DIY Wooden Blocks ~ Easy Wood Toy

Perhaps its an over idealistic notion but I hope to be able to make a handmade gift for my child(ren) each year for Christmas.  For my little one's first Christmas I made her a very simple fabric doll.  It is lopsided and simple but I loved making it for her and she has loved playing with it.

This year I decided the gift I wanted to make was a set of wooden blocks.  Only problem is, I don't know the first thing about making wood toys.  I looked online and most instructions are geared towards hobbyist and wood workers with a workshop to rival Santa's elves.  I don't have many tools of my own, but luckily my dad does.  I used his tabletop mitre saw and carpenters square. 

Making blocks usually requires you to rip cut, or cut the board lengthwise, to get small narrow pieces.  That is difficult to do and usually requires a table saw.  Instead I found long narrow hobby boards that didn't need to be rip cut.  They are made of nice hardwood.  I picked poplar but they also had oak and maple.  They were already the perfect width and depth, I just needed to cut them into the size blocks that I wanted.  That is where the power saw came in.

The boards I bought were 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches.  I cut twelve blocks 1 1/2 inches long to make cubes, I cut six into three inch lengths and four into  4 1/2 inch lengths.  In total I made 22 blocks.  I liked these sizes because you could stack a 3 inch and a 1 1/2 inch block together to fit beside a 4 1/2 block.  Or two 1 1/2 inch blocks next to a 3 inch block.  It all seemed nice and proportional.

After I cut the boards I needed to sand them.  The poplar cut pretty easily even though I had never used that kind of power saw before.  I had a few rough cut edges and a little bit of minor splintering.  I sanded the blocks by hand. If I had access to a belt sander I would have loved to use one.  It took me a couple hours to sand all the blocks.  I wanted to smooth them as well as blunt the corners and points.

Once the blocks were sanded I wanted to add some color.  I knew I didn't want to paint them.  The poplar has some beautiful wood grain that I wanted to show.  I instead opted to dye the wood with food coloring.  I started with one color, yellow, red, blue and green.  Then I started mixing two colors.  Mixing blue with green, mixing red with yellow, mixing red with blue and so on.  Once I had those in-between colors I continued to mix until I had 22 unique shades.

I let the blocks dry overnight and when I went to check on them on the morning I found that the dye rubbed off the blocks.  I washed the blocks under running water to rinse the majority of the dye out of the wood then let them dry again.  This time there was only very minor color transfer even with vigorous scrubbing.

My last step was to condition and polish the wood.  I made a batch of Woodmouse beeswax wood polish using coconut oil and beeswax.  I rubbed the wood polish into the wood, let it soak in for a couple hours them I buffed the blocks with a clean cotton cloth.  I added essential oils to the leftover wood polish and gifted it to my mom as a lip balm/cuticle cream/rough skin treatment. Two gifts in one! 

These blocks were a labor of love.  Made for my sweet girl for her second Christmas.  I'm really proud of how they turned out and I hope she has lots of fun with them.

Santa Baby, Long Stocking Cap Crochet Pattern

This hat turned out so cute.  I made it just for personal use but I thought others may like to make one as well.  Like so many of my patterns, this hat is worked in a continuous spiral.  It is so much easier than joining rows and makes for a seamless hat.  I made this hat in classic Santa Claus colors but you could make it in any color combination you like.

This pattern is written with US crochet terms.  You may want to use a stitch marker or a scrap piece of yarn to make the start of each row.  I find its easy enough without stitch markers, so long as you can finish a row before putting it down, and keep track of which row you are on if you do need to set it down.  I have put the stitch count at the end of each row so you can double check yourself as you go.

You will need about 3 ounces of worsted weight yarn in the main color, 1 ounce or less of contrasting color, size H crochet hook (or a similar size would also work), a pom pom maker or a way to make a pom pom or tassel (there are lots of directions online to make pom poms without a pom pom maker) and a length of 1/4 inch elastic (optional)




Long Stocking Cap
With main color, begin with a magic ring, or alternatively you can ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from the hook to form a loop and work your first stitches into that loop.
Row 1) 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc into the magic ring or loop. (3 stitches)
Row 2) continue around, do not join or start a new row, just continuously spiral around.  Put 2 dc in the first sc you make in row 1, then 2 dc in the next stitch which is the hdc, then 2 dc in the 3rd st from row 1 which is the dc  (6 st)
Row 3) 1 dc in each st around (6 st)
Row 4) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 1 st, repeat from * 2 more times (9 st)
Row 5) repeat row 3 (9 st)
Row 6) *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 st, repeat from * 2 more times (12 st)
Row 7) repeat row 3 (12 st)
Row 8) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 3 st, repeat from * 2 more times (15 st)
Row 9) repeat row 3 (15 st)
Row 10) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 4 st, repeat from * 2 more times (18 st)
Row 11) repeat row 3 (18 st)
Row 12) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 5 st, repeat from * 2 more times (21 st)
Row 13) repeat row 3 (21 st)
Row 14) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 6 st, repeat from * 2 more times (24 st)
Row 15) repeat row 3 (24 st)
Row 16) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 7 st, repeat from * 2 more times (27 st)
Row 17) repeat row 3 (27 st)
Row 18) *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 8 st, repeat from * 2 more times (30 st)
Row 19) repeat row 3 (30 st)

can you see where this is going?  you need to continue alternating rows in which you increase by 3 stitches, and rows in which you do not increase at all.

