Sunflowers at Home

Valentine Round up 2023

2023-02-10T03:30:00.034-05:00

I love making handmade gifts for friends and family (and I hope they like receiving them too!). I think that there is nothing more special than a gift in which someone puts effort, time and thought into, especially when you can just click a few buttons and have a gift sent to someone that you never even physically saw or touched.

Valentine's day is next week, so I thought I would round up a few patterns that can completed quickly (meaning this weekend!!) and yet are beautiful. As a bonus, all of them are free (other than materials).

First up is the Quick Ombre hat from Emily Dormier. I love how the stranded color work in this knit pattern looks like little hearts! This pattern is available in sizes preemie to adult.

For the child in your life there is the Owl Always Love You Valentine Caddy from Holly's Hobbies. I just love how adorable this is! And the heart pocket on the front is perfect for holding a Valentine treat!

And for the book lover in your family, there is always my own Valentine bookmark. It works up super fast and is thin enough it will fit in any book without a big ole hump in the pages. (and yes, I know I really need to update my photo!)

And what woman in your life wouldn't love these comfy looking slippers from Kinga Erdem of My Hobby is Crochet? Made with worsted weight yarn for a fast project. Kinga also includes not only written directions, a chart for the heart portion, but also a video tutorial!

And make sure you subscribe, because I will have a super quick pattern available on Valentine's day for that last minute gift.

2023 Mother Culture Reading list

2023-01-09T23:50:00.001-05:00

I am slowly working on getting back to blogging. Honestly, I don't know what that is going to look like or what direction this blog is going to take - crafts, recipes, devotionals, home school....

I do know that in 2023 I plan to focus on completing things that help me to grow. So I took my cue from Charlotte Mason, an educator from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who advocated for mother's to continue their own education. It is so easy as a home school, stay at home mother to get wrapped up in serving our families and neglecting our own need for mental growth. Charlotte Mason recognized this and not only worked to create a philosophy of education for children, but she also created a mother's education course.

In this course she created a reading list and exams that would assist mothers in confirming their Christian faith, the knowledge of caring for their children's mental and physical health, better understanding the principles of education and how to implement them with their own children, and in the area of studying the natural world around them. You can access much of her original course selections here.

In the spirit of her course, I created my own list of readings for this year that I want to share with you.

I selected 3 books from each of the four categories, giving me a goal of reading at least 1 book a month. Some are shorter (around 200 pages) while others are longer (over 600 pages!!). Many have been on my To Be Read pile for some time. My hope is that by creating this list and sharing it I will be motivated to finish them.

If you want to see what I am reading, you can download a copy of my list here and let me know if there are any additional books you would recommend!

Mother Culture Monday

2023-01-02T04:00:00.027-05:00

Charlotte Mason was always an advocate for learning, and not just for her students. For twenty-three years she offered the Mother's Education Course (MEC) via mail to those who wished to continue learning and growing. This course included selections from four broad categories: Divinity, Physiology and Health, Mental and Moral Science & Education, and Nature Lore and Science. This wasn't casual reading either. Those in the course were required to read about 100 pages a week and to pass exams on the material to continue!

Sound like a lot? Maybe, but not when you break it down. The average person takes about 2 hours to read 100 pages. So that is about 15 minutes of reading a day, give or take. So less time than it takes to watch a sitcom on TV, or cook a meal, or even to nurse a cup of coffee. Surely we can commit to 15 minutes a day to expand our own minds and continue growing.

Following Charlotte Mason's guidelines, I have created my own reading list for 2023. Several of the books on this reading list were recommended by fellow Charlotte Mason families, others were chosen due to my personal interests. I have compiled them into a PDF that you can download and read along with me.

Sound like it is still a bit too much? Next week I will share another idea for a reading plan to help you continue to grow in your own education so be sure to subscribe to the blog so you won't miss it!

Click above to view and download the 2023 Education Reading list

Last Minute Gift Idea

2020-12-03T11:18:00.005-05:00

It may be the beginning of December, but I wanted to share a quick and easy gift idea with you. This is great for that person who has everything, for the person you just don't know what to buy for, a last minute gift, a white elephant gift, etc. And it was born from desperation....

I HATE giving gift cards as gifts. They just really feel impersonal to me. It feels like I am saying, "Hey, I don't know you well enough or care enough to find a gift that gift that just screams your name to me so I got you a gift card instead." As a gift, gift cards are right above cash on my worst gifts list.

That being said, there are times that I just can't get away from them. Want to give a spa day to your BFF? You are going to need a gift card. Want to give your tech loving guy a gift but you just don't know the difference between RAM and Rom? Better get a gift card instead. Sending gifts to someone and the cost of shipping has you down? Send a gift card instead. And this fun way to present the card won't cost that much more to ship!

Simply print out the image on photo paper, write a note in the grey box, and attach you gift card over it. Place in a photo frame and you are done!

You can download the free PDF here. Do you have any great last minute gift ideas? I would love for you to share them in the comments. Merry Christmas!

Friday Features - May 15

2020-05-15T05:07:00.001-04:00

I have no idea where this week has gone! It feels like one day it was Monday and the littles and I did our school lessons and the next thing I knew it was Friday.... We did take yesterday off to enjoy the first day of no rain in quite a while by exploring a new (to us) hiking trail. I ambitiously thought we might be able to complete the almost 8 mile loop with a two year old. While he did really well, we made it about 2 miles in and I knew we weren't going to make it.

The first clue was when the girls asked to stop and play on the beach by the lake. The next clue was when the two year old needed a diaper change and I realized we didn't have the necessary supplies. (Yes, he is still in diapers - don't judge. This little guy has a lot going on and in the grand scheme of things still being in diapers is not the end of the world for us.) And then he told us he was "all done".... of course we were a mile and a half from the car at that point.

I have a hiking carrier for him that he loved last spring, summer and fall. This was the first long hike of the year, so I brought it along figuring he wouldn't make it the whole way on his own two feet. Only now he hates it. Like full blown crying hates it. So here we were, 1.5 miles from the car with a kid with a poo diaper, too tired to walk, but hating his carrier. My 11 year old and I traded off carrying him in our arms until it started to thunder and rain! At that point I didn't want either of us slipping on the clay trail when he shifted in our arms. So he went in the backpack and cried while we all got rained on. Not our best moments. Fortunately, it was a short (like 5 minutes total) rain and once it stopped he was content to remain in the carrier.

Even with all that, the kids begged to go back another day. And all of us felt so much better after finally getting out of the house and going somewhere. Here are a few of our observations from the hike:

All that time outdoors made me want to spruce up my indoor plants. I tend to recycle pots over and over and over. After a while they begin to look.....well, let's just say, "less than pretty". So this week I am sharing some adorable knit and crochet for plant pots.

