The Crochet Life: Back To It + Crochet Crown.

Hello there! I have returned from a small staycation where I rested it a bit and allowed my hands a bit of time off. It's always good thing to do for yourself. I must say, it was quite a relaxing moment and very, very necessary one as well! Though I will be moving in a few weeks, but I am more than entirely excited and ready to create crochet handmade home goods for my place!

Also, I have been wanting to create a crochet crown for quite awhile now and I've finally got to it! I found a video tutorial [found here] which will create the crown that I am wearing. It's entirely whimsical and I couldn't help, but feel the fantasy element of donning such an item. Hope you make one too!

Truly, I would also like to thank Kelboune Woolens Blog, for featuring my crochet work on their website, such warm kind hearted words, entirely made my day and I truly appreciate the mention!

Here's to the beginning of the week, hope you have a lovely one!
ashlee elle.

On My Hook.

Currently, I've been working on this purple number, creating an item that I am truly digging for the summer. It's my first time creating this particular design, so I am hoping it comes along the way that I have imagined. If not, I'm pretty sure something new and unexpected will be created and that's just as cool.

What are you currently working on?

Hope your wip is coming along swell!
ashlee elle.

Crochet Life: A New Hope.

Lately, I have been incredibly moved with tons of inspiration to design as well as create. Of course, I'm writing on behalf of the craft that is crocheting, it is a serious passion of mine, that I would entirely love to be able to create full time. That would be a dream. 

I've been inspired to create handfuls of things, (you will see soon!) they are all sprouting from my mind like beautiful bright flowers. I simply want to pick them all up and share them all with anyone, everyone who would love to see. A bit cheesy, but truly it's how I feel! There are a number of ideas that will come fruition, hopefully will all come out and be exhibited on this blog!

ashlee elle.

On My Hook.

Currently, what's been on my hook is off white yarn that will, with much hope, turn into a summertime crochet dress. I've had the design in my head for awhile now and I am truly just experimenting along the way. Taking notes and such along the way which is usually how I do things!

I must say, that it is extremely hard to figure out what project I want to tackle next, I sort of just let it happen and it's always an experience!

What are you currently working on?
ashlee elle.

Planning Ahead.

Here we are in March, a bit colder than usual, truly awaiting the arrival of the Spring light as well as weather. I can't help myself, but to start planning on all the things I cannot wait to create for this season. Though I am confronted with the freezing reality that even here in Texas, we are facing unfriendly weather. I'll be honest, it's in no way shape or form as bad as my hometown is feeling on the East Coast, but still. I'm ready for shorts and sandal weather. Well, I'm almost sure we all are. 

With the planning ahead, there are a handful of designs &  ideas that I can barely decide on what to start on first. I'm entirely feeling the colors of the pastel family, some baby blue and lavender.  As well as a bit of the style of bohemian. Lots of fringe follows that style of course!

It's a marvelous feeling, the notion of creation and owning the ability that you can do so everyday in anyway that you choose. Planning ahead keeps me in focus and helps me truly create the best of my ability to do so!

What are you planning to create in the upcoming season?

//ashlee elle.

What I Wore: Something Borrowed.

Happy Monday! I wore this outfit last week and this dress is one of my new faves. Cece and I did a little closet reconfiguring and went to Plato's Closet to get rid of some clothes we never wear. She had this dress in her bag and offered it to me and at first glance, I immediately grabbed it to throw into my bag. One of my favorite pieces that I brought home and I must say it fits perfectly! 

What I Wore:
dress>> wholesale
tights>> kohls
socks>> Jcpenny
shoes>> target
hat>> target
belt>> kids section/ross
bag>> betsey johnson
accessories>> betsey johnson (watch & heart bracelet) /glitter accessories

The Crochet Life: Trying New Yarn.

I've been wanting to try handmade online yarn. I normally purchase from Michaels', Hobby Lobby or even Walmart. I've been wanting to expand my yarn collection (you can never have too much yarn) to see what's out there. I've seen numerous hand dyed and natural yarn out there and I really want to get my hands on them.

When I started crocheting, my go to yarn was Red Heart. Hey, it is inexpensive and quite perfect for starting/testing new projects. With the accessibility of store bought yarn I have always been a bit curious towards handmade yarn particularly online. So what's stopping me? I'm honestly quite perplexed as to where I should start and what I should look for. 

So! Here is my question for those who hold an adoration for the fiber arts: 
What are some of your favorite online stores/places to purchase hand created yarn? 
I'd love to hear others' input or any other advice regarding yarn!

Crochet + Life: New Year Goals.

Hello there! New Years will soon be here and I thought I would create a very small list of light goals that I would like to strive for within this New Year. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of creating resolutions, for fear of never accomplishing them or even getting around to them. However, this time around there are a few finishing lines, I want to run towards, so to speak.. I want this list to be a bit more open, freeing and I want to create a list of change in a positive manner this time around. From the work I would like to see happen within my crocheting as well as from my personal intentions throughout the year.

1// Create a crochet book full of the patterns
I would love to create a book of patterns, of the items I have crocheted. I love books and I love to crochet, so sharing some of the projects I love to those who would like to try them out is a combination I'm all for. I will compose everything myself, which will be a lot of work, but it's more than worth it!

2//  Start writing/reading more poetry/novels
My first love is poetry. The thought of my first love slipping through my hands is something I do not want to see happen at all! Sounds a bit dramatic, but hey. It happens to a lot of people who hold such a passion for something and it dissipates because life just happens to get in the way. Since I graduated from college and made my way into the "life of an adult", working and all that jazz, the joy within reading and writing books have slowly drifted from my life and I entirely need to recapture it. This will be the year that it returns.

