Love of Crochet Weekend Projects 2013 – Cover Girl

July 13, 2013 By

The cover girl in the Love of Crochet Weekend Crochet Projects 2013 is wearing our scarf design! Woo hoo!

Cover Girl Broomstick Lace Scarf

We knew the scarf was to appear in this issue…but we were totally surprised to see it on the cover! The magazine is shown here with the prototype of the scarf which is a bamboo yarn.

As mentioned in the magazine, this project only takes three stitches: Broomstick Lace, Puff Stitch and Single Crochet. This design will look fabulous in lots of different types of yarns. The yarns we used are:

Prototype:

Kollage Yarn: Temptation in Pacific Blue
Bamboo, Cotton, Nylon

Featured in Magazine:

Kollage Yarn: Milky Whey in Mala Green
Milk, Soy

Check your local craft store or bookstore for this special issue.
See other projects in this issue: Love of Crochet “Crochet Weekend Projects” 2013.

Filed Under: Publications

Summer Mason Jar Cozy Coming soon

July 5, 2013 By

Since the end of October 2012, we’ve posted a pattern and jar cozy every other Friday. Our plan is to continue this series for a year. That’s still our plan, but today’s cozy will be a little late.

The cozy will be cute and the recipe will be delicious…but the post will be delayed. I (Dana) am traveling and doing some home renovation projects for my parents. I’ve been painting and tiling and moving boxes so I haven’t been able to whip up the crochet project.

picture frame tiled floor

Here is a photo of some of the floor tiling. We put a “picture frame” in the center of the floor of the master bathroom and decorative tile in doorways. There’s more tile in the hallway, closets and vanity area. I don’t want to see tile for at least 2 years now that this project is done!

I need a bumpersticker that says: “I’d rather be crocheting”.

Filed Under: Cup Cozies, Mason Jar Series

The Pasta Challenge

June 24, 2013 By

The Pasta Challenge

A small group of us meet regularly to chat, sip coffee and crochet or knit. At one of our meetings we got a crazy idea to have a Pasta Challenge. We wanted to see who could come up with the best  hand crafted project that incorporated pasta!

The rules for the challenge weren’t well defined…so the projects varied greatly. No winner was selected this go around…but there will be more quirky and crazy challenges ahead.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a collective photo of them all…so here is the reveal, one item at a time:

Glitzy Necklace, by Alice

pasta and yarn necklace

This glittery piece includes spray painted noodles! That little detail may not show up well in the photo…but it did have sparkle in person. Some noodles are painted gold and some with glitter making this one glitzy necklace.

Colorful Jar Cozy, by Deborah

Pasta Cozy

This mason jar cozy illustrates two ways to attach “beads” to a crochet project. The little pasta is attached using a beaded crochet technique. The elbow noodles are attached with thread and needle. A vivid example of how to attach beads.

Adorned Purse, by Lorien

adorned purse

Pasta adorns this cloth purse with large painted elements and in the little details, too. It’s difficult to see in these photos, but there are small star shaped pastas lining the opening of the purse and in the center of the flowers.

Beaded Broomstick and Shell Bag, by Dana

broomstick and shell beaded crochet

This bag illustrates beaded crochet with three different crochet stitches including: broomstick lace, shell stitch and single crochet. This bag was created with two handle pieces, two broomstick lace panels and joined with a round base.

The challenge was unusual, but a lot of fun. Stay tuned for the next wacky challenge coming soon!

Filed Under: Accessories, Bags, Cozy, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs Tagged With:

Apple Dumpling Recipe with 4th of July Crochet American Flag Cozy

June 21, 2013 By

Apple Dumpling Recipe with 4th of July Crochet American Flag Cozy

apple dumplings recipe

This super sweet, super easy, Apple Dumpling Recipe is another one of our family favorite desserts (most often requested by my brother)! Dress it up in this crochet American Flag cozy and you’ve got a fun 4th of July dessert and decorating idea (perfect for any American holiday, really)!

Let’s start with the Apple Dumplings. While they bake and cool, you can whip up the mason jar cozies.