I love this knit cable pot cover. I just envision the slender leaves of my spider plant dangling over the edges... You can find the free pattern in the April 2014 issue of Knit Today. What? You don't have that hanging out on your bookshelf? Neither do I! Archive.org, however, has the digital copy available online here. And you can flip through the entire magazine for some bonus free patterns. I just love the pattern for Mrs. Badger in this edition.

Bethany over at Whistle and Ivy created this adorable little pot for air plants. I bet you can even adjust it to fit one of those Oui jars and put a small succulent in it. She offers four different sizes and since they are small you can easily use up some of those teeny balls of yarn left over from other projects. Find the pattern here.

And you totally can't talk pot covers or plant hangers without macrame! I can't help but think of growing up and the plastic-y macrame yarn light cover that hung from the ceiling in our dining room. Still, macrame and plants just seem to go together. These plant hangers only use 2 knots, making it great for a beginner project. You can find the step by step directions here.

Do you have a favorite way to spruce up old flower pots? I would love it if you would share them with me in the comments. Until next week...

What I am up to...

2020-05-13T16:32:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy crafting week. I finished up an order for this adorable baby Elvis costume:

and a Peanut the Pup.

I also worked on this crochet mask cover for my daughter to wear at work. This is not a CDC approved mask. Rather it is a cute cover to wear over paper masks to extend their life. It can also be worn as a reminder to NOT touch your face. These do not filter germs, but they may reduce large droplets from escaping when coughing or sneezing.

When she wore hers, one of her friends ordered this cat version.

Unfortunately all this hook work has caused my wrist, which was injured in a car accident a few years ago, to act up again. Looks like I am going to have to put myself in a crochet time out.

The good news is that the weather is warming up here and I can start to transplant my seedlings to the garden. Sunflowers were planted today. The echinacea will probably go in tomorrow. My Lemon Balm, peppermint, sage and thyme have already popped up and are looking great. Only one of my yarrow plants are making a comeback; I may have to order or forage some more of that. The chamomile seedlings are doing great and should be ready to transplant in a few weeks.

I am working to restock my Etsy shop. I have a few crown ideas floating around in my head, a cuddle cat, a few birds in nests, maybe a doll or two. What would you like to see in the shop?

Friday Features - May 8

2020-05-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

I was saddened to read today that the local pool, a popular gathering place for many families with children and teens, has decided not to open this season at all. It was disappointing given that my state is currently in the process of reopening. We have one of the lowest number of Covid-19 infections in the country (only 5 states are lower than we are), and yet three weeks before pool season is to open, they have already made the decision to close for the season.

I am sure they put quite a bit of thought into the decision. Taking in to account the probable decline in attendance, the cost of staffing and maintaining the pool, the difficulty of finding lifeguards when they may be struggling to get certified due to social distancing, not to mention the increased sanitation protocols that may be required. I doubt the decision was made lightly. But it is disheartening that while many of us are being cautiously optimistic that we may return to a more normal life in the near future, we are seeing that the new normal may be very different than what we hope for. Only time will tell. And whichever side of the Covid-19 situation you may be on, I am sure we can all agree that the eventual goal is to find our way back to a life in which our children can play with their friends, we can grab a cup of coffee with our pals face to face, and we can all return to work.

The news of the pool, though, did get my fingers itching to create something for those summer gatherings, whether it be a day by the pool, a picnic in the park, or a visit to a farmer's market. So today's Friday Feature is bags galore! Something to pack your stuff in and bring it wherever you may go. So without further ado......

First up is this adorable foldaway mesh bag from Fei at I Heart Gantsilyo. I have to be honest, I had to look up what gantsilyo was. It is Filipino for crochet! Anyways, I love that the mesh is tight enough that small items aren't going to slip through, but it is open enough to not be super bulky. I also love that it rolls up and secures closed. That means I can toss it in the back of my car to keep for those spur of the moment Aldi trips. (For those of you unfamiliar with Aldi, it is a discount grocery store that does not provide free bags. You either bring your own to pack your groceries in, or you purchase bags from them.) You can find this pattern here.

I really like the texture on this one, and it is sized to be a great oversized purse, or diaper bag, or whatever you decide to use it for. And Kat over at Krazy Kabbage includes directions on how to line it too! You crochet the bottom first and then work the sides perpendicular to the bottom, attaching to the bottom at the end of the rows. Find this pattern here.

And since I don't want to leave the knitters out, since I am sure you are hungering for some summer bag fun too, here is the Thistle Market bag from Alexandra Tavel of Two of Wands. This pattern can be easily adjusted smaller or larger.

All the patterns above are offered free of charge. If you choose to make one, be sure to thank the pattern designer for sharing and let them know I sent you. Have a great weekend!

Foxglove and Friends

2020-05-06T15:32:00.002-04:00

It looks like things might be opening up again soon around here. We are still in phase 1 of the reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic, but I can't help but be excited at the prospect of visiting the park again with the kids. One good thing that has come of being at home all of the time is teaching the kids some new skills. My 11 year old has crocheted borders on 4 fleece blankets to donate to God's Tiny Angels, a local organization that collects and distributes newborn and preemie items all over the country.

She also loom knits, but I really want to teach her how to knit without a loom. Fortunately a few years back I stumbled upon Foxglove and Friends. This is a great story curriculum that teaches knitting in a fun, storybook kind of way. It was created by fellow homeschool mama, Grace Young in 2017. She graciously offers the year long program as a free download on her site Foxglove and Friends. I love that it begins with making your very own set of knitting needles! What a great way to help them to own the craft. It walks you through how to make a hat, foxglove finger puppet, finch finger puppet, scenery to play with, blanket, and bag to store it all in.

The program is broken into sections with an adorable narrative story to go with each part. Directions are clear and easy to follow-not only the pattern directions but the directions for mom to implement the curriculum too! We are waiting for it to stop raining here so we can find a set of relatively straight sticks for each of the girls to begin their journey.

It will be my first time trying to teach knitting. Both of my adult girls learned to crochet. To be honest, for years knitting intimidated me. I dropped stitches frequently when I was young and was never taught how to pick them back up, so my frustration with the craft grew with every project I had to rip back until I finally just quit. It wasn't until many years later that I picked up my needles again. Have you ever taught young children the craft of knit or crochet? Any pointers you want to share? I would love to hear them!

Friday Features

2020-05-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hooray for Friday! Or at least I THINK it is Friday. Who knows anymore as one day bleeds into the next.... So to break up the monotony I thought I would share some cute Covid patterns from around the web with you. I do realize that this is a serious virus and that many people have been affected by it. I am in no way attempting to minimize the virus. But I do think that finding something to smile about helps lift the spirits, and who couldn't use a bit of that? So here we go...

Toilet Paper roll from Next Stitch

Remember when you could walk in any store and find toilet paper? Anymore I almost want to shoot streamers in the air when my local stores have any on the shelf. If you aren't there within an hour of the store opening you are pretty much out of luck. Mimi over at Next Stitch decided to commemorate this tp shortage with a cute amigurumi roll so that you never have to be without. Find the complete pattern for free here, or visit her Etsy shop for an ad free PDF version.

