cozy up!

A shop update!! I've got a whole new line of items being introduced in the shop as we blog. New this fall in the Broken Hallelujah shop are these coffee cup cozies.

They are perfect for any coffee or tea lover who just can't resist heading out to your local coffee shop and indulging. Believe me, you aren't the only one.

If you are like me and can't resist a good cup'o'joe every day, then this is the item for you! These take the place of those cardboard sleeves you pick up at the counter. With this sleeve you are not only drinking your coffee in style, but it's also an eco friendly solution to your burning finger tips.

I've made a bunch of these up in lots of different colors, patterns, yarns, etc. You can see the whole collection now in my shop. And of course, custom orders are always welcome.

And if you have any suggestions for color combinations, please share! I'm always open to new ideas.

keep it colorful.

Brand new in the shop! A new line of coin purses that includes these adorable little mini purses.

These fun purses were an idea from my mother who found some fun crochet coin purses on the internet and thought I should give it a try. So I researched the little frames (which can be quite expensive!) and bought some bright, tropical yarns to make fun patterns and color combinations. And these little purses were born!

Although they are small and adorable, they have an unsurpassed durability. The tight knit and durable yarn means these little pouches will last through many shopping sprees while keeping your purse just an tiny bit more organized. They hold a good deal of change so you won't be digging around the bottom of your bag looking for direct change. Plus, they're small size makes them great stocking stuffers for the upcoming holidays!

And already I've had great feedback about these little purses. The first couple I listed in my shop have sold right away, so I have more planned and already ordered a few more frames which should be arriving soon.

I've had so much fun designing and making these little pouches and I can't wait to continue. Check out the Artfire and Etsy shops to order your very own mini coin purse today!

tutorial: crochet headband with flower pin.

Some of my favorite crochet projects are ones that are easy and quick. There's an instant gratification in making something yourself in just a short amount of time. So I've decided to share an quick and easy crochet pattern with you all - my herringbone crochet headband with flower pin.

Supplies

Just a wee bit of yarn - this is a good project for left over scraps. Make sure the yarn is something comfortable to wear against your head. I used Lion's Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn (100% acrylic) in a pretty rose color.

Size G crochet hook

Metal pin back

Plastic button

Scissors, hot glue gun/thread, etc.

Stitches

This headband uses one of my favorite stitches - the herringbone half double crochet (hhdc). Here's how you do it: yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, draw yarn through stitch and first loop on hook, yarn over, draw yarn through both loops on hook.

The rest are just single chain.

Pattern

Note that this pattern is completely adjustable for different sizes of heads (children through adult) and different sizes of headbands (skinny, fat, whatever you like!).

Ch 21. (This will be the tie in the back, so make it longer or shorter if you like.) OR you can just leave a stretch of yarn un-used (as in the picture) to use for the tie. It's up to you.

Sc. in last ch. Ch. 1. Turn. (1 sc.)

3 sc. in the 1 sc. from previous step. Ch. 1. Turn. (3 sc.)

2 sc. in first sc. Sc. 1. 2 sc. in last sc from previous step. Ch. 1. Turn. (5 sc.)

2 sc. in first sc. Sc in next 3 stitches. 2 sc. in last sc. from previous step. Ch. 2. Turn. (7 sc.)

7 sc. is the width I've decided on for my headband. If you would like yours to be skinnier or fatter adjust the above steps to reach your desired width.

Now, you simply hhdc across each stitch (skipping the very first stitch as your ch. 2 serves as the first stitch of each row). Then ch. 2 and turn. Make sure to crochet a hhdc in the top of the ch. 2. at the end of the row for a total of 7 hhdc in each row. Keep repeating the rows until the headband fits around your head from the bottom of one ear to the other.

Once you have reached your desired length you have to decrease the headband down to 2 single chain.

At the end of the last hhdc row ch. 1 and turn.

Sc. 7. Ch 1. Turn. (7 sc.)

Sc2tog in first sc. 3 sc. Sc2tog in last sc. Ch. 1. Turn. (5 sc.)