As the hat gets longer is also gets larger around the end.  Just continue in this fashion until the opening of the hat is large enough to fit.  The tail should be correspondingly long enough but if you would like it longer you can do row 3 (the row with no increases) several times to make the hat longer but not larger around.

Once your hat is as long as you like, switch to a new color if you would like a contrasting color for the brim.  Otherwise continue with the same color.  Repeat row 3 (the row with no increases)  5 or more times.  The larger the hat, the larger the brim should be to look balanced.

Finish the hat with a pom pom or tassel on the tip of the tail.  The weight of the pompom/tassel will pull the tail down so that it hangs properly, otherwise your hat may look more like a gnome's hat rather than a jolly old elf's hat.  To fit my little one better I added some 1/4 inch elastic.  Weave in through the dc of the last row in main color.  Once the brim is folded up it will hide the elastic and it provides a better fit.

I hope you enjoy this pattern.  Feel free to make this for your self, to give as a gift or to donate.  No commercial license are available, please do not sell this pattern or the finished item for profit.  It was designed and written by me, please credit me as designer and link back to this original pattern when sharing.  I appreciate your ongoing support, its the only way I can continue to produce patterns and tutorials.

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Curly Crochet Christmas Ornament ~ Pattern and Video Tutorial

I love soft, lightweight ornaments.  You can hang them low without worries of babies or kitties breaking them and you can hang them on even flimsy Charlie Brown style trees without the branches sagging too much. This ornament is incredibly quick and easy to make.  I can make one up in about 5 minutes with about 5 yards of yarn.  You can make them in all sorts of bright colors.  Make up a bunch to give to friends and family but make sure you keep a few for yourself.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will be sure to get back to you.

You can use any type of yarn (or even thread) for this pattern.  In the tutorial I used Red Heart Super Saver and a size G hook but any hook that matches the yarn you are using would be fine.  Gauge is not very important for this pattern as a slightly larger or smaller ornament would still work and look lovely.  Other than that, the only other tool you will need is a pair of scissors.

BLO - back loop only

ch - chain

dc - double crochet

sl st - slip stitch

Curly Christmas Tree Ornaments

Leave a 6 inch tail at the beginning 

Ch 18 (you can adjust the number of chains, but I recommend not going any shorter than 12 ch) 

3 dc in BLO of 4th ch from the hook and in each ch to the last 2 ch

2 dc in BLO of second to last ch, ch 3, sl st into that same space (the second to last ch)

Ch1 to fasten off, pull a long tail (about 6 inches), clip your working yarn and pull the yarn through that last ch.  Pull snug to tighten that last chain down.

Pull the beginning tail snug to tighten the last ch of the foundation chain down.

Holding the two long tails together, tie an overhand knot to create a hanger, clip the excess tails for a tidy finish.  Shape the ornament with your fingers in whatever shape you like.  

Thank you for checking out my pattern and tutorial!  Feel free to use this pattern for yourself or to give as a gift.  Please link back to this original blog post or the video tutorial when sharing.

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Molasses Cookie Recipe

I used to have marathon cookie baking sessions with my friend Matt.  He made a great molasses cookie and he was kind enough to share his recipe with me.  It's chewy, spicy, and always comes out great.  I know some people will sub out the shortening for butter but to get the best texture shortening is the way to go.



Ingredients
1 1/2 cups shortening melted
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt

Mix together dry ingredients
Cream together shortening and sugar.  Add eggs one at a time then add the molasses.  Stir in dry ingredients.  Dough will be stiff.  Scoop with a cookie scoop or portion out dough into walnut size balls.  Roll dough in you hands to form smooth balls.  Roll balls in sugar, place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Press the dough balls with the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.  Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack.  The cookies will puff up then shrink back down to a crinkly chewy cookie as they cool.

Check out all the great recipes all Cookie Week long!

Pecan Sandies

Pecan sandies are one of those cookies you make to impress.  They are the gem of a cookie platter and the talk of the cookie exchange.  I don't know if its the buttery crumbly cookie or the big fat pecan crowning the buttery crumbly cookie.  Either way, they are a delicious addition to Cookie Week!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) dairy free margarine (Earth Balance) feel free to use butter if you are able

1 cup canola oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp salt

2 cups chopped pecans plus pretty pecan halves for the top of each cookie if desired

Mix the dry ingredients

Cream the margarine, oil and the three sugars until a smooth batter

Add eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla

Spoon the dry ingredient and mix just until incorporated.  

Stir in the chopped nuts

Chill dough for about an hour then scoop and bake OR

Scoop the dough then chill 20 minutes then bake OR

Scoop the dough, then freeze for about 1 hour then transfer to a zipper bag and store in the freezer.

When it's time to bake, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, top each dough ball with a pecan half or slightly flatten, then bake at 375 F for 10 -12 minutes.  Remove to a wire rack, cool, and store in an airtight container.

Be sure to check out all the other great recipes all Cookie Week long!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

This cookie is a delicious combination of a chewy oatmeal cookie and a sweet peanut-y peanut butter cookie. This is another great recipe to make ahead and freeze.

