Review: Cafe Press Water Bottle

March 18, 2015 by ·

Review: Cafe Press Water Bottle

When Deborah and I opened our Cafe Press shop, we selected items that we would want to use. I was excited to see that a 1 liter metal water bottle was an option for plastering fun crochet and knitting sayings on, cause I drink a lot of water. I love it!

Cafe Press Water Bottle

I bring this bottle to my office while I work on crochet patterns. Here’s my review of my new Cafe Press Water Bottle:

Pro:

  • Holds 1 liter
  • Has gasket to prevent leaks
  • Has a hole in lid should I want to tie a string through the lid and around the neck of the bottle
  • Has easy grip bumps on the lid for easy opening
  • Wide mouth for putting ice cubes in
  • Stainless steel, no toxins like BPA

Cons:

  • Hand wash only
  • Bottle takes on the temperature of the liquid inside
  • Can’t tip head back too fast when drinking directly from it because water pours out quickly

My husband and I joke about how I drink. When most people ask for a sip, they are asking for a taste of something. I use the word a bit more loosely. I could want a taste, but more likely I want a good healthy drink…one that makes you say “ahhh” at the end.

With this water bottle, I need to tip it back a bit slower than I’m use to. But I think it’s worth it. I love the convenience of it. It’s the perfect amount of water for short hikes in the park, for taking with me to crochet group or just keeping near me while I work.

Of course, the best part is that it showcases my love of crochet!

Filed Under: Great as Gifts, Review · Tagged With: ,

Happy National Crochet Month 2015

March 2, 2015 by ·

Happy National Crochet Month 2015!

Victorian Lace Gift Card HolderMarch is one of our favorite months of the year…because we are crochet addicts! To celebrate National Crochet Month we are sharing this crochet pattern for a Victorian Lace Gift Card Holder. This is an elegant way to dress up gift cards for your favorite crocheters or those who love all things Victorian.

This pattern first appeared in Love of Crochet magazine Summer 2014 issue. We have the rights back and are happy to share the pattern with you for free to celebrate National Crochet Month this year.

Free Pattern for National Crochet Month 2015

I used some cotton thread I picked up at a garage sale. This project would also be lovely in Aunt Lydia’s, Knit Picks Curio or Bernat Handicrafter threads. You’ll note that I use a D hook and crocheted with 2 strands held at once. This makes the project whip up faster and allowed me to use a larger hook.

SUPPLIES:

  • Bucilla Super Mercerized Wondersheen 100% Cotton: 400 yards/75 g – Color 9
  • US size – D/3/3.25 (mm) crochet hook, or size required for gauge
  • Needle for sewing
  • colored chalk

Gauge: 2 strands held at once – 5 rows and 10 dc = 2″

Victorian Crochet Gift Card Holder

GIFT CARD HOLDER INSTRUCTIONS:

2 strands held together (double stranded)

Ch 21

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (count as 1st 2 sts), dc. *ch 1, skip a ch, 3 dc* across. (19)

Row 2-6: Ch 3 (count as 1st st), turn. 2 dc. *ch 1, skip ch, 3 dc* across. (19)

Row 7: Ch 3 (count as 1st st), turn. Working in the front loop only this Row: 2 dc. *ch 1, skip ch, 3 dc* across. (19)

Row 8-12: Repeat Row 2

Gift-Card-Holder-ProfileFinish off and weave in ends.

Fold gift card holder in half.

Attach thread (double stranded) to bottom right corner.