Sc2tog in first sc. 1 sc. Sc2tog in last sc. Ch. 1. Turn. (3 sc.)

Sc2tog in first sc. 1. sc. (2 sc.)

Now simply chain 20 (or however many you chose to chain at the beginning) to make the other end of the tie. Finish and tie off. Tuck in the loose ends.

Now for the flower.

Ch 2.

10 sc in 1 ch. Slip stitch to first sc to form a circle.

Sc 1 in first stitch. *Ch. 2. Skip 1 stitch and sc. 1 in next.* Repeat around until you have 5 ch. 2 loops. Slip stitch in first sc.

In first ch. 2 loop - 1 sc., 1 hdc., 2 dc., 1 hdc., 1 sc. - to produce petal. Repeat in each of the 4 remaining loops and then slip stitch to first sc. Tie off finish. Tuck in ends.

Then using a hot glue gun or thread attach the pin back to the back of the flower and the button to the center.

You're done!

Enjoy! And if you have any questions, let me know.

can you feel it?

Can you feel it in the air? Autumn is coming!

Okay, perhaps you can't feel the crisp evenings coming quite yet, but I can bet many of us are wishing for the cooler temperatures and warm, comforting foods that accompany the season change.

Autumn is on the horizon, though. Soon it'll be time for kids to go back to school, ripe crisp apples, and changing leaves. I've been working hard to get my shops ready for the upcoming season change. New hats, scarves, scarflettes, and more are coming to help keep everyone stylish and warm this fall. I am working on some new designs as I type in great colors and luxurious fibers like merino wool, angora, silk, and more!

I'm also beginning to take custom orders for the holiday season. It may seem early, but it's wise to order far ahead of time to ensure I can get the order finished in plenty of time for the holidays. If you are thinking of ordering anything custom, please think about doing it soon. Custom orders are first come, first serve.

In the mean time enjoy the rest of the hot summer days ahead of us. And keep your eyes here for an upcoming fall giveaway!

keep your place.

Summer is always a great time to catch up on some reading. As a former student, I understand that finding time to enjoy a good book can be hard to find when more pressing matters are at hand. But there's just something about long summer days, porch swings, a glass of ice tea, and an exciting book that just screams summer.

In that same spirit, I've designed some new bookmarks that have been added to the shop over the past few weeks. These colorful place-keepers feature a bright, colorful flower attached to a green vine that wraps around the book's spine and attaches under the blossom. And sitting on the leaf beneath the flower is a little lady bug for that added sensation of summer.

The bookmarks are handmade using cotton yarn so they are light, soft, and washable. And at only $7.50 they are also affordable. They would make great gifts for anyone you know who loves to read. Custom colors & sizes are available, so if you have a specific type of flower you have in mind I can easily make a one-of-a-kind bookmark just for you. Along with the pink dahlia shown here I have a white daisy, a blue forget-me-not, and a purple violet. More colors coming soon, so visit the shop today to pick up your own.

braided.

In summer selling crochet items can be, well, darn hard. My slippers always do well for me once the cool weather starts to roll in, but during the hottest months of the year the demand for them is not very high. (Though I do hear, "Come winter, I'm getting myself a pair of these!" alot.)

To remedy my selling summer blues, I knew I had to come up with a crochet item that broke the traditional mold of crochet. It can't be bulky, hot, or heavy. And one fiber always seems to be the most associated with summer, cotton.

So I designed a couple lines of headbands, one of which is my braided crochet headbands. These are near and dear to my heart because they are 1) fun to make and 2) allow me to play with fun color combinations.

If I could have my way, I would have every color of yarn - ever! Then think of all the possibilities. But believe me, I have enough (for now) and I do have a blast working out new headband colors. These two new headbands have just been added to my Artfire shop and run $8 + shipping. One is summery with bright yellow & blue, and the other is more traditional with red & black. Both would look great with a tank top and jeans or as a fun accessory with a swim suit out by the pool.

Either way, these crochet goodies weigh you down in the summer heat. For more information, visit my Artfire studio.

shop update

I haven't done an update on all the goodies being added to the shop in awhile. I've been busy busy busy crocheting up a storm. Slippers, headbands, bookmarks, and more are all being added to the shop almost daily!

