Gratitude and Gobble Gobble Baby Beanie Hat

I know ... it's been a long time since I last posted.  Life has been very interesting.

Watching my little one grow and begin to say things like "Mama" and "Dada" has totally overwhelmed me.  She's growing so fast, it blows my mind.  She crawls soldier style, cries for her Daddy if she gets hurt, makes the cheesiest smile when she learns to do something for the first time or when she does something that causes anyone to smile or laugh.  She cries "Mama" when she's tired or hungry.  She's been saying "Duch" to call our 6 year old girl (Dutchess, our Lemon Basset Hound and been saying "Jaya" to call her cousin Josiah ... all this and she's only 10 months!!  It's amazing that I can't ever remember life without her.

As I think back, I can't help but be grateful to God for all the blessings He has poured out on my family and me.  There is not a thing in my life that I am not grateful for; the bad because it molds my character and teaches me how to work at relationships; the good because it gives me peace and rest from times of trial. Through all things, I've learned to be grateful, even though (at times) I may not understand some of the things I go through.

With this said, I'd like to share this song: "Gratitude" by Nichole Nordeman.  It reminds us to be grateful even if what we are hoping or expecting doesn't come to pass as we would like it to ... but, maybe God has a better plan, maybe He knows what we really need.  May we have peace with what God does in our lives and may we ALWAYS be grateful for ALL He does and that we can learn to trust Him.


I'd like to share this pattern I've been working on for my baby for Thanksgiving.  The pattern fits 9-12 months.  Hope you enjoy!

Gobble Gobble Baby Beanie Hat

Materials:

            Redheart Yarn: Super Saver

                        Coffee

Café Latte               

                        Buff

                        Black

White

                        Hot Red

                        Gold

                        Carrot

                        Spring Green

            Needle: USH8/5.00 MM

GOBBLE GOBBLE HAT

Using COFFEE:

Start off with Magic Ring (mr)

1. Ch 2 (this is the first dc), 9 dc, sl st to join. – (10 sts)

2. Ch 2 (this is first dc), 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in remaining 9 sts, sl st to join. – (20 sts)

3. Ch 2, 2 dc in next st, [1 dc in next  st, 2 dc in next st] repeat from [ to ] 8 times, sl st to join. – (30 sts)

4. Ch 2, 1 dc in next  st, 2 dc in next st, [1 dc in next  2 sts, 2 dc in next st] repeat 8 more times, sl st to join. – (40 sts)

Change color to CAFÉ LATE:

5. Ch 2, 1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, [1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st] repeat 8 more times, sl st to join. – (50 sts)

6. Ch 2, 1 dc in next 8 sts, 2 dc in next st, [1 dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st] repeat 4 more times, sl st to join. – (55 sts)

7. Ch 2, 1 dc in next 54 sts, sl st to join. – (55 sts)

Change color to BUFF:

8-15. Repeat step 7.

Bind off.

EAR COVERS ON BEANIE

Using BUFF:

Make sure top of hat is facing down, mark 11 sts to left and 16 sts to right of bind off st.

1. Slip st in one of the marked off sts, ch 2, 1 dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, turn.

2. Skip first st, dc in next 4 sts, ch 1, turn.

3. Skip first st, dc in next 3 sts, ch1, turn.

4. Skip first st, dc in next 2 sts, ch 1, turn.

5. Skp first st, dc in next st. Bind off.

Repeat step 1-5 for the other marked off st.

Measure out 18” of COFFEE, CAFÉ LATE and BUFF yarn. Thread all three strands through tip of EAR COVER.  Match up each strand with it’s matching color so that there are three strands and braid all the way down.  When you are close to the end, tie a knot.  Repeat on the other EAR COVER.  Trim loose strands.