1 ½ cup flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ cup quick cooking oats or rolled oats that have been very lightly pulsed in a food processor

2 sticks ( 1 cup) dairy free margarine or butter ( add ½ tsp salt if using unsalted butter)

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

½ cup white granulated sugar

1 cup conventional creamy peanut butter (if using natural peanut butter you may want to bump up the sugar and salt)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

Mix dry ingredients. Cream together margarine, brown sugar and white sugar. Add peanut butter and beat again until fluffy and lightened in color. Add vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, incorporate each egg fully after each addition. Spoon in dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Scoop onto an ungreased cookie sheet leaving 1 ½ inches between each cookie. Bake at 350 F for 12-14 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Check out the rest of the great cookie recipes all Cookie Week long!

Vivian's Spice Drop Cookie Recipe

I love these cookies.  This was my great aunt Vivian's recipe.  One of those good old fashioned recipes that calls for oleo and "handfuls" of things.  I made minor changes only to make this dairy free.  I switched out the oleo for Earth Balance vegan margarine and I use chocolate chips made without dairy ingredients.     I have great memories of them and I make them every year for Christmas.

These cookies are soft and cake with warm spices, raisins, chocolate and nuts.  I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.



Ingredients
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) Earth Balance Dairy free margarine *sub butter if you would like
2 cups raisins
1 cup chocolate chips *Ghiradelli semi sweet chips have no dairy ingredients (made on shared equipment)
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a small sauce pan combine the raisins with about 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes until the raisins begin to plump up.  Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid and cool this liquid and the raisins.

Combine the dry ingredients

Cream the margarine and sugar for 2 minutes, scrap the bowl and continue to cream until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, allowing them to fully incorporate after each addition.

Spoon the dry ingredients into the creamed ingredients in 2-3 additions, alternating with the cooled raisin juice.

Fold in the cooled raisins, chocolate chips and walnuts.

Chill dough for 1-2 hours (or longer) then scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking sheet.  Allow room for the cookies to spread.

Bake at 350 F for 12-14 minutes until they begin to brown.

Cool completely on a wire rack then store in a airtight plastic container.  Lay wax paper or re-use the parchment paper from the baking sheet between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Check out the other great cookie recipes all Cookie Week long!

Pot Pie Noodles - How to Make Homemade Egg Noodles

Let's begin at the beginning.  Pot pie, to most people in the US, is a double pastry crust filled with meat, gravy and vegetables.  To my family and other families with Pennsylvania Dutch roots, pot pie is a hearty soup of chicken, turkey or ham, veggies, a slightly thickened broth and thick dumpling like home made egg noodles.  You can add these noodles to just about any basic chicken or turkey soup and you will end up with pure comfort food.

This recipe was handwritten on the inside cover of my grandmother's cook book.  It is a simple dough of flour, fat, eggs, water and salt.  This recipe makes enough for a large pot of soup but the ingredients are easy to halve.




Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP solid fat (bacon grease is a favorite, or butter, margarine (Earth Balance), lard, coconut oil)
2 eggs
1/2 - 3/4 cup cool water

The old school way to make this is straight on the counter and mixed with your hands.  I use a bowl and a fork (and my hands)
Mix the flour and salt, cut in the fat.  Pile up the dry ingredients and make a well.  Add 2 eggs and 3-4 TBSP of cool water to the well.  Slowly incorporate more and more dry ingredients, adding small amounts of water at a time
until a slightly stiff dough forms.  Knead for a minute or two until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.  Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick (of thinner) and cut into 1 inch squares with a pizza cutter or knife.  Dust with flour and allow the noodles to dry on the counter for a couple hours.  Toss the noodles occasionally to facilitate even drying.  If you need them sooner, you can speed the drying process in a 250 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

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Simple and Sweet Baby Afghan Pattern and Tutorial

It's baby-palooza in my neck of the woods.  So many friends are having babies and I would love for each one of them to have a special hand made gift from me.  I love handmade gifts for babies for so many reasons.  They are frugal but don't have to look like it. They are a special way to tell the new little one (and mama!) that they are so loved and cherished that you spent a commodity greater than money.  You spent TIME crafting a gift as one of a kind as they are.  While I am taking that precious time to create the gift I like to offer special prayers for the family.  The rhythm of crochet lends itself to prayer and meditation, its the reason so many people enjoy it so much.

As much as I would love to devote hours and hours special intentions for each brand new human.... I have a brand new human of my own to care for (and laundry to fold).  I have a go-to baby blanket pattern that I have used many times but I was looking for something new.  Something that can be done quickly and without too much counting or thought.  I sometimes only get a few minutes to crochet at the end of the day, the last thing my tired brain needs is a complicated pattern.  Bonus points its worked up all in one color so I don't have to go back and weave in ends.

I created this pattern for my most recent baby blanket.  The pattern is very easy.  Repetitive enough that I can work on it without it taking my whole attention but no so repetitive that it's... well, repetitive.




This pattern uses US crochet terms.  The finished size is around 30 inches square.  You can adjust the finished size by adjusting the foundation chain and the number of rows.  Materials needed are: 14 ounces worsted weight yarn (I used Bernat Satin in color Fern), size I crochet hook, yarn needle and scissors.

Special Stitches
Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog)
Yo, insert hook into the first st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook.  You have 2 loops on hook.  Yo, insert hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull thorough 2 loops on the hook.  You have 3 loops on the hook.  Yo, insert the hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook.  You have 4 loops on the hook.  Yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.