Recently added to the shop is this pair of mary jane slippers. They are crocheted in a variegated green color that inspired their name: Mint Mojito. It's the perfect color for a pair of comfy spring house shoes & that's what you'll find with these slippers. Those and several others (including some old favorites like Sunburst and Cotton Candy) are now available in the shop and I have some more on the way! You can see all of my handmade mary janes by clicking here.

I have also been working up a storm on my increasingly popular three strand headbands. I have added more with a detachable flower pin (like the one pictured here) & a new style that has alternating colors of the strands. They are both selling really quickly. This black one has been a very popular choice & I'm constantly having to make more to replace the inventory.

New colors along with classics like Midnight Black, Espresso Brown, and Cornflower Blue are stocked up in the shop now.

What I love about these headbands is they have a classic style - inspired by the always fashionable Greek goddess look. You can wear them in more than one way, however. You can customize the flower and create fun color combinations (alternative flowers are also available in many colors for only $2.50!). You can wear them further back on the head for a classic look or can wear it further forward on your forhead to produce the popular bohemian look. Wear it your way depending on your mood!

You can see all my headbands in my shop now!

pamper yourself pretty.

Sometimes there really is nothing better after a long, busy day than slipping into a pair of luxuriously soft slippers. Wiggling your toes around comfortably while you lay back and relax is a perfect way to unwind. A few pairs of the slippers I've been working on lately are just the thing to achieve this feeling - I can imagine they'd feel like walking on air they are so smooth & soft!

I have to say I really enjoy playing with yarn

 textures to achieve different looks, but some of my favorite slippers always end up being the ones that feel so soft & fuzzy! They not only have a unique look, but they are a delight to crochet. Having the smooth yarn run through my fingers is probably just as delightful as relaxing at home in the final product.

The new slippers in the shop do have a wonderful silky texture in common, but have whole different attitudes. One (pictured above) is a beautiful, feminine pink, while the other is a bit spunky & funky in a playful lime green. Both are fun new additions to the shop and are now available with all my other mary janes. 

And if you're looking for an easy way to pamper yourself besides my slippers, you have to head on over to ShineYourHineySoaps. How can you resist that name? These soaps not only get your hiney quite shiney, but also come in wonderfully indulgent scents like Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee. I bet you could almost eat this soap right up! ShineYourHiney is a great shop that has soap and bath accessories for any age. If you've got a little one that needs some washing, you have to check out her crocheted bath mitt monsters. They are sure to brighten up any bath with their great bright colors and fun designs. There's also silk lotion, wonderful smelling bath salts, and shower gels in any scent you can imagine. These soaps would make great handmade additions to guest bathrooms or wonderful welcoming gifts. 

bookmark it!

Just in time for Mother's Day, I am introducing these new flower bookmarks in both the Artfire and Etsy shops. 

The bookmarks feature a fun flower with a glass bead accent in the center. The flower rests on top of the book's spine, while the three strands of yarn below easily keep the place in any sized book. 

It's a fun, feminine way to mark your place. Not to mention unique and colorful! It would also make a great handmade addition to cards (like Mother's Day cards!).

An assortment of colors will be available in the shop soon. But Mother's Day is coming up fast and there's only a limited number of shipping days left to ensure your one-of-a-kind, handmade gift will make it in time, so custom order a great crochet flower bookmark in Mom's favorite color today! Direct shipping to Mom's house is available at no extra charge along with my customary gift wrapping. 

These bookmarks are great for any occasion, though! Toss one in a 'Thank You' or 'Get Well Soon' card - it'll be a gift that won't quickly be forgotten. It's a great way to say 'I'm thinking of you!". 

These and more available in my Artfire and Etsy shop! Check them out today.

small redesign.

New headbands! In bright, new colors! With bright, colorful flowers. These, and several more are available now both in the Artfire shop and on Etsy. Or shop now, below, directly from this page.

