Published in Love of Crochet – Holiday Issue 2013

October 14, 2013 by ·

Published in Love of Crochet – Holiday Issue 2013

love-of-crochet-holiday-issue-2013Once again we’ve got some cute crochet patterns published in the Holiday issue of Love of Crochet available in stores October 14, 2013. We are so thrilled to bring you these fun designs.

We’ve created some beautiful patterns that can be crocheted as gifts for him, for her and for dog lovers!

While all the patterns are easy, the his and hers cowl were specifically designed as beginner projects. With just a little tweak, the masculine gaitor designed for him transforms into a beautiful cowl for her.

If you want to pamper your pet and crochet something for those who love them, then there are a few patterns just for you.

His and Hers Cowls

his-and-hers-cowl

We’ve created a simple cowl design for him and her that’s perfect for beginners. Check out the “Learn to Crochet” section for the “Ice Fishing Gaitor” and the “Grey Lady Cowl”.

We specifically wanted to make a pattern that a beginner could use for masculine and feminine projects. One that would be easily modified so that a new crocheter can get two very different looking garments from one simple design. Reading a pattern can be stressful, particularly for a new crocheter. We’re alleviating the stress this holiday season with this His and Hers design.

Pictured with the “Grey Lady Cowl” is an alternative yarn: Red Heart Boutique.

Pet Lovers Trio

Pet-Lovers

Update 5/15/2014: These patterns are now available in the store as a set or individually!
Dogs Days Trio  –  Dog Bone Pillow  –  Paw Purse  –  Pocket Organizer

Dog Days Trio pattern on Etsy.

Dog Bone Pillow pattern on Etsy.

Paw Purse pattern on Etsy.

Pocket organizer pattern on Etsy.

This set was born out of practicality and my (Dana) love for my dog, Joy – a white lab. The dog toys, treats and medicines were spilling out of one of my kitchen cabinets and it was driving me crazy. So, I created a pocket organizer that hangs by my back door.

Once I started crocheting dog stuff, well, I couldn’t stop. Thus the treat purse and dog bone pillow!

I chose pink to compliment the brown on the set because the dog and I both love pink. (Ok, she’s probably color blind, but it makes me happy.)

Choose Your Color

The great thing about all five of these projects is that they would look great in any color you or the guys in your life prefer. If, for example, you’re making a cowl for a boy…when they pick camo colors, the gaitor will look great! Or if they want team colors, it’ll look even better!

Filed Under: Publications · Tagged With: ,

Top 6 Favorite Things about the CGOA Knit and Crochet Show 2013

October 11, 2013 by ·

My sister and I attended the Knit and Crochet Show in Charlotte, NC last week which is sponsored and/or organized by the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Wow, what an experience. This was our first time attending such an event. Here were 6 of our favorite things about the show:

1: Design Competition

The CGOA has an annual design competition that is open to all of its members. And since friendly competition inspires us, we couldn’t resist entering 4 crocheted items.

deborah's entries

Congrats to Deborah for taking 3rd place in the Artistic Expressions category with her owl bean bag chair. And for receiving honorable mention in both the afghans category (granny square blanket) and artistic expressions category (lamp and faun outfit).

twins-with-doris-chan

The photo’s not great, but Doris is!

The event was organized/directed by Doris Chan. We tip our hats to her for making it a seamless and enjoyable event to participate in. Organizing 100 entries is a big task. And we are beyond thankful for her efforts.

Photos of all the entries and the winners can be seen at dorischancrochet.com.

2. The CGOA Dinner & Fashion Show

We were particularly moved by Rita Weiss’s acceptance speech as the newest inductee into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame. She is truly a gifted writer and hearing about her advocacy of crochet was inspiring.

Margaret and Rita

Rita Weiss (right) with Margaret Hubert

One humorous highlight in Rita’s speech was hearing her describe the different between crochet and knitting to a former boss as being a matter of working with one pencil vs. two. I’ve never heard it described quite like that. Her speech inspired us to want to pick up a pencil and crochet (or at least, write down a pattern or two).

The Dinner ended with a beautiful fashion show of crocheted (and knitted) pieces created by CGOA members. The diversity was splendid and included elegant wraps, intimate apparel and cozy afghans.

A special thank you to Marcy Smith for MCing the event and making us chuckle a time or two with her creative interpretation of the hand written descriptions of the fashions.

