WIPS

I'm working on a few more fun hats for the upcoming craft fair.  Above I have a polar bear, a baby bonnet, and a soon to be frog.  We shall see how far I get, but I still have hopes of making a bear, a giraffe, a puppy, a cat, and an elephant.  I'm going for quite the crochet menagerie!

Don't forget to enter to win this awesome prize pack from Red Heart!  There are lots of goodies in there that I know every knitter and crocheter would love to win!

Yarn Fanatic Party #13

It's the thirteenth Yarn Fanatic Party! 

Check out these Halloween Earrings.  Aren't they fun?  I've never crocheted earrings before, have you?

Did you see the cute Baby Pumpkin Hat?  And the sweet little baby wearing it?

Don't forget to enter to win this awesome prize pack from Red Heart!  There are lots of goodies in there that I know every knitter and crocheter would love to win!

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Baby Pumpkin Hat: Pattern Link & Notes

This post contains affiliate links. 

I used The Stitchin Mommy's Puff Stitch Pumpkin Pattern, with a few changes of my own, of course.
The main yarns I used were Vanna's Choice in Olive and Terracotta.  I also used a little pale yellow mystery cotton yarn for the flower center and some Red Heart Super Saver in White for the flower petals.

For the main hat I followed the pattern, but did one fewer row of the puff stitch.  I thought that if I did another row it would end up a bit too long for a newborn.

I skipped the large green top in the original pattern entirely, and opted instead for an extra leaf.  I fiddled a bit with the leaf pattern.  I also added some length to the vine.

I also added a simple five petal flower.  I sewed the flower onto a button, so it is removable.  This is my go-to simple flower pattern:

•  Magic circle.
• 10 sc into circle.
• Chain one, sc in same stitch, *chain one, five treble stitches in next stitch, chain one, sc in next stitch*.  Repeat between ** until there are five petals.  Slip stitch together. 

Here is the super cute Pumpkin with her hat!  (I made the cocoon for her too.)  Isn't she just precious?  Thank you to her Mommy for letting me share her cuteness with all my readers!

I love sharing my projects at various parties around the blogosphere including Hookin On Hump Day and Fine Craft Guild.

$50 Gift Certificate to Happy Mango Beads Giveaway (Ends 10/31) US

Are you excited about this giveaway?  I'm excited! Happy Mango Beads is one of the best places to get beads.  (And they now have some beading tools and supplies too!)

Do you follow them on Facebook?  You should.  Make sure that you can see all of their posts, because they post lovely pictures daily.

I've had the pleasure of working with their beads a couple of times.  (And I still have some of their pretties in my bead stash.)  Above you can see the memory wire bracelet that I made.  Below you can see the wrap bracelet that I made.

Don't miss out on any of these craft related giveaways:

$25 Zipper Island Shop Credit (Ends 10/23) US

Red Heart Yarn Prize Pack

And many more at The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore

Open to US residents 18+.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email, if s/he does not then a new winner will be chosen.  Void where prohibited.  Sponsor is responsible for prize shipment and fulfillment.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yarn Fanatic Party #12

Welcome to the twelfth Yarn Fanatic Party!

Can you relate to the above ecard?  I'm quite guilty.  

Do you like rag rugs?  Then you might want to check out this post by Darlene!  It's a great way to re-purpose old and stained clothing and bedding.

Just in case you missed it, I have a couple of really cool giveaways happening right now!

$25 Credit to Zipper Island

Red Heart Prize Pack (YARN!)

$50 Happy Mango Beads Gift Certificate

And there are tons more craft themed giveaways that you can find over at Giveaways Galore.

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

Free Crochet Beanie Pattern

This post includes affiliate links. 

I'm pretty excited to share this beanie hat crochet pattern with you today.  AND there's an awesome giveaway for you too! (It ends October 31, 2014.)  I'd like to say a big thank you to Red Heart for making this post possible!  They provided me with the scrumptious yarn I used to crochet this hat and they are sponsoring today's giveaway.

Like I said, the yarn is from Red Heart.  It's Heads Up in Bright Coral.  This line of yarn is a 80% Acrylic 20% Wool blend.  It's super soft and squishy and cuddly.  It's a great yarn to use for hats!

The recommended hook size is a K, but I used a J hook to make this hat.  I wanted a nice tight stitch.