I've really enjoyed working on my new collection of headbands, but as with everything I start to tweek my designs a bit to play with new ways of working it. Working on getting the exact look I'm going for. With these new headbands, I've done a tiny bit of a redesign. The bands of the headband are now skinnier. I've decided to go with this look over my wider design because to me this one looks more like the Greek goddess design that first inspired me in the concept of these headbands. 

What do you think of the slight redesign? Can you even tell anything has been changed?

And one more little reminder - I have set up a new mailing list for Broken Hallelujah Accessories fans! Receive updates on new items and special discounts! Sign up now using the form in the sidebar. 

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new yarn, new fun!

Getting in a shipment of new yarn is always acted as a catalyst to creation. Friday I got my order for some new cotton yarn and have really been enjoying all the ideas it has brought me for new creations. 

Not only did it send colorful design ideas dancing through my head, it also got me inspired to reorganize my yarn storage. For almost a year now I'd been keeping my yarn in an old bookcase sorted by color. While it did the job, it wasn't the idea storage: new yarn purchases were not getting sorted into their proper places, dangly ends of yarn were getting tangled together, and it was just hard to get to yarn buried at the bottom of piles. So I headed out to the store and bought some 15 oz plastic containers - one for every color and a couple extra just incase. For less than $40 I totally reorganized the yarn so that they were neatly stored together by color with no dangly ends peeking out. Everything is looking a lot neater and cutting back on the clutter has also cleared my mind. 

When I haven't been reorganizing, I've been creating! This headband is just the first to get it's photographs taken and added to the shop with more to come. I've also  been working on some new slippers lately as those have been pushed to the back of the agenda lately with all the headbands I've been working on. I've got some fun, funky new colors in the works that I'm sure will show up here when they're finished and listed.

Lots of fun new stuff in the shop, so be sure to check it out!

do it right. do it bright.

These two new headbands are my latest. I'm producing them as part of a new series entitled: Brights! I bought new buttons to produce a more coordinated look in the headbands featuring the button accent.

One headband features bright, colorful buttons in shades of green, yellow, pink, blue, and purple. The other features colorful flower buttons in shades of purple, orange, green, and pink. Both are bright, funky, and fun! The headband ties in the back like my other styles and is crocheted using 100% cotton for ease of care and maximum comfort. 

Black is just the first color of band I've produced with white on the way! I also have some more fun colors of yarn in the mail so there will be more colors including a charcoal grey coming soon. 

On top of new band colors I am also working on another 

color series I'm thinking of calling Bloom! that features muted shades of yellow, pink, and orange for a very colorful spring look.

So check back soon for more information on the new headbands coming soon. And in the meantime you can check out these headbands and many more that are already available in my Artfire shop. As always, if you have a custom idea for a headband, I'd love to work with you. 

flowers of a different sort.

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Now available in my shop! These beautiful and delicate looking flowers are crocheted from mohair blend yarn and accented with real pearls in the center. They make great additions to coats, sweaters, blouses, scarves, and even hats and purses! They add a nice delicacy to anything no matter how you decide to wear them. They also would make great gifts for only $9.50!

I've really had fun working on these flower brooches and hope they do well because I would love to continue making them and explore new textures, colors, and designs.

You can see these brooches in the shop along with all my other goodies, or if you're just dying to have one now go ahead and purchase right from my blog by clicking the images above!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

"slippin" away.

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New slippers have been added to the shop! Some old favorites, like the mint chocolate chip mary janes and blue swirl, along with some new designs like the floppy bunnies and primrose mary janes. These are just a few of the slippers that are available in my Artfire shop. I know the weather is starting to turn warmer in some areas, but these slippers are great all year round to keep your toes cozy and in style. They also make great handmade, one of a kind gifts.

Click the images above for more info about the item! You can also purchase items directly from my blog without signing up for an account - just click the images.

On top of these new slippers that I've been working on I have some more designs in the making that should be debuting in my shop soon. So keep your eyes here to be one of the first to hear about all that's to come!

a cozy for your chapstick.

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Click the image above for more information.

