tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52446566306897288902024-03-14T13:26:07.124-05:00txmommylady's crochet escapeEverything crochet! Free patterns, must-know info, easy tips to build your skills, tips and toolstxmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-82449074787003729972017-08-29T23:30:00.001-05:002017-09-11T01:43:49.959-05:00Solar Eclipse Coasters<h2>
Solar Eclipse Coasters - Free Pattern</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVuZ4kss75ZeK4nVwdLdk4z6Ik3VxIJf0ofyVReR2YaLkbw1iM8mdItaQxzMUa10r25KfzYW93oJgaev4LYx1xZIHboQNN5nwyKP0DF_J8sbzZQgH3yet3xHdFESDTKrLIHxkD5BYrag/s1600/coaster_pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVuZ4kss75ZeK4nVwdLdk4z6Ik3VxIJf0ofyVReR2YaLkbw1iM8mdItaQxzMUa10r25KfzYW93oJgaev4LYx1xZIHboQNN5nwyKP0DF_J8sbzZQgH3yet3xHdFESDTKrLIHxkD5BYrag/s320/coaster_pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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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!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkOteeI0I11YcR26Ustv9cWkVyS4wdRnJdNdCUlCLKip4UKqm8zou9R87hngJ6madgr610ms6KomodwK89Fe2AuGo4ULnLfSCE4R1KxtywH8YJ5prgwv4tYiNFuxgZ_dibqe4FxSV25A/s1600/coaster_pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="708" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkOteeI0I11YcR26Ustv9cWkVyS4wdRnJdNdCUlCLKip4UKqm8zou9R87hngJ6madgr610ms6KomodwK89Fe2AuGo4ULnLfSCE4R1KxtywH8YJ5prgwv4tYiNFuxgZ_dibqe4FxSV25A/s200/coaster_pic2.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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<b>Pattern below - or - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/txmommyladys-crochet-spot/411197?filename=pattern_eclipse_rev2.pdf" target="_blank">Download pattern .pdf here</a> </b><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>SOLAR ECLIPSE FUN FACTS </b>(<i>source: <a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/what-gravitational-effects-happen-during-total-solar-eclipse" target="_blank">NASA</a></i>)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- The Earth's crust bulges upwards, and you will be 40 mm (1.57") closer to the sun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- You will weigh 1.7 oz. ( .11 lb) lighter.</span><br />
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<b>Beginner + </b> (Simple stitch patterns and/or shaping)<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">SIZE:</span></b> 5” (13 cm) at widest part / moon = 4” (10 cm)<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">MATERIALS (1 coaster)</span></b><br />
<b>Yarn:</b> Lily Sugar’n Cream Cotton worsted (weight 4):<br />
- Black: 13 yds (12 m)<br />
- Yellow (Sunshine): 9 yds (8 m)<br />
- Orange (Hot Orange): 6 yds (5.5 m)<br />
<b>Hooks:</b> G (4.0 mm)<br />
H (5.0 mm)<br />
<b>Other:</b> Yarn needle<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">GAUGE:</span></b> First 2 rounds = 2”<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">ABBREVIATIONS</span></b><br />
beg beginning rnd(s) round(s)<br />
BL Back Loop st(s) stitch(es)<br />
ch chain sc single crochet<br />
dc double crochet sk skip<br />
hdc half double crochet sl st(s) slip stitch(es)<br />
lp(s) loop(s) yo yarn over<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">STITCH EXPLANATION</span></b><br />
<b><u>dc2tog (double crochet 2 sts together):</u></b> 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.<br />
<b><u>hdc2tog (half double crochet 2 sts together):</u></b> 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.<br />
<b><u>picot:</u></b> ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch fr hook. Picot made. <i>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).</i><br />
<b><u>magic ring (also known as magic adjustable loop):</u></b> Video tutorial at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEq48ABHRZo" target="_blank">Easiest Crochet: Magic Circle</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">INSTRUCTIONS</span></b><br />
American terms are used throughout.<br />
USA to UK stitch conversions: <a href="http://www.yarnfwd.com/crochet.html" target="_blank">Yarn Forward Crochet Conversion Chart</a><br />
<i>Tip:</i> Work over yarn tails whenever possible to avoid having to weave in so many ends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvy5OHA7Kp-Lm9vMs4_X0hPLtutebZ_Uye8rLA3FfakI4vaLmNpG7trhVHq_oEa5RqO3PcuBpSMLqCZENmWaMrlK8tuOBLTVn-X4UH7AWblxour0ul9jVIBItaJ-kgfyPh-F3IEx-iQI/s1600/coaster_pic_anatomyjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvy5OHA7Kp-Lm9vMs4_X0hPLtutebZ_Uye8rLA3FfakI4vaLmNpG7trhVHq_oEa5RqO3PcuBpSMLqCZENmWaMrlK8tuOBLTVn-X4UH7AWblxour0ul9jVIBItaJ-kgfyPh-F3IEx-iQI/s320/coaster_pic_anatomyjpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>MOON</b><br />
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<i><u>Notes</u></i><br />
<ul>
<li>If piece is too large, use smaller hook and/or crochet Rnd 2 with hdc instead of dc.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ul>
Use hook G (4.0 mm)<br />
<b>Rnd 1:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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)<br />
<b>Rnd 2:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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)<br />
<b>Rnd 3:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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)<br />
<b>Rnd 4:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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)<br />
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<b>CORONA </b>(see photo)<br />
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Use hook H (5.0 mm)<br />
<i>J</i><i>oin orange:</i> yo hook with orange yarn, pull through lp on hook; orange joined. Drop and finish off black. <br />
Working with orange now, sl st loosely in BL of next 34 sts. Finish off. (35 sts)<br />
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<b>SUN</b><br />
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Use hook G (4.0 mm)<br />
<b>Row 1:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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)<br />
<b>Row 2:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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:<br />
(sl st, ch 1, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,<br />
(sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,<br />
(sc, picot, sc) in next st, sl st in next,<br />
(sc, hdc, picot) in next st, (hdc, sc) in next, sl st in next,<br />
*(hdc, dc, picot) in next st, (dc, hdc) in next, sl st in next, repeat from * 5 more times,<br />
(sc, hdc, picot) in next st, (hdc, sc) in next, sl st in next,<br />
(sc, picot, sc) in next st, sl st in next,<br />
(sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next st, sl st in next,<br />
(sl st, ch 1, sl st) in next st, sl st in next (last yellow st),<br />
sl st in BL of next orange st (leave last orange st unworked). <br />
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Finish off. Weave in ends with yarn needle.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>ENJOY!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh36xe9oMldtXswWwHL324xE8dnQoufbwUIq1wS7lHdD8amOcvtbW557D29Futx4BbGQrCVNLMoLX6xEZrHoTFntPOU2OnYkkbCWxeBmlmvroeVjNFbrU35jAi2P5l2tAg713-heYBQQ/s1600/eclipse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh36xe9oMldtXswWwHL324xE8dnQoufbwUIq1wS7lHdD8amOcvtbW557D29Futx4BbGQrCVNLMoLX6xEZrHoTFntPOU2OnYkkbCWxeBmlmvroeVjNFbrU35jAi2P5l2tAg713-heYBQQ/s200/eclipse3.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<br />txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-38432345075940037502015-08-26T23:58:00.002-05:002017-07-09T00:36:11.728-05:00Apple Pie a la mode Moonshine Recipe<br />
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-small;">Not as strong as real moonshine, but it still packs a kick!</span></i></div>
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Popular to have on hand for guests, this easy-to-make recipe makes a fabulous gift that is always a favorite!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0LnfugOpLm76GlE_GdkdEfFIDheB_-p05xbWEaW4b6AobD5LVsbe2milfX25YVEz7IGF3DhOF4JsNMWgzeFa3hPwCR_eJkGIaidS3Y0l9CjZTwdkIofSB_QXgZbLNb1Gi5ig1CLdf38/s1600/apple+pie+moonshine+label.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Label for Apple Pie a' la mode Moonshine" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1276" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0LnfugOpLm76GlE_GdkdEfFIDheB_-p05xbWEaW4b6AobD5LVsbe2milfX25YVEz7IGF3DhOF4JsNMWgzeFa3hPwCR_eJkGIaidS3Y0l9CjZTwdkIofSB_QXgZbLNb1Gi5ig1CLdf38/s320/apple+pie+moonshine+label.JPG" title="Label for Apple Pie a' la mode Moonshine" width="320" /></a></div>
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This label was made using the <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/" target="_blank">Avery Label maker app</a>, 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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g7wYSBRDIYYT_OtQW0VOh3dZMZoVYOKAUcXkoU2JpHzS2hvqtetrMp_0qBR5qiuU9OUKWYuf4PvYh3kltnb8ZDhn398TKeLEJsUCvIgfMp2ixla8bNhQdWO_upJBQdyImB-TAwnyc08/s1600/mason+jar+shot+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g7wYSBRDIYYT_OtQW0VOh3dZMZoVYOKAUcXkoU2JpHzS2hvqtetrMp_0qBR5qiuU9OUKWYuf4PvYh3kltnb8ZDhn398TKeLEJsUCvIgfMp2ixla8bNhQdWO_upJBQdyImB-TAwnyc08/s320/mason+jar+shot+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Do a search for "mason jar shot glasses". They can be found with lids, or without.<br />
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<h3>
RECIPE (best made at least 2 weeks ahead)</h3>
<b>Makes</b>: 6 quarts (or 12 pints)<br />
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Purchase the number of quart or pint mason jars you need.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
½ gal (8 cups) <i>spiced </i>apple cider (*see note)<br />
½ gal (8 cups) apple juice<br />
6 cinnamon sticks<br />
1 whole clove<br />
1 teaspoon ground allspice<br />
¾ cup sugar<br />
¾ cup brown sugar<br />
3 cups 190 proof grain alcohol (like Everclear)<br />
2 cups whipped cream vodka<br />
3 apples (any kind except Red Delicious), peeled, cored, and each cut in eight pieces<br />
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*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.<br />
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<b>Instructions</b><br />
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.<br />
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Store in refrigerator, or in a cool, dark, dry place. (*see note)<br />
Shake gently before pouring/drinking.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">~<i>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.~</i></span></div>
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*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 <i>doesn’t</i> 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.<br />
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<h3>
SPICED APPLE CIDER</h3>
8 cups apple cider<br />
2 cinnamon sticks<br />
4 whole cloves<br />
1 orange, cut into 8 slices (do not peel)<br />
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Put everything in a 3-quart saucepan. Heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Strain into a pitcher or other container.<br />
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txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-3001899799189394582015-05-31T14:57:00.001-05:002017-07-09T00:39:09.350-05:00The Super Easy Ribbed Hat - Any Size!<h2>
Free Crochet Pattern</h2>
Cute, stretchy, and beginner friendly, this free crochet pattern is the <a href="http://crochetvolution.com/archives/winter-2013/cold-snap-cap" target="_blank">Cold Snap Cap by Crochet Revolution</a> (click to go to the free pattern). Instructions are given for any size, from baby to adult.<br />
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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).<br />
