Solar Eclipse Coasters

Solar Eclipse Coasters - Free Pattern

The August 2017 total eclipse is over, but you can still enjoy the memory with these crocheted coasters.  Using worsted weight yarn, they are a fun and easy gift.  Plus, the pattern is free!

I went to my sister's house to see the eclipse in totality, and it was spectacular.  These were designed to give to everyone at her Eclipse Party to take home as a memento; everyone loved them.

Pattern below - or - Download pattern .pdf here 


SOLAR ECLIPSE FUN FACTS (source:  NASA)
- The Earth's crust bulges upwards, and you will be 40 mm (1.57") closer to the sun.
- You will weigh 1.7 oz. ( .11 lb) lighter.

Beginner +  (Simple stitch patterns and/or shaping)

SIZE:  5” (13 cm) at widest part / moon = 4” (10 cm)

MATERIALS (1 coaster)
Yarn:   Lily Sugar’n Cream Cotton worsted (weight 4):
            - Black: 13 yds (12 m)
            - Yellow (Sunshine): 9 yds (8 m)
            - Orange (Hot Orange): 6 yds (5.5 m)
Hooks:  G (4.0 mm)
              H (5.0 mm)
Other:    Yarn needle

GAUGE:  First 2 rounds  =  2”

ABBREVIATIONS
beg     beginning                     rnd(s)     round(s)
BL      Back Loop                    st(s)        stitch(es)
ch       chain                             sc           single crochet
dc       double crochet              sk           skip
hdc     half double crochet       sl st(s)    slip stitch(es)
lp(s)    loop(s)                          yo           yarn over

STITCH EXPLANATION
dc2tog (double crochet 2 sts together):  Yarn over (yo) hook, insert hook in first st indicated, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo hook, pull through 2 loops, yo hook, insert in next st indicated, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through last 3 loops.
hdc2tog (half double crochet 2 sts together):  Yarn over (yo) hook, insert hook in first st indicated, pull up a lp (3 lps on hook), insert hook in next st indicated, pull up a lp (4 lps on hook), yo hook, pull through all 4 lps on hook.  One hdc2tog made.
picot:  ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch fr hook.  Picot made. Tip: To get the points on the sun’s rays as shown in the picture, make the sl st in 2 lps of 2nd ch from hook (instead of just one).
magic ring (also known as magic adjustable loop):  Video tutorial at Easiest Crochet: Magic Circle

INSTRUCTIONS
American terms are used throughout.
USA to UK stitch conversions:   Yarn Forward Crochet Conversion Chart
Tip:  Work over yarn tails whenever possible to avoid having to weave in so many ends.

MOON

Notes

• If piece is too large, use smaller hook and/or crochet Rnd 2 with hdc instead of dc.
• The beg ch-2 is not counted as a stitch.  It is to act as a "filler" so there is not a gap, as there would be if just beginning the round with a ch-3 dc.  Likewise, the joining sl st is not to be COUNTED as a st, but will be worked into at the end of the round; this also acts to complete filling in any gap, to make a solid piece.

Use hook G (4.0 mm)
Rnd 1: With black, ch 2 in magic ring (beg ch-2 does NOT count as a st, throughout moon), 12 dc in ring, sl st in beg dc to join. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in ea st around, dc in joining sl st of last rnd, sl st in beg dc to join.  (24 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next) around to last st, dc in last st, dc2tog in same st and joining sl st of last rnd, sl st in beg dc to join. (36 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) around to last st, hdc in last st, hdc2tog in same st and joining sl st of last rnd, sl st in beg hdc to join.  Do not finish off; leave lp on hook. (48 sts)

CORONA (see photo)

Use hook H (5.0 mm)
Join orange:  yo hook with orange yarn, pull through lp on hook; orange joined.  Drop and finish off black.
Working with orange now, sl st loosely in BL of next 34 sts.  Finish off.  (35 sts)

