Yarn love....

On my hooks today?  A new slouchy knit hat.... Love!  Just had to share some love and can't wait to share everything I've been up to!  There will be some simple projects, a blocking tutorial and a few other surprises over the next couple of weeks and then TONS of new patterns to share with you all after Christmas is past!

At Home Vest and Pants {Crochet Pattern}

McCall's Step-By-Step Crochet Lesson for Beginners, 1971 

Embroidered vest tops wide-flaring pants, for at-home elegance. Pants, worked in single and double crochet, are lined. The single crochet vest is embroidered with chained feather stitch, straight stitch, French knots, couching, lazy daisy stitch, and cable stitch.

SIZES:  10 to 16 (see pattern for body measurements)

PANTS:
SIZES: Directions for size 10. Changes for sizes 12, 14 and 16 are in parentheses. 
Body Waist: 24" (25-1/2 -27"-29").  
Blocked Waist Size (closed): 25" (26"-28"-30").  
Blocked Hip Size: 36" (38"-40"- 42").  

MATERIALS: Wintuk sport yarn, 2 ply, 12 (13-14-15) 2-oz. skeins camel. Aluminum crochet hook size E. One 1/2" button. One large hook and eye. 7" skirt zipper. One yard 1/2" elastic. 2-1/2 yards lining material. Matching sewing thread.  
GAUGE: 5 sts=1"; 4 rows=1". 
  
PANTS: 
RIGHT BACK: Beg at upper edge, ch 9.  
First Short Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across - 8 sc. Ch 1, turn.  
2nd Short Row: Sc in each of 7 sc, 3 sc in last sc--10 sc. Ch 22 (24-26-28). Turn.  
Next Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 20 (22-24-26) ch, sc in each sc across-31 (33-35-37)  sc. Ch 1, turn.
 
Pattern: 
Row 1 (wrong side): Sc in first sc, * dc in next sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * across--31 (33- 35-37) sts. Mark end of this row for center  back. (Note: Mark this row for right side on left back.) Turn. Check gauge; last row should measure 6" (6-1/2"-7"-7-1/2') wide. 
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), sk first sc, * sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. 
Row 3: Sc in first dc, * dc in next sc, sc in next dc, repeat from across--31 (33-35-37) sts. Turn.  
Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in first sc (inc made), * sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * across, end 2 dc in last sc (inc made). Turn. 
Row 5: Ch 3, sk first dc, * sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * across, end sc in next dc, sc in top of ch 3--33 (35-37-39) sts. Ch 1, turn.   
Row 6: Sc in first sc, * dc in next sc, sc in next dc, repeat from * across, end dc in last sc, sc in top of ch 3.
Rows 7-21: (Repeat rows 4-6) 5 times, end center back edge-43 (45-47-49) sts. Turn.  
Row 22: Ch 3, dc in first sc (inc made), * sc in next dc, dc in next sc, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 23: Sc in first dc, work in pat across, end sc in last dc, sc in top of ch 3. Turn. 
Row 24: Ch 3, sc in first sc (inc made), dc in next sc, sc in next dc, repeat from * across, end dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn. (Note:  I am not sure where the * is--this is exactly as written in the book.) 
Row 25: Sc in first dc, dc in next sc, work in pat across, end dc in last sc, sc in top of ch 3-45 (47-49- 51) sts. Turn. Repeat rows (22-25) 5 (5-6-6) times--55 (57-61-63) sts. If necessary, work even until piece measures 11-1/2" (12"-13"13-1/2") from start, end center back edge. Ch 6 (6-6-8) for crotch, turn. 
Crotch Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, (dc in next ch, sc in next ch) 2 (2-2-3) times, work in pat across--60 (62-66-70) sts. Mark each side of last row for start of leg. 
Leg: Work even until leg measures 7" from marker, end center back edge. Ch 1, turn.  
Shape Leg: Row 1: Sc in first dc, work in pat across, end 2 dc in last sc (inc made). Turn.  
Row 2: Ch 3, sk first dc, sc in next dc, work in pat across, end dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first dc, work in pat across, end sc and dc in top of ch 3 (inc made). Ch 1, turn.  
Row 4: Sc in first dc, work in pat across, end dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn. Repeat these 4 rows 8 times - 78 (80-84-88) sts. Work even until piece measures 26-1/2" (27"-27-1/2"-28") from marker or 1" less (stretch allowance) than desired leg length.  
Side Edging: From right side, work 1 row sc on each side edge, including crotch, being careful to keep work flat.
LEFT BACK: Work as for right back, noting changes. Work side edgings, being careful to have piece reverse of right back. 
LEFT FRONT: Work as for right back, having end of first pat row at center front, until 25th row is completed--45 (47-49-51) sts. Repeat rows (22-25) 4 (4-5-5) times--53 (55-59-61) sts. If necessary, work even until piece measures 10-1/2" (11"-12"-12-1/2") from start, end center front edge. Ch 6 (6-6-8) for crotch, turn.  
Next Row: Work as for crotch row of right back--58 (60-64-68) sts. Mark each side of last row for start of leg. 
 Leg: Work evenly until leg measures 6" from marker, end center front edge. Ch 1, turn.  
Shape Leg: Rows 1-4: Work as for right back. Repeat these 4 rows 9 times--78 (80-84-88) sts. Complete as for right back. Work side edgings.  
RIGHT FRONT: Work as for left front, mark first pat row for right side. Work side edgings. 
 FINISHING: Steam-press pieces. Using pieces for pattern, cut lining, allowing 1/2" on all edges for seams and 1" on each piece at waistline for darts. Weave center front seam to crotch markers. Leaving 7" opening at upper edge, weave center back seam to crotch. Weave side and leg seams. From right side, work 1 rnd sc around lower edge of each leg.
 