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54F0ZXNr_Q9MpH9zk3whhYg24P85DaUv7Jq84ErZdgK4WuzN_SfahmUmdM_TWFSINuX7625WVgjqlQHVFkWw63b-CoTUFVzA5q0-oM1ahpVY-20d0KSg8aYbxJyV5BE6AzPKKW-DD4N4/s1600/hat_noah.jpg"><img alt="Free crochet pattern: Easy Ribbed Beanie Hat" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54F0ZXNr_Q9MpH9zk3whhYg24P85DaUv7Jq84ErZdgK4WuzN_SfahmUmdM_TWFSINuX7625WVgjqlQHVFkWw63b-CoTUFVzA5q0-oM1ahpVY-20d0KSg8aYbxJyV5BE6AzPKKW-DD4N4/s320/hat_noah.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="Free crochet pattern: Easy Ribbed Beanie Hat" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscd-KHnls6jhy-ywHFrXZaqXwDc3ffauPxmCCsqcGLo43Fu_YpXfpogSN0ankpKslJpH5cGBmuNZmxmnTGIS6czAUgS8coDBjX8Tllb0SXMaDldnXBv3laYHVdp2mnGjqETFPGerXKkM/s1600/hat_jonah1.jpg"><img alt="Free crochet pattern: Easy Ribbed Beanie Hat" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscd-KHnls6jhy-ywHFrXZaqXwDc3ffauPxmCCsqcGLo43Fu_YpXfpogSN0ankpKslJpH5cGBmuNZmxmnTGIS6czAUgS8coDBjX8Tllb0SXMaDldnXBv3laYHVdp2mnGjqETFPGerXKkM/s320/hat_jonah1.jpg" title="Free crochet pattern: Easy Ribbed Beanie Hat" width="313" /></a></center>
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One picture's worth a thousand words!</center>
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If you want info on the hat and beard dad is wearing, check out: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://txmommylady.blogspot.com/2015/05/beard-face-warmer.html" target="_blank">Beard Face Warmer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northern-stripes-pdf14-130" target="_blank">Northern Stripes Hat by Maria Bittner</a></li>
</ul>
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Cheers!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~<br />
Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-22629463615694508262015-05-31T14:27:00.001-05:002017-07-09T01:03:43.503-05:00Beard Face Warmer<h2>Free Crochet Pattern</h2><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHyBOKGsAQPEdzfbexvvMW7PqRmxlbM2oHQvsvJWuCBPX3X61kVSEulslHAlZoa56WQxpcDt-7NcGOqsmdGIaiKJHvp44m84ULFgwfgkLpya_4-7L1GIJEE2Hs88xjf79a9-B0nPY_Y4/s1600/beard1_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHyBOKGsAQPEdzfbexvvMW7PqRmxlbM2oHQvsvJWuCBPX3X61kVSEulslHAlZoa56WQxpcDt-7NcGOqsmdGIaiKJHvp44m84ULFgwfgkLpya_4-7L1GIJEE2Hs88xjf79a9-B0nPY_Y4/s320/beard1_opt.jpg" width="285" /></a>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? <br />
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My criteria: to have the "beard-y", texture, be wearable and fit right.<br />
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The ones I found didn't quite make it, so this is what I came up with. And, <i>shame on me BIG time</i>, 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!<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdlDba9YyNurAs7hE2pT0wUhE1y2zUI6W8k9Q2TmLHhI_8mhFKcaPGBs22vnPF538V4ZCHfPnXvjeBhrSpN1bi23cJje93l5rn5QzFdBIQbv9p9-UqlIBS1XH3sTKtB5wIrK-D4XFmfY/s1600/beard2_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdlDba9YyNurAs7hE2pT0wUhE1y2zUI6W8k9Q2TmLHhI_8mhFKcaPGBs22vnPF538V4ZCHfPnXvjeBhrSpN1bi23cJje93l5rn5QzFdBIQbv9p9-UqlIBS1XH3sTKtB5wIrK-D4XFmfY/s320/beard2_opt.jpg" width="285" /></a>
<li>First, check out some free patterns for the basic idea and sizes:</li>
<ul><li>If you belong to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, 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)!</li>
<li>Do a web search for "free crochet beard patterns".</li>
</ul><li>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.</li>
<li>Using one of the patterns found in your search that is basically the way you like, begin with the stitch counts it offers.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>To get the texture, <i>work totally random,</i> in any order, repeating stitches the number of times as desired for the textural look, throughout the rows:</li>
<ul><li>sc or hdc sts, repeated as many times as desired, with</li>
<li>(sc in st, dc in next st) repeats, with </li>
<ul><li>(tr in st, hdc in next st) repeats and </li>
<li>(tr in st, sc in next st) repeats and </li>
<li>(tr in st, sl st in next st) repeats. </li>
</ul><li>When working these sts from the <i>right</i> 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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ul></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2r8cpSlnZnWpXG2rbt3wVO0VpnzoY0KH0YNPyh0K9ESpSvi2eR_mMM0wZ_oTPn9_OS5FY-kkR9fBuCGJsdyxRW_KJZpzVuvWzLhJjcdEmLQ2PssY5zu82FltSUJB2lrhOgQ9BPgLhYw/s1600/beard3_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2r8cpSlnZnWpXG2rbt3wVO0VpnzoY0KH0YNPyh0K9ESpSvi2eR_mMM0wZ_oTPn9_OS5FY-kkR9fBuCGJsdyxRW_KJZpzVuvWzLhJjcdEmLQ2PssY5zu82FltSUJB2lrhOgQ9BPgLhYw/s320/beard3_opt.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />
For the hat, use any hat pattern you like. The one I used is a free pattern, the <a href="http://pattern-paradise.com/2014/01/19/free-crochet-pattern-northern-stripes/" target="_blank">Northern Stripes Beanie</a>.<br />
<br />
He was surprised that I made this for him - my daughter says he wore it constantly!<br />
<br />
And THAT makes me a happy crocheter!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Making one? I'd love to see it!</b></i></span><br />
Just put your link in the Comments.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-18734207180416137162015-05-31T10:22:00.002-05:002017-07-09T02:39:35.253-05:00Granny Squares, December 2014<h2>
Free Crochet Patterns</h2>
<div>
These pretty squares are December's choices made for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014BAMCAL</a> (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a></div>
<ul>
<li>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. </li>
<li>Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/beauty-in-excellence-9-12-afghan-block-square" target="_blank"><img alt="Free granny square crochet pattern - Beauty in Excellence 12"" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YYfQ2CDbKIdXOrKL35BxIHrfdaxmIBgrf_xYNlQ-gOU2A-xeyjVTCJ-6HEcif0UjUCB-ZeZ6G9hqMzu0F8_fhO5Ktxq7J9OmAPNPWKM5TDqjduspG_5_gHu52Kc3dx9Nq2SYhW1QCsg/s320/granny_beautyexcel_opt.jpg" title="Free granny square crochet pattern - Beauty in Excellence 12"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/beauty-in-excellence-9-12-afghan-block-square" target="_blank">Beauty in Excellence (12") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/irish-ivy-rose" target="_blank"><img alt="Free granny square crochet pattern - Irish Ivy Rose 6"" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdPw9Mkam_hds0vQlTyDecS5SEG5bnOq4j8ou7d-kIhf4J3wiVk0HzXKYUTIan_OhfTUquP0KTvFHOwqj_kSDEIOywDc80otA3ksWZRZ0osBCYSGIW2VN29GZGW5vx7xW1VzoDbno3qc/s320/granny_irishivyrose_6in.jpg" title="Free granny square crochet pattern - Irish Ivy Rose 6"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/irish-ivy-rose" target="_blank">Irish Ivy Rose (6") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/universal-star-flower" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Universal Star Flower 12"" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnRwbNWSRCXM4cT6LHXC9wdXPs06sOx85JVAWkVceB8y9_HUz8_CqK1Guz9PQaqHlZ0PE_5PoJoJxtMpUb4u565EdnLgBPPpc4wpe5N-oAurAc_vg3_GZspzFwKDTiZI70z3Y4Hlyhkw/s320/granny_starflower%252B9.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Universal Star Flower 12"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/universal-star-flower" target="_blank">Universal Star Flower (12") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/ursa-major" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Ursa Major 6"" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmnqEwz-W9QTXAG9QQszjuULXy4TQAr8L3LLhOtKy233B6JZiJ_9r8lIJKGAvDvEBAWYCL43rXEjGT0Ap0mDQSTpeC6vGYSNTAbe5xt3S2yAzQ6Jqnny_jGGUMdgcCheLI8wxJUkEAF8/s320/granny_ursamajor_6.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Ursa Major 6"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/ursa-major" target="_blank">Ursa Major (6") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Making one? I'd love to see it!</b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just put your link in the Comments.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-4225116344977449932015-05-31T10:08:00.000-05:002017-07-09T02:39:45.002-05:00Granny squares, November 2014<h2>
Free Crochet Patterns</h2>
<div>
These pretty squares are December's choices made for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014BAMCAL</a> (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>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. </li>
<li>Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/holiday-ornament-afghan-square" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Holiday Ornament (12")" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ZT2WdmSczkFI-Qy7tXD2dJO-CedISLPG7xnLqztsSDQwQC2hyphenhyphenUtgrCIYqvr_VtyfCHmdZHQyFwjj5bORrYluR5X1EKMmrhS23SrTaajPovvEcvsCA0YkDZ2CfXRNXG55GgjwXW1ldM/s320/granny_holidayorn.JPG" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Holiday Ornament (12")" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/holiday-ornament-afghan-square" target="_blank">Holiday Ornament - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/lacy-granny" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Lacy Granny (12")" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJanZKSt3e4a_DpQvjkR3XdSwYNP-KqCjUdsznueaFUSBh7x5GspTaZ4SyJYzAqG1pYyY8gcVk-R10O5fJ57kflEEBerJjPm-5YMOWo8BTzD9KRZwsFBW2rWyzy_XJqL7LPXntG25zD58/s320/granny_lacy.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Lacy Granny (12")" width="312" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/lacy-granny" target="_blank">Lacy Granny (12") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/ladys-rose---6-square" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Lady's Rose 6"" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnMKDQn-FREwuVRaqP4MUM2TLObitIc91cYmfy-iYydUWCFZMMIjzULzfN82vOAmqFHjrquAhmaRo64nY08pDKR8PyrUGBlz6dbQosz7YDRfOtWZ6WCzL9X_8CraR42LVATJoyuqLhD8/s320/granny_ladysrose.JPG" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Lady's Rose 6"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/ladys-rose---6-square" target="_blank">Lady's Rose (6") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/flower-and-trebles-square" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Flower & Trebles 6"" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKcQ_wzAFfOpkdBMyl6uXp4vEMZcl-zgvPAHTdOJ-Fr_oTjUrnq6CsREV8U1ng20LJwBA-bRJdynTqd4sJiWKgBJFNJOU7eshyphenhyphenmMVK_mVRlKPZhv5jCf3uKOLAEcRKgRk8V2eBFGCIHc/s320/granny_flower-trebles.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Flower & Trebles 6"" width="319" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/flower-and-trebles-square" target="_blank">Flower & Trebles (6") - Free pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Making one? I'd love to see it!</b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just put your link in the Comments.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-23224683103848455152015-05-31T09:14:00.000-05:002017-07-09T02:39:57.527-05:00Granny Squares, October 2014<h2>
Free Crochet Patterns</h2>
<div>
These pretty squares are December's choices made for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014BAMCAL</a> (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a></div>
<ul>
<li>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. </li>
