Cozy for Chinese New Year!

February 1, 2013 By

Twins in ChinaHappy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year! This festive holiday has a special place in our hearts because Yarnovator, Deborah, lived in China for five years.

Deborah was a 5th grade teacher at an international school in Kunming, China. While there she enjoyed her first hand experiences of Chinese New Years well wishes, gift giving, loud celebrations with fire crackers, beautiful displays of flowers and fancy red and gold signs and lanterns.

Though not Chinese New Year, we are pictured right at the Dragons Gate. We are touching the top of the gate for luck. Deborah is on the left and I, Dana, am on the right.

Chinese New Years follows the lunar calendar so the date changes each year. In 2013, Chinese New Year is February 10. This is the year of the snake.

Chinese New Year – Plum Blossom Cozy

The plum blossom is a beautiful flower from the Chinese plum tree. It is in bloom during the Chinese New Year. That was our inspiration for our jar cozy. Below is the pattern for the jar cozy on the left crocheted in White with Soft Pink blossoms.

Chinese New Year

This is another great stash buster. The cozies are crocheted using Vanna’s Choice. Vanna’s color selection is great. The white cozy looks simple yet beautiful. The red cozy captures the vibrant colors found at Chinese New Year’s decorations.

Chinese Cozy Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn:
    WHITE, CHOCOLATE, RASPBERRY, SOFT PINK
    Chinese Option: Cranberry, Mustard, Taupe, Raspberry Soft Pink
    Straight Flower Option: Silver Blue, White, Raspberry, Aqua, Radiant Yellow, Radiant Orange, Eggplant
  • Crochet Hook: H, D
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing
  • Pint Size Mason Jar

NEW YEARS COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

white cozy and fortunesJar Cozy Instructions :

White

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-12: Sc around. (34)

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

Plum Blossom Flower Instructions:
(make 3)

Raspberry

Hook: D

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5)

Join and change color to Soft Pink with a sl st.

Rnd 2: *Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, sl st into same st. Sl st into next st* 5 times.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing, weave in all other ends.

cozies and cookies flatBranch Instructions:

Chocolate

Hook: D

Ch 14

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. 4 sl st. Ch 9, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sl st. Ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Working back to start of ch, 14 sl st, 5 sc, 3 hdc.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing, weave in all other ends.

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Pin then sew branch to cozy.
  2. Sew plum blossoms to cozy. Sew down the middle of the flower to get a nice 3D effect.
  3. Weave in ends.

Chinese New Year – Fortune Cookie?

making cookies and coziesWe’re mixing our cultures with this jar cozy. The traditional Chinese New Years gift would be a red envelope of money (i.e. $8 for luck…or increments of $8).

But in the USA, when many people think of Chinese good fortune, they think of forutne cookies. So, we’re crocheting some fortune cookies and stuffing them with Chinese New Years wishes.

To further mix our traditions, we’ll put 8 fortune cookies in the mason jar! If you pass these around at the dinner table and there are some left over…that’s a sign of abundance…a good sign for the coming year!

Fortune Cookie Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn:
    BEIGE
  • Crochet Hook: H
  • Printed fortunes (see options below)
  • Yarn Neeedle for Sewing

Crochet Fortune Cookie Instructions:

chinese cozy and cookiesBeige

Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)

Rnd 2: Sc inc around. (12)

Rnd 3: *Sc, sc inc* around. (18)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, sc inc* around. (24)

Rnd 5: *3 sc, sc inc* around. (30)

Rnd 6: *4 sc, sc inc* around. (36)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Fold circle in half and whip stitch a little more than half closed…leave a hole so you can stuff the cookie with a fortune.