Foundation
Ch 134 (or any multiple of 3 + 5)
Row 1: Skip first 4 ch from the hook, *dc3tog over the next 3 ch, ch 2, repeat from * to the end of the foundation ch.  Dc in the very last ch of the foundation chain.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in the first ch 2 sp, *3 sc in the next ch 2 sp, repeat from * across, 3 sc in the last space made by the turning ch.
Row 3:  Ch 4, skip the very first st, *dc3tog over the next 3 st, ch 2, repeat from * across, dc in the last sc.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 ending on row 3 for a total of 72 rows or until the project is as long as you like.
Finishing:
Sc around all four sides as a simple border.  To begin, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Working down the first side work 2 sc around the dc at the ends of row 3 and 1 sc in the ends of row 2, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Along the bottom edge work 1 sc into the remaining loop of each ch of the foundation ch, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Work up the other side as you did the first side, ch 1 to ease around the corner. Working along the top edge, put 3 sc in each ch 2 sp, sl st into the beginning ch1 of the border, fasten off.  Weave in ends.


Here is a close up photo of the beginning of row 3 to show exactly where you will start.  I hope this helps :)

This pattern and tutorial is my own creations.  Please credit me as designer and link to the original pattern or video when sharing.  This pattern is available at no charge to you for your own personal use, to make a gift, or to donate.  I ask that you do not sell finished items and do not sell this pattern or claim it as your own.  Thank you

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Mushroom Gravy - Dairy Free Recipe

This is a simple and delicious mushroom gravy.  I like to use this gravy on baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and Salisbury steak.  It also makes a great substitute for canned condensed mushroom soup in a lot of dishes, like the classic green bean casserole.



Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds brown mushrooms, sliced or diced
2 TBSP olive oil
1/4 cup all purpose flour (use corn starch for a gluten free gravy)
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Raw Kale Salad Recipe

Have you tried raw or massaged kale salads?  They were all the rage a few years ago but this trend has stood the test of time.  

I almost always have kale growing in my garden.  It's cold hardy and can be grown from early spring through to late fall.  I grow several varieties, curly, Toscano (sometimes called dinosaur kale), ragged, or red Russian.  I love them all.

I usually use a mixture of the different types and this recipe is no different.  

Ingredients

2 large bunches of kale, stems removed, leaves washed and spun dry

1/4 cup olive oil

2 crisp, sweet apples (Fuju, gala, pink lady), chopped into bite size pieces

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1-2 Tablespoon honey

salt and pepper to taste

Tear the kale leaves into bite sized pieces, you can also cut the kale but I find it easier to tear as I wash the kale in a sink full of water.  Dry the kale with a salad spinner or blot with a clean kitchen towel.  Excess water will dilute the dressing.  Toss the kale with the olive oil to coat then massage the kale with your hands for several minutes.  The kale will darken and wilt down.  Mix the vinegar and honey and toss with the chopped apples (the vinegar will prevent browning). Toss the kale, apples with dressing, and raisins.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Just before serving toss in the roasted sunflower seeds.

Because kale is such a sturdy green, this salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  The seeds may get soggy so add them in just before servings.  The raisins may slightly plump in the dressing, I like them this way but if you do not, you can add them just before serving with the sunflower seeds.

Mini Spice Cakes Recipe

When I saw the Harvest Bites pan by Nordic Ware at William Sonoma I had to pick it up.  Seasonal or novelty kitchen items are rare in my kitchen.  I try to stick with multipurpose items, the basics, but this pan was just too much to pass up.

This basic spice cake recipe was printed on the packaging for the pan, I adjusted the cake to be dairy free as well as up the spice flavor.  I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs

Halloween Goody Bags : 5 Fun Crafts

Have you heard of Teal Pumpkin Project?  Its a great way to include all children, including those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, this Halloween.  I did not have food restrictions as a child, but I do now and it just plain stinks. Missing out on candy is bad enough, but to miss out on the run all together?  Its a double whammy!

I hope the Teal Pumpkin Project takes off and becomes a new normal.  It's not any more bother or expensive than buying candy.  There are all sorts of inexpensive holiday treats and trinkets.  You can find little toys, bubbles, pencils, stickers, glow sticks and the like at dollar stores, party stores, craft stores, Target, or mail order catalogs.  There are some really fun things to buy, but I like to make instead of buy whenever possible.  I also have a closet of craft supplies to use.

I looked all over Pinterest, Google, and Youtube looking for fun little crafts I could make for my Halloween goody.  I made up 5 things that I thought kids would like but there were so many good ideas.  I collected all my favorite things on a Non-Food Treat Pin Board.


H


Fun Halloween crafts to make for trick or treat or party goody bags.
Submitted to Whip It Up Wednesday
Submitted to A Handful of Everything

Salisbury Steak Recipe (Dairy Free)

Too many recipes for Salisbury steak include cream of mushroom soup.  This is a dairy free recipe for Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy from scratch.  I hope you enjoy!


Ingredients: (makes 4 servings)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup ground oats or bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated or minced onions
2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
a dash of Worchestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 - 1 TBSP vegetable oil or other fat for pan frying
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (crimini or baby portobello are my favorite)
1 small onion sliced into rings or half moons
2-3 TBSP flour
1-2 cups chicken or beef broth

1) Mix the first 7 ingredients, I mix with my hands until thoroughly combined.  Form into oval patties.  If you have time, refrigerate the patties for a few hours, this prevents them from falling apart when you fry them.