Rnd 13: Working across the ends of Rows 1-12, join sides together with sl st: work 2 sl st in each Row (12). Turn to back panel, 7 sl st, ch 17, skip 3 sts, sl st across. (27). Turn to Sides of Rows 1-12. Work 2 sl at the end of each Row. (12)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Gift Card Holder OpenROSE INSTRUCTIONS

2 strands held together

Ch 2, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Rnd 1: 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (5)

Rnd 2: Working in the front loop only this Rnd: *In next st work: sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc* around. Join with a sl st to the unused loop behind the pedals just worked. (25)

Rnd 3: Work in the unused loop behind Rnd 2. *Ch 3, sl st* around. (20)

Rnd 4: *In the ch-3 sp work: sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc* around. Join with a sl st. (35)

Finish off leaving and weave in ends.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Chalk Rose as desired.
  • Sew Rose to Row 3 & 4 below the loop made in Rnd 13. Sew just the center of the Rose to the Gift Card Holder so that it acts as a button.
Filed Under: Flowers, Great as Gifts, Patterns for FREE · Tagged With: , , ,

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Pattern

February 20, 2015 by ·

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Crochet Pattern

How is it my husband knew what houndstooth was and I did not? A friend of mine said she was going to try to come up with a crocheted houndstooth pattern.  I had seen this pattern many times before but never knew what it was called. Trying to come up with a pattern intrigued me and I, too, made several attempts at getting an approximate pattern.

Lion Brand Fun Fur

Lion Brand Fun Fur

First I had to decide if I wanted a small houndstooth pattern or a large one. There are several lovely small patterns available online often using an alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet. I wanted to come up with a larger pattern, one that really incorporated the diagonal lines of the houndstooth. However, the diagonal spike stitch patterns I came up with seemed jumbled and messy. I finally decided to use a spike stitch that went straight down. The effect was quite lovely.

Trendsetter La Furla

Trendsetter La Furla

I first proposed the houndstooth trio to a crochet magazine with Lion Brand’s Fun Fur. Paired with Vanna’s Choice yarn it made a lovely set. The magazine’s editor suggested I redo the set in Trendsetter’s Merino wool and La Furla. These are quite luxurious yarns. They are both incredibly soft and warm. The La Furla is thicker and softer than Fun Fur. They are stylish and functional for even the coldest of weather. Lion Brand has since come out with an equally soft and thicker fur like called Romance. Both yarn brands make for a beautiful houndstooth set.

So, just how did my husband know what houndstooth was? From football, of course. College football coach Paul Bryant was often seen at games wearing a houndstooth hat!

Learn more about the Houndstooth Trio in the shop.

Houndstooth Trio available on Etsy.

Filed Under: Adult, Age & Gender, Behind the Scenes, Crochet, Crochet Technique, Great as Gifts, Hat, Patterns for Sale, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs · Tagged With: ,

Crochet Gifts on Cafe Press

January 29, 2015 by ·

Crochet Gifts (and Knitting ones, too) on Cafe Press

Crochet-is-Wicked-Fun-tshirtWe are crochet addicts. One sure way to tell is that we love to give and receive crochet related gifts. There aren’t a lot of tools needed beyond a hook (or needle) and yarn. But fun items with crochet sayings on them are equally appreciated.

For Christmas 2014, I (Dana) was on the hunt for a crochet related gift item for my twin sister. When I couldn’t find one, I asked my good friend Lorien if she could draw something for me. I love what she came up with. Check out her Crochet Crush!

The gift was quite inspirational. So much so, that at the beginning of the year Deborah pulled out some markers and began a little doodling of her own. We’ve plastered these drawings on lots of different gift items and you can order one or as many as you like on Cafe Press.com.

A-Good-Yarn-is-Wicked-Fun-to-Crochet-Canvas-Bag

There are a handful of designs on our Cafe Press page. More will be added soon, so be sure to check back!

Filed Under: Great as Gifts · Tagged With: , ,

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

January 14, 2014 by ·

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts

Hey all you Sock Monkey lovers out there….we’ve done it again. We’ve created some toys and cozies that you are gonna love and brought them all together in one set.

Mini Sock Monkey

This mini sock monkey is the perfect size for carrying around with you wherever you go. He can be made into a key chain, a backpack buddy or even an office accessory.

Sock Monkey Christmas Ornament

The sock monkey ornament takes on the shape of a traditional Christmas ball, but with the face of sock monkey! He loves hanging on the tree!

Sock Monkey Applique

The sock monkey applique is the perfect size for sewing to bags, scarves, hats and more. We’ve sewn it to a cozy…making it a fun gift idea!