SUN

Use hook G (4.0 mm)
Row 1: With right side facing, sk first two sl sts of orange from previous rnd, join yellow with sl st in BL of next st, sl st in BL of next 2 sts, continue working in BL for remainder of this row: sc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next, (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) two times, dc in next 3 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) two times, 2 hdc in next st, sc in next 4, sl st in next 3 sts.  Finish off.  (37 sts)
Row 2: With right side facing, join yellow with sl st in BL of 2nd orange st from “Corona”, sl st in both lps of next st (the first yellow st from previous row), continue to work in both lps for remainder of row until otherwise instructed:
(sl st, ch 1, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,
(sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,
(sc, picot, sc) in next st, sl st in next,
(sc, hdc, picot) in next st, (hdc, sc) in next, sl st in next,
*(hdc, dc, picot) in next st, (dc, hdc) in next, sl st in next, repeat from * 5 more times,
(sc, hdc, picot) in next st, (hdc, sc) in next, sl st in next,
(sc, picot, sc) in next st, sl st in next,
(sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,
(sl st, ch 1, sl st) in next st, sl st in next (last yellow st),
sl st in BL of next orange st (leave last orange st unworked).

Finish off. Weave in ends with yarn needle.

ENJOY!

Apple Pie a la mode Moonshine Recipe

Not as strong as real moonshine, but it still packs a kick!

Popular to have on hand for guests, this easy-to-make recipe makes a fabulous gift that is always a favorite!

This label was made using the Avery Label maker app, printed on sticky Avery labels and stuck on the mason jars the "moonshine" was put in. Included as a gift, were the cute little mason jar shot glasses below.  For gift wrapping, put the jar of moonshine and shot glasses (wrapped in a bit of tissue paper) in a plain brown paper bag, twist the top of the bag, and tie with a piece of twine.




Do a search for "mason jar shot glasses".  They can be found with lids, or without.

RECIPE (best made at least 2 weeks ahead)

Makes:    6 quarts (or 12 pints)

Purchase the number of quart or pint mason jars you need.

Ingredients
½ gal (8 cups) spiced apple cider (*see note)
½ gal (8 cups) apple juice
6 cinnamon sticks
1 whole clove
1 teaspoon ground allspice
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
3 cups 190 proof grain alcohol (like Everclear)
2 cups whipped cream vodka
3 apples (any kind except Red Delicious), peeled, cored, and each cut in eight pieces

*Note: I used “Apple Pie Cider” from Walmart but any cider that says “spiced” is fine.  It may be seasonal, so if you can’t find it, see recipe below.

Instructions
In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients except for the alcohol and apples.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat & let cool to room temperature.  Once the mixture is completely cool, add in the alcohol.  Remove cinnamon sticks and divide them evenly into the mason jars.  Throw away clove.  Divide apple pieces evenly and put in the mason jars.  Pour moonshine into mason jars, and put on lids.

Store in refrigerator, or in a cool, dark, dry place. (*see note)
Shake gently before pouring/drinking.

~After a couple of weeks your Apple Pie Moonshine will taste even better.  It is very good ice cold, as well as at room temperature or slightly warmed.~

*Note:  As far as long-term storage (being out more than a day or two), some sources say this moonshine should be kept refrigerated because, since it is cut with apple cider/juice, the alcohol content is not high enough to preserve the fruit juice and fruit.  On the flip side, some sources say it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and that they’ve kept it on their pantry for a year with no problems.  You will need to decide for yourself, although I would recommend erring on the side of caution and keeping in the fridge.

SPICED APPLE CIDER

8 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 orange, cut into 8 slices (do not peel)

Put everything in a 3-quart saucepan. Heat until hot, stirring occasionally.  Strain into a pitcher or other container.

The Super Easy Ribbed Hat - Any Size!

Free Crochet Pattern

Cute, stretchy, and beginner friendly, this free crochet pattern is the Cold Snap Cap by Crochet Revolution (click to go to the free pattern).  Instructions are given for any size, from baby to adult.

These are the ones I made.  My oldest grandson carefully picked the colors for both himself (the red) and his baby brother (in pic below).
One picture's worth a thousand words!
If you want info on the hat and beard dad is wearing, check out:

• Beard Face Warmer
• Northern Stripes Hat by Maria Bittner

Cheers!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hey!  Don't be alone! Let's crochet!

