Warm heart fingerless gloves, Free pattern

Note: I have not tested this pattern, please let me know if you find any errors!

3-5 years

Left hand

Ch 9

Row 1: Sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc across (8st)

Row 2-24: (Working in back loops only) sc across, ch 1 turn (8 st)

Row 25: place first and last row together (NOTE: they should be pointing up rather then in) Ss through both outer loops only to close

NOTE: Do not turn from this point on

1: Ch 1, sc in the end of each row, ss in first sc, ch 1 (24 st)

Rnd 2-3: Sc in every st, ss in first sc, ch 1 (24 st)

Rnd 4: Sc in next 11 st, Trc in next st, sc in next 12, ss in first sc, ch 1 (24 st)

Rnd 5: Sc in next 10 st, Trc in next st, sc in next st, Trc in next st sc in next 11, ss in first sc, ch 1 (24 st)

Rnd 6: Sc in next 2 st, ch 2, Sk next 4 (thumb hole), sc next 3, Trc in next st, sc in next 3 st, Trc in next st sc in next 10, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 7-8: Sc in next 7 st, Trc in next st, sc in next 3 st, Trc in next st sc in next 10, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 9: Sc in next 7 st, Trc in next st, sc in next  st, Trc in next st, sc in next st, Trc in next st sc in next 10, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 10: Sc in next 8 st, Trc in next st, sc in next st, Trc in next st sc in next 11, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 11: Sc 1 in ever st, ss in first, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 12: Sc 1 in ever st, ss in first, fasten off (22 st)

Right Hand

Row 1-25: same as above

Rnd 1-5: same as above

Rnd 6: Sc in next 9, Trc in next st, sc in next 3 st, Trc in next st, Sc in next 3 st, ch 2, Sk next 4 (thumb hole), sc next 3, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 7-8: Sc in next 9 st, Trc in next st, sc in next 3 st, Trc in next st sc in next 8, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 9: Sc in next 9 st, Trc in next st, sc in next  st, Trc in next st, sc in next st, Trc in next st sc in next 8, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 10: Sc in next 10 st, Trc in next st, sc in next st, Trc in next st, sc in next 9, ss in first sc, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 11: Sc 1 in ever st, ss in first, ch 1 (22 st)

Rnd 12: Sc 1 in ever st, ss in first, fasten off (22 st)

Green Smoothie Yumminess!!!

 RAINBOW of goodness!!!

I know my blog is mostly about crocheting but I love to cook as well and love to share my new recipes! This is a new concept to me so I thought it would be fun to share.  I just learned what a green smoothie is (I know im probably late to the game) but if you do not know they are amazing! 

The rule of thumb is 60% fruit and 40% leafy greens.

In this recipe I used 1 nectarine, 1 banana, a hand full of strawberries, blueberries and spinach.  I also add about half a cup of crushed ice and about a cup and a half of water or juice (juice makes it sweeter but less healthy). 
First you add the crushed ice and liquide and fruit.  I pulse my blender to puree everything and then add in the spinach last. 

You cant go wrong!  Everything is fresh so add what you like and make it original!  But rest assured it is soooooooo good!  My 2 and 4 year old love it!  That says a lot!!!!

Just another perfect day!!

This picture is the perfect description of my life!  Crazy but productive!

I do in home child care and crafting.  the adorable little boy in front is my son Wyatt who is almost two, the little gils peeking out from the upside down child is my daughter Mary-jane who is 4.  The other three are my favorite little people I watch during the day.  We have fun playing and doing art projects, but as you can see I am a mulitasker!  hahaha I love my crazy little life :)

Spicy Sausage Soup

This Spicy Sausage Soup was inspired by Olive Gardens sausage and potato soup

1lb of spicy sausage

About 1 ½ cup carrots chopped

About 1 cup chopped greens (broccoli, Kale, Charred greens, ect.)