Joyce Overheul over at The Flying Dutchman Crochet Designs created this adorable little virus to "encourage people to stay home". Her pattern is available for free on her website here.

Then there is this quick adult size crochet mask. The site says that the "team designed this mask following the CDC's recommendation that homemade masks can be used to effectively help stop the spread of COVID-19." It is lined, although it does not appear to have a pocket for additional filter material. That is easily remedied by only stitching the lining to the crochet portion at the top and bottom, leaving the sides open to slide the filter material in. You can find this pattern here. You will need to download it from the site by selecting the download button, but it is a free download.

And the last thing I want to leave you with is the cute video that Matthew West created, Quarantine Life:

Stay safe!

Ear Saver pattern

2020-04-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

Like the rest of the country I have been quarantined, 36 days and counting here, and trying to stay busy. Homeschooling of the littles has continued, despite our state public schools now being canceled for the remaining portion of the year. The house still needs cleaned and the yard still needs work. One good thing to come of this is that I have picked up my hook and begun to work on some projects again in between sewing masks for our local hospitals and working up some ear savers.

I have also reopened up my Etsy shop. Recently I made a few of these cute little Peanut the Pups to donate to our American Heritage Girls troop. Theywill be added to the HUGS bags we make and donate to local foster organizations. My 2 year old son absolutely loves them and carries them all over the house. I may have to make him one of his own once things open back up and these actually make it to our AHG group! You can find Peanut in my Etsy shop if you want one of your own. Here are a few pics:

Most of what I have been working on, though, are these little ear savers to be worn with the masks that so many are wearing to protect themselves from the Covid-19 virus. Prolonged use of the masks is causing their ears to become sore. This little device allows you to hook the ear loops of the mask over the buttons behind your head, thus relieving the pressure on the sensitive skin behind your ears. They are super quick and simple to work up. Here is how I make mine....

You will need:

Cotton worsted weight yarn, or yarn of your choice.

3.75 mm hook (size F)

yarn needle
2 buttons

chain 15 stitches. Work dc in 3rd stitch from hook and each stitch across to last stitch. In last stitch work 3 dc. Turn your work and dc in each stitch on the opposite side. Your last stitch should be in the same chain as the beginning stitch. join to top of chain. Weave in ends. Sew button to each end.

See? Super simple! Stay safe!

Doing the Twist for Hat not Hate

2019-06-28T11:50:00.000-04:00

I was going through a few of my Facebook creating groups recently and stumbled across someone sharing one of their works in progress, a beautiful blue hat with the hastag #HatNotHate. That of course sparked my interest so I went investigating...

Last year Lion Brand yarn began a new project to raise awareness of bullying, Hat not Hate. They chose to do so by collecting handmade hats and using those as a way to reach children in schools during national anti-bullying month in October. The hats open a door to discuss the topic and give children a visual reminder of what they have learned.

Although I homeschool my children, my now adult children did attend public school and had at times been on the receiving end of bullying. In addition there are so many families in the homeschool community as a result of school bullying. It's a good cause and a great project. After all, a hat is a small project that can be as simple or complex as you desire, making it a good project for both beginners and experienced crafters.

So I decided to create a new pattern just for the movement, the Mock Twist. You can find it below, or visit Ravelry for an ad free PDF copy with adjustments for various sizes.. If you chose to make a hat, please consider donating to the #HatnotHate project. You can find more information at hatnothate.org.

You will need:
4.5 mm (US 7) double pointed needles
4.5 mm (US7) circular needles
worsted weight yarn that yields the correct gauge (sample project knit with Red Heart Super Saver in Soft Navy)
yarn needle

Stitches used:
k = knit stitch
p = purl stitch
LT = left twist: skip next stitch on left needle, knit in the back loop of the second stitch, leaving the stitch on the needle. Then bring the right needle to the front of the left needle and knit into the skipped stitch. Lastly, pull both loops off of the left needle
LTdec = left twist decrease: skip the next stitch on the left needle, knit in the back loop of the second and third stitch together to decrease leaving the single new stitch on the needle. Then bring the right needle to the front of the left needle and knit into the skipped stitch. Lastly pull both loops of the left needle.

Gauge swatch - measures 3 inches by 3 inches once completed using pattern below

Guage pattern:

cast on 16 stitches
R1 and all wrong side rounds: k3, p5, k2, p5, k3
R2 : p3, LT, k3, p2, LT, k3, p3
R4 : p3, k1, LT, k2, p2, k1, LT, k2, p3
R6 : p3, k2, LT, k1, p2, k2, LT, k1, p3
R8 : p3, k3, LT, p2, k3, LT, p3

repeat row 1-8. Take off needles and measure for gauge.

Pattern:

CO 105 stitches, join to form a loop being careful not to twist your stitches. Place stitch marker to mark start of each round

R1 (and all wrong side rounds): *k5, p2 repeat from * to end

R2: * LT, k3, p2 repeat from * to end

R4: *k1, LT, k2, p2 repeat from * to end

R6: *k2, LT, k1, p2 repeat from * to end

R8: *k3, LT, p2 repeat from * to end

repeat R1-8 for a total of 5 repeats or until piece measures 6 1/2 inches

decreases:

R1: *k5, p2 repeat from * to end

R2: *LTdec, k2, p2 repeat from * to end ( 90 stitches)

R3: * k4, p2 repeat from * to end

R4: * k1, LT, k2, p2 repeat from * to end

R5: *k4, p2 repeat from * to end

R6: * k2, LT, p2tog repeat from * to end ( 75 stitches)

R7: *k4, p1 repeat from * to end

R8: *LTdec, k1, p1 repeat from * to end ( 60 stitches)

R9: *k3, p1 repeat from * to end

R10: *LTdec, p1 repeat from * to end (45 stitches)

R11: *k2, p1 repeat from * to end

R12: *k2tbl, p1 repeat from * to end (30 stitches)

R13: p2tog, *k1, p1 repeat from * around to last 2 stitches, k2tbl (28 stitches)

R14: *p1, LTdec repeat from * around (21 stitches)

R15: *p1, k2 repeat from * around

R16: *p1, k2tbl repeat from * around (14 stitches)

R17: k2tog around (7 stitches)

cut yarn and use a needle to thread end through stitches on needle. pull tight and weave in ends.

Gearing up for Easter

2019-02-17T22:50:00.001-05:00

Yes, I realize that Easter is almost two months away. But I also plan to bring back my 40 in 40 challenge this year so if I don't start in Easter extras now then they might not get done at all. So I wanted to share with you a few of the cute things I have discovered in case you wanted to get a jump start too. And if you don't know what my 40 in 40 challenge is, no worries. I have a post coming soon on that one. 😉

First up is a collection of adorable critters made to cover plastic easter eggs and let you still open them, or you can just make them as adorable amigirumis. I was drawn to this adorable froggy from Amigurumi to Go.

