Monday, January 28, 2013

Doily Snowman

A free Crochet Pattern


I feel as if I'm really late in the season to get this out but I had an awful time getting a good picture of him. Today it was a high of 57 so I took advantage of it. I took some pictures of the snowman outside and I was finally happy with the results.

I love this little guy. He brings such cheer to the entryway. I really loved having him hang around my house until I gave him away as a Christmas gift.

He is so easy to assemble, and create. You can use the the patterns below for the 2 doilies or you can find 2 already made ones to starch.

Ravlery PDF Download

This pattern is now available for a pattern download through my Ravelry store for $3.00. This is a great option if you are wanting an easy to print and ads free copy of this pattern.
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Doily snowman




Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: Size 10 cotton thread
Hook: Steel hook size 7
 (or two doilies, one that is 7 inches and 
 one that is 8 or 9 inches)
Materials
  • Your choice of starch
  • 2 black 1 inch buttons
  • 6 black  ¼ inch buttons
  • 3 brown 1 inch buttons
  • Old flannel scraps
  • Thick jewelry wire
  • 24 wooden beads

Size: Snowman is approximately 20in. tall when assembled. 

Special stitches
Leaf stitch:  Chain 5 {yo 2 times insert hook into 5th chain from hook yo and pull through, (yo pull through two loops) twice [you should have 2 loops on the hook]} repeat {to} once (3 loops),  (yo and pull through 2 loops) 2 times.

Picot: Chain 4 slip stitch into tr just made.

Tr3tog: {Yo two times insert hook into desired stitch, yo and pull through, yo pull through two loops twice} repeat {to} 2 more times. You should have 4 loops on the hook, yo and pull through all 4 loops.
Tr4tog: {Yo 2 times insert hook into desired stitch, yo and pull through, (yo pull through 2 loops on the hook) 2 times} repeat {to}3 more times. You should have 5 loops on the hook, yo and pull through all 5 loops.

Doily 1 Pattern: 

This first doily has a picture tutorial from the Lacy Japanese Lantern.
 
Round 1: Ch 6, sl st into beg ch, ch 8, {Tr ch 4 in ring} repeat {to} 6 more times, slip stitch into 4th ch at beg. (8 Tr and 8 ch 4 spaces).


Round 2: Sl st into ch 4 sp, ch 1, {5 sc in ch four space} repeat {to}  till end, sl st into first sc. (40 sc).



Round 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, {leaf stitch twice (one will be on top of the other) sk 4 sc, and sc in next stitch} repeat  {to}around to end, ending with 2 leaf stitches, sl st into beg sc. (16 leaf stitches).


Round 4: Ch 5, {leaf stitch, tr between two leaf stitches of previous row, picot, leaf stitch, Dtr in sc,} repeat  {to} 6 times, end with leaf stitch, tr between two leaf stitches, picot, leaf stitch, sl st into 5th ch of beg st.


Round 5: Ch 8, {(tr3tog, chain 3 in picot of previous row), repeat  (to) 2 times. Dtr in dtr of previous row, ch 3}  repeat {to}  6 times, tr3tog, ch 3  times, sl st into fifth ch at beg. (24 tr3tog). 


Round 6: Ch 8, (tr in tr3tog of last round, ch 4,) repeat (to) 2 more times, {tr in dtr of last round, (ch 4, tr in next tr3tog)  3 times, ch 4} repeat {to} to end. Sl st. into forth ch of beg st. 


Round 7: Ch 1, sl st into ch sp, {3 sc, 4 ch, 3 sc in each ch 4 space}  repeat {to} around. Sl st into beg st. 

Finish off. 




Doily 2

Round 1: Ch 10, sl st in first ch to make a ring, ch 3 (counts as dc here and though out), make 23 dc in the loop, sl st into beg dc. (24 dc)

Round 2:{Ch 3, 2 dc in the next dc, ch 3, sl st into next dc} repeat {to} 11 times. (12 starts to petals)

Round 3: Sl st up the first ch 3 of previous row, ch 4, tr3tog in the next 3 dc completing the petal, {ch 10, tr4tog in next four dc}  repeat {to} 10 times, ch 10, sl st into the first tr4tog. (12 petals) 

Round 4: Ch 1, sl st into ch 10 sp, {(6 sc, ch 4, 6 sc) in ch 10 sp} repeat {to} around, sl st in first sc

Round 5: Sl st in next 5 sc and into the ch 4, (ch 4, tr, ch 4, 2 tr) in ch 4 sp, {ch 7, (2tr, ch 4, 2 tr) in next ch 4 sp} repeat {to} 11 times, ch 3 dc in first tr.

