Monday, January 17, 2011

Way Past Christmas

Yes I know it is way past Christmas.
But I was ill over the holiday and still wanted to post.
These are my handmade.
Some of these are 40 years old and the patterns long gone, but still cute just the same. Most were gifts from my mother but my favorites are the walnut shells.
The Eskimo and Snow people are walnut with filbert heads.
The Dolls are clothespins and cork.
The beads are created around small mirrors.
The snowman is wooden dowels and buttons.
I see on etsy they are back with a modern twist.
Would love to see your handmade and post on the site with any patterns or tips and your name.







Friday, January 14, 2011

Crochet Hens and chicks


Materials Required—The following AMERICAN THREAD COMPANY Products:


15" HEN. "DAWN" KNITTING WORSTED. 1 ¼-oz. Skeins. 4 Skeins Red and 2 Skeins White. Bone Crochet Hook No. 5. (Worked single yarn.)

8" HEN. "DE LUXE" MERCERIZED CROCHET AND KNITTING COTTON. 1 400-yd. Ball White and 2 250-yd. Balls Red will make 2 hens. Steel Crochet Hook No 7. (Worked single thread.)

¾ yd. Ribbon for each Hen.

Cotton or Kapok for filling.

BABY CHICKS. "DAWN" KNITTING WORSTED. 1 ¼-oz. Skeins, White or Yellow. 1 Skein will make 2 chicks. 1 ¼ yds. Red for each bill. 1 Ball "Star" Pearl Cotton Size 5, Yellow will make feet for 6 chicks. Steel Crochet Hook No. 4.

2 Buttons for each Hen and Chick.

HEN. Right side—With Red, ch 23, insert needle in 3rd st from hook and pull loop through, skip 1 st of ch, insert needle in next st, and pull loop through, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on needle, * ch 1, insert needle in same space with last st, pull loop through, skip 1 st of ch, insert needle in next st, pull loop through, yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops on needle, repeat from * to end of row, ch 3, turn (10 patterns). 2nd Row—Insert needle in 3rd st from hook and pull loop through, skip 1 st, insert needle in next st, pull loop through, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on needle, * ch 1, insert needle in same space with last st, pull loop through, skip 1 st, insert needle in next st, pull loop through, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on needle, repeat from * to end of row, ch 3, turn. Repeat 2nd row once. (Ch 2 to turn all decrease rows.) 4th Row—Decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of row, work in pattern even across remainder of row. (To decrease: skip 1 st, s c in next st.) Repeat the 4th row twice, then work 4 more rows even. 11th Row—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of row. (Increase: insert needle in 3rd st from hook, pull loop through, insert needle in next st, pull loop through, yarn over and pull through all loops on needle, ch 1, insert needle in same space with last st, pull loop through, insert needle in next st, pull loop through, yarn over and pull through all loops on needle, ch 1.) Work even across remainder of row. Re¬peat the 11th row 12 times. 24th Row—Work even. 25th Row—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of row. Repeat the last 2 rows twice, then work 4 rows even. 34th Row—Decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of row and work 1 row even. 36th Row—Start Head—Work 11 patterns, ch 3, turn, work 2 rows even. 39th and 40th Rows—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of each row, then work 8 rows even. 49th to 53rd Rows—Decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of each row, break yarn. Attach yarn at back of neck and work in pattern to end of row, ch 3, turn. Start Tail—Work 7 patterns, ch 2, turn. Decrease 1 pattern at beginning of row, work 6 patterns, ch 2, turn. Decrease 1 pattern at be¬ginning of row and work 5 patterns, then work 1 row of s c all around section working 1 s c in each pattern and 1 s c in each row with 2 s c at feet corners and at tail tip, break yarn. Work another section in same manner.