Trio of CoziesSock Monkey Cozies

We love cozies. This pattern includes two unique designs in three sizes each. There are directions for mason jars, mugs and tapered cups/glasses! That’s six cozy patterns!

There are two delicious recipes, too! You can make monkey bread in the morning and banana pudding for dessert in the evening!

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts – Available in the Store

The Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set is available in the store.

Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set also available on Etsy.

Available in the Store

That’s 9 crochet patterns and 2 recipes! See the store for more details.

Filed Under: Adult, Animals, Appliques, Child, Christmas, Cozy, Great as Gifts, Home, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for Sale · Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sock Monkey Hat, Mittens and Scarves

January 1, 2014 by ·

Sock Monkey Hat, Mittens and Scarves – Crochet Pattern

Love Sock Monkey? This crochet pattern has Sock Monkey Hats (Beanies), Mittens and Scarves to fit everyone in the family from newborn to adult men!

sock monkey hat, mittens and scarf

Skill Level: Easy

The colors of this set are gender neutral and look adorable on boys and girls. The sock monkey applique gives this set a touch of whimsy.

sock monkey hat and beaniesSock Monkey Hat / Beanie

There are 6 sizes of hats in this crochet pattern fitting newborn to adult men.

Crocheted in the round, top down, this beanie has a ribbed brim crocheted in short rows directly to the work. Add a pom pom (pictured above) for even more charm.

Worked primarily in half double crochet, this hat whips up quickly.

sock monkey mittensSock Monkey Mittens

There are 5 sizes of mittens fitting baby to adult men.

Crocheted in the round, top down, these mittens also have ribbed cuffs crocheted in short rows directly to the work.

Worked in single crochet, this is the perfect accessory for early winter or cool spring weather.

sock monkey scarvesSock Monkey Scarves

There are 3 scarf patterns fitting children to adult.

Constructed in rows, each scarf is a series of stripes. Each is unique with different width striping but equally fun with the addition of the sock monkey applique.

Worked in primarily single crochet, these will keep you and your family warm all winter long.

Sock Monkey Crochet Pattern

Teen wearing sock monkey setThis Sock Monkey Winter Accessories crochet pattern is available in the store.

Sock Monkey Winter Accessories pattern on Etsy.

Available in the Store

Boys and girls of all ages will love this set. There’s just something about sock monkey that makes people smile.

These are so much fun, you’ll probably catch the kids wearing them inside the house! If you do, just throw coats on them and send them out to play.

Filed Under: Accessories, Adult, Age & Gender, Animals, Appliques, Baby, Boy, Child, Girl, Great as Gifts, Hat, Mittens, Patterns for Sale, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs · Tagged With: , , , ,

Published in Love of Crochet – Winter 2013

December 14, 2013 by ·

Published in Love of Crochet Winter 2013

Love-of-Crochet-Winter-2014

We have another crochet pattern in Love of Crochet Magazine!

If you’ve been following our blog for any length of time, you know that we love cup cozies. We created a special design for Love of Crochet Winter 2013.  It’s the last pattern in the issue…so if you read from back to front…well, it’s the first pattern you’ll run across!

Have you ever wrapped both your hands around your mug to warm up your fingers? If you have, then you’ll love this mug mitten cozy! This cozy allows you to tuck your fingers inside a pair of mittens…keeping your drink and your fingers toasty warm.

mitten-cozy

We love these mug mittens for soo many reasons.

  • They fit around mugs, cups and mason jars of various sizes (adjust with a pony tail band).
  • Your hands hug the mug and stay toasty warm in these mittens.
  • They are quick and easy to make.
  • The winter design makes them a great gift all season long.

These mug mittens are crocheted in CotLin yarn by Knitpicks.com in Swan and Nightfall.

The Cozy is a great gift idea for the holidays and it would also make wonderful thank you gift, too! We love that the design works for our family and friends of various faiths.