MOUTH

Using HOT RED:

Start using Magic Ring (mr)

1. [3 sc, ch 2] repeat once more, 2 sc, ch 2, sl st to join. (creates 3 sides)

2. [1 sc in next 3 st, 2 st in next 2 st space] repeat once more, 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 st in next 2 st space, sl st to join. Bind off.

Repeat 1-2 using CARROT or GOLD (I used CARROT).

Overlap CARROT mouth piece (for the beak) over the HOT RED piece, then stitch to beanie.

EYES

Using BLACK:

Start using Magic Ring (mr)

1. Ch 2, 9 dc, sl st to join. – (10 sts)

Change color to WHITE:

2. Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in remaining 9 sts, sl st to join.  – (20 sts)

3. Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in next st, [2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st] repeat 8 more times, sl st to join. – (30 sts)

Repeat step 1-3 for other eye.

FEATHERS

Colors needed: Hot Red, Gold, Carrot and Spring Green

1. Ch 7.

2. Dc in 2nd st from needle, dc in next 3 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st, ch 2.

3. Turn piece and stitch on other side of chains. 1 sc in first st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next 4 sts. Bind off.

Repeat step 1-3 in all 4 colors, then stitch feathers to top of beanie using COFFEE yarn.

Sew in loose ends

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***

Having a hoot making these Pinterest-Inspired owl motifs.

It's been some time since I've been on Pinterest, but recently I went by and pinned so many awesome project ideas.  I love to figure out how to make some of the things I've pinned and write down patterns (so I don't forget how I made them in the first place).

My Pinterest -> http://pinterest.com/craftymama2013/

I recently ran into an owl motif that caught my attention and this is my version of it:

Here is the pattern I came up with.  Hope you enjoy!!

OWL

Start off using a crochet Magic Ring (mr)

1. Using color 1 -> 2 ch (this counts as first dc), Dc 7 in ring. Sl st with Color 2 to join. (8 st)
2. Sl st 8. (8 st)
3. Using color 1 -> Stitch into st from row 1 -> 1 ch (this counts as first sc), 1 sc in same st, 2 sc in each st to end of row. Sl st with Color 3 to join. (16 st)
4. 2 ch (this counts as first sc followed by 1 ch), [1 Sc, ch 1], repeat to end of row. Sl st to join. (16 hdc)
5. Sl st between next two posts, ch 1 (this counts as first sc), 1 sc in between same posts. 2 sc. In between each post to end. Sl st with color 4 to join. (32 st)
6. Sl st between posts from row 4, ch 2 (this counts as 1 dc). 1 dc in between same posts. 2dc in between each of the posts of row 4 to end. Sl st to join. (32 dc)
7. 1 ch (this counts as first sc). 8 sc, ch 1, turn. (9 st)
8. Skip first st, 8 sc across, ch 1, turn.
9. Skip first st, 1 sc, ch 2, 2 sc in same st, 2 sc, 1 sl st, 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, ch 2, 1 sc in same st. 2 sl st down side and bind off.

EYES (make 2)

Using white:
Start off using a crochet Magic Ring (mr)
1. 6 sc in ring, sl st to join, ch 1, bind off (leave center loose, do not tighten yet).
Using black:
2. Tie 3 knots on each other. Insert this through the center of the white part of the eye (this becomes the pupil). Tighten the mr. Leave some yarn attached to attach eyes onto owl.

BEAK

Using orange:
Start off using a crochet Magic Ring (mr)
1. Ch 2 (this counts as first dc), 2 dc in same ring, ch 1. Tighten mr. Leave some yarn attached to sew beak onto owl.

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***

**/ See some completed projects on Ravelry.com /**

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-motif-2/people

Crazy Weather ... Need a Slouchy Hat?

Wow, it's been quite some time since I last wrote. (Crazy!)

Much has transpired since. I took part in the 2nd annual Praise Explosion event and I had such a great experience. It was great just being able to participate with the youth at an event that reaches out to the community. By the looks of it, the event had an even greater turnout than last year.

This is me doing sound check.

