Grandma's Log Cabin Hat

In between all the busyness of the holidays and trying to open a medical clinic at the Crisis Pregnancy Center I work at, I found time to sneak this in and it reminds me of growing up in the big log cabin.

Materials:
Paton's Classic Wool worsted weight in Natural Mix
Size 7 circular needles

Pattern:
 Cast on 90 stitches, join and place marker. Work 7 rows in Knit 3, Purl 3 rib.

Lace Pattern:
Row 1: *K 1, YO, K2tog, SSK, YO;* Repeat
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K 1, YO, K2tog, SSK, YO;* Repeat
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: *K 1, YO, K2tog, SSK, YO;* Repeat
Row 5: Knit
Row 7: *K 1, YO, K2tog, K5, SSK, YO;* Repeat
Row 8: Knit
Row 9: *K 2, YO, K2tog, K3, SSK, K1;* Repeat
Row 10: Knit
Row 11: *K 3, YO K2tog, K, SSK, K2;* Repeat
Row 12: Knit
Row 13: *K 4, YO, K3tog, YO, K3;* Repeat
Row 14: Knit

Repeat Rows 1-14 three times.

Begin decrease as follows:
Row 1: *K2, K2tog, YO, K3tog, YO, SSK, K*; repeat
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K, K2tog, YO, K3tog, YO, SSK*; repeat
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: *K3tog, YO, K3tog, YO*; repeat
Row 6:  K2tog, K2; repeat.
Row 7: K2tog, K; repeat
Row 8: K2tog. Sew through remaining stitches and secure.

Best Pumpkin Bread

Since the Holidays are here I thought I would share another good recipe, this one is from a friend and makes a very moist and delicious bread which will be a big hit.  This does not have nuts or raisins in it but either are a great addition.

5 eggs
1 1/4 cups oil
1 14 ounce can of pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 (3 oz.) packages of vanilla cook and serve pudding
1 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Beat after every addition above until mixed thoroughly.  Do not over beat.
Grease 2 loaf pans (or use spray Pam)
Pour 1/2 into each loaf pan

Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees for 80 minutes or more.  The bread will look dark but do not remove from the oven until the top is NOT gooey and appears set.  Let it cool and enjoy!!   This bread freezes well if you want to save one loaf for later.

Simply Striped Ribbed Hat

Mom has clearly been beating me in the category of finishing projects - might have something to do with how crazy my October surprisingly became.

But... in the middle of the craziness I pulled this together for my husband's dental assistant. It is a toddler size (fitting perfectly on our spunky 3 year old).

Supplies:
I used scrap yarn - any two colors in worsted weight and about 1/3 skein for each color.

Size 7 Circular Needles
Pom-Pom Maker

Pattern:
Band: In main color cast on 80 stitches, place marker, and join. Work in Knit 2, Purl 2 Rib for 10 rows.
Stripe 1: Switch to alternating color and knit 4 rows in Purl 3, Knit 1 rib.
Stripe 2: Return to main color and knit 2 rows continuing in Purl 3, Knit 1 rib.

Alternate Stripe 1 and 2 until you have 9 Stripes (ending in a alternating color stripe 1).

Decrease:

Row 1: In main color, Purl 3, Knit 1, Purl 2, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 2: In main color, Purl 3, Knit 1, Purl 1, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 3 In alternating color, Purl 3, Knit 1, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 4: In alternating color, Purl 3, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 5: In alternating color, Purl 2, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 6: In alternating color, Purl 1, K2tog. Repeat 9 more times.
Row 7: In alternating color K2tog 10 times. Break wool and use tail to sew stitches together and finish the hat.

Using the main color create a pom-pom (Ours is 1") to top the hat.

Mountain Man Beard Hat

I have made a couple of beard hats, one a viking type hat, the other an elf, but wanted to do something a little more woodsy since we just got back from a mission trip to Alaska.  This one is of a little thicker yarn so it makes up pretty quick and will be a little warmer.  The beard is made in HDC then you go back over the base HDC posts on each stitch and make chain loops to give it a burly look.

For this I used Serenity Chunky Weight Yarn in Dark Forest for the hat
size K or 6.5mm hook

To start the hat make a magic loop or chain 4 and make a loop, then ch 1.