Filed Under: Christmas, Cozy, Great as Gifts, Mittens, Publications · Tagged With: , , , , ,

Owl Bean Bag Chair Crochet Pattern

November 10, 2013 by ·

Owl Bean Bag Chair Crochet Pattern

This award winning bean bag chair is now available as a downloadable crochet pattern!

owl bean bag chair crochet pattern

Kids of all ages go crazy for this chair. They love to sit on it, jump on it and fall over it.

Not only does it look great in vivid colors…but it looks fun in earth tones, too! The yarn used in both photos is Vanna’s Choice. There are sooo many great color in that line of yarn…the color combinations are endless.

brown owl set modeled

The crocodile stitch wings and the spike cluster stitch transition give this design an extra feathery look and feel.

This is a bean bag cozy…meaning you crochet the owl and stuff it with a bean bag (we bought ours at Walmart).

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitches Used: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet

Techniques Used: crocodile stitch, spike cluster stitch, working in the round and in rows, crochet in both loops and front and back loops.

The owl bean bag chair won 3rd place in the Artistic Expressions category of the 2013 Crochet Guild of America Design Contest. Now you can have your own award winning owl, too! The pattern  includes photos, written directions, supplies list, check boxes to mark your progress and more.

Owl Set AvailableThe owl designs are available as a set or as individual pieces.

Available in the Store

Onesies pictured are from Chic Couture Boutique.

Filed Under: Animals, Bean Bag - Pouf, Boy, Child, Girl, Great as Gifts, Home Decor, Patterns for Sale · Tagged With: ,

Crochet Bear Cozy and Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

August 16, 2013 by ·

Crochet Bear Cozy and Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

crochet bear and chocolate covered grahams

This crochet bear mason jar cozy is not only super cute, but it will keep an eye on the snacks you store like these chocolate covered graham crackers. This bear will keep lookout for any hungry critters in your household that might snatch a treat when you aren’t looking.

This is a beary sweet gift idea. We’ve made a list of fun “beary” greetings below.

Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Recipe

chocolate grahams

We’ll get to the crochet bear in a minute. First, let’s make this super easy chocolate covered graham cracker recipe.

This is a wonderful last minute dessert idea. Perfect for gatherings where finger foods are on the menu.

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • 8 graham crackers
  • 4 oz. melting chocolate
  • 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 oz. white melting chocolate
  • Aluminum foil lined cookie sheet
  • 2 mason jars for storing

Directions:

  1. chocolate covered graham crackersBreak graham crackers into pieces (4 pieces per graham) and lay out on a cookie sheet.
  2. Melt 4 oz. of chocolate in microwave stirring every 30 seconds. Do not over heat. When chocolate is mostly melted and a little lumpy, stir until smooth.
  3. Stir peanut butter into chocolate.
  4. Dip 2/3 of each graham into chocolate/peanut butter mixture. Scrape off excess and lay on aluminum foil to cool and harden.
  5. Melt 2 oz. of white melting chocolate in microwave stirring every 30 seconds. Do not over heat. When chocolate is mostly melted and a little lumpy, stir until smooth.
  6. Drizzle white chocolate over grahams. Allow to cool and harden.
  7. When chocolates are hardened, remove from foil and scrape off excess drizzle.
  8. Store in mason jar.

Crochet Bear Cozy

crochet bearThis crochet bear cozy makes a great gift. Fill a mason jar with snacks and trickets and you’ve got a beary special gift. Here are a few fun greetings for special occasions:

  • I Love You Beary Much
  • You’re Beary Special
  • For a Beary Special Son (or daughter or other relation)
  • Get Well Beary Soon
  • I’m Beary Sorry
  • A Beary Happy Birthday
  • Beary Christmas
  • I Miss You Beary Much

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet

Techniques Used: crochet in rows, crochet in the round, increase, deacrease

Crochet Bear Cozy Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: worsted weight (4)
    Brown Bear: CHOCOLATE, HONEY, BLACK, BEIGE
    (Golden Bear: HONEY, BEIGE, BLACK)
    (Black Bear: ESPRESSO, CHOCOLATE, BLACK, BEIGE)
  • Hook: H/8/5.00mm
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing
  • Stuffing

