Taco or Fajita Seasoning

1 c. dried minced Onion
1/3 c. chili powder
2 T. Cumin
3 tsp. crushed red peper
1 T. Oregano
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp corn starch
Combine all the ingredients together and store it in a cool dry place. I like to put my in clean baby jars. One recipe fits into 2 jars.  2 T. equals one taco packet.


If at all possible I like to make most things from scratch, that way I know what is actually going into my food. This is a recipe that I go to pretty often and I like to stay stocked with. My daughter is in the WIC program so we always have, rice, beans and tortillas on hand. Because of that Mexican night happens pretty frequently in our house. Like tonight when it was just Abigail and I for dinner. I had some left over chicken so I made some simple quesadillas. Then I made re-fried beans by heating a T. of oil in a pan, then I added a drained can of pinto beans, with a 1/4 cup of water and 2 tsp of the taco seasoning. I used a potato masher on it till it had the consistency of  re-fried beans. I also plated everything with sour cream and salsa for dips. (I have not found a 3 year old who does not like to dip things.) Everything was done in about 10 minutes.

Curling Baby Set

A free Crochet Pattern

I feel like this is a pattern that has taken a long time to come about. I also feel that if I don't get it out soon it will stay on my computer forever. I'm sorry if there are a couple of mistakes and inadequacies, but at the same time I have confidence in the simplicity of the pattern and its easiness to make adjustments.


I had a time deciding if I wanted a diaper cover that fit over cloth diapers or disposable diapers. I went ahead with the dimensions of a cloth diaper. Also when making them I felt like they were really long and that they would end up at the babies armpits. My first attempts were way to short, don't be afraid to make it longer.


Now that I have told you everything wrong with my pattern I will tell you what I love. I love the texture. I wanted something that was absorbent so I chose the front and back post stitch to give it extra padding. The moms that have tried them have been really excited about how well the diaper covers work. I also love that it can have multiple colors in it. And I can not forget the little booties they are way cute, and they work up in about ten minutes.





Yarn: Size 4: loops and thread or red heart. One skein makes a cover, hat and 2 booties.

Hook: J/10 6mm

Notions: thread and buttons

Size: small, medium, large
Diaper covers
Length: 13 (15, 17)
Front: 5 (6, 7)
Back: 11 (13, 15)
Hats:
newborn, 0-3, 3-9, 9-12

Gauge:15 sts 13 rows equals 4 inches

Stitches Used: ch, sc, dc, sl st, fpdc, bpdc, sc2tog, sc3tog,

Copyright:Julia Schwartz. Do not reproduce, copy, distribute, or sell this pattern without permission of the designer. This pattern must not be translated, reproduced, or circulated in another language without prior consent. If you have questions about this pattern please contact Julia.diligence@gmail.com.

Where Can I Get This Pattern?

This is a free crochet pattern on the blog. Just keep scrolling down to see this pattern. By having it free on the blog I am able to promote the pattern more and share it with more people. I also feel that I bring some trust to my readers who can read through the pattern before they decide if they want to purchase the pattern.

If you would like to purchase this pattern that is ads free and printer friendly, it is available for Download through my Ravelry Store For $3.00.

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Diaper cover

Row 1: Ch 4, make 17 (19, 21) fdc (18, (20,22) dc altogether).

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), turn, {skip 1 st, fpdc in next st, go back to missed st and fpdc}, repeat {to} 7 (8,9) times, dc in first dc .

Row 3:Ch 3, turn, bpdc in each st across, dc in last st.

Row 4- 12 (14, 16): Repeat rows 2 and 3 ending on row 2

Row 13 (15, 17): Ch 3, dc in same st for an increase, bpdc in each st across 2 dc in last stitch.

Row 14 (16, 18): Ch 3, fpdc in next st, {skip 1 st, fpdc in next st, go back to missed st and fpdc}, repeat {to} 6 times fpdc in next st, dc in 3rd ch of ch 3.

Row 15 (17 19): Repeat row 12(14, 16).

(For larger sizes you may find that you will want to add another increase row. )

Row 16 (18, 20): Ch 3, {skip 1 st, fpdc in next st, go back to missed st and fpdc}, repeat {to} 7 (8) times dc in 3rd ch of ch 3.

