Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Happy New Year!

Sorry that is a bit late lol

I have been busy with a new gift my mom got me for Christmas: A crochet pattern calendar!  Yes, It was one of my favorite gifts of all time!
Light and Airy Afghan
(Patons-  and my calendar!)
My version is obviously not one color


In other news...

Pay it Forward 2015 is in full swing!  Custom Hats , custom headwraps and some rtg (ready to go)!

Remember for every hat or headwrap sold I am donating one hat to a person in need :)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnd....

Edgar & Alan are at the Desoto County fair this year!  This is my first time entering any of my crochet work in any event!  I am super excited!  I hope I win the Blue Ribbon!

Edgar & Alan- The Frog Brothers at the Desoto County Fair 2015!


And now for something completely different...

I love to garden.  Like,  I really love it.  I find it helps me therapeutically to deal with my pain.  My second big hobby :)  I did a bit too much and pulled a few too many plants and I am paying for that still...however my kids and husband stepped in, helping me when I needed it most! 
We have had some odd winter weather here in SW FL this year so when my 16...almost 17yo daughter asked to spread some wildflower seed early I figured it couldn't hurt. Today I went to check on her seed bed and voila! Babies!!!!  I tossed a few dozen marigold seedheads in the bed 2 days ago, that is what the brown pod like things are.
Emilie's Flowers


That has been the beginning of 2015.  I couldn't be any happier than I am here today and for that I am thankful :)  Thank you friends for looking in on the crazy life of this old hookin' yaya.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer

As I promised in my last post Pay it Forward here is my first Tunisian Crochet pattern.

What is Tunisian crochet?  Well according to the Wikipedia article it is:
                    "Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of crochet that uses an elongated hook, often with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook. It is sometimes considered to be a mixture of crocheting and knitting."

Obviously I HAD to try!  I have learned a couple of stitches and I feel confident enough to share a pattern with you!  It will be using some of your crochet basics and is built upon my Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer crochet pattern.

Don't have an afghan hook? That's ok, this pattern uses 14 stitches so you can experiment using a regular crochet hook!

Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer

Supplies:

Size I afghan hook (or regular crochet hook for this project)
I am using RedHeart Super Saver yarn in white for this tutorial.
tapestry needle (weaving in ends)
1-1.5" button
patience!

Notes:
ch1 and turn at end of rows 1-12 at end of row 13 just turn...no ch, here we will begin Tunisian crochet ;)
If pattern reads "sc2, 2sc, sc2tog" it would be read "single crochet in next two stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet 2 stitches together"  if a row says "sc" then you single crochet across the row.

Ch3

1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc, ch1 turn (2)
2: sc, ch1 turn (2)
3: 2sc, ch1 turn (4)
4: sc, ch1 turn (4)
5: 2sc, sc2, 2sc, ch1 turn (6)
6: sc, ch1 turn (6)
7: 2sc, sc4, 2sc, ch1 turn (8)
8: sc, ch1 turn (8)
9: 2sc, sc6, 2sc, ch1 turn (10)
10: sc, ch1 turn (10)
11:  2sc, sc8, 2sc, ch1 turn (12)
12: sc, ch1 turn (12)
13: 2sc. sc10, 2sc, do NOT ch 1, just turn. (14)
Approximately 3 1/2" through row 13

End of row 14 before the return pass


here is where we begin Tunisian

14: with loop on hook, sk first st, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, continue across to the end of row, you will have 14 loops on your hook.  Now we begin the return pass- yo hook and pull through 1 loop (ch 1) yo hook and pull through two loops, continue with yo and pull through 2 loops until one loop remains.  All rows will be finished with a return pass.  HINT- The right side of your work will always face you as you work Tunisian rows.
Tunisian simple stitch (tss) insert hook into front bar, yo, pull up a loop, continue across.