Waistband: From right side, beg at left side of opening, work 1 row sc around waistline, ch 10 for over- lap. Turn. 
Row 2: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch and st across. Ch 1, turn each row.  
Rows 3-5: Sc in each sc across. At end of last row, do not turn, sc in edge of each of 5 rows. Ch 1, turn. 
Buttonloop: Sc in first sc, ch 5, sk next 3 sc, sc in next sc, turn, sl st in each of 5 ch, sl st in sc. End off.  
Casing: Work casing on inside of waistband. Cut elastic 1" longer than waist measurement; insert in casing. Sew ends securely. Sew zipper in opening below waistband.
     Assemble lining. Insert lining, hem lining to lower edge of waistband. Hem lining 1" shorter than legs. Fasten overlap with a hook and eye. Sew button inside waistband under buttonloop. Steam-press lightly on wrong side.
  
VEST: 
SIZES: Directions for size 10. Changes for sizes 12, 14 and 16 are in parentheses.  
Body Bust Size: 32-1/2" (34"-36"-38").  
Blocked Bust Size: 34", (36"-38"-40").  

MATERIALS: Wintuk sport yarn, 2 ply, 4 (4-5-5) 2-oz. skeins violet, main color (MC). Alum. hook size H.  
For Embroidery: 1 skein camel (A) and 1/2 oz. each of red (B) and white (C). Tapestry needle No. 18.
  
GAUGE: 4 sc = 1"; 9 rows = 2". 
To Bind Off: At beg of a row, ch 1, sl st loosely across specified sts;  at end of a row, leave specified sts unworked.  
To Dec 1 St: At beg of a row, ch 1, loosely pull up a lp in each of 2 sts, yo and through 3 lps on hook;     at end of a row, pull up a lp in each of last 2 sts, yo and through 3 lps on hook.  
To Inc 1 St: Work 2 sc in same sc.  