2) When its time to cook, heat fat in skillet and pan fry the patties until well browned.  Add a splash of water and cover the skillet to allow the steam to fully cook the patties and deglaze the pan.  Remove the patties from the skillet.

3)  Remove the skillet from the heat and add mushrooms to pan, salt the mushrooms.  The salt will pull some moisture out of the mushrooms.  When mushrooms sweat or start to look damp, add the onions and put the pan back on the heat, add a touch more oil if needed and fry the mushrooms and onions until golden brown.  (Sweating the mushrooms is optional but mushrooms are little sponges, they will soak up all the oil you are trying to fry them in.  If you sweat them first you can use less oil, the mushrooms don't stick and you will get a better brown)

4)  Make a slurry of the flour and about 1 cup of chicken stock.  Add the slurry to the pan and stir well over medium low heat.  If it becomes too thick add more stock or water.  Allow the gravy to come to a boil and simmer until it become the consistency you like.  Add the patties back to the gravy to rewarm them.

5) Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice.

Crochet Flower Band Market Bag Pattern and Tutorial

A large and slouchy bohemian inspired market bag with a pretty flower band detail.  With this market bag you can bring home all the goodies from the farmers market, or use as a beach bag or shoulder bag.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.

To make this bag I used three 2.5 ounce balls of Sugar and Cream yarn, a size G crochet hook, scissors and a tapestry needle.

Bottom of the bag
Rnd 1: Ch 8, sl st to form a ring, ch 4,(acts as tr here and throughout) 23 tr in ring, sl st into top of beginning ch 4 to join (24 tr)

Rnd 2: Ch 6, *tr in next tr, ch 2, repeat from * around,sl st in the 4th ch of beginning ch 6 to join.(24 tr and 24 ch 2 spaces)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2sc in the ch 2 sp, *3 sc in the next sp, repeat from * around, sl in the ch 1 to join. (72 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 4, tr around, st st in the top of the beginning ch 4 (72 tr)

Rnd 5: Ch 6, * skip 1 st, tr in the next st, ch 2, repeat from * around, sl st into the 4th ch of the beginning ch 6. (36 tr and 36 ch 2 sp)

Rnd 6: ch 1, 2 sc in ch 2 space, *3 sc in the next ch 2 sp, repeat from * around, sl st into beginning ch 1 to join (108 sc)

Rnd 7: Ch 4, tr in each sc around, sl st into top of beginning ch 4 to join. (108 tr)

Sides

Rnd 1: ch 6, *skip 1 tr, tr in next tr, ch 2, repeat from * around, sl st into 4th ch of beginning ch 6 to join.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sl st into the next ch 2 sp, ch 6,* tr in the next ch 2 sp, ch 2, repeat from * around, sl st into the 4th ch of the beginning ch 6.

Repeat row 2 for 14 more times or until the bag is as long as you like. Keep in mind, there will be a 2-3 inch decorative band at the top and the bag will stretch slightly.

Last row: ch 1, sc in next ch 2 sp, * 2 sc in each ch 2 space, repeat from * around, sl st into beginning ch 1 to join the round.

Flower Band

~ The flower row is actually 2 rows. First you will work the bottom half which includes the bottom petal and the bottom half of the petals on either side. The second row will make the upper petal as well as complete side petals~

Bottom Half of First Flower:
ch 8, working down the back side of that ch put 1 dc in the 4th st from hook (this is 1st petal), ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook (this is the second petal, the ch stitch the dc is worked into becomes the center of the flower). Now counting on the sc along the top edge of the bag, sl st into the 3rd sc, dc, ch 3. Turn your work. Flip the petals so that the flower center is pointing up to the sky. Now you will sl st into the center of the flower. Ch 3, dc into the center, (this will start the 3rd petal). Now turn your work back to its original position. Ch 1, counting on the foundation ch, tr into the 3rd ch. ( bottom half of first flower complete).
Bottom Half of Additional Flowers: (This is the same as the first flower except the beginning ch is 5 instead of 8)
*ch 5, dc into the 4th ch from the hook, ch 4, dc in the 4th ch from the hook, counting on the bag, sl st into the 3rd ch, turn work, (flip petals if necessary so that center of the flower is pointing up) dc, ch 3, sl st into the center of the flower, ch 3, dc into center, ch 1, (turn work back), counting on the bag, tr into the 3rd sc, repeat from * to the end. On the last flower you will not do the final tr, instead you will join the round by sl st around the beginning ch near the petal of the first flower.
Top Half of Flowers:

*dc into the flower center, ch 3, sl st into the flower center (side petal complete), ch 3, 2dc into the center, ch 3, sl st into the center (top petal complete), ch 3, dc into the center, sl st in the space between the petal and the tr, ch 1, sl st in the space between the tr and the petal of the next flower, repeat from * around (do not “ch 1, sl st in the space between tr and the petal of the next flower” on the last flower.

Ch 7, *sc in the space between the dc of the next top petal, ch 3, tr in the ch 1 space between the flowers, ch 3, repeat from * around (do not “tr in the ch1 space between flowers, ch 3” in the last flower), sl st in the 4th ch of the beginning ch 7.