About 1 cup chopped red onion or about 6 chives

4 garlic cloves (or powder)

3 medium potatoes, halved long ways and then thinly sliced

About 1 shot tequila or ¼ cup white wine

2-3 cups stock

2 cups milk (12 oz condensed milk makes the soup thicker and creamier, just add a little extra stock to get enough liquid)

1 12oz can diced tomatoes

A pinch of salt

A pinch of pepper (red flakes if you want it very spicy)

1 bay leaf

A pinch of Italian seasoning

Additional seasoning can be added upon preference

Brown sausage in a large pan over med heat.  

Add chopped Garlic, carrots, onions, and greens to the pan, add seasonings and allow to sweat for about five-eight min.   

What I like to use but be careful it has salt in it.

Add tequila or wine and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan.  Put the meat mixture into a crock pot set on low.  Add milk and stock, tomatoes and gently stir in chopped potatoes. 

I chop mine in half long ways and then thinly width ways

Allow to cook in crock pot for 4-5 hours or until potatoes and veggies are all tender enough to eat. 

I love to top mine with cheese

Balancing crocheting and life!!

Like most crocheter’s out there, I have a life as well.  Crocheting has quickly become my passion but I find the more I get sucked in the harder it becomes to balance my daily life activities.  Dishes pile up, floors get dusty, meals get thrown together last minute and don't even ask about my workouts!  My family ends up getting put on the back burner while I work to finish my projects.  I have found a few tricks to keep a balanced life but am always looking for more!  

Those tricks are

• Timing my work- If I crochet for 30 min then I get up and clean or cook for 30 min.  This insures I don't get lost in my work and I keep a good balance between my obligations and crafting.  The timing should be even to keep you productive and not sitting in one place for too long.  This also helps to break your focus and make sure you don't lose track of time while crafting, which we all know is easy to do.
• Working out while crocheting- This is not for the faint of heart, and I do not recommend this for everyone. I happen to already workout so I know my machines and my limits.  I have mastered the elliptical with no hands so I can be in motion while crocheting.  This is not an intense work to replace the normal 30 min of cardio recommended daily but it is something to get you moving while crafting.  Another, less dangerous, workout while crafting is the stationary bike.  This requires less balance and focus which make crocheting or knitting easier while riding.  Now this can be adapted to other crafts such as sewing, all you need to do is take a break every 5-10 min and do jumping jacks, go up a flight of stairs, do sit ups or even push-ups, anything to get you moving.
• Standing while crocheting- The simple act of standing while crocheting will keep you more active and burning more calories.  If you are like me, it is important to stay healthy and fit and these simple changes have really helped me to stay more active while still doing my passion.  
• Using the small minutes-  You might have five minutes in the car while waiting for the kids to get out of school, bring your crocheting to get it done in the in between times.  This keeps you more freed up for your obligations such as house work, cooking dinner and simply being attentive to your family.  These small minutes can not only be used for crafting but for house work as well.  I know I feel better about sitting on my booty crafting if the house is clean around me.

These are just some small changes I have made to my crafting life to help keep me productive as well as happy!  I hope they are useful to you, and please share any ideas you have had to help keep crafter's active!

Flower Baby Blanket

All finished... Still have some loose ends to weave in but not bad for my first blanket :)

Free fingerless gloves pattern

Crocheted Corded Fingerless Gloves

Materials

Simply soft yarn, 1 ball will make both gloves

Hook size H/8- 5MM (can be adjusted to make different sizes, bigger or smaller)

Tapestry needle

Special Stitches

FPDC- Front post double crochet- yarn over, insert hook from front to back, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through last 2 loops.

BPDC- Back post double crochet- yarn over, insert hook from back to front, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through last 2 loops.

FPTC- front post triple crochet- yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through last 2 loops.

BPTC- Back post triple crochet- yarn over twice, insert hook from back to front, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through last 2 loops.

Whip Stitch: using the tapestry needle take the long tail and always insert the needle on the same side of the seam.  Insert needle pull yarn tight.  Pull needle back to starting side and insert again.  (I keep edges flat so there is no bulky seam you will feel on the palm of your hand.