Beard Face Warmer

Free Crochet Pattern

While browsing crochet patterns one day before Christmas 2014, my son-in-law glanced over and spotted beard face warmers.  He said, "Oh, wow!  That's cool!"  Isn't it a happy time to find something that someone really likes?

My criteria: to have the "beard-y", texture, be wearable and fit right.

The ones I found didn't quite make it, so this is what I came up with. And, shame on me BIG time, I didn't write it down!  But if you have just a little bit of working knowledge of crochet, you can scrumble up one of your own with these notes - they're easy to do!

• First, check out some free patterns for the basic idea and sizes:
• If you belong to Ravelry, pattern-search for "beards", and check the "crochet" box under the "Personalize" heading.  (If you don't belong to Ravelry, for goodness sake, sign up; it's free, no spam and oh my, so much wonderfulness)!
• Do a web search for "free crochet beard patterns".
• This beard does not attach to the hat.  It has a loop on each side that goes up around the ears.  Some patterns had a button sewn on, that buttoned onto the hat.
• Using one of the patterns found in your search that is basically the way you like, begin with the stitch counts it offers.
• If your giftee has a full beard already (like mine did) you can make it cup outward more by adding more stitch increases in the rows.  Add more length as necessary to cover under the chin/neck.
• I used 2 strands of Caron Simply Soft yarn held together, as it is a fairly thin worsted, or you can use a bulky weight yarn for the "fullness" look.
• Add enough width to the beard to go up into sideburns; this will conceal the yarn chain that goes over the ears to hold the beard on.
• Use a yarn needle to thread yarn through next-to-bottom row; pull yarn to gather the bottom to “cup” the beard inward and shape to the face and up under the chin.
• Attach one end of the ear loop (made with chain sts) about two rows down from the top of the side-burn, and then attach the other end close to the bottom of beard; this holds and pulls the beard weight up even so it will stay up and not ride down with movement/talking.
• To get the texture, work totally random, in any order, repeating stitches the number of times as desired for the textural look, throughout the rows:
• sc or hdc sts, repeated as many times as desired, with
• (sc in st, dc in next st) repeats, with 
• (tr in st, hdc in next st) repeats and 
• (tr in st, sc in next st) repeats and 
• (tr in st, sl st in next st) repeats.  
• When working these sts from the right side, push the bobbles they make to the right side.  When working from the wrong side, the bobbles come out on the right side, so they're okay.
• When working the mustache, use sl sts instead of sc or whatever st is called for, to make it narrow and "dip" under the nose and over the upper lip.

For the hat, use any hat pattern you like.  The one I used is a free pattern, the Northern Stripes Beanie.

He was surprised that I made this for him - my daughter says he wore it constantly!

And THAT makes me a happy crocheter!

Making one? I'd love to see it!
Just put your link in the Comments.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!

Granny Squares, December 2014

Free Crochet Patterns

These pretty squares are December's choices made for the 2014BAMCAL (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on Ravelry.

• Click the pics to go to my Ravelry page, where you'll want to scroll down to see if I have notes on making the square, which often give trouble spots, tips and helpful info.  
• Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.

Beauty in Excellence (12") - Free Pattern

Irish Ivy Rose (6") - Free Pattern

Universal Star Flower (12") - Free Pattern

Ursa Major (6") - Free Pattern

Making one? I'd love to see it!
Just put your link in the Comments.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!

Granny squares, November 2014

Free Crochet Patterns

These pretty squares are December's choices made for the 2014BAMCAL (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on Ravelry.

• Click the pics to go to my Ravelry page, where you'll want to scroll down to see if I have notes on making the square, which often give trouble spots, tips and helpful info.  
• Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.

Holiday Ornament - Free Pattern

Lacy Granny (12") - Free Pattern

Lady's Rose (6") - Free Pattern

Flower & Trebles (6") - Free pattern

Making one? I'd love to see it!
Just put your link in the Comments.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!