Fold the two ends together and whip stitch in the folded position.

crochet fortune cookie

Chinese New Year Wishes:

In addition to wishing friends and family a Happy New Year, below are some additional wishes for luck and prosperity. These make great “fortunes” for the crocheted fortune cookies above. Sayings are from Wikipedia 2/1/2013 and Welch, Patricia Bjaaland, p. 22

“May your wealth [gold and jade] come to fill a hall”
金玉滿堂Jīnyùmǎntáng

“May you realize your ambitions”
大展鴻圖Dàzhǎnhóngtú

“Greet the New Year and encounter happiness”
迎春接福Yíngchúnjiēfú

“May all your wishes be fulfilled”
萬事如意Wànshìrúyì

“May your happiness be without limit”
吉慶有餘Jíqìngyǒuyú

“May a small investment bring ten-thousandfold profits”
一本萬利Yīběnwànlì

“May your happiness and longevity be complete”
福壽雙全Fúshòushuāngquán

“When wealth is acquired, precious objects follow”
招財進寶Zhāocáijìnbǎo

A Glimpse into China

Just for fun, we thought we would share a couple of photos we took while in China. Deborah was an excellent tour guide and showed me several National Wonders of China.

Below left is the Great Wall of China. To the right are life size Terracotta Warriors.

Great Wall of China and Terracotta Warriors

Near Kunming, China is a lovely place called the Stone Forest. This is a beautiful place for hiking with tall pillars of rock and many beautiful formations.

Stone Forest Pair

Wishing you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this plum blossom 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 plum blossoms 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

Filed Under: Cozy, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Flowers, Great as Gifts, Mason Jar Series, New Years, Patterns for FREE Tagged With: , , , , ,

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe & Heart Cozy

January 18, 2013 By

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe with Valentine Jar Cozy

The heart shaped chocolate peppermint cookie recipe is so delicious…you may need to make a double batch! Wrap the mason jar with this Valentine cup cozy and you’ve got yourself a sweet minty gift!

chocolate peppermint cookie recipe and jar cozy

We used a Linzer cookie cutter  (you know, the cutter that makes jelly filled cookies). Check the seasonal/holiday aisle at your local craft store. Or, if you’re seeing this after Valentine’s Day, you may need to check the cake decorating aisle.

Fortunately or unfortunately, my hubby doesn’t like peppermint. So, this was a happy heart day to me…and my sister…and my parents…and my neighbors. Everyone else seems to like peppermint.

Let’s start with the cookie recipe. It needs to bake and cool and stuff.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe

frosted cookiesThis chocolate peppermint cookie recipe makes crisy and crunchy cookies. They don’t raise too much in the baking which allows them to keep their shape. I found that the cookies with shapes cut out of the center hold their heart shape better than the ones that are solid hearts.

And if you do cut out a heart shape from the middle…you can bake those mini hearts for bite size minty treats!

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:

Peppermint Chocolate Coookie:

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 Tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1 Wilton Linzer Cookie Cutter

Mint Chocolate for Dipping

  • 12 oz. chocolate – white or chocolate flavor
  • 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Wax paper

cookie doughDIRECTIONS:

  1. Wisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  2. In electric mixer, beat butter, egg, sugar and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract together.
  3. Add flour mixture and beat until well blended. Dough will be crumbly.
  4. Kneed dough on counter top. Roll out dough to about 1/8” thickness. Cut out cookie shapes. If shapes stick to counter, lift with a spatula. Lay on cookie sheet (separate with wax paper if needed) and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  5. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  6. Melt chocolate in microwave at 30 second increments until it can be stirred smooth. Do not over cook.
  7. Stir in 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  8. Dip one side of the cookie into chocolate. Lay on wax paper to dry and harden.
  9. Store in mason jars!

Double Heart Cozy for Jar of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Crochet your special Valentine a whimsical jar cozy. This fits a Starbucks coffee cup, too, so he (or she) will be able to carry your love with him (or her) on the go!

Valentine Heart CozyThe double heart cozy is quite simple and whips up in a jiffy. It’s designed to fit a pint size mason jar…which is the perfect size for storing chocolate peppermint cookies! Yum.

Stash buster! This is a great project to make with your remnants. We are using Vanna’s Choice. This line has a lot of great complimentary colors from which to choose.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: chain, single crochet

Techniques Used: increase, crochet in the round

Materials:

  • Vanna’s Choice Medium Worsted (4)
    CRANBERRY, RASPBERRY
  • Crochet Hook: H and F
  • Mason Jar

COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

Cranberry

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

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

PAIRED HEARTS INSTRUCTIONS:

Raspberry

Hook: F

Ch 7

Row 1:Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 4 sc, sc inc. (7)

Row 2:Ch 1, turn. Sc inc, sc across. (8)

Row 3:Ch 5, turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 3 sc. 3 sl st in Row 2. (7)

Row 4:Turn. Skip sl sts. 3 sc, sl st. (4) (First Heart Made)

Row 5:Ch 8, turn.