Frogs are a special thing between my hubby and I, so this one will be his Easter surprise. Sharon Ojala, the creator at Amigurumi to Go, didn't stop with a frog. She also has a sock monkey, an "old lady" who can swallow flies (the same flies our little froggy has, and yes she share the pattern for those as well!), an adorable little bear, and of course an Easter bunny.

And then there is this delightful set of crochet bags for the egg hunt from Left in Knots.

Can't you just picture your little one filling it full of colorful eggs? I bet you could even use some white plarn to whip these up to make a great recycled project.

And last but not least, a little gift you can hook up for your friends, a quick lace cross bookmark. Here is one I made back in 2013. The pattern is from Maggie Weldon and is available free here.

Do you do any handmade projects for Easter? I would love for you to share them with me on my Facebook page here.

Until next time,

Love is in the air.....

2019-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been almost TWO YEARS since I have posted. 22 months almost to the day. It has been a crazy couple of years. My family grew....and shrank. WE welcomed a new baby to the house in July of 2017, an adorable little man. And helped our 19 year old move out and begin her new life. Now we are down to three kids in the house, ages 10, 3 and 18 months. Still going strong with homeschooling, although it has been interesting trying to keep the littles entertained while I do lessons with our 10 year old but we manage.

All that to say that time to craft has been limited. I have had a few projects going like this Tardis scarf I made for my son's birthday.

And this year I joined a CAL(crochet a long) over at The Unraveled Mitten cuz my yarn stash is a bit overwhelming and it is past time to downsize.

So I am trying to make a comeback and devote some time each week to the blog again. I totally miss sharing what I am doing. And honestly I hope that if I have the accountability of blogging it will help me to set aside more time to pull out the hook and needles. I tend to forget how much it relaxes me and with the chaos of littles in the house again I could use some relaxation!

Since it is Valentine's week I thought I would share some adorable Valentine inspired patterns with you. Maybe I will even get to one or two of them!

First up is this awesome pattern that would make a super cute baby blanket or market bag. The site just gives the basic pattern but you could easily adjust it for whatever finished project your heart desires. Find it at My Picot.

And what little girl doesn't need an adorable set of heart hair bows for Valentine's day? How about these from Rebel Skein? Find the pattern here.

This would be an adorable and quick little tuck in for a child's (or husband's) lunch. Calls for size 3 fashion crochet thread, but you can get by with size 10 thread held double or perhaps a lace or sports weight yarn. Find the pattern on Ravelry here.

And I LOVE these framed knit hearts. Another quick project that looks oh, so great once done. Find it on Ravelry here.

I especially love the way Frankie Brown embellished hers.

And finally this cabled heart pattern would make a cute dishcloth or scarf. You could even turn it into an amazing afghan. Find this one over on Studio Knits here, and it even includes a video tutorial!.

Hopefully these will give you something to do this week for someone you love.

Until next time,

The Nickis Mossa Adventure

2017-04-11T22:30:00.002-04:00

I found this pattern on Ravelry after I finished the 2016 40 in 40 challenge, so I saved it, planning to make it for 2017. If you aren't familiar with Ravelry, think of it as Pinterest for knit and crochet patterns with a community aspect. Anyway, I didn't do more than look at the picture when I saved it, not bothering to check out the pattern....

So this year, when I pulled up the pattern to make it, I was disappointed to discover that it was no longer available online. Then I remembered an awesome tool called "The WayBack Machine". It's not Mr. Peabody's machine.

Instead of traveling through time and meeting historical figures, this wayback machine

takes you through time to view websites as they were in the past. It doesn't always work. The page has to have been "crawled" while still active and stored. But if it was, you can view pages that are no longer available. Fortunately for me, I was able to locate the pattern this way, but........

It was in SWEDISH! I can't speak or read Swedish. So another dead end, or so I thought. You see, Google has this awesome translating tool in which you can input a URL and Google will translate the page for you. I didn't know if it would work on a archived page, but I was willing to give it a go.....and it worked! Sort of.....

This is what I got:

Lap 8:3 ch (first pillar), 1 DC, CH 1, 2 DC around first luftmaskebågen, 1 SC around next ch-bow. * 2 DC, CH 1, 2 DC around the same lm-arch, 1 SC around next ch-bow * repeat from * when you crochet around the yard and going up to the first shell and should make last fm so take with first pole in first the cochlea also when fm is done = it gets 12 shells

Closer, but not quite it. But this is as far as technology was going to get me. From this point on I was on my own, and I was determined to MAKE. THIS. HAT.!

I pulled out my D hook, a mystery skein of fingering yarn and started working the pattern out. Below is my adaptation of the original pattern for Nickis mössa by Linda Forsberg. It may not be exact, but I feel like the spirit of the pattern has been captured.

Row 1: make a magic circle, crochet 6 sc

Row 2: Crochet 2 dc in each stitch = 12 poles

Row 3: Crochet 2 dc in each stitch = 24 posts

Lap 4: Crochet 1 dc in the first stitch, and two the next, continue around = 36 posts

Rev 5: Crochet 1 dc in the first two stitches and then two in the same stitch, continue around = 48 posts

Lap 6: Crochet 1 dc in the first three stitches and then two in the same stitch, continue around = 60 posts turn

Lap 7: ch1, *sc, ch 2, skip 1, sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc repeat from * around, join to top of 1^st sc. 24 ch 2 spaces turn

Lap 8: 3 ch (counts as a dc), 1 DC, CH 1, 2 DC in first chain space,, 1 SC around next ch-space. * 2 DC, CH 1, 2 DC around the next chain space, 1 SC in next chain space * repeat from * when you crochet around join to top of chain 3 = 12 shells Turn

Lap 9:4 ch (counts as first dc + 1 ch), 1 DC in first sc, * ch 3, skip the shell, DC, CH 1, DC (a V) in next sc * repeat from *. Sl st to 3^rd chain of starting ch 4 = 12 V-stitch and 12 ch 3 spaces. Turn

Lap 10: sl stitch to chain space at center of the V-stitch, ch 3 (counts as dc), 1 DC, CH 1, 2DC in center V-stitch, sc in chain space of shell from round 8, * 2DC, ch 1, 2DC in center of next V-stitch, sc in chain space of shell from round 8. Repeat from * around, sl stitch to top of ch 3 = 12 shells turn

Lap 11:CH 4 (counts as DC + 1 ch), 1 DC in first stitch, *4 ch, skip the shell, in next sc work a V-stitch (dc, ch1, dc_ crochet 1st, CH 1, * repeat from *. Sl st to 3^rd chain of beginning ch 4. 12 V-stitches, 12 ch4 spaces. Turn

Lap 12: sc in chain space of shell from round 10,* 3 DC, CH 1, 3 DC in ch space of V-stitch from row 11, 1 SC in center of next shell from round 10. * repeat from * end with 3 DC, ch 1, 3 DC in chain space of last V-Stitch, , sl stitch to top of first sc. 12 shells Turn