Round 6: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 4, (2 dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 4 sp of previous row, ch 4, {sc in ch 7 sp, ch 4, (2dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch 4 sp, ch 4} repeat {to} 11 times, sl st in to first sc.

Round 7: Ch 6, tr in same space, ch 1, (2 dc , ch 3, 2 dc) in next ch 3 sp,  ch 1, {(tr, ch 2, tr) in next sc,  ch 1, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the ch 3 sp, ch 1}, repeat around, sl st into first tr.

Round 8: Sl st into ch 2 sp, ch 1, {sc in ch 2 sp, ch 3, 7 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 3} repeat {to}11 times, sl st into first sc.

Finish Off

Assembling the Snowman


Once the doilies are done, starch doilies to where they are hard. I like using a sugar starch (one part water, 2 parts sugar that has been heated up to boiling). 

When they are dry, using a hot glue gun attach the smaller doily to larger one, then add the buttons for his mouth, eyes and buttons. Cut the jewelry wire into four equal parts and string on 6 wooden beads each, and then attach the wire to the snow man. For the last touch cut out some old flannel for a scarf and a hanging loop. 


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More Christmas Patterns You Will Love 

Always Pointing North Blanket 


Poinsettia Christmas Ornament

Monday, January 21, 2013

Faith, Hope and Love Throw Pillow

A Free Embroidery Tutorial

I have been working on some sewing projects this month. I wanted a way to use up my scraps and this is the project that I came up with. If you would like to make it to you will need:

  • 8- 8 inch squares in coordinating colors
  • 2 buttons
  • 1 embroidery floss skein
  • carbon paper
  • sewing machine
  • fiber fill 

 Instructions

 1. To start I sewed four the the squares together for the front. For the back I sewed four squares that were the same color.  
2. Next with a word processing program (like word) I picked out which font I wanted and typed out the words I wanted. I chose the french script and I sized it to 104. I printed it off on a piece of  paper.





3. Next I cut out the letters and I cut the carbon paper to fit the size of the cut out words, I etched the words, with the carbon paper onto the fabric where I wanted them placed. I found that it helped to pen down the paper and the carbon paper so it won't move.

4. Next I got out my embroidery hoop and I satin stitched around the letters covering up the carbon letters with the embroidery floss.


5. When all the letters are covered. I sewed the front and back pieces together with the right sides facing each other. I left a small hole in one corner to flip the pillow right side out, and to stuff it.


  6. Stuff the pillow. Sew up the whole with a wip stitch. and sew on the buttons on both sides of the pillow at the same time.

More Embroidery Projects You Would Like


Finding inspiration in nature

It is well with my soul

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

When I got back from Christmas break I somehow ended up with 9 bananas in my apartment and they were spoiling fast so I was coming up with creative ways to use them besides my typical banana bread. I also have a hoarders amount of oatmeal. So I put 2 and 2 together and made oatmeal cookies.They came out amazingly soft and I know Elvis would be jealous to have a few.

2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. white sugar
1c. brown sugar
1 c. mashed banana (or 2 bananas)
2 eggs
2 T. cold water
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oatmeal (I used the old fashioned)
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
1/2 cup of peanut butter chips

Sift together the first 4 ingredients. Cream the sugars, banana, eggs and water together. Add the flour mixture until it is all wet. Add the oatmeal and the chips just till mixed. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes. I got about 30 big cookies out of it.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Victorious Cowl

A Free Crochet Pattern



I love getting to try out new yarn. Don't You? My friend gifted me some yarn to try and I just had to make something with it. It was a lace weight super wash merino. I'm hooked. I loved working with it. and I'm pretty sure you will like making this cowl too. the merino works so well for cables because of it's elasticity.