3. The Friendships and Comradery

Being a shy pair, the friendliness and encouragement everyone showed toward each other came as a bit of a surprise. And a pleasant one! It’s exactly what we’ve been needing and longing for…to be among people who understand and love being crochet designers.

The support and encouragement that CGOA members share with each other is, in a word, heartwarming. I arrived underestimating its value, but left understanding how priceless it is.

We met several well known designers and lots of lesser known ones.

Lilly Chin called us out in one meeting for not wearing a crocheted items at the event…but she was mistaken because we sported our “Twin 1” and “Twin 2” bags (inspired by The Cat in the Hat) with us everywhere we went. We love the spunk that this Queen of self promotion has.

twiins-with-mickey

Love that hat, Mikey!

Mikey from The Crochet Crowd was a lot of fun to chat with. The King of video impressed us with his business savvy. If he’s ever speaking at a crochet show…I definitely want to attend!

Twins-with-Margaret-Hubert

Forgive the crazy eyes! Dana apparently needs more sleep!

We stopped Margaret Hubert in the hall to rave about her sweaters…not realizing that we were talking to the Goddesss of free form. Her work is breathtaking and she is super sweet.

4. A Buddy for Newbies

Being newbies, we requested to have a buddy at the show, someone who could answer questions and show us the ropes. We thoroughly enjoyed our buddy group. We enjoyed lots of laughs and many pleasant conversations about crochet. We love these ladies and look forward to meeting up with them at future shows! Thanks, Nirmal, for taking care of us. It was great hanging out with you Barabara.

show-buddies

Awesome buddy group: Barabara, Nirmal and us.

A big hug goes to Kate Steinke for coordinating the buddy groups. She is a ball of energy full of laughs and encouragement. Such a doll.

5. Knowledgable Instructors

We took a few classes while at the event. The instructors blew us away with their knowledge of their craft. The samples they brought that showcased the techniques we learned was impressive.

dana-with-jennifer-hansen

Jennifer’s designs are definitely beyond the basics!

A big thank you to Jennifer Hansen (Craftsy Instructor I’ve blogged about in the past), Vashti Braha, Karen Klemp and Dora Ohrenstein for sharing your passion with us!

6. Editor Meet and Greet

It was a treat to meet and chat with several magazine and book editors. We shared some of designs and learned a bit more about their submission process. We so appreciated that they took the time to attend the show to meet us newbies! Thank you Leisure Arts, Red Heart, Crochet! and Interweave Crochet!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

A special thank you to all the sponsors of the show. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting several people from Lion Brand, Red Heart, Annie’s and Crochetville, as well as the goodies we got from several other companies.

I’m not quite sure who to thank for all the behind the scenes work. There were a myriad of volunteers who helped create a smooth and delightful experience. Thank you all for everything you did.

 

Filed Under: Events ·

Smiley Face Sugar Cookie Recipe & Crochet Smile

October 11, 2013 by ·

Smiley Face Sugar Cookie Recipe and Crochet Smile Cozy

Make any day a happy day with this smiley face sugar cookie recipe and crochet smile cozy!

smiley face sugar cookie recipe

With the wild and crazy colors available in food coloring and yarn…this project will have you grinning from ear to ear all day long.

If a friend or family member needs a little pick me up…this smiley face duo is sure to do the trick!

Let’s start with the sugar cookies because they need time to refrigerate before baking.

smiley face sugar cookiesSmiley Face Sugar Cookie Recipe

This sugar cookie recipe is quite sweet so we recommend that you make mini sugar cookies (approximately 2” diameter). We used a champagne flute as our cookie cutter.

COOKIE DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup agave nectar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

ICING INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • Dash of salt
  • Food coloring gel

cutting cookiesCOOKIE DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. With a wire whip, whisk together flour and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter, sugar and agave together until smooth.
  4. Stir egg and vanilla into butter mixture.
  5. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and mix until blended.
  6. Chill cookie dough for at least 30 mintues.
  7. Roll out dough on a floured surface until ¼” thick. Cut out cookie shapes (we used a champagne flute).
  8. Place cookies on cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
  9. Place cookies on wire rack to cool.
  10. While cookies are cooling, make icing.

