Jane's Chicken Sweater

It was -14 degrees this morning when we left at 8:30 to take Abby to school. It's just a wee bit warmer in the chicken coop at 14 degrees above zero. Jane had a little problem - no feathers from mating and too cold to get herself warm. So today's project was making Jane a chicken sweater. Here's how we pulled it together.

Materials: 

Pattons Classic Wool (just ends of a skein - we used maybe 1/8th of a skein)

2 large and 1 small button

Size H crochet hook

Note: Jane is a frizzle cochin, so this pattern is fitted for a small bantam breed. This pattern will not fit onto a laying hen without some major modification.

A very naked chicken who really needed a sweater.

Pattern:

Row 1: Chain 40

Row 2: Double Crochet into 38 stitches, Chain 1, Double Crochet into last stitch

Rows 3-10: Double Crochet

After row 10 break wool and weave in ends.

Straps: 

Row 1: Double Crochet into the first five stitches.

Row 2: Turn work and Double Crochet into Row 1

Row 3-10: Double Crochet

Row 11: Chain 6 and join chain to opposite side of strap (making a loop for a large button).

Repeat for a second strap on the last five stitches of the cape.

Button Tab:

In the middle 10 stitches of the cape, Double Crochet for 5 rows. Attach two large buttons to secure the loops.

I also chained a strap 6 stitches long to go around behind Jane's legs. She did not appreciate it, but the sweater stays on better.

It also is very helpful to have a three year old who will "sort" your buttons and play with the chicken in between fittings. Thanks Olivia!

Evil Minion Ear Flap Hat

My daughter Melissa has been making crochet minion hats for her kids and friends, when she was home for Thanksgiving she was going through my stash and found a purple that was perfect for an evil minion hat.  She is very good at making hats but not fond of writing out patterns, so I am doing this one just for her.  You can use this pattern to make a yellow minion as well.  With the bulky yarn this hat works up very quickly.

For this hat you will need the following:
Size J or 6 mm hook
Size I or 5.5 mm hook
Lion Brand Hometown USA in the following colors:
Minneapolis purple or Denver Rocky Mountain Violet
Oakland Black
Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in Purple Haze
Lion Brand Vanna's choice in:
silver grey
white
chocolate

This pattern can also be used to make a regular minion by using the following colors:
Lion Brand Hometown USA:

Pittsburgh Yellow
Oakland Black
Fort Worth Blue
Lion Brand Vanna's choice in:
Silver grey
white
chocolate

For a preschool age size:
using your J hook, make a magic loop with Minneapolis purple.
Round 1:  10 DC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2.
Round 2:  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 stitch, tie off and change to Oakland Black.
Round 7-8:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first stitch, ch 2, after round 8 tie off and switch back to Minneapolis purple.
Rounds 9-12: 1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first stitch, ch 2, after round 12 ch 1 and begin the first ear flap.

Ear flap 1:
Row 1: 1 SC in the next 10 sts., ch 1 and turn.
Row 2:  SCD in the first 2 stitches, 1 SC in the next 6 sts, SCD in the last two stitches, ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: 1 SC in each of the 8 stitches across, ch 1 turn.
Row 4:  SCD in the first 2 stitches, 1 SC in the next 4 sts, SCD in the last two stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 5: 1 SC in each of the 6 stitches across, ch 1 turn.
Row 6:  SCD in the first 2 stitches, 1 SC in the next 2 sts, SCD in the last two stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 7:  1 SC in each of the 4 stitches across, ch 1 turn.
Row 8:  make two SCD stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 9: make one SCD and tie off.

for the second ear flap count over 19 stitches across the front and attach your yarn, ch 1 and use the instructions above.

Finishing the bottom of the hat:
Using Oakland Black and starting at the tip of the ear flap, ch 1 and SC evenly around the bottom edge of the hat, sl st to the top of the first stitch and tie off.  Braids can be made in your choice of color combinations of the purple, black, or purple haze, but if you use the thinner yarn (purple haze) just cut an extra strand to make your braids even.   Each braids is made with twelve strands cut at 36 inches each.

One eyed Minion:
using an I or 5.5mm hook, make a magic loop with Black for the pupil, ch 1 and make 10 HDC in the loop, pull it tight and sl st to the top of the first stitch and tie off the black, switch to chocolate brown.
Round 2:  Make 2 DC in each st around, (20 DC), tie off and switch to white.
Round 3:  Make 2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next, repeat around, (30 DC).  Tie off and switch to silver grey.
Round 4: 1 SC in each st around, (30 SC), ch 1.
Round 5 is worked on the inside loop only, make 1 HDC in each st around (30 HDC), tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the eye.

To make a two eyed Minion using the I or 5.5 mm hook, make a magic loop with black and ch 1, make 10 SC in the loop and pull it tight, sl st to the top of the first st and tie off, switch to chocolate brown.
Round 2: make 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off and switch to white. (20 HDC)
Round 3:  Make 2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off and switch to silver grey.
Round 4: 1 SC in each st around, (30 SC), ch 1.
Round 5:  working in the inside loop only, make 1 HDC in each st around (30 HDC), tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the eye.  Since your tie off string is on the outside loop weave it back down to the base of the eye with your needle and sew the eye on the center front of the hat working in the outside loop of round 4.

Crazy Hair:
Using the Purple Haze and a dvd case, wrap the case 100 times and tie the yarn opposite the indent to open, (it will make it easier to cut there) tie the bundle with 2 long strands that will be used to tie the hair to the top of the hat then you can pull them up through with your hook, clip them down to match the rest.  Make sure to tie the bundle extra tight.  This yarn tends to fray so it looks better and better as the hat is worn.

Child Size:
Using Minneapolis Purple and a J hook,
Magic ring, chain 2 and make 10 DC in the ring, pull tight and sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2
Round 2:  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, 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:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 9 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off and switch to Oakland Black and ch 2(55 DC).
Rounds 7-8:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (55 DC).  After round 8 tie off and switch to Minneapolis purple.
Rounds 9-13:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (55 DC).  After round 13 start on the first ear flap.

For Child and Adult Ear flaps:
Row 1:  1 SC in the next 12 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 2:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 8 sts, SCD in the last two sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 3:  1 SC in the next 10 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 4:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 6 sts, SCD in the last two sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 5:  1 SC in the next 8 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 6:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 4 sts, SCD in the last two sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 7: 1 SC in the next 6 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 8:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 2 sts, SCD in the last two sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 9:  1 SC in the next 4 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 10: make 2 SCD, ch 1 turn.
Row 11: SCD, tie off and weave in the end.  To start the second ear flap count 22 sts across the front for child size and 25 sts across the front of the hat for adult and start the second ear flap using the above instructions.

Size Teen or Adult:
Magic ring, ch 2 and make 10 DC in the ring, pull tight and sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2.
Round 2:  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, 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:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 4 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (60 DC).   Tie off and switch to Oakland Black.
Rounds 7-8:  1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (60 DC).  After round 8 tie off and switch to Minneapolis Purple.
Rounds 9-14: 1 DC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (60 DC).  After round 13 start on first ear flap.

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.