easy boot cuffs

Something that has been on my "to do" list for a while were a pair of boot cuffs. I wear boots ALL winter and love to have cuffs & leg warmers underneath. I knew I could easily make some to add to my collection so I searched through my stash of yarn and got started. Who wants to make a pair??
what you'll need

yarn of your choice coordinating crochet hook needle to stitch in loose ends
Pattern
CH 40 (or how ever many stitches it takes for your chain to wrap around your leg snuggly in multiples of 3 + 1)
row 1: CH 2, DC in first stitch and all stitches across, CH 2 & turn row 2-7: DC in all stitches, CH 2 & turn row 8: DC in all stitches, CH 1, turn row 9: SC in all stitches, CH 1, turn ...start of the lacey top... row 10: Starting with the first stitch *(DC, CH 2, DC) in same stitch, skip next 2, repeat from * around. End with a DC in last stitch. CH1 & turn row 11: Work 4 SC into each of the CH 2 spaces across.  Fold boot cuff in half and line up both short ends. SC the ends together, fasten off and weave in ends. Turn cuff right side out. Repeat all steps for second boot cuff.
TA-DA!

You now have a pair of adorable boot cuffs :) Put on your favorite pair of boots and enjoy showing them off. Easy peasy, right?

cecil

Meet Cecil.  

I love him. He has to be one of the cutest monsters I've ever made from one of Danger Craft's patterns. If you haven't checked out here Etsy site, go there now. Seriously... She has oodles of adorbale monster & toy knitting patterns. Cecil is one of the patterns she offers from her first book. The book is filled with lots of adorable creatures to create.
  
I think I'll go start another knitting project...  

modern baby blanket

Even though I started knitting at the age of 8 (and learned to crochet about a year ago) I have never made anything bigger than a scarf. When I found out that my cousin, Janet, was pregnant with a little boy (due in November) I thought it was time I tried my hand at crocheting a baby blanket.

I started by scouring Pinterest for baby blanket ideas and fell in love with many of the styles that involved stripes. I ran to Michael's to pick up some yarn to get started.
... here's what you'll need to make your own ...
5 skeins of your favorite yarn corresponding crochet hook

... instructions ...

Chain 101 stitches.

SC into second chain from hook and into all stitches. 

Continue SC until your first band of color measures about 12".

Switch colors and continue SC until you've used all 5 colors.

Your finished blanket will measure about 36"x60".

[p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

guest post: apple hat

Hello!

My name is Katie and I am a visitor from Katie’s Crochet Goodies. I crochet many items such as hats, leg warmers, head warmers, headbands, mug cozies, face/bath scrubbies, and much more! I have even started sewing as of recently! I am a military wife and currently live in Arizona. We moved from North Dakota, and originally from Washington State, so we are on to a great start at exploring the Country!

For those of you who crochet, you know how awesome it is to find free patterns, especially ones as adorable as this! 

Make sure you download this pattern and keep it tucked away for fall…or even better, a baby gift for a teacher! I have my degree in Elementary Education and I was extra excited when I found this pattern. This Apple Hat pattern is offered in multiple sizes (Newborn, 3-6m, 6-12m) By Salena Baca. 

Here's another picture of my finished product, modeled by the amazing My Lil Britches Photography based in Minot, ND. 

I'd love for you to like my Facebook page and stay updated on new items, pattern links, specials, and promotions! I do custom orders so contact me if you are curious about something from Pinterest!

Thanks! Katie

knit & crochet food

So... I'm a little obsessed with crocheted/knit food. As a kid I would have LOVED having these to play with. How fun!! I think that if I start now, I could [maybe] make all of these adorable foods below by the time we have kids down the road. 
Which one is your favorite??? I don't know if I can choose. Click the links to view more information & tutorials.
[1] crocheted hot dog by bitter sweet [2] knitted mushroom by mama g's big craft blog

[3] knit strawberries by pezdiva [4] crocheted bowl of ice cream by cake sachets [5] crocheted apples by planet june [6] crochet pizza by morbidsparks [7] knit piece o' cherry pie by pie knits [8] crocheted peas in a pod by lions brand

[9] crocheted eggs by mamma pyssel [10] crochet sandwich by yummi gurumi [p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

sunshine makings: infinity cowl

I had the privilege of testing Sunny Stitching's infinity cowl pattern before she posted it to her Etsy site, Sunshine Makings. Jessica's pattern is fun, easy to understand and the final product is BEAUTIFUL.
Jessica's picture:

I'm not a very advanced crocheter, so if I could make it, you could too!
Check out her new pattern here :) Happy crocheting!
[Oh...and if you don't crochet, Jessica sells the finished infinity scarves here].

