The Dainty Daisy

Rosie's Cozies Tips and Ways to Help

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:02:00 +0000

I had mentioned that I would write a post about some tips I received from a wonderful woman at Helen DeVos Children's hospital regarding the hats donated. She was very honest, which I was thankful for. I want to be sure that all the work done on these hats is used! Each of you who have donated put in so much time that I want to make sure it is being put to good use!

So, here are the tips:
1. Use a soft yarn. Sometimes the Sugar 'n' Cream yarn gets a little rough. I also think Red Heart is too rough, unless it's the soft stuff. I suggest Bernat Satin, I Love This Yarn, Red Heart Soft, or any of the baby yarns out there.

2. MUST HAVE STRETCH. The hats need to have stretch to be sure they fit the babies well, but don't hurt their little heads by being to tight. The stretch also helps them stay on their heads. Anyone with suggestions on who to be sure there is more stretch? My only thought is maybe using a larger hook?

3. Preemie sizes are very much needed still! However, there is a need for sizes for babies in the 6-8lb range or so. Not all babies in the NICU are preemies. Some babies come there full term, and they need little hats too.

4. If you would rather not make hats, they also accept bereavement blankets. These should be white. I found this online for measurements:

Preemie Small 12 by 12 inches to 18 by 18 inches

Preemie Medium 20 by 20 inches to 22 by 22 inches

Preemie Large 22 by 22 inches to 24 by 24 inches

Full-Term 26 by 26 inches to 28 by 28 inches

Lastly, I have been debating on posting this or not, and have finally decided to go ahead with it. Many people want to help with Rosie's Cozies in some way, but aren't crocheters or knitters. I don't need any yarn donations, as my stash is insanely huge and the hats take very little yarn.

Right now the biggest cost I have for the project is the UPS box I want to rent. It is $134 for every 6 months. I forget how much it is per year. Paul and I are more than willing to cover this cost, and we will gladly do so regardless. Rosie's Cozies is important to me and $134 is a small fee to pay to keep it going. However, I know that people want to help. People have asked me how THEY can contribute to Rosie's Cozies. This is definitely an area where non-crocheters can help out. The UPS box will be an on-going expense. Again, I want to reinforce that Paul and I are more than willing to cover this cost, but I wanted to give others the opportunity to help with the project that really feel called in some way to support Rosie's Cozies.

If you are interested in helping with this expense click on the "Donate" button on the right sidebar. If I receive an abundance of donations, I will take the overflow to Helen DeVos as a donation.

If you don't feel called to donate financially, prayer is always needed! Prayers that hats keep coming in, and especially prayers for the families and little lives in the NICUs. I know people are blessed through this project.

(On a side note- Megan and Ryan, you are not allowed to donate!) :-) That is all.

Rosie's Cozies Drop-Off

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Have you ever been part of something that was bigger than you had imagined it would be? That took a life of it's own? That was without a doubt the hand of God at work? This entire project for Rosie has been so humbling and amazingly eye-opening at the same time. I know God works, but I really feel like I am part of something God-breathed and directed.

Last week I had the privilege of dropping off the hats so many of you have lovingly created and sent to me. I met with Rosie's parents, Megan and Ryan, at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. This was the first time they were able to see our huge pile of hats, as well as their first visit back to the NICU since their sweet Rosie passed.

I'm not going to lie, I was nervous. I made a phone call to my mom and my sister on the way to the hospital asking for prayers and some encouragement. Why was I nervous? For one, I felt like I was going to be intruding on an emotional moment for Megan and Ryan. This was the first time they returned to the hospital, and I didn't know if there was really a place for me at such an event. I feel honored and blessed that they allowed me to be a part of that and welcomed me to join them.

Second, I have never been to a NICU before. I didn't know what to expect. I have never seen a premature baby, let alone one that was born sooooo early. I was worried I wasn't going to keep it together and if I would be able to handle seeing those sweet little babies fighting so hard to live.

Third, I was worried about the reaction of the hats. Stupid? Yes. I think I wanted so bad to bring something that Megan and Ryan could be proud of. How do you really make something great enough to honor the life of someone's child? I know Megan and Ryan would never be disappointed in what we have done, but I just wanted them to know that there will never be enough done to honor their daughter and their story, as well as the stories of the families with children at Helen DeVos.

Meanwhile, God I'm sure was laughing at me. I can just imagine that He was thinking, "my child, I have done this good work through you, and I will be faithful to complete it."

I met Megan and Ryan in the parking ramp and we headed on up. There is a bridge from the ramp to the hospital. They commented on the familiarity of "that walk." We checked in and headed on up. We were met with their Family Support worker, Amy, who was one amazing woman. She had been in their shoes 12 years previous, and now works at Helen DeVos to help families who are there now.