UNDER SECTION. With White, ch 7, work 2 patterns on ch, ch 3, turn. 2nd Row—Increase 2 patterns, (4 patterns in row) ch 3, turn. 3rd to 10th Rows—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of each row, then work 3 rows even. Next 2 rows—Decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of each row. 16th to 24th Rows—Work even. Next 6 Rows—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of each row. 30th to 40th Rows—Work even. 41st to 50th Rows—Decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of each row, then work 2 rows even. 53rd to 57th Rows—Increase 1 pattern at the beginning of each row. Work 24 more rows even, then decrease 1 pattern at the beginning of each row until 1 pattern remains. Work 1 row of s c all around, 1 s c in each row, break yarn.
UNDER SECTION FOR LEG. With Red, work 2 sec¬tions following the first 11 rows of right side, then work 1 row of s c all around.

WINGS, COMB AND TAIL. With Red, ch 21 and work 20 s c on ch, ch 1, turn, working remainder in back loop of st only, 1 s c in each of the next 19 s c, ch 3, turn, 1 s c in first st of ch 3, 1 s c in each of the next 5 s c, * ch 1, turn, 1 s c in each of the next 4 s c, ch 3, turn, 1 s c in first st of ch 3, 1 s c in each of the next 4 s c, 1 s c in each of the next 2 s c on base, repeat from * 7 times, working the last 2 s c over the 2 rows of base, break yarn and work 7 more Red and 6 White sections in same manner.

BILL. With Red, ch 9 and work 8 s c on ch, ch 1 to turn each row. Work 5 more rows of s c even, then decrease 1 s c at the beginning of each row until 2 sts remain. Work 1 row of s c all around, break yarn. Work 1 more section in Red and 1 section in White.

TO ASSEMBLE HEN. Sew the under section for leg to lower edge of side section, starting at the 12th row. Sew other under section to other side in same manner. Sew tail together for about 14 rows starting at straight part of back at lower edge of neck. Sew under section in position starting at about the 26th row at tail and 1st row of under section working down to 12th row, then sew to under section of leg, up front and around head. Sew other side to correspond leaving enough opening for filling. Stuff with cotton or Kapok and sew remainder.

COMB. Sew 2 Red and 1 White section together and sew to top of head as illustrated.

TAIL. Sew 2 Red and 1 White section together and sew to tail as illustrated. Sew 2 White and 2 Red Sections on each side for wings as illustrated.

BILL. Sew 1 White and 2 Red sections together and sew to front of face as illustrated. Sew eyes in position.

BABY CHICKS

BODY. With White, over a 3 inch cardboard wind wool 100 times, slip from cardboard and tie through center, leaving about 5 inches of thread.

HEAD. Over a 2 inch cardboard wind wool 75 times, slip from cardboard and tie through center leaving about 5 inches of thread.

BILL. With Red, ch 8, 2 s c in second st from hook, 1 s c in each of the next 5 sts of ch, 2 s c in next st, working on opposite side of ch, 1 s c in each st of ch. Join and break yarn.

LEGS. With Yellow "Star" Pearl Cotton, using double thread, ch 6 join, ch 1 and without joining rows, working in the back loop of st only, work 1 s c in each s c, until work measures about 1 inch.

FEET. * Ch 4, turn, work 3 s c on ch, s c in same space with ch 4, s c in next s c, repeat from * twice, then ch 2, s c in second st from hook, s c in same space with ch 2, s c in next s c, break thread. Work another leg in same manner.

TO MAKE CHICKS. Trim pompons to shape body and head, tie head and body threads together. Sew eyes and legs in position. Fold Bill in half and sew in position. Comb Body and Head to fluff.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Crochet Horse Vintage Pattern


Materials Required—The following AMERICAN THREAD COMPANY Products:

9 ½" HORSE. (Top of head to feet) "STAR" PEARL COTTON, Size 5. 60 yd. Balls. 8 Balls White and 1 Ball Red. Steel Crochet Hooks No. 4 and 8. Work with two strands of thread.

13 ½" HORSE. "DAWN" KNITTING WORSTED, 1 ¼ oz. Skeins. 4 Skeins Brown and 1 Skein Tangerine or Orange. Bone Crochet Hooks No. 3 and 6. Work with single yarn.

Cotton or Kapok for filling.