15-?: insert hook into front bar, pull up a loop, continue across until you reach the end and have 14 loops on your hook. Complete round with return pass. (I make approximately 48 Tunisian rows or 15")
61 (or there about) working in front bars: sc across, ch1 turn (14)
Row "61" sc across in front loops

62: (regular crochet!) sc2tog, sc10, sc2tog, ch1 turn (12)
63: sc, ch1 turn (12)
64: sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog, ch1 turn (10)
65: sc, ch1 turn (10)
66: sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog, ch1 turn (8)
67: sc, ch1 turn (8)
68: sc2tog, sc, ch2, sk 2 st, sc, sc2tog, ch1 turn (4sc, 2ch) buttonhole made
69: sc2, 2sc in ch space, sc2, ch1 turn (6)
70:  sc2tog, ch2 sk 2 sts, sc2tog, ch1 turn (2sc, 2ch) second buttonhole made
71: sc, 2sc in ch space, sc, ch1 turn (4)
72: sc2tog x2 (2)
73: sc (2) do not turn, continue to sc around entire headwrap putting 2 sts in each corner for a squared off look or don't add extra sts to corners and have a more rounded look. F.O. weave in ends.  Place a 1-1.5" button on opposite end from button holes.
Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer (this is one I made using Caron Simply Soft Yarn)

Back of headwrap


I hope you have fun making this headwrap and playing around with Tunisian crochet!  If you want to share any of your projects from my patterns I would love to see them!  If you want to brag to everyone please post on my Facebook page!



~Anna

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Pay it forward

I really want to run a promotion for the month of January but I have to work out the kinks a bit.  I want to help people in need this winter and I think I know how to do it...

Here is my idea:

For every hat purchased (from a set list of hat designs) I will donate one hat to someone in need.    I will have hats priced at $13 (includes shipping in USA; local fans pay $10).  What do you think?  I also need a good title for my project, Helping Hats and Lids of Love are in use...

Available choices in hat style:  Beanie, Slouch, Fisherman, Headwrap/Turband, (not pictured:  Earflap, Country Rocks  Beanie (Zac Brown inspired stripes/interest rounds on a basic style beanie), Special order.)

Done in choice of colors for Fisherman, and solid or variegated for slouch. Slouch can be 'extra' slouchy as pictured or less. 


Choice of color(s) or variegated.

Choice of colors or variegated.  Pom Pom can be added if desired.

Crochet Headwrap, choice of solid color or variegated. Stitch pattern may vary.
(Patterned Headwrap pictured : free crochet pattern )

 
 
Tunisian Headwrap.  My newest creation.  I am learning the art of Tunisian crochet which feels similar to knitting and can give a "knit look" to my work :)  Very warm.
* Pattern coming soon!


Any thoughts? I want to be successful with this promotion...any input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

Anna

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Holiday Giveaway!

That's right...FREE.

I am doing a raffle on Mommy Made Crochet FB to thank all of my wonderful fans!

Click here to enter!  Share my pinned post on Facebook and be sure to come back and enter daily to increase your odds of winning!



May the odds be ever in your favor ;)

And while you are on my Facebook page be sure to check out the album Christmas Specials to find big savings!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer Crochet Pattern

I truly love the season change and cooler weather... so of course I have more patterns for this beautiful time of year!

Here is my newest pattern for a cute crochet headwrap/earwarmer:




Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer


Materials:

ww yarn - I used  Redheart Super Saver in medium thyme for example

I hook

3/4" button

tapestry/sewing needle for weaving in yarn ends and attaching button



Abbreviations:

Ch: chain

Sl  st: slip stitch

sk: skip

sc: single crochet

hdc: half double crochet

sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)

f.o.: finish off

Notes: if pattern reads- sc4, 2sc x2  it would be read as- single crochet in next 4 stitches, 2single crochet in each of the next two stitches (increases)  * (asterisks) show areas of pattern to be repeated.

Guage: 4sts approx. 1" (not terribly important, you can change hook up or down in size to suit your needs)



Pattern:

ch3

1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in next ch (2) ch1 turn at end of every row

2: sc (2)

3: 2sc (4)

4: sc (4)

5: 2sc, sc2, 2sc (6)

6: sc (6)

7: 2sc, sc4, 2sc (8)

8: sc (8)

9: 2sc, sc6, 2sc (10)

10: sc (10)

11: 2sc, sc8, 2sc (12)

12:  sc (12)

13: 2sc, sc10, 2sc (14)  Now we begin the pattern rows

14: hdc, *sk st, hdc, hdc in sk st* hdc in last st (14)

15: hdc (14)

16-46: repeat rows 14/15 finishing pattern with a row 14.  If you find this is too large or too small you can add or subtract pattern rows :) Note: we will be adding a tapered end that mimics our beginning

47: sc2tog, sc10, sc2tog (12)

48: sc (12)

49: sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog (10)

50: sc (10)

51: sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog (8)

52: sc (8)

53: sc2tog, sc4, sc2tog (6)

54: sc (6)

55: sc2tog, sc2, sc2tog (4)

56: sc (4)

57: sc2tog x2 (2) do not f.o.!!