Now about the cowl, it is one long piece with buttons on one end. The double crochet makes the button holes naturally. The pattern is intermediate, but it is a simple pattern if you are familiar with post stitches and and crossover stitches. It is very versatile it can be worn over the shoulder, or like a bandanna. When it is really cold I have even been know to where it as a head scarf.


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 Victorious Cowl 


Design by Julia Schwartz

Yarn : laceweight: 50% Superwash Faulkland British Merino wool, and 50% bamboo.
875 yds/100g skein.

Hook size: D

Notions: 6: ½ inch black buttons, yarn needle

Gauge: 7 in.  by 32 in. 8 stitches equal 1 in. 4 rows equal 1 in.

Pattern PDF Download 

This Pattern is a Free Pattern so keep scrolling down to find this Pattern. If you would like to purchase a pattern that is ads free and printer friendly you can do so through my Ravelry Store. The pattern is $3.00. The PDF has the full written instructions and pictures.

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Pattern Instructions


Row 1:Ch 4, 58 foundation dc. (59 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 3, 58 dc across. (59 stitches)

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in the next 3 dc, {fpdc in the next 3 stitches, dc in 2 dc} repeat {to} 3 more times, fpdc in the next 3 stitches, dc in the next 5 dc{fpdc in the next 3 bpdc, dc in the next 2 dc} repeat  {to} 4 more times, dc in the last 2 dc.

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in the next 3 dc, {bpdc in 3 fpdc of previous row, dc in next 2 dc}, repeat {to} 3 times, bpdc in the next 3 dc,  dc in the next 5 dc, bpdc in the next 3 dc, {dc in the next 2 dc, bpdc in the next 3 dc}, repeat {to} 4 times, dc in the last 4 dc.

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in the next four dc,{dc in bpdc, 1 fpdc in the same dc as the last dc just made, fpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip next 2 dc, fpdc in the next 3 fpdc, 1 dc in the same fpdc as the last fpdc  just made, dc in next 2 dc}, repeat  {to}once, dc in next bpdc, 1 fpdc in the samebp dc as the last dc just made, fpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip 1 dc, dc in next 3 dc, skip 1 dc, fpdc in the next 3 fpdc, {1 dc in same fpdc as the last fpdc just made, dc in next 2 dc, dc in fpdc, fpdc in same bpdc,  fpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip 2 dc,  fpdc in the next 3 fpdc}, repeat {to} once,  dc in fpdc just used, dc in last 4 dc.

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in the next 4 dc, {skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in the 3 skipped fpdc, dc in the 4 un-worked dc} repeat {to} once,  1 dc in fpdc, bpdc in same stitch, bpdc in next 2 bpdc, skip 1 dc, dc, skip 1 dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, 1 dc in fpdc just used, {dc in next 4 dc, skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in the 3 skipped fpdc}, repeat {to}, dc in last 5 dc. (this row will have an extra stitch)

Row 7: Ch 3, {dc in the next 4 dc, fpdc in the next 6 bpdc} repeat {to}, dc in next 5 dc, dc in bpdc, fpdc in same bpdc just used, fpdc in next 2 bpdc, skip 1 dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, 1 dc in bpdc just used, dc in next 5 dc, {fpdc in next 6 bpdc, dc in next 4 dc} repeat {to}, dc in last dc. (this row will have an extra stitch)

Row 8: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, skip 1 dc,{3 bpdc in the next fpdc, dc in last fpdc just used and the next fpdc, dc in the next fpdc, bpdc in the fpdc just used, bpdc in the next two fpdc, skip dc, dc in next 2 dc, skip 1 dc} repeat {to} but don’t skip 1 dc in the end of the repeat, dc in next 3 dc, skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in skipped fpdc, dc in next 5 dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, 1 dc in last fpdc just used, 1 dc in the next fpdc, bpdc in same fpdc just used, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip dc, dc in 2 dc, skip dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, 1 dc in last fpdc just used, 1 dc in the next fpdc, bpdc in same fpdc just used, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip 1 dc, dc in next 4 dc.
                                                                   
Row 9 : Ch 3, dc in the next 3 dc, {Fpdc in 3 bpdc of previous row, dc in next 2 dc}, repeat {to} 2 times, fpdc in the next 3 bpdc,  dc in the next 5 dc, fpdc in the next 6 bpdc, dc in the next 5 dc, fpdc in the next 3 bpdc, dc in next 2 dc, repeat {to} 3 more times, dc in last 2 dc.