Lap 13:4 ch (counts as first pole + 1 ch), 1 DC in first stitch, *5 ch, skip the next shell, DC, CH 1, DC (a V-stitch) in next sc * repeat from *. Sl stitch to 3^rd chain of beginning ch 4 = 12 V-stitches, 12 ch 5 spaces Turn

Lap 14: same as lap 12

Lap 15:4 ch (counts as first pole + 1 ch), 1 DC in first stitch, *6 ch, skip the next shell, DC, CH 1, DC (a V-stitch) in next sc * repeat from *. Sl stitch to 3^rd chain of beginning ch 4 = 12 V-stitches, 12 ch 5 spaces Turn

Lap 16: same as lap 12

Lap 17: same as lap 15

Lap 18: same as lap 12

Lap 19: same as lap 15

Lap 20: : sc in chain space of shell from round 10,* 4 DC, CH 1, 4 DC in ch space of V-stitch from row 11, 1 SC in center of next shell from round 10. * repeat from * end with 3 DC, ch 1, 3 DC in chain space of last V-Stitch, , sl stitch to top of first sc. 12 shells Turn

Lap 21: same as lap 15

Lap 22: same as lap 20

Lap 23: same as lap 15

Lap 24: same as lap 20

Lap 25: same as lap 15

Lap 26: same as lap 20

Lap 27: same as lap 15

Lap 28: same as lap 20

Lap 29: same as lap 15

Lap 30: same as lap 20

For the newborn size I only completed the pattern through Lap 22. And I left each round as "lap", which is the way Google translated the pattern, don't let it confuse you.

(This was offered as a free pattern online, and is not my own design. I have simply outlined the steps I took to discover, and translate the pattern and shared my notes based upon that translation.)

Until next time,

Scalaria pattern

2017-03-29T10:39:00.000-04:00

Every year I try to create a new pattern during my 40 in 40 challenge. They are often inspired by things I discover online and this one is no exception. While perusing Pinterest I discovered this pin:

which is an amazing shawl pattern available for free from JessieAtHome.com. I loved the braid effect and thought it would translate well to a hat. So I decided to give it a go and came up with the Scalaria pattern. Scalaria means "ladder" in Latin, and when you drop those stitches it looks like a bunch of ladder rungs.

I admit the idea of finishing the hat and then going back and pulling out so many stitches was scary. Honestly, dropped stitches were the one and only thing that kept me from loving knitting for ages. I was terrified of them, and now I am asking you (me) to intentionally drop them! Are you ready? Here we go!

Scalaria

Patterned created by Ginny Blankenship of Sunflowers at Home

Sz 6 dpn

Ww yarn (I used Crafters Secret from Hobby Lobby)

Optional : J crochet hook

CO 60 stitches using long tail cast on evenly over 4 needles, join making sure not to twist (You must use the long tail cast on for this to work! Video tutorials can be found on YouTube if you aren’t sure how to do this)

R1-4: k2, p2

R5 : knit all stitches

Repeat r5 until hat measures 3.5 inches from co edge

Begin decreases

R1: k 8, k2tog repeat (54)

R2 and all even rows: knit

R3: k 7, k2tog repeat (48)

R5: k6, k2tog repeat (42)

R7: k5, k2tog repeat (36)

R9: k4, k2tog repeat (30)

R11; k3, k2tog repeat (24)

R12 k2, k2tog repeat (18)

R 13: yo, drop next 2 stitches, k1 repeat (12)

R 14: ktbl,k1 repeat (12)

R 15: *pull dropped stitches loose all the way to the bottom. Take bottom 3 rungs (think of the dropped and pulled stitches as a ladder, so the bottom 3 steps or “rungs’) and twist to form a loop, place loop on crochet hook. Pull next 3 strands through the loop with the crochet hook. Continue to the top. Depending on how many rows you worked, you may not have 3 strands at the top. If you end with 1 strand, add it to the previous loop. If you end with 2 make a loop with those. Place final loop on right needle, Knit next stitch, pass loop over the knit stitch. K 1. Repeat from * around

R 16: ssk around. Break yarn and pull through the 6 remaining stitches to close top. Weave in ends.

See, that wasn't so bad! This pattern will remain FREE until the end of my 40 in 40 challenge. After that I will be creating a video to assist with R15 and the pattern will be available for purchase on Ravelry and this will be removed, so if you want it, grab it before Easter.

If you are interested in more hat patterns, I am currently offering your choice of either my Ellie or my Roots pattern on Ravelry for free using the code 40in40 until Easter 2017.

Scalaria by Ginny Blankenship is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Until next time,

coupon codes

2017-03-29T10:21:00.001-04:00

I forgot to let you know, I am offering 2 of my hat patterns on Ravelry for FREE during the Lent season. It is my hope that if you choose to take advantage of this, you will make an extra hat to donate to a local charity organization. You can view the patterns on my Ravelry store here. The code is good for my Ellie and Roots hats that I designed last year for the challenge. To get the pattern for free visit the pattern page, choose "buy it now" and enter 40in40 in the code box.

Roots hat front

Roots hat top

The Ellie hat

Until next time,

week 4 of the 40 in 40 challenge 2017

2017-03-27T23:06:00.000-04:00

This week I have some really fun hats for you, so let's dive in!

First up is this bright hat, called Only Just Born, available on Ravelry as a free download. It uses Red Heat Boutique Unforgettable yarn, which is self striping and available in several shades from pastels to this bright colorway. I modified the hat some to size it down for a more preemie sized project since I had a limited amount of this yarn left over from a hat that I made one of my sunflowers last year. It isn't often that you see bright colorful hats for babies so I felt like this would be a great change. I know you can't really tell from this picture, but the pattern itself is very textured making this a fun hat to work and to look at.

Next up is the Slanted Shell Beanie, available at EyeLoveKnots. It is available in sizes newborn to 12 months and I worked this pattern up exactly as written in the newborn size. I chose to use two colors for the hat but it is just as pretty when monochrome. It while the shells add texture, they don't make it so feminine that this can't be a unisex hat, or even an adorable beanie for a little boy with some good color choices. and if you can work a single crochet and a double crochet you can make this hat.

Another crochet hat for you, The Parker, which also happens to be another hat using a worsted weight yarn. That means this whips up super quick. Even better, the designer also offers a matching set of booties to go with this pattern! It uses a very small amount of yarn so this is great stash busting pattern and also a perfect last minute gift. It was designed for a baby boy, but I think you could definitely change the color and put it on a little girl as well.

This is an oldie but a goodie. I made it last year for the challenge and came back to it again this year. This crochet cutie uses a sports weight yarn and can be found on KnitPick. It is called the Calming Baby Crochet hat. Be sure when you visit the site that you click the download PDF link. It will give you the option to join their email list, but that isn't necessary to download. They also have an add to cart option if you wish to purchase the print pattern. It is similar to the Parker above, only it uses half double crochet stitches instead of double crochet.