I was so excited that the entire walk unto the NICU people commented on the hats. The hats that YOU made. Everyone loved them and could not get over how cute they were. Nurses were stopping in to pick out a hat for their little patients and even a mother was there to look through them. Megan put it so perfectly. She mentioned that they couldn't put clothes on Rose, so her "outfit" was her hats. This is all those babies have and their families have to give their little ones a little more character and personality.

Amy brought me on a tour of the NICU, where I was able to see a tiny glimpse into the lives of the families with babies there. I saw the room where Rosie stayed and met her doctor. Just seeing the environment and people involved made me feel even more excited about Rosie's Cozies. It made things more real and the project even more meaningful than it already was.

One tidbit of info not mentioned yet is that Megan is pregnant. She made a comment that hit me hard. Megan told Rosie's doctor that she felt her pregnancy was a blessing from their Rose. Had Rose not passed away, Megan and Ryan would not have this pregnancy they have now. So true.

At the end of our visit I got into my car and the song "Blessings" by Laura Story was on the radio. This is a song so powerful and so perfect for that moment. I was thinking of Megan's words about her current pregnancy while I listened to the lyrics "What if your blessings come through raindrops, what if your healing comes through tears..." I sobbed. I cried for Megan and Ryan's tears, but for the joy of this new blessing. This new blessing could really only come through the raindrops and tears at the loss of sweet Rose. God always has a plan, despite the struggle and pain it is to get there.

Overall, my visit to Helen DeVos with Megan and Ryan was so humbling. Their story is one of may of the families who pray, who plead, who beg for the lives of their child. I am humbled by their strength and their faith.

The hats donated were a huge hit and were beyond appreciated. I am so thankful for those of you who have donated and so graciously and selflessly given to this project. Please know that they are a blessing to those families and even the nurses get so excited for such adorable hats to place on their little babies.

I hope to continue collecting hats for this project and will post soon about some info about what type of yarn and stitch is best. I will post soon of my new PO Box address so you can keep sending hats. Those at Helen DeVos made it very clear that there can never be too many hats.

Thank you, Megan and Ryan, for letting me be a part of your first visit.

Thank you to each of you who have donated hats to honor Rose.

Thank you to those who have prayed for this project and donated to it's cause.

Thank you Helen DeVos Children's Hospital for all you do for those sweet lives and their families.

Thank you to sweet Rose for her life and her legacy.

Most importantly, thank you, Lord, for your goodness. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for blessing Rosie's Cozies, and please continue to bless this project.

Shell Stitch Beanie Video Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:48:00 +0000

I have the best fans. Greatest. When I mentioned needing a video to help explain my shell stitch beanie pattern Laura Muzinic from Midnight Stitches volunteered to help me out. How could I refuse??

Laura has so graciously recorded herself making my shell stitch beanie and explaining my pattern fabulously! Hopefully, this video helps clear up some confusion that some are having with the pattern. Please check out the video below if you are running into some problems.

Oh, and please head to Laura's Facebook page and give her some love and check out her Etsy shop! She wins fan of the year in my book!

Adorable Pillow Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:02:00 +0000

I am in the process of redoing the decor in my main living area. I tend to change something and then let it sit there for five years until my sister, Jill (aka decorating on a budget guru), stops by and starts rearranging things. A couple of weeks ago the hubsters told me that for HIS birthday, he wanted me to spend money redecorating the house with Jill's help. Nicest man ever? Yup. Jill was equally excited.

Jill is the queen of decorating things on a budget. I quickly found a rug on Craigslist and she found some adorable curtain panels on clearance at Target that I ordered. My budget was quickly dwindling from these two purchases, and I had yet to get pillow covers and things for my shelves. As I began to think about how to save money I thought "could I crochet pillow covers?". Yessiree.

I went onto Ravelry and searched and found this pattern.. It was tough to find the right pattern that wasn't going to be too old fashioned looking, and would update my house rather than date it. This pattern was also free, which is ALWAYS a plus.

The pattern was fairly easy to follow. It ended up being smaller than my pillows, so I just added a few more granny square rows around until I felt it was the right size. I used Red Heart Soft and was happy with the bold colors and bit of shine to the yarn.

I am so please with how it turned out! I have one more to make, but wanted to share my first finished project. Again, I am not a photographer, so forgive my poor camera skills.

Free Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:03:00 +0000

I want to apologize for being so absent lately. I know, I know....I just had a baby. However, lately I post pictures of babies, rather than my recent projects. I leave Facebook statuses about motherhood, not crocheting. I know this is my life (and I really honestly love it), but I do miss sitting down at night with a skein yarn, a crochet hook in hand and whipping out some projects.