sugar cookies iced

ICING DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pour all icing ingredients together into a bowl and stir until smooth.
  2. Separate icing into 5 bowls (or number of colors you’ll be using).
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring into one of the bowls and stir until color is consistent.
  4. Repeat step 3 for all the colors you want.
  5. Ice the cookies with the colored icing.
  6. For dark grey icing, add a bit of several colors of the food colorings into one of the bowls and stir, adding more of needed colors until you get the color desired.
  7. Place dark grey icing into a sandwich bag and squeeze it to one corner of the bag. With scissors, cup off the very tip of the corner. The bag can now be used as a pastry bag.
  8. Draw smiles onto cookies with pastry bag.

crochet smile cozyCrochet Smile Cozy

You can’t wipe the smile off the face of this mason jar cozy! No matter what you say or do, it will keep smiling that cheeky grin.

This is a great stash buster for all of the bright and cheerful colors you have in your remnant pile. We’ve used several fun colors from Vanna’s Choice yarn.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Double Crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round

SUPPLIES:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: Worsted Weight (4)
    Yellow: DUCKIE, BLACK
    (Pink: Berrylicious, Black)
    (Green: Fern, Black)
  • Crochet Hook: H
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing
  • Mason Jar

3 cozies flat

COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

Duckie

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

Sl St. Finish off. Weave in end.


BlackEYE INSTRUCTIONS: (make 2)

Hook: H

Ch 3

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

MOUTH INSTRUCTIONS:

Black

Hook: H

Ch 8

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Pin then sew Eyes to cozy. Weave in ends.
  2. Pin then sew Mouth to cozy. Weave in ends.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this smile 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 smiles 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: Cozy, Cup Cozies, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe · Tagged With: , , ,

Puppy Chow Recipe & Crochet Dog for Boss’s Day

September 27, 2013 by ·

Puppy Chow Recipe & Crochet Dog Cozy for Boss’s Day (October 16, 2013)

puppy chow recipe

Need a fun gift idea for Boss’s Day. Show the big dog how much you appreciate him (or her) with this puppy chow recipe and a crochet dog cozy. Gobble up the left over chocolate goodness yourself or share this treat with your coworkers and watch them drool in delight.

Let’s start with the puppy chow recipe…that way you can nibble on it while you make the crochet dog cozy!

Puppy Chow Recipe

puppy chow in a jarYou’ll have the boss eating out of your hand (or mason jar) with this puppy chow recipe! He will lap it up and return begging for more. (PS: if you don’t bring a doggie bag to refill his jar, you can always share the recipe with him instead).

INGREDIENTS:

  • 14.25 oz   Chocolate Chex cereal (9 cups)
  • 1 ¼ cup    dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons  creamy peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon  vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cup  powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. mason jar of puppy chowPlace cereal in large pot. Set aside.
  2. Melt chocolate chips in small pot on medium low heat stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
  3. Stir peanut butter and vanilla into chocolate until smooth.
  4. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal. Stir until evenly coated. Allow chocolate to cool for 5 – 10 minutes.
  5. Pour powdered sugar over cereal and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Store in mason jars or tight fitted containers.

Recipe is inspired by:

http://www.chex.com/recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=45860

Crochet Dog Cozy

boss's day dog cozyThis crochet dog cozy is great for Boss’s Day or as a special gift for a dog loving friend. They’ll dig it and the treats that come with it.

These hounds are a great stash busting project. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice yarn. This line of yarn has lots of fun brown tones to choose from.

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, Decrease

SUPPLIES:

  • Mason Jar
  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: Wosted Weight (4)
    HONEY, CHOCOLATE, BEIGE, BLACK, WHITE
    (Grey: Charcoal Grey, Silver Grey, Black, White)
    (Blue: Aqua, Colonial Blue, White)
  • Crochet Hook: H
  • Yarn Needle for sewing
  • Stuffing

dog cozyCOZY INSTRUCTIONS

  • Honey
  • Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

Sl St. Finish off. Weave in end.