Rows 6-9:Repeat Rows 1-4

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew hearts to cozy.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this heart 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 hearts 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

Filed Under: Cozy, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe, Valentine's Day Tagged With: , , , ,

Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds Recipe & Crochet Jar Cozy

December 7, 2012 By

Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds Recipe & Crochet Jar Cozy

Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds Recipe and Recipe CozyWe’ve cooked up this Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds recipe with coordinating Tuxedo Jar Cozy…’cause it’s party time!

And we have a video! (below the recipe)

It’s a little nutty, but we love these tuxedo almonds. They’ll definitely dress up your special occasions. They’re perfect for New Year’s Eve parties, Weddings, Anniversaries or any event where you want to impress your guests.

Let’s start by covering the almonds with chocolate…so they can cool while you crochet.

Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 16 oz Whole Natural Almonds (unsalted)
  • 12 oz Almond Bark – Chocolate
  • 12 oz Almond Bark – Vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

1st Step – Vanilla Shirts

Melt 4 oz of Vanilla Almond Bark in microwave (stirring every 30 seconds). Holding an almond at the widest end, dip into Vanilla Almond Bark. Scrape excess off back. Lay on parchment paper to cool and harden. Make as many as desired.

2nd Step – Chocolate Jackets

Almonds Dressed UpMelt 4 oz of Chocolate Almond Bark in microwave (stirring every 30 seconds). Holding the Vanilla coated almond at the widest end, dip the side edge of the almond into the Chocolate Almond Bark, turn and dip the other side edge. Scrape excess off back. Lay on parchment paper to cool and harden.

3rd Step – Bow Ties and Buttons

Melt 4 oz of Chocolate Almond Bark in microwave (stirring every 30 seconds). Pour Chocolate Almond Bark into a sandwich bag (to act as a cake decorating icing bag). Twist bag to lock chocolate into corner. With scissors, cut off a tiny bit of the corner (as small as you can). Squeeze bag and practice making bow ties and buttons on a scrap of parchment paper. When you are happy with the look, create bow ties and buttons on the almonds.

Cool for a couple of hours (in refrigerator if needed).

tuxedo almonds step by step photo

Creating Bow Ties

How to Make a Bow TieLightly squeeze bag as you create bow tie following the arrows. Stop squeezing at the bottom of the right most arrow. As you pull up and away from the almond, move the bag toward the start of the bow tie (top left).

Creating Buttons

Do no squeeze bag. Simply tap bag to surface of almond and pull straight up. This should leave a dab of Chocolate.

Video: Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds
Click the image below to watch

If you’re having trouble seeing it here, check out Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds on YouTube. The crochet pattern for the snazzy tuxedo jar cozy is below.

The Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Almonds Jar Cozy

Now you need a tuxedo jar cozy for the chocolate covered almonds. These are fun to crochet and will jazz up any party or gift. Crochet a top hat for an extra touch of class!

The cozy and hat are crocheted in the round. The shirt details are crocheted separately and sewn on…as is the hat ribbon.

This is a great stash buster. We are using Vanna’s Choice yarn because we think the Charcoal Grey looks snazzy next to the Black and White.

SUPPLIES:

  • 1 Pint size canning jar
  • Vanna’s Choice: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • BLACK, WHITE, CHARCOAL GREY
  • Crochet Hook: H, F
  • Yarn Needle

TUXEDO COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

Tuxedo Crochet Jar Cozy

Black

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-12: Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in end.

WHITE SHIRT INSTRUCTIONS:

White

Hook: H

Ch 2

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook. (1)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. (2)

Row 3: Turn. Sc inc twice. (4)

Row 4: Turn. Sc inc, 2 sc, sc inc. (6)

Row 5: Turn. Sc across. (6)

Row 6: Turn. Sc inc, 4 sc, sc inc. (8)

Row 7: Turn. 3 sc, 2 sl st, 3 sc. (8)

Row 8: Turn. Sc inc, 2 sc, 2 sl st, 2 sc, sc inc. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. (10)

Sew white shirt to the front of the cozy with row 8 sticking out above the top of the cozy.