Yes, I have fit some crochet in here and there, but not to the extent I had. I miss it. I know that my current role as mother of two is much more important and demanding than that of crocheter and I gladly take on the new responsibilities, however crocheting is also part of my identity. Crocheting is my hobby. My passion too.

So, those of you out there who know how to fit it in amidst the poopy diapers, playing with puzzles, wiping noses, rocking a sleeping newborn, episodes of Wonder Pets, and laughing at the conversations of a toddler PLEASE give me the secret.

In the meantime, I'll keep loving on these crazy girls of mine!

ABC's of Me

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:32:00 +0000

A: Anxiety. I hate to start with this one, but "A" comes first :). I am not diagnosed with anything, but I think since completing my degree in counseling I have a much better idea of my own mental health. I for sure have specific things that cause me anxiety....where I feel out of control and freak out a bit. This includes packing for trips, being late anywhere, and sometimes the mess in my house completely overwhelms me. Nothing to debilitating, but something I am much more aware of! Xanax has been my friend here and there!

B: Betsy. My name is just Betsy. Not Elizabeth. I get this question a ton!

C: Cricket. Yes, I have a sister named Cricket. People always give me an odd look when I talk about her if they didn't know and then I have to explain. Her real name is Krista, but when she was born she was little and had big eyes, so the nurses and my dad started to call her Cricket. It has stuck ever since! Her business cards even said Cricket on them.

D: Dutch. In more ways than one! Although I am Dutch as far as blood, I am also cheap. Most things I am more than fine with the off brand and I don't usually like to spend large sums of money at once. When I do, it usually comes along with that anxiety I mentioned before.

E: Evelyn. My newest daughter. She is my 11-11-11 baby. We joke that she is such a good baby now because she was so naughty in the womb. I had morning sickness the entire pregnancy, awful heartburn, and then she surprised us by being breech resulting in an emergency c-section. Good thing she is so cute or she would have been grounded when she came out!

F: Forgetful. My husband says I have the memory of an elephant, and in many instances I do. However, when it comes to things I read in emails or if I have to bring something somewhere I just forget.

G: Green. My favorite color. I'm obsessed. The entire main floor of my house is "dill pickle.". I would paint every room green if it didn't look excessive!

H: Huizinga. My maiden name. I still use my emil address I had before I was married: bhuizinga@gmail.com. I figured it was one small way I could hold into my good ol' Dutch maiden name just a bit :)

I: Isabelle. This is my oldest daughter. We call her Belle for short. She is just over 2 and a pile of energy! I really think she is one of the coolest people I know ( and cutest!)

J: Jesus. Yes, He is real and I believe in Him. Thank goodness too, because without Jesus I would be a hot mess.

K: Kalamazoo, MI. My hometown. I lived there all of my life in the same house until I moved to Grand Rapids for college.

L: Loser...as in I lose everything! The joke in college with my roommates was that they knew they would hear "where's my....." "have you seen my..." "I can't find my...." from me on a daily basis. This must go along with the forgetful part of me.

M: Music. I love it! I sing in a group called Alive. It is one of my favorite parts of my week to meet with this group and sing, but to also worship together. I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing group of people. I also sing at Cornerstone Church. If you live in Grand Rapids you should check it out! (shameless plug)

N: Napper. I am huge napper.....when I get the opportunity. I think that naps in the middle of the day are the best!

O: Opinionated. I have an opinion about most things, and I tend to be very vocal about my opinions. The one thing I shockingly could care less about is politics. I have really no thoughts on most issues, nor do I care to debate them.

P: Paul. My good looking, supportive, hard working hubsters. He is my best friend, even when we really annoy each other :). He is a saint for being with me!

Q: Quick. This is a hard letter, but I can say that I am quick when it comes to crocheting...which I guess I better be, right?

R: Reality TV. I love, love, love reality television. I'm a sucker for Teen Mom, The Real Housewives, Bachelor/Bachelorette, etc.....

S: School Counselor. I am not a school counselor right now, but I just completed my masters degree in May. Someday I will go back to work. The joke is that I am quite the educated stay at home mom.

T: The Cheesecake Factory. Hands down this is my favorite restaurant. Such a huge menu and everything is amazing. I wish Grand Rapids would get one!

U: Unorganized. Terribly. I might organize something one day, but it is inevitably a mess in a week. My mom swears it's part of my A.D.D. (although I'm not officially diagnosed). I like to have my house fairly picked up, but if you one my cupboard and closets you will find a cluttered mess. Out of sight, out if mind, right?

V: Vacation. Who doesn't love vacations? I don't need anything elaborate. I love to camp, or even just a quick weekend away. Michigan makes it easy with all of the lake towns and Chicago so close. As long as I am with my family or just my hubs, I love hanging out doing something different than the every day norm.

