Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Adjusting the size of your one hour slipper socks

Now that you've mastered the art of creating a pair of slipper socks in an hour from my original post, you might want to adjust their sizing to fit the big foots like me or make them more comfortable with folks with wider feet.  If you like to wear socks with your slipper socks, you might want to go with some larger sizing to make them more comfortable.

The original pattern fits an average woman's foot ranging in size from about 7-9ish.  I wear about a 10-1/2 shoe and while the original pattern stretches to fit my foot, it's kinda tight. I can make them fit simply by adding a couple rows, one in the foot and one in the heel. Everything else stays the same.

One Hour Slipper Sock
1 - Start with a Magic Circle. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout the rest of the pattern), hdc 6 times in circle. Tighten and join in first hdc. (If you aren't comfortable working with a magic circle, ch 4, join to form a circle. ch 1, 6 hdc inside circle. Join)
2 - Ch 1. 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join (12 hdc)
3 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 2 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (16 hdc)
4 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 3 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (20 hdc)
5 through 14 - Ch 1. hdc around. Join (20 hdc)
Add or remove rows here to adjust the size of your slipper sock.
For the rest of the rows you want to crochet between stitch posts. The reason for this is comfort. If you crochet with the stitches a seam line is created that's just not all that comfortable to walk on. Trust me. Its part of the reason I whipped up my own pattern.
15 - Ch 1. hdc in next 14 st. Turn. (14 hdc)
16 through 21 - Ch 1. hdc in each st. Turn (14 hdc)
Add or remove rows here to adjust the size of your slipper sock.
Finish as originally instructed.

Now, if you want to make some slipper socks for those with wider feet or someone who prefers a looser slipper sock, I have an adjusted pattern just for them. Same yarn, same hook. This pattern fits a wide size 11 woman's foot or a men's size 9ish. The pink slipper sock in the photo below is made using the larger pattern with no additional rows added.
One Hour Slipper Sock - Larger Size
1 - Start with a Magic Circle. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout the rest of the pattern), hdc 8 times in circle. Tighten and join in first hdc. (If you aren't comfortable working with a magic circle, ch 4, join to form a circle. ch 1, 8 hdc inside circle. Join)
2 - Ch 1. 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join (16 hdc)
3 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 3 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (20 hdc)
4 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 4 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (24 hdc)
5 through 15 - Ch 1. hdc around. Join (24 hdc)
Add or remove rows here to adjust the size of your slipper sock.
For the rest of the rows you want to crochet between stitch posts. The reason for this is comfort. If you crochet with the stitches a seam line is created that's just not all that comfortable to walk on. Trust me. Its part of the reason I whipped up my own pattern.
16 - Ch 1. hdc in next 16 st. Turn. (18 hdc)
17 through 22 - Ch 1. hdc in each st. Turn (18 hdc)
Add or remove rows here to adjust the size of your slipper sock.
Finish as originally instructed.

Enjoy making these quick and easy slipper socks.  If you love them, hate them or have any questions, let me know!  I want to hear from the folks who take the time to try my first ever crochet pattern :)

One Hour Crocheted Slipper Socks

I do more than just stamp. I also do quite a lot of crochet. This Christmas season has been the season of slipper socks. I've made lots and lots of slipper socks! I worked through a lot of patterns and never really found one I liked. Some were uncomfortable. Some were not cozy. I wanted some that covered my whole foot and didn't leave the top of my foot exposed (that part gets cool, too!) So, here's the one I came up with from my little brain. I can make a pair in about an hour (I consider myself an intermediate crocheter with medium/average speed.) 

Since I've gotten so much from the internet world of free patterns I thought I'd give one back. This pattern fits an average woman's foot, say size 7 - 9ish. They stretch so there's a little bit of wiggle room for sizing. I'll address making them larger, smaller and wider in this post. Ready to whip up some slipper socks? Let's go!

This pattern uses two strands of worsted weight yarn held together throughout.
100 yards of 2 WW yarns
Size K/10 6.5mm Crochet Hook
Finishing needle
Optional - buttons, pompoms, or other embellishments

Start with a Magic Circle. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout the rest of the pattern), hdc 6 times in circle. Tighten and join in first hdc.
(If you aren't comfortable working with a magic circle, ch 4, join to form a circle. ch 1, 6 hdc inside circle. Join)

2 - Ch 1. 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join (12 hdc)
3 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 2 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (16 hdc)
4 - Ch 1. (hdc in next 3 st, 2 hdc in next st) around. Join (20 hdc)

5 through 14 - Ch 1. hdc around. Join (20 hdc)
For the rest of the rows you want to crochet between stitch posts. The reason for this is comfort. If you crochet with the stitches a seam line is created that's just not all that comfortable to walk on. Trust me. Its part of the reason I whipped up my own pattern.

This is what your half slipper sock should look like after 14 rows

15 - Ch 1. hdc in next 14 st. Turn. (14 hdc)
16 through 21 - Ch 1. hdc in each st. Turn (14 hdc)
The base for your slipper sock is complete.