Row 10: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, {bpdc in 3 fpdc of previous row, dc in next 2 dc} repeat {to} 2 times, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, dc in next 4 dc, skip 1 dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, dc in space between dc just used and 1 dc in next fpdc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, skip 1 dc, dc in next 4 dc,{bpdc in next 3 fpdc, dc in next 2 dc} repeat {to}3 more times, dc in last 2 dc.

Row 11: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, {dc in bpdc, fpdc in bpdc just used, fpdc in next 2 bpdc, skip 2 dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, dc in bpdc just used, dc in next 2 dc} repeat {to} once, dc in dc, skip dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, dc in bpdc just used, dc, dc in next bpdc, fpdc in same bpdc, fpdc in the next 2 bpdc, skip 1 dc, dc in next 3 dc, {dc in bpdc, fpdc in the same bpdc, fpdc in the next 2 bpdc, skip 2 dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, dc in bpdc just used, dc in next 2 dc} repeat {to} once, dc in last 2 dc.

Row 12: Ch 3, dc in the next four dc, skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in the three skipped fpdc, dc in the 4 unworked dc, skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in the 3 skipped fpdc, dc in the next 3 dc, skip 1 dc, bpdc in 3 fpdc, 1 dc in fpdc just used, bpdc in fpdc just used, dc in next 3 dc, 1 dc in fpdc, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, dc in next 3 dc, dc in fpdc, skip 1 dc, dc in next 3 dc, {skip 3 fpdc, bpdc in next fpdc, go back to skipped fpdc, bpdc in the 3 skipped fpdc,dc in next 4 dc} repeat {to}. Dc in last dc.

Row 13: Ch 3,{dc in the next 4 dc, fpdc in the next 6 bpdc} repeat {to}, dc in next 3dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, dc in next 5 dc, fpdc in next 3 bpdc, dc in next 3 dc, {fpdc in next 6 bpdc, dc in next 4 dc} repeat {to}, dc in last dc.

Row 14: Row 8: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, skip 1 dc,  {bpdc in the next 3 fpdc, dc in last fpdc just used, dc in the next fpdc, bpdc in the fpdc just used, bpdc in the next 2 fpdc, skip dc, dc in next 2 dc, skip 1 dc} repeat  {to} but don’t skip 1 dc in the end of the repeat, bpdc in the next 3 fpdc, dc in next 5 dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, {dc in 2 dc, skip dc, bpdc in next 3 fpdc, 1 dc in last fpdc just used, 1 dc in the next fpdc, bpdc in same fpdc just used, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, skip 1 dc}, repeat {to}, dc in next 4 dc.
                                                                   
Repeat rows 3– 14 till it reaches 32 inches

Edging: Sc around the whole edge of the cowl.

Finishing 

Weave in your ends.

Sew on the 6 buttons equally across row 1.

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas Card Boxes


When the Christmas season starts winding down, and the Christmas card pile is over flowing I often have a hard time putting things away for the next season, and heaven forbid throw some of those cards away. I have a simple craft for you that will help you not feel so guilty about those cards.

I used to make these as a little girl so I know they are easy. First step is to separate the front and back of the card. Second with a pencil and ruler, draw a line an inch from both sides of the card on the front and the back. Then make a mark an inch and a half down the line on each side.Cut on the line till the mark, then fold the cards on the line.
Once that is done you will fold the cuts toward the center of the card. Pull up the larger flap around the cut flaps and fold it over. If needed put a piece of tape in the inside of the box.
These boxes can be used for boxing up little presents and storing little treasures. 



Monday, November 12, 2012

Chicken Gumbo

Last week when I was roasting a chicken I was thinking about recipes that I have not made for a while that I could use for the left overs of the roasted chicken. I thought of making gumbo, and it just so happened that I had a coupon for andouille sausage so that made it even better. We really enjoyed our pot full and it disappeared quickly. I thought you would enjoy the recipe too.

To start with you will need my recipe for stock. You can find it here. or you can use canned.