W: Wine. I love wine. I have wine almost every night. Oddly enough I have to eat popcorn with my wine. I know it's kind if weird, but I make one amazing bowl of popcorn. So, usually I watch tv, eat popcorn, drink wine, and crochet every night.

X: eXercise Phobic. I couldn't come up with a good word for X, so this is my substitute. I hate to exercise. Too much work. It hurts and then the whole work if the shower, hair, and make up after is just too much work. I wish it was easier to be healthy.

Y: Youngest. I am the youngest if four. I have a brother, Steve, and then my two sisters, Jill and Cricket. We are all two years apart from each other and surprisingly get along very well! We actually truly enjoy each other's company.

Z: Zoo. Paul and I love zoos. It helps that Belle is really into animals right now too. We are hoping to swing by Shedd's Aquarium in Chicago with Belle in the next year. Grand Rapids has a great zoo that is big enough to have some cool animals, but not so big that it takes all day. I love it there!

Poinsettia Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:04:00 +0000

I just completed a Christmas hat with a poinsettia flower on it. Once posted on Facebook I had multiple people ask for the pattern. I got the pattern from here.. I don't usually prefer to crochet from using a chart, but this one seemed alright and I figured it out quickly. Either way, I felt it might help to write it out, so here it is:

Hook Size: H
Yarn: worsted

Flower Petals--make 6
Chain 7
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook and across (6sc)
Row 2: Turn, chain 1, sc in each stitch across (6sc)
Row 3-5: repeat row 2
Row 6: Turn, chain 1, sc, dec, dec, sc (4sc)
Row 7: Turn, chain 1, dec, dec (2sc)
Row 8: Turn, chain 1, dec (1sc). Fasten off.

Weave a piece of yarn through the bottom of the bottoms and pull tight to pull them into a circle and flower shape.

Middle of Flower:
Chain 2
Round 1: 6sc in first chain...do not join
Round 2: 1sc in each stitch around
Round 3: 1 sc in each stitch around
Fasten off. Sew to middle of flower

Leaves--make 2:
Chain 7
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook and across (6sc)
Row 2: Turn, chain 1, sc in each stitch across (6sc)
Row 3-8: repeat row 2
Row 9: Turn, chain 1, sc, dec, dec, sc (4sc)
Row 10: Turn, chain 1, dec, dec (2sc)
Row 11: Turn, chain 1, dec (1sc). Fasten off.
Sew leaves to back of flower.

Voila!

FIRST SALE EVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:30:00 +0000

I realized that I have never done a sale on my patterns before! Such a shame! Right now through tomorrow you can get any of my pattern on Ravelry (I know it's only 4 of them) for 50% off with the code OCT2011. Hurry over there and get them now! You could get all four of my pattern for less than $10! What a steal, huh?

Which one do you want? The new Crabby Hat? Booties? A Baby Cocoon? Hmm...I need to do more pattern creation!

Crabby Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Wow, I have been so MIA lately! I am sorry! I have had a busy few weeks. Paul and I just got back from trip we took to San Francisco for a cousin's wedding, and now I am in major nesting mode for this new baby! All great and exciting things!

I wanted to let you know that my Crabby Hat is ready for sale and I am having a presale before I post it on Etsy. Right now I only have it in newborn size (and want to add more, but my PC is dead and I can't find the cord). Eventually I will add the other sizes and they will be available to those who have purchased the pattern.

If you would like to take advantage of the presale leave a comment with your Paypal email address and I will send you an invoice tonight! This pattern took me a little longer than anticipated, but I am glad it is ready to go now! Thanks for your patience.

God is Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:50:00 +0000

It was high time I gave an update on what has been going on with Rosie's Cozies!

First, I need to thank everyone who has donated so far, and those continuing to donate hats. I am so amazed and blessed by the outpouring of others into this project. I have had hats sent to me from Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Virgina, and even from the UK!! I am sure there are other states in there, but I forgot to write them all down. Whoops!

Currently, the count of hats I have at my house is 259. This added onto the reports of those who have donated to their own NICU or brought hats to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital brings the total to 416!! I know there are even more hats being donated than this, but this is the number we have right now. I have had multiple people say they planned on donating to their own NICUs, so I am rather confident we can inflate this final count so far. As I had planned, I want this to be an ongoing project. I already know of one woman who is consistently dropping hats off at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital on a regular basis now. How this project has grown larger than I imagined!

Today I received a thank you card from Rosie's mom. I was already crying when I saw who it was from, even before I started reading. Her words described how one of their favorite nurses told them that someday they would know why Rosie was born in the manner she was...too soon, too early. Then she wrote "Rosie's Cozies is it! You have fulfilled Rosie's life's purpose." (and now I am crying again as I write this). Never have I received a greater more profound compliment. She continued with how God used me to honor their daughter.