The edging is optional but I think it makes the project look more finished. You should do it. Really. Don't skip this part. It looks nice.

Edging - Ch 1. Turn 90 degrees. You will be stitching  into the side of the 7 rows, across the 6 stitches showing from the rounds then across the other side. Make 1 sc in each space or stitch across. 

Doesn't that look so much better than those crummy unfinished edges? It took you, what, 30 seconds? Told ya so :)

Go ahead and finish off your work but leave a long tail to stitch up the back of your skipper sock. Using a finishing needle, whip stitch the heel together. Don't stitch it too tight but dont stitch it too loose either.

See, nice and stitched up.

Now you can add a little embellishment to the foot if you so desire. Now, did you really think I'd get through this post without a little Stampin' Up!? Heck NO! The buttons I used are just the right amount of bling. They are Designed Vintage Faceted Buttons. They come in a box of 24 in 3 different sizes. Pretty, right?

If you make some slipper socks I would love to see them! If you find an error in the pattern or have questions on any of my instructions post them here ir email me at the link  on my page. Enjoy your new duds!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

It's time to Celebrate Today

What says CELEBRATE more than a bouquet of beautiful balloons?  Absosmurfly nothing, I say!  Another sneak peek of the Occasions Mini catalog featuring the new Celebrate Today stamp set.  Lots of options to play with beautiful balloons and a wonderful set of matching Big Shot Framelits. You'll be able to bundle them both and save 15%. Everyone loves a deal :)

Be sure to Celebrate Today and stamp stamp stamp!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Little things make a difference

Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.  I'm playing with a gorgeous stamp set from the upcoming Sale-A-Bration catalog today called Lotus Blossom.  I'm in L.O.V.E!  It's a 2-step stamp set that adds layers of petals in multiple colors to create these brilliant flowers.  My flowers are a combination of Island Indigo and Pool Party (right) with Elegant Eggplant and Wisteria Wonder (left) with the stems in Garden Green and Wild Wasabi.  Gorgeous.  Love it!

What I really love, however, is a little step up I used to create this card.  I employed some Stampin' Spritzers to add just a little touch of color to the background.  It's not a stark contrast but it makes a definite impact to the design.  Check it out.

The image on the left has no spritz.  It's just a plain ol' white background.  The image on the right has been spritzed with Wild Wasabi on the bottom and some Pool Party on the top.  It's not a lot but that little bit really does make a nice difference to the background, right?

The process is simple.  Add a few drops of reinker to your Stampin' Spritzer. I tend to use 4-6 drops depending on how deep I want the coloring. Add rubbing alcohol to your spritzer. I usually go about half way.  Give it a little shake and spritz spritz spritz.  A nice little extra to add to your cards.

Grab your Stampin' Spritzers and give them some love?  Don't have any?  I can hook you up!  Sale-A-Bration starts January 6.  With a $50 purchase, you can get the beautiful Lotus Blossom stamp set for FREE!!  Click the SHOP NOW link above to start shopping!

Happy Stampin'!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

January Classes

With the launch of the new Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration, we're celebrating in Kelli's Korner with some fun and fabulous classes.  Check out our Meetup Group to register for any of these great classes.  Be sure to become a member of the group to get regular updates on our classes and events!



Stampin' Bingo - Win new merchandise from the Occasions Mini and a chance to win $50+ in the grand prize coverall!!  Register here --> http://www.meetup.com/kellistamps4u/events/219192871/

Birthday Surprise - It's time to get your birthday cards ready for 2015 with this fun One Sheet Wonder class. Choose from two dates.
Saturday session --> http://www.meetup.com/kellistamps4u/events/219193129/
Monday session --> http://www.meetup.com/kellistamps4u/events/219193238/


It's a sneak peek...From the Herd

Have I really not posted anything since August??  Holy cow. How life gets in the way of the little extras.  Life at our house got a little out of control for a while.  I seem to have said that quite a bit over the last couple years, huh?  That's what I love about crafting, though. It's always there when the dust settles. If I can get my act together, I'd have months worth of blog posts...one day at a time :)

I just got my Occasions Mini Catalog pre-order this week.  This is quite possibly one of my favorite catalogs that Stampin' Up! has ever put out.  The stamp sets are amazing. the accessories are awesome.  I love the colors.  It's just GOOD.  It put me in a super mood to start to play with all of my new goodies...and gave me an awesome creative outlet.

I got out my Blendabilities to play with this new Herd of beasts.There might just be some new Blendabilities colors to play with starting in January.  I won't confirm or deny anything but do you see anything you've not seen before??  You should :)  The new From the Herd stamp set spoke to me as soon as I saw it. So, I stamped, I colored and now, I have a lovely belated card since that's the way I tend to roll these days.

I'm gonna try to do this a little more frequently.  I might even post some of the other non-stamping projects I've been working on.  Maybe. We'll see :)