SNOUT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Beige
  • Hook: H

Ch 9

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (8)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 4 sc, sc dec. (6)

Row 4: Repeat Row 2. (6)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. sc dec, 2 sc, sc dec. (4)

Row 6: Repeat Row 2. (4)

Rnd 7: Turn to sides of Rows 1-6. Work sc across (a sc on the end of each row). Turn to foundation chain, sc across. Turn to sides of Rows 1-7. Work sc across (a sc on the end of each row). Join with a sl st. (20))

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

3 cozies flat

NOSE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Black
  • Hook: H

Ch 3

Rnd 1: In the 3rd ch from hook work 2 hdc, dc, 2 hdc, ch 2, sl st to same st as all other sts. (7)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

SPOT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Chocolate
  • Hook: H

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (12)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

EYE INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

  • White
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

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

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

dog earPUPIL INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

  • Black
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: Work sc and sl st in 2nd ch from hook. (2)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

EAR INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

  • Make one Honey and one Chocolate
  • Hook: H

Ch 2

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

Rnd 2-3: Sc around. (6)

Rnd 4: *sc, sc inc* around. (9)

Rnd 5-10: Sc around. (9)

Rnd 11: Sc dec. Pinch ear closed so there are 4 sts across. Work sc through loops of two sts opposite each other to close the ear. (5)

Finish off leaving a long tail. Whip st from inside to outside of all front loops and cinch closed.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pin Snout to Rnds 1-5 of the cozy. Stuff lightly and sew. Weave in ends.
  2. Pin then sew Nose to center of Snout.
  3. Embroider a mouth on Snout below the Nose. Weave in ends.
  4. Sew Spot to cozy above Snout with right edge of Spot about centered. Weave in ends.
  5. Sew Pupils to Eyes. Weave in ends.
  6. Sew reflective spot to each Pupil with tails of Eyes If desired.
  7. Pin then sew Eyes just above Snout – one to be sewn on the Spot. Weave in ends.
  8. Sew Ears to the sides at Row 10.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this dog 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 dogs 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, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe · Tagged With: , , , ,

Crimson Cowl in Love of Crochet Fall 2013

September 26, 2013 by ·

Crimson Cowl in Love of Crochet – Fall 2013 Issue

Crimson Cowl Love of CrochetWe have another scarf / cowl featured in Love of Crochet Magazine. The Fall Issue 2013 is available in stores until October 21.

This Crimson Cowl is a great 1 skein project! We’ve used Boutique Changes by Red Heart. There are 6 different yarn fabrics in one skein.

For anyone learning how to do broomstick lace, this is a great first project. This stunning cowl looks more complicated than it is because of the yarn changes.

Update 5-15-2014

We have the rights back on this beautiful cowl pattern. You can now get the free Crimson Cowl pattern in the shop.

Magazine Errata: On Row 3, the ch 1 is only done at the beginning in order to lock your yarn at the top of the loops. Here’s the correction:

Row 3: (broomstick lace row) insert hook in 5 loops, yo, pull through loops, ch 1, work 5 sc in same group of loops. *work 5 sc in each set of 5 loops* across.

Please also note that the tassels are just one strand of yarn folded in half and attached with a lark’s head knot.

Filed Under: Publications, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs · Tagged With: , ,

Lil Pumpkin Halloween Outfit Crochet Pattern

September 17, 2013 by ·

Lil’ Pumpkin Halloween Outfit Crochet Pattern – Pumpkin Hats, Pants and Trick or Treat Bag

Dress up your Lil’ Pumpkin this fall in this adorable pumpkin set. It’s perfect for cool fall weather and special occasions like Thanksgiving, Harvest Parties, Halloween and trips to the pumpkin patch!

Lil-Pumpkin-looking-at-pumpkin

We’ve got the whole family covered with pants for babies and hats for everyone in the family. The bag is one size fits all…perfect for trick or treating.

Pumpkin Pattern Includes:

  • Pumpkin Hats: 6 sizes (newborn to men)
  • Pumpkin Pants: 3 sizes (up to 24 mos)
  • Pumpkin Bag: One size fits all – trick or treat size

pumpkin outfit

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble Crochet, No Chain Foundation Single Crochet, No Chain Foundation Double Crochet

Lil-Pumpkin-wth-VineTechniques Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Back Loop, Increase, Decrease

Crochet this design for a fun photo prop or as a cute outfit for taking the Lil’ Pumpkin to a party.

The pattern is available in the store! Learn more about the Lil Pumpkin crochet pattern.

Lil Pumpkin Set pattern on Etsy.