The yardage for this yarn is a little over 100 yards (106 to be exact) and I was able to finish the hat with just the teeniest bit of leftover yarn.  (I would not have been able to complete another row.)  It fits me perfectly.  (I'd say I have an average sized head.)

Here's how to make this hat:

Row 1: 8 hdc in magic loop (or preferred method). Slip stitch to join.  [8 stitches]
Row 2: 2 hdc in each st around.  Slip stitch to join. [16 stitches]
Row 3: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [24 stitches]
Row 4: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join. Chain two and turn. [32 stitches]
Row 5: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [40 stitches]
Row 6: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [48 stitches]
Row 7: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [56 stitches]
Row 8: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts* repeat around. Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [64 stitches]
Row 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 32 sts, 2 hdc in one stitch.  Hdc to end.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn.  [66 stitches]
Rows 10 - ?: Hdc in each stitch. (How many rows you make will depend on where you want the beanie to hit: at the ear, in the middle of the ear, below the ear?  For my hat I did seven rows of hdc in each stitch.)
Brim: Sc in each stitch.  Do this for two rows.

I really love how comfortable this yarn makes the hat!  And the bright color is a great way to bring a little cheerfulness to those dreary winter days.

This Giveaway has ended. 

Check out this awesome prize pack being sponsored by Red Heart.  Just look at all those yarn goodies!  

One lucky reader will win it.  

Details and Fine Print: Must be a US resident 18+ to enter.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media.  Red Heart is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond in order to claim prize.  After 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Void where prohibited.  Entries will be verified.  Giveaway ends October 31, 2014.

Don't forget to check out the other craft themed giveaways that are a part of my October Celebration!

$25 Credit to Zipper Island (Ends 10/23)

$50 Gift Certificate to Happy Mango Beads Giveaway (Ends 10/31) US

And there are lots of crafty giveaways over at The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIPS

Sorry for the poor photography here.  I misplaced the cord for the nice camera and my ol' point and shoot just isn't up to par.

I've been playing with this delicious Heads Up yarn from Red Heart.  It's the perfect amount of squishy.  The color (bright coral) is particular cheering given the damp, dull, and dark weather of the past day or two.  I've also been making some more of the Easiest Headwrap Ever for the upcoming craft fair.

Today (10/15/14) is the last day to enter to win a set Clover Amour Crochet Hooks.  Also, a super unique giveaway for zippers just started!  You can also stop by The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore to see lots of other giveaways in keeping with this month's craft supplies theme.

Did you see my Baby Mary Jane Crochet Pattern Round Up?  I love each of those free patterns!

 Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Round Up of Baby Girl Crocheted Mary Jane Shoes (Free Patterns)

These are some of my favorite Mary Jane crochet patterns.  Best of all, they are all free!  Below each picture you will find the link to the patterns.  Do you have any cute little girl shoes to add to this list?  If so, please leave a comment!

Double Strap Baby Mary Janes
By: One Dog Woof

Bow Buckle Mary Janes
By: Jay's Boutique Blog

Little Dot Mary Janes
By: Whistle & Ivy

Baby Rainbow Sandals
By: Is It a Toy

Mary Jane Skimmer Booties
By: Tampa Bay Crochet

If you liked this post I'd love to have you be one of my followers!

Yarn Fanatic Party #11

Welcome to the eleventh Yarn Fanatic Party!

The following statement is certainly true for me.  In fact, at this very moment I am only part way through a craft room clean up . . . and I found some beautiful stuff that I forgot I had.  Yippee for awesome "new" supplies!

If you liked that meme, check out the full post by Craftaholics Anonymous.  I was in stitches over some of the memes!

Here is one of my favorite link ups from last week's Yarn Fanatic Party.  I have to say, these Taylor Chucks are pretty cool, don't you think?

Today I crocheted another of The Easiest Headwrap Ever.  This time it's in purple.

Time to party!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)

$250 Target Gift Card Giveaway (Ends 11/3) US

 

Welcome to the Hipoglos $250 Target Gift Card Event!