Row 17- 22 (19- 24, 21-28): Repeat rows 2 and 3 starting with 3 and ending with row 2

Row 23 (25, 29): Ch 7 (9, 11) , dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 2 (4, 6) chs, bpdc in each st across, at last dc add 4 (6) fdc.

Row 24 (26, 30): Ch 3, {skip 1 st, fpdc in next st, go back to missed st and fpdc}, repeat 13 (16) times dc in 3rd ch of ch 3.

Row 25 (27, 31): Ch 3, bpdc in each st across, dc in last st,

Row 26 (28, 31): Repeat row 24.

For all sizes: Sc in in each st around diaper cover for a border, and in each corner st add 2 sc.

Sew on four buttons to the front of the diaper cover to match up with the open holes in the stitches.

Hat:

Round 1: Ch 4, 8 (9,10) dc in 4th ch from hook, ( 9 (10,11) dc total).

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), 2 fpdc in starting st and in in each 1 around, sl st into first fpdc. 18 ( 20, 22) stitches total

Round 3: Ch 2, {fpdc in next 2 fpdc, go back 1 st and fpdc} repeat {to} around, sl st in beginning fpdc.

Round 4: Ch 2, {2 fpdc in first st, fpdc in next 2 st} repeat {to} around, sl st in beginning fpdc.

Round 5: Ch 2, {skip 1 fpdc, fpdc in next st, fpdc in skipped fpdc}, repeat {to} around, sl st in beginning fpdc.

Round 6: Ch 2, fpdc in each st across, sl st in beginning fpdc

Rounds 7- 12: Repeat rounds 5 and 6

Round 13: Sc in starting st, and around sl st in last st.

Round 14: Repeat round 13. Finish off. Weave in all ends

For larger sizes it might be necessary to add more rows.

Booties (newborn size only)

Round 1: Ch 7, sc in second ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, 4 sc in next ch making a turn as you go, sc in next 4 ch, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in beginning sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in starting sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, sl st in beginning sc.

Round 3: (in bl only) ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st in beginning ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), {sk 1 dc, fpdc in next, fpdc in skipped dc}, repeat {to} 3 times, tog3fpdc for next 3 dc, {sk 1 dc, fpdc in next, fpdc in skipped dc}, repeat {to} 4 times, sl st into beginning fpdc.

Round 5: Sl st into next st, sc in next 6 st, sc3tog, in next 3 st, sc in next 7 st, sc2tog in last 2 st, sl st in beginning st.

Round 6: Ch 1, sc in same st, and in next 5 st, sc3togin next 3 st, sc in next 5 st, sc2tog in last 2 st, sl st in beginning st. Finish off. Weave in all ends.

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More Crochet Patterns You Will Love:

Bullion Butterfly Beanie


Infant Hat in Simple Cables

A Preschool Busy Bag: Button Patterns

With Abigail as busy as ever I have been desperate to come up with things that I can do with her and more importantly things that she can do by herself while I need to do something else. I have started a collection of busy bags for her that she can pull out whenever she is feeling bored. To clarify a busy bag is an activity that can fit into a Ziploc bag, and generally they are quiet things that she can do without my help. I came up with one the other day that she likes and I think you will too.

Button patterns:
Materials: copy paper, laminate paper, markers, colored buttons that match the colors of your markers

The first thing I did was cut the paper into four long strips, I used 3 pieces for 12 total strips. Then I drew 5 to 9 squares across each strip of paper. I used different colors of markers to make different patterns in the squares, and I always left the last square empty. You can make the patterns as complicated as you want depending on your child's ability. Once that was done I laminated the strips with laminate paper. I would suggest working in small amounts. I was over expectant in my abilities and made a huge mess of my papers. Once that was done, with Abigail right in the action I trimmed all the edges down to make the strips as presentable as possible. And lastly we played the game together. We would say the pattern as we went, "red, blue, red, blue, and what goes next? Red. and Abigail would then put a red button in the square that was left empty. Simple as that.

recovering a stool

Years ago I acquired a sewing desk and stool. I would not at all be surprised if it is over 60 years old. It still has, well now I should say had its original seat pad and covering. Because of its age, it was getting the funny old smell. I've been needing to redo it since I got it, and today I finally decided to accomplish it.

First I took the cover and pad off, it was stapled on so it was pretty easy to do. I then cleaned the stool and top thoroughly. I put the cover and the pad in a bag and took them to the store with me to pick out the batting and fabric that I wanted. I went to log cabin quilt shop. I used the old cover to measure out how much of the new fabric I needed and I just grabbed the smallest bag of batting that they had.