I don't write this to brag. I wanted to share this to show the impact this project has had on others, and will have on those with babies fighting for their lives. I can come up with an idea, but I could not have so lovingly crocheted over 400 hats. I am blessed by the giving of others, and I know Rosie's family is more than touched and overwhelmed by the selflessness of others. For all of you that have crocheted a hat, dropped hats off, mailed hats out, donated items, and prayed for this project...I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't think we really know how far reaching our acts of kindness are until we get a thank you card like the one from Rosie's mom.

Please know that families will be blessed when their little peanuts get a hat with an adorable flower, a football, an owl, or just a cute color scheme. Please keep giving, and please keep crocheting/knitting for others. Whether it be hats for tiny babies or adults who have lost their hair from chemotherapy treatments, please use the gifts God has given you to give back in some way. Sometimes it is just coming up with an idea and laying it out there for others to join.

Rosie's Cozies has equally blessed me and has reminded me of how good people are. People are hurting and we can show them love through small acts of kindness that make a big difference. God is so much bigger than the box we place him into. He took my idea and allowed it to grow exponentially. How much greater His plans are than ours :)

Granny Square Crochet Along

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Recently I have been thinking about what kind of blanket I want to make for this new baby. I have never made a granny square blanket, and really wanted to try my hand at it. It would allow me to use my stash yarn (which I need to start using up), and make something cute for my little bundle a-coming.

How happy was I when I saw this on one of my favorite blogs? Inner Hooker is one of my favorite pattern designers and she is hosting a crochet along with what else? Granny squares! Perfect timing, huh? She is asking everyone to vote on which pattern they like best. Personally, I like the hexagons. What do you think?

Source

Anyone want to do this with me? Mine will probably be a smaller version than the blanket Inner Hooker comes up with because it's for a baby, but it will keep me focused to be working with others! Now to decide on what colors to do!

Pattern Designing

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:42:00 +0000

I am hoping to dive a bit more into a new endeavor-- pattern creation. I have created a few patterns here and there, but I haven't made it into anything real big. Actually, my Etsy shop currently has 0 items for sale. Really? Zero? I need to get on the ball!

My biggest reason for wanting to do more pattern creation is because I am due to have this second baby in early November. I am not planning on making and filling orders after she is born for awhile. I know pattern design involves emailing and support to the buyers, but it eliminates the logistics of figuring out sizing for a client, colors, and how and when payment will happen...as well as product shipment.

Hopefully, this endeavor takes off sooner than later and I can get a few good patterns and pictures on my site soon. I have been brainstorming what types of things to create, but I haven't come up with much that hasn't already been designed by someone else. Any suggestions?

So far the advice I have been given is to include a lot of pictures, which I am not always so good at. Hopefully, I can do better at this. Any other advice?

So, wish me luck and be on the lookout for some new patterns......I hope!

Larger Preemie Hat Size

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:22:00 +0000

I had promised this pattern for awhile now, and had yet to deliver! Here is a slightly bigger version of a preemie size hat. I have made a few of these larger sized hats for Rosie's Cozies for some of those larger babies.

Hook: H (I also used an E hook for one of the hats and it still fit Rosie (1lb 7oz), so please feel free to use different hook sizes to vary the hat sizes)
Yarn: I used worsted weight, as well as other weighted yarns. It created different sizes, which I think is just fine for this project as babies are going to have varying head sizes.

Round 1: Chain 2. Make 10sc into first chain made. Join with sl st to first sc. (10sc)
Round 2: Chain 2 (this is not considered the first dc). 2dc into same stitch and in each stitch around. Join to first dc (20 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in next stitch, (1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch) around. Join to first dc. (30dc).
Round 4: Chain 2. 1dc in same stitch and in next 4 stitches, 2dc in next stitch, (dc in next 5 stitches, 2dc in next stitch) around. Join (35dc)
Round 5: Chain 2: 1dc in same stitch and each stitch around. Join (36dc)
Rounds 6-7: Repeat Round (if you plan on adding earflaps, skip Round 8)
Round 8: Option A: Chain 1. Sc in same stitch and each stitch around. Join. (30sc)
Option B (scalloped edge): Chain 1. Sc in same stitch, chain 2, (sc in next stitch, chain 2)around. Join. (30sc) (see hat below in white and blue to see this edge)

Clutch Review from Something Diane Made

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:55:00 +0000

I love the blogging community. I am continually amazed at the connections I make with people from all over, but also from those who shared my hometown! Diane from Something Diane Made is one of those friends in my bloggy/Internet world. Oddly enough, we went to high school together, but never really knew each other then. We reconnected in the world of blogging and social networking and have shared a love for crochet and crafting.