Filed Under: Accessories, Adult, Baby, Bags, Boy, Child, Girl, Halloween, Patterns for Sale · Tagged With: , ,

I Love Yarn Day Cozy and Mason Jar Yarn Keeper

September 13, 2013 by ·

I Love Yarn Day (October 11) – Heart Cozy and Yarn Keeper Jar

Yes, I have “I love yarn day” on my calendar. A few years ago I would have scoffed at such a “silly” day. Not so any more. This is an important day to celebrate!

I Love Yarn Day Cozies

In support of this momentous day, I’ve created a special mason jar cozy and yarn keeper. Let’s get started with the mason jar then work our way to the cozy.

Mason Jar Yarn Keeper

heart cozyThis mason jar yarn keeper is similar to yarn bowls and yarn keeper bags. The mason jar version has the added benefit of looking adorable on a shelf stuffed with yarn in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Benefits: A mason jar yarn keeper helps keep remnants of yarn clean and tangle free. It can hold a small ball of yarn that has either a center pull or is pulled from the outside. The biggest benefit is that the ball of yarn won’t roll away while you work. The tail is fed through a hole in the lid which helps it unwind smoothly which will help with consistent tension.

We have filled our jars with hand wound balls of yarn. We’ve written a post on how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand if you’d like to create balls with your remnants.

There are three options for the lid. Supplies and directions for all three are listed below.

3 styles of lids

SUPPLIES:

  • Wide Mouth Mason Jar
  • Wide Mouth Lid

Option 1:

  • Crop-A-Dile Big Bite

Option 2:

  • Crop-A-Dile Big Bite or Hole Punch
  • Plastic Packaging
  • Marker
  • Scissors

Option 3:

  • Cardstock
  • Hole Punch
  • Pencil
  • Scissors

mason jar yarn keeper with clear lid

INSTRUCTIONS:

Option 1:

This is the quickest method. It works great for papercrafters who already own the Crop-A-Dile, a special hole punch and grommet setter that can reach 6”.

  1. Set the Crop-A-Dile to the 3/16 setting and punch a hole in the lid (either in the center or where desired).

punch hole in lid

Option 2:

This is a fun option if you want a transparent lid. You can us use the fancy Crop-A-Dile tool or a single hole punch.

  1. Trace the wide mouth lid on a piece of plastic packaging with a marker.
  2. Cut out the shape with scissors. For a better fit, cut off (cut on the inside of) the traced circle.
  3. Use Crop-A-Dile or hole punch to punch a hole.

Option 3:

This is a cute option for coordinating the lid with elements inside the jar. This also uses common elements you’ll find around the house.

  1. Trace the wide mouth lid on a piece of cardstock with a pencil.
  2. Cut out the shape with scissors. For a better fit, cut off (cut on the inside of) the traced circle.
  3. Use a hole punch to punch a hole.

Feed the yarn through the hole, place lid on jar and screw the lid to lock it in place.

yarn keeper and lidI Love Yarn Day Cozy

I couldn’t resist creating a heart shaped yarn ball for I Love Yarn Day. This quick cozy will help you flaunt your love of yarn.

Though we’ve used Vanna’s Choice for this project, this is an awesome stash buster. If you love yarn, then no doubt you’ve got a stash!

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble (Triple) Crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Both Loops, Crochet in Back Loops Only, Embroidery

COZY SUPPLIES:

  • Vanna’s Choice: Worsted Weight (4)
    RADIANT LIME, TERRACOTTA
    (Mug: Colonial Blue, Mustard)
    (Cup: Chocolate, Pink)
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing

3 heart cozies

COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

Radiant Lime

Hook: H

Ch 5

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. (4)

Row 2-28: Working in the back loops only, sc across. (4)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew ends of cozy together with whip st across.

embroider heartHEART INSTRUCTIONS

Terracotta (shown here in Silver Blue)

Hook: H

Leaving a long tail: Ch 5

Rnd 1: In the 5th ch from hook work: 3 trc, 4 dc, 1 trc, 4 dc, 3 trc, ch 3, sl st into the same stitch. Pull tail tightly to close the hole. Finish off leaving a long tail for to drape across cozy. (17)

With tail from beginning ch, sew yarn ball looking stripes (sewn in groups of four or as desired). Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew heart to cozy covering up the whip st join. Weave in ends.

With tail left over from Rnd 1, create a curl in the yarn and sew to cozy as desired.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this heart 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.