<li>Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/prince-protea-square" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Prince Protea 12"" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aR9jfVFeUvpk3UbOAIfXBr9zKRi39TkwbYuTv-vuZDpi7eVz5C6DxkGxbBpzfK_Bmx6DnZ3pVaa1YROTYh_MxmPKykWJOCzEF1V5G8YlvF6Up87Bk_aZCzMJlt88p6uv_7S6DLN2zMM/s320/granny_PrinceProtea.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Prince Protea 12"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/prince-protea-square" target="_blank">Prince Protea (12") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pineapple-sun" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Pineapple Sun 6"" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymgUHlDLhGHLKFwM8UDLgzLRTNITeI0lu9jYpDZh0xAJ3Rz-L-R-9DiUHwdW4RemI5GBCuAGKgY28lKQsdwYmUpQflHbvZJ5msQoq-0SauF-N2IFKfP8T2nONJkLEqQQuEiuLr56jNmk/s320/granny_pineapplesun.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Pineapple Sun 6"" width="313" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pineapple-sun" target="_blank">Pineapple Sun (6") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/sea-flower" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Sea Flower 12"" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jd4aiMgYXv7G4S3j-JMQNbMHnX9jKYCN0cZ5FFA099m4cTGWPG1WXvn7vHqAX40PRmv1fZ7uas73scvRp_ocja_YWfBu7r4NZjt_Q_fhACkM4RGu6-n3fQIllC3NfpUJ3bQkdFWpqB4/s320/granny_sea+flower1.jpg" title="Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern - Sea Flower 12"" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/sea-flower" target="_blank">Sea Flower (12") - Free Pattern</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Making one? I'd love to see it!</b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just put your link in the Comments.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-64256842229726004952015-02-26T00:38:00.002-06:002017-07-09T02:40:06.964-05:00Granny Squares, September 2014<h2>
Free Crochet Patterns</h2>
<div>
These pretty squares are September's choices made for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014BAMCAL</a> (2014 Block-A-Month Crochet-Along) on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a></div>
<ul>
<li>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. </li>
<li>Then for the pattern, click the link under the "About this pattern" on the right side-bar.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pineapple-dreams-dish-cloth-pattern" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free granny square crochet pattern - Pineapple Dreams" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH1oe4jM7ipqjmmaU9T52PbqZ2__N2pa7TV2tbl6hXSlvr7B1OyPkeFB1x4JXDUwb3tWCir-YeytAgOPWCT0UNcg92KYV78bEr-Gs8jK9PR15t69ACftkcmv6rFrXSSejLv3pCx10qks/s320/granny_pineappledreams2.jpg" title="Free granny square crochet pattern - Pineapple Dreams" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pineapple-dreams-dish-cloth-pattern" target="_blank">Pineapple Dreams</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/tributary" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free granny square crochet pattern - Tributary" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45rE3FsWbZooxazGYaYPQP5Pi0QUcKiAcUMUujZqZc9K34lf3TyG_Btwmkf6tSr7FzlLNF7PRR2nBL905XSukuR2YbHvWXfCGflA6M9W3GXk7Uke8aOMju4U073vrZoFh7bGkpPfdtMo/s320/granny_tributary.jpg" title="Free granny square crochet pattern - Tributary" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/tributary" target="_blank">Tributary</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pretty-pansies-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Crochet Pattern - Pansy Granny Square" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sgmLdSlmudhGiSqB68agQT0TOFRuhYiNUWYeE7U4gjOWLKNWGd7_sgHpTV1TP8v-zE3BE-0v88JmuewBFzLIOvXtoXBLSw8CHFH78cwhNK9gEsOW1pgYb6SiCtuqjm9vw1U7KsipYE4/s1600/granny_pansy.JPG" title="Crochet Pattern - Pansy Granny Square" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pretty-pansies-2" target="_blank">Pretty Pansies</a> *see Note below*</td></tr>
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*Note: This particular square was made using a pattern I already had (which was not free) BUT here is a free alternate that is just as pretty! (Click on my square above to find the free pattern for the leaves).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pansy-flower-granny" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kX2tBTHWYKGcx6OoCADnrmfbqegtYlr9mClKhazvuK9AYQuGTRwKy3MNx6Rc6agqJtLJdRzVReRItQtSc4KMq4-Q6gFbkFyGLaPdvLhp86NglJkZWhIeOHoKy3hXo19vw0SofWhghyphenhyphenc/s200/IMG_5259.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pansy-flower-granny" target="_blank">Pansy Flower Granny</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pansy-flower-granny" target="_blank">Free pattern by Annoo Crochet Designs</a></td></tr>
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Click my square, above, for the free pansy leaf pattern (under "Project info"), but before you go to get the pattern, scroll down to my notes to see my "Leaf modification" so the leaf comes out right.<br />
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<i style="color: red; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><b>Making one? I'd love to see it!</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just put your link in the Comments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hey! Don't be alone! Let's crochet!</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-79531417319227671602014-10-21T20:29:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:51:19.114-05:00Crochet Challenge: Join a crochet group<b>Week 30 (09-24-14):</b> Fall is a great time to meet up with hookers. Join a crochet group, local or online. Check out the CGOA Chapter list or find a group on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>.<br />
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Sadly there are no CGOA chapters anywhere close, but happily, there are lots of groups online! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, of course, is the best there is. Within Ravelry, there are groups for everyone, as long as it's related to knit, crochet, yarn, thread, etc. It's amazing!<br />
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I belong to 15 groups within Ravelry (there are probably hundreds of them - like is said there are groups for EVERYONE) --- some CALs (crochet alongs), designer groups, even an organization group for all that yarn, works-in-progress, patterns, hooks/needles, etc.<br />
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And last but not least..... the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> group that spurs this post (which I also found on Ravelry)!<br />
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You can see the groups I belong to <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/txmommylady" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. They're on the left hand side; just click their icon to find out more about them.<br />
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So, don't be alone! Let's crochet together!</div>
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<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
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txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-62345801556257364782014-10-21T19:10:00.000-05:002017-07-07T02:21:25.467-05:00Free Crochet Pattern: Quick Cozy Scoodie<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdN2eoyyD2txjh5b8pCngVadCCBSLpeldbwEkRsJv9YTbUsBOnZQ0p-8W9Aumy-0igDlMRTG3MTu0NdViYdAUJT23j-wwIMCRuTHT8fsLeQEFZF8o6ZpPp8EchbRWPNyIoMDwhil8lxE/s1600/scoodie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick Cozy Scoodie - free crochet pattern" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdN2eoyyD2txjh5b8pCngVadCCBSLpeldbwEkRsJv9YTbUsBOnZQ0p-8W9Aumy-0igDlMRTG3MTu0NdViYdAUJT23j-wwIMCRuTHT8fsLeQEFZF8o6ZpPp8EchbRWPNyIoMDwhil8lxE/s1600/scoodie2.jpg" title="Quick Cozy Scoodie - free crochet pattern" width="282" /></a></div>
Designed for a friend moving to chilly Pennsylvania, this pattern is an easy, quick, warm, thick, cozy, scoodie (combined scarf and hood). <br />
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There is a nice neck piece to tuck in or out, and long scarves to wrap around and tie or cover the face and keep the nose from turning into a popsicle.<br />
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The pattern is for an adult size, but smaller sizes are easy to make by using a smaller hook, fewer strands of yarn, or leaving off rows. Photos showing measurements and illustrating pattern instructions are provided. <br />
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It is made using a large hook and 3 strands of yarn for the hood, and 2 strands of yarn for the scarf. It has the pretty, cushy texture of the easy <a href="http://newstitchaday.com/how-to-crochet-the-aligned-cobble-stitch/" target="_blank">aligned cobble stitch</a>, and lots of customization possibilities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM-ot0iELZvgaM_NlVb3hiZM5Kz6xf6iz4h8fsLBufVdw9iiq-9kK5ffWX0pT4q2hx5AODAKaOxa_Cfh146nw3AfqtVujzAAjYkt4w3L-4qybpfq70gmCe1FMoOVF5fqkbr3SvodOSVM/s1600/scoodie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Quick Cozy Scoodie - free crochet pattern" border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM-ot0iELZvgaM_NlVb3hiZM5Kz6xf6iz4h8fsLBufVdw9iiq-9kK5ffWX0pT4q2hx5AODAKaOxa_Cfh146nw3AfqtVujzAAjYkt4w3L-4qybpfq70gmCe1FMoOVF5fqkbr3SvodOSVM/s1600/scoodie1.jpg" title="Quick Cozy Scoodie - free crochet pattern" width="320" /></a>If another worsted / aran yarn is used instead of Caron Simply Soft, you will probably need to use smaller hooks, or else sub 2 strands of yarn for the hood and 1 strand for the scarf.<br />
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Hooks: Size N (10.00 mm) and Size P (11.50 mm)<br />
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Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, tr<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulas-quick-cozy-scoodie" target="_blank"><b>DOWNLOAD PATTERN HERE</b></a>, or copy and paste this link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulas-quick-cozy-scoodie<br />
(Scroll down to notes and click "free Ravelry download")</div>
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I'd love to see a pic of your scoodie!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </span></div>
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Until next time!</div>
<br />txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-84930122927136036472014-10-02T18:00:00.001-05:002017-07-05T03:53:21.821-05:00Free crochet pattern - Yip Yip Martian Alien<h3>
Yip Yips - The Aliens from Mars on Sesame Street</h3>
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Cute and adorable free crochet pattern for my favorite Sesame Street characters - the Martians - AKA Yip Yips! Almost 60 and I still laugh when I see them. If you haven't had the pleasure - take a look at this short video for yourself:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KTc3PsW5ghQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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So I made one. I played with him, pretending he was looking around at things, saying, "yip yip yip yip yip". My daughter rolled her eyes and said I didn't have much of a life. It was grand fun!
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/yip-yip-alien" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free crochet pattern: Yip Yip Alien Martian - Sesame Street" border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/txmommylady/244546827/yipyip.jpg" height="293" title="Free crochet pattern: Yip Yip Alien Martian - Sesame Street" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Yip Yip #1. He got in his flying saucer and flew to live with a friend that makes afghans for charities. He sits on her chair while she crochets.<br />
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So I made another one. But Yip Yip #2 flew away to stay with my 3 yr old grandson so fast I didn't get a picture of him! 3 yr old grandson wouldn't turn loose of him after he watched the video!<br />
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Soooo.....I'm making <i>another </i>one. But he's going to go with my daughter - you know, the one that rolled her eyes. So she can roll her eyes some more. Yip Yips are fascinated by rolling eyes.<br />
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Then I'll make another one for ME. Hopefully he'll stay with me a while. He will be my "yarn end monster" mascot, to cheer me on when I have a bazillion yarn ends to weave in. He looks like he'd be good for that, doesn't he?