Recently Diane sent me one of her newest products, an adorable clutch purse. I was more than thrilled when I saw this fabulous purse! My first thought was that it would be the cutest and perfect sized purse for a pack of wipes and dipes. Am I in baby mode or what?!?! I then smartened up and told myself that this cute little bag was all mine and NOT to be used for baby items. I was keeping this one for myself. However, for those of you looking for a cute dipes/wipes case, this would be ideal!

Diane has tons of patterns and colors to choose from, as well as the option for a crocheted flower (obviously, this lady opted for anything crochet!). It is the perfect size for the essentials: lip gloss, wallet, cell phone, and keys. Perfect for a night out without dragging all of the junk I shove into my other purses because I am too lazy to clean them!

Diane is so sweet. She was the first person to give me a gift for Baby Thompson #2 and has donated some insanely cute hats to Rosie's Cozies! She is also so sweet that she is offering a pre-sale on these clutches on Facebook before listing them in Etsy.

From now until Wednesday you can purchase one (or 2,3,10...) of these for $20 and FREE SHIPPING! Don't you hate paying for shipping?!?! After Wednesday they will be listed in her Etsy shop for $24 and $2.50 shipping. So what are you waiting for? Get a headstart on that Christmas shopping!

Rosie's Cozies is Ready for Action!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Alrighty, I was a busy bee today running around town and making phone calls! I wanted to make sure that before we started this project that I had all of my bases covered! First, I got myself a P.O. Box. No, I do not think that my readers are crazy stalkers ready to hunt me down. I do, however, feel that there are crazy stalkers out there that I would rather not have find my home address if they happen to stumble upon my blog.

Next, I called Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. I told the lovely woman on the phone what we were working on and she was was more than ecstatic. She said that the hospital can use hats from micro-preemie size all the way up through adult size. I am providing the preemie hat pattern I used for Rosie's hats, but it clearly sounds like hospitals in general need all sizes, so if you feel so moved please make some hats for all ages.

I have also had a lot of people ask if they could donate money for yarn and things. I do not need money for yarn (just ask my husband), as I have an insane stash of yarn and these hats take so little. However, my sister spoke with Rosie's mom, Megan, who said that donating to the hospital would be a great avenue for these funds as there are some families who stay at the hospital while their babies are in the NICU. Money could help support this program for those families. I am posting a DONATE link on the side of my blog for anyone interested in donating to Rosie's Cozies, and I can be sure the money makes it to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Or, you can always send the check to them yourself as they can probably give you a receipt for tax purposes.

For finished hats to be donated to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital as part of Rosie's Cozies, please mail them to me at:

Betsy Thompson

P.O. Box 8331

Grand Rapids, MI 49518

Okay, so without further ado.....that major basic beanie hat pattern I used for little Miss Rosie, as well as the add-ons to jazz the hats up. I have not tested any of these patterns since I wrote them up, so please let me know if something is written wrong.

These patterns are not to be rewritten and sold elsewhere. Please feel free to use them for personal use, for donated items, and items you would like to sell.

Hook: H (I also used an E hook for one of the hats and it still fit Rosie (1lb 7oz), so please feel free to use different hook sizes to vary the hat sizes)
Yarn: I used worsted weight, as well as other weighted yarns. It created different sizes, which I think is just fine for this project as babies are going to have varying head sizes.

Round 1: Chain 2. Make 10sc into first chain made. Join with sl st to first sc. (10sc)
Round 2: Chain 2 (this is not considered the first dc). 2dc into same stitch and in each stitch around. Join to first dc (20 dc)
Round 3: Chain 2. 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in next stitch, (1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch) around. Join to first dc. (30dc).
Round 4: Chain 2: 1dc in same stitch and each stitch around. Join (30dc)
Rounds 5-7: Repeat Round 4. (if you plan on adding earflaps, skip Round 8)
Round 8: Option A: Chain 1. Sc in same stitch and each stitch around. Join. (30sc)
Option B (scalloped edge): Chain 1. Sc in same stitch, chain 2, (sc in next stitch, chain 2)around. Join. (30sc) (see hat below in white and blue to see this edge)

To add earflaps:
Row 1: Sl st in next 5sc to left of joining seam. Chain 2. Dc in same stitch and in next 5 stitches. (5dc)
Row 2: Chain 2. Turn. Decrease dc over same stitch and next stitch, 1dc in next stitch, decrease dc over next 2 stitches (3dc)
Row 3: Chain 2. Turn. Decrease dc over same stitch and next stitch. 1dc in last stitch. (2dc)
Row 4: Chain 2. Turn. Decrease dc over same stitch and next stitch. Finish off (1dc)

Next Earflap:
Sl st in 11sc to the left of first earflap made. Chain 2. Dc in same stitch and in next 5 stitches (5dc)
Repeat Rows 2-4.
Sc evenly around bottom of hat edge and earflaps.