TUX LAPEL INSTRUCTIONS:

Charcoal Grey

Hook: F

LEFT LAPEL

Ch 13

Row 1: Dc in fourth ch from hook, dc inc, 3 hdc, 3 sc, 2 sl st, ch 1. (11)

Finish off leaving tail for sewing.

Pin then sew over the left edge of the white Shirt and on the cozy.

RIGHT LAPEL

Ch 13

Row 1: Dc in fourth ch from hook, dc inc, 3 hdc, 3 sc, 2 sl st, ch 3. (14)

Finish off leaving tail for sewing.

Pin then sew right lapel over the right edge of the white shirt with the last 3 ch stitches sewn vertically to represent the jacket opening.

TIE & BUTTONS INSTRUCTIONS:

Black

Hook: H

Ch 6

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, 4 sc. (5)

Row 2: Turn. Sc across. Finish off. Cut yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. (5)

Using tail, wrap yarn around the middle of the tie and pull tight. Secure with a knot. Sew tie to white shirt below the sl sts on row 7. Weave in ends.

Whip stitch two buttons below bow tie with black yarn. Weave in ends.

TOP HAT INSTRUCTIONS:

Tuxedo and Hat Crochet PatternBlack

Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 8 sc in second ch from hook. (8)

Rnd 2: Sc inc around. (16)

Rnd 3: *1 sc, sc inc* around. (24)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, sc inc* around. (32)

Rnd 5: *3 sc, sc inc* around. (40)

Rnd 6: Work in back loops only. *3 sc, sc dec* around. (32)

Rnd 7-12: Work in both loops. Sc around. Add more rounds for a taller top hat. (32)

Rnd 13: Work in front loops only. *3 sc, sc inc* around. (40)

Rnd 14: Work in both loops. *4 sc, sc inc* around. (48)

Rnd 15: *5 sc, sc inc* around. (56)

Rnd 16: *Sc inc, sc, sc inc, 3 sc* 3 times, 7 sc. Repeat from beginning. (62)

Add more rounds for a larger bill.

Finish off and weave in end.

TOP HAT RIBBON INSTRUCTIONS:

Charcoal Grey

Hook: H

Ch 34

Rnd 1: Join with a sc. Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Finish off and weave in ends.

TOP HAT BOW INSTRUCTIONS:

Charcoal Grey

Hook: H

Ch 6

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, 4 sc. (5)

Row 2: Turn. Sc across. (5)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Using tail, wrap yarn around the middle of the tie and pull tight. Secure with a knot.

Sew tie to Top Hat Ribbon.

Slide Ribbon on Top Hat. Secure if needed.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this tuxedo 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.

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

 

Filed Under: Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Mason Jar Series, New Years, Patterns for FREE, Recipe, Wedding Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Peppermint Bark Recipe and Santa Jar Cozy

November 23, 2012 By

Peppermint Bark Recipe and Santa Jar Cozy

peppermint barkThis peppermint bark recipe will melt in your mouth. You better give some away as gifts…cause you’ll be tempted to eat it all yourself! It looks deliciously adorable in a pint size canning jar all dressed up in a Santa cozy!

Let’s get right to the recipe…cause it needs to cool in the fridge. That’ll give you lots of time to whip up a cozy or two.

Peppermint Bark Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 10 oz Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate baking chips
  • 11 oz Ghirardelli Classic White baking chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – divided
  • 10 candy canes

DIRECTIONS:

peppermint bark with santa ornamentLine a 9×13 pan with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking oil.

Melt Bittersweet chips in microwave stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Spread into foil-lined pan.

Place candy canes in ziplock back and crush into big chunks with a hammer. Lightly press 1/3 of the candy canes onto chocolate layer. Place in freezer for 5 to 10 minutes as you prepare the next ingredients. You want the chocolate just firm enough that you can spread the next layer on top without them swirling.

Sift remaining candy cane pieces. Set aside bigger chucks to be used as topping at the very end.

Melt White chips in microwave stirring every 15 seconds. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Stir in smallest pieces of crushed candy canes. Spread smoothly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle remaining larger chunks of candy canes on top and refrigerate for 2 hours or until completely firm.