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<b><span style="color: red;">Here's the link to the free crochet pattern where you can make one too.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">I'd love to see a pic of yours! </span></b>
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<b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yip-yip-alien" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Yip Yip Alien </span>by Writers of wikiHow</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">(Click "free Ravelry download" toward the bottom).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Until next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
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txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-90239129343988265902014-09-22T15:09:00.001-05:002017-07-05T03:53:21.841-05:00Challenge: Crochet to music & celebrate the first day of fall<b>Week 28 (09-10-14):</b> Do you listen to audio books or music when you crochet? If yes, tell us what or who you've enjoyed the most. If not, give it a try.<br />
<b>Week 29 (09-17-14): </b> Celebrate the First Day of Fall (Sept 22) crocheting some leaves, or by using Fall colors in a project..<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/pretty-pansies" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Crocheted Pansy & Leaves" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAyWhGbopmGdWeZGB30-yO7CbtVdqxi0jLHc9A3KSIHHQ743vy9MOMAS4ouiNGsy5SvhIJHXQZZUQrqdOY2LD1TWPlURzkiCsu9UI9EBio29gh0iuoOcYD0Xbhg80HyCwLzcsVwrNbBw/s1600/pansy.jpg" height="375" title="Crocheted Pansy & Leaves" width="400" /></a></div>
I combined two weeks and listened to music while I crocheted a fall project. Instead of fall colored leaves, I chose the flower I love seeing in the fall - the pansy, along with the pansy leaves.<br />
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The pansy pattern is <i>Pretty Pansies</i><br />
by Terry Kimbrough<br />
from Leisure Arts #100318, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 1. <br />
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The pansy leaf pattern is free and can be found here: <a href="http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/free-crochet-patterns/pansy-leaf-crochet-leaf-pattern/" target="_blank">Pansy Leaf - Crocheted Leaf Pattern</a>. I modified it just a bit so the tips would come to a slight point. (Click the pic for my notes on what I did).<br />
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As for the music part of the challenge:<br />
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I don't listen to audio books when I crochet. I'd be too distracted with audio books, following the story, so I watch old movies on TV instead. The only time I crochet to music is when riding in the car.<br />
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In trying to decide what music to listen to, I saw a post by Kathryn from <a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/" target="_blank">Crochet Concupiscence</a> discussing "crochet music" on her blog. You could knock me over with a feather - oh my gosh, who knew there were songs that had crochet in them!<br />
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So instead of just listening to music as I crocheted, I listened to music <i>about </i>crochet while I crocheted! <br />
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Please go and listen and watch the music videos! Absolutely fascinating. Warning: put your "music judgement" on the back burner and understand that while you may not like punk or some of the other genres, that this is a modern history lesson on crochet in songs!<br />
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<b>Listen to the music and watch the music videos: <a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2014/09/songs-about-crochet-and-other-music-for-crafting/" target="_blank">Songs About Crochet and Other Music for Crafting</a></b><br />
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Be sure to stop and watch the music videos. I'll never look at a thrift shop the same again!<br />
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<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #pansy #leaves</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-89912265391316393862014-09-21T01:10:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:53:21.835-05:00Free crochet pattern: Perfect Hot Pads<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/perfect-hot-pads" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Perfect Hot Pads / Potholders" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98EKfj3VeD9t1252Fa_h2QR1CfdPZo226y_bgmYoer6iIt2TYiPaO5FqyS9lDtLE3Qf2e2MZUOumKrNFyCxbwQqNO6xRsTQhfJWbPquWm6zmNWmr0B663-NQpEEbTtVMrbcdTfLu7jDY/s1600/home_potholder1.jpg" height="306" title="Perfect Hot Pads / Potholders" width="320" /></a>If you want to crochet a pot holder / hot pad that is going to be the most used one in the house, this may be it. <br />
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This is the work horse --- the potholder reached for when you're doing serious, no- nonsense cooking. There is a reason generations have made potholders with this stitch.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">The Stitch</span></h3>
The stitch used is called the single crochet thermal stitch;<i> </i>also called the “potholder stitch”, honeycomb stitch (from the early 1900’s), Helena’s potholder stitch, double thick stitch, Siberian stitch, and waffle weave technique.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">The Tips</span></h3>
This is a very easy stitch to learn. All it is, is single crochet - you just put the hook in different loops.<br />
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The first 3 rows are hardest, only as far as knowing the beginning and end stitches to work into - they can get kind of hidden. Just put a stitch marker in those stitches right when you make them and it will save headaches and let you see right where they are. Otherwise, your potholder may take on a pyramid or slanted square shape! After row 5 it’s no problem, but keep using the markers if you need to.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/perfect-hot-pads" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Perfect Potholder / Hot Pad" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnQnECrwzDi0O9rXFyIO8sTPkOVKsjYQXiAgDv15rv4EJSYb2MMwpa6oYWhgVHvQxmFR8Lzp8E4g2L8NpSxSzN04FUQamEZ4qU9WBwuU6kywpn1Ri4Eo_R4ec8snO8btwm24IGOBXUjA/s1600/home_potholder2.jpg" height="270" title="Perfect Potholder / Hot Pad" width="320" /></a>This stitch is not very speedy, but remember that is because it is making a <i>double </i>thickness. It is what you want for a potholder or hot pad and the end result is worth it.<br />
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The pattern calls for an H-8 (5 mm) hook. I used a G-6 (4 mm) hook for a closer weave, but don't believe that it was necessary.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">The Lowdown</span></h3>
This is a very nice, thick, well-shaped, sturdy potholder that will last a LONG time and one I would be proud to give as a gift to anyone.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">The Pattern</span></h3>
<b>Pattern with photos: <a href="http://stitcheryprojects.com/2010/08/15/the-best-crocheted-potholder/" target="_blank">The Best Crocheted Potholder</a>, by Heather Tucker </b>(Has link to a video for more help, if needed).<br />
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<br />txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-34276399776851400352014-09-19T21:39:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:51:19.092-05:00Crochet Challenge: National Library Card Sign-Up Month<b>Week 27 (09-03-14):</b> September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Sign up for a library card this week and/or check out a crochet book and tell us what you think.<br />
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<b>Answer:</b> I live in a rural area and so do not have access to a free public library. They charge a fee to use it. Kind of aggravating, actually. What about all the kids in the country that want to use a library? grrr!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEZmALzb6d6fdUAiMQgPmfNuuRr11wg1Dt7RInHoU1w2LstPBIEqm3Cuxh5va_LhT9dcY7JGLENl1XUnz_Up8srplhuHy9zBupqB2BjInHcrxF5oEqBcmUvRkhIfB9XT-TW5_JN2Kt9o/s1600/book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needlecrafters of Every Level [ULTIMATE SOURCEBK OF KNITTING]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEZmALzb6d6fdUAiMQgPmfNuuRr11wg1Dt7RInHoU1w2LstPBIEqm3Cuxh5va_LhT9dcY7JGLENl1XUnz_Up8srplhuHy9zBupqB2BjInHcrxF5oEqBcmUvRkhIfB9XT-TW5_JN2Kt9o/s1600/book1.jpg" title="The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needlecrafters of Every Level [ULTIMATE SOURCEBK OF KNITTING]" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsNjaTZXXkDc7whTQ5E12RokNO6jUgubbKSGi6XNP-mlg6jml0yWMDDM1KOJ-CQcGucvb9Ug-Mk9vaEGY-sjYyX556iVxWFkdsQBtKZggaZmTPK4BsytIMzLf0KD0Yg5Veld3ZHTsW6o/s1600/book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Encyclopedia of 300 Crochet Patterns, Stitches and Designs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsNjaTZXXkDc7whTQ5E12RokNO6jUgubbKSGi6XNP-mlg6jml0yWMDDM1KOJ-CQcGucvb9Ug-Mk9vaEGY-sjYyX556iVxWFkdsQBtKZggaZmTPK4BsytIMzLf0KD0Yg5Veld3ZHTsW6o/s1600/book2.jpg" title="Encyclopedia of 300 Crochet Patterns, Stitches and Designs" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZf3Kd1uXE650IY95L5SkNLTB2cPfT7gZBb4O_YpCjbfNquip1N9xza3v-NM3x0BU0jUOBGpcG2I30ZdF1xiEcVL4YjdzFHmGGVJTCtJNTpw-Tlx8EmeCtX9JDagMDXae-ne5oQ9jvEE/s1600/book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gifts from the Heart (House of White Birches)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZf3Kd1uXE650IY95L5SkNLTB2cPfT7gZBb4O_YpCjbfNquip1N9xza3v-NM3x0BU0jUOBGpcG2I30ZdF1xiEcVL4YjdzFHmGGVJTCtJNTpw-Tlx8EmeCtX9JDagMDXae-ne5oQ9jvEE/s1600/book3.jpg" title="Gifts from the Heart (House of White Birches)" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, here are a few from my mini-library of crochet books, and I do peruse them all the time for inspiration or instruction. Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #library #books</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-25881572756382035812014-09-19T21:25:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:51:19.075-05:00Crochet Challenge: Organize Your Kit and Project BagOne simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! Just click the "Are you Ready?!" button on the sidebar to get started.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 26 challenge (08-27-14)</b>: Go through your crochet kit and project bag and organize them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/221435773477?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE_-ls-oGPn8cT3hmgtSNT-3ImQqalUhNN3UXdp-zX17wfpkAdtMv9VUM-UJvwqBCxcIFFQsQK0kXcfKFzCo7umemufbris-7keWTVVYx9n0NrXGIQ8hoxxCHwky4uB44k0v1gqKozq4/s1600/organizer6.jpg" height="196" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a>I bought this bag from Miles Kimball for $13.99 and free shipping. (Click the pic to go there if you want to order one).<br />
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It is my main project bag. I was surprised at the quality, for the price. It is so functional. When I got it, it had a bad plastic smell; I unzipped everything and let it air a couple of days and it was fine.<br />
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It's soft-sided so it squishes into spaces. It stays by my chair and I grab it by the nylon strap and put it in the floorboard of the car when we go places.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdjUGwY95NIYllfiki9KHe3kxWTQAqGI5DoreHwe4PsX3WcitfvA0dRckV389fm82BqIsq5EVC-gx3JVfuGKXZglWWEyukPRvWMS20Ei9-k5wNOL_8jqhpmyCH2Idlc6mXdr8ihoc7GQ/s1600/organizer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdjUGwY95NIYllfiki9KHe3kxWTQAqGI5DoreHwe4PsX3WcitfvA0dRckV389fm82BqIsq5EVC-gx3JVfuGKXZglWWEyukPRvWMS20Ei9-k5wNOL_8jqhpmyCH2Idlc6mXdr8ihoc7GQ/s1600/organizer3.jpg" height="186" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a> One side has a clear pocket that holds a spiral notebook and pattern and has a velcro tab closure.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Jn1xVGjONXyf_8rBt0lP4fNqep81PptrGHw6fiolDXplPT9P0Qkp6OfAM9mT9swtYR1pge9tlc3-0uW0cy34iWcjKOYD6WwPLmF-p4pLTkXK6vNe8P0cxF3hbUuWzLmD4p286zXwPU/s1600/organizer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Jn1xVGjONXyf_8rBt0lP4fNqep81PptrGHw6fiolDXplPT9P0Qkp6OfAM9mT9swtYR1pge9tlc3-0uW0cy34iWcjKOYD6WwPLmF-p4pLTkXK6vNe8P0cxF3hbUuWzLmD4p286zXwPU/s1600/organizer2.jpg" height="192" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