Apple Dumpling Recipe / Pie in a Jar

pie in a jar

I modified an Apple Dumpling Recipe to be a Pie in a Jar…and IMHO it was the best Apple Dumplings dessert my family has ever had (my parents agree)! My husband loved it so much…he requested I make it again with other fruits like peaches!

Serves 4 (makes 4 extra large desserts).

Pie Ingredients:

  • 4 wide mouth pint size mason jars
  • 2 ready-made pie crusts
  • 3 Granny Smith Apples
  • 4 Tablespoons sugar
  • 4  1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2  teaspoon nutmeg

Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1  1/2 cups water
  • 1/4  teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8  teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

  • 2 teaspoons sugar
apples and cinnamon sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. Mix all Syrup ingredients together in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Unroll two pie crusts and cut each in half. You now have dough for 4 dumplings.
  4. Peel, core and dice apples (approximately ½” cubes).
  5. Divide apples evenly and place in center of dough.
  6. Mix remaining Pie ingredients (4 T sugar, 4 ½ t cinnamon, ½ t nutmeg) together in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of mixture on each dumpling over top the apples.
  7. Dab your finger in water and moisten the edges of the dough. Wrap the dough around the apples creating a cocoon around the apples pressing edges together (if dough breaks or tears, don’t worry. A few holes in the dough is fine).
  8. apple dumplings ready for the oven
    Spray the bottom of each jar with cooking spray. Place one dumpling in each jar.
  9. Pour ½ cup of Syrup in each jar making sure the syrup reaches the bottom of the jar (use a knife to press the dumpling away from the side of the jar if needed).
  10. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon sugar on top of each dumpling.
  11. Place jars on cookie sheet and bake in oven for 1 hour.
  12. Allow to cool. Serve warm.

Recipe inspired by: http://relish.com/recipes/old-fashioned-apple-dumplings/

Alternatives:

  • If you’d like to add a bit more color to this dessert, try adding a little red food coloring to the syrup.
  • Want it a little more “spicy”? Add some Red Hots candies to the apples.
  • This recipe makes 4 extra large servings. For a smaller dessert, cut each pie crust into either 3 or 4 pieces to create 6 or 8 desserts. Divide all ingredients evenly among each dumpling.

Crochet American Flag Cozy

crochet american flag

It’s the stars and stripes that make this look like a crochet American Flag. While it is possible to crochet an exact replica of the American Flag (50 stars and 13 stripes), we also think it’s fun to get a little artistic and a bit fanciful with this cozy project. Have fun with it.

We used Vanna’s Choice for this project. This is a great way to use up remnants from your stash. We showcase this in two different reds and two different blues to illustrate that most any red and blue will work.

Skill Level: Easy

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

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Rows, Crochet in Back Loop, Crochet in Both Loops, Crochet Increase (work two stitches in next st)

SUPPLIES:

  • Vanna’s Choice:Worsted Weight (4)

    Jar Cozy: SCARLET, WHITE, COLONIAL BLUE

    (Mug: CRANBERRY, WHITE, NAVY)

    (Cup: CRANBERRY, WHITE, COLONIAL BLUE)
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

AMERICAN FLAG JAR COZY INSTRUCTIONS

Scarlet

Hook: H

Ch 12

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc across. (10)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Attach White

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. In back loops only, hdc across. (10)

Row 3: Ch 2, turn. In both loops only, hdc across. (10)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Attach Red

Row 4: Ch 2, turn. In back loops only, hdc across. (10)

Row 5: Ch 2, turn. In both loops only, hdc across. (10)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Row 6-23 Repeat Rows 2-5 until you have 23 Rows. End with White.

Attach Red

Row 24: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in back loops only across. (10)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Join Row 24 to foundation ch with whip st across.

flag cozy parts

WIDE MOUTH LID COVER INSTRUCTIONS

Colonial Blue

Hook: H

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 8 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (8)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, hdc inc around. (16)

Rnd 3: *hdc, hdc inc* around. (24)

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

Rnd 5: *3 hdc, hdc inc* 7 times. 2 sc, sc inc, sl st. (40)

Rnd 6: Work in back loops only, sc around. (40)

Rnd 7-8: Work in both loops, sc around. (40)