Round 1:  10 HDC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1. (10 HDC)
Round 2:  make 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.(20 HDC)
Round 3:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.  (30 HDC)
Round 4:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.  (36 HDC)
Round 5:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.  (42 HDC)
Round 6:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.
(48 HDC)
Round 7:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.
(56 HDC)
Rounds 8-16:  1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.  (56 HDC)
Rounds 17-19: 1 SC in the first st, 1 DC in the post of the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.
at the end of row 19 tie off and weave in the end.

For the beard I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn in Chocolate, and a size I hook.  You will need to know how to do HDCD (half double crochet decrease) stitches for this.  The beard will curve nicely around the chin to keep it nice and warm.
To start chain 31.
Row 1:  1 HDC in the second ch from the hook and then 1 HDC in each stitch across, ch 1 and turn. (30 HDC)
Row 2:   1 HDC in each st across, ch 1 and turn.  (30 HDC)
Row 3:  1 HDC in the first 9 sts, 2 HDC in the next st, 1 HDC in the next 9 sts, 2 HDC in the next st, 1 HDC in the last 10 sts, ch 1 turn.  (32 HDC)
Row 4:  1 HDC in each st across.  (32 HDC)
Row 5:  HDCD in the first 2 sts, 1 HDC in the next 8 sts, HDCD in the next two sts, 1 HDC in the next 8 sts, HDCD in the next 2 sts, 1 HDC in the next 8 sts, HDCD in the last two sts, ch 2 and turn. (28 HDC)
Row 6:  1 HDC in each st across.
Row 7:  HDCD in the first 2 sts, HDC in the next 7 sts, HDCD in the next 2 sts, HDC in the next 6 sts, HDCD in the next 2 sts, HDC in the next 7 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts. ch 1

Now is the fun part, giving the beard some loops.  I used ch 6 loops, but if you want a longer beard you can chain 8 or more to get the length you like.  You will be working backwards back up the beard.  To start you sl st to the end HDC post of row 7 and then ch 6, sl st to the next post, repeat across for your first row of chain loops, then ch 1 and begin on the next row above.  After you have your 7 rows of chain loops you can add a mustache if you would like.  I folded the beard in half to make it even and counted down 8 stitches from each end, attach your yarn and chain 8 and sl st to the other side 8 stitches from the edge.  Chain 1 and sl st just above the ch into the main part of the beard and then sc across the chain, (8 SC) sl st just above the chain in the beard, then ch 4 and sl st to the next st, repeat this across the mustache making smaller chain loops, and when you get across to the other side turn and make 8 more ch loops across the bottom of the mustache.  Weave in your loose ends and attach the beard to the hat.

Make a Monster hat.

This hat is made with Vanna's Choice Yarns in the following colors:
Radiant Lime
Sapphire
White
Black

Toddler Size:
You will also need an I or 5.5 mm hook and a yarn needle.

To start make a magic loop or a chain 4 loop and ch 1.
Round 1:  10 HDC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 2:  make 2 HDC in each st around. (20 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 3:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around (30 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 4:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, repeat around (36 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 5:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around (42 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 6:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 sts, repeat around (48 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 7:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, repeat around (54 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Rounds 8-16:  1 HDC in each st around, (54 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.

Ear flaps:
Row 1:  1 HDC in the next 12 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 2:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 9 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 3:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 4:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 5:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next 3 sts, HDCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 6:  sk the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, HDC in the last 2 sts, ch 1.
Row 7:  HDCD in the two remaining sts, tie off.

Count 20 sts across the front of the hat, attach your yarn on the 21st st and ch 1, to begin the second ear flap, repeat the instructions above.

to finish the bottom of the hat starting at the tip of the ear flap with Sapphire SC evenly around the bottom of the hat.  Weave in all ends.

Monster eye:
with black make a magic loop, and ch 2.
round 1:  make 10 SC in the loop and pull the loop tight, sl st to the top of the first st tie off.
round 2:  switch to Sapphire ch 1, and do 2 HDC in each stitch sl st to the top of the first st, tie off and switch to white.
round 3:  ch 2, do 2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the eye around the bottom.
Now switch to Radiant lime and start just above the tail from round 3.
Row 1:  ch 1, then do 1 SC in the next 16 sts, turn and work back sk the first st, then do 1 HDC in the next 14 sts, sl st in the last st and tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the top half of the eye.

Horns: Make 2 in Radiant Lime.
make a magic loop and ch 1,
do 6 HDC in the loop and pull it tight, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 2:  2 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to the top of the first st, and ch 1.
Round 3:  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off leaving a tail to sew on the horn.