When I got home, I cut the batting so that it would be three layers thick. Then I rolled and sewed seams in the fabric to make the new cover. I checked the measurements before I sewed to be sure it was a good fit.
I should also note that I doubled my fabric over for extra protection, so I only seamed 3 sides since one side was folded over.

After the sewing I got my daughter to sit down and watch a movie, and I got my staple gun out. The last time I got my staple gun out I got a staple through my finger and I could not crochet for a few days. I was probably more cautious than need be. I put the padding on top of the stool lid then I flipped it over on top of the new cover. Then I put one staple in each side pulling it tight. After the four sides were done I went back and filled in the rest.

I'm so glad I finally got this project done.

Mini Pound Cake Loaves

I have a favorite pound cake recipe that is really simple and it tastes amazing, but it is on the large size. Since there are only three of us when I do make it a lot of it goes to waste, or I end up eating way to much of it. I stopped making it very often because of this fact. My husband wanted me to make it a few nights ago, and I decided there has to be a better way of making it without wasting it.

The original recipe asks for a large bunt or angel food cake pan. In the new and improved version I use half the batter and put it into four mini loaf pans...perfect.

Butter milk Pound Cake

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp lemon extract or almond extract depending on the taste you are wanting
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose floor
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 325 F (165 C). Grease 4 mini loaf pans. Blend Butter and sugar together. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition. Stir in lemon and vanilla extracts. Mix together the rest of the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture and the milk alternately with the milk in with the egg and sugar mixture. Pour the batter into the four pans equally, each will be half full. Bake in oven for 35 minutes, or until cake begins to pull away from the pan. Do not open the oven door till at least 25 minutes has past. (If you are wanting to use a bunt pan multiply the recipe except the baking soda.)

complilation of patterns

With my newest pattern just coming out at crochetvolution.com I thought it would be a good idea if I made links to all of my patterns in one location.
 1. Infant Hat in Simple Cables
2.Lacey Japanese Lantern
3. painted-sunflower
4.Minnesota-layette-set

I'm excited to be able to share these with the public and i'm very excited to the future when I can share more of my ideas!

Scrubbing Dish Cloths

A Free Crochet Pattern

Here is a pattern that I have recently come up with so that I can sell them at some craft shows. I think I have worked it out that each dish cloth costs about .75 cents to make and I plan to sell them for 3.00 dollars each. They can be thrown into the wash, and i have thrown them in the dryer without any problems.

Notions:

• 1 large bath puff * edit since this pattern has come out Red Heart has come out with the Scrubby Yarn This would be a great substitute for the centers, just double up the yarn with 2 strands. 
• 1 ball of worsted cotton like sugar n cream

Hook: J/ 10- 6.00mm

Gauge: 6 inch square, 5 to 6 dish clothes

Preparation: Take the bath puff apart, and cut it long ways into 5 to 6 equal strips

Row 1: with 1 strip of the puff, ch 5, sl st into beginning ch to make a loop, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout)  make 8 hdc in loop, sl st into 1st hdc.

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next st and around. (16 hdc) (You should have just enough of a strip to complete the two rows)

Row 3: Ch 1,( hdc in next 4 st, ch 3) repeat 3 times, sl st into first hdc.

Row 4: Ch 1, (hdc in each of the 4 hdc of previous row, 2 hdc ch 3 2 hdc in corner space) repeat 3 times, sl st into first hdc.

Row 5: Ch 1, Hdc in each of the 6 hdc of previous row, 2 hdc ch 1, 2 hdc in corner space,( hdc in each of the 8 hdc of previous row, 2 hdc ch 1, 2 hdc in corner space) repeat 2 times, 2 hdc in last 2 st of row.

Row 6: C1, hdd in same st, 4 dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc, in next st, skip 1 st, sc in next, hdc in next skip 1 st 4 dc in corner space,  (hdc, sc, skip 1 st, sc, hdc, 4dc, hdc, sc, skip 1 st, sc, hdc, skip 1 st, 4 dc in corner space) repeat 2 times, hdc, sc, in last 2 sts. Finish off and weave in all ends.

Some more Patterns you might like:
Girl Power Back Pack

Messenger Envelope Tablet Case

making a draw sting.

