Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

With all the orders and Christmas gifts I have going on I am going to be busy from now probably right down to the 25th of December! I have a few things rolling around in my head, but don't know if I will have time to get them up. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. We had a great day. Be on the watch for some thing new. Hopefully it won't be too long before it is posted.

Newborn Animal Hat

I have had a lot of requests for these little hats for a few photographers in my area. Decided to write up the pattern as I am making yet another one. Hope you enjoy it.

For one I am using a strand of Caron Simply Soft and a strand of Lion Brand Fun Fur held together as one. For the darker had just one strand of Caron and then for the ears I used the fun furn held together with the Caron and a row of sc added around the bottom of hat. Done with a K hook

Abbreviations: FPHDC- Front post half double crochet
BPHDC- Back post half double crochet

Rnd 1) ch2, 11hdc in 2nd ch from hook. sl st to top of first hdc, (11)
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in each st around (22)
Rnd 3) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st repeat from * around
Rnd 4-9) ch1, hdc in each st around
Rnd 10+11) ch2,* FPHDC around next st, BPHDC around next st, repeat from * around
Fasten off
Ears:
Ch3, 7dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch1 turn, hdc in each st across and in beginning ch2. ch1 turn, sc in first st and in each st across. Fasten off and attach ear to head. repeat for second ear.

Nana

October is almost over, but breast cancer is not. I wanted to make a simple beanie for my Nana, who is now cancer free. Not once, but twice. This woman is an amazing person with a love for God and and her family. She is and inspiration to me. This is for her and all the others who battle with this disease. Remembering the ones we have lost.

Abbreviations. FPHDC- Front Post Half Double Crochet
BPHDC- Back Post Half Double Crochet

Using a G hook and Caron Simply Soft, or something similar.

Rnd 1) ch2, 11 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of first hdc 11 hdc
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in first st and in each st around sl st to top of first hdc 22hdc
Rnd 3) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, repeat from * around
Rnd 4) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 2sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2sts, repeat from * around
Rnd 5) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 3sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3sts, repeat from * around
Rnd 6) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 4sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4sts, repeat from * around
Rnd 7) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 5sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 5sts, repeat from * around
Rnd 8-20) ch1, hdc in first st and in each st around. At the end of rnd 20, hdc last two sts together.
Ribbing, alternating colors as you like
Rnd 21-23) ch2, * FPHDC in next st, BPHDC in next st, repeat from * around sl st to top of ch2. Fasten off and weave in ends

Ribbon
Ch 30, sc in second ch from hood and in next 13 ch, 2sc in each of next 3ch, sc in next 13 ch. Fasten off leaving long tail for attaching to hat. Sew on to hat using tail where you like.

Please do not copy this pattern as your own. Feel free to make as many as you like for friends, family or charity. Happy Hooking.

Ravelry Loves Bites Halloween Vampire Swap

I just got my package today from Lisa. she sent me the most awesome package!!! I love it all. Posting a few pics for everyone to see. I got the Cute creepy crochet book that I have been eyeballing forever! Cany, of course. A very cute little coffin, with Bubba inside! Some very nice yarn to play with, and a couple of buttons, one which says, Bite me with fangs that lights up! Some pez dispensers for my girls and a bone shaped candle. LOVE IT!!

Maine Toddler Beanie

Using a G hook and Caron Simply Soft

Rnd 1) ch2, 11hdc in second ch from hook, sl st to top of first hdc (11hdc)
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in same st and in each st around, sl st to top of first hdc (22hdc)
Rnd 3) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next st, * 2hdc in nest st, 1hdc in nest st, repeat from * around (32hdc)
Rnd 4) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next 2stS, * 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 2sts, repeat from * around (43hdc)
Rnd 5) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next 3sts, * 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 3sts, repeat from * around
Rnd 6) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next 4sts, * 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 4sts, repeat from * around
Rnds 7-19) ch1, hdc in same st as joining, hdc in each st around. (I made color changes on rnds 12-16)
DO NOT fasten off

Earflap
Row 1) ch1, hdc in same st and in next 9sts
Row 2-3) repeat row 1
Row 4) ch 1, hdc first 2sts together, hdc across to last 2sts, hdc last 2sts together
Row 5-6) repeat row 4
Row 7) ch1, hdc 2sts together twice
Row 8) ch1, hdc last 2 sts together, sl fasten off.

skipping 20sts, repeat for second earflap

I like the look of braiding my string, so I fasten off after each flap. Some might want to skip this step and ch however many you want at the end of each flap instead of fastening off.