[p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

CAL: one dog woof infinity scarf

I am in LOVE with my new mustard yellow infinity scarf that I made from One Dog Woof's Infinity Scarf pattern used in the Crochet Along. And yes... I had to take pictures with my phone in the bathroom mirror because I didn't plan ahead... sorry for the poor quality!

The thing I love about trying new patterns is learning new stitches. This V-stitch is super simple and makes for a really cute pattern on this scarf. Also, it's quick! I was amazed at how quickly I finished this scarf.
Check out the pattern here. Check out the other CAL projects here.
Grab your hook and make yourself a scarf.  ... Seriously, you'll love it too... [p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

crocheted pillow

I have a confession to make. This project started out as an infinity scarf. Yes, I had planned to make a big, chunky grey scarf since we still have some cold weather ahead of us. When I decided to participate in One Dog Woof's Crochet Along (it's an infinity cowl) I wondered what I could turn my half finished scarf into. It dawned on me one morning before work while I was sitting on the couch - I could make a pillow!! This project really was meant to be because the width of my scarf was PERFECT size for the width of the pillow. I was thrilled. 
If you'd like to follow along and make your own pillow cover, here is what you'll need:
Supplies

• 4 skeins of medium weight yarn (I uses lions brand Medium "4" color Charcoal Gray)
• crochet hook size K (I used an "M" because I was originally planning on this being a scarf - my gauge is a little looser than I'd like it to be).
• yarn needle for stitching your cover together
• pillow form

You'll need to be able to:
ch - chain

dc - double crochet

sl st - slip stich

ws - whip stitch

[1] Chain enough st so that they are as long as the width of your pillow (I had a 16" pillow and chained 35 st - this will probably be different for everyone)

[2] Double crochet every row until your cover is twice the height of your pillow (16" pillow = roughly a 32" cover). I would stop periodically and check the length of my cover to the pillow itself. You'll want to stop about an inch short so that the stretch will make your cover nice and snug.

[3] Once your cover is the length that you'd like it, slip stitch your ends together. You'll now have a crocheted tube.

[4] Once you've formed your tube, you'll still have 2 open ends on your cover. Slip your pillow into the cover and slip stitch the second end closed (it's easiest to close the end that already has the working yarn on it). Once this end is closed, secure your yarn and sew in your loose ends.

[5] Finally, with a long piece of yarn cut from one of your skeins, close up your last open end with a whip stitch.

Goodbye old pillow...hello new soft, fun crocheted pillow :)

[p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

crocheted ravens hat

Even though we only live about an hour for Baltimore, we have no affiliation with either team in the Superbowl. My husbands not even that excited about it. However, being from this area, we know a number of Raven's fans and I was asked to make a few hats for the big game.

If you'd like to make your own, follow along with this pattern (feel free to adjust the colors to coordinate with your favorite team!)

