Quidditch

I have discovered a new way to distract myself (read that procrastinate) with fiber fun.

My first quidditch goal of my Hogwarts career. 

Go Ravenclaw!

Personalized Tunisian Mug Wrap

I wanted to make a Tunisian simple stitch mug wrap so that I could cross-stitch or embroider monograms or symbols onto them easily. The instructions below produce a wrap that will fit a standard, straight sided coffee mug. If you have a larger mug or want a bigger wrap, there are notes in parenthesis on how to increase the finished wrap.
Remember when adding width (beginning chain length) that you need to keep room for the edging and still not have a mouthful of fibers when you try to sip your coffee or tea! :)

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic or similar sized yarn in two or more colors.
Tunisian/Afghan hook size I
crochet hook size H

Stitches:
TSS Tunisian Simple Stitch
sc Single Crochet
slip stitch
chain

On Tunisian hook, chain 10 (11,12)
TSS until the work measures 8 inches (or more*)
Finish off with color one.

Using crochet hook, attach edging color in corner with a slip stitch. Chain one and sc in corner.
Chain 30 and slip stitch to sc at beginning of chain
sc down short side of wrap
In corner: sc chain 30 slip stitch in original sc, chain one and sc in corner
sc across long edge
In the corner: sc, chain one, sc
sc up short side of wrap
In corner: sc, chain one, sc
sc across long side of wrap
Slip stitch to very beginning attach slip stitch, cut yarn and finish off

Finishing:
Weave in all ends.
Use coffee mug to position two big buttons and attach on short end opposite loops. Or you can use one button if the loops will reach. Then embellish your cup however you like with a tapestry needle and coordinating yarn. :)

* when figuring out how long to TSS make sure the wrap will go mostly around the cup, but remember that you will be adding edging to both ends. It is usually better to end with a little extra room. Stretch wrap around cup and make sure it doesn't reach the handle on both ends. You can always make slightly longer chains, but taking out rows of stitching is no fun. 

Charity Crochet Dragon and MORE for Crestline

The Evil League of Evil authors is holding a charity auction here for Crestline Elementary. 

First off, the cause is just and might. We're talking about kids whose school burned down here, folks, and you don't get much less evil than that. 

Secondly. The stuff really rocks. 

Critiques of your query or manuscript chapters

Mentoring by published authors

Cameo spots in the a novel

Signed book, crafts, sword fights, true love! 

May have gotten a bit carried away. But still...Please check it out. 

I have chapter crits up from yours truly, a novel cameo in one of my future books and this:

Evil Dragon. ..

opening bids are super reasonable and all you have to do is go to the LIVE AUCTIONS list and dive in.

Check out the other tabs while you're at it, and see why its such a big deal to us. 

THANKS EVERYONE!!! Happy Bidding. 

~ Frances

Tunisian Latte Cozy

Free Pattern:

TSS= Tunisian Simple Stitch.

This project is worked on a double ended tunisian hook "in the round." 

There are some fabulous tutorials on Youtube that explain the technique far better than I can. :)

(My gauge was an I hook with worsted weight acrylic. All you have to do is adjust your chain and row # to use what you have and make it fit)

Chain 28 and slip stitch together. 

TSS in the round for eight rows.

Bind off and weave in ends. 

Tricky, huh? 

 Enjoy!