I can't believe on Memorial Day weekend here in Jersey (NJ) we were getting cold weather brrrr!! I'm learning you can't really trust the weather forecast anymore.

With that in mind (although I know warm weather is upon us), I thought I'd share with you a pattern I found online to give you a head start on fall (although summer is not yet quite here ... Hmmmm ... Oh well. Enjoy!!!

Visit this link for the pattern -> Slouchy Hat

This is me wearing the hat.

Cupcake Binkie Clip

When I was writing the pattern for my cupcake design (If you haven't seen it yet you can check it out here -> Cupcake Pattern ), I ended up creating more cupcakes than I knew what to do with.  I created so many in hopes that I could perfect the pattern.

Well today I dressed my baby in a beautiful turquoise outfit, which happened to match the color of one of the cupcakes that I made.  Seeing that the Easter bunny Binkie clip that I created for her was in need of cleaning, I realized she needed another one. (By the way these Binkie clips help me to prevent losing or misplacing her pacifiers all the time like I used to.). So I took one of the extra cupcakes that I had laying around, stitched up a chain cord and attached it to her pacifier ... and this is the end result ...

I would love to see what kind of ideas you come up with for this cupcake pattern.  And I love hearing your feedback.  Don't forget to leave your comments.

Cupcake Pattern

I realize in our family that spring is a busy time for celebrations, and most of them are birthdays.  So I came up with an idea to gift to those who will be celebrating a birthday.  This is a cupcake pattern that I created.  I think it would be a great idea to make a keychain out of it.

What you'll need:

- a brown and colorful yarn (You can use any bright color to do the frosting)

- Scissors

- Place marker

- Crochet needle (5 mm)

CUPCAKE BOTTOM.

Start off using a crochet Magic Ring (mr) 

(see the following tutorial video to learn how:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUaywX0-WE)

1) 6 sc

2)  2 sc in each st (12 st)

3) (1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st) repeat to end. (16 st)

4) 16 sc on back side of loop of stitch (16 st)

5-6) 16 sc

Sl st in next st and bind off

CUPCAKE FROSTING

Start with Magic Ring

1) 6 sc

2) 2 sc in each st (12 st)

3) (2 sc in each st) repeat to end (24 st)

4) (1 sc, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st) repeat to end, sl st in outside loop (facing you) of next st. (32 st)

5) Ch 2, 1 sc in same outside loop, then (2 sc in each outside loop of st) repeat to end, sl st to join (64 st)

(Connect Frosting to Bottom)

6) Starting from the frosting, put needle through first INSIDE loop (away from you) of stitch from the previous row (you just finished working on the OUTSIDE loop of the stitch).  Put needle through a stitch on the last row of the Cupcake Bottom piece, yo, and pull yarn completely through.

7) Skip one loop on the FROSTING piece and insert your needle, then put needle through the next st on the BOTTOM piece (do not skip a st on the bottom piece), yo, and pull yarn completely through.  Stuff the piece then continue this until the end.  

Sl st to finish row and bind off.  

Hide loose ends using a tapestry needle.

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***

Scrunchy on the Run

This week was my first week back to work after having my baby.  I have to say it was bittersweet but I think it was more traumatic for me than it was for her.

A few days ago as I was rushing to get the baby ready so that I could get her to the babysitter on time so that I wouldn't be late to work, I realized I couldn't find a scrunchy to tie my hair.  So I concocted a plan and found a rubber band and a ball of yarn still sitting on my table along with my crochet needle, and this is what I came up with:

Well, the first one I made was actually a little bit simpler than this one, but it served it's purpose.
















Here is what you'll need:

* Yarn: I chose #804 / SURPRISE STRIPE (4 medium)
* Scissors to cut yarn
* 3 1/2" rubber band
* Size 5.0 mm crochet needle (US I-8)
* Small circle loom to hold rubber band.

Place the rubber band on the circle as seen in the picture.