Helpful sites:

Post Crochets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYJs42RUfuc

Whip stitch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfjJTnA_KjA

Right Hand

Ch 32

Row 1: DC across, Ch 2 turn (30 St)

Row 2-3: (FPDC, BPDC) repeat all the way across, Ch 1 turn (30 St)- Make sure to line up fpdc on to fpdc only!

Row 4: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 2 turn (30 St)

Row 5: DC 11, FPDC in next St, DC next St, (Skip 2) FPTC in 3 St, FPTC in next St, FPTC in first skipped St, FPDC in next FPTC, DC next St, FPTC next St, DC 11, Ch 1 turn (30 St)

Row 6: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 1 turn (30 St)

Row 7: HDC 11, FPDC in next St, HDC next St, FPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, FPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 1 turn (30 St)

Row 8: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 2 turn (30 St)

Row 9-12: Repeat rows 4-7

Row 13: DC 11, FPDC in next St, DC next St, (Skip 2) FPTC in 3 St, FPTC in next St, FPTC in first skipped St, FPDC in next, DC next St, FPTC next St, DC 11, Ch 1 turn (30 St)

Row 14: HDC 5, HDC 2 in next 2 St, HDC 4, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 1 turn (32 St)

Row 15: HDC 11, FPDC in next St, HDC next St, FPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, FPDC next St, HDC 5, HDC 2 in next St, HDC next 2 St, HDC 2 in next St, HDC 5, Ch 1 turn (34 St)

Row 16: HDC 5, HDC 2 in next St, HDC next 4 St, HDC 2 in next St, HDC 4, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 2 turn (36 St)

Row 17: DC 11, FPDC in next St, DC next St, (Skip 2) FPTC in 3 St, FPTC in next St, FPTC in first skipped St, FPDC in next, DC next St, FPTC next St, DC 4, DC 2 in next St, DC next 6, DC 2 in next St, DC 5, Ch 1 turn (38 St)

Row 18: HDC 6, skip 8 St, HDC 5, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 2 turn (30 St)

Row 19-20: Repeat rows 6-7 (30 St)

Row 21-24: Repeat rows 4-7 except at the end only Ch 1 then turn (30 St)

Row 25: Loosely Sl in every St, fasten off leaving a long tail, about 15 inches to whip stitch the glove closed.

Fold glove so that it is inside out, whip stitch from top to bottom.  Fasten off, weave in ends and turn right side out… ENJOY!!!!

Left Hand

Ch 32

Row 1-13: same as right hand

Row 14: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 5, HDC 2 in next 2 St, HDC 4, Ch 1 turn (32 St)

Row 15: HDC 5, HDC 2 in next St, HDC next 2 St, HDC 2 in next St, HDC 5, FPDC in next St, HDC next St, FPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, FPDC next St, HDC 11, Ch 1 turn (34 St)

Row 16: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 5, HDC 2 in next St, HDC next 4 St, HDC 2 in next St, HDC 4, Ch 2 turn (36 St)

Row 17: DC 4, DC 2 in next St, DC next 6, DC 2 in next St, DC 5, FPDC in next St, DC next St, (Skip 2) FPTC in 3 St, FPTC in next St, FPTC in first skipped St, FPDC in next, DC next St, FPTC next St, DC 11, Ch 1 turn (38 St)

Row 18: HDC 11, BPDC in next St, HDC next St, BPDC next 4 St, HDC next St, BPDC next St, HDC 6, skip 8 St, HDC 5, Ch 2 turn (30 St)

Row 19-20: Repeat rows 6-7 (30 St)

Row 21-24: Repeat rows 4-7 except at the end only Ch 1 then turn (30 St)

Row 25: Loosely Sl in every St, fasten off leaving a long tail, about 15 inches to whip stitch the glove closed.

Fold glove so that it is inside out, whip stitch from top to bottom.  Fasten off, weave in ends and turn right side out… ENJOY!!!