Can you tell it's a crochet kind of week this week? This little cutie is the Simply Elegant Beanie. Another hat using worsted weight yarn and this one uses a big "I" hook. That makes this another super fast pattern. It utilizes some frost post double crochet decreases, which ups this on skill level somewhat, but a little patience makes this a doable pattern. AND it is available in sizes preemie to adult!

And the final hat this week is the Elianna Puff Beanie, available in size 0-3 months all the way up to 3 years. And this one also works up with worsted weight yarn. I love these puff stitches and the gently scalloped border. Definitely a very feminine hat. The puff stitches add some great texture and interest to this otherwise basic beanie.

And that's it for this week. See you next week.

Until next time,

Week 3 of the 40 in 40 challenge 2017

2017-03-20T04:48:00.000-04:00

My family is going stir crazy this week. Our family vehicle broke down on us March 4th making us a 1 car family again. That means spur of the moment trips to the park because the weather is nice couldn't happen this week. It means running out of milk went from being a 20 minute trip to the grocery store to an hour long walk on a curvy road without sidewalks. Although I must admit that not being able to go anywhere was nice to begin with, forcing us to slow down and take a break from everything. At this point though, we were all relieved to pick up our new to us SUV over the weekend. Especially since it meant a brief visit with family from Georgia.

One of the good things about not being able to go out as much, I had some extra time after homeschooling to work on the challenge. That prompted me to work on a couple of lace hat patterns this week.

First up is this simple knit hat called the

Beanie to Match Carole Barenys’ Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater. I love this with the variegated yarn that has a slow transition. The slip stitches add interest to what is otherwise a very basic pattern. As you can see it works up a bit long for a newborn, but you can easily fold up the brim and the extra length means it can be worn for several months. And the detail on it easily lends itself to being made for boys and girls. And if you are interested in making the Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater, you can find it here.

The next one is a super quick crochet project that for some reason reminds me of the 20's. It's called the Charmed Cloche. You can download the add free PDF on Ravelry here or you can visit the designer's website and grab the pattern for free here. The pattern is available in newborn to adult sizes and includes an optional flower embellishment.

Next up is a two for one pattern, it is actually called Two Lace Baby Hats. Each hat has a coordinating blanket that the designer linked to on the pattern page.Both call for a DK weight yarn and size 6 needles. They are also available in sizes up to toddler.

I worked the first one, the Tiffany Lace pattern, using Simply Soft yarn which obviously isn't a DK weight but still allowed the lace pattern to come through but gave it some thickness.

The second, Fan Lace, I worked using Bernat Baby Sport which gave the hat a much more open lace design. Directions for both were easy to follow and written very well. They do involve some more advanced techniques such as knitting through the back looks, and 4 different decrease stitches but don't let that intimidate you. Take your time and pay attention to the directions and you will do great!

This one was chosen because it was the day I knew I was going to be in a car all day long traveling to pick up our new to us SUV. I wanted something quick and simple since I needed to be available for a 2 year old that had never been on a trip this long before and because I would be driving for at least half of the trip. This is the Scallop Hat pattern and you can find it on beginner-crochet-patterns.com That alone told me that this would be a relatively quick pattern with little difficulty....and it was. Yet that lovely scalloped edge gives it some flair making this a great project for last minute gifts!

I have to say that so far, this is my favorite hat using this yarn. The yarn is Bernat Baby Sport in Citrus Sorbet . The hat pattern is the Georgia Baby Hat and it is available in both a large preemie and a newborn size. In addition you can also grab the matching sweater pattern for free as well. I chose to work this pattern in the round rather than flat because I hate seaming.

So that is it for me this week. Next week we'll reach the half way point.

Until next time,

Week 2 of the 40 in 40 challenge 2017

2017-03-13T12:45:00.000-04:00

This week I tried a few patterns that I have never done before. Tried to mix it up with some crochet, knit, beanies and bonnets. So here is what I accomplished:

First up is the Preemie Crochet Hat from Britney Wolfe. I stumbled across her pattern on Pinterest and was tickled to find she is a home school graduate. This hat is a simple design that would be great for newer crocheters. I did make a few changes to the pattern because the one I worked up seemed a bit larger than I wanted for a newborn.

First I eliminated round 4 of the pattern. I think Wolfe was creating an oversize hat based upon the decreases around the brim. I couldn't get mine to look right and it

just seemed huge, so I cut out the last round of increases. Then I added two extra rounds of the ch 2, 1 dc in each stitch to end (round 5-6 in pattern which became rounds 4-7 for me). I then worked round 7 of pattern next but rather than dc2tog I did a back post dc for that stitch. Round 8 of pattern became my round 9. This allowed me to keep the spirit of the pattern while obtaining a size that I was after.

Next up is this Precious Hearts Preemie Bonnet. I used Bernat Softee for this one because it is supposed to be a DK weight yarn, which is what the pattern calls for (the weight, not this specific yarn). The doll I used to model this hat is the size of about a 32 week preemie and as you can see it is a little short from crown to front. I would have to say that this is due to my yarn choice, and my distaste for gauge swatches and not the fault of the pattern. After completing the hat I checked the wraps per inch and it wasn't 11 (which is DK weight) even though many sites list is

as such. The good news is that babies come in all shapes and sizes. The bad news is that because this yarn is thinner than the pattern calls for the hearts don't stand out as much as they should. Instead they simply look like a blob without definition..... I plan to try this one again with a different yarn.

I have to say that this one is my favorite this week, although I do wish I had used a solid color of yarn so that the lace pattern on the sides would have come through a bit better. As you can see, this is a bit big for newborn, the the designer lists it as 0-6 months so that is to be expected. It isn't so big that it dwarfs the newborn head though. This is called the Mori Hikari Baby Bonnet and you can find it over at the Little Precious Stitch. Despite having been on Ravelry for over a year there were only 2 projects for this pattern, which really surprised me. It was an interesting pattern and available in sizes all the way up to 24 months. The back of the bonnet was a bit different than I was used to but not hard to figure out. It was my first time attaching i-cord as an edging and I love the look of it.

This one is the Sedge Stitch Newborn Beanie by Kerri Stinson. The original pattern calls for a DK weight yarn but the PDF download also includes suggestions for WW yarn. I used those, which meant a G hook for me. I modified this pattern as well. I skipped rd 6 as including it yielded a circumference that was too large. I repeated rd 8 until the hat measured 4.5 inches long before beginning the brim. I bet this would look cute with a crochet flower on it too. A few of the examples of Ravelry included a pom pom on the top which looked adorable as well.

This one was gorgeous also, and would have been my favorite except for one thing, while it is available free you have to give personal information to obtain the pattern. Designer Julie Grimmet has made this, the Vintage Baby Bonnet, available on her blog. Place it in your shopping cart and you don't need a code or anything special. However, to check out you will need to include your name, address and phone number to download the pattern. I realize you can easily type in fake info, but it aggravates me to have those as required fields for an instant download.