VEST: BACK: Beg at lower edge with MC, ch 69 (73-77-81).  
Row 1 (right side): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across - 68 (72-76-80) sc. Ch 1, turn.  
Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn each row. Repeat this row until piece measures 15-1/2" (15-1/2"- 16"-16") from start or desired length to underarm. Check gauge; piece is 17" (18"-19"-20") wide.   
Shape Armholes: Bind off (see To Bind Off above) 4 sts each side of next row. Dec 1 St (see To Dec 1 St above) each side every row 3 (4-5-5) times--54 (56-58-62) sc. Work even until armholes measure 7" (7-1/2"-8-"-8-1/12") above first bound-off sts.  
Shape Neck and Shoulders: Bind off first 4 sts, ch 1, sc in each of next 14 (15-16-17) sc, drop yarn; with another strand of MC, make lp on hook, sk next 18 (18-18-20) sc, sc in next sc, sc in each of next 13 (14-15-16) sc--14 (15-16-17) sc each side. Working on both sides at once, dec 1 St at each neck edge every other row twice; at the same time, bind off 3 sts at each armhole edge every row 3 times. End off.  

LEFT FRONT: Beg at lower edge, with MC, ch 23 (25-25-27). 
Row 1 (right side): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across - 22 (24-24-26) sc. Ch 1, turn each row. Mark end of first row for center edge. (On right front, mark beg of first row for center edge.) Work in sc, inc 1 St (see To Inc 1 St above) at front edge every row 12 (12-14-14) times - 34 (36-38-40) sc. Check gauge; last row should measure 8-1/2" (9"-9-1/2"-10") wide. Work even until piece measures 15-1/2" (15-1/2"-16"-16") from start, end side edge.  
Shape Armhole and Neck: Bind off 4 sts at beg of next row. Dec 1 St at arm side every row 3 (4-5-5) times; at the same time, dec 1 St at neck edge every 4th row 9 (9-9-10) times--18 (19-20-21) sc. Work even, if necessary until piece measures same as back to shoulder, end arm side.  
Shape Shoulder: Bind off 4 sts at beg of arm side once, 3 sts every row 3 times; at the same time, dec 1 st at neck edge every other row twice. End off.  
RIGHT FRONT: Work same as left front, reverse shaping, note changes.  

FINISHING: Steam-press pieces. Weave shoulder and side seams. 

BUTTON: Beg at center with A, ch 2.  
Rnd 1: 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook; do not join.  
Rnds 2 and 3: Sc in each sc around.  
Next Rnd: (Sc in each of next 2 sc, dec 1 sc) around. Stuffing button with scraps of A, repeat around until 5 sc remain. End off, leaving an 8" length. Draw sts tog; sew to vest after embroidery is completed. 

Edging: 
Rnd 1: From right side, beg at lower left side seam, with MC, work 1 rnd sc around entire outer edge, keeping work flat, join with a sl st in first sc. Cut MC; join A. Do not turn.  
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around. 
Rnd 3: SI st in each sc around. End off. With MC, from right side, work 1 row sc around each armhole, keeping work flat. When embroidery is completed, sew button to left front edge at start of neck decs. With MC, make ch of 6 sts; sl st in each ch and attach to right front edge for buttonloop.  

Embroidery: See chart for placement of embroidery on vest. Each square represents 1". With basting thread or pins, mark line 1-1/2" in from edge all around vest. See image below for all embroidery stitches. With 2 strands of A in needle, embroider over line in cable stitch. With 2 strands of A, using straight stitches, embroider pointed border outside cable stitch, each point formed by 3 straight stitches, crossed by a short stitch and tipped with a French knot. With single strand of B, embroider border of chained feather stitch just inside cable stitch. With 2 strands of A for laid thread and single strand for couching, make lines on fronts only about 3-1/2" long and 2" apart at right angles to border; see chart for position of lines at curves. Work zigzag line of couching from border in to center point of lines and back again to border. Work another zigzag line completing diamond shapes. In each diamond, with 2 strands of B, work 2 lazy daisy stitches, making a straight stitch in center of each daisy petal. With single strand of C, work 4 French knots in each diamond; connect with straight stitches.  

