Star Stitch Mug Hug

I plan to write up a pattern for the Star Stitch Mug Hug, but for now, let share with you some of the basic steps.

I use the magic loop for starting my Hugs. Once you get the hang of it, it is easy to use. I'm never going back to making loops with chains.

After the bottom is completed, start on the star stitch rows. Begin by pulling up a loop in the next three stiches

Who Am I as a Blogger

AKA: Blogger.com is giving me fits

What's the Word June 7---polka dot

My poor blog followers, all one of ya, must think I'm schizophrenic. Don't feel alone, most people think that of me. I bet you're wondering, "How many times is this woman going to change the appearance of her blog!" I really don't mean to mess with your heads, but you know what, Blogger is messing with mine.

When I first started my blog, I had this cutesy picket fence background. Or wait, did I start first with the zen garden background? Maybe this is a sign of me not knowing who I am when I blog, or knowing what audience I want to reach, or what I'm going to emphasize. I'm on my 22nd blog, and I still can't answer those questions. Who am I as a blogger?

Picket fences portray an image of "hearth and home". Is that what I wanted?

Nirvana has arrived

I have declared this new yoga sock pattern to be "heaven for your feet." These are so different from the other patterns I've created, because the lace runs all the way down the front of your foot. However, the sole of the foot is solid for comfort and support.

Now, before you complain, I already know these are like the world's worst photos. But I was so excited to share with you that I'm posting them anyway.

Kool-Aid and Baseball

The yarn dyeing party was so much fun on Saturday. Only a couple of women showed up, but that meant we had the kitchen to ourselves. We all chose to do stovetop dyeing. The first yarn to be dyed was some worsted weight wool using lemon-lime. It was a straightforward, single color dye job, and it came out looking very nice.

Periwinkle Fantasy

What's on Your Hooks Today?

September seems so long ago, but according to my hibernating shawl, it was just yesterday. I had started a crochet-along (CAL) over on the KnitPicks Community crochet forum in September, and we were all going to be done in time to start on our Christmas presents. Sound familiar, starting Christmas presents in the Fall?

A couple of us had admired three or four Ravelry patterns for shawls, and I ended up choosing the Fantasm shawl by Cheri McEwan. We all chose different yarns and we were to work at our own pace, posting as we went. I went charging out the gate, determined to be the leader, since the CAL was my idea. What happened was, another KnitPicks crocheter decided to do a sock CAL at the same time. I got sock fever.

Photo Remedies

I have been reading---and reading---about how important it is to have good pictures on your Etsy shop. And elsewhere, while we're at it. So, I did some studying and practicing with photo editing using Picasa, a Google product which you can get for free at Picasa.

It has been amazingly simple to use without a manual, although I did get some tips on its use from 5 Tips for Improving Your Product Photography on the Handmadeology blog.

Here is a before picture of a Mug Hug set:

Tea Party Pendants

Friday's Feature

When I stumbled upon Tea Party Pendants on Etsy, I was instantly enthralled. Here were the prettiest little squares of resin covered decorative initials, colorful characters on a variety of backgrounds, and romantic Victorian designs. Kristin doesn't stop there: Steampunk, Sports, Faith, Fantasy, Kids, and Careers to name a few. Here's one just in time for Mother's Day.

Mug Hugs Galore

Monday was to be a weekend wrap-up, but lookee here--it's already Tuesday. That's what happens when I get blindsided by a migraine. Some of you know what I'm talking about.

I was busy crocheting this weekend, that's for sure. I put the finishing touches on two pair of yoga socks and started a third pair. I added buttons to a couple pair of Mug Hugs. I even came up with two new designs that I'm really pleased with.

Five new Mug Hugs to list.

Welcome

Welcome to Cozy Corner Crochets, the little shop with a big heart. My passion for crocheting and designing for crochet has led me to share with you my creations, from wearables to useables.

The focus right now is on mug cozies and yoga socks. My Mug Hugs are unique in that they have a coaster bottom. No more rings on your tables! Each Mug Hug is my own design, made of 100% cotton, and has mix-and-match buttons. Mug Hugs are now coming in sets---one for you and one for a friend. You can ID your mug from your friend's since the Mug Hugs have complementary buttons.

Love your Mug--give it a Hug ©

Also available in the shop are lightweight Yoga Socks. Many yoga socks are made with heavy, worsted weight yarn. My socks are designed by me with lightweight sock yarn that allows you to feel the mat while keeping your feet warm. This is especially essential in warmer weather. Sock yarn, in cotton or wool, generally has a bit of nylon in it for strength and long-lasting wear.

Visit me at http://www.etsy.com/shop/cozycornercrochets