2 Sl st. Finish off, weave in end.

STAR INSTRUCTIONS

White

Hook: H

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 10 hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (10)

Rnd 2: In back loops only, sl st into next st. (work next group in the same st as sl st you just worked) * work: ch 2, dc, ch 1, sl st into top of dc, ch 2, sl st. 2 sl sts into next sts of Rnd 1* around.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew Star to top of Lid.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebook

Love this flag cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in our Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns 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 flags 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 Store

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Etsy: Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns ebook

Filed Under: 4th of July, Armed Forces Day, Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Home, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe Tagged With: , , , ,

Wool Festivals – Free Fiber and an Education

June 19, 2013 By

Wool Festivals are great places to get free fiber and an education!

tents

We picked up some free wool at the 2013 Estes Park Wool Festival. And not just a little wool…as much as we wanted! It was unprocessed, dirty and smelled of pooh…but it was free!

sheep shearingWhere did we get it? Well, there were several free educational demonstrations offered throughout the wool festival. They ranged from sheep dog demonstrations to llama limbo to sheep shearing. It’s at the later demonstration that we picked up the wool. It was the first clipped fibers from the belly and butt of the sheep and it was full of lanolin, straw and pooh…and it was free for the taking (can you imagine that)!

Should we get around to cleaning it, our plan is to use the raw fiber in felting projects.

Speaking of felting…while at the festival, we watched someone felt soap (in the kids activities area). This inspired us to felt some soap, too! Here was our first attempt at felting soap:

our felted soap

Lorien (from Organic Gypsy and EowynRose) made the soaps on the far left and right. Deborah made the artistic sunflower (middle left) and I made the daisy (middle right).

Wool festivals are great places to find beautiful yarns, to talk to ranchers, to pet some animals and to learn about fibers….lots of fibers! We saw yarns (and raw fiber) made from Yak, Buffalo, Silk, Angora, Wool, Cashmere, Vicuna and more.

wool festival booths

My friends and I talked about yarn for 2 days straight! We stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast (A Mountain Valley Home) and had a delightful girls’ weekend. The first day of the Wool Festival was crowded, but we found time to talk to most every vendor. Sunday was very quiet (pictured left) and we could shop and linger in booths more comfortably.

If you love yarn and want to learn more about it, I recommend that you go to a Wool Festival.

know your wool class on craftsyCan’t make it to a Wool Festival? There’s a free Craftsy class that talks about Sheep and Wool…and they even filmed part of the class at the Estes Park Wool Festival! I’ve taken several Craftsy classes and they are top notch. Check out the free Know Your Wool class.

Here are a few more photos of my trip to the Estes Park Wool Festival.

with roving

Roving was a top priority on our shopping list for felting projects. Left to right is Deborah, Lorien and me (Dana).

big horns

The coat/jacket keeps straw from the wool. The horns are just plain intimidating!

with the vicuna

The Vicuna was one of our favorite animals. These guys are so adorable (and a bit skittish). We were seriously tempted to buy some of their ultra soft yarn…but at $100 per hank we opted to wait until next year’s show.

wooly eyed

Woolly eyed, these sheep have beautiful curly fibers. This guy reminds me of the sheepdog from Bugs Bunny.

estes park stanley hotel

We took a short hike across from the Stanley Hotel. Novelist Steven King stayed at this hotel and was inspired to write The Shining.

We had such a blast at the wool festival…we’re already making plans to attend next year!

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: ,

Caramel Corn Recipe for Crochet Baseball Cozy

June 7, 2013 By

Caramel Corn Recipe for Crochet Baseball Cozy

Make this delicious and easy caramel corn recipe to be stored in a mason jar with a crochet baseball cozy! Just in time for the next big game…a tasty treat for players and fans alike.

caramel corn recipe and crochet baseball cozy

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks are synonymous with baseball. We’re celebrating American’s favorite pastime with this fun baseball cozy and caramel corn combo.

Let’s dig in and make some caramel corn. It’ll need time to cool…which will give you time to whip up a cozy or two!