Ch 1, 2 sc in the ch 3 sp, *3 sc in the ch 3 sp, repeat from * around sl st in beginning ch 1 to join

Strap

Row 1: Ch 2, dc2tog over the next 2 sc, dc in the next 23 sc, dc2tog over the next 2 sc, ch 2 turn

Row 2-9: dc2tog over the first 2 sc, sc across to the last 2 st, dc2tog over the last 2 st, ch 2 turn

Row 10-20: dc in each st across, ch 2 turn

Row 21-29: 2dc in the first st, dc across to last st, 2 dc in the last st, ( do not “ch 2 turn” on the last row)

Fasten off, leave a long tail.

Attach the other end of the strap to the top of the bag directly across. Count 27 st from each side of the strap base and mark with a scrap of yarn. Attach the other end of the strap to the top edge of the bag between the scraps of yarn. Sew a secure seam with the tail. Line up the stitches on the strap with the stitches on the upper edge of the bag. Sew along the seam sewing the inner loops together, then go back across sewing the outer loops together. (or otherwise sew a secure seam in any manner you wish)

Weave in loose ends. Block if necessary.

This pattern is my own creation.  Feel free to make a bag for yourself or to give as a gift but I ask that you please credit me as designer and link back to this original pattern or the video tutorial link when sharing.

You may also be interested in:
Flower Band Headband, Belt or Trim
Mini Woven Basket
Sunshine and Rainbows Bonnet
Rainbow Swirls Hat

DIY Washable Nursing Pads

When I was pregnant I had dreams of making all sorts of things for baby and myself.  Nesting hit me hard but most of my time was spent in the kitchen.  One thing I was able to craft for after baby was nursing pads.  I made some from pretty green flannel and I made some from some old ratty t-shirts.  I thought the flannel ones would be so comfortable and soft and most importantly...a pretty green color.  As it turns out, the flannel would stick to tender spots and leave lint.  They were also a bit stiff  and generally were the last I reached for.  The old ratty t-shirts that had been washed countless times were perfectly soft, perfectly lint free, and perfectly flexible.  After more than a year, I still use them every single day.

I made them with four layers of fabric.  I found that it was the perfect thickness, thin enough to double up when needed, but substantial enough to stand on their own once things settled into a routine.  I do not include a waterproof layer in these pads.  I never found it was necessary and I have even read that it could be problematic by holding moisture close to the skin.  I simply change out the wet pad for a new dry one.

The t-shirts I used were 100% cotton and mostly old undershirt, plain white tees.  At first I was lamenting that I they weren't cute colors or prints but I found that the plain white and black worked best at staying hidden.  My nursing bras were plain black and white and a brightly colored pad would just love to peek out!

You may also be interested in a Nursing Necklace Crochet Pattern and Tutorial

Healthy Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Dairy Free and Delicious!)

Her first birthday was looming and I was fretting over what sort of cake I was to make.  I didn't want to feed her a ton of sugar but I wanted to make a special treat.  And most of all I didn't want to have to make a different cake for her and for the adults.

I tested out a cashew cream cheese recipe but it was a lot of work and without a Vitamix it didn't turn out as well as it could have.  My neighbor told me of a recipe made from roasted sweet potatoes and dates but I have neither in my pantry.  Then I stumbled upon a recipe for avocado chocolate frosting.  I tweaked it slightly and it turned out so delicious that I have made is a few times since just as a quick and nutritious treat.  It is vegan, gluten free, raw, paleo, and the best part... its CHOCOLATE!  :)

You can double or triple the recipe to make as much as you need.  Each avocado yields around 1 cup of finished mousse.

1 ripe avocado

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2-3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Paw Patrol Crochet Skye

My niece requested a Skye doll from the show Paw Patrol.  There are some patterns available for purchase but none that seemed like they really looked like Skye so I free handed this project.  She ended up a little bigger (and top heavy) than I expected but I'm pretty pleased with how she turned out.  I did not create this character, but I did create this crocheted doll of the character.

Here are some in-progress pictures!

Thanks for taking a look!

You may also be interested in my Pangolin free hand project

This project was submitted to Hookin on Humpday at Moogly

Nursing Necklace Crochet Pattern and Tutorial

This pattern makes several components that can be combined in many ways to make nursing or teething necklaces.  These are worn by an adult and give baby something to grab and play.  They help minimize distractions and can help reduce pinching or scratching.  They can also be used when you are not nursing to give your little one something safe to grab other than your glasses or hair.  I like to loop them onto the shopping cart handle to occupy my babe while grocery shopping.  Omit the necklace and you can use some of the components to make a small toy.

I like to use bright colorful yarn but you could make more muted colors to better suit your wardrobe.  Younger babies are attracted to the high contrast of black and white.

I used cotton yarn, you can use any medium weight yarn but remember your baby will likely chew on it so avoid fuzzy yarns and be sure the yarn is washable.  You can use a size G or similar sized crochet hook.  As with all baby items, wash before use, periodically inspect the necklace, and supervise baby at play.



Necklace
Ch 125 or as long as you would like.  Remember this will need to be long enough to slip easily over your head.  After you thread your component onto the necklace you will close it by holding the 2 ends together and tie an overhand knot.  You can also use a ribbon or cord.

Ring
Ch 5
Sc in 5th ch from hook to form a ring, sc in the next 4 ch, do not join, continue spiraling around putting 1 sc in each st.
It may be difficult at first but once the tube begins to grow it will become easier.
Continue sc around and around until the tube is as long as you like.
A 6.5" tube makes a 2.5" diameter ring
When your tube is as long as you like, finish off by sl st into the last st, fasten off leaving a tail.  Add mini rings if desired, then using the tail sew the tube into a ring.

