Archives for May 2013

Father’s Day Gift Ideas – Steak Rub Recipe and Crochet Mustache!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas – Steak Rub Recipe and Crochet Mustache!

We have two Father’s Day gift ideas for you…a steak rub recipe and a crochet mustache jar cozy. Combine the two and not only will you create a tasty gift for dad, but a stylish one, too!

father's day gift ideas

I’m not spoiling the surprise by sharing this gift idea with you. My dad likes plain old table salt. So, he’s not getting this particular rub. My husband, on the other hand, loves seasonings so much that his friends have nicknamed him “flavor boy”. He’ll be grilling with this rub for sure!

To round out this Father’s Day gift idea, we have created a crochet mustache jar cozy. Mustaches are distinctively masculine and 100% fun!

Let’s start with the Steak Rub Recipe. You may need to order our secret ingredient online if you can’t find it at a grocery store or seasoning shop.

Steak Rub Recipe

steak rub recipeFather’s Day is just one excuse for grilling. This steak rub recipe is another!

You’re going to love the rich bold flavor of our secret ingredient…smoked sea salt. Smoked salt captures both the scent and flavor of campfire cooking. It is my husband’s favorite seasoning, and it’s the #1 ingredient in our steak rub.

Note: we recommend getting a strong smokey salt. Look for words like “extra bold” or “bonfire”.

We’ve kept the quantity of this rub recipe small so you can sample it before committing to a large jar of it.

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:

  • 3 Tablespoons Smoked Sea Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Coarse Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Spiced Ranch Mix (dry packet)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cumin

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Store in mason jar.

SERVING:

  1. Brush steak with olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle dry rub on steak. (We like lots of flavor so we spinkle approximately 1 Tablespoon on each side of a thick Ribeye)
  3. Allow steak to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
  4. Grill steak to desired temperature.
  5. Enjoy!

Note: This tastes great on Pork Chops, too! Just sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon on each side. This rub is a little spicy.

Caution: Always use a clean spoon when scooping out seasoning for use on steak. You do not want raw meat to come into contact with seasonings that are being stored for later use.

Crochet Mustache Jar Cozy

crochet mustacheNow that the rub is out of the way, let’s get to the crochet mustache jar cozy. This cozy can be used on jars and cups. Super fun!

We’re using Vanna’s Choice (worsted weight: 4) for this project. This is a great stash buster!

These are fun for everyday use…but here are some other “special” days you may want to break out these cozies for public admiration:

  • International Fake Mustache Day – February 3rd
  • National Fake Mustache Day – February 24th
  • Oakland A’s Mustache Day – June 18th
  • Movember: National Grow a Mustache Month– November

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Rows, Increase

SUPPLIES LIST:

  • Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight: 4) – Approx 21 yards total
    Green Jar Cozy: FERN, ESPRESSO
    (Pink Cozy: BERRYLICIOUS, ESPRESSO)
    (Yellow Cozy: MSUTARD, ESPRESSO)
  • Hook: H / 8 / 5.00 mm
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

Crochet Mustache Cozy Pattern

JAR COZY INSTRUCTIONS

Fern

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Cut yarn and weave in end.

MUSTACHE INSTRUCTIONS

Creating mustaches with yarn was so much fun…I made three. Which is your favorite?

NOTE: Additional shaping of the mustaches is accomplished in the pinning and sewing of them to the cozy.

crocheted mustache optionsENGLISH MUSTACHE INSTRUCTIONS (as seen on the pink cozy)

Espresso

Hook: H

Ch 16

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, 2 sl st. (15)

Pin then sew mustache to top of cozy.

FU MANCHU MUSTACHE INSTRUCTIONS (as seen on green cozy)

Espresso

Hook: H

Ch 18

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc inc, sc, sl st, sc, sc inc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc, sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew mustache to top of cozy.

HANDLEBAR MUSTACHE INSTRUCTIONS (as seen on the yellow cozy)

Espresso

Hook: H

Ch 25

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. 5 sl st, sc, 4 hdc, 2 sl st, 4 hdc, sc, 6 sl st. (24)

Pin then sew mustache to top of cozy.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this mustache cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Looking for the cup and mug version? They’re in the ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

All 3 mustaches pictured at the beginning of this post are in this ebook! AND the ebook includes 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Available in the StoreRead more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Boston Red Sox – Crochet B Applique

Boston Red Sox – Crochet B Applique

If you’re a Boston Red Sox fan, you’re gonna love this crochet B applique. It looks adorable on the Lil Slugger Baseball Set…which I crocheted for my nephew, who’s expecting his first child.

