Lined Crocodile Stitch Purse

I just had to share with you my newest project that I love! My crocodile stitch purse!  

It is difficult for me to follow patterns without deviating at least a bit; so this time I decided I'd create one on my own.

Such a CUTE bag! And a joy to make! 

With a stylish white "scale" ~  it gives the stitch even more definition.

This bag is about 9x6" created with dark green medium weight yarn and lined with a light-weight cotton. Strap is about an inch wide by about 18-20" long. One button closure that is the same color as the yarn. See the photos for details. (Crocodile stitch is only on the flap of the bag.)

It does close by itself, but I added a button to help secure it more. Made to order in almost any available color you request.
Would you like one in a different color and/or size? Just add your desired color and/or size preference to the comment section of the order form. Order today! Would make a wonderful and unique gift!
It will be ready to ship in about 5-days. Order today through my Etsy shop page. Cost is $38.50 plus $8.00 shipping by Priority Mail. But get free shipping when using this code on any order over $30, when ordering through Etsy!  FREESHIPPING2014

Bookmarks - great stocking stuffers!

I agree with all of this but especially the first paragraph. If I'm not crocheting - I'm reading.  :)  And I realize that many, many of us have e-readers that we use, but there is still the occasional or favorite book that we read, including the Bible maybe. So bookmarks still serve a purpose.  Here is a good article from one of my favorite sources:

I absolutely love reading. Everywhere I go, I bring a book. I read during lunch and have my nose buried in a book before bed. Most of my friends who read as much as I do save their place in a book by folding over the top corner of the page. I always hated doing so, because it would always leave a permanent crease mark on the page. That is why I always carry my favorite bookmark around with me.
One of the best things about bookmarks is that you can easily craft yourself one. Bookmarks are fun, easy-to-do projects that make for practical and affordable gifts. I got my favorite bookmark as a gift years ago, and now it is one of my prized possessions. Whether for yourself or someone else, craft a colorful and handy bookmark today. Give one of these great craft projects a try today.

Bead and Ribbon Bookmark – This project is a cool twist on the classic bookmark because it uses a ribbon instead of a clip or cardboard. This bookmark adds a classy touch to any book.
Secret Sister Flower Bookmark – This is a simple and elegant bookmark that would be a perfect gift for a bookworm friend.
Beaded Paper Clip Bookmark – Turn a simple paper clip into a symbol of love with this heart-shaped bookmark that makes for a simple and inexpensive Valentine’s Day gift.
Painted Bookmark for Mom – I got my love of reading from my mother, one of the few people who reads more than me. A beautiful hand-painted bookmark is a gift any mother can appreciate.
Bookworm Bookmark – This is the ideal bookmark for true bookworms because it is visually stunning and durable enough to last for years.
Furry Friends Bookmarks – Making these adorable felt bookmarks is almost as enjoyable as reading a good book. You might spend more time staring at these cute bookmarks than you will at the book.
Embossed Blue Bookmarks – Use glue to add depth and texture to these wonderful bookmarks. You could give them away as gifts, but you might enjoy them too much to do that.
Beaded Book Thong – This bookmark is fantastic because it can never be bent out of shape, and the project uses leftover craft supplies.
Rainbow Trout Bookmark – This is a fun and colorful crochet project perfect for use in fishing and wildlife books.
Floral Fish Bookmark – Small and compact, this creative and simple-to-make bookmark is great for on-the-go reading.

Here are some photos I found online that are easy to put together for most of us. I think I like the ribbon ones the best... with the button on both ends to keep it from escaping the book! 

Quick, Easy to Crochet Gift

I found this free scarf pattern in one of my crochet groups and didn't want to lose it, so I'm posting it here, which is great, because maybe you can use it to make a few Christmas gifts this year. This gift would be well received! Of course that is if you crochet. If not, I've got other blog posts that may help you out too!

I cannot share the pattern itself on my blog... that is the rules in this case, but here are the photos and a list of what would be needed, etc. to get you started, then just click on one of the photos below and you will have that pattern right in front of you.  Have fun!

Free Crochet Pattern ~ Fiona Button Scarf !

The Fiona Button Scarf is a lovely piece for both fall and winter and is crocheted lengthwise in a slightly modified granny stripe. Two buttons join it together to create a long loop like an infinity scarf, or wear it unbuttoned for a traditional scarf. Versatile and pretty, lofty and warm! No need to crochet button holes either, just use the decorative holes from the scarf.

Fiona Button Scarf

By Jennifer Dickerson
courtesy of Fiber Flux Blog

Materials: 

• N (9.0 mm) Crochet Hook 
• 1-2 Skeins Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick Solids, 106 yards (1 for the 45 inch and 2 for the 60 inch version) Note: Some of the prints and metallic yarns have less yardage than the solids)
• Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends and sewing on buttons) 
• Two Buttons (Buttons shown are 1 inch wide, test out your buttons before sewing them on by slipping them through one of the holes to make sure they fit)

Sizing: 

• Width: Scarf shown is 5 inches wide, a wider scarf can be made by adding more rows.
• Length: 2 lengths included in this pattern, 45 inches and 60 inches (scarf shown is 45 inches long)

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I normally find my posting material from other blogs and shared information on the web. I do not claim to personally own the material unless I truly have authored it. Honesty is key. I usually try to share with you my overall understanding of any given shared post; but, if applicable, I want to give credit where credit is due by sending you to the original author for  the original information and any additional info. 
It's only fair.   

My personal suggestions and opinions are usually in this green italic type - so you will know when it is my own wording/opinion given.

I hope this information has been of some help to you. As always, if you would like to add a thought, question, give suggestions for another topic, or make a general suggestion, please post a comment below. Also, please follow / subscribe to this blog.  Thank you!