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Pattern Play: Penguins

Posted by on October 12, 2011

A couple months ago, I decided to do something a little different with my penguin bomber hat pattern – I made it in blue!

Having two boys I figured a blue hat would match a lot of their clothes, and a blue penguin hat would match a lot of their clothes AND be lots of fun. I thought I was being clever and creative until I just found out the other day…..blue penguins actually exist!!

Fairy penguin
By Fir0002 (Own work) [GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

I guess it is true that you learn something new every day. I’ll have to go with a funkier color to truly be unique. What do you think – pink? purple? variegated?? What color would you make for a fun and special penguin hat?

Thanks for stopping by!

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Hard Hat Helmet Pattern Winners Announced

Posted by on September 25, 2011

Thank you everyone for entering to win my latest pattern, the Hard Hat Helmet! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my silly questions and share the contest. If you didn’t win, don’t forget that this pattern will be 30% off through September 27th in the pattern store.

And the winners are….






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Crochet Stool Cover

Posted by on August 24, 2011

A few years ago my husband and I bought a couple plain counter-height stools for some space-saving seating in our kitchen. They have definitely served their purpose over the years, but they are not very comfortable and they certainly leave something to be desired style-wise. I decided it was time for some DIY.

The pattern for this stool cover is very simple and easy to follow. It probably takes longer to prepare your fabric yarn than it takes to crochet. I used some knit fabric I had purchased, but this would also be a great project for recycling unwanted t-shirts or knit sheets.

Supplies

  • 2.5 Yards of 58 inch wide Knit Fabric, cut into 3 inch stips
  • Fabric Scissors
  • Size Q (15.75mm) Hook
Notes
  • Check out these tips for making fabric yarn.
  • There really isn’t an accurate gauge for this pattern considering different fabric weights. You will need to experiment a little to see what will work best for you.
  • The seat I covered was 12 inches in diameter.
  • You may need to increase by more or less rows depending on your seat diameter and the weight of your fabric.
  • Pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of each round.
Pattern

Round 1: 6 Sc in a Magic Circle. (6)
Round 2: 2 Sc in ea st around. (12)
Round 3: * Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st * repeat around. (18)
Round 4: * Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st * repeat around. (24)
Round 5: * Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st * repeat around. (30)
Round 6: * Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st * repeat around. (36)
Round 7: Sc in ea st around. (36)
Round 8: * Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog * repeat around. (30)
Round 9: * Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog * repeat around. (24)
Slst in next st and tie off. Tuck the end inside the cover and stretch around the seat of your stool.

Stool Cover Pictures

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Free Pattern: Summer Squares Beach Tote

Posted by on July 28, 2011


Here is a free pattern for a fun tote bag that is perfect for taking to the beach or pool. The main portion of the bag features a square mesh pattern that will allow wet towels and swimsuits to breathe. It is also great for carrying toys, sunscreen and beach reads. This crochet pattern is fairly easy and quick to work up. I hope you will enjoy it!

If you like this pattern, sign up for my free monthly newsletter to be notified of other free pattern releases.

Beach Tote Pictures
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Free Pattern: Mug Coaster Cozy

Posted by on May 31, 2011

Protect your hands from a hot mug and your table from scratches with a cute mug coaster cozy. Using only single crochet stitches, this easy crochet pattern works up quickly and makes a great little gift.

If you like this pattern, sign up for my free monthly newsletter to be notified of other free pattern releases.

Mug Cozy Pictures

 

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Pattern Play: Tiny Triceratops (3-6 Months)

Posted by on May 21, 2011

The Triceratops Hat is one of my favorite patterns. My little guys love to wear it and always get lots of compliments when they do. Because the hat is made with bulky yarn and has such a large face and frills, it is a pretty hefty hat. That is the reason I didn’t include sizes for infants in the pattern. I thought it would be too much hat to handle.

Doing a little experimenting I created this adorable pink triceratops hat in a 3-6 month size. To make your own, follow the Triceratops Hat Pattern for the adult size exactly as written except use worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice) and a US G hook (gauge should be 3.5 dc per inch).  Do the same to create the spots. For the eyes and horns, I still used worsted weight yarn, but I switched to a US B hook. Follow the directions for rounds 1-2 to create smaller eyes, and follow rounds 1-5 for the large horns and rounds 1-3 for the small horn. I used a 1/2″ button for the pupils, but you could always just embroider or sew on a pupil.

I hope this is helpful to those wishing to make tiny triceratops hats. Stay tuned for more tiny triceratops sizes coming soon. Let me know if you have any questions and I would be happy to help!

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Friday Faves: Cowboy Salsa

Posted by on May 6, 2011

My sister had a little Cinco de Mayo party last night and the best part by far was the Cowboy Salsa, a recipe she shared with me a few years ago. I had to snap a picture really quick before it was devoured. This salsa is so yummy! In fact, one guest joked that she came to the party solely for the Cowboy Salsa.

 

This recipe was passed from friend to friend to friend, so unfortunately I don’t know who to credit for the orginal recipe. There are a few different versions you can find on the internet now but this one is my favorite.  It is super easy to make and you won’t regret making it. Try it out and let me know what you think!

 

Cowboy Salsa

  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 1 can Mexicorn, drained
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 bunch of scallions, diced
  • 1/2 of a big sweet onion, diced
  • 1/2 package dry Italian dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

Mix the second set of ingredients to prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients from the first set except the avocado.  Add the dressing and mix some more.  Add the avocado last and mix.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

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Scrapbooking Vs. Crochet

Posted by on May 2, 2011

    This past weekend I had the opportunity to join a group from my church in an all day scrapbooking event. It was so nice to get away for the day and really focus on finishing some pages. Those are my little guys in their Halloween costumes last year–Go Diego Go and Baby Jaguar (but actually a lion costume from a friend).

    Despite my enjoyment, I came to a realization–there are a LOT of supplies involved in scrapbooking!  I hauled a rolling cart and two huge bags along with me, and that didn’t include other supplies I left at home.  It is a little overwhelming to me, and sometimes I feel like I don’t even know where to begin with all the possible options.

    That is what I love about crochet–all you need is a hook and some yarn.  It is so simple yet the possibilities of what you can create are endless. I haven’t met too many crafts that I didn’t like, but if I had to choose, crochet would be the winner!

    What is your favorite craft?

     

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Inc Magazine – It’s Here!

Posted by on April 5, 2011

How cool would it be to have your picture in a major magazine?  I don’t think my picture has even been in a local newspaper. Can you find me? The April issue of Inc Magazine just hit newsstands and I couldn’t be more excited!

This definitely makes the trip worth it. Let’s all celebrate with $1 off the Triceratops Hat Pattern or 25% off a finished triceratops hat for the rest of April.

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Save Your Scraps

Posted by on March 2, 2011

Here’s a quick tip that will keep your workspace clean and save you some cash in the future.

Don’t throw away your loose ends or toss those knotted skeins in the trash. Save them in a jar. Don’t worry about yarn weight, length, or color, just throw everything in.

Any container will do, but I prefer a jar with a lid to prevent spills. Picking up a mess of yarn is never fun. I started with a mayonnaise jar, but with all the crocheting I’ve been doing lately, I’m going to have to graduate to a bigger container.

Yarn Scrap Uses

  • Stuff your triceratops horns or amigurumi instead of using fiberfill
  • Use a different color yarn as a stitch maker
  • Cut and paste craft projects with children
  • Tie bags closed for a decorative touch of color
  • Gather a bunch of crazy colors for a monster hat

There are probably dozens of different ways to use up those scraps. If you’re not saving them already, grab a jar and start collecting!

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