Available again in the shop after a long disappearance are my keychain lip balm cases! These handmade cozies are the perfect size for a regular Chapstick sized lip balm of your choosing. No more rummaging around in the bottom of your purse or make-up bag, because now your favorite lip balm is right at your fingertips on your keyring. Or, if you're a fan of those longer, skinnier tinted lip balms I'd be happy to make you a custom keychain in the color of your choosing.

These keychains are not only handy for lip balm, but also are the perfect size for lighters and USB thumbdrives. Gotta love things that have multiple uses!!

At $9 a pop, they are a steal. So check them out in my Artfire shop today in a rainbow of colors.

getting a-HEAD of myself..

Lilac and Teal Crochet Headband

Available now. Click here for more info. 

It always seems like I've got tidbits of yarn left over from my other projects, but they aren't enough for a hat or slippers. The colors are so fun and I hate to throw large scraps away, so I decided to try some out a new headband pattern. And I'm pretty proud of how they turned out, so there's more to come in a rainbow of colors. Have a specific color you'd like to see? Let me know. 

crochet amaze

Whenever I tell someone I crochet their first reaction seems to mix me up with knitters. I'm always asked if I make sweaters, socks, and other knitting cliches. I always try to explain politely that although you can make those things with crochet, it usually isn't as common as with knitting. So, of course, the next question is "What do you make with crochet, then?" While I think crochet is most commonly associated with lace, and sometimes scarves and hats, people always seem amazed that crochet can make something as fun and stylish as this: 

Crochet Hobo Purse in Robin's Egg Blue

Available at Artfire or Etsy

Crochet can make some fun things! And just because the art of crocheting goes back pretty far, doesn't mean you can't make stuff that's cool today! Crochet doesn't have to be lace doilies. It could be fun, fuzzy, mary jane slippers.

Strawberry Champagne Mary Jane Slippers

Available on Etsy

I always like to see the surprise on people's faces when they realize just how fun crochet can be and some of the great things you can make with it that aren't completely traditional. Exploring and pushing your craft to new limits is always one of the best parts of crafting to me! So get inspired and see what you can make today!

slouchy

   Who ever said it wasn't correct to slouch? With these new slouchy berets that I've added to the shop I think the slouch is coming back! These are just two of the new fun crochet hats I've added to the shop lately. There's lots of other fun colors available for you to rock the slouch in your favorite color. And if you don't see your favorite color, let me know and I'd love to work with you on your own custom hat.  Also, if you're a fan of the custom purse I blogged about before, keep your eye here for an update about a purse you can call your own coming soon. I, also, would like to thank everyone who's left a comment on my blog lately, new and old! It's so great to hear from you all and you are so nice with all the great compliments you leave. I wish I could answer you all, but I don't think blogger comments let me to contact you on a one-on-one basis so I've tried to visit you all and let you know I appreciate the kind words you've left. Thanks to you all!

fresh

One of my favorite things about etsy is taking custom orders. This purse is one I finished this weekend and just shipped off to far away Finland! Custom orders always brings a freshness to my creations - new ideas, colors, and designs. It's always refreshing to hear what people would like that I am not already producing. It can open my eyes to color combinations or designs I would never have tried on my own. 

I love custom orders, and now without school I have a lot more time to work on them. So if you have a new idea for one of my items, send it my way! I'd love to hear from you even if you don't want an item for yourself. Crafters live off of new, fresh ideas!

ready for spring?

Remember a few posts back when I teased you with the new crochet project I was working on? It's alright if you don't; you can click here to brush up your memory.

I finished it a while ago, but have either been too lazy or the sun had just decided to hide for a whole week straight so I hadn't gotten around to taking pictures of it finished until today. And now it's listed in the etsy shop so this bright, light, lacy hat can be yours! It was crocheted from a new bamboo-acrylic blend yarn in a beautiful robin egg's blue and comes with the flower accessory. 

This, and of course many more fun crocheted goods are all available in the shop. It's still chilly outside, so be sure to stop by and check out the fun new slippers that are being added along with great new hats to keep your toes and ears warm! Plus new cotton cloths that are great for use around the house and last much longer than plastic sponges or scrubbers.