17 ½" HORSE. "STAR" COTTON YARN, 100 yd. Skeins. 7 Skeins Black and 1 Skein White. Crochet Hooks No. 6 and G. Work with double yarn.

BODY. With White and Large Hook ch 38 and work 37 s c on ch. Ch 1 to turn each row. 2nd and 3rd Rows—2 s c in first s c, 1 s c in each remaining s c. 4th and 5th Rows—1 s c in each s c. 6th Row—Increase 1 s c at beginning of row and work 2 rows even. 9th and 10th Rows—Increase 1 s c at beginning of each row. 11th Row—Increase 1 s c at beginning of row and work 4 rows even. 16th, 17th and 18th Rows—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of each row. 19th Row—Start Neck—Work 1 s c in each of the first 17 s c, ch 1, turn. 20th Row—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row, 1 s c in each remaining s c of neck. 21st Row—1 s c in each s c. Repeat the 20th and 21st rows 3 times. 28th Row—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row, 1 s c in each remaining s c, ch 12 for head, turn. 29th Row—11 s c on ch, 1 s c in each s c of neck. Next 14 Rows—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of each row, break thread.

LOWER SECTION OF FACE. Attach thread at neck edge in the 28th row and in the first st of the ch 12 and work 1 s c in each of the next 10 sts of ch, 2 s c in last st, ch 1, turn and work 3 more rows even. 5th Row—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row and work 1 row even. Next 4 Rows—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of each row, break thread. Attach thread in first s c of 18th row and work 1 s c in each of the next 14 s c, ch 1, turn. Decrease 1 s c and work 1 s c in each of the next 13 s c, ch 1, turn, decrease 1 s c and work 1 s c in each of the next 12 s c, then work 1 s c in each s c across back, 1 s c in each row of neck, 1 s c in each s c at top of head, continue working around head and down the front to the first row without breaking thread.

START FRONT LEG. 2 s c in first s c of opposite side of ch 38, 1 s c in each of next 8 sts, ch 1, turn. 2nd Row—Decrease 1 s c, 1 s c in each of the next 9 s c. 3rd Row—Increase 1 s c at beginning of row. 4th Row—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row. Repeat the 3rd and 4th rows 3 times. 11th Row—1 s c in each s c. 12th Row—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row. Repeat 11th and 12th rows 3 times, then work 6 more rows even, break thread.

HIND LEG. Attach thread in 13th st from end of row, work 1 s c in each of the next 12 sts, ch 1, turn, and work 2 rows even. 4th Row—Increase 1 s c at beginning of row, 1 s c in each remaining s c. 5th Row— Decrease 1 s c at beginning of row, 1 s c in each remaining s c. Repeat the 4th and 5th rows once and work 1 row even. Next 8 Rows—Decrease 1 s c at beginning of each row and work 10 more rows even, break thread. Attach thread at top of head at face, work 1 s c in each of the s c of top of head to back of neck, ch 1, turn. Work 1 s c in each s c across top of head, down front of face, around mouth and up to under neck, ch 1, turn. Work 1 more row of s c all around head then work about 5 s c down back of neck, break thread. Work another section in the same manner.

UNDER SECTION. Work 2 under sections following the first 5 rows of body. Then work front and hind leg on each section.

EARS. Ch 2, 1 s c in first st, ch 1 to turn. 2nd Row—2 s c in s c. 3rd Row—2 s c in first s c, 1 s c in next s c. Work 8 more rows increasing 1 s c at beginning of each row, then work 1 s c in each row down one side, 3 s c in the first st, 1 s c in each row up opposite side, break thread.

TAIL. Ch 6, join and work 1 s c in each st, without joining rows and working in back loop of st only work 1 s c in each s c for 14 rows.

FRINGE. * Draw up a loop on hook about 3 inches or length desired, hold loop on hook, s c in next s c, draw up another loop on hook, s c in same s c, draw up another loop on hook, s c in next s c, repeat from * twice. Work a few loops in same manner in about 3 or 4 rows for under part of tail, break thread. Cut loops.