FLOWERS:

Flower A:

Chain 4. Join to make a circle.

Chain 10. Slst into circle. Continue this multiple times until you have a ball of petals. Finish off.

Flower B:

Follow this link for the flower.

Flower C:

This can be found on Ravelry here.

Flower D:

I used a version of this I think. You can find it here.

Monkey Ears:

Round 1: Chain 2. 6sc in first chain. Do not join. Continue into next Round.

Round 2: 2sc in each sc (12sc) Do not join.

Round 3: 1sc in each stitch around. Finish. Leave a long tail so you can sew it to the side of the hat.

To make inner ears I just did Round 1 and finished it off and then glued it to the outside ear.

Owl Hat:

Eyes (make 2):
Round 1:With Color A, Chain 2. 7sc in first chain. Join. (7sc)
Round 2: With Color B, Chain 2. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (14dc)
Round 3: Chain 1. 1 sc in each stitch around. Join. Finish. (14sc)
I added eyebrows by making a short row of sc with a different color at the top of the eye.

Beak:
Row 1: Chain 4. Sc in second chain from hook and in each chain across (3sc)
Row 2: Chain 1. Turn. Decrease sc across same stitch and next. Sc in last stitch (2 sc)
Row 3. Chain 1. Turn. Decrease sc across same stitch an next. Finish. (1sc)

Ears were tied to the top of the hat with 6 strands of yarn.

Let's be sure that we make boy hats, as well as girly hats. You can make a basic beanie with some stripes to add a bit of pizazz, instead of the flower we add for the girly ones.

I hope that I have posted enough to inspire and a pattern that is easy enough to follow! I don't want to put a date for everything to be sent, as I would like this to be an on-going project, however there is a photographer that would love to take some pictures of the hats when we get them in. I hope to be able to do this in the next month, so if you would like to see your hats in some pics, try to send them by August 15th.

I can't wait to see the hats that are created in honor of this little life gone too soon.

In Honor of Rosie

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:19:00 +0000

My last post I had mentioned a little baby who was born far too soon, Rosie. Rosie was born at 23 weeks at a tiny 1lb 7oz. Despite all of the prayers and people hoping for a miracle, God decided to take little Rosie home to be with Him.

I had made hats for Rosie while she was in the NICU. I have no idea what it is like to have an child fighting for his or her life. I cannot relate to the fear, the sadness, and utter desperation that Rosie's parents must have felt as they cherished every moment with their daughter. In essence, we are all pretty helpless in that situation. I did the only things I knew I could do: pray and crochet. I felt that if I could give this family just something to brighten their day, then it was better than nothing at all. I assume that most hospital hats aren't the cutest, so I was more than excited to try to make some adorable goodies for Rosie.

This alone has really inspired me to want to do more. I have asked Megan, Rosie's mom, if she was okay with me going ahead with this project as I want to make sure I am respecting their family first and foremost. Her response to my email was:

"Betsy, I started crying when I read this. I love this idea...Rose's hats were such a hit, and a spot of light for us during those horrible two weeks. What a beautiful gesture, I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me. I am completely honored. Thank you so much for the idea."

So, what is my idea? I hope to post the basic beanie pattern I used for Rosie's hats, in hopes that people will crochet up a few hats, add some flowers, a bow, etc, mail them to me, and I will donate them to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital here in Grand Rapids, MI in honor of Rosie. Ideally, I would love for this to be an on-going project that anyone can participate in whenever they are able. Also, if you would rather donate them to your own NICU, that is great too! I know there are bitty babies all over who need some hat love too. I would love for school or church crocheting clubs to take this on as a project!

I am trying to come up with a good name for this project like "Rosie's Hats," or hopefully something more exciting (I am open to ideas!). At this point this is my initial idea, and I would love to hear feedback from those who would love to join this effort with me--or even those willing to learn to crochet to donate a few hats! I am also open to ideas from anyone who has done something similar. For now, I just want to give to those families who are fighting for their babies like Rosie's family and friends fought for her. A gesture of a donated hat may seem small, but I think to those families who are hurting it goes much further than we can imagine.

In the meantime, I asked for continued prayer for the DeVries family as they mourn the loss of Rosie. Jesus is holding their little girl until they get to see her again.

So, who is in? I hope to write up my pattern in the next week or so, and post it soon.

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:13:00 +0000

I have seriously neglected this blog over the past month! It is time to fill you in on what we have been doing and projects I have worked on.

