Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 32 of 55

Artistic Endeavors

All Things Home

How to Crochet a farmhouse dishcloth (for beginners)

Just so you don’t miss it, I’m giving away a set of three of these dishcloths towards the bottom of this (rather long) post! Ever since I started showing my crocheted dishcloths, I’ve been asked by readers and followers if I could share a tutorial for how to make them. Since I’m a beginner myself, I have been directing them to YouTube to find tutorials from people who have been doing this for a lot longer than I have! But, I’ve learned over the years that blogging is about sharing my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. And I’ve also learned that my audience wants to learn from me. And I get that! I like learning from people I know and trust. Maybe I helped you make a slipcover for the first time or planted the seed that you could start a business. So, why not teach

January 21, 2020 No Comments

Artistic Endeavors

How to Crochet a farmhouse dishcloth for absolute beginners…

Just so you don’t miss it, I had to crochet this farmhouse dishcloth three times for the tutorial, so I am giving away a set of three of them towards the bottom of this (rather long) post! Ever since I started showing my crocheted dishcloths, I’ve been asked by readers and followers if I could share a tutorial on how to make them. Since I’m a beginner myself, I have been directing them to YouTube to find tutorials from people who have been doing this for a lot longer than I have! But, I’ve learned over the years that blogging is about sharing my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. And I’ve also learned that my audience wants to learn from me. And I get that! I like learning from people I know and trust. Maybe I helped you make a slipcover for the first time or

January 21, 2020 221 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

crocheted mittens & dishcloths

Over the Christmas break, I did a lot of intentional sitting around. While I’m not typically a sitter-arounder, but was much needed and I embraced the slower pace. I didn’t want to be entirely idle, though, so when we weren’t playing a game or doing something together as a family, I pulled out my yarn and bag of hooks and crocheted. I made a pretty pair of wool mittens since the first pair I made was out of the wrong kind of yarn and ended up being so large that they slid off my hands when I attempted to wear them. They were good practice, though, so these could turn out better. I followed this video tutorial… …and I’m very pleased with how they turned out. I’ve worn them a few times and they are warm and comfy (well, when it’s not too cold or windy here in MN. For

January 8, 2020 48 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

so, you want to learn to crochet?

Since I started crocheting, many readers and followers have asked me to share how I’m learning and the books and patterns I’m using, so this post is the answer to those requests! Now, keep in mind that I have just been crocheting for a few weeks, so take all of this with a grain of salt. If you’re an experienced crocheter and have some tips, resources, or patterns to share, please do so! This is just what I’ve discovered so far… I have learned through a mix of books and videos. I have tended to use videos when it comes to specific projects, like hats or mittens, and books to learn specific stitches. I looked at a few different stitch books and my favorite one is the Crochet Stitch Dictionary. (You can get this book used from $2.99 on Amazon). It has a wide variety of stitches and it feels

December 18, 2019 54 Comments

a slice of life

kittens & crochet

Based on the title of this post, I’m officially turning into my great grandmother. I don’t mind that too much, though, because she was a pretty awesome lady. Anyway, if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know we adopted a couple of kittens last Saturday. It was something we’ve been thinking about for a few months and decided this would be a good time, since Jeff and the boys would be home from school and work for Thanksgiving break and we’d all be able to bond with them and help them adjust. We went to the cat adoption day planning on looking and perhaps picking out a pair of kittens if we found the right ones. We knew we wanted siblings and older kittens – about 4-6 months old. We were also hoping for cats that had been around dogs before, so they wouldn’t completely freak out about

December 2, 2019 83 Comments

All Things Home

basket full of yarn & crochet update

So, I have fully embraced the crocheting thing! I made three trips to the craft store last week, which is no small thing because I couldn’t drive. I had to ask someone to take me and witness me exploring this new world of yarn. I’ve actually always been drawn to yarn and have found excuses to buy some here and there for projects, but what makes good yarn for pom-poms and garlands doesn’t necessarily make good yarn for a crochet project. I learned that as I made the most ridiculously thick and heavy hat that I ended up turning into a thick and heavy scarf that’s only a little less ridiculous. I love learning, finding new creatives to follow, and having an excuse to buy some new supplies! I know yarn can really add up, but crocheting is a pretty thrifty endeavor, especially if you buy yarn on sale. I

November 15, 2019 81 Comments

a slice of life

Armchair inspiration

There is only so much sitting and watching TV that I can handle. Don’t get me wrong…I love a lazy day now and then or a movie marathon, but I’ve been operating at 50% or less for a few weeks now. Especially during the first two weeks of recovery, I was medicated, sore, tired, and not good for much of anything. I didn’t even want to watch a show that involved following a plot. It just required too much of me. But, as I started to heal and feel better, I found myself daydreaming about future projects and creative endeavors. I started watching shows that centered more around the creative process like the Great British Baking Show and Project Runway. And the daydreaming and desire for inspiration led me to dig into some old and new magazines and books, which are one of my favorite wells to draw from. I

November 11, 2019 19 Comments

a slice of life

Keeping my hands busy

Before I get into today’s post, I wanted to let you know that the Arhaus giveaway has been extended to my allow entries to my blog, so those who aren’t on Instagram can enter as well or those who entered on Instagram can have another chance to enter. Just go back to the giveaway post HERE and leave a comment letting me know which fabric you would select for your piece if you win. It was never our intention to exclude any of my readers, so we’re glad you gave me that feedback and we could make this change. And, speaking of giveaways, the winner of the Cozy White Cottage book giveaway is Carol (csolverud.) Congrats! I already knew this about myself, but this whole recovery experience has taught me that I’m not great at sitting around. All in all, I have been very good at resting…getting things done when

November 7, 2019 90 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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