Turn pan upside down on a towel and remove foil. Break from bottom side (Bittersweet layer) into large pieces. Breaking from the bottom will prevent the candy canes on the top side from being crushed.

Store in the refrigerator.

The Santa Ornament pictured above is available in the Christmas Balls and Baubles Set.

This Peppermint Bark Recipe is Perfect for  the Santa Jar Cozy – Here’s the Crochet Pattern

santa jar cozyWith the peppermint bark cooling in the refrigerator, let’s get right to the Santa Jar Cozy. This cozy fits nice and snug around a pint size canning jar. Which is the perfect size for storing home made goodies like soups, cookies, fudge and…peppermint bark!

This is a great stash buster! We used Lion Brand yarns from Vanna’s Choice, Vanna’s Glamour and Fun Fur. The colors of these yarns make the Santa cozy jolly and bright!

Supplies:

  • 1 Pint size canning jar
  • Vanna’s Choice: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
    CRANBERRY, BLACK, WHITE
  • Vanna’s Glamour: Fine (2)
    GOLD
  • Lion Brand Fun Fur: Bulky (5)
    WHITE
  • Crochet Hooks: H, C
  • Yarn Needle

COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

White and White Fun Fur held together

Hook: H

santa jarCh 34 Join with a sl st.

Rnd 1: Working in counter-clockwise direction, sc around. Join with a sl st. (this allows the hairiest part to be on the outside). (34)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Attach Red and work in clockwise direction here and throughout.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc around in back loop only. (34)

Rnd 3-4: Sc around in both loops (now and until otherwise stated). (34)

Rnd 5: 33 sc, sl st. (34)

Drop red. Attach Black

Rnd 6: Ch 1, 33 hdc, sc, join with a sl st. (34)

Finish off Black and weave in ends.

Pick up Red.

Rnd 7: Working in the back loops only this Rnd: *4 sc, fptrc in the red post below the black (from Rnd 5)* 3 times. 8 sc, fptrc in the red post below the black (from Rnd 5). *4 sc, fptrc in the red post below the black (from Rnd 5)* 2 times (34)

Rnd 8-11: Sc around in both loops. (34)

Sl st. Finish off and weave in ends.

Trim white fun fur to ¼” length.

BELT BUCKLE INSTRUCTIONS

Gold

Hook: C

Ch 17

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. 3 sl st, ch 1, *skip ch-1, 4 sl st, ch 1* 2 times. Skip ch-1, 4 sl st. (16)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew belt buckle in a square over the black “belt” centered between the fptrc’s that have 8 stitches between them (sts 15-24). Weave in ends.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this Santa 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 Santas 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

Filed Under: Christmas, Cozy, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Home Decor, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe Tagged With: , , ,

Party Mix Recipe and Crochet Football Jar Cozy

November 9, 2012 By

Party Mix Recipe and Crochet Football Jar Cozy

The party mix recipe is a staple during American football season. And we’re jazzing it up with a fun jar cozy! We’ve tweaked the recipe to add some of our favorite ingredients. Here’s our take on the original.

While this delicious party mix is cooling…whip up a cozy or two. They are super fast and fun!

Party Mix Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 cups Rice Chex
  • 3 cups Bugels
  • 1 cup cashew halves
  • 1 cup Goldfish pretzels
  • 1 cup Three Cheese Snyder Nibblers
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

party mixIn large bowl, mix together the Rice Chex, Bugels, cashews, pretzels and Nibblers. Set aside.

Melt butter. Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder and cajun seasoning. Pour over cereal mixture. Stir until evenly coated. Spread in 9×13 pan

Heat oven to 250°. Bake Party Mix for 45-60 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Cool on paper towel. Store in an air tight container like pint sized canning jars!

 

Crochet Football Jar Cozy for Party Mix

Front and Back of CoziesThis crochet footall cozy fits a pint size canning jar…making it a great gift idea or fun home décor item for your next football party! Fill the jar with your favorite party mix and get into the game.

Crochet a brown cozy to represent an NFL football. Add white stripes to represent college and high school football. Crochet in pink for a feminine touch or to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

This is a great stash buster…pictured is Vanna’s Choice (a soft and vibrant yarn). I’m particularly fond of the Raspberry football cozy! =)

The cozy tapers in the back to give the cozy a football like shape.