*Disclosure:
I found this pattern in a book while going through some stuff that I was given from some family members.  I thought it was cool and couldn't find it anywhere else, so I'm sharing it with you.  I really want to make the pants in a very soft bamboo yarn... wouldn't those be lovely?  So in other words, it's not my pattern, and I've never tried it.  If you try it, (either the vest or the pants) I would love to see what you do with it, and when I'm all through holiday crafting, I'm going to try it (and probably edit the pattern in some way, shape or form) and I'll share it with you!  

Basket Weave Washcloth {crochet pattern}

The Holidays are Coming!!!

This means that I'm in full out crafting mode, creating lots of awesome new things that I can't share yet... which is killing me!!!!  After the holidays are over, you'll be treated with lots of new patterns, projects and the like, and for now, you just have to be patient. To ease the wait, here's a simple washcloth pattern that you can whip up in less than an hour, and it's easily taken with you for working on while riding in a car or bus or waiting for an appointment.  They're great for lots of uses, I have a whole stack in my bathroom :)

Basket Weave Washcloth

Copyright 2010-2012 LiLu Studios: This Crafting Life, by Lori Steffens. {http://www.thiscraftinglife.com/} Make it, Wear it, Love it, but above all, Share it, don't Sell it!

Materials needed:
Cotton yarn, I use Sugar and Cream or Peaches and Cream
Size "I" Hook

Instructions:
Ch 26 (last 2 ch form first dc)

R1:  dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch to end, turn (32 st)
R2:  ch 2, FPDC, * BPDC in next 4dc, FPDC in next 4dc* repeat 2x, BPDC in next 4 st, FPDC, dc into turning chain from previous row, turn.
R3:  ch 2, BPDC, * BPDC in next 4dc, FPDC in next 4dc* repeat 2x, BPDC in next 4 st, FPDC, dc into turning chain from previous row, turn.
R4: ch 2, FPDC, *FPDC in next 4 dc, BPDC in next 4 dc* repeat 2x, FPDC in next 4 st, BPDC, dc into turning chain from previous row, turn.
R5: ch 2, BPDC, *FPDC in next 4 dc, BPDC in next 4 dc* repeat 2x, FPDC in next 4 st, BPDC, dc into turning chain from previous row, turn.

Repeat Row 2-5 until your piece is square.

Finish off and weave in ends.

I hope you enjoy making these for your family and friends!

Scouting Sunday #6: Thanksgiving Food!

(Insert Intro Text Here)

My kids and I love sticky buns (or monkey bread as some people call it).  I can't wait to make these for Thanksgiving!  Find the recipe over at Sunny Side Up!

The Idea Room posted these adorable turkey's made out of oreos and candy corn!  Love it! :)

I love the idea of these tiny pies for my girls, I think they'd love the size and they'd be easier for them to eat!  Find the recipe at Make and Takes!

I love the idea of making food into the turkey :)  Check out these examples!  The fruit turkey is from Clean and Scentsible, and the veggie turkey is from Eating with Food Allergies.

And some other cute Thanksgiving ideas...

Candy Corn on the cob?  Yes please!  So cute and so delicious!

Give rolls and be thankful!  Check out this awesome idea to spread the thanks this Thanksgiving!  The girl who ate everything has these thankful rolls!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!

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Tilly The Turkey Hat {Crochet Pattern}

Hey, it's almost Thanksgiving!  Don't you wish you had an obnoxiously cute hat for your child to wear?  I personally love the obnoxiously cute hats and have begun a quest to provide my children with a plethora of them.  This month, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'm giving back to my followers with a free pattern for ages 12 month-36 month and 4-6 years.  (It might even go up a bit to 7-8, depending on the size of the head.)

So enjoy, Tilly the Turkey! (named by my daughter because, and I quote, "It rhymes with Lily")

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tilly the Turkey Crochet Hat

Tilly the Turkey Hat

Copyright 2010-2012 LiLu Studios: This Crafting Life, by Lori Steffens. {http://www.thiscraftinglife.com/} Make it, Wear it, Love it, but above all, Share it, don't Sell it!  