MANE. Ch 51 and work 50 s c on ch, then work fringe same as tail fringe.

BLANKET. With 1 strand of Red and Small Hook ch 46 and work 45 s c on ch. 2nd Row—Ch 3, turn, * 2 d c in same space with ch 3, skip 3 s c, s c in next s c, ch 3, repeat from * across row. (Ch 3 to turn each row.) 3rd Row—2 d c in same space with ch 3, s c over the ch 3 of shell, * ch 3, 2 d c in same space, s c over the ch 3 of next shell, repeat from * across row. Attach White and work 1 row of White, 2 rows of Red, 1 row of White, 2 rows of Red, then work 1 row of shells all around blanket. Work a band of 2 shells to fit around horse.

TO ASSEMBLE HORSE. Lay the under sections on body sections matching legs. Sew around both legs and to body, then place both body sections together, leav-ing center of under section open for filling. Fill and sew together. Sew Tail, Ears and Blanket in position. Fold Mane in half, cut loops and sew in position. Embroider eyes or use buttons sewed into a small piece of white felt.

BRIDLE AND REINS are made to fit. Using a single strand of Red, make a ch long enough to fit around mouth, join and work a row of s c on ch. The Bit is a ch to fit from one side of band in mouth and attached to opposite side. Work a band around head, across front of head and reins made of 2 rows of s c, break thread.

Valentine Sweet Cozy


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Friday, December 31, 2010

How to silk screen

Crocheted Baby Hat


Easy Crocheted Baby Hat


 Judith Prindle

This measures 6&1/2 inches long to the eylets and 11 & 1/2 inches wide without stretching before it is stitched together.
Hook Size G
Redheart Baby Soft Yarn or Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
Always working in the back loop of each stitch for ribbed effect.
You also will be working in the same stitch as your turning chain through out. You just "ignore" the chain when you come to it, working only in the actual half double crochet.
Chain 36
Row 1: Half double crochet in second chain from hook and next 29 chains, single crochet in next chain, half double crohcet in last 4 chains. (34 half double crochet and 1 single crochet stitches).
Chain 2 and turn.
Row 2: Half double crochet in same stitch as turning chain, half double in next 3 stitches, chain 1 and skip the single crochet, half double crochet in next 30 stitches. ( 34 half double crochet and 1 chain) .
Chain 2 and turn.
Row 3: Half double crochet in same stitch as turning chain 2 and in next 29 stitches, single crochet in hole made by chain 1 loop, half double crochet in next 4 stitches. (34 half double crochet and 1 single crochet.)
Chain 2 and turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 for a total of 34 rows, except on last row do a slip stitch in the single crochet. Sew up seam.
Make a chain of 50-55 stitches or cut a length of ribbon to thread through eyelet holes. Tie in a bow. This opening can allow for wires if needed while baby is in the hospital.
Easy Newborn Baby Booties To Match the Hat
 Judith Prindle
Size G Hook
Redheart Baby Soft Yarn or Bernat Softee Baby Yarn.
Measures about 3 & 1/2 inches square before it is crocheted together.
Working in back loop through out.
Chain 21 stitches.
Row 1: Half double crochet in second chain from hook and each chain remaining. ( 20 half double crochet stitches) Chain 2 and turn.
Row 2: Half double crochet in same stitch as turning chain 2 and in each half double crochet remaining. (20 half double crochet) Chain 2 and turn. Just ignore the chain 2 when you come to it, same as the hat.
Repeat row 2 until you have a total of 20 rows.
Turn your piece and working across the end of the rows, single crochet in the end of each half double crochet row. (total of 20 single crochet stitches)
Round One of top:
Fold the bootie in half , turn, and single crochet the toe together across the top, for a total of seven single crochet.
Now working in the one side of the bootie, half double crochet in the next 13 stitches continue around the other side of the bootie half double crochet in next 13 stitches on the other side. The back of the bootie will be open. Join by slip stitching around the beginning chain 2.
Round Two of Top:
Half double crochet around front of next half double crochet,
half double crochet around back of next half double crochet,
repeat this pattern to end of round, slip stitch around beginning
chain 2.
Round Three of top: Repeat round two. End off. Sew up the heel seam.
Either crochet a length of yarn to fit around bootie or use a ribbon. Thread this through the first round of the bootie top and tie.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Cards made from Scraps