Crochet Bear Cozy Instructions

  • Chocolate
  • Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

Sl St. Finish off. Weave in end.

crochet bear

Snout Instructions

  • Honey
  • Hook: H

Ch 9

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook (count the first two chains as a hdc), 6 hdc. (8)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc dec, 4 hdc, hdc dec. (6)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Hdc dec, 2 hdc, hdc dec. (4)

Rnd 4: Sc all the way around the snout (a sc in each st and on the end of each Row). Join with a sl st. (16)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Nose Instructions

  • Black
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: In the 2nd ch from hook work 2 sc, 2 dc, 2 sc, 2 dc. Join with a sl st. (8)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

EYES INSTRUCTIONS (Make 2)

  • Black
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (10)

Finish of leaving a long tail for sewing.

3 bearsEAR INSTRUCTIONS (Make 2)

  • Chocolate
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)

Rnd 2: Sc inc around. (12)

Rnd 3: *3 sc, sc inc* around. (15)

Rnd 4-5: Sc around. (15)

Rnd 6: *3 sc, sc dec* around. (12)

Rnd 7: *1 sc, sc dec* around. (8)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly Instructions

  1. Pin Snout to bottom of the cozy. Stuff lightly. Sew. Weave in ends.
  2. Pin then sew Nose to center of Snout. Weave in ends.
  3. Embroider a mouth below Nose. Weave in ends.
  4. Embroider reflective spots on the Eyes with the beige yarn. Weave in ends.
  5. Pin then sew Eyes above the Snout. Weave in ends.
  6. Pin then sew Ears to the sides. Weave in ends.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this bear cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Looking for the cup and mug version? They’re in the ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

All 3 bears pictured at the beginning of this post are in this ebook! AND the ebook includes 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Available in the StoreRead more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Filed Under: Animals, Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE · Tagged With: , ,

Kettle Corn Recipe for Movie Night with Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca

July 19, 2013 by ·

Kettle Corn Recipe for Movie Night with Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason Jar Cozy

cup cozies permission pending

Make movie night more festive with our colorful kettle corn recipe and a crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason jar cozy!

 

As kids, Chewbacca was my sister’s and my favorite Star Wars character, so it seems only fitting that he be one of the characters we make for our movie night mason jar cozy. This is a fun and easy project that will add a lot of flavor to a night of entertainment.

Let’s start with the Kettle Corn…you can munch on it while you crochet!

kettle corn recipeKettle Corn Recipe

We’ve changed up the traditional kettle corn recipe by using agave nectar instead of sugar (if you don’t have agave nectar, use ¼ cup of white sugar).

By adding a few drops of food coloring, this simple snack food becomes an extra special treat.

So, let’s get poppin’.

Kettle Corn Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup white popcorn kernels
  • 1/3 cup agave nectar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 drops of food coloring

Kettle Corn Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and butter on medium-high heat. When it boils, add agave nectar, salt, food coloring and popcorn.
  2. Constantly shake pot over heat. When popping starts to slow down, remove from heat and pour popcorn into a large bowl. CAUTION: the agave nectar/sugar burns easily. You will want to remove the pan from the heat long before there are 2 seconds between pops.
  3. Stir and allow popcorn to cool before serving.

Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason Jar Cozy

If you love to crochet Star Wars characters, than add this guy to the list. It will bring a smile to your face every step of the way. It did for me…I was grinning ear to ear as I was designing this cozy.

This works great as a cup cozy, too! You gotta have something to drink on movie night!

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet

Skills Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet with two strands at once.

Chewbacca Supplies List:

  • Vanna’s Choice: ESPRESSO, SILVER GREY, TOFFEE
  • Fun Fur: Choclate
  • Yarn Needle for sewing
  • Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
  • Hook: C/2/2.75 mm

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this Star Wars cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

The ebook includes 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Available in the StoreRead more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Filed Under: Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe · Tagged With: , , , ,
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