3// Lead a healthier lifestyle.
I'm not planning to do the whole diet thing, I just want to consume products that are truly healthy for my lifestyle as well as for my body. As I am getting older, (as we all are) I would like to see this lifestyle implemented from here on out! I find it quite essential to take care of your body, I mean, it's yours, who else is going to take care of it? Now on the list, first off, no more sugary goods (my weakness.)..well, I'll try limiting it just a bit, but I know it's for the best, my body will be grateful in the long run.
4// Start (seriously) saving for the future.
There are numerous things I would love to have for the future. I need to push a lot of these little things I want, to the side, to truly capture the huge things I would like to have for the future. From owning a quaint and lovely cottage (with an awesome craft room of course!) to a trip to Paris, France, which are both dreams that within my lifetime, needs to become reality. Seeing as time is just flying by so swiftly nowadays, I need to definitely and seriously get it together, for my dream's sake!

All in all, goals help keep us all aligned with our personal dreams and I am ready to commit to them this year! What are your goals for the New Years?

Merry Christmas!

Hello there and Merry Christmas! Been gone a bit to finish up on a handful of Christmas projects and wanted to spend a grand bit of time with family and friends! While I've been away for a bit handful of diy projects and personal crochet projects that I truly cannot wait to share! With the new swiftly approaching, I entirely have a growing and glowing handful of goals towards creating new crochet projects. I'm quite pysched for the future! Hope your holidays were filled with love, family and friends, joy and peace because that is what it's all about!

Crochet + Life: Managing Craft Time.

Happy December! I cannot believe it's here already, but time flies. Speaking of time...(see what I did there?) ;) I have been questioned a few times, only a handful really, of how I manage my crochet projects. To be honest, I believe if you truly love something you make time for it. No matter what it is. 

Now in the past, when it comes to crocheting, there would be a point where I would just take a small break which would turn into weeks which would turn into months. Months where I wouldn't even go near a skein of yarn let alone pick up a crochet hook for a small little project. Simply from being uninspired as well as motivated. One of my resolutions for this year was to keep going. To not let it get to that point.

So I purchased a planner along with an idea book. Perceiving that I work Full Time, I make a point to finish projects and come up with new ideas to share. I stick to the main articles that I want to compose, write them up in a document beforehand and figure out how I want the photos to look. I pick one free day and attempt to accomplish all of my posts for the week, as well as edit and half write the posts too. Which can be super stressful to put all those apples in the basket at the same time, but whatever I can get finished is what I can present. The best goal I keep in mind, is to not put pressure on finishing anything before its' time, it's good to have deadlines, but it isn't so grand hurrying up something that shouldn't be rushed!

All in all, I love to share ideas and crochet projects which is primarily created this outlet! So being motivated to continue this sharing craft platform is entirely something I truly want to push forward with as long as I can!

What are your methods of managing your time for your projects?

Crochet + Life: Giving Thanks.

When this time of year hits, I try my best to compile a handful of reasons of why I should be thankful and one of them, this year happens to be Crochet. 

I feel like it's more than a hobby for me, that it's a passion beyond description, beyond definition. Honestly, I am not an entirely patient person, I can become a bit antsy at times, but with crocheting, it  has truly assisted me in taking my time and understanding when I need to stop and start over. Also, it has pushed me to create projects I have always wanted to try, but backed away because of the challenge. This year, its' different, I'm going for it. Whatever project I'm writing in my notebook, I am going to make it.

After a long day at work, it is the calm after the storm with the promise of something created from my own hands and that is a wondrous feeling.
Crocheting has helped me manage as well as conquer lifes' little obstacles a lot smoother and I am quite thankful for finding this craft and never giving up on it.

I am thankful for this art and I am thankful that I can share it with those who enjoy the craft as well.
What are you thankful for this year?

Daily Inspiration: Pressing Forward.

Hello there! I hope you had a grand weekend. Lately, I have been flipping through online Fall Lookbook/Catalogs like Anthropologie and Free People for everyday inspirations. It is one of my favorite methods to do when I need a bit of a creative boost or when I just want to look at some pretty sweaters and things.  Glancing at lovely color combinations or how to layer with your crochet or knit wear with other store bought items. It is entirely a huge push for me, though sometimes a really big push because I end up wanting to create so many things which can cause a creative overload! Though who wouldn't want that? :)

This week, I have my crocheted item finished from, What's on my Hook? can't wait to show it! Also, there is a DIY tutorial, I will be sharing, which is an accessory featuring crochet and leather! I am enjoying pushing myself into creating new projects, some that I have always wanted to create and ones that have just popped into my head. Though I do admit those are the very best kind. 

Below, there are a few of the images that have caught my eye this past week and have motivated me to keep pushing new handmade projects!

 First photo>>anthropologie//Second photo>>free people.

Inspiraton: The Welcoming.

Hello to you out there, hope you are doing quite well and had a lovely weekend. With Fall being just one day old, I must say, the inspiration for me personally, to create has blossomed as if it was the first day of Spring. Oh so elated that these ideas are truly sprouting about and the passion to create, brings me such tranquility and excitement all at once. It's a wonderful feeling! The idea of creating items I have never challenged myself to make, like chunky sweaters, granny cardigans (coming soon!) and even crocheted jackets! I find to be honest, that it is sincerely vital in life,  to do things that make You happy and have something that develops You as a person daily. With 

this being said, I am excited to share some of the projects I will and have created so far. Also, I wish you such inspiration as well, to create whatever it may be!

 Oh and this little crochet floral headband I made on a whim, they were extra ones left over from my sheepish bloom drop bouquet and I thought it would be fun to make!