Attach yarn at back of hat with a sl st, ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around working evenly around each earflap. Fasten off and attach string to each ear flap

Bottoms Up

This hat is worked by doing a simple band and then working your way to the top. Just a little some thing different!~
Very versatile hat, you can change the yarn and hook size very easily.

For this I used an I hook and worsted weight yarn. Red Heart or Vannas Choice or some thing similar work well.

Band:
Row 1) ch5, 1hdc in first st and in each st across. (4hdc)
Row 2) ch1, hdc in first st and in each st across.turn
Row 3) repeat rnd 2 for however length needed to fit around head plus an extra inch and a half (mine was 23 1/2 inches)
(optional color change) ch1, sc across to end of row, 2sc in corner st, working in ends of sc rows, sc evenly across piece. Slip st to form circle 1 1/2 inch from end opposite end of piece.
Rnd 1) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in each of next 2sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in each of next 2sts, repeat from * around. sl st to top of first hdc (changing back to main color)
Rnd 2) ch1, hdc around, sl st to close.
Rnd 3-8) Repeat round 2
Rnd 9) ch1, hdc in first st and in next 5sts, hdc next 2 sts together, * hdc in next 6sts, hdc next 2sts together, repeat from * around. (depending on your length, the last set might not come out to an even count)
Rnd 10) ch1, hdc in first st and in next 4sts, hdc next 2sts together, * hdc in next 5sts, hdc next 2sts together, repeat from * around. sl st to close
Rnd 11)ch1, hdc in first st and in next 3sts, hdc next 2sts together, * hdc in next 4sts, hdc next 2sts together, repeat from * around. sl st to close
Rnd 12) ch1, hdc in first st and in next 2sts, hdc next 2sts together, * hdc in next 3sts, hdc next 2sts together, repeat from * around. sl st to close
Rnd 13) ch1, hdc in first st and in next 1sts, hdc next 2sts together, * hdc in next 2sts, hdc next 2sts together, repeat from * around. sl st to close
Rnd 14) ch1, hdc first 2sts together, hdc next 2sts together around. Fasten off and pull tight to close circle. weave in ends.

Sew a button to tab placing where you like. Enjoy.

Patterns

I hope every one is doing well. I have a hold on patterns for a bit for several reasons. One is that I have not had much time to get some out! The other is that there have been a few issues. I have seen several patterns that are looking a lot like mine and I don't want any one to think that I have copied any patterns. I work on them and post them out of the goodness of my heart and want people to enjoy them. I would never copy any ones else's patterns and I would hope that others would do the same for me. I have yet decided if I want to post any more. Maybe if I get a few good ideas and people start looking for me again. Happy Halloween Every one!
Val

In Remembrance

For those who were lost in the 9/11 attacks.

This is my photo. I took this picture of my husband and the flag and edited them together. It is just some thing I wanted to do as a tribute to all of the fallen, be it Firefighters, Police, EMT's etc. Never Forget

Baby Boy Blue

Just a quick little knit to take up a rainy afternoon.

Size 8 needles and a worsted weight yarn.

With DPN's cast on 12 sts on each of 4 needles
Knit 2, purl 2 around for 1-2 inches
Knit stockinette stitch for about 3 inches
Decrease rounds:
knit across needle 1 to last 2sts on needle, K2 together, repeat for needle 2,3 and 4
Repeat this around until you have 3sts on each needle. Last round knit 2 sts together around. Fasten off and pull yarn through remaining sts and weave in ends.

Please do not copy this pattern as your own. Feel free to make and give away as many as you like, but if you sell any of your creations, please tag with a link to my page.

