Lace Basket

Crocheting a little basket is quite fun.

Especially when you are supposed to be doing something else :)

Still the orangy orangness of it makes me quite pleased, not to mention the little vintage yellow buttons.


It was quick and simple.

It is from my ever favorite book, Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts Lacy Crochet from Chronicle Books.

The only thing different I had to do was slightly starch it because it was all loose and somewhat pitifully floppy before.
Not any longer though :)

Hope your Monday was fantastic!
XOXO, Callie
the magical bean

Crochet Lace Necklace

Remember this book, Kazekobo's Crochet Lace? I did a post about it back in October 2009! It was actually finished right after that, but only just blocked/mildly starched it in June and then photographed today with my sister Kaitlyn of My Baloney as the model.

(Isn't she a beautiful freckley goddess?!)

It seems to have taken awhile (as you can see) to finally show you :)

But everything in its own time right?

This necklace makes me happy, the little flowers, and leaves so pretty! Although I did have some difficulties with understanding the chart at first but then finally figured it out after a bit.

I used this really pretty vintage button for the closure. It sparkles and shines like a little diamond. Usually I don't make things in white but I felt this necklace was the exception, since it was just too pretty to pass up.

I loved loved loved the finished object and the book, after I showed it who was boss and figured out the charts :)

hee hee

Things have been so busy here. I just started a new job yesterday, and before that had been going to a lot of interviews, and so on in the hopes of getting hired. It paid off and I am now employed!
woo hoo!

It is so hot and sweaty and murky here. Not to mention all the stinking mosquitoes :(...but I am enjoying the summer all the same and have still found time to do some writing, crocheting, sewing, reading, and knitting. I am really getting pumped up about the swap, so many great people have entered!!!

How are things in your part of the world?

XOXO, Callie

the magical bean

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Crafty Goodness Swap! Click here to do so.

Crochet Hook Case

One of my favorite things I have ever crocheted is this case for my hooks. I made it sometime last year, and love how functional it is. It is from the book Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts!:Lacy Crochet, the one and same that I used to make my corsage out of.
I ended up improvising on the actual sewing of the case because I wanted mine to be sturdier. I luckily had just enough of this mushroom print for it!
The pattern actually had shorter ties with beads but I didn't have any beads that large, so viola tiny crochet balls on the end instead! :)
The best thing about this case is that I no longer have to run around looking for a hook when I need it or accidentally buy two of the same. It definitely helps me stay organized :)

The other day I realized that I hadn't shared almost any of my finished projects with you. I'm not sure how this happened but I am trying to rectify this! First ones up are crochet... I have much more to share!

Hope your Monday was fabulous!

XOXO, Callie the magical bean

P.S. I love this song!