Caramel Corn Recipe

jar of caramel corn

This caramel corn is very versatile. Make a rich chocolate drizzled caramel corn (more like moose munch) by following the recipe below. Make an extra thick and rich caramel corn (more like Cracker Jacks) by doubling the sauce and omitting the chocolate. If you love peanut butter, add ½ cup of peanut butter with the corn syrup (step 4).

We asked friends and family to tell us which version of the caramel corn they liked the best (chocolate vs. extra thick and rich caramel). It was a tie! Since there is no clear favorite, you should make the one that you’d prefer.

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:

  • 12 cups popped white popcorn (½ cup unpopped)
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (4 oz) dark chocolate bar (Ghirardelli 60% Cacao)
  • 1 (4 oz) white chocolate bar (Ghirardelli White)
caramel corn with chocolate drizzle

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 225°. Lightly grease a 9×13 pan. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease a large soup pot (stock pot).
  3. Pop popcorn (we used an air popper), remove any unpopped kernels. Pour popcorn then peanuts into soup pot.
  4. Melt brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in sauce pan on medium heat stirring regularly bringing it to a boil. Boil and stir constantly until temperature reaches 250° to 260° (approximately 5 minutes). Caramel will be bubbly and a bit stretchy.
  5. Remove from heat. Combine baking soda and vanilla extract and stir into caramel sauce.
  6. Pour caramel over popcorn. Stir until popcorn is evenly coated with caramel.
  7. Pour popcorn into prepared 9×13 pan. Bake for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.
  8. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Pour caramel corn onto wax paper. Break into pieces if needed. Cool completely.
  9. Melt dark chocolate over low heat stirring constantly. Drizzle over popcorn.
  10. Melt white chocolate over low heat stirring constantly. Drizzle over popcorn.
  11. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until chocolate solidifies.
  12. Store and serve in mason jars. Serve within 10 days.

This recipe is a modifed version of: My Amish Friend’s Caramel Corn.

I’ve been told that by adding a bit of molassas to the sauce (step 4) this caramel corn will taste like Cracker Jacks!

Crochet Baseball Cozy

baseball and mustache jar cozy

We created this fun cozy and caramel combo in honor of the baseball team the Oakland A’s…AKA: the Mustache Gang. In 1972, right fielder Reggie Jackson refused to shave off his mustache which prompted the team owner Charles Finley to pay all the players to grow a mustache. And on June 18th, anyone wearing a mustache got into the game free. So…when you head to your next baseball game, wear a ‘stache and bring some caramel corn!

Note: Need a mustache pattern? We have three free mustache patterns on our post: Father’s Day Gift Ideas, Steak Rub Recipe and Mustache Cozy.

The crochet baseball cozy is another great stash buster. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice yarn for this project. She has several colors that are a perfect match for various types of sports balls.

Skill Level: Beginner

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round

crochet baseball cozy

SUPPLIES:

  • Vanna’s Choice: Worsted Weight (4)

    Baseball: WHITE, CRANBERRY

    (Basketball: TERRECOTTA, BLACK)

    (Tennis Ball: LIME, BEIGE)
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
  • Yarn Needle for sewing

BASEBALL JAR COZY INSTRUCTIONS

White

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.

With Cranberry, embroider baseball threads.

More Cozies in Store

coffee cup cozy patterns ebook

Love this baseball cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in our Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns 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 balls 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 Store

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Etsy: Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns ebook

Filed Under: Baseball, Basketball, Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Tennis Tagged With: , , , ,

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

May 24, 2013 By

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 recipe

Father’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 mustache

Now 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 options

ENGLISH 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 ebook

Love this mustache cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in our Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns 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 Store

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Etsy: Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns ebook

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

Boston Red Sox – Crochet B Applique

May 22, 2013 By

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.

Filed Under: Basketball, Sports, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , ,

Crochet Handcuffs

May 13, 2013 By

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.

Filed Under: Child, Patterns for FREE, Toys Tagged With: ,

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Soup in a Jar

May 10, 2013 By

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 ribbon

Many 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 jar

Most 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 jar

Mix 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 ebook

Love this cause ribbon cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in our Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns 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 Store

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Etsy: Crochet Cup Cozy Patterns ebook

Filed Under: Armed Forces Day, Cozy, Cup Cozies, Great as Gifts, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for FREE, Recipe Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »