Cotton Flower Beanie

Cotton Flower Beanie

This hat is a variation of the Spring Flowers hat and is so cute on.  For this hat I used Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme Batik in Watermelon Patch.  It is a super soft yarn that is self striping.   You will also need a size J hook and a 7/8 or 1 inch button.  

This hat is toddler size, 18-24 months. 

 Start with a magic loop or a chain 4 loop which ever you prefer.
Round 1:  Ch 1 and make 10 HDC, sl st to the top of the first HDC.
Round 2:  Ch 1 and do 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (20 HDC)
Round 3:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (30 HDC)
Round 4:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (36 HDC)
Round 5:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 5 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC, join to the top of the first HDC.  (42 HDC)
Round 6:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 6 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (48 HDC)
Round 7 is worked in cluster stitches.  Ch 2 and make beg cl in the first st, (see below for instructions on cluster stitches) *ch 1, sk the next stitch and begin cl in the next st. Repeat from * around, sl st to the top of the first cl.  (24 CL) 

The beginning cluster (beg cl) stitch is made by ch 2, yo, insert hook in the designated st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Cluster Stitches (cl) are Yo, insert hook in designated st, yo, pull lp through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, [yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook]twice, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook. 

Rounds 8-12:  sl st to the first ch 1 space and make beg cl (instructions above), *ch 1 make next cl in the next ch 1 space, repeat around, ch 1 sl st at the top of the first cl. (24 cl)

Rounds 13-16:  ch 1 and SC in each st around, sl to to the top of the first SC.  (48 SC) At the end of round 16 tie off and weave in end.  

Flower:  make a magic loop and ch2.  
Round 1:  make 14 DC in the loop and sl st to the top of the first st.
Round 2:  ch 3 sk the first st and join with a sl st to the next st, repeat around for 7 loops.
Round 3:  make the following stitches in each ch 3 space around for petals.  1 SC, 1 HDC, 3 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC.   Sl st to the first sc and tie off leaving a long enough string to sew on the flower.  Top the flower with a button.  

Tied Up With Love

It was a weekend for using up scrap yarn. I made this with the half skeins left from the Wee Waves Hat and with a little scrap of vintage pink Patons Astra yarn. So, unless you have a stash of vintage yarn like I do, you will probably need to find a suitable replacement for the second contrast color (look for a nice wool blend medium weight 4 ply).

Materials Used:

Main Color: 1/2 skein of Martha Stewart Crafts Extra Soft Wool Blend in Winter Sky
Contrast Colors: 1/5th+ skein (roughly) of Martha Stewart Crafts Extra Soft Wool Blend in Gray Pearl and 1/8th+ skein (roughly) Patons Astra in Deep Pink (or any other 4 ply yarn).
Size 7 circular needles or double pointed needles
Stitch holder

Pattern:
Using Winter Sky yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join and place marker. Work in knit 1, purl 1 rib for 5 rows.
Knit 3 rows in stockinette stitch.
Continuing in stockinette stitch, work Heart Chart 10 times (for one row of work) using contrast yarn in Gray Pearl
After finishing the 6 rows of the chart, knit 3 rows with main color in stockinette stitch.
Knit the 5 rows LOVE Chart in Deep Pink using stockinette stitch. Repeat Chart 5 times to complete rounds
Knit 3 rows with main color in stockinette stitch.
Repeat Heart Chart over the next 6 rows, repeating chart 10 times for each row.
Knit 3 rows with main color in stockinette stitch.

Decrease:
Row 1: Knit 8,K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 2: Knit 7, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 3: Knit 6, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 4: Knit 5, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 5: Knit 4, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 6: Knit 3, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 7: Knit 2, K2tog. Repeat 7 times more.
Row 8: Knit, K2tog.  Repeat 7 times more.
Row 9: K2tog.  Repeat 7 times more.

Slide first 4 stitches onto stitch holder, leaving working yarn at one end of needles. With last four stitches and working yarn from project, knit i-cord for 6 inches. After finishing the cord off and securing end, take stitches from stitch holder and work into a second i-cord for 6 inches. Tie i-cords into bow to top hat.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This recipe is one I got from a friend in Arizona while we lived there on the Hopi Indian Reservation when my husband was serving in the US Public Health Service, Indian Health Service.  We had lots of fun there, with only 3 channels on the TV you got to know your neighbors, and you did things together because your family was so far away.  Every time I make this I think of my friend Joelle and all the fun we had together with our little ones.  I hope that you enjoy this, I haven't found too many people who don't like it, and it is one of our family's all time favorites.

For this you will need:
1 medium onion chopped
1 can chopped green chilis (peppers)
1 can of cream of chicken soup (I use healthy request by Campbells, no MSG and lower salt)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 Cup chicken broth (take the broth from your rotisserie chicken if you use one and if short just add a little water)
1 whole chicken de-boned (rotisserie chickens make the process so easy) Or about 4 chicken breasts.
16 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
10 soft corn tortilla shells quartered

To start make your sauce mix, saute the onion and chopped green chilis in a pan, then add both soups and the cup of broth.

In a 10 x 13 pan spread a little of the sauce mix in the botton and arrange half of your tortilla quarters on top of it, follow with a layer of half the rotisserie chicken, half of the sauce mix and half of the cheese, repeat the layer and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.  You can add jalepeno peppers if you like more spice, less
onions, or make it with turkey.  It is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Monster Crochet Hat

Monster Crochet Hat Child size small (6-8)

For this hat I used Vanna's Choice Yarns in the following colors:
Yellow (Duckie)
Lime
Colonial Blue
White
Black
Goldfish
You can change the colors though and use up some of your leftover yarn from other projects.  For the main part of the hat though you will need 1 ball of yarn.
2 7/8 inch black buttons
Pom-pom maker 1 3/8 size
Size I 5.5mm hook

To start make either a magic loop or a chain 4 loop using Yellow.
Round 1:  ch 2 and make 12 DC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first DC and ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in each stitch around, sl st to the top of the first DC and ch 2. (24 DC)
Round 3:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC ch 2.  (36 DC)
Round 4:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next two sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2 (48 DC)
Round 5:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2. (48 DC)
Round 6:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next 3 sts, repeat around, join at the top of the first DC, ch 2.  (60 DC)
Rounds 7-16: 1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2. (60 DC each round) at the end of round 16 begin the first ear flap if you want an ear flap.  This hat can be finished without earflaps by making the 17th round in SC and 1 SC in each st around.

*if you want to make the hat for a smaller child end the main body of the hat at row 14, to make it just a bit smaller in circumference just change Round 6 to 2 DC in the first stitch and 1 DC in the next 5 sts.

Ear flaps are done in HDC: make sure to chain 1 to start Row 1.
Row 1:  1 HDC in the next 12 sts, chain 1 and turn.
Row 2:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 9 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 3:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 4: sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 5: sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 3 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 6:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 7:  HDCD in the next 2 sts.  Tie off and weave in the end.

Place the other ear flap so there are slightly more stitches across the front of the hat than the back.
and repeat the above instructions for the second ear flap.
Round 17:  To finish the main body of the hat start at the tip of one of the ear flaps and single crochet evenly around putting two stitches at the tips of the ear flap and 1 SC in each st along the bottom of the hat.

Eyes: (make 2)
With white make a magic loop or chain 4 loop and ch 2.
Round 1:  10 DC in the loop, join at the top of the first DC and ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in each st around, join at the top of the first DC and tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the eye to the hat.

Nose:  With Goldfish or Orange make a magic chain, it really works best on this since it is small, ch 2 then do 3 DC, 3 SC, 3 DC, 3SC and sl st to the top of the first DC, tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the nose on.

Large Horns: Using Colonial Blue and Lime. (make 2)
Start with the blue and make a magic loop or ch 4 loop and ch 2.
Round 1:  make 6 DC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next st  repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC (9 DC)  Change to Lime and ch 2.
Round 3:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2 (9 DC)
Round 4:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next st repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC,  (14 DC) Change to Colonial Blue.
Round 5:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2 (14 DC)
Round 6:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC and tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the horn on.

Pom Poms are made in Colonial Blue and tie to the end of the Large Horns before you sew them on.

Small Horns:  make 3, 2 in Colonial Blue and 1 in Lime.
Start with a magic loop or a ch 4 loop and ch 2.
Round 1:  make 6 DC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first DC,  ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next st repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2 (9 DC)
Round 3:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first DC, tie off leaving enough yarn to sew on the horn.

Mouth:  using Black
chain 16
Row 1:  1 DC in the 2 ch from the hook and then 1 DC in the next 3 sts, 1 SC in the next 6 sts, 1 DC in the last 4 sts, ch 2 and turn.
Row 2:  sk the first st, 1 DC in the next 10 sts, DCD in the last 2 sts, ch 2 and turn.
Row 3:  sk the first st, 1 DC in the next 8 sts, DCD in the last 2 sts and tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the mouth on.

Teeth:  using white make 3
Chain 5,
Row 1: 1 DC in the second ch from the hook, and 1 DC in the next 2 sts. ch 2
Row 2:  DCD in the next 2 sts. and tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the teeth to the mouth.

Sew the horns on first then work your way down leaving enough room for the mouth.

Braids are made with 12 strands of yarn for each braid, 32 inches long.

My hat model is also modeling some very cool fake glasses that her Auntie gave her to use for Dress-Up.

You may make and sell products from my patterns, but if you do I ask that you please link back to my original post.  Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own.  Please do not re-publish photos as your own.  Thanks and I hope you like it!!

Wee Waves Hat

 Supplies:

Size 7 knitting needles - circular 16" and double points (optional - I use the magic loop method with great success at the top)
Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool Blend by Lion brand - 1 skein winter sky, 1 skein gray pearl
cable needle (helpful, but not absolutely necessary)

Pattern:
With gray pearl, cast on 80 stitches. Place marker and join. Knit in knit 2, purl 2 rib for 1 1/2 inches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: knit
Row 5: Switch to winter sky - knit
Row 6: In winter sky: purl 3, *knit 3, purl 7* Repeat from * to * until 7 stitches remain on row. Knit 3, purl 4.
Row 7: Picking up in gray pearl: knit 3, *slip 3 (these will be the knitted stitches from the row before), knit 7* repeat  from * to * until the last 7 stitches, slip 3, knit 4.
Row 8: Repeat Row 7
Row 9: Repeat Row 7
Row 10: Repeat Row 7
Row 11:  In gray pearl: knit 2, place next stitch on cable needle and hold behind (or drop) and knit first slipped stitch, knit stitch on cable needle, knit 2nd slipped stitch, place next slipped stitch on cable needle and hold in front of work, knit 1, knit stitch on cable needle. Knit until next slipped section and repeat. End result should be a fanning effect of the slipped stitches.

Repeat Rows 1-11 twice more.

Begin decrease:
Dec. 1: Knit 8, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 2: Knit 7, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 3: Knit 6, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 4: Knit 5, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 5: Knit 4, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 6: Knit 3, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 7: Knit 2, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 8: Knit, K2tog, repeat through end of row
Dec. 9: K2tog 8 times.

Break wool and tightly sew top together.

Newborn Girl Sweet Alabama Fan hat

This is a hat I made for some friends who are Alabama fans and having a baby girl.  The hardest thing to find is the houndstooth ribbon made popular by coach Bear Bryant.  We finally found some at Hobby Lobby.  This is a simple pattern and could be adapted for a narrower ribbon by changing the 11th row to DC.  For all you Alabama fans out there, Roll Tide!!

For this hat I used a size I/5.5mm hook
Bernat Satin yarn in Flamingo
and 5/8 inch houndstooth ribbon from Hobby Lobby

Round 1:  10 DC in the loop, join together at the top of the first DC and ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in each st around (20 DC), join together at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 3:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next, repeat around (30 DC), join together at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 4:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next 4 sts, repeat around (36 DC), join together at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 5:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next 5 sts, repeat around (42 DC), join together at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Rounds 6-10: 1 DC in each st around (42 DC), join together at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
At the end of round 10 ch 3.
Round 11:  1 TC in each st around (42 TC), join together at the top of the first TC, ch 1.
Round 12: is done in a shell stitch, to start SC in the same st as the ch 1 then sk the next two sts and make 5 DC in the next st, sk the next two sts and SC in the next st.  Repeat the shell (sk the next two sts, 5 DC in the next st, sk the next two sts and SC in the next st) around the base of the hat making 7 shells total, tie off and weave in end.  

Weave the ribbon in the TC row and tie a bow on the side of the hat.  I pulled up two stitches and left 4 behind the ribbon for a pattern.

Abberviations:
DC: Double Crochet
SC: Single Crochet
TC: Triple Crochet
st: stitch
sts: stitches

Molly McIntyre Sweater

The American Girl bug is going around our house and our oldest is in love with her doll Molly. Unfortunately, you can't buy an outfit to match the historical dolls. And that is all she really, really wanted for her birthday. So here is my adaptation of the dolls sweater.



Materials:
Size 7 circular needles
Lion Brand Wool-ease worsted weight three skiens Navy, one Ranch Red, one Avacado
yarn needle

I used a basic raglan pattern based on Paton's Classic Wool's Family Raglan Sweatshirt for the sweater. The doll sweater is cut and sewn, but we made the raglan front and adapted the pattern to work. The pattern is written in size 4 with changes for sizes 6, 8, & 10 in parenthesis

Sleeves (make 2):
Using navy yarn, cast on 33 (35, 35, 37) stitches. Work 1 1/2 inches in K2, P2 (first row, K1, *P2, K2* repeat from *) ribbing ending on a reverse side row. Next row knit entire row increasing 4 stitches evenly across. 37 (39, 39, 41) stitches total.

Knit in stocking stitch increasing 1 stitch at each end on the 5th and following 6th (4th, 6th, 4th) rows until there are 53 (47, 45, 67) stitches.
For sizes 6 & 8: increase 1 stitch on each end of the needle on every following 6th row until there are (61, 63) stitches
All sizes: continue in stocking stitch until the sleeve measures 10 1/2 (12 1/2, 14, 15 1/2) inches  ending with a right side row.

Shape Raglan: Cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows.
1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, P2tog purl to the last 6 stitches, P2tog, (K1, P1) twice
3rd row: Repeat 1st row.
4th row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these 4 rows 0 (2, 1, 2) times

Continue to shape raglan as follows:
1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these rows until there are 7 (7, 9, 9) stitches remaining. Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder and set aside.
Back:

With navy yarn, cast on 72 (78, 84, 88) stitches. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 1/2 inches ending in a reverse side row. Work in stocking stitch for 8 1/2 (9 1/4, 10 1/2, 11 1/2) inches ending with a right side facing for the next row.

Shape raglan:
Cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, P2tog purl to the last 6 stitches, P2tog, (K1, P1) twice
3rd row: Repeat 1st row.
4th row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these 4 rows 0 (0, 1, 1) times
Continue to shape raglan as follows:
 1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these rows until there are 26 (28, 30, 32) stitches remaining. Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder and set aside.

Front (this panel with be significantly less stretchy, so it is knit with extra stitches):

Using navy yarn, cast on 82 (88, 94, 98) stitches. Work in K2, P2 rib for 1 1/2 inches, ending with a wrong side row.

Using the following chart, work pattern across stitches (don't worry if you end mid-pattern). Work pattern in stocking stitch (Knit across front, purl across back) for 8 1/2 (9 1/4, 10 1/2, 11 1/2) inches ending with a right side facing for the next row.

Shape raglan (still using chart):
Cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, P2tog purl to the last 6 stitches, P2tog, (K1, P1) twice
3rd row: Repeat 1st row.
4th row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these 4 rows 0 (0, 1, 1) times
Continue to shape raglan (still working pattern) as follows:
 1st row: (K1, P1) twice S1, K1, psso. Knit to the last 6 stitches. K2tog, (P1,K1) twice
2nd row: (P1, K1) twice, purl to last 4 stitches (K1, P1)
Repeat these rows until there are 36 (38, 40, 42) stitches remaining. Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder and set aside.

Place the pieces on the circular needle as follows with right sides facing: sleeve, front, sleeve, back. Starting with sleeve/back seam, begin working stitches in a K2, P2 rib. Work 1 inch and cast off loosely. Turn inside out, sew all seams together and work in ends.