Paint it Black

Lion Brand Hometown USA and an N hook

Rnd 1) ch3, 11dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to top of first dc, (11dc)
Rnd 2) ch2, 2dc in each st around, (22dc)
Rnd 3) ch2, 2dc in first st, dc in next st, * 2dc in next st, dc in next st, repeat from * around,
Rnd 4-6) ch2, dc in each st around.
Rnd 7-9) ch1, sc in each st around.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

To Brim or Not to Brim for BABY

For this one I am using a G hook, and Vannas Choice so it's a little softer for a newborn baby.


FOR BRIMMED HAT

Rnd 1) ch2, 11hdc in second ch from hook, sl st to top of first hdc (11hdc)
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in same st and in each st around, sl st to top of first hdc (22hdc)
Rnd 3) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next st, * 2hdc in nest st, 1hdc in nest st, repeat from * around (33hdc)
Rnd 4) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next 2stS, * 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 2sts, repeat from * around (44hdc)
Rnd 5) ch1, 2hdc in same st, 1hdc in next 3sts, * 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 3sts, repeat from * around (55)
Rnd 6-13) ch1, hdc in same st and in each st around, (55hdc)
Rnd 14) ch1, sc in same st and in next 14sts, 2hdc in next st, * hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, repeat from * 5 more times, sc in next st and in each st to end of row, sl st to top of first sc,
Rnd 15) ch1, sc in first st and in next 14sts, hdc across next 20 hdc, sc in next st and in each st across, sl st to top of first sc
Rnd 16)ch1, sl st in first st and in next 14sts, hdc in next 20hdc, sl st in each st across to end of rnd, sl st to close. fasten off and weave in ends.
Optional strap with buttons:
Rnd 1)ch22, 2sc in second ch from hook, sc across to last ch, 3sc in last ch, working on opposite side, sc across to end, 1sc in same ch as first 2sc.
Rnd 2)ch1, sc in same st, 2sc in next st, sc across to set of 3sc, (2sc in first st, sc next st, 2sc in third st) sc across to last st, 2sc in last st, fasten off. Attach to hat with buttons


FOR NOT BRIMMED

Work same as above to rnd 13, Rnds 14+15, repeat rnd 5
Rnd 16) sl st or sc around to finish off.

Changing colors as you like.

I used ravelry to find a flower to attach to two of them. Or you can google free crochet flower pattern.

Pool Time

It's been hot these last few days. Yesterday my sister in law took us to her sisters pool. The kids had a blast and I got to cool off. Hoping the weather will break a little soon.

Moxie Falls

This is one of the many trips that we have taken. We love to go hiking and my hubby loves his day trips. We try to find a different place to go every so often, but this is one that we love to come back too. It's beautiful and a nice little hike into the woods. If you live in Maine and haven't been here you should go, if you are planning on visiting make this one of your stops! Hope you enjoy the pics.

Layers of Shells

These are really quick little bags to make up. Good for small gift bags, the kids can use them to keep little treasures in. Or make it taller and use as a gift bag for wine bottle. :o)

I used an H hook and worsted weight yarn

Rnd 1) ch3, 12dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to top of first dc made. (12dc)
Rnd 2) ch2, 2dc in each st around, sl st to top of first dc made, skipping ch2 (24dc)
Rnd 3) ch2, * 2dc in first st, dc in next st, repeat from * around, sl st to top of first dc made
Rnd 4) ch2, * 2dc in first st, dc in next 2sts, repeat from * around, sl st to top of first dc made
Rnd 5) working in back loops only for this round, ch1, sc in each st around
Rnd 6) ch 1, * sc in first st, skip next 2sts, 5dc in next st(shell made), skip next 2sts, repeat from * around, sl st to top of first sc, 8 shells made
Rnd 7) changing color, ch3, 2dc in same st, * sc in 3rd dc of shell, shell in next sc, repeat from * around, 2dc in same st as first ch3, sl st to top of ch3
Rnd 8) changing color, ch1, sc in top of ch3, * shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of shell, repeat from * around, sl st to first sc,
Rnd 9) changing color, ch3, 2dc in same st, * sc in 3rd dc of shell, shell in next sc, repeat from * around, 2dc in same st as first ch3, sl st to top of ch3
Rnd 10-11) repeat rnds 8-9
Rnd 12) ch1, sc in first st, and in next 2sts, * dc in next 3sts, sc in next 3sts, repeat from * around,
Rnd 13) drawstring row. ch4, skip next st, * dc in next st, ch1, skip next st, repeat from * around, sl st to ch 3 of first ch4
Rnd 14) ch1, sc in same st, sc in each st and ch space around, sl st to close
Rnd 15) ch2, 3hdc in same st, * skip next 2sts, 4hdc in next st, repeat from * around, fasten off weave in ends.

