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.

Smoked Deviled Eggs

When my brother told me about smoked deviled eggs he made, I knew I had to try them for myself.  I was planning on smoking a chicken anyway so I added a half dozen hard-boiled and peeled eggs to the smoker.  I smoked them at 225 degrees F for about 30 minutes.  I used apple chips but you can use any wood you like.

Once the eggs were smoked and cooled you proceed just like normal deviled eggs.  To make the filling I mixed the yolks with a couple tablespoons of mayo, a teaspoon or so of yellow mustard, a tablespoon of pickled diced jalapenos (with a splash of the vinegar brine from the jar) and salt and pepper.  I topped each egg with crumbled bacon and paprika.  If you have a favorite deviled egg recipe you can substitute that filling in these smoked eggs.

The eggs were so amazing.  They are satisfying on so many levels, creamy, smokey, spicy, savory.  They are not much more work than regular deviled eggs but they are so unexpected and different.  Give them a try, I'm sure they will be a hit at your next cookout or party.

Crocheted Pangolin

I crocheted this pangolin free hand.  I seriously doubt I will ever write the pattern, this project was about 60% fudged, 20% dumb luck and 20% evil genius.

The yarn was Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in the color Echo.  Never use this yarn for a free hand project.  It does not frog well.  I do like the finished object and I really like the subtle color gradations.

This was made for a contest, wish me luck!

[updated 5/9/14- Sadly my pangolin did not win, but it was so fun to make and super cute]
[update 10-18-19] This pangolin inspired Pernille Heelsberg to write up the pattern.  Now you can make your own pangolin friend!

I tried to lure my cat into the photo with catnip.  That did not work out well for me.

This post was submitted to:

Hookin on Hump Day Link Party on Moogly

Basket Weave Beverage Cozy

Keep your beer or beverage cold and stylish with this basket weave beverage cozy.  This pattern and video will show you how to make a bottle version and a can version.  It can also be easily made larger with the adjustments.

This pattern is my own creation, please link back to this original pattern when sharing.

This pattern uses US crochet terms,  I used acrylic worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to help you out.

Beverage Cozy / Koozie

Bottom:
Can or Bottle:

Round 1) Ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from the hook to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), put 11 more dc in the ring, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join the round.  

Round 2) Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. 

To Make a Larger Cozy:

Continue adding rounds to make the bottom as large as needed.  Add enough increases (2 dc in the same st) to keep the bottom flat.  To few increases and the bottom will begin to cup, too many increases and it may begin to ruffle.  A general rule of thumb is to increase the stitches between the increases by 1 on each round such as:

Round 3) 1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, repeat

Round 4) 1 dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st, repeat

Round 5) 1 dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st, repeat

The most important thing is the final number of stitches in the round must be a multiple of 6.

Sides: 

Once your bottom is as large as you need it to be, join the final round by slip stitching into the front loop of the top of the beginning ch 3.

Foundation row: 1 dc in the same front loop, 1 dc in the front loop of each st around, sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.

Row 1-3) Ch 3, * 1 fpdc in the next 3 st, 1 bpdc in the next 3 st, repeat from * around, sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.

Row 4-6) Ch 3, * 1 bpdc in the next 3 st, 1 fpdc in the next 3 st, repeat from * around, sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3.

Row 7-9) repeat row 1-3 -stop here for can size

Row 10-12) repeat row 4-6 - stop here for bottle size

For larger cozies continue adding rows, alternating rows 1-3 and rows 4-6


This pattern is my own creation, please link back to this original pattern when sharing.

Check out some of my other crochet patterns
Beginner's Washcloth
Rainbow Swirl Bonnet
Leprechaun or Pilgrim Hat Coaster
Football Coaster

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Chinese dish made with pork and tofu.  Its quick and easy to make and both my husband and I love it.  The video will show you how to make it step by step.

The ingredients you will need are:
8 ounces of ground pork, you can substitute another ground meat (beef, turkey) if you like.
1 16-18 ounce block of tofu
1 tsp ginger paste or freshly minced ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
2-3 Tbsp toban djan (chili bean sauce)
3-4 scallions  or a small bunch of garlic chives to garnish