That being said, the pattern is well written and since it uses a "medium weight" yarn it works up quickly in only 11 rounds. What really drew me to this pattern though is the crown of the bonnet. Just look at how pretty that is! Reminds me of a little flower. I can just picture this as part of a Christening layette.

And the final hat for the week is the Baby Amanda Hat. As you can see this is a bit large for a newborn, it is advertised as being "infant" sized, more 3 months and larger. The front has a beautiful, textured design and it is really fun to knit up. My only complaint about this hat is the back. You can see where the pattern for each row begins and ends because it creates a weird line that runs up the back. I think with a little work that can be eliminated by moving a few stitches around each row.

So which is your favorite this week?
Until next time,

Week 1, 2017

2017-03-06T15:32:00.002-05:00

Week 1 is always a short week in my 40 in 40 challenge, as it starts on Wednesday and therefore only 4 projects need to be made. This year I am attempting to only use stash yarn for my projects. While I have a large stash, this still makes choosing patterns a bit difficult for me.

I tend to bookmark patterns all year that I come across for baby hats. Then, every week I select my patterns for the week, and lastly I check to see if I have the right yarn.....In the past, if I didn't then I ~~got~~ had to make a trip to purchase some new yarn. This year I will have to select a different pattern.....sigh.....

But that wasn't a problem this week. All 4 hats use worsted weight yarn. So let me show you what I chose.

My first two hats come from the same pattern, the 2 Hearts Newborn Hat designed by Kelly Forster. You can find the pattern free on Ravelry. The first is made using knit and purl stitches to cause the heart to "pop out" of the hat. The pattern calls for an i-cord at the top of the hat that I chose to leave off. I worked this in Hobby Lobby's Crafter's Secret yarn in Nosegay.

The second is my first ever attempt at fair isle knitting. I have to admit that my go around I left LOOOOONNNNNGGGGG threads between the heart patterns (floats) without tacking them which looked really sloppy and messy on the inside. So I frogged (rip-it, rip-it, rip-it go ahead and say it out loud and you will understand why I call it that!) it and started over. In hind sight, I might have done better to simply do this in intarsia (which I have never done before either!). Still I really like the finished project. This was worked in the Crafter's Secret yarn in Nosegay and in Red Heart Super Savers in Amythest.

I changed the decreases on the second hat from the written instructions. The hat I worked in Nosegay had a k2tog at the beginning and end of each dpn. On my second hat I worked a k2tog at the beginning of each dpn and a ssk at the end of each needle. You can see the difference below:

k2tog at the begiining and end

k2tog at the beginning and ssk at the end


Ella Bonnet

My third hat for the week was the preemie size Ella bonnet designed by Allison Booker, also available on Ravelry as a free download. Unfortunately, I misread the materials needed and mine came out a bit different than the designer intended. The pattern calls for 8 mm needles, which I mistakenly read as size 8 needles, which yielded a much different fabric! Still I like the outcome, even if it is a bit more open. And in my defense, I had spent the day shopping and setting up for an American Heritage Girls lock in and was actually working on this hat in the dark while the girls were watching a movie! I used Simply Soft yarn in off white for this project. I then worked a 2 stitch i-cord for about 10 inches, attached it to one side of the bonnet and used a G hook to sc around to the other side. I worked a 2nd 2 stitch i-cord, attached it to this side and the sc around the remaining portion of the hat.

My final hat for week 1 I wanted something quick with a simple, repeating pattern to follow since I hadn't slept much the night before. Myshelle Cole's pattern, Noah, to the rescue!

Also worked with Simply Soft, this pattern uses a technique I had never done before. The 2nd hdc is worked around the post of the previous hdc - not the hdc of the previous row, but the one one just worked on the same row. It gives a unique open weave design. The entire hat is worked in sc and hdc. And if you decide to give the pattern a try, be sure to look around her website as she has many other preemie patterns available as well.

So that is what was on my hook and needles this week. What was on yours?

Until next time,

40 in 40 2017

2017-02-23T09:54:00.001-05:00

2017

There is less than a week until this year's 40 hats in 40 days challenge! I can't believe that this is my 5th year doing this challenge. My first post was WAAAYYYYY back in 2012. For those of you who are new to this, I'll give you the run down.

During the season of Lent I make an extra effort to give back to others by creating a hat a day (except Sundays) for babies. These hats are then donated to God's Tiny Angels, a local charity that collects hand crafted items for preemies and newborns and distributes them to hospitals all over the country.

I try to use only free patterns available on the internet and I share them every week with you, here on my blog. And I invite you to participate with me. If you are already a member of Ravelry you can join the challenge board here. If you aren't a member yet, I encourage you to join. It is free and is a great source for patterns (free and for sale) advice, camaraderie, and assistance. I have never found a group like it any where else. And if you have been with me through the years you know that a LOT of my hat patterns come from the wonderful designers on Ravelry.

So dust off your hooks and needles and shop for your yarn....

Until next time,

Off the hook....and needles

2017-02-02T16:52:00.002-05:00

It has been so long since I have posted that I think my fingers are a bit rusty! LOL My first grandchild came to live with us about a year ago, which made me realize that I am not as young as I used to be! We had to do some adjusting to our home school schedule and I had to do some adjusting to my sleep schedule and crafting fell to the wayside for quite some time.

Now, however, I think I have found a "groove" for us and my fingers had been itching to pick up a hook or set of needles so before Christmas I managed to make a hat for 2 of my kids and one for my grandchild as well as a mermaid tail blanket. I had forgotten what a great feeling it is when I complete those final stitches on a project! So here is a peak at what I accomplished.

It isn't a great picture, but I hadn't really been thinking about sharing online when I was taking Christmas photos, so this is the best I got. I was able to work it up in about a day. I made it a few rounds longer since my son enjoys "slouchy" hats. You can find the pattern, Bankhead, as a free Ravelry download here.

This was a fun knit project.It is called the Etta, also a free download from Ravelry. Another horrible picture, I know. It is knit on size 6 needles, and I used a Simply Soft yarn in brown. I thought the finished fabric wasn't as fluid as I would have liked, but she loved it, and considering she has several brown outfits and hadn't a single brown hat, I think this worked out quite well for her!

I have to admit that this was my favorite hat this year. I saw it on Pinterest and fell in love. It isn't a free pattern so I spent several days searching for something similar that was free with no success. So I broke down and purchased it. It is called the Chouette and is also available on Ravelry. The pattern calls for a chunky weight yarn, but I just held two strands of Red Heart yarn together throughout. I didn't get around to adding the button eyes before Christmas though. This is definitely a warm hat!