I used 4 cups stock, and the chicken that was left on the carcass.
1 bag of frozen Cajun mixed vegetables (onion, celery and green pepper)
 1 Tbsp of minced garlic
1 Tbsp of parsley flakes
2 Tsp of Salt
2 tsp of chili powder
1/2 tps of   thyme
1/2 tps of cayenne pepper (you can always add more if you like some heat)
1/4 tps of black pepper
paprika for taste
1 link of andouille sausage

It is as easy as throwing all the ingredients in a pot and letting it simmer for an hour till all the favors have melded together. Serve it over a big bowl of rice, and you've  got a great cold weather soup.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Always Pointing North Blanket


 A Free Crochet Pattern for a fast moving Motif and Blanket


Is anyone else starting to stress out about Christmas coming up soon? At some points I feel like I have it all put together, but at times I wonder if i am going to get all my projects done in time. I started working on Christmas presents in August.

The first one I got done is the one I will share with you. Hopefully this will be fun for my family because they will get to see it early but no one will know who is getting it.  Maybe they can have a raffle for it. Ha.

The things that I love about this free crochet pattern is that the motifs are only three rounds so I can sit down on the couch for a five minute break and get one done. Then it is a join as you go blanket, so you  can't lose any of your pieces, unless you lose the whole thing. I would not doubt that happening in my house with a toddler. I also like that you can make lots of different color patterns.

If you would like to see more color options click here.





Always Pointing North Blanket 



Yarn: Any 4ply acrylic yarn 
Hook: G/ 6
Gauge: Each motif is 4 inches by 4 inches

Free Crochet Pattern Download:

This is a free Crochet Pattern. Keep scrolling down to see this great free crochet pattern. This pattern is also available for a free download. download now  This is a download from My Ravelry Shop. Thank you for your Support and don't forget to add it to your Favorites. 

First Motif

Round 1:{Ch 5, make 2 tr in fourth ch from hook keeping the last loop on the hook of each tr, (yo and pull though 2 loops) twice}repeat {to } three more times, sl st into beginning ch .  4 tr clusters.

Round 2: Ch 4, {tr in next space between tr cluster of previous row, ch 4, tr3tog in same space, ch 4, tr in same space} repeat {to} twice, tr,  ch 4, 3togtr, ch 4, sl st into beginning ch 4.  4 3togtr

Round 3: Sl st into next st and sp, ch 1, {5 sc in ch 4 sp, ch 7, 5 sc in next ch 4 sp, ch 3}, repeat {to} three more times, sl st into beginning sc. Finish off.

Motif with 1 joining motif:

Round 1 and 2: Follow first motif directions

Round 3: Sl st into next st and sp, ch 1, 5 sc in ch 4 sp, ch 3, make a joining sl st connecting with the other motif’s ch 7, ch 3, 5 sc in next ch 4 space, ch 1 make a joining sl st connecting with the other motif’s ch 3, ch 1, {5 sc in ch 4 sp, ch 7, 5 sc in next ch 4 sp, ch 3}, repeat {to} two more times, sl st into beginning sc. Finish Off.

Motif with 2 joining motifs:
Round 1 and 2: Follow first motif directions.

Round 3:  : Sl st into next st and sp, ch 1, (5 sc in ch 4 sp, ch 3, make a joining sl st connecting with the other motif’s ch 7, ch 3, 5 sc in next ch 4 space, ch 1 make a joining sl st connecting with the other motif’s ch 3, ch 1) repeat (to) ,  (5 sc in ch 4 sp, ch 7, 5 sc in next ch 4 sp, ch), repeat (to), sl st into beginning sc. Finish Off.

Edging:

 Round 1: Starting in a corner square at the ch 7,make a beginning tr3tog, {ch 3, tr3tog, in ch 7 space} repeat three times, ch 3, (sc, ch3, sc) in next ch 3 space {(ch 3, tr3tog) 5 times in joining spaces , ch 3, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 3 space} continue to repeat {to} till you come to a corner, in corner make (ch 3,  tr3tog) five times, then continue with the repeat, sl st into first st when you come to it.

Round 2:  Sl st into ch sp,{ (sc, ch 3, sc, in each ch 3 sp between tr3tog) 4 times, (tr, ch 2)  4 times, tr in the ch 3 sp of previous row} repeat {to} around, sl st in first st. Finish Off. Weave in all ends.



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