The other side has a clear zippered pocket that holds my set of crochet hooks, and a ziploc bag that holds a spare pair of glasses, row counter, bandaids, clothespins, pens, marker, and kleenex.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcADZZeNdXcPMS_3F2DG3T8f2cOMB4_Mbs1o4-4svdqEVloWPpk1uBtV3lOsSmmXL3Scy5vQNYqXyS5SG2xsuVj0TH5LqzTcLbou_6ZjQ5C86W8Q7Z0CQgZfBAAIdHAuUY1un0Dj9fjGo/s1600/organize6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcADZZeNdXcPMS_3F2DG3T8f2cOMB4_Mbs1o4-4svdqEVloWPpk1uBtV3lOsSmmXL3Scy5vQNYqXyS5SG2xsuVj0TH5LqzTcLbou_6ZjQ5C86W8Q7Z0CQgZfBAAIdHAuUY1un0Dj9fjGo/s1600/organize6.jpg" height="161" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a>There are three zippered pockets on the front. Each pocket holds two big skeins of yarn. The project I'm working on now uses 6 different colors. Perfect!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d177f6iU0oG4_V1a_tWiIMo8Gbswl_kQD1DaLfJT7CvUiHzaWqYXjC0GfNEu5c09pTEL36sDwKEwvr8EAdjnSnoD9XiTorfzQ4AI4nr2wVZh0qllFA2-0B6y-RmjeK3W0aPPwFtoles/s1600/organizer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d177f6iU0oG4_V1a_tWiIMo8Gbswl_kQD1DaLfJT7CvUiHzaWqYXjC0GfNEu5c09pTEL36sDwKEwvr8EAdjnSnoD9XiTorfzQ4AI4nr2wVZh0qllFA2-0B6y-RmjeK3W0aPPwFtoles/s1600/organizer4.jpg" height="141" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a>The top has smooth metal grommets that the yarn feeds through. There are velcro tabs that hold the yarn ends to keep them separated and from sliding back through the holes. There is also a small zippered pocket that holds miscellaneous items. I have lens wipes to clean my glasses, a pen, some unfinished grannies, and a tape measure in it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGY0fVG1AF2gz_MhzK0SNDdCiAGZ9fLIXXmhDBQhxDkx60Gcfopmn_X1SXWYMsAOrdA85AUK2WqmYVCy1F-vzw_ZCgBK_USdAsNi74b2C-gknYbYivOjDvxDxwOnkyQyoDUxCz5InHjI/s1600/organizer5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGY0fVG1AF2gz_MhzK0SNDdCiAGZ9fLIXXmhDBQhxDkx60Gcfopmn_X1SXWYMsAOrdA85AUK2WqmYVCy1F-vzw_ZCgBK_USdAsNi74b2C-gknYbYivOjDvxDxwOnkyQyoDUxCz5InHjI/s1600/organizer5.jpg" height="148" title=" Yarn Tote Organizer Bag" width="200" /></a><br />
The back has a zipper that opens into a roomy space to store the unfinished work. Mine shown here is holding completed granny squares for an afghan, and has plenty of room to hold the rest. That black fabric notebook in the front is a magnetic pattern holder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc08xxljvM-l9noO6ijkGA9LTmht6HqhKGcuoEs3qs1UUGeuPFcIoY5-VoPUILXyN1sqj08WSibW2a600dFzlxD9pYyZ_bPyNsi3N4C2qiKoW4Zb7R3ieD_RxOSyNPyFD9jpKrHGgXr-g/s1600/crochet+pics_chatelaine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chatelaine with scissors, pin cushion & needle threader" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc08xxljvM-l9noO6ijkGA9LTmht6HqhKGcuoEs3qs1UUGeuPFcIoY5-VoPUILXyN1sqj08WSibW2a600dFzlxD9pYyZ_bPyNsi3N4C2qiKoW4Zb7R3ieD_RxOSyNPyFD9jpKrHGgXr-g/s1600/crochet+pics_chatelaine.JPG" height="320" title="Chatelaine with scissors, pin cushion & needle threader" width="240" /></a>It also holds my chatelaine, which has my scissors, and a pineapple pin cushion with yarn needles, needle threader, safety pin markers, and the crochet hook I'm using. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHX-avShhd8I2ykO1f9_XK-g8WBZ7jjN-zc42NGaJ5S_clBn88dcMvWCUREnkIc-d3DZ0d6u0ys0h-oXeD3aNebCtyDZnO8p8qoLW7lNyvPcuLFr2NIEZ8zZlZx8mpx_mc_wljQp_SbM/s1600/scrapowl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Project tote bag" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHX-avShhd8I2ykO1f9_XK-g8WBZ7jjN-zc42NGaJ5S_clBn88dcMvWCUREnkIc-d3DZ0d6u0ys0h-oXeD3aNebCtyDZnO8p8qoLW7lNyvPcuLFr2NIEZ8zZlZx8mpx_mc_wljQp_SbM/s1600/scrapowl2.jpg" height="150" title="Project tote bag" width="200" /></a>Other larger projects are in tote bags, like this one that is holding the work-in-progress, pattern, yarn, and tunisian hook for an afghan I'm making for my daughter.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdn1nxuvPSGmkkSOytXlRheln9BvkNkAHTy3NW3nSl_KKAAvcEwyxj-w3xJCQhJVqn1fGaG2gV82PK647el3x8W98IGB8rvAJotA9SlVDcC0TGNZBulESShVhy9LYpYpQkQxG0Ovsvfo/s1600/crochet+organization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ziploc bags hold crochet projects" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdn1nxuvPSGmkkSOytXlRheln9BvkNkAHTy3NW3nSl_KKAAvcEwyxj-w3xJCQhJVqn1fGaG2gV82PK647el3x8W98IGB8rvAJotA9SlVDcC0TGNZBulESShVhy9LYpYpQkQxG0Ovsvfo/s1600/crochet+organization.jpg" height="146" title="Ziploc bags hold crochet projects" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Each smaller project is in a clear ziploc bag, which is stored in a plastic bin. I can just grab the one I want, along with the hook needed and chatelaine from my main project bag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #organization</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-45014147107858488712014-09-19T13:44:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:50:31.040-05:00Crochet Challenge: Online Crochet Class or Helpful VideosHave you ever taken an online crochet class? If you have, tell us about your experience. If not, check out some crochet classes at Craftsy.com or find a helpful video on YouTube to share.<br />
<br />
This was the challenge for <b>Week 25 (08-20-14).</b> One simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! Just click the "Are you Ready?!" button on the sidebar to get started.<br />
<br />
<b>My response:</b> My goodness, there are a bazillion resources to choose from nowadays. We may curse technology for some things, but oh, how wonderful it is, putting so much information at our fingertips!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy </a>(www.craftsy.com)</h3>
<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/amazing-crochet-textures-ribbing-cables-and-beads/4233" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Craftsy Free Mini-Class, Crochet Ribbing, Textures, and Beads" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvRhrXf1JyiwpGtD06O-PPMnxYKh4gVcIqcGSdboVHRNYG5MOEYi4QGki5VdgOOjLekzmhZ55Zrv08rLkQNcXzD1t04Wn2nVzt0vu14-B70whPRQ3HgvvhyDhMJp36ehYw4da79OuWaU/s1600/amazingcrochettextures.jpg" title="Craftsy Free Mini-Class, Crochet Ribbing, Textures, and Beads" /></a>I registered at this site some time ago. While I've never paid for any of their online classes, they always have some free mini-classes. For example, right now they have this one on crochet textures using ribbing, cables and beads.<br />
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They also have everything "craftsy" - not just crochet and knit. There's also embroidery, quilting, sewing, jewelry, paper crafts, photography, painting, drawing, gardening, woodworking, spinning, weaving, cake decorating, food & cooking. I do have some classes earmarked to take for drawing and cake decorating.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube </a></h3>
My goodness again! I don't think there's anything that can't be found on youtube; and for free. The mind just boggles! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sf5P9pa4a3E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Today I watched this video showing the Tunisian Simple Stitch, and the slip stitch bind-off.
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<br />
This one is by the amazing Tamara Kelly from Moogly. I like her videos because I can follow and understand them! In fact, she has a number of instructional videos, and her blog is a veritable smorgasborg of information, tips and tricks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't know how she does everything she does, but do yourself a favor and visit her:<br />
<a href="http://www.mooglyblog.com/" target="_blank">Moogly Blog</a> (http://www.mooglyblog.com/)<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8D0ojFdqKWugU3qx7jbtw" target="_blank">Tamara Kelly You Tube Channel</a> (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8D0ojFdqKWugU3qx7jbtw)
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Crochet-Stitch-Designs/dp/1454701374/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411150682&sr=8-1&keywords=book+crochet+stitches" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpb-lGYEBShF5S-3aV_e_0e5oeb3BEKcjIj_GzV6gSSWy9e1k5KV2WF-Lj8oGFrF55KGGsk9RR2h9xPR8g73YteL-i7S-s1A124ibhtm4bnGVf5Y96lPBsomyOtqHm7-U_l_SIIMuVyk/s1600/crochetbook.jpg" height="320" title="The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs" width="256" /></a>Low-tech is still cool</h3>
And then there are still books! There's nothing like flipping through the pages of books and having the printed instructions in front of you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #video #learn</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-67555411751101523412014-09-19T11:34:00.002-05:002017-07-05T03:52:44.039-05:00Crochet Challenge: Crocheted Items Years From NowOne simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! Just click the "Are you Ready?!" button on the sidebar to get started.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 24 challenge (08-13-14)</b>: Imagine one of your crocheted pieces years from now. Where will it be? Who will have it? Describe what you think the answers will be, or make up a story instead.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-giraffe-afghan-project.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOInwvuLD9nALFFreXez6hUNBTmvkFLmB9Wverv2xuyLioCmAGGBeVo8VnkEYOAZSb_k3MK9CUE4E1CZ8-28VNwwahR1RFPouYHjtkMn8o-3XrbIyZPpko0LTaqKPMbufXiemRmWRnNo/s1600/giraffe+afghan3.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-giraffe-afghan-project.html" target="_blank">Giraffe Afghan and Toy<br />
Click for pattern info</a></td></tr>
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<b>Answer:</b> Wow. It's always tricky imagining reality - because what I think is a treasure may just be tossed aside by the owner! What I'd like to imagine - my story - is that the items I create will be used, loved and snuggled with, fondled, talked about. Perhaps carefully folded with tissue paper and stored to be presented to the next generation.<br />
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My heart and soul and love go into crocheting unique and special touches that I hope will give happiness, such as this afghan. I designed and added the sun, butterflies, elephant, rocks, snake, and caterpillars. I used special fluffy yarn for the clouds, and textured yarn for the tree trunk. I added more leaves on the tree, added manes and tails on the giraffes, and added a bird and flowers from patterns I found. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNXz8CAOM5crQt7bYg174Taj1m9zH3S9fEBJCb1DI0D02SDTEvJ05LEX-WDe0vE71ArAPPLV-j38RZTAhqfhN1xDZQ8ed2EnuS1C26fjQYRgH4jMib1JK4erhNIhTKC9e-QwXlhDTVU/s1600/Iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNXz8CAOM5crQt7bYg174Taj1m9zH3S9fEBJCb1DI0D02SDTEvJ05LEX-WDe0vE71ArAPPLV-j38RZTAhqfhN1xDZQ8ed2EnuS1C26fjQYRgH4jMib1JK4erhNIhTKC9e-QwXlhDTVU/s1600/Iris.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a>I love doing things like this, because nothing on this earth could give me more joy than to have something I have done give someone else happiness. <br />
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We have such a short time on earth, and then we're gone and forgotten. Perhaps it's egotistical but my existence seems less pointless if a part of me left behind would be loved.<br />
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Where will your crocheted pieces be in the future? </div>