Using a strand of each color held together,(Make 2) ch 40 or desired length to use as drawstrings weave in and out of rnd 13
Have fun and happy hooking

Can Can

Another can cozy. you will need to know how to Crossed Double crochet, you can find the tutorial here
http://crochet.about.com/library/blcrosseddc.htm

with Worsted weight yarn and G hook

Rnd 1)ch3, 11dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to top of first dc made(skipping ch2 now and throughout, makes a tighter closing), 11dc
Rnd 2)ch2, 2dc in each st around, 22dc
Rnd 3) working in back loops of this round, ch2, dc in each st around
Rnd 4-8) ch2, dc in each st around
Rnd 9+10) ch3, dc in st before ch3 (last st of previous round), crossed double crochet around, sl st to top of ch3, fasten off and weave in ends.

Mr. Jeff

It's that time of year when the kids are getting out of school and everyone is giving the teachers gifts. I am going to try to do some thing that they can use instead of just taking up space. Mr. Jeff is a teachers aid in my daughters school and he might not be back next year because of budget cuts.... We are going to MISS him tons. This is for him

Peaches N Cream cotton and a G hook

Rnd 1) ch2, 11 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 11dc
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in each st around, 22hdc
Rnd 3) ch1, * 2hdc in first st, 2hdc in next st, repeat from * around
Rnd 4-12) working in back loops , ch1, hdc in each st around
Rnd 13) ch1, revers sc around
Fasten off, weave in ends

Please be respectful of my pattern. Use your creations for what ever you like but please give my site credit for the pattern. Thank you!

Pretty In Pink

It's a rainy day outside today and I am watching the movie Pretty in Pink. And I didn't realize until I was almost done with this hat that I was using pink yarn! Duh.!

I am using Caron Simply Soft and an I hook

Rnd 1) ch32, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch accross, 2dc in last ch, now working on opposite side of chain dc accross in base of ch, dc in same st as starting. sl st to top of first dc
Rnd 2) ch2 (does NOT count as first st now and throughout) Working in back loops throughout hat, dc in back loop of each st around
Rnd 3-11) repeat rnd 2
Rnd 12-15) ch1, sc in same st and in each st around. Fasten off

Add pompoms to corners of top of hat. Have fun and happy hooking.
I only ask that you give credit to my site if you use my patterns. You may do what ever you like with your own creations. ;o)

Thick and Quick Beret

Using up some yarn that I have had in my stash FOREVER!

Lion Brand Thick and Quick Chenille and an N hook

Rnd 1) ch3, 11dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to top of first dc (11dc)
Rnd 2) ch2, 2dc in same st and in neach st around, (22dc)
Rnd 3) ch2, 2dc in same st, dc in next st, * 2dc in next st, dc in next st, repeat from * around, sl st to top of first dc, (33dc)
Rnd 4) ch2, 2dc in same st, dc in next 2sts, * 2dc in next st, dc in next 2sts, repeat from * around, 44dc
Rnd 5-8) ch2, dc in each st around
Rnd 9) ch2, * dc in first st, dc next 2sts together, repeat from * around, dc last 2sts together
Rnd 10-11) ch1, sc in each st around

Holding Happiness

My husband works for Coca Cola and when we go on trips we might grab a 2liter bottle of some thing, be it Coke, Minute Maid or whatever. Some times we reuse the bottle for water. Here is a cozy/carrier to fit that bottle. It's nice to use to carry it or make a longer handle to hang off a rock or a branch and set the bottle in the water if you are near a lake or stream. Keeps it nice and cold.
It stretches to any fit tho so if you are a ...ahh... Pepsi fan...(slaps self on wrist) I guess that would be ok too! :o)