Blanket

My newest exploration!  A blanket!  I am starting with these 3D flowers I found on Rose Hip's Blog.  I love the look of the flowers coming out of the patches and the multi colors!  I am going to do a 24 square blanket to start with.  I will keep my progress posted :) 

Free Diaper cover pattern

Adjustable Diaper Cover Pattern

Sizes 0-9 mo, it is adjustable on waist and can fit most any baby.

Supplies

Hook size H

Yarn worsted weight (one ball of almost any worsted weight yarn will do, this pattern does not take too much yarn)

Tapestry needle

(Yarn and hook size can be altered to make size bigger or smaller.)

Terms:
Ch- chain
Sc- single crochet
Dc- double crochet

Trc- triple crochet

Ss- slip stitch

Ch 55

Row 1: sc 1 in second ch from hook, sc 1 in every st across, ch 1 and turn (54 st)

Row 2: trc across, ch 1 turn (54 st)

 

These Triple crochet are the button holes which makes these easily adjustable for different size babies.

 

Row 3: sc 1 in every st across, fasten off

(count in 16 stitches from the right on last row worked and attach yarn with a ss in the same st)

Row 4: ch 3 dc 1 in next 24 across, ch 1 turn (24 st)

Row 5: sc 1 in every st across, ch 3 turn (24 st)

Row  6-9: repeat rows 4-5 twice

Row 10: dc2tog, dc 1 in next 20, dc2tog, ch 1 turn (22 st)

Row 11: sc2tog, sc 1 in next 18, sc2tog, ch 3 turn (20 st)

Row 12: dc2tog, dc 1 in next 16, dc2tog, ch 1 turn (18 st)

Row 13: sc2tog, sc  1 in next 14, sc2tog, ch 3 turn (16 st)

Row 14: dc2tog, dc 1 in next 12, dc2tog, ch1 turn (14 st)

Row 15: sc 1 in every st across, ch 3 turn (14 st)

Row 16: Dc 1 in every st across, ch 1 turn (14 st)

Row 17-20: repeat row 15-16

Row 21: sc 1 in every st across ch 3 turn (14 st)

Row 22: dc 2 in first st, dc 1 in every st across ch 1, turn (15 st)

Row 23: sc 2 in first st, sc 1 in every st across ch 3 turn (16 st)

Row 24: dc 1 in every st across, ch 1, turn (16 st)

Row 25: sc 1 in every st across, ch 3 turn (16 st)

Row 26: dc 1 in every st across, ch 1 turn (16 st) Fasten off weave in ends

Switch to contrasting color, ch 1 and finish with sc all the way.  Fasten off and weave in ends

Tip: use 2 st on the turns of each corner

Attach button on side of work where you are seeing the right side of the lining color.  Fasten off, and weave in ends.

Enjoy!!!

I won an award :)

How awesome it feels to win an award!
Thank you so much The Enchanted Ladybug for making me feel so special!

This award is too help new bloggers get exposure while helping out other newbies.  This award is presented to blogs with less then 200 followers and is to help them feel that they are appreciated for their hard work!  Thank you again so sharing this with me and MAKING MY DAY!

Rules for receiving your award:

1. Post about your win on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who presented you with the award.
3. Copy and past the award button to your blog.
4. Present the Liebster Award to 5 blogs that have fewer than 200 followers that you think deserve to be recognized.
5. Let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.


My 5 special blogs are
1) http://nerdyhooker.blogspot.com/ - an awesome and creative crochet blog
2)http://theknottyhooker.blogspot.com/ - another adorable crochet sight, with the best name!!!
3) http://graceandloveboutique.blogspot.com/ - Love seeing how other moms manage to balance work and mommy hood!
4)http://anandabijoux.blogspot.com/2012/05/manipura-balancing-act.html- beautiful jewelry and an adorable blog.
5)http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/2012/05/showing-love-for-my-customers.html - Love this blog!  Great tutorials and inspiration

Newest creations!

These are the newest designs I have been working on!!  some are in the testing phase and others are for sale!!!  Please visit my Patterns page to see what is available!  All finished products are available on my Etsy site!