Lil Slugger Baseball Set pattern on Etsy.

Boston Red Sox Baby Set

No one knows the gender of the baby…so I crocheted two caps, a blue one and a pink one. If they  have a little girl…well, I’ll let them decide which cap they want to dress the baby in.

Not only is the cap adorable in pink, it’s also great for breast cancer awareness games!

Boston Red Sox – Crochet “B” Applique Pattern

I tried to make the B as close to the logo as possible. Though its not exact, I figure close is close enough. I hope you agree.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: chain, slip stitch, single crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round, Decrease

Size: 2.5″ tall x 1.5″ wide (when crocheted with C & 3 hooks)
3.5″ tall x 2.5″ wide (when crocheted with H & C hooks)

MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight – 4):
    CRANBERRY, WHITE
  • Hook: C/2/2.75 mm
  • Hook: 3 / 2.10 mm
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

Because this applique is crocheted with a small hook, it can be a bit challenging to see the stitches. I would recommend that you practice this pattern with an H and C hook before attempting it with a C & 3 hook.

UPDATE: We took more photos of how to crochet the B on our post: Boston “B” – Photos of Each Row.

Crochet B Larger“B” INSTRUCTIONS

Cranberry

Hook: C

Ch 13

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 3. Sl st into 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1. Work sl st in 1st ch made in the ch-3 and side of last sc made. 5 sc. In next st work sc, ch 3 and sc. 5 sc, ch 3. Sl st into 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1. Work sl st in 1st ch made in the ch-3 and side of last sc made.

Row 2: Work on the other side of the foundation ch. Sc inc. Ch 10, skip 4 sts, sc (in sp opposite of ch-3 sp), ch 10, skip 5 sts, sc, sl st on top of work.

Row 3: Turn, skip the sl st. 6 sc, ch 3. Work sl st into 3rd ch from hook and side of last sc made. 4 sc, skip a st, sc dec, 3 sc. Ch 3. Work sl st into 3rd ch from hook and side of last sc made. 6 sc, 2 sl st (last sl st will be on top of the B). Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

OUTLINE INSTRUCTIONS

White

Hook: 3

Use only 2 of the 4 strands of the yarn.

There is no “right side” to the letter. Choose which side you want to be the top.

In the back loop only, loosely sl st around the outside of the “B” and the inside holes. If your sl sts are tight, the “B” will bunch making it harder to stretch the “B” to its desired form when pinning it to the hat. Finish off and weave in ends.

Baseball closeupPin then sew “B” to hat or desired project with the Cranberry tail.

Learn more about the Lil Slugger Set.  Newborn pattern includes:

  • Baseball Cap
  • Baseball Mitt
  • Catchers Mitt
  • Ball Diamond Bib

Lil Slugger Set pattern on Etsy.

Crochet Handcuffs

Crochet Handcuffs

Crochet handcuffs remind us of a childhood full of make believe.

crochet handcuffs

We spent hours playing house, school and, of course, cops and robbers. We dodged behind trees and shot at each other with guns made from twigs. I can’t imagine what playtime would have been like if our mother had crocheted a pair of handcuffs for us!

If you have kids who love to run and play and make believe…picture what adventures they’ll have with a pair of handcuffs! Do they love heros like Dick Tracy and Andy Griffith? Or would they enjoy creating their own characters as local cops, private detectives or special agents?

These crocheted handcuffs are one size fits all. The button slips through any of the spaces in the row of double crochets.

Skill Level: Beginner

Technique Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet around Chain

Stitches Used: chain, single crochet, double crochet

CROCHET HANDCUFF SUPPLIES:

  • Vanna’s Choice [worsted weight (4)] SILVER GREY – remnant (approx. 26 yards)
  • Hook: J/10/6.00 mm
  • (2) ¾” buttons
  • Yarn Needle
  • Needle and thread

CROCHET HANDCUFF PATTERN:

Chain Link Instructions (make 2)

Ch 15, Join with sl st. Ch 1

Rnd 1: Work 27 sc around the ch-15. Join with a sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Joining (Center) Chain Link Instructions (make 1)

Ch 15: Put two links made previously onto chain. Join with a sl st so the two other links are captured. Ch 1.

Rnd 1: Work 27 sc around the ch-15. Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in ends.

handcuffs assembled

Cuff Instructions (make 2)

Ch 31

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. (30)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Dc across. (30)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. Finish off and weave in ends. (30)

With a whip stitch, attach Row 15 of one handcuff to outer chain link using the tail of the outer link. Repeat with other handcuff.

Sew a button to the end of one of the handcuffs (either 2nd or 29th stitch). The row of DC will act as button holes. Repeat with other handcuff.

Wishing your kids lots of playtime adventures where all the bad guys are caught and the good guys live happily ever after!

These are toys only and are not to be used as a restraining device. Please play at your own risk.

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Soup in a Jar

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Soup in a Jar

We’re celebrating armed forces day with soup in a jar.

armed forces day

We are thankful for the men and women who serve our country in the military. We couldn’t resist creating an “MRE” (meals ready to eat) type recipe for this week’s mason jar.

This project is very simple to make. In fact, this cozy may be the easiest one’s we’ve made to date!

Armed Forces Day – Jar Cozy

cozy and ribbonMany organizations use a crossed ribbon to help raise awareness of their cause. The yellow ribbon signifies a wish to see our troops come home. A black ribbon helps us remember prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Though it’s not military related, we are demonstrating how this cozy can be used for most any cause with a change of color. The pink ribbon is used to raise breast cancer awareness.

Cozy Supplies

  • Vanna’s Colors (Bulky – 5): Pine
    Vanna’s Choice (Worsted – 4): Radiant Yellow
    (Black Ribbon: Vanna’s Choice – Scarlet, White, Colonial Blue, Black)
    (Pink Ribbon: Vanna’s Choice – Berrylicious, Pink)
  • Hook: H/8/5.00mm
  • Hook: K/10.5/6.5mm
  • Yarn Needle

cause ribbons

Cozy Instructions

Pine

Hook: K

Ch 28, Join with a sl st

Rnd 1-8: Sc around. (28)

Rnd 9: 2 sl st. Leave remaining sts unworked. Finish off and weave in ends.

Ribbon Instructions

Radiant Yellow

Hook: H

Ch 30

Row 1: Work in the back loop only. Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across. Ch 2, sl st into base of last st made. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Embroider if desired.

Cross ribbon and sew to cozy. Weave in ends.

“Just Add Water” Soup in a Jar

soup in a jarMost soup in a jar recipes require additional ingredients like meat, oil and dairy when the soup is being prepared. Those extra ingredients aren’t usually available to those who are roughing it. So we came up with the following “just add water” recipe.

As a side note: this recipe would be great for those who are camping or backpacking. And it would be a great snack item or quick meal for the kids, too!

Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

  • 1 ½ cups instant mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup instant coffee creamer (or powdered milk)
  • 1/3 cup cheddar cheese powder (or 1 ½ packets of Kraft Mac and Cheese packets)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoons dried onion flakes
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Greek Seasoning (or seasoning salt)
  • ¼ cup imitation bacon bits (optional)

ingredients for soup in a jarMix all ingredients together thoroughly. Store in mason jar.

To serve, mix ½ cup soup mix with 1 cup boiling water. (For a thicker soup, use ¾ cup soup mix to 1 cup water).

Note: The imitation bacon bits are an over powering ingredient. Only add them if you know you like them.

“Just add water” Recipe Alternatives

There are other “just add water” foods you can use instead of the Potato Cheese Soup. If you’re looking for a simple alternative – buy pre-mixed foods. Be sure to include cooking instructions if these are a gift item.

  1. Pancake Mix (Aunt Jemima)
  2. Brownie Mix (Krusteaz)
  3. Cornbread Mix (Marie Callender’s)

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this cause ribbon cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Looking for the cup and mug version? They’re in the ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

All 3 of the cause ribbons pictured above are in this ebook! And there are 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Available in the StoreRead more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Crochet Mother’s Day Gift

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

We celebrated Mother’s Day a week early…so I can reveal the mason jar cozy I made for her jar of bath salts.

mothers day bath salts

This cozy follows the FREE pattern on our post: How to make bath salts and a crochet flower cozy. This Mother’s Day cozy was crocheted with Vanna’s Choice yarns with a strong emphasis on teal colors to coordinate with my mother’s bathroom.

Colors used – Vanna’s Choice:

  • Pink
  • Silver Blue
  • Dusty Green
  • Taupe
  • Sapphire
  • Aqua

flower and leaf mason jar cozyThe bath salts are super easy to make. The recipe and the directions for the flower cozy are free on the post: How to make bath salts and a crochet flower cozy.

For this particular cozy, I added leaves. The pattern for those are below:

CROCHET LEAF PATTERN:

Hook: H

Ch 5

Rnd 1: Dc inc in 3rd ch from hook. Sc inc, sl st. Ch 2. Turn to other side of foundation Row. Sl st, sc inc, 3 dc in last st. Join with sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

That’s it. Make three (or as many as desired).

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to our mom and yours.

Enjoy!