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<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #afghan #jungle</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-1567838429520451592014-09-19T10:00:00.001-05:002017-07-05T03:50:31.001-05:00Crochet Challenge: Make some Crochet Word Art<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! Just click the "Are you Ready?!" button on the sidebar to get started.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtjsZyeejFRHUQ_JVfQ0zqg92Msc30DTPsS-T6E-79YLQnxsmQB3QsAuC-Gnt5ValLoLbFO7r6ERgfkg1X-8JodD8MuerRypu-Fy63HzSo77V-gE8OsEtyA-0M7kTMw65ss6806oKR68/s1600/wordart3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtjsZyeejFRHUQ_JVfQ0zqg92Msc30DTPsS-T6E-79YLQnxsmQB3QsAuC-Gnt5ValLoLbFO7r6ERgfkg1X-8JodD8MuerRypu-Fy63HzSo77V-gE8OsEtyA-0M7kTMw65ss6806oKR68/s1600/wordart3.JPG" height="232" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Week 23 challenge (08-06-14)</b>: Make some crochet art! Visit www.wordle.net and create, then share your creation.<br />
<b>Answer:</b> At first I thought, this is weird. But it turned out to be wonderfully fun! Here are my creations.<br />
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The "crochet art" is created using word cloud creators. They are called that because they form visual "clouds" out of words. <br />
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I used two free word cloud creators: <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">Wordle </a>and <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a>. Both allow you to put in a web site address (URL), and then will create a world cloud using the words found at that address. The more a word is used at the site, the larger the word will be in the cloud. You have options to remove words, change fonts, and colors. They will ignore words like "the", "and", "it", etc. You can even choose to have your words line up all horizontal, all vertical, or a mix.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">Wordle</a> (www.wordle.net)</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSw5T8axit_rnj8ufzNxZ1QbXH3jwlERWXKumukSz3O4pUbJlvw7qvzIiqch_VMEQdkwsZ0TFhcN5EsVvqbo3gwWNBGM-GdT-mo4ldWftKthdfm7VpDQC0ewH_HyVuhryRMHL1jJFaBw/s1600/wordart_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSw5T8axit_rnj8ufzNxZ1QbXH3jwlERWXKumukSz3O4pUbJlvw7qvzIiqch_VMEQdkwsZ0TFhcN5EsVvqbo3gwWNBGM-GdT-mo4ldWftKthdfm7VpDQC0ewH_HyVuhryRMHL1jJFaBw/s1600/wordart_2.JPG" height="161" width="320" /></a>Wordle is different, in that you can also opt to manually input only the words you want to use. Entering a word more than once will make it appear larger in the cloud. This is my example.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo </a>(www.tagxedo.com)</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoAIHQJT-2Lyl7ITKqiniGKtNRe_AETUW7nrxrLSXEPiHWHWa7lHR2N__xVvZkKKlyU3jKsbuCXXZNLAEf36ux4mPAvKTnsiRl7MSacmvb5UcoRx9slXCfZt0X43PzxNcEi_lwmbnjtk/s1600/wordart1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoAIHQJT-2Lyl7ITKqiniGKtNRe_AETUW7nrxrLSXEPiHWHWa7lHR2N__xVvZkKKlyU3jKsbuCXXZNLAEf36ux4mPAvKTnsiRl7MSacmvb5UcoRx9slXCfZt0X43PzxNcEi_lwmbnjtk/s1600/wordart1.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a>Tagxedo is different, in that you have lots of shapes to choose from. The angel above is from Tagxedo. You can't input your own words like at wordle, but if there are words you don't want in your cloud, you have an option to remove them. Here are two more Tagxedo creations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjRs3eWkd0zlqwoa6lENtYGO0GQDOwkB7V96OyUe8jFdhT65Rcoqkesax09S6lYQApRijegJfAhO0HaA7iZP7CxioX5V0XjW-ZB1RJlZcOQHYiLhOr0iNMheNSulSeIXR0vUPzVquv58/s1600/wordart2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjRs3eWkd0zlqwoa6lENtYGO0GQDOwkB7V96OyUe8jFdhT65Rcoqkesax09S6lYQApRijegJfAhO0HaA7iZP7CxioX5V0XjW-ZB1RJlZcOQHYiLhOr0iNMheNSulSeIXR0vUPzVquv58/s1600/wordart2.JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a><br />
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These were actually quite fun and addictive. They would also make a fun project for or with kids --- what endless creative possibilities with font, color, shape, orientation, and spacial concepts! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #wordart</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-15956205537000422382014-09-08T20:52:00.001-05:002017-07-05T03:53:07.805-05:00Free crochet granny square patterns: August 2014BAMCAL #2Isn't this a striking square?! Love the design elements that make the flames, and it was fun to do. <br />
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There is a pattern for 6" and 12" blocks, and if you use Caron Simply Soft worsted yarn and a size G (4 mm) hook as I do, it makes a 9" square.<br />
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This block tied for 1st place with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/thoughts-of-spring" target="_blank">Thoughts of Spring</a> as the "filler" block for August. <i>(The other August squares are here: <a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/2014/08/free-crochet-granny-square-patterns.html" target="_blank">Free Crochet Granny Patterns - August</a>).</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Click pic for pattern and notes</span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/fire-in-the-meadow-12-inch" target="_blank"><img alt="Free crochet pattern - Fire in the Meadow Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoQY-uwCPRWYtVYRvJCQmDCjL_hLwfh5j-oT-Rhp5ICXfw1BFxwW4oADTeiVD_2AVbTQr5TRLx5XcKCP4IiaZztMQ0joz1kK213kRrlcpZzhAld7ldwSAwkBjpcoUtFNTc_tuy-fXkPI/s1600/granny_fireinthemeadow.jpg" height="318" title="Free crochet pattern - Fire in the Meadow Granny Square" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/fire-in-the-meadow-12-inch" target="_blank">Fire in the Meadow Granny Square August 12" Filler</a></td></tr>
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The designer's pattern suggestion was for a green background (hence "the meadow" in the name), which looks <b>fabulous</b>, but I needed to stick with my CAL colors.<br />
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<b>Until next time!</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the 2014 BAMCAL </span></a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Block-A-Month Crochet-Along)! </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #free #patterns #granny</span></div>
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txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-9448940800073173602014-08-17T07:04:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:47:38.373-05:00Free crochet patterns: Baby’s Gone’a Hunting SetYou’ll surely want to check out the free patterns for this crocheted baby hunter set, made up of the Jacket, Hat / Cap, Ugg Booties, and Mitts!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>10-14-2014 edit: Since I made this project in 2011, the designer started charging for the hat. It's worth it! But here is a free pattern that is almost identical - it just has a band of shell stitch on it, but it would be simple to just keep working the hdc instead of the shells: </i><a href="http://pattern-paradise.com/2014/09/02/free-crochet-pattern-friendly-skies/" target="_blank"><i>Earflap hat - Friendly Skies </i></a></blockquote>
This was posted before but not very well, with all the pics, so here it is again - it's too cute to miss out on!<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="463"><div align="center">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket-2" target="_blank" title="Crocheted Baby's Gone'A Hunting Set"><img align="left" alt="Free crochet patterns - Baby's Hunting Set" border="0" c:="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BiWtoZptlX8/U_Caay3iIxI/AAAAAAAAAro/bhEXKALp5c0/noah_babyset_suede1%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" file:="" files="" height="370" html="" live="" loading.png="" program="" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Free crochet patterns - Baby's Hunting Set" width="460" windows="" writer="" x86="" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket-2" target="_blank" title="Crocheted Baby's Gone'A Hunting Set">Baby’s Gone’A Hunting Set</a></div>
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</td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="258"><div align="center">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket-2" target="_blank" title="Crocheted Baby's Gone A'Hunting Set - Ugg Boots"><img align="left" alt="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting set - Ugg Boot" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o06KIkuqPXw/U_CabbYXaLI/AAAAAAAAArw/AZa2fRGGbKE/noah_babyset_suede2_boot%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting set - Ugg Boot" width="253" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket-2" target="_blank" title="Crocheted Baby's Gone'A Hunting Set - Hat"><img alt="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting Hat" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WHfEhyBm2Pg/U_CacbVe1VI/AAAAAAAAAr0/5MIN27AgnqM/noah_babyset_suede3_hat_aviator%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="200" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting Hat" width="255" /></a></div>
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<tr> <td width="463">This too-adorable-for-words set was made for my grandson. But I was a brand-NEW grandma, and so confused on sizes!. The jacket will fit 6 mos. The mitts 3 mos. The booties newborn, but needed to be bigger – he had big feet! The hat needed to be bigger! What a fiasco! Well, live and learn. <br />
And I did! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5IrW2xT_TcU/U_CadKVvrHI/AAAAAAAAAr8/sqPWEXm0xXc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></td> <td align="center" width="258"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/bevs-hexagon-baby-jacket-2" target="_blank"><img alt="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting Mitts" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OElVm0Ml5-0/U_Cad7PdH8I/AAAAAAAAAsI/IDRT-wzqMAo/noah_babyset_suede4_mitts%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="211" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Free crochet pattern - Baby Hunting Mitts" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
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But if you know the right sizes, this is a FUN, easy set to make! Just click the pics to find the free patterns, and be sure to look at my notes there. <br />
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If you make any of these, please show me; I'd love to see!<br />
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<b>Until next time!</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">#free #crochet #patterns #baby #hunting</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-67053023999098792582014-08-17T02:45:00.003-05:002017-07-06T23:53:35.731-05:00Free crochet granny square patterns: August 2014BAMCAL #1As usual, the free crochet patterns via the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014 BAM CAL group</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry </a>for this month made me smile! (Said it before, but, yes, they really do)! I learn something new with every one of them, and the variety of designs is so interesting.<br />
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It's already the middle of August (where does time GO?)! Here are three granny squares crocheted for my afghan.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/eves-coverlet" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Crochet Pattern - Eve's Coverlet Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9yUxJ-GlSbwEBqWqSSYerREJjUejkj-EaYkOyw3qDKomi2p_jxnH0x4g5J2G_tHeTu5TzhqN9i2AIIuGPQ8jdK8EVAe0e5thw2wfWfjM8QDdq4YnPVEO53j4q_uvaUnmaJ97P1AhX48/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+Main+-+EvesCoverlet2.jpg" height="289" title="Free Crochet Pattern - Eve's Coverlet Granny Square" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/eves-coverlet" target="_blank">Eve's Coverlet Granny Square</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/eves-coverlet" target="_blank">Main 12"</a></td></tr>