Supplies:

  • 1 pint size canning jar
  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • CHOCOLATE (RASPEBERRY – optional), WHITE
  • Crochet Hook: H
  • Yarn Needle

Instructions:

Chocolate (or Raspberry)

Note: Footballs used by the National League do not have white stripes. College and high footballs have white stripes. Use White for Rows 8 and 21 if you want stripes.

Ch 5

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. (4)

Row 2: Working in the back loops now and throughout: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (5)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (6)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (7)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (8)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (9)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc inc. Sc across. (10)

Row 8-21: Ch 2, turn. Hdc across. (10)

Row 22: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec. Sc across. (9)

Row 23: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec. Sc across. (8)

Row 24: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec. Sc across. (7)

Row 25: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec. Sc across. (6)

Row 26: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec. Sc across. (5)

Row 27: Ch 1, turn. Sc dec,sc across. (4)

Row 28: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (4)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. With White yarn, embroider football threads to the peaks and valleys of Rows 11-18. There are 8 short vertical stitches that cross one long horizontal stitch down the center. Weave in ends.

2. Join foundation ch with Row 28 with a whip st. Weave in ends.

 

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this football 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 footballs 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

Filed Under: Cozy, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Football, Great as Gifts, Home Decor, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe, Thanksgiving Tagged With: , , ,

Pumpkin Seed Recipe and Pumpkin Jar Cozy

October 26, 2012 By

pumpkin seeds recipeFun Pumpkin Seed Recipe and Crochet Pattern for a Decorative Jar

Just in time for fall and Thanksgiving, make a decorative cozy for a jar filled with the spicy goodness of this Cajun Pumpkin Seed Recipe! Grab some seeds and your crochet hook because we’re getting crafty!

Let’s start with the recipe. Pumpkin seeds are known to have great health benefits (good source of zinc). Spicy foods are too (Cayenne Pepper is great as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid). This is not necessarily a low fat food, but a tasty one for sure.

Let’s get the recipe in the oven so we can crochet while it’s cookin’.

CAJUN PUMPKIN SEED RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 1      cup pumpkin seeds (medium size pumpkin)
  • 1      Tablespoon butter (melted)
  • 2      dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼     teaspoon salt
  • ¼     teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼     teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8  teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8  teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8  teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8  teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • pinch red pepper flakes

 Directions:
In melted butter, add Worcestershire sauce. In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients. Pour the dry ingredients into butter mixture and stir until blended. Add pumpkin seeds and stir until evenly coated. Pour seeds onto baking sheet making them as flat as possible.Scoop pumpkin seeds from pumpkin. (An ice cream scoop works great for this). Rinse pumpkins seeds and pat dry with paper towel. Spread on a baking sheet to finish drying while mixing the other ingredients.

cajun seeds

Bake at 300° for 45 to 60 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely. Sprinkle with salt. Fill jar or mug.

You will need two cups of seeds (approximately two medium to large size pumpkins) to fill a pint size canning jar. Do not overcrowd the baking pan. For best results, make two pans of seeds when you double this recipe.

Now the Pumpkin Seed Recipe is Done – Let’s Make a Cozy!

cozy and lidThis festive jar cozy is great for decorating your home or office for the season. And it makes for a fun container when serving snacks (like the above pumpkin seeds recipe…just sayin’) at Thanksgiving. If you’re short on time, fill a pint sized jar with candy corn and jazz it up with this fun and quick jar cozy.

This project is a great stash buster, but we’ve used Vanna’s Choice. We love that it’s strong, durable and soft…not to mention that this line has got just the right colors for fall and Thanksgiving! In the picture, we’ve used three different shades of green…and they all look great!

Supplies:

  • 1 pint size canning jar with lid
  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • TERRACOTTA – remnant
  • Green of your choice: FERN, OLIVE, or KELLY GREEN – remnant
  • Crochet Hook: J

LID COVER INSTRUCTIONS

Green

Hook: J

Ch 5, join with a sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Working around the ring not in the stitches, 6 sc. (6)

Rnd 2-3: Sc around. (6)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, sc inc* twice. (8)

Rnd 5: Sc around. (8)

Rnd 6: *3 sc, sc inc* twice. (10)

Rnd 7: *4 sc, sc inc* twice. (12)

Row 8: Ch 16, 2 sc in second ch from hook, 2 sc in each ch stitch. (30)

Sl st into the next st on Rnd 7. Finish off, weave in end.