This pattern is adapted from Repeat Crafter Me's Owl Hat Pattern

Baltimore Raven's Crocheted Hat with Earflaps: What you'll need: 1. Medium worsted weight yarn 2. Crochet hook size H 3. Darning needle (for weaving in loose ends)
Abbreviations: ch - chain SC - single crochet DC - double crochet HDC - half double crochet HDC decrease - half double crochet decream sl st - slip stitch Here is Repeat Crafter Me's pattern with my alterations for the Raven's hat in RED :)
Size: Teen/Adult Magic Ring, Chain 2, 9 DC in magic ring, join to first DC, ch 2  Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join to first DC, ch 2 (18 DC)  Round 3: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next, repeat around, join, ch 2 (27 DC)  Round 4: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 2, repeat around, join, ch 2 (36 DC)  Round 5: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 3, repeat around, join, ch 2 (45 DC)  Round 6: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in next 4, repeat around, join, ch 2 (54 DC)  Round 7: DC around (54 DC)  Round 8: 2 Dc in first stitch, DC in next 8, repeat around, join, ch 2 (60 DC)  Round 9: 2 DC, DC in next 29, repeat around (62 DC)  Change color to WHITE, join and ch 2  Round 10: DC around (62 DC) Change color to PURPLE, join and ch 2 Round 11: DC around (62 DC) Change color to YELLOW, join and ch 2  Round 12-13: DC around (62 DC)  Change color to PURPLE, join and ch 2 Round 14: DC around (62 DC) Change color to WHITE, join and ch 2 Round 15: DC around (62 DC) Change color to PURPLE, join and ch 2 Round 16: DC around (62 DC) do not fasten off, begin on first earflap 
Earflaps: In PURPLE Row 1: Chain 2, HDC 12, chain 2, turn Row 2: HDC decrease, HDC in next 8, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn Row 3: HDC across, chain 2, turn (10 HDC) Row 4: HDC decrease, HDC in next 6, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn Row 5: HDC across, chain 2, turn (8 HDC) Row 6: HDC decrease, HDC in next 4, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn Row 7: HDC across, chain 2, turn (6 HDC) Row 8: 3 HDC decreases Row 9: 2 HDC decreases, chain 2, turn Row 10: HDC decrease, fasten off leaving long tail.
Leave 25 stitches along the front for adult size hat... begin second earflap. After second earflap, Continue to SC around the entire hat. Join to first SC and fasten off, leaving long tail.
Braided Tails:  Cut three SIX 1 yard strands of each color (9 18 strands total).  Double over & pass loop through last space in earflap. You should now have 18 36 strands to braid with. Make a knot and braid approx 5.5 inches long, knot, trim ends.
Make a fun pom pom (YELLOW & WHITE) to add to the top :)

Now, go on - make a fun hat! If you need other sizes, check out Repeat Crafter Me's patterns. They're the best! I'm now going to focus on some yummy snacks for the game instead. [p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

crochet hook holder

I have this theory. Everything is better in it's own unique, cute, little case. Yes? Ok, maybe it's just me. Anyway, I decided to make a little case for the crochet needles I got my mom for Christmas. One of these days I am going to teach her how to crochet :) In the mean time, you can make a fun little case for your own hooks.

__________________________________

Here is what you'll need:

6.5" x 35.5" piece of linen (or any other fabric)

crochet hooks

a magnetic clip

letter stamps & ink

sewing machine

wax paper & pencil (optional)

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[1] Start by prepping your fabric. Iron and cut a piece of fabric that is 6.5" x 35.5". Fold your fabric right sides together "hamburger style" (your fabric will now be 6.5" x 17.75") and sew around all sides (leaving 2-3 inches on one of the short sides for turning). Turn your piece right side out and press flat.

[2] Next, using your crochet hooks as a guide, fold the bottom of your fabric up to cover 3/4 of your hooks. Pin both sides in place.

[3] Now is when you'll  put on your magnetic clip. Follow the instructions on the package to do so. I placed my clip about 2 inches from the bottom (centered on my holder).

[4] Now, using wax paper, draw guide lines for your pouch divisions. I like to do this because it ensures nice straight lines. You can sew directly over your wax paper. When you're finished, carefully peal the wax paper off and throw it away. You'll be left with nice straight lines!

If you'd like, just go for it and sew with the wax paper. What's the worst that could happen? I used my zipper foot around my clip.

As for the sides, leave them both open for now. They will get stitched down in a later step.

[5] Moving to the top of your case, top stitch across your opening from step 1 that was used to turn your piece.

[6] Fold the top edge over a few inches and press with your iron. This length will vary based on your magnetic clip placement. Install the other half your clip under your newly created flap. Before committing to the placement, check to see that both parts of the clip line up.

[7] Once your clip is in place, sew straight down both of the sides to secure your flap and hook pockets. Decorate with rubber stamps and you have a cute little case for your crochet hooks.

Much better right? I told you everything is better in a fun little case.
[p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]