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<h3>
Each month in this CAL there are three free crochet patterns: (2) 12" and (1) 6" granny squares. </h3>
One 12" square is chosen by the moderator; it is called the <i>Main 12"</i> square. For the other two squares, anyone that wants to, nominates their favorites, and then they are voted on by the group. The 12" square voted on by the group is called the <i>Filler 12"</i> square. The 6" is just called the <i>6"</i> square.<br />
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Of course, anyone can do more or less - or other blocks. There are no crochet police here!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/thoughts-of-spring" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Crochet Pattern - Thoughts of Spring Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoOvs8jHknTLx8NXdC1cOjjUW8k98kj9MK5I6AigOB-hzzS2Ok9V6vfWkU8btrhQQ-xZJ5D0C4vnLaNN3QhNZyoZlzBS7RWUNe2w2hgrHDoPVOxHOTWSkKQqDjmX-Y6oSkRhPz1usEDE/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+Filler+-+ThoughtsofSpring.jpg" height="303" title="Free Crochet Pattern - Thoughts of Spring Granny Square" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/thoughts-of-spring" target="_blank">Thoughts of Spring Granny Square</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/thoughts-of-spring" target="_blank">Filler 12"</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Above and to the left are the two 12" squares, but using Simply Soft yarn and a G hook, I make 9" blocks. Even then sometimes I still need to add rows. (SS yarn is such a thin worsted, and looks best - to me, anyway - with a G hook, which is often smaller than what the pattern calls for).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTOjg5Xy0N2vPNdyy4vZyh4K87fey6SwXaB4w4vJCNGfQgGbB63mlaNU4lRdB7fUZ6Py6csyZl3EMLH1bE3Z-ORO69OfbBP91MmfW4CVce5xQIW_Jqime72SKWCA2d1_zKEX3z1hMWS8/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+Main+-+EvesCoverlet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Free Crochet Pattern - Eve's Coverlet Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTOjg5Xy0N2vPNdyy4vZyh4K87fey6SwXaB4w4vJCNGfQgGbB63mlaNU4lRdB7fUZ6Py6csyZl3EMLH1bE3Z-ORO69OfbBP91MmfW4CVce5xQIW_Jqime72SKWCA2d1_zKEX3z1hMWS8/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+Main+-+EvesCoverlet3.jpg" height="173" title="Free Crochet Pattern - Eve's Coverlet Granny Square" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eve's Coverlet Close-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>(Click on the pics for info, including the link to the patterns & notes)</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhNYwQb81xAdQOY7F5L8fz9eTNqbZUP827bGCOGYSzQH9l1iYNTS4aS7B5zqBIfNH5p7XUVVQcNsAXN808YY1KqO7rmcewLdS4U11bi_5FpE2jeIjhiIsTbz2UB3FbBnDnDFYMbGvZsc/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+6in+-+Clusteray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Free crochet pattern - Clusteray Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhNYwQb81xAdQOY7F5L8fz9eTNqbZUP827bGCOGYSzQH9l1iYNTS4aS7B5zqBIfNH5p7XUVVQcNsAXN808YY1KqO7rmcewLdS4U11bi_5FpE2jeIjhiIsTbz2UB3FbBnDnDFYMbGvZsc/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+08+6in+-+Clusteray.jpg" height="300" title="Free crochet pattern - Clusteray Granny Square" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/clusteray" target="_blank">Clusteray Granny Square / 6"</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is the 6" square. It was fun to do, and the pattern instructions were very clear. I added 3 more rows to make 6". (You won't have to add rows if you don't use Simply Soft yarn, and use the hook the pattern called for). But, info for the extra rounds is in my notes if you need them! </div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ob1pdp1_cc/U-5Ma69mWZI/AAAAAAAAAqc/h9inNyaLY_Q/s1600/2014BAMCAL%2B-%2BAug%2BMain%2B-%2BEves%2BCvrlt3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"></a> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the 2014 BAMCAL </span></a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Block-A-Month Crochet-Along)! </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #free #patterns #granny</span></div>
</div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-24312439815401946752014-08-15T07:35:00.000-05:002017-07-06T23:53:35.645-05:00Free crochet granny square patterns: July 2014BAMCALThe month of July came and went, and two more granny squares have been crocheted for my afghan. The free crochet patterns for these blocks via the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank">2014BAMCAL group</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry </a>every month <i>always </i>make me smile! (Yes, they really do). So fun to do, I learn something new with every one of them, and the variety of designs is so interesting.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Click on the pics for info, including the link to the patterns) </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="15" class="tr-caption-container" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="bottom"><div style="text-align: left;">
The free crochet patterns are for 12" squares. (Each month also has a 6" square but I skipped that one this month).</div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/whimsical-block" target="_blank"><br />
<img alt="Free Crochet Pattern - Whimsical Block Granny Square" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8WyxWcQIl1mEnwBF6Hb6HzF6jImYYHjR1Q5JripBz_RmUbMjI003TFhvCh8RRB5ny8L2LNGgmUrFrEjX1w3NV56-oNv6XJY-Ahm6qro-SJNY0C1z2_xmi4xWcGghcc112zoCyJYXTqk/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+07+Filler+-+Whimsical.jpg" height="300" title="Free Crochet Pattern - Whimsical Block Granny Square" valign="bottom" width="320" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="bottom"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/posie-field" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYWg2orltAfqscya14i2nDymoN04ksuZulsW6W7WI48tZL3B-4tj1WSxU-dQNZnS7acPwcTrhsRmje7BhQgyr8GohLCH5dHLrznWX99mKGN_J5FyO5_sB9f-tvjn5kuiFoo6ixd2kfgE/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+07+Main+-+PosieField2.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/posie-field" target="_blank"> <img alt="Free Crochet Pattern - Posie Field Granny Square " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml5Imiid3plkmExLzERdfulF823OtkapB6Ngvvyf7cO23ZDnx3XAcGi8v6BAY0pnOR4sCpBOAHlTB0VCVQo2dxSh-l9Hp8b4uaBrEA-4fNg0_KTGTlhFXBFguGbqUwGqM5gF9hlGYPro/s1600/crochet+granny+-+2014BAMCAL+07+Main+-+PosieField1.jpg" height="229" title="Free Crochet Pattern - Posie Field Granny Square " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/whimsical-block" target="_blank">Whimsical Block by </a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/whimsical-block" target="_blank">Black Sheep Creations</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/posie-field" target="_blank">Posie Field by Melissa Green</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I make 9" squares by using Caron Simply Soft yarn and a size G hook. (SS yarn is such a thin worsted, and looks best - to me, anyway - with a G hook, which is often a smaller hook than what the pattern calls for). It's rare that a 12" pattern is designed with SS yarn, so it works out well. Even then, occasionally I still need to add rows, which I always put in my notes on my project page on Ravelry; it helps the next time the square is made!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the 2014 BAMCAL </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2014-crochet-block-a-month-cal" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Block-A-Month Crochet-Along)! </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">#free #crochet #patterns #granny</span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-47820602815697639122014-08-03T20:09:00.002-05:002017-07-05T03:52:43.992-05:00Crochet Challenge: Try a new techniqueOne simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! Just click the "Are you Ready?!" button on the sidebar to get started.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 22 challenge (07-30-14)</b>: Try a new crochet technique this week. It's your choice: felting, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, tunisian, thread crochet, etc.<br />
<br />
Years (and years) ago, I worked on an afghan made with the tunisian afghan knit stitch using a long solid afghan hook. Dear daughter #2 has put in a request for an afghan done in the same stitch, with a butterfly design x-stitched on it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/butterflies-in-flight" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Butterflies in Flight Tunisian Stitch Afghan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aFfmViNxbEg8lebqmvgGQzoaVmWhKWKifW05vlG74tN_DvL_mH9g_eiCbzicKiJshqkAwLW_FZaffrfGHeVwMfx3xOKpycmRFQWFuwYH4-6r2YMuk_iUQDBgrk_NJcvB9_1XR4JTGdc/s1600/butterfliesinflight.jpg" height="320" title=" Butterflies in Flight Tunisian Stitch Afghan" width="223" /></a>(This is not my afghan). It is a pic on the cover of the pattern. It is what I hope mine will look like! (Click the pic for more info).<br />
<br />
Actually this will be <i>two </i>new techniques: (1) X-stitching on crochet fabric, and, (2) because of the number of years ago and needing to use a flexible hook (with the cable on the end), I'm calling doing the tunisian a new technique.<br />
<br />
<div>
The pattern in the book says I'll do the "afghan <i>knit </i>stitch". However, the instructions given are for the "afghan" or "simple" stitch. When looking online for information, the knit stitch was also being referred to as the "afghan" or "simple" stitch, or used to be, so it is confusing, because the two are actually different. To find out which is what, the following examples are from <a href="http://www.about.com/homegarden" target="_blank">About.com</a> (the one I'm doing is the one on the right):</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr valign="bottom"><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/tunisiancrochet/tp/tunisian-crochet-stitches.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="Front View of Crocheted Tunisian Knit Stitch" border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/crochet/1/6/s/C/-/-/tunisian-knit-stitch-160.jpg" height="200" title="Front View of Crocheted Tunisian Knit Stitch" width="200" /></a></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/tunisiancrochet/tp/tunisian-crochet-stitches.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="Views of Crocheted Afghan Stitch, AKA Tunisian Simple Stitch" border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/crochet/1/L/C/H/-/-/afghan-stitch-examples.jpg" height="200" title="Views of Crocheted Afghan Stitch, AKA Tunisian Simple Stitch" width="200" /></a></span></td> </tr>
<tr valign="top"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/tunisiancrochet/tp/tunisian-crochet-stitches.htm" target="_blank"><b>Tunisian Knit Stitch</b> -- Front<br />
Side Looks Like Knitting<br />
Stockinette Stitch but It's<br />
Crocheted. -- Photo © Amy Solovay</a></span></td> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/tunisiancrochet/tp/tunisian-crochet-stitches.htm" target="_blank"><b>Afghan Stitch, AKA Tunisian Simple</b><br /><b>
Stitch</b> -- Photos © Amy Solova</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h3>
Tunisian: The Test and the Tantrum</h3>