The ebook includes 3 new designs – Dracula, Vampire 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, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE · Tagged With: , , ,

How to Make a Center-Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

September 5, 2013 by ·

How to Make a Center-Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand

We’ll show you how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand…no tools or special gadgets required. This simple technique will keep your yarn stash neat and your yarn tangle free.

yarn wound in various forms

A center pull means that the yarn can be pulled from the center of the ball or skein. The ball stays stationary and does not flop around like it does when yarn is pulled from the outside of the skein.

Yarn comes packaged in several different ways.

Ball – Yarn wound in a round shape that has a center pull (purple ball top left in photo above).
Hank – A loose coil of yarn wound in a large circle with no center pull (red hank bottom in photo above).
Skein – An oblong ball of yarn with a center pull (yellow skein top right in photo above).

yarn in various states

There are several reasons for making a ball of yarn:

  • The skein is 3/4 used up and its shape is floppy and starting to turn into a tangled mess.
  • The hank is easier to work with as a ball of yarn.
  • A project has been frogged (ripped out) and needs to be turned into a ball.
  • A previous ball of yarn is starting to unravel.

How to Make a Center Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

thumbs up for making a ball of yarn

1. Lay a yarn tail across your fingers with your thumb pointed up and the tail of the yarn dangling below your little finger. Close your fingers around the yarn. You’ve now got a thumbs up to go ahead with the yarn ball.

first wrap

2. Wrap yarn around your thumb at and angle…I usually wrap it on an \ angle. Wrap the yarn around approximately 10 times.

3. Twist that group of yarn about 1/4 turn to the left (clockwise).

2nd wrap

4. Wrap yarn around your thumb at the same angle \ as you did in step 2, again wrapping the yarn around your thumb about 10 times.

almost done wrapping yarn

5. Repeat steps 3 and 2 alternately until your ball of yarn is made.

how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand

6. Remove your thumb from the center of the ball and that is where your center pull is.

Note: There are a lot of alternatives for this method of making a center pull ball of yarn.

  • You can wrap around two or three fingers instead of your thumb.
  • You can wrap around a knitting needle or crochet hook instead of your fingers or thumb.
  • You can twist your hand/thumb instead of twisting the yarn.
  • You can wrap the yarn around a piece of cardboard or plastic bobbin.

We use this center pull ball of yarn method ALL the time. We often find that after the center pull ball of yarn has been used a while, we will need to remake it. The partially used center pull ball tends to collapse and tangle (as seen in the black ball in the photo above).

 

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks, Yarn · Tagged With: ,

Talk Like a Pirate Day Cozy & Lemonade

August 30, 2013 by ·

Strawberry Lemonade Recipe and Crochet Pirate Cozy for Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

talk like a pirate day

Ahoy, mateys. For Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19), we’ve got a fun crochet pirate mason jar cozy and Strawberry Lemonade Recipe. If ye don’t want to get scurvy on this voyage…you’ll need lots of Vitamin C!

Let’s make some grog before we get to the crochetin’.

jar of strawberry lemonadeStrawberry Lemonade Recipe

Aye, a pirate’s diet is sorely lacking in fresh fruits and veggies when long out to sea. We’ll keep scurvy at bay with this recipe of fresh squeezed lemonade.

Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup agave nectar
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (4 to 5 lemons)

Strawberry Lemonade Directions:

  1. Mix 1 cup water with ¾ cup agave nectar in a 2 qt pitcher.
  2. Hull strawberries (cut off top and fiber from core).
  3. strawberry lemonade ingredientsJuice lemons (best if they are room temperature) and strain to remove seeds.
  4. Blend 3 cups water, ¼ cup agave nectar and strawberries until smooth.
  5. Pour strawberry mixture into pitcher. Stir.
  6. Add more of any ingredient as needed to desired taste.
  7. Keep refrigerated. Serve over crushed ice.

Bottoms up!

Crochet Pirate Cozy

crochet pirate

Avast ye scallywags, it’s time to grab yer crochet hooks before we make ye walk the plank!

