

First, next week, I will be posting the pattern for crocheters so they too can make this. And it’s so easy that I think non-crocheters can also tackle this. If you’re shaking with anticipation at this point, become a fan of my Facebook page so you’ll hear the moment the pattern is released.

Second, as you read last week, I will be teaching a crochet course in Denver. This is one of two projects attendees will learn to make. For more information on this event, check out that Facebook page.

Or if you’re saying right now, “Kelli, I ain’t got time for that,” you can just click on any of the pictures above. They’ll take you to my Etsy shop, where you can buy one. We’ll call that Plan C.

But wait, there’s more. What if the idea of wearing acrylic or wool around your neck in May makes you itch? Here’s a quickie tutorial for another spring-y scarf.

Take a regular ol’ scarf (a long-ish one) and tie it in several knots several inches apart. Then, tug a bit at each knot to loosen it. Finally, tie the ends together in a fourth knot. Presto change-o: springified scarf.

Thank you, Decorated Chaos, for the idea. Check out their post, “12 More Ways to Tie a Scarf,” for other creative ideas.

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

You may have heard about the Colorado Women’s Beer Club (if not, you need to check it out). You may recognize the founder, Kortney, from several of my blog posts. Recently, we were chatting and an idea began to form in our collective minds. An idea of combining our crafts (my crocheting, her superior beer knowledge) into one awesomely informative tutorial.

And so we have:

The class will have us tag-teaming, throwing all kinds of information and skills your way. I will teach two simple crochet projects–both geared toward the spring season:

1. A braided infinity scarf:

2. A bow-style headband (or alternatively, a mobius headband)

By the end, you’ll know the basic stitches of crochet, as well as how to start and finish projects. You’ll also have instructions, patterns, and materials to keep the fun going after you leave.

While you’re practicing your chains and stitches, Kortney will explain the basics of beer tasting, with tips on pairing beer with food. And, of course, you’ll be drinking that beer–because frankly, talking about beer without being able to drink it is a form of punishment where we come from.

The class will be capped at 10 people so I can provide plenty of one-on-one attention, so if you’re interested, you’ll want to register ASAP. Here are the details:

Day/Time:    Saturday, May 25th at 7:00pm

Place:              Rakun, 1147 Santa Fe Drive, Denver

This is located in the Santa Fe Arts District; look for the adorable Rakun sign out front

Price:               $25 per person; this includes all materials, as well as beer

tasters and light snacks for pairing

Register:       https://www.facebook.com/events/576103105743138/

Click “Get Tickets”

 You must register in advance so we can purchase all the materials.

What should you bring?  All crochet materials will be provided to you, so the only thing you will need to bring is your ID. Unfortunately, this event is only open to 21+ years of age.

 

If you’re gnashing your teeth right now because you aren’t available that night, don’t worry. We will be doing this again. Like our page on Facebook to stay apprised of future classes: http://facebook.com/HopsAndHooks

Etsy shop owner, Katie Bradley, makes adorable cozies to place on tortoise shells–turning your normally docile pet into a savage shark (or a festive pumpkin):

You can find her Etsy shop here: MossyTortoise; however, it looks like she’s only doing them through custom orders right now.

Also, check out her blog to see even more fun pictures of be-costumed tortoises: TortAddiction.

If you aren’t sure about the lead content in your paint, maybe try this on a vase (or something else you don’t plan to drink from).

Click here to see the tutorial: Handmade: Gold Foil Tumblers

;-)

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

A friend recently requested a hat for her boyfriend. Now, despite her boyfriend being very bald, he once had a head full of luscious, dark brown curls. And what would a young man in the ’70s do with such a head? Why, style it into a mullet, of course!

She custom-ordered the combover hat, but while discussing her boyfriend’s former ‘do, we decided to try to recreate that with a hat. And out of that brainstorming session came…

The Curly-Haired Combover Mullet Hat:

You may be balding up top…but at the back, there are still many party-nights to come.

However, what I did not expect is that my excitement was soon overwhelmed by my awe at the quality and adorableness of the video itself.   The music video is comprised entirely of teenagers (though with the dancing carrot, I just have to assume) who are trying to raise money for their cause, GreenLeaf.

Here’s what it says about their organization:

“GreenLeaf’s motto, “You are what you eat/eat what you grow/grow your community,” explains what we’re up to on 8,000 square feet of land in NE Denver, and why our team of youth and adults rolls up our sleeves and grows food, builds community, and brings positive change in this urban setting. GreenLeaf’s mission, cultivating powerful youth and food justice through urban agriculture speaks to two primary purposes: youth leadership development and food justice.

At GreenLeaf, youth run the show – and the farm! GreenLeaf recognizes the tremendous talent, energy, and capacity of youth. For this reason our program is intentionally small, focused on intensive leadership development among talented yet underserved young people, ages 14 – 18. Our small, diverse crew of high school students does everything from planning and planting our crops to making hiring decisions to canvassing the neighborhood and developing relationships with residents, to running our farm stand and small CSA.”

So in honor of Earth Day, check out this video…the goofy kids and clever song will charm your socks off. And if you like what they’re doing, consider sending some money their way.

GreenLeaf 2013: This Is How We Grow It

(And be sure to watch out for the combover hat’s cameos.)

When I listen to this song, I’m thinking, “Yeah! Damn right you’re a cowboy, Jon Bon Jovi!”

But then I watch the accompanying music video and it’s like a rocker’s First World Problem. In his glittery cape, he looks as though he’s reached the bowels of weariness and no amount of permed groupies can pull him back up. Does that rock star life got you down? Do you find yourself unable to do be-spandexed high-kicks with your usual vigor? Is the wind from your personal jet’s turbofan making your bare chest cold?

This is not the hard-livin’ cowboy I picture when I listen to the song.

Nevertheless, I love him and his band** and I can’t wait for tonight!

** Circa ’80s and early-’90s. The band will likely be kind enough to play some of their later hits, which will allow me to take several restroom- and beer-breaks throughout the night. Thanks, Bon Jovi!

Then I learned that Denver Craft Ninjas was presenting an embroidery workshop. Since I love them and desperately needed a lesson, I signed up. And oh what fun it is!

Becky, the Head Ninja, started the first week by teaching us a few different stitches and having us doodle with those stitches. The second week, we learned a couple more stitches, picked out our patterns, then got to work with Serious Embroidery:

(Practice stitches and doodling on the left, preparing for Serious Embroidery on the right)

The picture below (which I borrowed from the Craft Ninjas Facebook page) made me laugh when I saw it. I call it my “You just caught me talkin’ shit” face. Which she did.

But that’s what happens when you wake me up at two in the morning because you can’t go to bed at a normal bedtime, KEENE: I drink too much coffee and tell my friends how you woke me up AND THAT’S WHY I’M GRUMPY.

Anyhow, there are two more weeks of the Embroidery Residency. I would encourage you to do two things:

1. If you live in the Denver area, get in on this action. It’s a lot of fun and it’s fairly easy to jump into, even if you missed the first (or second) week. Plus, it’s super cheap and you make new friends.

2. Even if you don’t live in the Denver area, go to the Craft Ninjas Facebook page and check out the photos from the classes. There are some damn clever ladies (and man!) in the classes and their designs are delightful.

Click here to go to the Facebook page for Craft Ninjas, where you can find the photos and the information for upcoming embroidery classes.