Review: Fibra Natura Good Earth

The Dishcloth+ Series, sponsored by Universal Yarn, uses Fibra Natura Good Earth yarn. It’s been a blast to work with. Here’s my impression of the yarn.

Fibra Natura Good Earth

Yarn Features:

Universal Yarn describes Good Earth as: a soft cotton/linen blend that’s easy on the hands and a pleasure to work with.

Worsted Weight: 170 yrds / 100 g
53% Cotton and 47% Linen

Good Earth Pros:

  • Beautiful soft color pallette
  • Also available in variegated yarn colors
  • Creates a durable fabric
  • Fiber blend gives is a nice drape
  • Fabric softens with washing
  • Good for showing stitch definition
  • No elasticity, which is good for a durable dishcloth; it won’t get out of shape

Good Earth Cons:

I label the following as cons, but they might better be labeled “Things to be aware of.”

  • Shrinks when washed. Many fibers shrink when washed, and this is one. If the dimensions of the project matter, it might be a good idea to make the project a little larger.
  • Loses a bit of it’s sheen after going through washer/dryer. I’ve had other cotton fade drastically when washed. This maintains its beautiful color after washing with only a little loss of its sheen.

Good Earth Holding Up in the Wash

Good Earth WashedIt’s a dishcloth, so naturally I ran it through the wash. Pictured right is the Corner to Corner Dishcloth. Left, in Jade (green), is the original dishie. Right, in Canyon (pink), is the dishcloth after one time through the laundry.

Prior to washing, the dishcloth measured 8″x8″. After a trip through the washer and dryer it measured an inch smaller.

If you have to (or choose to) wash dishes by hand, this fiber is fabulous. It’s durable yet soft. It will soak up water like a sponge if it’s alreay damp, so it’s great for cleaning up spills.

The colors in this line blend well together. They are soft and soothing, a lovely mix of tones. Because it’s a blend of cotton and linen, it really is much softer to crochet with than many straight cotton yarns. The finished product is softer as well.

Dana is a big fan of knit and crochet dishies, so you’ll find this at her kitchen sink or in a drawer waiting for it’s turn to scrub pots and pans.

Both Dana and I have enjoyed working with Fibra Natura Good Earth in the Dishchloth+ Series. I look forward to showing you more fun kitchen and dining stuff in the coming months.

 

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Crochet Christmas OrnamentsCrochet Christmas ornaments are a fun and festive way to decorate for the holidays.  From the classical to the whimsical, these crocheted ornaments are designed to please everyone in the house this Christmas.

They are quick and easy to make and most ornaments can be crocheted with just remnants of yarn. Decorate the tree; accessorize a present; hang them from doorknobs. These little ornaments can bring cheer wherever they’re needed.

Skill Level: Easy

Dazzle your friends and family with these ornaments. Show them that crochet can be traditional yet untraditional all at the same time.

Need a gift for a dog lover? Sneak a squeaker into one of these ornaments and turn it into a hand crocheted dog toy!

Crochet Christmas Ornaments – The Details

This crochet Christmas ornaments pattern set includes the directions for six fun and unique ornaments.

Most of the ornaments use a basic medium weight yarn for the base ornament with fine or super fine yarn for the details. Each ornament is crocheted in the round and the pattern includes instructions using US abbreviations, a materials list, gauge information, check boxes to keep track of your progress, photos, and more.

Christmas Ball Ornaments Set

Let’s take a closer look at each ornament:

  • Snowman Crochet Christmas Ornament – This 2 3/4 inch tall winter classic comes with a removable chullo (ear flap hat) and a quirky smile sure to warm everyone’s heart. Hang without the hat and the snowman looks like a golf ball – perfect for the golfers in your life.
  • Toy Soldier Crochet Christmas Ornament – This 4 1/2 inch tall Nutcracker character brings a solemn demeanor to the festivities, guarding the hopes and dreams of all those present.
  • Santa’s Belly Crochet Christmas Ornament – Like a bowlful of jelly, this 3 1/2 inch tall merry belly comes with a belt that can be tightened, loosened, and with a metal buckle, removed altogether. Directions include how to make a crocheted buckle or how to use a metal buckle.
  • Sock Monkey Crochet Christmas Ornament – A childhood favorite, this 2 1/2 inch tall ornament is for the young at heart. Fun for the little ones and for those that remember their sock monkey friend.
  • Ball of Yarn Crochet Christmas Ornament – Yarnivores of every kind will enjoy this 3 3/4 inch tall yarn ball. Whether a knitter, a crocheter, or a yarn crafter in general, this is a fun way to bring one’s love of the fiber arts into the festivities.
  • Snowflake Crochet Christmas Ornament – Bringing two classic decorations together, this 3 inch tall ornament combines the ball ornament with the snowflake ornament. Separate they decorate all kinds of spaces, together they spice up  the place.

Crochet Christmas Ornaments – In the Store

These crochet Christmas Ornaments are available now in the store. When you purchase through our website, you’ll immediately receive a receipt which includes a link to download the PDF pattern.

Christmas Ornaments pattern on Etsy.

Order today and start crocheting right away!

Available in the Store

Trick or Treat Bags

Trick or Treat Bags – The Monsters of the Stash

These classic monster trick or treat bags are great for sprucing up a costume and holding a sizable stash of candy. They are sure to be coveted by all the little ghouls and goblins this Halloween. And they make handy little treat bags for your home or office!

Make them friendly or little scary with the stitching of the mouth and the placement of the eyes. Though they are watching you, they won’t tell how many sweet treats you’ve eaten today!

Trick or Treat Bags – Crochet Pattern

The crochet pattern for each of these monster treat bags features a famous monster in history. Crocheted two strands at a time, these bags work up quickly for a ghoulish surprise.

Suck the candy from your friends and neighbors with a Dracula bag. Complete with a cape, bow tie, and fangs, you can count on the Count with your Halloween candy. He measures

The Frankenstein monster will keep things safe in this shaggy headed bag. Crocheted with Fun Fur, this fun treat bag will hold quite a stash.

Wrap up your treats in Mummy’s bandages. Crocheted as a solid bag, a separate crocheted bandage allows you to wrap it up tight, just the way you like it. The mummy measures 7″ tall  x 6 1/2″ wide by 21″ around.

Each treat bag is crocheted as a solid unit with the facial features crocheted separately and sewn on. Each bag requires color changes. The mummy has color changes at the ends of rounds while the Frankenstein and Dracula bags have changes in the middle of rounds as well as at the ends of some rounds. Directions for changing colors is included in the pattern.

Trick or Treat Bags – Available in the Store

Friendly or scary, make these bags to fit your trick or treating style. Order your pattern from the store for a monster sized good time.

Trick or Treat Bags pattern on Etsy.