We’ll be drinkin’ this lemon booty from mason jars and crocheting with Vanna’s Choice Yarn. Though this be a great stash busting project, Vanna’s rich and vibrant colors are a treasure to be sure.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet

Technique Used: Crochet in rows, crochet in the round, increase

Pirate Cozy Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: worsted weight (4)
    Red Cozy: BEIGE, CRANBERRY, BLACK, CHOCOLATE, WHITE, COLONIAL BLUE
    (Green Cozy: Kelly Green, Beige, Black, Chocolate, White)
    (Blue Cozy: Colonial Blue, Beige, Black, Chocolate, White, Kelly Green)
  • Crochet Hooks:
    H/8/5.00 mm
    F/5/3.75 mm
    C/2/2.75 mm
  • Yarn needle for sewing

crochet piratePirate Cozy Instructions

Beige

Hook: H

Ch 17

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. (16)

Row 2-3: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (16)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec, 12 sc, sc dec. (14)

Row 5-6: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (14)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec, 10 sc, sc dec. (12)

Row 8-9: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (12)

Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec, 8 sc, sc dec. Finish off and weave in ends. (10)

Attach Cranberry to bottom right corner (the 1st ch from foundation ch).

Row 11: work 9 sc across the sides of Rows 1-9. Work a sc inc into the corner. Turn to Row 10, sc across. Work a sc inc into the corner. Turn to sides of Rows 1-10. Work 9 sc across. (32)

Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (32)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. 5 sl st, 5 sc. Leave remaining sts unworked. (10)

Row 14-32: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (10)

side of pirate cozy

Row 33: 5 sc, 5 sl st. (10)

Row 34: *Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc, 2 hdc, sc* twice. Join with sl st through center of tails to end of Row 33. (10)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Join Row 33 to 12 with whip st across.

Eye Instructions

Black

Hook: C

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in ends. (5)

Attach Colonial Blue to any stitch.

Rnd 2: Sc inc around. Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in ends. (10)

Attach White to any st.

3 cozies

Rnd 3: Working in the back loop only, *sc, sc inc* around. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. (15)

Sew a reflective spot on eye if desired.

Patch Instructions

Black

Hook: F

Ch 2

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

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc across. (12)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. *Sc, sc inc* across. Ch 26. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. (44)

Mustache Instructions

Chocolate

Hook: F

Ch 18

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc inc, sc, sl st, sc, sc inc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc, sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. (17)

Assembly Instructions

  1. Pin then sew Eye, Patch and Mustache to cozy. Weave in ends.

Shiver me timbers, we’re done! Let’s grab us some black jacks (mason jars) and drink to yer health.

Talk Like a Pirate:

Just for fun, here are some pirate words and phrases:

Ahoy – Hello
Arrr (Aargh) – An expression
Avast – Stop or Pay attention
Aye – Yes
Black Spot – Death Threat
Blimey – An expression of surprise
Blow the man down down – A command to kill someone
Feed the fishes – Someone will die
Heave Ho – Put some muscle into it
Hornswaggle – To cheat
Landlubber – Person who doesn’t know how to sail
Loaded to the gunwalls – a drunk person
Scalleywag – Mild insult
Scurvy – Vitamin C deficency that causes swollen gums and tooth loss
Shiver me tinbers – An expression of surprise
Son of a buiscuit eater – An insult
Thar she blows! – Sighting of a whale
Walk the plank – Death by walking off the ship and drowning
Yo Ho Ho – An expression of cheer

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this pirate 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 pirates 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: Cozy, Cup Cozies, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe · Tagged With: , , ,

Miner for Halloween

August 26, 2013 by ·

Miner for Halloween

Miner Trick or Treating

If you’re looking for a quick and cute costume to crochet for Halloween, we’d suggest the Miner Set. Miner Set pattern on Etsy.

With just a hard hat and a stick of dynamite, your crocheting is done. The hard hat has an adjustable band making it one-size-fits-all. The rest of the costume is pretty easy, too. Grab a pair of overalls or jeans, a flannel shirt and some boots and you’re good to go. Oh…and don’t forget to smear a bit of dirt on your cheeks!

Here are more pictures of my nephew with the Miner Set. He’s about 15 months old in these photos. Miner Set on Etsy.

Blasting the Box

Here he is playing with the blasting box.

throwing dynamite

Fire in the hole…here’s the little guy tossing a stick of dynamite.

Mother and Son Miners

Mom gets into the Halloween spirit, too. Here they are holding the Mummy Trick or Treat Bag.

Learn more about these crochet patterns:

Filed Under: Halloween · Tagged With: , , ,
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