Mini Ring
Ch 12
Sc in 12th ch from hook to form a ring, sc in next 11 ch, do not join, continue spiraling around putting 1 sc in each st.  Continue spiraling around until the mini ring is about 1/2 - 1 inch wide or as wide as you like.
Finish off by sl st into the last st, fasten off, weave in ends.

Tube Bead
Ch 7
Sc in in 7th ch from hook to make a ring, sc in next 6 ch, do not join, continue spiraling around putting 1 sc in each st.  Continue spiraling to make the tube is 1/2 -1 1/2 inch or as long as you want.
Finish by sl st in last st, fasten off, weave in ends.

Spiral Bead
(The spiral bead is worked with 2 colors attached at the same time, but working with one yarn at a time.)
With color A ch 7
Sc in the 7th ch from the hook to make a ring, sc in the next 3 ch, pull up a big loop of color A, do not fasten off.
Join on color B into the next ch, sc in the same ch and in the next 2 ch, do not join, continue spiraling around putting 1 sc in each st.  You will be able to work 2-3 sc with the color B, then drop that color, (pull up a long loop to prevent your stitches from being pulled out) and pick up the other color again.
Work 1 sc in each st until you come up behind the other color, then drop that yarn and pick up the other yarn and continue around.  Continue in this fashion until your bead is as long as you like.

Assembling
Bead and spiral bead are threaded onto the necklace.  Hold the ends of the necklace and tie an overhand knot to close the necklace.  Find the center of the necklace and insert the loop through the center of the ring, reach through the loop the necklace makes and pull the necklace through the loop. Tighten and adjust.

You may also be interested in:
Baby Teether Toys
Spiral Baby Mittens
Flower Band
Mini Woven Basket

This project was submitted to Hookin On Humpday at Moogly

Patriotic Top Hat

This hat was designed for a stuffed animal that will be in a Independence Day celebration but as I was making it, I considered all the alternative uses for a little hat like this.  It can be used as a centerpiece on your picnic table, it can be used for an Uncle Sam doll or teddy bears hat, it can be attached to a headband for a fun accessory.

My first draft of this pattern was a lot less polished than this.  Traditional color changes on such a small project left the hat looking messy.  By working stitches on the surface of the fabric, you achieve a much cleaner color change.  If this is your first time doing surface crochet, be sure to watch the video tutorial for best results.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.  I love to see your FO (finished objects), if you make this or any of my projects or recipe, you can post pictures on my Facebook page.

Materials

Scraps of worsted weight acrylic yarn in Red, White and Blue.  

Size G crochet hook

yarn needle

scissors

Patriotic Top Hat

Red and white striped section (body of hat)

With red, ch 11

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: sc across, on the last st you will begin the stitch as normal but finish the stitch with white, ch 1 turn

Row 3: front post sc (fpsc) across, to be sure you don't miss a stitch its a good idea to count your stitches, you should have 10 fpsc, ch 1 turn.

Row 4: sc across, changing color on the last st, ch 1 turn

Row 5- 24: repeat rows 3 & 4. Your piece should have 6 red bands and 6 white bands. Fasten off leaving a tail to sew your seam.

Roll your work into a tube with the right sides facing out, sew the seam to close the tube.

Blue Band

Attach the blue yarn and work sc on the surface along the bottom edge. You will be working the stitches around the rows and the stitches will lay on the surface of the red and white striped section. Row 1: Work sc around to the beginning, sl st into the first st to join the round.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st into the beginning ch 1 to join the round

Row 3: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.

Embroider white stars onto the blue band, alternately you can glue felt stars on or leave it plain

Top:

Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2, 7 hdc into the ring, sl st to top of beginning ch to join.

Round 2: ch 1, sc in the same place, 2 sc in each st around, sl st into beginning ch 1 to join.

Round 3: ch 1, sc in the same place, sc in the next st, *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st, repeat from * around, sl st into the beginning ch 1 to join. Fasten off and leaving a tail to attach the top to the hat. Sew the top onto the end of the tube opposite the blue band.

Brim:

Row 1: Attach the red yarn around the post of any blue stitch, fpsc around, sl st into the first st to join the round.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the same place, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to beginning ch 1 to join the round.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st into the beginning ch 1 to join the round. Fasten off.

This pattern and tutorial is my own creation, made with love for you to use for yourself or to give as a gift.  Do not sell this pattern or projects made from this pattern.  Please credit me as creator and link back to this post when sharing.  Thanks.

Check out some of my other patterns
Slouchy Summer Hat
Basket Weave Beverage Cozy
Baby Teether Toy
Daisy Bonnet
Baseball Coaster

Coconut Macaroons

These are a favorite in my house.  I always make them at Christmas time to add to cookie platters because they are quick, easy, and budget friendly.  If you like coconut, you will love these cookies.


You only need 4 ingredients
8 ounces sweetened flake coconut (about 2 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 egg whites
pinch of salt

Slouchy Summer Hat

A comfortable cotton slouch hat for warm summer days.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.

This project was made with Sugar 'n Cream worsted weight cotton yarn in color Ecru and a size H crochet hook.  This hat can easily be adapted to smaller or larger sizes, it can be made slouchier or more form fitting, however you would like.  The size I made uses about 3 ounces of yarn.