This was my big project this Christmas season. My oldest saw these all over social media and requested it for Christmas. This one is crocheted and used 6 skeins of yarn (2 of each color). If you can work a dc you can make this. The designer even did a YouTube video for those who struggle with written directions! It is a freebie also and can be found here.

My current projects include adding crochet edgings to fleece blankets that will be donated to a local foster care group and a knit shawl. Oh how I have missed crafting!

Project OCC 2016

2016-10-19T18:33:00.005-04:00

I am sure some of you are familiar with my yearly 40 Hats in 40 days project during Lent in which I make a hat a day to donate to God's Tiny Angels for newborn and preemies. And while my hook and needle are in use frequently for the rest of the year, I also have a special Fall project that I work on as well for Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child.

For those of you unfamiliar with Operation Christmas Child, it is a yearly outreach from Samaritan's Purse in which you and I can pack a shoebox full of supplies and gifts for children around the world. Samaritan's Purse collects the packed shoeboxes and then arranges the distribution. Long before we even think about packing a shoebox, though, they have gone to the distribution areas and worked with the local pastors to prepare. You see, the children who receive these shoeboxes not only get what may be the ONLY gift they ever receive, but they are told about the most awesome gift the world EVER received, Jesus. Many are given the opportunity to participate in 12 week Bible study, free of charge, so that they can learn more. These shoeboxes open the door to let children feel loved and valued so that they can understand just how much the King loves and values them as well. It is a ministry that is close to my heart.

Every year I try to ensure that each shoebox my family packs contains at least 1 hand-made item. As I make each item I pray for the child that will be receiving to to have an open heart to the message they will hear, to feel the love of our Creator, and to know that they are cared for. In years past I have made hats, dolls, and scarfs. This year my 8 year old made plastic canvas crosses and hearts to put in each shoebox.

This year I chose to make a wash cloth for each shoebox and wanted to share a few of the patterns that I used. Wash cloths are a great project for beginner knitter and crocheters since they are small and you get to that satisfying completion much quicker. And I am currently eyeing an entrelac pattern since I have never done entrelac before and feel a little less intimidated by the smaller project size. With wash cloths it is important to remember to use a cotton or other absorbent yarn. Acrylic is definitely not your friend on projects like this!

The first was a neat corner to corner pattern, which I had never done when knitting before. It is called the Diagonal Knit Dishcloth, which is only available as a Ravelry free PDF download. (Don't worry, membership is free too!) It was a neat little project which admittedly would have looked better in a solid color yarn, but this is what Mr. Sunflowers bought for me when he found a cone of it on sale. The pattern was easy to follow and once I got the hang of it it worked up really quickly. I like the contrast between the middle section and the rest of the cloth.

Tomorrow I will share with you my own design born from the need for a washcloth made from a limited supply of yarn....

Until next time,

Ginny

40 in 40 2015 week 6

2015-03-30T13:03:00.000-04:00

I have to say I have been really inspired by the completed hats that have been posted on the Facebook event page! You are some seriously talented fans! It was so neat to see that this challenge has benefited people all over the world, including Nova Scotia!

I can't believe there is only one week left. While I look forward to being able to create in a more relaxed atmosphere, and to tackle some bigger projects, I have to say that I really love the intentional aspect of this challenge each year. Praying over each item and knowing that I have been able to use the gifts God has given me to help someone else makes this period of Lent really meaningful to me - even when it gets hard to get it all done.

That being said, let me share with you my projects from this past week:

First up is the Aimee Baby Hat. This is the second time I have made this hat. The first I used Simply Soft yarn. This time I used Bernat Baby Sport, a thinner yarn. Both times the hat turned out to big for a newborn, despite the pattern saying it is sized for newborn to 3 months. I love the heart pattern that goes completely around the babies head, but I definitely need to spend some time fiddling with my yarn and needles to make it smaller. 14 inches is to big for a newborn.

Next was the Divine hat. This is available in preemie, newborn and adult sizes - all in the same pattern. The ridges gently twirl around the babies scalp to come together at the crown. A quick hat to crochet with beautiful results!

This is the Dania Beanie, available in newborn to toddler sizes. I admit I am a sucker for the hats with bows! I would recommend making the starting chain for the bow smaller, as you can see it dwarfs the hat. Another super simple and quick crochet project.

My 4th hat for the week is the Sideways Shell Baby hat. Another quick crochet project. The designer based the pattern on a Project Linus blanket pattern. Wouldn't it be cute to make a matched set?

And then I got on a knit leaves kick! First up is the Baby Leaves II, which worked up a bit short for me. So I continued the leaf pattern until after the first decrease on the leaf before beginning the ribbing. I think I should have used a thicker yarn so that the leaves stood out a bit more. Since I wasn't completely happy with this one, I tried a different pattern.

This one is the Embossed leaves pattern. Instructions are given for baby to extra-large adult sizes. I have to say I was much more satisfied with the way this one turned out.

So that is it for this week. Only 6 hats to go before this year's challenge is over

Until next time,

40 in 40 2015 week 5

2015-03-23T07:26:00.000-04:00

I spent the week really under the weather with a FUO, or Fever of Unkown Origin. Yes, I went to the doc and as of Friday the lab results point towards some sort of viral infection. Fortunately by Saturday, after 12 days of fever, I woke up feeling like myself again. I played catch up towards the end of the week as I didn't really feel up to working on hats at the beginning. I did manage to get all 6 hats completed though!

Do the Twist was first on my list. This is the first time I have ever done a top down knit hat. The designer incorporated a yarn over before every ssk to create the twist, but after I completed about 1/2 the hat I found I didn't like the large hole that left so I frogged it and on the second go around I used a M1 increase instead. same effect with a smaller hole. When working the bind off I would recommend using a larger needle and working it VERY losely, otherwise it will be very tight on the baby's head. (Don't ask how I know!)

This is the Baby Swirls Hat, which is VERY similar to a tawashi. It finishes up thick and warm, but it is a yarn eater and very monotonous to work. If you can single crochet, though, you can totally make this hat!

Next was the So Soft Baby Hat. You will need to join the Lion Brand website to have access to this free pattern, but it is worth the trouble to sign up and membership is free. I worked 2 i-cords at the top and tied them in a bow rather than the single cord. Pattern is available in small preemie to large preemie/newborn

This is the Baby Bear hat, a really quick knit using WW yarn. And I am such a sucker for bear hats!

This is the Serendipity hat. The pattern is actually for an adult size hat, but with a few modifications I was able to scale it down to newborn size. To make it I CO 78 using a size 6 set of dpn and Beehive Baby Sports yarn, follow pattern as written until it measures 5 inches from beginning. Then begin decreases at round 9. You can use one color as the original designer did, or two as I did here.

And the final hat for the week is titled Seventh. It is a pretty simple hat to work up using knit and purl stitches to create the pattern. I used a mystery yarn that I picked up in a bag of mill ends. I like the striping effect it has, but this pattern also looks beautiful with a solid color.

And that is is for this week. See you next week!

Until next time,