If you have a daughter like mine. One that is tall and skinny, you probably have a hard time finding pants and bottoms that fit. I have made a simple tutorial on how to add a draw string. This does not work for all bottoms but it is a good solution for bottoms that have elastic.
1st step: Make two small holes in the front of the pants where a button would normally go

2nd step: measure out the ribbon or string that you want to use, making it longer than what you will need to go around the waist. and cut.

3rd step: attach a safety pin to one side of the ribbon, then guide the safety pin through one hole, around the waist and out the other hole.

 Take the safety pin off, tie knots on the ends of the sting or ribbon and you are done.

Crochet Spring Welcome Sign

A Free Crochet Pattern

This is a pretty little design that can add some impact to your front door or entry way. I made a simple diagram for the filet part, and it is also written out. Basic stitches that you need to know to completely finish the project are: ch st, dc, sc, shell st, sl st, and fdc. 

You do not have to use embroidery floss for the flowers, left over size 10 crochet thread works great too. 

Also I left it out in the rain one day, and it re-dried misshaped, so it would be advisable to keep it dry once it is hardened.

Where can I Get This Pattern
This is a free pattern here on the blog and in my Ravelry store. Just keep scrolling down to read this pattern.
A pdf of this pattern is available for download.
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This link will take you to my Ravelry store and the pattern is set as free no promo code needed.

Spring Welcome Sign Pattern

Yarn: size 10 crochet thread

Hook: steel hook 8

Notions: embroidery floss colors yellow, green, brown and light blue, embroidery needle, starch, and colorful ribbon. 
Notes:  A mesh consists of a dc, ch 2, dc. A block consists of 4 dc. The end of a mesh is the start of a block so if you make a mesh it would be dc, ch 2 sk 2 stitches and dc. A block would be the dc just made plus 2 dc in the ch spaces or 2 dcs, dc in next dc. (I'm pretty sure I just confused you more.)

Written Instructions

Row 1: ch 50, dc in 8^th  ch from hook, *ch 2, skip 2 ch dc in next ch* repeat to end. 15 mesh

Row 2 and 3: make 15 mesh

Row 4 and 5: 2 mesh, 11 blocks, 2 mesh

Row 6: 10 mesh, 2 blocks, 3 mesh

Row 7: 4 mesh, 2 blocks, 9 mesh

Row 8: 6 mesh, 4 blocks, 5 mesh

Row 9: 4 mesh, 2 blocks, 9 mesh

Row 10: 10 mesh, 2 blocks, 3 mesh

Row 11 and 12: 2 mesh, 11 blocks, 2 mesh

Row 13: 15 mesh

Row 14: 6 mesh, 7 blocks, 2 mesh

Row 15: 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row 16: 6 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 17: 2 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row 18: 6 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 19: 15 mesh

Row: 20 and 21: 2 mesh, 11 blocks, 2 mesh

Row 22: 15 mesh

Row 23: 2 mesh , 7 blocks, 6 mesh

Row24: 6 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 25: 2 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row: 26: repeat row 24

Row 27: 2 mesh, 2 blocks, 3 mesh, 2 blocks, 6 mesh

Row 28: 15 mesh

Row 29: 2 mesh, 7 blocks, 6 mesh

Row 30: 6 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 31: 2 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row 32: repeat row 30

Row 33: repeat row 29

Row 34: 15 mesh

Row 35: repeat row 29

Row 36: 7 mesh, 1 block, 7 mesh

Row 37: 5 mesh, 2 blocks, 8 mesh

Row 38: repeat row 36

Row 39: repeat row 29

Row 40: 15 mesh

Row 41: repeat row 29

Row 42: 6 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 43: 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row 44: 6 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 2 mesh

Row 45: 2 mesh, 1 block, 5 mesh, 1 block, 6 mesh

Row 46 and 47: 15 mesh

Edging:

Row 1: with right side facing join at bottom corner under the “w” skipping 2 meshes, (2 sc in next mesh, *sc in st, 2 sc in mesh*, repeat 2 times for a total of 8 sc in group, ch 5, skip 1 mesh,) repeat ( to ) till corner, in corner space 2 dc, ch 3 2dc, ch 5 skip 1 mesh, then continue repeat till next corner. End row with a ch 5, sl st into starting sc.

Row 2: sl st into next 2 sc ch 1 sc in same stitch and next 3 sc,* skip 2 sc, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc  (shell st. just made) in ch loop, ch 3, skip 2 sc sc in next 4 sc* repeat till corner, at corner ch 7, 2 dc in 5ch loop, ch 2, 2 dc in 3ch loop, ch 2, 2 dc in 5ch loop, ch 7, skip 2 sc sc in next 4 sc, start repeat till next corner, finish with a ch 7, sl st into beginning sc.

Row 3: sl st into next 2 sc, ch 1, *sc in same st, and next 1, ch 3, picot, ch 3, dc in center of shell, picot, dc in same st, ch 3, picot, ch 3,* continue till corner in each corner dc picot dc in each loop, till corner is rounded, continue repeat till next corner. Finish with ch 3, sl st into beginning sc.

Big Flower: (make 3, 1 skein of floss makes one flower)

With brown, make an adjustable loop, make 7 sc in loop, pull tight and sl st into beginning sc, ch 2 sc in same st, and in each sc around for 14 sc total,

Petels: change color to yellow joining with *ch 3, make 6 fdc, 3 dc in last fdc made making a turn, 1 dc in each fdc ch, sl st into next 2 sc of round 2,* repeat till you have 7 petals.

Leaf: (make 4 to 6, 1 skein of floss makes 3 leaves) 

ch 9, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, and next 2, hdc in next ch dc in next 2 dc, sc in next 2 ch, 3 sc in last ch making a turn, sc in next sc, dc in next 2 dc, hdc, in hdc, sc in each sc. Finish off.

Small flower: 

Make adjustable ring, in ring make* sc, 2 dc, sc* repeat 3 times. Pull ring tight.  Finish off.

Attach flowers and leafs in a pretty fashion.

Starch sign till hardened, and add ribbons if wanted.

(I found that leaving it out in the rain was not a good idea.)

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quick easy and cheap blueberry oatmeal pancakes

This is a recipe that has origins from my dad. He would make all kinds of different flavored pancakes for us, and all he would use is muffin mix. Really this recipe has no limits and you can expand from just the blueberries.

1 blueberry muffin mix (for this recipe I used a mix that makes six muffins)
1/4 cup of quick oats
1 egg
3/4 cup of milk

Add the mix and the oatmeal into a bowl, I like using my 4 cup measuring bowl because it has a spout. stir it up. Add the egg and the milk. Using a fork stir just till everything is mixed. If it looks like you need a little more milk then add it. At This point it should look like pan cake batter. Pore batter onto griddle making medium sized pancakes. When bubbles start to appear, flip. I know this last part is different. Normally you would wait till the bubbles start popping, but if you do that you will end up with very brown pancakes. Serve while still hot.

I got about 12 medium sized pancakes out of this. I also tried the recipe on the waffle iron, but the results were not very good.

"Fan" tastic Cuff

A Free Crochet Pattern

Here is a new pattern, finally. This is a pattern that I came up with to help people not feel scared about lace work. This is a pattern that is easy, and quick. It only uses around 27 yards of thread so you can use up scraps that are waiting to be used up.

All the pictures that I have of the cuff are of it being used as a napkin cuff, but it also looks really cute as an arm cuff. I had a really hard time coming up with a picture of it on my wrist. I hope you enjoy!

Don't Forget to add this to your favorites in Ravelry. 

“Fan”tastic Cuff

Yarn: size 10 crochet thread

Hook: Steel 8/1.50mm

Difficulty: easy

Yards: 27

Row 1: Ch 53, dc in 7^th ch from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch* repeat  * to* till end. 24 sqaures. Join both sides together with 3 sl st working so that you will be starting in the foundation chs.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 4, *sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 4* repeat  *to* to end, sl st in beginning sc. 12 ch 4 spaces.

Round 3: *Ch 3, 3 dc in same st, sc in ch 6 loop, sl st in next dc*repeat  *to* to end. 12 fans.

Round 4: Sl st into ch 3 sp, ch 4, dc in same st, ch 1,* dc ch 1 dc in next ch 3, ch 1* repeat *to*  around, sl st in 3^rd ch at start of round.

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in same space, 2 sc in next ch space, *1 sc in next ch space, 2 sc in next ch space* repeat  *to* to end, sl st in first sc. Finish off.

Repeat Rounds 2- 5 starting in the first dc of row 1. 

Finish off. Weave in all ends.

More Free Patterns You Will Love:

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Summer Fling Cowl