Summer Slouchy Hat

Foundation: Ch 8, sl st in 8th ch from hook to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc though out), 19 dc into the ring, sl st into top of the beginning ch 3 to join

Round 2: Ch 6 (counts as beginning dc + ch 3), *skip a st, dc in next st, ch 3, repeat from * around, sl st into 3rd ch of the beginning ch 6 to join.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same space, ch 3, skip 3 ch, *2 dc in the next dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch , repeat from * around, sl st into beginning ch 3 to join.

Round 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch, repeat from * around, sl st into beginning ch 3 to join.

Round 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch, repeat from * around, sl st in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Round 6: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in the next 2 dc, ch 3, skip 3 ch, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, repeat from * around, sl st in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

(if you would like a larger or slouchier hat, continue adding rounds, increase by 1 extra dc in each solid section for each additional row. Once the round is as large as you like, add 10 or more rows without increasing for the sides.)

Sides: Ch 3, *dc in each dc of the solid section, ch 3, skip 3 ch, repeat from * around, sl st in top of beginning ch 3 to join. Repeat this round 9 or more times until the hat is as long as you like.

Band: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to ch 1 to join. Repeat this row of sc two or more times to make the band as wide as you like. If you made the hat larger you may want to make a wider band, and you may want to decrease by sc2tog evenly around so that the band fit your head without being too large.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

This is my design, be sure to link back to this blog post or the video when sharing.

Check out some of my other patterns

Simple Polka Dot Headband
Flower Band
Rainbow Swirl Hat
Starburst Motif
Coaster

This pattern was submitted to Hookin on Humpday on Moogly

Flower Band Headband, Belt or Trim

This is a very versatile pattern. The base of the pattern makes a cute flower band that can be used in many different ways.  I made mine into a headband or you can make a belt, strap, or trim.  It can be made in any sort of yarn or thread.

This pattern uses US crochet terms.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.  I love to see pictures of finished objects, you can post them on my Facebook page!






Flower Band
You can make this from nearly any sort of yarn or thread.  I used worsted weight acrylic yarn and a size G crochet hook.  The thread version I show in the video is made from size 10 crochet cotton thread and a size 7 hook.

For this pattern you will be working down the backside of the ch, insert hook into the back “bump” instead of under the two loops

Foundation Chain:
Multiples of 10 +8 For my headband I did 7 flowers = 70 + 8 = ch 78

Bottom Half of First Flower:
1 dc in the 4th st from hook (this is 1st petal), ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook (this is the second petal, the ch stitch the dc is worked into becomes the center of the flower). Now counting on the foundation chain, sl st into the 9th ch, dc, ch 3. Turn the petals so that the chain that is the center is pointing up to the sky. Now you will sl st into the center of the flower, turning the work will make this easier. Ch 3, dc into the center, (this will make the 3rd petal). Now turn your work back to its original position. Ch 1, counting on the foundation ch, tr into the 5th ch. ( bottom half of first flower complete)

Bottom Half of Additional Flowers:
*ch 5, dc into the 4th ch from the hook, ch 4, dc in the 4th ch from the hook, counting on the foundation chain, sl st into the 5th ch, (flip petals if necessary so that center of the flower is pointing up) dc, ch 3, (turn work) sl st into the center of the flower, ch 3, dc into center, ch 1, (turn work back), counting on the foundation ch, tr into the 5th ch, repeat from * to the end

Top Half of Flowers:
Ch 1, turn the work, *sl st around the ch1 that is between the tr and the flower, dc, ch 3, sl st into the flower center, ch 3, 2dc in flower center, ch 3, sl st into center, ch 3, dc into center, sl st around ch 1 between flower and tr, ch 1, repeat from * to the end

Top Chain:
Ch 9, turn work, *sc into the space between the dc in the top petal, ch 5, tr into the ch 1 space between the flowers, ch 5, repeat from * to the last flower, sc into the tip of the top petal of the last flower, ch 3, tr into the last st. Fasten off, weave in ends.

To Finish:
Attach chains or lengths of ribbon to either end to make ties. If making in thread for a lace trim it will require wet blocking to look its best.

This is my original pattern, please link to this original post when sharing, thanks!

Check out some of my other patterns
Simple Polka Dot Headband
Basket Weave Beverage Cozy
Mini Woven Basket
Sunshine and Rainbows Bonnet
Sand Dollar Coaster


This post was submitted to the Hookin On Hump Day link up on Moogly

Pea Salad

This salad is so fresh and green.  A clean and bright side dish that works perfectly with grilled or smoked meats or other summer meals.  I like to bring this to cookouts and potlucks because its quick and inexpensive to whip up and its always a hit.  Its not the same old boring dishes but the ingredients are familiar enough so that its not intimidating.



The ingredients are:
1 pound frozen peas, thawed by rinsing and drained well
2 stalks of celery, diced
2 scallions, diced
a small handful of spearmint and parsley
1 lemon, zest and juice
3 TBSP olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix thoroughly and serve immediately or if making ahead pack the dressing separate and dress just before serving.

DIY Garden Markers

These garden markers were a lot of fun to make.  This video will show you step by step how to make these bright and colorful garden markers.  You can use these in vegetable gardens, flower gardens, container gardens or potted plants.