Here are four practice rows. There are 187 stitches on the hook. It was harder than I remember! It's not hard mentally. What's hard is getting used to the "new" physically.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NtZRLLr3qB8mtrJUIhsT9blakbM4sCKoTVyCjDD-g06IZ2ewY94bAgAFCa3nr5TkCCS0rMcXwWsbDzLqu-2hl25nkVOJu6p5gQYSXYiHpFLMQ3DRDiRWjhabNAGj7WEuVuSi3AJLeAg/s1600/afghan_emily_tunisian+start.min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image - Beginning rows of Tunisian Simple Stitch on Flexible Hook" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NtZRLLr3qB8mtrJUIhsT9blakbM4sCKoTVyCjDD-g06IZ2ewY94bAgAFCa3nr5TkCCS0rMcXwWsbDzLqu-2hl25nkVOJu6p5gQYSXYiHpFLMQ3DRDiRWjhabNAGj7WEuVuSi3AJLeAg/s1600/afghan_emily_tunisian+start.min.jpg" height="300" title="Image - Beginning rows of Tunisian Simple Stitch on Flexible Hook" width="400" /></a>It is different using a flexible hook instead of a solid one. At least as far as my feeble memory recalls. Yarn covers the entire hook, so it can't be twisted or maneuvered, because it slips underneath the yarn. The cable has a mind of it's own and wants to flop in the direction it was packaged in. And getting used to the different hold makes the fingers and hands cramp. Waah.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EK8rxFwgcn1Ed3Q9Hhd5MOiwyQhXZd5hXG5k1dJh6MN7yEtSRIvuYEiPjtAv8qDDQN5oUFdf8Z0kSqE68KLIp2Aa4EP0axXsy7KoRbnPYPrlkzjX440M3LJz6z-pThLO06gSmYjE9SI/s1600/hook_afghan_susanbates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pic of Susan Bates Flexible Afghan Crochet Hook" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EK8rxFwgcn1Ed3Q9Hhd5MOiwyQhXZd5hXG5k1dJh6MN7yEtSRIvuYEiPjtAv8qDDQN5oUFdf8Z0kSqE68KLIp2Aa4EP0axXsy7KoRbnPYPrlkzjX440M3LJz6z-pThLO06gSmYjE9SI/s1600/hook_afghan_susanbates.jpg" height="200" title="Pic of Susan Bates Flexible Afghan Crochet Hook" width="200" /></a><br />
I bought a Susan Bates 22" flexible hook, but the cable's stiff and wants to do it's own thing. I was a bit disappointed that it did not have the in-line style of their regular hooks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dSxEEOKcTbV2G9BbqJN4r2Hu6qffj7vQ0vS-qGAyuuw_4FdYq4B17ANxJ3Pw4OkwUH8a9zzAGuK4PUsoqUBl_5MhJwcxhcwKnnCF6SNJT38L7BbXpr114qF_akYjns85ZmLfu0-AZ1c/s1600/hook_afghan_knitterspride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Knitter's Pride Flexible Tunisian Afghan Crochet hook" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dSxEEOKcTbV2G9BbqJN4r2Hu6qffj7vQ0vS-qGAyuuw_4FdYq4B17ANxJ3Pw4OkwUH8a9zzAGuK4PUsoqUBl_5MhJwcxhcwKnnCF6SNJT38L7BbXpr114qF_akYjns85ZmLfu0-AZ1c/s1600/hook_afghan_knitterspride.jpg" height="200" title="Knitter's Pride Flexible Tunisian Afghan Crochet hook" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMqK3n9g90uM9vBB90MWGscV3k-8yhsvgg49WRKgPB2XWhx2Bymt6yEATgVs6YEYuTqa2weIWrWeuNXf7BFH1KF6thteuGuXsuW2hqn8Lfq9JQaxiG1JEkjZiGzVyC4IvwNMgG5PBPPc/s1600/hook_afghan_cable_knitterspride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knitter's Pride cable for flexible Tunisian afghan hook" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMqK3n9g90uM9vBB90MWGscV3k-8yhsvgg49WRKgPB2XWhx2Bymt6yEATgVs6YEYuTqa2weIWrWeuNXf7BFH1KF6thteuGuXsuW2hqn8Lfq9JQaxiG1JEkjZiGzVyC4IvwNMgG5PBPPc/s1600/hook_afghan_cable_knitterspride.jpg" height="200" title="Knitter's Pride cable for flexible Tunisian afghan hook" width="150" /></a>This Knitter's Pride hook is on order and may be a bit better. A single hook can be ordered, along with the cable. According to reviews the cable isn't as stiff. We'll see!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB4qixy9trmfZCY3Im7TZaYoxbjAwn1qGgdmMN-URkNXMDvWv8Pg6liKYb5oSxvx0BOLsViVa2aBqjcPMJVE5rseeukPZefp0f_Bw0P253Hu4KZ2Qd-bcyD9o96KoYQoycD97KE3BbSg/s1600/hook_afghan_carontulip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Caron Tulip Carry T Flexible Tunisian Afghan Hook Set" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB4qixy9trmfZCY3Im7TZaYoxbjAwn1qGgdmMN-URkNXMDvWv8Pg6liKYb5oSxvx0BOLsViVa2aBqjcPMJVE5rseeukPZefp0f_Bw0P253Hu4KZ2Qd-bcyD9o96KoYQoycD97KE3BbSg/s1600/hook_afghan_carontulip.jpg" height="198" title="Caron Tulip Carry T Flexible Tunisian Afghan Hook Set" width="200" /></a>Comments from a few on A Ravelry Tunisian Crochet group (link below) say the Caron Tulip Carry T hooks that have a swivel on the cable end are ideal (on the right in the pink case). But the whole set has to be ordered, which is too much of an investment right now. (I'm still drooling, though)!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Taming Tunisian</h3>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tunisian-crochet" target="_blank">Ravelry - Tunisian Crochet group</a> is a good source to ask questions. There, and a number of other sources, confirmed the obvious, and offered info on the not-so-obvious (as far as learning to work the tunisian stitch and hook).<br />
<br />
<u>Obvious:</u> Patience and practice will get the hands in shape. (But mommy, I want it to be easy)!<br />
<u>Not-so-obvious</u>: A lot of it is actually mental. Being new and awkward makes muscles tense and tighten up without even realizing it. Stopping and saying "relax your hands" - <i>and then doing it</i> - actually helps a lot. Another "newbie" verified he was doing the same thing. And BREATHE! That last one may sound silly, but it's amazing how much I was holding my breath!<br />
<u>Not-so-obvious</u>: I hold the hook like a "knife". Fortunately (I found out), holding the hook like a knife instead of a pencil is a good thing because only minor adjustments with moving the hook, and throwing the yarn on the hook are needed. I read comments from people that hold regular hooks like a pencil have had to learn to hold tunisian hooks with the knife grip.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Have you done Tunisian Crochet? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>I'd love to hear your experience, tips and see some pics!</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!<br />
One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve by just having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #tunisian</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-19416092054971694772014-07-31T08:19:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:52:43.936-05:00Crochet Challenge: What's Your Favorite Crochet Hook?<h3>
Take up the challenge</h3>
I highly recommend this for anyone that crochets. I'm not the moderator; just someone that is doing it. One simple task per week and your skills, style and knowledge will evolve while you're having fun. Just click the "Are you Ready?" button on the sidebar to get started.<br />
<br />
<b>Week 21 challenge (07-23-14)</b>: What is your favorite crochet hook, and why?<br />
<b>Answer:</b> Definitely Susan Bates. <br />
<br />
I have used Boye hooks, but after trying a couple of Susan Bates Silvalumes, I was hooked. (Yes, I hear you groaning from the bad pun).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUU80nivI0k00w9tV5gNnL8u-ZX2VQ2wcjcL0IMhFgs-dCkUJZVSDLRbFv5FKusS9dfLzNjKz_1q77whWhfGkquJc3f7g9oxVK9d2PJEYkkhIjkNrkrLNckfL0XEbgyn-fRj8A2A6M1g/s1600/hook_susanbates_quicksilver_set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Susan Bates Quicksilver Crochet Hook Set" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUU80nivI0k00w9tV5gNnL8u-ZX2VQ2wcjcL0IMhFgs-dCkUJZVSDLRbFv5FKusS9dfLzNjKz_1q77whWhfGkquJc3f7g9oxVK9d2PJEYkkhIjkNrkrLNckfL0XEbgyn-fRj8A2A6M1g/s1600/hook_susanbates_quicksilver_set.jpg" height="200" title="Susan Bates Quicksilver Crochet Hook Set" width="200" /></a><br />
Years ago, I bought this set of Susan Bates Quicksilver hooks, and the rest is history. (I don't know what history, but it sounded good) :D<br />
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The set has sizes B - K. They are nice and smooth.<br />
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The reason I like them is first, because it is an in-line hook. So much easier to maintain perfect stitch size (for me, anyway). I also prefer the pointed tip of the hook, which helps work into tight stitches, and the hook is chiseled more than the Boye so I can catch up yarn strands easier.<br />
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If you don't know the difference between in-line hooks and "throated" hooks, and the impact they can have on your stitches, check out this article: <a href="http://nerdigurumi.com/guide-to-crochet-hooks.html" target="_blank">Nerdigurumi - Guide to Crochet Hooks</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosNu1_xZyUA0X6lgKLc2AVJjNbcX6MIHxMoOS2xPCzJZTriwXkhwDUV5hWgou7PI5Jst1otLTt6bG-9w4-8UPOIIecEf1hMzRFw_N8XIjawp8h5lxjTe6sPtSm_19i_zYaAei880k5TE/s1600/hook_pointprotect_boye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Boye Knitting Needle Point Protectors" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosNu1_xZyUA0X6lgKLc2AVJjNbcX6MIHxMoOS2xPCzJZTriwXkhwDUV5hWgou7PI5Jst1otLTt6bG-9w4-8UPOIIecEf1hMzRFw_N8XIjawp8h5lxjTe6sPtSm_19i_zYaAei880k5TE/s1600/hook_pointprotect_boye.jpg" height="200" title="Boye Knitting Needle Point Protectors" width="158" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp311mrmES-RZrPvikc0wlUTzwjkY2mmVfVZD0YvIuRiMXgXPJ4MO6sScZVK6cTF4W9Q4ORf_6WCSI6Ow_Cy820W3ytLp2dqxgwiBPxvhttjXOHKE-w-0sxogz1sYX2FUJ8oc1azIPP4/s1600/hook_grip_susanbates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Susan Bates Crochet Hook Comfort Grips" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp311mrmES-RZrPvikc0wlUTzwjkY2mmVfVZD0YvIuRiMXgXPJ4MO6sScZVK6cTF4W9Q4ORf_6WCSI6Ow_Cy820W3ytLp2dqxgwiBPxvhttjXOHKE-w-0sxogz1sYX2FUJ8oc1azIPP4/s1600/hook_grip_susanbates.jpg" height="200" title="Susan Bates Crochet Hook Comfort Grips" width="100" /></a><br />
I put Susan Bates comfort grips on the shaft of the smaller hooks, and on the non-hook end, Boye knitting needle point protectors. They are quite comfortable to use.<br />
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<i>Tip</i>: To make your hooks glide smoothly (1) polish with some wax paper, (2) run alongside your nose, or (3) run through your hair.<br />
These tips are from old-timers and they work!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #hooks #quicksilver #bates</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244656630689728890.post-24379902811453655302014-07-31T05:53:00.000-05:002017-07-05T03:47:38.232-05:00Crochet Challenge: It's Christmas in July!<h3>
</h3>
<b>Week 20 challenge (07-16-14)</b>: It's Christmas in July! Start by planning and beginning Christmas and/or Holiday projects.<br />
<b>Answer:</b> Last year before Christmas I designed these Insanely Fast & Easy slippers, and wanted to write the pattern, for myself to make different sizes for family members, and for others in case anyone else wanted a quick gift to make.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/txmommylady/garment---slippers---crazy-quick-3-strand-worsted" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fast & Easy Crocheted Slippers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnDPtH1Uqyd6uV8KBEHtFq8QMetRzVuyyj7iyppvG_Ccmv4or5Q1HfHpaWCwItLSnazMfJ9Ik6ReLrSsv4jcMc2T7QE4Pijf6JluaVHiMxrhD4RnQq_5Vw4z3JuHmY5rRi7LmWikSXwI/s1600/slippers_quick.jpg" height="320" title="Fast & Easy Crocheted Slippers" width="248" /></a>These are the prototype slippers I made for hubby, which he wears constantly. Well, except for now in the summer! He's a hunter, so I made them "camo" colors by using 3 different colors yarn - brown, green and beige. They are made with 3 strands of yarn and an N hook. (Click on the pic for more info).<br />
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Writing the pattern is more difficult than I thought it would be! Providing references, charts, conversion tables for others that don't know how to reduce or increase sizes proves quite a challenge. I'm getting close, though, and <i>maybe </i>seeing light at the end of the tunnel as far as getting it published.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Until next time!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's never too late to join the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzN7xy_Ywj8TZjZoaG5WS2hZV1E/edit" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> by Julie at <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Red Berry Crochet</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One simple task per week - your skills, style & knowledge will evolve while you're having fun! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://txmommylady.blogspot.com/p/crochet-challenge-previous-weeks.html">See more challenges</a></b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">#crochet #slippers #quick</span></div>
txmommyladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415735643991766337noreply@blogger.com0