5 Little Monsters: July 2017

Cricut 101: Which Machine is Best?

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If you are thinking of getting a cutting machine it can get really overwhelming really fast as you look at all of the different machines available and try to figure out which one to buy. Not only are there different brands, there are also different machines within each brand. Knowing which one to choose can be pretty overwhelming.

How to Make Weighted Bases for Crochet Projects

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One of my favorite thing to crochet are amigurumi, or stuffed, crocheted dolls, toys, and figures. Some of these items are meant as decorations and I want them to be able to stand up on thier own. To help them stand up I like to add weighted bases to the bottom of the item. This gives them a nice heavy base so they don't tip over or wobble around. I use Poly-Pellets as the weight for my bases. In the video below I show a couple different ways that I make these bases to add to my crochet projects.



Cricut 101: 30+ Cricut Projects (Including Easy Washi Stickers)

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Maybe you just got a new Cricut, or maybe you are thinking of getting one but trying to decide if it is worth it, or maybe you have one but use it for the same types of projects all the time and are wondering what else you can do with it. Whatever the case may be I thought I would talk about some of the many, many things you can use your cricut to make.

Angel: Crochet Nativity Add-On

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A couple of years ago I made my crocheted nativity and it has been one of my all time favorite crochet projects. I started out with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, a star, 2 shepherds, a donkey, and a sheep. Then about a year later I added 3 wisemen. Now I have a couple more pieces that I want to add to the set and one of them I am sharing the pattern for today, an angel.

Solid Granny Square Dishcloth with Crab Stitch Edging




I was recently asked to make a video showing how to do the crab stitch or reverse single crochet and rather than just making a sample piece that would never get used for anything I decided that I would make a dishcloth and finish it with the crab stitch edging. Once I made it I figured I might as well post the pattern here. It is a very simple pattern, I started with a solid granny sqaure and edged it with the crab stitch. If you aren't sure how to do the crab stitch, also known as reverse single crochet you can watch my video explaining how to do it.

How to Crochet the Crab Stitch or Reverse Single Crochet


After I made my last video on how to make a magic ring, I asked readers/viewers if there were any specific tutorials they would like to see, any stitches, tips, etc. that would be helpful. One of the request that I had was for a tutorial on the crab stitch, aka reverse single crochet. I decided that that would be my next video so here it is:

Cricut 101: Do I Need Cartridges + an ASL Jewlery Holder

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It used to be that in order to use a Cricut you had to buy cartridges with different fonts and designs on them. Often when people are thinking about getting a Cricut they worry about needing to buy lots of cartridges in addition to the machine. Or maybe they had an older version of a Cricut and a bunch of cartridges and they are worried about all of that money going to waste. So what's the deal with the Cricut Explore and Cartridges?

Faux Etched Glass Mirrors

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Not too long ago I got an idea for something I wanted to make for my oldest daughter, even though it is my youngest daughter in the pictures. I thought it would be cool to make a mirror that we could put up in her room that would be a little reminder that someone loves her. I wanted it to say something positive that she would see when she looked in the mirror.

Crocheted Star Dishcloth


I can't believe it is already July and that the 4th is tomorrow. I thought I would share one last quick patriotic project before tomorrow, although this could easily be used other times too. I wanted something really quick so I thought a star shaped dishcloth would be the perfect project. It would also make a great trivet for setting down a hot pan at your Independence Day barbecue. I think in addition to the 4th of July or other patriotic holidays, it would also be cute for a baby washcloth or a beachy themed bathroom or kitchen. One of my favorite things about dishcloths or washcloths is that they are so quick to make.