crochet ribbon/scarf hat

This design you'll need to know hdc, hdc back post, magic circle, net stitch, dc, dtr crochet, shell
I hook to make it faster.  Will not join but work in continuous round.
to begin: make a magic circle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLuSVyKvoUg video tutorial here
10 hdc crochet into the circle,
row 2: do not join but place a stitch marker (I use a scrap of yarn as marker or stick a bobby pin).  2hdc the top of 1st st. 2hdc in the next stitch and all the way around for (20)
row 3: *1hdc, 2hdc in next st*  repeat all around
Row 4 *1hdc, 1hdc in next st, 2hdc in next stitch* repeat all around
Row 5: * 1hdc, 1hdc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st* repeat all the way around.
keep adding increase of 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc into next st, 2hdc in the next (see the pattern forming for increase) till the circle measure the circumference of the crown of the head size you want.
I made mine up to *1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 2hdc* repeat
then still not joining but move your yarn maker and work a continuous round.
1Row6, 7 add increase
Row 8-9: hdc all the way around
Row 10 1hdc into the back of the next st. just the back not both st., repeat all the way around
Row 11: *1hdc into the next st chain 1, skip next st.  1hdc into the next chain.* repeat all around
Row 12: repeat row 11
Row 13-14: double crochet each st. around
Row 15: Double triple crochet (dtr) each st. around.  wrap the yarn 3 times on your hook, you'll have 4 on the hook, insert into the next st, yo, pull up a yarn, yarn over pull through two hoop, yo, pull through two hoop, yo, pull through 2 more, repeat till you have one on the hook.
Row 16: 1hdc all around
Row 17: *sk a st, 1sc in the next, sk a st, 5hdc into next st* repeat all the way around.
where you made the dtr crochet loop ribbon or light weight scarf through evenly every 4 sts.
last part of the pattern was from http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/cpatt18.htm

Sewing projects: nursing cover

I am expecting another baby but we didn't plan on having anymore kids and I've already donated all my baby goods.  Well, I didn't want to spent any $ buying the much needed nursing cover.  Well, I'm happy to say I found a youtube tutorial on how to make a nursing cover.  A bit complicated at the end of the video which I'll clarify for you.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YgIlgNZgks  Ok so when it gets to the last bit about measuring 10" from both side to place your straps.  The center of your strap should be where you mark 10".  Make sure you have 16" between the two straps for your boning.  Get the boning that doesn't come w/a liner as those get bunched up when you try to thread the boning through.  My next one I think I'll modify it to make the boning shorter as I don't like to have such a huge opening.  But these weren't hard to make at all.  Cost over all was under $10.  Fabric pattern I got at Hobby Lobby.  They do sell boning there in a pack not by the yard like JoAnn.  Some think that it's stiffer to get size 1/2 for boning but it was darn near impossible to find anywhere.  However the 1/4 works just fine.

Sewing Projects: Fabric High Chair

I saw a fabric high chair featured on Stealbaby while checking out facebook.  I thought it was  great idea.  So I went online searching for a pattern and what I found was even better than what I originally saw.  I ended up making two fabric travel high chair in a day.  One as a gift and the other for my son.  I found the pattern and very clear direction on youtube.  Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKMSYNrfutA.  hope you have fun making yours and it was really easy.  The patterns I got was from Hobby Lobby.  I modified from the youtube video in that I didn't use any batting lining.  Instead I chose quilting fabric for the interior side.  You could chose a fancy pattern quilt fabric for the outside.  But they were too costly for me.  I used gift wrap paper that has the grid on the back side and that what I use to cut out my patterns.  Then I lay down my fabric to measure, pin, and cut.

Valentines or Mother's Day present

This is so neat but it took a lot of work trying to get the kids to cooperate. You simply have them post with their hands forming a fist. They have to extend the fisted hand and say "cheese". Make sure that they form a fist instead of just curling some fingers. You can tell from the two boys that the tight fist looks better.

Then you make two slit one above the fist and one below it. Insert your lollipop for Valentines Day or make a paper flower for Mother's day or teacher appreciation. I got the idea from http://24-7-365.blogspot.com/2009/02/lavish-me-with-praise.html

Teachers Appreciation for Valentines Day

I saw this post by simplyjstudio.blogspot.com. It's very simple to do but it took a while for me to find Rolos. You'll have to get the Rolos that are in a tube form. What you'll need : yellow color cardstock, pink color cardstock, aluminum foil, Hersey Kisses, dot glue, something to score with, edging scissors, and a cutter.

1) cut yellow cardstock paper to 4.5 x3.5. Score 1/2 an inch along the length of the paper. I prefer 1/2 inches rather than 1/4 inches. I use Martha Steward scoring board you can get 40% off at Hobby Lobby with their coupons. Cut bottom of the short end of the paper with the edging scissor.

2) cut pink cardstock paper 3.5x 1/8 inch. No need to score. Trace a circle of the Rolos to be the top of the eraser later.

3) cut aluminum foil smaller than pink cardstock.

Now wrap yellow scored paper around the roll of Rolos and glue the long side together. Do the same thing with the pink paper and foil. Use glue dot to stick the bottom of the Hersey Kisses to the Rolos. Add a heart with some ribbons and saying and you're done!

Crochet Train hat

This is too adorable not to recreate. My sons love trains. We have train table and ride on train so naturally he should also have a train hat. Thanks to Amanda Brooke Crochet for the design inspiration. You can follow her on facebook through Bobwilson 123--Youtube Crochet channel. Tons of ideas and video tutorial sure to please. Message her on facebook and she can share with you this free pattern.

Crochet Chocolate Kisses and detachable beard hat

Let me tell you I had so much fun making this project in time for Valentines Day. I saw this chocolate hat on Pea Pod Accessories on Facebook. I made the hat using the tutorial for "How to Make an Elf's Hat" by Bobwilson 123 on youtube. I just skip the tail part and started working a 6 hdc into a magic circle. Then I just follow the rest of the instruction on the video tutorial. Clare also provided written instruction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkQCpLk9xMA Yes, we're on first name basis now since I also follow her on Facebook. After I was done with the hat I added a ribbon with the printed word KISSES on there, like the chocolate kisses. I may go back and color in the words red for Valentines Day. I made one for each of my boys. **edit** To custom fit for different size head just measure the circumference of the crown of the head. Where the side start to go straight down. Work your increases up to that point only and continue with straight stitches till it measure down pass the ear a bit. At least I like mine below the ear a bit in case it shrinks in the wash.

I also made a detachable beard to go with my older son's hat. He can wear it alone or with the hat and I also gave it a try and it fits :-). I used a size J/10 6.00mm hook and Baby Bee Pitter Patter Eyelash Yarn in chocolate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5djCKMi4sIE