Attach Orange to the same st as the sl st.

Rnd 9: *2 sc, inc* four times. (16)

Rnd 10: Lift up the Vine and connect the Rnd underneath. *Fphdc, 2 sc, sc inc* around. (20)

Rnd 11: *Fphdc, 3 sc, sc inc* around. (24)

Rnd 12: *Fphdc, 4 sc, sc inc* around. (28)

Rnd 13: *Fphdc, 5 sc, sc inc* around. (32)

Rnd 14: Work in back loops only. *Fphdc, 7 sc* around. (32)

Rnd 15-16: Work in both loops. *Fphdc, 7 sc* around. (32)

Sl st in next st. Finish off, weave in end.

JAR COZY INSTRUCTIONS

Orange

Hook: J

Ch 32, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1: Sc around. (32)

Rnd 2-9: *Fphdc, 7 sc* around. (32)

Sl st into the next st. Finish off, weave in end.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this pumpkin 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 pumpkins 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

Filed Under: Cozy, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Holidays & Special Occasions, Home, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe, Thanksgiving Tagged With: , , , ,

Crochet Star Trek Badge Cozy

October 21, 2012 By

Crochet Star Trek Badge – A Coffee Cup Cozy

Star Trek Cozy Removed

Love Star Trek? Love Coffee? This Star Trek Badge was made for a coffee cup cozy! (Or use the communicator badge as an appliqué on other projects.)

If you aren’t a Trekkie but are making a coffee cup cozy for one…please note that color matters! Here’s a quick guide to color selection (for the main cozy portion):

Yellow = Command (like Captain Kirk)

Blue = Science and Medical (like Spock and Dr. McCoy)

Red = Engineering and Security (like Scotty or crew members who die)

Crochet Star Trek Badge – The Pattern

The Star Trek Badge has a very distinctive shape. It changed slightly over the years…but always had the three pointed ends. This pattern uses the basic shape that was introduced in the original season.

This fits to-go cups, cans, bottles and pint size canning jars.

The PDF pattern has written directions, photos, gauge info, materials list, checkboxes to mark your progress and more.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Include: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet

Techniques Include: Crochet in rows and rounds, decrease

This is a great gift idea.

It’s a fabulous Stash buster.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebookLove this Star Trek 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Crochet, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Kitchen, Patterns for FREE, Yarnitect Tagged With: , ,

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns

October 20, 2012 By

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns – Something for Everyone & Every Season

We decided to make a crochet cup cozy or two. But once we got started, we couldn’t stop! As you can see, we made animals, holidays and seasons, not to mention wild, crazy and elegant. There’s literally something here for everyone and something for most every season!

Cup Cozies

28 crochet cup cozy patterns with recipe or craft included!

Every design we came up has modifications to fit cups, mugs and mason jars….cause you never know when you want the design for tappered cups or mugs with handles.

As we were creating our designs we thought it would be fun to create cute gifts in mason jars. So, every other week for one year, we created a mason jar cozy gift. We’ve consolidated all the cozies, included all three sizes (mugs, cups and jars), added the gift idea (recipe or craft) and created an 80+ page ebook!

Includes 3 NEW patterns, too! We have a vampire, dracula and blue jeans cozy not seen in the Mason Jar Series.

The ebook is now available in the store:

Available in the Store

Skill Level: Easy (with a few intermediate stitches)

Vanna’s Choice yarn – worsted weight (4) – was used for our cup cozies. We love the color options in this line. Most cozies were made using a H or J crochet hook, but we used hooks as small as a C and as large as L.

animalsCrochet Cup Cozy Patterns – Animals

When you make one animal crochet cup cozy…more are sure to follow. That was true for us, anyway. These are fun for Easter, Bosses Day, Summer, Thinking of You and Just Because

Here are the designs and their recipe or craft:

  • OWL – Soap Dispenser
  • BUNNY – Robin Eggs Candy
  • DOG – Puppy Chow
  • BEAR – Chocolate Covered Graham
  • LADY BUG – Greek Salad Dressing

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns – Holidays

holiday-coziesSome holidays are super fun to crochet into a cozy. We’ll be decorating for several special occasions with these cozies. These are fun for traditional holidays like Christmas, Halloween, Birthday, 4th of July, Memorial Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving.