I save every scrap of paper to make cards at the end of the year.
I could buy cards but these seem so much more fun and frugal.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Snowman Soup

Snowman Soup Craft


1 package hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey Kisses
10 mini-marshmallows
1 candy cane

Place ingredients in a ziplock bag, mug, or jar and attatch a label.
You can print it onto a avery sticker sheet, or punch a hole in the
corner and tie it on with some pretty ribbon. The possibilites are endless! :)
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Warm the hearts of good little boys and girls with a packet of Snowman Soup!

Easy enough for children to make, Snowman Soup is perfect for stocking stuffers, office gifts, Secret Santa presents or 12 Days of Christmas gifts.

Snowman Soup Recipe:
Printable Snowman Soup Bag Topper Assemble in a gift bag, gift mug or small zipper food storage bag:

•1 individual packet hot chocolate mix
•2-3 chocolate kiss candies
•10-15 mini-marshmallows
•small candy cane

Attach free printable Snowman Soup Gift Tag or Snowman Soup Bag Topper and share a warming gift!

Or, hand-write this poem and attach to gift:

Snowman Soup

Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.

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Snowman Soup

"Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it! With freezing weather drawing near,
you'll need to warm the spirit. So, here's a little Snowman Soup,
complete with stirring stick. Add hot water and sip it slow, it's sure to do the trick"

Add a message on the back of the card for directions:
Mix 3 heaping tablespoons with hot water and enjoy !
If you use enough for 2 then add a message noting there is enough for 2 mugs of soup to enjoy or share with a friend.
This was an easy and inexpensive treat for craft shows, small gifts, etc. Hope you enjoy !!

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Snowman Soup for Gifts
Snowman Soup Recipe I
I have seen several varieties of Snowman soup on the internet.
I buy my mugs at the dollar store ($1 each). Wash them well.
I got approximately. 12 gifts out of this recipe.
4 cups powdered coffee creamer
1 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
12 oz milk chocolate chips
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp.. vanilla powder (optional)
Miniature marshmallows

Candy canes (wrapped) or cinnamon sticks.
Mix all ingredients well. Place 3 heaping tablespoons per
serving in a small plastic bag (I used enough for 2 servings)
and close with a twist tie. Place candy cane or cinnamon stick in mug.
Place plastic bag in bottom of mug then place a paper cupcake liner on top of bag.
Fill with approx. 15 mini marshmallows. Place filled mug into a small plastic
bag or wrap with plastic wrap and tie at top (I found a mug fits well into a Glad
sandwich bag if you line the handle up with the corner side).
Decorate with curly ribbon, etc. Attach following on a card:


Snowman Soup
"Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it! With freezing weather drawing near,
you'll need to warm the spirit. So, here's a little Snowman Soup,

complete with stirring stick. Add hot water and sip it slow, it's sure to do the trick"
Add a message on the back of the card for directions:
Mix 3 heaping tablespoons with hot water and enjoy !
If you use enough for 2 then add a message noting there
is enough for 2 mugs of soup to enjoy or share with a friend.
This was an easy and inexpensive treat for craft shows, small gifts, etc. Hope you enjoy !!
By Hvnlyhills from Peebles, OH

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Snowman Soup II

This comes from somewhere, it was sent to me. If its yours, let me know and I'll put your name in here!

1 package Hot Chocolate Mix
3 Hershey Kisses or Hugs
10 miniature marshmallows
1 Peppermint Candy Cane

Place all of the above into a new mug, then cover or wrap with cellophane, decorate and attach the following poem...

"Was told you've been real good this year, Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the Spirit


So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with a stirring stick
Add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!"

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Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygxvN3nex2M

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