Red, White, & Blue Baby Boy

So you can probably tell that life for this great big family has been busy! We had the last of mom's six (yes I said six) children graduate high school a couple weeks ago, so lots of valuable knitting time was spent in planning, preparing, and traveling for the big event. But, on the 6 hour car ride from here to the family farm I stitched up this little hat for a new baby at church. What makes a better gift for a July 3rd baby shower than a July 4th inspired hat (that hopefully won't be needed until about November).

Here's the pattern:

Materials:

• Size 7 Circular Needle 16 inches
• Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn in Navy, Ranch Red, and White Frost
• Stitch Marker
• Yarn Needle

Cast on 80 stitches in Navy. Knit in K2,P2 rib for 1 inch. Knit 2 rows in stockinette stitch. Begin pattern.

Row 1: Switch to Red, *Knit 3, Slip 1 with yarn in back* Repeat.

Row 2: *Purl 3, Slip 1 with yarn in back* Repeat.

Rows 3&4: Switch to Navy and knit entire row.

Row 5: Switch to White, Knit 1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, knit 3* Repeat to last 3 stitches, Slip 1 with yarn in back, knit 2.

Row 6: purl 1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, purl 3* Repeat to last 3 stitches, Slip 1 with yarn in back, purl 2.

Rows 7&8: Switch to Navy and knit entire row.

Repeat Rows 1 thru 8 three times more, then repeat rows 1 through 4 (you should end two rows after fifth red row). Decrease as follows:

Row 1: Knit 8, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 2: Knit 7, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 3: Knit 6, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 4: Knit 5, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 5: Knit 4, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 6: Knit 3, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 7: Knit 2, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 8: Knit 1, Knit 2 together, repeat.

Row 9: Knit 2 together, repeat.

Sew up remaining 8 stitches and tie in all ends.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

This is an old recipe from a cookbook that Lucy Boykin, a former kindergarten teacher that lived near my parents growing up compiled to raise money for scholarships, she was a sweet lady and loved by all.  Rhubarb is one of my springtime favorites and this recipe is so good that even people who think they hate rhubarb like it.

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup shortening (I use butter)
Cream together
Add:
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 1/2 cups cut up raw rhubarb

Add dry ingredients slowly, alternately with milk. Fold in the rhubarb.  Pour into a 9 x 13 greased pan.

Top with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon (mixed).  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.  Serve with whipped cream.

Bee Slouchy

Because of a small incident involving an exploding gallon of paint, I am the proud new owner of a grey winter coat. So here is the hat I created to go with it. I did yellow and grey (to match some gloves I already own), but it would be fun in any color combination!

Materials:

Martha Stewart Crafts Extra Soft Wool Blend in grey pearl
Caron Simply Soft in sunshine
Size 7 circular needle 16"
Yarn needle

Pattern:

Cast on 88 stitches in grey pearl. Place marker and join. Knit 6 rows in knit 2, purl 2 rib. Knit 1 row.

Begin repeats:

Row 1: Switch to sunshine yarn. Knit 1 row.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: *Purl 2 together, yarn over*, repeat.
Row 4: Purl.
Rows 5-8: Knit.
Row 9: Purl
Row 10: *Purl 2 together, yarn over*, repeat.
Row 11: Purl.
Rows 12-15: Switch to pearl grey and knit.

Repeat Rows 1-15 once more and rows 1-11 again.
Switch to pearl gray and begin decrease

Row 1: *Knit 9, K2tog* repeat.
Row 2: *Knit 8, K2tog* repeat.
Row 3: *Knit 7, K2tog* repeat.
Row 4: *Knit 6, K2tog* repeat.
Row 5: *Knit 5, K2tog* repeat.
Row 6: *Knit 4, K2tog* repeat.
Row 7: *Knit 3, K2tog* repeat.
Row 8: *Knit 2, K2tog* repeat.
Row 9: *Knit, K2tog* repeat.
Row 10: K2tog 8 times. Break yarn and sew remaining stitches together, secure tightly and weave in ends.

To make the hat slouchier, add a row of knit in either the yellow or gray band (or both).