Please feel free to share this item, but do not sell.  I have the item for sale in my Etsy shop if you want to buy one instead of making one!

Materials Needed:

1/3 skein worsted weight yarn, brown (for main hat)
small amounts of worsted weight, in red, orange, yellow, white and black
Size H Crochet hook
Embroidery needle, for weaving in ends

Pattern instructions:

Hat:
pattern written for 12-36 month size with changes for larger size in (parentheses)

ch 4, join to form ring  OR  use magic ring method
R1:  In ring, dc 10(11) times
R2:  ch3, dc in same, 2dc in each st remaining- 20st (22st)
R3:  ch3, dc in same, dc in next *2dc, 1dc* to end- 30st (33st)
R4:  ch3, dc in same, [dc in next *twice] *2dc, 1dc, 1dc* to end- 40st (44st)
R5:  ch3, dc in same, {dc in next *three times] *2dc, 1dc, 1dc, 1dc* to end- 50st (55st)
R6-10:  ch3, dc in each st around- 50st (55st)
R11-12: Work for LARGER SIZE ONLY: ch3, dc in each st around (55st)
R13:  Work for both sizes:  ch3, dc in next 37 (39) st, turn
R14:  ch3, dc in next 37(39) st, turn
{Forming the first earflap now}
R15:  ch3, dc2tog, 8dc, dc2tog, turn
R16:  ch3, dc2tog, 6dc, dc2tog, turn
R17:  ch3, dc2tog, 4dc, dc2tog, turn
R18:  ch3, [dc2tog] *three times, FO.

For Second Earflap:
Reattach yarn at opposite end of Row 14
Work as for Rows 15-18, FO.

set aside hat.

Tilly's Accoutrements

Head Feathers:

Make 3, one in each color (or more as you desire)

Ch 12
dc in 4th chain from hook, and in next 7 ch, work 5 dc in last ch, turning piece clockwise to work on the other side of chain, dc in next 8 ch.  FO, leaving a tail for attaching to hat.

Waddle:

Make 1, in red

Ch 12
dc in 4th ch from hook, and work in remaining chains as follows: dc, dc, hdc, sc, sc, sc, hdc, 7dc in last ch, work hdc to join circle and FO, leaving a tail for attaching.

Beak:

make 1, in orange

Ch 5

Sc in 1st ch, hdc in 2nd ch, dc in 3rd, and trc in 4th.  FO.

Eyes:

Make two in white:

ch 4 and join OR use magic ring
ch3, 11dc in ring, join and FO, leaving tail for attaching.

Pupils:

Make 2 in black:

ch 4 and join OR use magic ring
ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join, FO, leaving tail for attaching.

Now comes the fun part!  Assemble your turkey!  I find it easiest to put it on a head (real or fake) and pin the pieces where I like them and then to sew them on.  Once all the pieces are attached, work a simple sc border around the entire edge using all three strands of red, orange and yellow.  If you like you could also attach a braid to the end of the earflaps.

It's not quite Saturday, but lets talk Savings! {Deal Dash Review}

So I just found out about this site and wanted to share it with you.  Have you ever heard of a penny auction?  Penny auctions allow you to get items at a cost that is far below retail value, in a sort of cost share with the other bidders.

Well, this new site, called DealDash, has tons of great items, from cameras and tvs to gift cards to all your favorite retailers. You buy a bid pack from Deal Dash and then you can start bidding in the auctions. Each bid will cost you $0.60 and make the price go up by 1 penny. If you win you pay the final item price in addition to your bids. If you lose, you do not get your bids back, BUT (here's what makes DealDash different from all the other sites) you can use those bids toward buying the item at the "buy it now" price.

 I'm not hugely into auctions, because I don't like the feeling of losing, but it is something that I would try if I saw something I really wanted at a price I couldn't pass up. Why don't you check it out today and see what you think!