Sponsored by Hipoglos Diaper Rash Cream

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

About today's sponsor: For more than sixty years, babies in Latin America have enjoyed the relief of the premium diaper rash cream, Hipoglos. Trusted by millions, Hipoglos claims to be one of the most amazing diaper rash ointments available!  It helps prevent and treat diaper rash and skin irritation. It also helps protect chafed skin while helping to seal out wetness.  Hipoglos goes on smoothly and wipes off cleanly, giving your baby immediate relief. This extra gentle care for your baby’s bottom will make both Mama and baby happy.

Hipoglos is widely available at Walgreens and select other stores.  It can also be purchased online at Amazon! 

   

One lucky winner will win a 

$250 Target Gift card.

Now, just in case you are wondering how this fits into my my "craft supplies" giveaway theme for October guess what I just found out!  Select Targets now have fabric!  Check out the fun prints that they have at Fabric Loft.  I particularly love the Trapeze collection:

Sadly, my nearest store does not carry the fabric.  If you find it at your stores I'd love to know!  Target also has scrap-booking supplies, sewing machines, knit and crochet pattern books, and lots of great craft supply storage options.  So, yes, this giveaway fits with my crafty theme.

Other craft themed giveaways include:

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set Giveaway (Ends 10/15) US (Low entry.  Hosted by me.)

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn Giveaway (Ends 10/16) US (Hosted by Moogly.)

Giveaway ends on November 3, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST and is open to US.   

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers, including The Philosopher's Wife, were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact Elia@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

$25 Zipper Island Shop Credit (Ends 10/23) US

This post contains affiliate links. 

Today's sponsor is Zipper Island.  This Etsy shop specializes in (you guessed it) zippers!  They offer the high quality YKK zippers at great prices.  You can shop at Zipper Island with confidence.  This shop has had almost 25,000 sales and has a five star rating.  Also, I'd like to mention that many of the reviews comment on the quick shipping.  That's especially nice when you're in the middle of a project and need a zipper!

Check out all of the available colors for these metal zippers!

I love all of the colors that the 14 inch handbag zippers come in.  I can think of quite a few projects that would be perfect for these!  I've been thinking about a way to add a zipper to one of my favorite purse patterns, Simplicity Sewing Pattern 2396.  I've used this pattern a couple of time but one of my favorite versions was this red damask purse.  (Yes, I think color is important, can you tell?)

Besides zippers they also have a variety of buttons, clasps, and pulls.  I think that these natural wood buttons would look super cute on some knit sweaters, don't you agree?

One lucky reader will win:

$25 worth of zippers from Zipper Island 

(to cover products and shipping).

Don't miss any of the other giveaways in my October Celebrations series!

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set Giveaway (Ends 10/15) US

Hosted by other bloggers:

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn Giveaway (Ends 10/16) US

Silhouette Portrait Giveaway (Ends 10/18)

This giveaway is open to US residents.  Must be 18+ to enter.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or other social media.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  Void where prohibited.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email in order to claim prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quick Takes: October Celebrations

So, I meant to do this last week, but life intervened and it simply didn't happen.  This week's Quick Takes are going to be a little bit different.  I'm going to tell you all about some fun stuff that's happening around here this month!

1.  October is a special month for me, it's my birth month!  I've always loved October.  The weather can be warm or cold (I've seen both blizzards and Indian Summers on my special day).  And all of the beautiful fall colors!  It's just lovely.  (And there are pine cones everywhere!)

2.  I love crafting.  I think that's probably pretty obvious to everyone.  Yarn, beads, fabric, and all of the trimmings bring me much happiness.  

3.  I will be hosting some awesome "crafty" giveaways throughout the month here at The Philosopher's Wife.  You will have the chance to win some fun craft supplies that I hope will bring you some happiness.  

4.  I will also be linking to some of my favorite giveaways being hosted by other bloggers over at The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore, so be sure to check those out too!  (I'm hoping to link to one craft supply type giveaway a day for the rest of the month, so if crafting is your thing you really should check it out.)

5.  The giveaway goodness has already started!  This giveaway for a set of Clover Amour Crochet Hooks will end October 15, 2014 -- go enter! 

6.  Some of my sponsors for this month include Zipper Island, Happy Mango Beads, Create for Less, and Red Heart!  

7.  If you're a blogger and have a crafty type giveaway you'd like me to feature just drop me a line!  If you'd like to sponsor a giveaway to be hosting on my blog, again just drop me a line.  I'd love to work with you!    

Quick Takes are hosted by Jen.