Little Girl Crochet Handwarmers

I finally did it!  I wrote my first ever crochet pattern!  I tried to find a free online pattern that worked well, but none were satisfactory (to me), so I wrote my own!  Please feel free to use this pattern for yourself, but do not redistribute without permission.  It is my original pattern - Give credit where credit is due!

This pattern fits my daughters' hands (ages 2 and 5) perfectly.

Materials:

Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook. 

Worsted weight yarn (4)(color of your choice)

Large eyed blunt needle (for weaving in ends)

Scissors

Abbreviations: 

CH = chain

SL ST = slip stitch

HDC = half double crochet

CH 18. SL ST into beginning CH.  (taking care not to twist chain)

Round 1:  CH 2. HDC in each CH. SL ST into top of beginning CH2. (18 HDCs)

Round 2:  CH 2. HDC in each HDC. SL ST into top of beginning CH2. (18 HDCs)

Round 3-7: repeat round 2

Round 8 (increase row):  CH 2.  2 HDC in first HDC space. HDC in next 8 HDC spaces. 2 HDC in next HDC space. HDC in next 8 HDC spaces. SL ST into top of beginning CH2.  (20 HDCs)

Round 9:  CH 2. HDC in each HDC.  SL ST into top of beginning CH2.  (20 HDCs)

Round 10 (hole for thumb):  CH 2.  HDC in each HDC around until last 2 HDC spaces. CH 2.  SL ST into top of beginning CH2.  (18 HDCs + 2 CH). 

Round 11:  CH 2. HDC in each HDC around. 1 HDC in both CH spaces (created for thumb hole). SL ST into top of beginning CH2. (20 HDCs). 

Rounds 12 & 13:  CH 2. HDC in each HDC around.  SL ST into top of beginning CH2. (20 HDCs)

Finish off and weave in ends. 

Thumb hole:  make slip knot on hook, attach yarn to 1 stitch using a SL ST.  CH 2.  Create 6-8 HDCs evenly around thumb hole.  

Finish off and weave in ends.

The Key To Taking Pictures {Workshop} 2012

Have I mentioned that I LOVE following Katie Evans Photography Blog?  I am always sure to check out her latest posts and editing tips.  I've been wanting to attend a photography workshop for some time now, but they never seem to come to Washington State.  Well Katie Evans is coming to Seattle on June 23rd and I want nothing more than to attend her workshop!

She's running a contest right now that will give away one workshop admission (valued at $225) and I really want to win!  Head on over to her page and see what you have to do for a chance at attending one of her workshops for free (or for info on how to purchase a spot).  She has a few different dates and locations to choose from.

Katie Evans Workshop Giveaway

I Heart Faces

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2012/01/best-face-photo-challenge/

Collage Wall

My latest project has taken me forever to complete.  It was also VERY frustrating to arrange and display!  For some reason when it comes to printing out pictures I am a huge slacker!  Framing them always presents hard decisions for me because I love so many of the pictures I have, it's hard to choose just one or two to frame!

Once I got all of the pictures printed out and framed the hard part was arranging the photos and attaching them to the wall.  I first arranged them on the floor, taking pictures (otherwise I NEVER would've remembered where they all went).

Hanging them on the wall was so frustrating, I can't even begin to tell you!  My walls are so tough, it was like trying to drive a nail through the sidewalk.  I ran out of nails, bent several, and did this all by my lonesome.  Usually I rely on Matt to help me hang things on the wall, but he had to go to bed (he works graveyards) so I did it by myself!  I'm sure all that banging on the wall kept him up anyway though.  Every time I wanted to bring another picture from the floor to the wall I had to put the bulk of them on the wall first to make sure I was getting my spacing semi-right.  And if course I couldn't drive another nail into the wall without first removing all of the pictures I had already hung.  I made the mistake of skipping that step several times and ended up with my pictures flying off the wall and crashing to the ground.

I saw this project on many craft blogs before I attempted it.  I wonder if their projects were as trying of their patience as mine was?

Guest Post!!!!

Hey readers!  Today is the day of my guest post over at Scissors & Spatulas so head on over and get the full story on my DIY Play Kitchen with updated pictures!

Here are some more photos for you to see!

Before and After

Here are some photos I edited in hopes of making them more appealing!