I’ve been in this weird phase lately where all I want are girly things with a masculine touch.  So, while I was tossing and turning one night, I realized what my bed needed were some accessories!

I am in love with bows right now, so I thought what better way to finish off my bed than to add a little bow or bow tie?  Well, two weeks later, I finally had time in the garage to make a pattern and here it is!  I’m also proud to announce that Janie XY will soon be selling patterns so you can create your own projects at home!

Sometimes I steer away from crochet magazines because their patterns are often… tacky.  I’m sorry but they are.  I might be the color combinations, the pattern itself, or the photographs with the perfectly coiffed models and plastic smiles.  But Crochet Today (I’ve discovered) is a great magazine for young crochet addicts like myself.  There are lots of cute patterns and the colors are inspiring.  Sergio just bought me their latest issue that features over 30 projects and as they advertise, they are very quick and easy.  I can’t wait to get started.

But that’s not what I’m writing this post about.  No, this post is about the free pattern advertisement on the back cover of the issue.  A crocheted “Snuggle Blanket”.  I’m not a huge fan of this, although I’m sure it’s extremely warm, I just can’t get over the concept of a blanket with sleeves.  I’m sorry.  I like my blankets rectangular and without a pre-designated space for my arms. What really made me laugh was that they have this pattern for everyone in your family….

The traditional Snuggle Blanket Sizes.  Adult and Kids.

For Baby/Old Person in recliner look-alike.

And don’t forget Barbie.

The baby in the green snuggle blanket does look incredibly comfortable though…  I may start to change my mind.

Borage Pattern from Lion Brand

It was a pun.  Get it?  I know.. cheesy, but I told you early on our adventure together.  I like puns.  Moving on… I like these dainty flowers from Lion Brand.  They’re really simple and could make a really cool project.  Oh, you’re waiting for me to provide something to do with them?  Just a second, I’m still thinking.  I will post when I think of something!  Pinky swear.

Yay!  About 2 weeks into this blog and we have our first bit of recognition.  (At least what I know of.  Maybe I should google myself.)  The awesome, awesome blog, One Pretty Thing has featured my pattern of our favorite cat–Ramses.  And the coolest part–maybe tied with the fact that we’ve been featured–is that my very good friend, Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, project got featured as well!  Well, she wrote the project for a blog swap she did with Somewhat Simple.  Phew!  That was a lot of links for one post!

Thanks again One Pretty Thing!  And make sure to check out the other links.  But make sure you have time because you can get lost in all the great projects and posts in these blogs.  I ♥ crafting.

I love plushies.  They’re soft, cute, and they’re a fun and quick project!  I was like you about 4 months ago.  I loved them but it seemed impossible to find free patterns online of plushies that were simple to make.  Fortunately, I somehow woke up with the knowledge one day of how to make them and now I’m sharing the wealth!

Ramses is a new member of the Janie XY family.  Here’s his story:

Ramses was named after the great Pharaoh (um, his name was Ramses in case you were wondering).  Unfortunately, this cat doesn’t like all the attention or responsibilities that comes with being someone in the public eye.  He enjoys his privacy, likes to read under the dining table,  and in his own words, “excels at mediocrity”.  His parents don’t always approve of his behavior as they’re celebrities (you might have seen them before–they were extras in The Aristocats) but Ramses could care less.

Download the Pattern by clicking the link below:

Download Ramses the Cat Pattern

If you like Ramses, check out my shop!