Mouth:  Using a yarn needle with double thread embroider on a mouth using a backstitch.

Braids are each made with twelve strands, 4 of each color and strands are 30 inches long.

Preschool size:
To start make a magic loop or a chain 4 loop and ch 1.
Round 1:  10 HDC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 2:  make 2 HDC in each st around. (20 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 3:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around (30 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 4:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, repeat around (36 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 5:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around (42 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 6:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 sts, repeat around (48 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 7:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, repeat around (54 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 8:  make 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 8 sts, repeat around (60 HDC) sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Rounds 9-18:  1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.  At the end of row 18 begin first ear flap following the above instructions.  Start the second ear flap by counting 24 sts across the front of the hat then attach the yarn and ch 1 follow the instructions above for the second ear flap.

Finishing the bottom of the hat:
Starting at the tip of the ear flap SC evenly around the bottom of the hat using Sapphire Blue, sl st to the top of the first st and make braids using the instructions above.  I do a couple of SC's on the tips of the ear flaps so they lay flat.

Use the pattern above for eyes and horns.

Bushy stitch Dish Cloth

New stitch Monday!!  I have been practicing new stitches again and really like this one because it is such a nice texture and the bonus is that it makes a pretty scalloped edge!!  For this I used Lily Sugar and Cream Ombre in Country Sage but you can make it any color you like.   The bushy stitch is a combination of single and Double crochet stitches that form an asymmetrical shell.  (2 DC, ch 2, 1 SC)

I used a size I hook
yarn needle to weave in the end.

To start you will need to chain 31. (multiples of 3 then add one to make something bigger or smaller).


Row 1:  sk 3 ch, (1 DC, ch 2, 1 SC) in the next ch,  *sk 2 ch, (2 DC, ch 2, 1 SC) in the next ch*, repeat from *, ch 2 and turn.
Row 2:  *(2 DC, ch 2, 1 SC) in each ch 2 space* from the previous row across, ch 2.  Repeat row 2 until your cloth is square, approximately 18 rows.

You can leave the bottom straight or go across it to finish the edge by joining in the bottom right hand corner of the foundation chain and work across in the bottom of each shell, sk the first 2 ch
 *(2 DC, ch2, 1 SC), sk 2 ch* across and tie off at the end.

Hungry Caterpillar Baby Hat

Size 6 to 12 months.
For this hat I used Lion Brand, Vanna's Choice Yarn

in the following colors:

Scarlet

Kelly Green

Radiant Yellow 

Espresso

I also used a size H or 5mm Hook and a yarn needle to sew on the parts. 

The base of the hat is worked in Double Crochet (DC) and the bottom is worked in a front post stitch where you alternate with one Single Crochet in the first stitch then one DC in the post of the stitch above your next stitch.  This gives it a little nicer finish at the bottom.  

Working in Scarlet:

You can either start with a magic loop, or chain 4 and make a loop, then chain 2.

Round 1:  make 10 DC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st, and ch 2.

Round 2:  do 2 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2. (20 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 st, ch 2. (30 DC)

Round 4:  *2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 2 sts*, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2.  (40 DC)

Round 5:  *2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 3 sts*, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2. (50 DC)

Round 6:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2. (50 DC)

Round 7:  *2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 9 sts*, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2. (55 DC)

Rounds 8-12:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2.  After round 12 ch 1.  

Rounds 13-14:  *1 SC in the first st, do a DC post st in the stitch above the next st*, repeat around, and sl st to the top of the first SC, ch 1.  (28 post stitches).

Eyes:  working in Kelly Green, make a loop, ch 2.

Round 1:  do 3 DC, 2 TC, 3 DC, 3 TC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first DC, tie off and switch to yellow, ch 1.

Round 2:  2 HDC in each st around, tie off leaving enough yarn to sew the eye on.  

Antennae:  Working in Espresso make a loop and ch 2. (Make 2)

Round 1:  6 DC, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.

Round 2 & 3:  1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.

Round 4:  1 HDCD in the first two sts, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, sl st to the top of the first st., ch 1.

Rounds 5-7:  1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1.  At the end of round 7 tie off leaving enough yarn to sew on. 

Nose:  Working in Kelly Green make a loop and ch 1.

Round 1:  do 6 HDC, 4 SC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st and tie off leaving enough tail to sew on the nose.