Toddler Shark Hat

Sometimes I get an idea for something but then it takes a while to figure out shortcuts and make improvements, this one is one of those hats, I have been working on it and looking at it, and drawing different ideas for an eye that were more like a shark, so finally here it is.  My grandson Liam was official hat tester, and frankly he didn't want to wear a hat for the picture since it was so nice out today, so he opted out of the photo.  For this hat I used Vanna's choice yarn in  the following colors:
Black
White
Silver Grey
Scarlet
I used an I/5.5mm hook
I also used a 7/8" button, but 5/8 would work too.

Starting with Silver Grey make a loop, either  4 chain loop or magic loop, then ch 2.
Round 1:  make 12 DC in the loop and sl st at the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 2:  2 DC in each st around and sl st at the top of the first DC, ch 2 (24 DC)
Round 3:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next, repeat around and sl st at 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 and sl st at the top of the first DC, ch 2 (48 DC)
Round 5:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 5 sts, repeat around and sl st at the top of the first DC, ch 2 (56 DC)
Rounds 6-12:  1 DC in each st around, sl st at the top of the first DC, ch 2 (56 DC)
Start on the chin strap at the end of round 12.
Chin Strap:
Row 1:  1 DC in the next 8 sts, ch 2 and turn.
Row 2:  1 DC in the next 6 sts, DCD in the last two sts. ch 2 turn.
Row 3:  1 DC in the next 7 sts. ch 2 turn.
Row 4:  1 DC in the next 5 sts. DCD in the last 2 sts., ch 2 turn.
Rows 5 & 6:  1 DC in the next 6 sts. ch 2 turn.
Row 7:  sk the first st 1 DC in the next 4 sts. ch 2 turn.
Row 8:  1 DC in the next 5 sts., ch 2 turn.
Row 9:  sk the first st 1 DC in the next 4 sts. ch 2 turn.
Row 10:  1 DC in the next 4 sts. ch 1 turn
Row 11:  1 SC in the 1st st. ch 2 sk the next 2 sts 1 sc in the last st. ch 1 turn.
Row 12:  1 SC in the 1st st. 2 SC in the ch 2 space, 1 SC in the last st.  Tie off string and weave in the end.

For the chin strap on the other side join leaving 18 stitches across the back of the hat, and 24 across the front of the hat, repeat rows 1 through 7 and tie off and weave in the end, sew the button on between rows 5 and 6.
For gums and teeth start at the bottom of the longer chin strap and join with scarlett, SC evenly up the front side of the chin strap and then 1 SC in each st across the front of the hat and down the short side of the chin strap.  For teeth again starting at the bottom of the longest chin strap count your scarlett stitches to see how many you have, (I had 22) for each tooth you need 3 stitches and you will use a few SC at the bottom to make it so your last tooth ends where the chin strap joins the front of the hat. (see photo)  I had 2 SC then 6 teeth up the front side of the chin strap.  A tooth is made by making a sl st in the first st, *chain 3 then make 2 DC in the same st., sk the next st and sl st in the next st, repeat from *.  You should end up with 8 teeth across the front and 4 down the button side.  If you need you can leave a few SC in the corners of the mouth of the shark or at the bottoms of the chin strap.

Fin, make a magic loop and ch 2.
Round 1:  6 DC in the loop and pull it tight, sl st to the top of the 1st 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.
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.
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, ch 2.
Round 5:  2 DC in the first st 1 DC in the next 2 sts., repeat around, sl st to the top of the first DC, ch 2.
Round 6:  1 DC in the next 4 sts, 1 SC in the next 6 sts, 1 DC in the next 8 sts, 1 SC in the next 6 sts, 1 DC in the last 4 sts, tie off leaving enough yarn to sew fin to the top of the hat.  

Eyes:
start with black and make a magic loop.  Make 8 SC in the loop and pull it tight, sl st to the top of the first SC and tie off.
Round 1:  Join with white and chain 1, in the same st make 2 SC, and then make 2 SC in the next 3 sts., tie off  leaving a long string to sew the white part of the eye to the hat and make a fleck in the black part of the eye (see photo).  Join on the silver grey, ch 1 and make 2 HDC in the same st then 2 HDC in the next 3 sts, ch 1  turn and make a second row of grey with 1 HDC in the top of each st, tie off leaving enough string to sew the grey half of the eye on the hat.  To finish the eye with your needle and a double strand of black string make a line at the bottom of the grey to the pupil with two stitches.

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.