Here are the designs and their recipe or craft:

  • HEARTS – Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
  • LEPRECHAUN – Sweet / Sour Grapes
  • AMERICAN FLAG – Apple Pie
  • CUPCAKE – Turtle Cake
  • PUMPKIN – Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
  • MUMMY – Mummy Pretzel
  • SANTA – Peppermint Bark
  • TUXEDO – Chocolate Covered Almonds

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns –Seasons & More Holidays

cup coziesIt’s fun to get into the spirit of the seasons, even sports seasons. With these cozies we’re celebrating Spring, Mother’s Day, Earth Day, Football (Baseball and Basketball) Season, I {heart} Yarn Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Chinese New Year and more!

Here are the designs and their recipe or craft:

  • DAISY – Planter
  • BASKETBALL –Caramel Corn
  • FOOTBALL – Party Mix
  • PLUM BLOSSOM – Fortune Cookie
  • FLOWER – Bath Salts
  • HEART – Yarn Ball Bowl
  • CAUSE RIBBON – Potato Soup

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns – Wacky and Crazy

facesWe had so much fun creating cozies that we couldn’t resist making some quirky designs as well. Some of these designs are season and just for fun like Halloween, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Father’s Day, Casual Friday’s and Just Because.

Here are the designs and their recipe or craft:

  • SMILE – Sugar Cookies
  • MUSTACHE – Beef Rub
  • JEANS / PANTS – Smores
  • PIRATE – Strawberry Lemonade
  • VAMPIRE – Red Velvet Truffle
  • DRACULA – Goulish Popcorn

Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns –Available in the Store

This crochet cup cozy ebook is now available in the store. All the patterns mentioned above are included plus Fall Leaf (dirt and worms) and Radioactive (spiced tea) cozies not pictured! What a screaming deal!

The mason jar versions of these patterns are highlight free on this blog in our Mason Jar Series (except Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and blue jeans which are only available in the ebook). You can get your copy of the ebook in the store.

Available in the Store

Ebook includes 28 Designs.

  • includes Cup cozy directions
  • includes Mug cozy directions
  • includes Mason Jar cozy directions
  • includes a delicious recipe or fun craft for each design
  • 3 New designs not seen in Mason Jar Series – Dracula, Vampire and blue jeans
  • 80+ pages in ebook with step-by-step instructions
Filed Under: Adult, Animals, Boy, Child, Christmas, Crochet, Cup Cozies, Flowers, Football, Girl, Great as Gifts, Halloween, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for Sale, Thanksgiving, Yarn, Yarnitect, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Baby Announcement in Crochet

July 3, 2012 By

We’re happy to announce the newest member to the Yarnovations family, crochet style! Yarnovator (and husband) welcomed the arrival of their baby boy in May 2012. Naturally, no big event like this would be complete without a little bit of crochet.

It's a Boy Pillar Cozy

What better way to announce the arrival of a baby or share some big news with your neighborhood than with crocheted pillar cozies! You can custom make cozies to fit any pillar size and announce most any occasion in letters or appliqués.

Utilizing the two pillars in front of her house, Yarnovator used classic colors and large bold letters. These cozies vividly proclaim the arrival of Yarnovator’s newborn son. Here’s how she did it.

The “It’s a” cozy was done in short rows alternating single, half double, and double crochet. The letters were crocheted separately and sewn on.

The “Boy” balloons were crocheted separately in the round using half double crochets. To help the balloons hold their shape, the circles were sewn onto plastic canvas. Like the “It’s a” cozy, the letters were crocheted separately and sewn on. Because the balloons do not wrap around the pillar, separate short cozies were crocheted that match the pillar color. The balloons were then sewn to the cozies at the desired height.

All told, this is a fun, simple and informative project.

Yarnovator Baby

Congratulations, Yarnovator. Welcome, baby!

PS: Newborn Baseball Set coming soon!

Filed Under: Baby, Crochet, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , ,
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