Then cast the yarn onto the rubber band using a slip stitch.

Stitch 42 SC all the way around the rubber band and slip stitch to join.

There you have it!  The basic foundation for your very own scrunchy design.  I hope you enjoy!

Hey if you create your own scrunchies please feel free to share your designs.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***

Be blessed and may hope never elude you.
- Ruth Soto

Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

BLOG - March 2013: Easter is Fast Approaching

When you think about Easter, do bunnies, chicks and eggs come to mind?  If you would've asked me that when I was a child, I would have to agree.  But with age comes wisdom (or so it is assumed ... Lol!). Actually, with age comes experience, and wisdom should be developed from experience, but that's another story.

Easter has always intrigued me, what with it's colors, flowers, weather, etc.  But I always knew there was a deeper meaning to Easter.  When God conquered my heart at the age of 17, Easter took on a whole new meaning to me.  Eggs were replaced by a cross, a bunny was replaced by a Savior, and fake green grass was replaced by a torn veil that represents that there is no longer a strict limitation to who can come to God in prayer.  God has made Himself accessible to me by the unselfish sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and Easter for me will never be the same.  By this I know that God loves me.

I am a new mom and cannot fathom giving up my child for the sins of others, but God did this for me ... For you.  Those who know me know that I can better express myself through song, so I leave you with the following song to explain what I'm trying to say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6X_n-MNHk

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

BUNNY AMIGURUMI

Needle size = USH8/5.00 mm

Yarn = Worsted 4 - white

Abbreviations

sc= single crochet

ch= chain

st= stitch

sc2t= single crochet two together

sl st= slip stitch

HEAD & BODY

1) Ch 2

2) 6sc in 2nd ch from hook

3) 2 sc in each st (12 st)

4) 12 sc

5) (2 sc in next ch, 1sc in next) repeat to end of row (18 st)

6) 18 sc

7) 18 sc

8) (Sc2t, sc 1) repeat to end (12 st)

9) (Sc2t, sc 1) repeat to end (8 st)

10) Stuff piece

11) Sc2t to end (4 st)

12) 2 sc in each st (8 st)

13) (2 sc in next ch, 1sc in next) repeat to end of row (12 st)

14) 12 sc

15) (Sc2t, sc 1) repeat to end (8 st) 

Stuff piece

16) Sc2t to end of row (4 st)

 Sl st and bind off leaving strand about 6" long

ARMS (make 2)

1) Ch 2

2) 4sc in 2nd ch from hook

3) (2 sc in next ch, 1sc in next) repeat to end of row (6 st)

4) 6 sc

Stuff piece

5) (Sc2t, sc 1)  repeat to end (4 st)

6) 4 sc

Sl st and bind off leaving strand about 6" long

LEGS (make 2)

1) Ch 2

2) 4sc in 2nd ch from hook

3) (2 sc in next ch, 1sc in next) repeat to end of row (6 st)

4) 6 sc

Stuff piece

5) (Sc2t, sc 1)  repeat to end (4 st)

6) 4 sc

7) 4 sc

Sl st and bind off leaving strand about 6" long

EARS (make 2)

1) Ch 2

2) 4sc in 2nd ch from hook

3) (2 sc in next ch, 1sc in next) repeat to end of row (6 st)

4-7) 6 sc

Flatten piece and 3 sc across to close

Sl st and bind off leaving strand about 6" long

TAIL

1) Wrap yarn lightly about 12-15 times around your index and middle fingers. 

2) Cut the end of the yarn and remove from your fingers.

3) Hold the wrapped yarn in one hand and wrap new yarn (about a 4" piece) around the middle and knot to secure. Make sure you have about the same amount of extra yarn on both sides of your tail to attach to your bunny.

4) Cut all loops.

5) Trim the tail strands so they can all be even.

Attach all pieces and cut all loose strands.  

Stitch face design.

Your bunny is complete!

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***