Finishing:
sc evenly around entire piece.  When you get to beginning end of headwrap ( 1st 2 sts) sl st in first st, ch 3 (or more if you need, this is button loop) sl st in next st, continue to sc around evenly to row 57.  f.o. weave in ends.  Position button and sew in place (opposite from ch 3 end).


I hope you enjoy making and wearing your new Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer! If you want to share any of your projects from my patterns I would love to see them!  If you want to brag to everyone please post on my Facebook page!


You can sell any items you create using my pattern but please do not claim my pattern as your own :)  (a link back would be cool too!)

Happy Hooking!


Anna

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Upcoming Events!

The CCC Festival at Highlands Hammock State Park was a great success!  We met many new friends and heard some great requests like Footbags (Hacky Sacks) and more in the fingerless mitts category!
All set and ready to go! 

I met this famous, hirsute fella, Smokey Bear!

Beautiful quilts, gemstone jewelry and she crochets! (plus many other crafts)
 
Jasmine's Dream Ranch & Rescue  has invited us to join them at Ag-Fest 2014 on November 22nd from 9am-4pm.  Admission is $2.  
Last year I met Jimmy Riffle of the Gator Boys at Ag-Fest!  And Scott...but I can't find the pic of him :(

After the Ag-Fest I will have a little over a week to get myself straightened out again and head back out for another event at the Turner Center, the Travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be here for 4 days from December 4th-7th.  This event is free to enter  and will be open 24hrs a day.  Starving Artist Crafters will be with me at this event.  I feel very honored to be able to take part in something so patriotic. (Husband and both parents are veterans)

I hope to see some of you at these events! 

~Anna

PS: I have heard the Gator Boys are back this year for Ag-Fest...but I haven't received confirmation yet ;)
 



Monday, November 3, 2014

CCC Festival - Highlands Hammock State Park

I will be at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring FL for it's annual CCC Festival November 8th, 2014 from 10a-4p 

There will be live entertainment, food, living history presentations, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, tram tours, hay rides and much more.

Come on out and have a great time!  The weather is looking particularly nice for this event!

Last year was a great success and I am so pleased to have been asked to come back this year!  I have friend coming along for the first time to this event to sell her homemade quilts, jellies and jewelry and even some crocheted items!
 
Park admission fees are just $6.00 per vehicle (up to eight people per carload)

The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was arguably the most popular part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal".  During the Great Depression moral was at an all time low in our country and many Americans were without food or proper  shelter.  The CCC gave young unmarried men the opportunity to learn a skill and earn some money ($30 a month, $25 had to be sent home). 
The CCC planted nearly 3 billion trees in an effort to reforest America,  helped create more than 800 parks nationwide, improved forest fire fighting methods, built roads and helped upgrade our state parks.
Without the CCC it is likely America would have spiraled deeper into the Great Depression, many families would have lost hope, and we may not have our beautiful parks today.
 I am happy to say I was informed that some former members of the CCC are expected to be at the event and I can't wait to shake their hands and thank them for preserving a bit of nature for future generations.

Come out and enjoy the park!  This also happens to be one of my favorite state parks in Florida...I get some great pics when I visit this park!  I always feel as if I have stepped back in time to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth...silly perhaps but that is the feel of the swamp! Panoramio- my photos

Murky Waters of the swamp (one of my pics on Google Earth- nondaywalker)

Red Shouldered Hawk
(this fella sat on that branch for about 10 minutes...I inched closer to be within feet of him!)

I hope to see  you there!  BTW- I will have all my inventory with me that day some come on out and see what I've been up to!

~Anna