Deal Dash

Disclosure: I have received compensation for writing this post and review, however all the opinions enclosed are my own.

Scouting Sunday #5: Thanksgiving Crafts!

This weeks scouting Sunday is all about.... drumroll please....  THANKSGIVING!

I love Thanksgiving for a couple of reasons.  I love the food and the togetherness, and the fact that once it's over, Christmas is coming!!!!!!!!!!

This week is going to be devoted to my favorite Thanksgiving crafts by fellow bloggers!!!  Remember, if you're scouted, grab a button and feature it proudly on your post!

My first Thanksgiving craft is from Bargain Bound, for their Give Thanks Tree!  I cut mine out this week and got the kids caught up :)  (Will post pictures in an upcoming post once I find my camera charger)

My second Thanksgiving craft pick this week is this cute leaf bunting by No Biggie!  Now, I don't have a cuttlebug or a cricut, but I do have some old fashioned scissors, colorful paper and an embossing tool!  I'm ready to go to work!!

 

I just love this glitter wreath!  I can picture it with so many themes, not just for the fall!  Go check it out over at Homemade by Jill!

Over the Big Moon has some GREAT thanksgiving printables!  Use these on picture frames, small gifts, the big table, or whereever!

 

I'm pretty darn sure I featured Baby Rabies last month, for their monster wreath.... well this month they've done it again, with Thom the Turkey!  Love love love!!  Here's a couple of cute fingerprint and hand/foot print cards and keepsakes that you can take ideas from: And then some non-blogger mentions:

Have you posted a cool how-to, tutorial or inspiration on your blog?  If so, link up below and you could be featured on a future edition of Scouting Sunday!!!

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Saturday Savings #3

Here's some new Saturday savings finds for you, brought to you in a whole new format!!!

1: L'Oreal Mythic Oil Hair Treatment
2. Eucerin Professional Skin repair
3. Free Appetizer or Dessert at Chili's
4. Nine Thanksgiving Crafts to make Free Ebook
5. Free Custom Photo Calendar
6. Free Same Day Shipping On All Orders at Butterfly photo
7. Spend $50, Get Free Shipping on Select Holiday Items at Target


Enjoy the savings!!!

Scouting Sunday #4: Halloween Edition Week 2

Welcome back to Scouting Sunday!  This month, I'll be scouting blogs for Halloween craft ideas!  I'm going to try to make scouting Sunday a regular feature here at This Crafting Life, so please help me out!  If you're scouted, snag a button and feature it on your post proudly!

I love dramatic props, and this DIY Spell Book is no exception!  Check out Through My Looking Glass for their tutorial on how to make your own!

My kids love magnets, and also bugs.  What a perfect combination! I think I'm going to have to make these to go all over my house!  Head over to delia creates to see her tutorial!

 Snowy Bliss is my first featured Halloween Food Post, with her adorable polka dot spider cake tutorial!  Yum and so cute too!

 

Well, now this sounds like a great way to use all those broken crayon pieces I've been saving!  Find out how to create this great drip pumpkin on The Swell  Life.

I know that I featured DIY jars last week, but these are filled with such creative items that I had to share them too!  Head over to A Fanciful Twist for their tutorial today!

 

Number 6 this week is from Vixen Made for her felt pumpkin activity tutorial.  What a great idea for little hands, and there's hours of endless play and no mess!  Great idea!

This one is really simple, so simple in fact that you could probably figure it out from the picture, but I highly urge you to check out the entire post! This blogger has such a cute foyer design that I might have to steal half of it! :)  Check out Thrifty Decor Chick!

This Monster Wreath Tutorial from babyrabies.com is just too cute!  I think if I made the wreath that my kiddo would love making the finishing touches!  Can't wait to try this!

There's my top 8 handpicked craft tutorials from blogs!   If you were mentioned, grab a button and put it on your blog or post!

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Have you posted a Halloween Tutorial on your blog?  If so, share it below and you could be featured on next weeks Scouting Sunday!