Using an I hook and worsted weight yarn

Rnd 1) ch2, 6sc in second ch from hook, sl st to top of first sc
Rnd 2) ch1, 2hdc in same st and in each st around, sl st to top of first hdc
Rnd 3) ch1, 2hdc in same st and in each st around, sl st to top of first hdc
Rnd 4) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next st, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, repeat from * around
Rnd 5) ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 2sts, * 2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2sts, repeat from * around, 2hdc in last st.
Rnd 6) ch1, sc in first st, * ch5, skip next 4sts, sc in next st, repeat from * around to last 4sc, ch2, dc in to top of first sc. (this will make it so you are in the middle of a chain section)
Rnd 7) sc into ch space just made,* ch5, sc into next ch space, repeat from * around to last space, ch2, dc into beginning sc.
Rnd 8-15) repeat rnd 7
Rnd 16) ch1, 2sc into ch space made, sc in next sc, * 4sc in next ch space, sc in next sc, repeat from * around to last sc, 2sc in last ch space, sl st to top of first sc
Rnd 17-19) ch1, sc in each sc around Fasten off

Strap Chain what you like for a lenght for the strap. Remember this will stretch some.
Mine is
Ch 60, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch accross, 3sc in last ch, working on opposite side, sc in bottom of each ch accross to last ch, 2sc in beginning ch.
Ch1, hdc in same st, and in each st accross to set of 3sc, in second sc of 3sc bunch 3hdc, hdc accross to last st, 3hdc in last st, fasten off, attatch to sides of carrier on the rnds 17-19.

Visor Vision

With WW yarn and K hook
Holding two strands of yarn together
Rnd 1) ch50, sl st to form circle making sure not to twist, ch1, sc in each st around
Rnd 2-4) ch1, sc in each st around
Rnd 5) ch1, sc in first st and in next 17sts, * 2dc in next st, dc in next st,repeat from * 7 times, 2dc in next st, dc in next st, sc in each remaining st,
Rnd 6) ch1, sc in first st and in next 18sts, * 2dc in next st, dc in next 2sts, repeat from * 7 times, dc in next st, sc in remaning sts
Rnd 7) ch1, sc in each st around
Fasten off and weave in ends

Feel free to do what you like with your own creations, but please give my site credit for the pattern. Thanks and Happy Hooking!

Dread Head

This is a quick headband if you will. I have made several sizes, but the larger ones are my favorite for holding back the hair. I made them light and airy for summer time. Make smaller ones for just a nice little head band or larger ones that hold the hair back a bit more. Go even a little longer and it will hold the hair right up off your neck for a large pony tail. Adding embellishments for an extra little something, like flowers, buttons, ribbons...

I used a K hook and worsted weight yarn.
The beginning uses a bit of measurement. Measure the size of intended head and chain an even number of chains to make the length. join with a sl st to form a circle being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1) ch4 (counts as first dc and ch1)* skip next ch, dc in next ch, ch1, repeat from * around, sl st to 3rd ch of first ch4
Rnd 2) sl st to first ch1 space, ch4,* dc in next ch1 space, ch1, repeat from * around.
Repeat Rnd 2 for desired length. Optional, when at desired lenght ch1, sc in each st around. This is what I have done with the lt. purple one.
The flower I used is just one I found on the net. Lion Brand has some and a few other sites.

Set of Dishcloths to knit

Worsted weight cotton yarn, small amount for each cloth and size US10 (6.0mm) knitting needles

Seed stitch cloth

Cast on 21sts
Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1 accross. Repeat this row for 5inches. Bind off


Checkered cloth

Cast on 21 sts,
Row 1) k3, p3, k3 accross
Row 2) p3, k3, p3 accross
Row 3+4) repeat rows 1+2
Row 5) p3,k3,p3 accross
Row6) k3,p3,k3 accross
Row 7+8) repeat rows 5+6
Repeat rows 1-8 two more times, repeat rows 1-4 once more, bind off. Weave in ends