First, my personal life is going great! I am 19 weeks pregnant and we just found out that we are having another little girl. We are overjoyed and thankful for a healthy little girl. I can't wait to start making her and Belle matching hats for the winter :-) Below are some pictures of Baby Girl Thompson:

My crocheting has taken a bit of a back seat to the busy-ness of summer. I have been completing projects, but not near as many as I would like to, so I think I am back in the saddle and ready to get those hooks moving. I just finished a project for a friend who is due in 3 weeks. She wanted a soccer ball hat, and I found the PERFECT pattern here at My Sweet Potato 3. The pattern is the best I have found to represent soccer ball and the hat turned out great! The designer was also EXTREMELY helpful and answered any question I had.

The most recent project I have been working on are some micro preemie hats. My sister's friend delivered her baby at 23 weeks. Rosie was born at 1lb 7oz and is currently fighting for her life. Her birth story is unreal and amazing all at the same time you can read it here in the words of her parents:

"Rosanna was born unexpectedly on Sunday, June 12th at 10:30am. She was 23 weeks and 2 days along. “Rose,” “Rosie” was delivered by her terrified father in our master bathroom and kept alive by her amazing, professional mother performing CPR until the medics arrived. Rose was rushed to the hospital and welcomed by a group of 40 people consisting of nurses, doctors, techs, social workers and chaplains. She was born 1 pound and 7 ounces and has more hair on her head than her sister!"

So, since posting about this on my Facebook page I have had many people ask to see pictures of the hats and to know the yarn and pattern I use. In all honesty, I think sizing for micro-preemies is the hardest. I have never seen a baby that small in my life and can only guess what will work, therefore I have made little Rosie quite a few hats with some differences in sizing. I figure that if some are too small they can be donated to the NICU for a baby who has a smaller head and if they are too big then Rosie will grow into them. This is the least I can do for Rosie, her parents, and her big sister.

Obviously, prayer is the greatest thing I can do for this family and I beg that you join me in praying for this little peanut as she fights for her life. I pray God gives her parents strength, peace, and that He reveals His plan to them.

Below are the hats I have made for Rosie:

Dinosaur Cocoon

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:01:00 +0000

I love when I have customers who request items I haven't made before. It challenges me and I love watching a new design unfold. I recently had a customer who asked for a baby cocoon set with a dinosaur applique. I have struggled in the past to find a good dinosaur patten, but I ran across this one the other day from Coats and Clark:

I have to admit--the sweater itself is ugly. I can't say that I would ever crochet a boy a sweater with a massive dinosaur applique. Ugh. A little too cheesy for me. However, a baby cocoon is a different story! Also, why is it that some of the free patterns from yarn sites show the final product in such awful colors? Does anyone else feel like that?

The pattern itself calls for an H hook, but I chose to use an F hook, and I am glad I did. It is a large applique and a baby cocoon isn't that big. The customer wanted blues, white, and orange, so I had fun playing around with colors and a design. This is what I came up with:

I like the idea of the dinosaur wrapping around the side of the cocoon, rather than straight on. I think it makes it more visually appealing.

I have had many people ask which pattern I use for the cocoon. I actually use a basic beanie pattern and make it longer. I increase up to 54 stitches and then make it about 18-20 rows in length. My new niece born a few weeks ago was a good reminder of how tiny newborn are and that I don't have to make cocoons too wide or long. Babies are supposed to fit snuggly inside!

April

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Much has been happening in my neck of the woods! We welcomed a new niece, Lucy Rae, into the family on April 21. She is all sorts of cute and so far has proven to be a great baby. Of course I had to get her some Dainty Daisy gear to wear her first day into the world! She doesn't look very impressed.

Paul and I also just spent our first weekend away from Belle while staying at home! Paul's family took her for the weekend because we were busy with a wedding. It was a great break and I feel like a refreshed mother! I highly recommend it!

The crochet world has slowed down a bit for me. This usually happens as warmer weather starts. I have been making some fun newborn hats to keep on inventory, and following up with other newborn orders/gifts. I also have some orders to complete before November--when Baby T is supposed to debut.

On a pregnancy note, things are going well! I have been taking Zofran for the nausea and I am almost finished with 1st trimester. Paul and I will find out the sex in a couple of months and I cannot wait!

I am still working on that soccer ball hat, as well as a basketball hat. I hope to get them figured out soon so I can show them off!! Cross your fingers I figure them out! I am very open to suggestions.

Soccer Ball Hat?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:13:00 +0000

I have had a request to make a basketball hat and a soccer ball hat. I LOVE challenges and making some new things! Currently, the basketball hat is in the works and turning out okay. The soccer hat....well that's another story. I have the basics down for the look, but it is turning it into a hat that has been a struggle. I have chosen to make it in sort of a granny square format of pentagons and hexagons. I will post a picture if when I complete the hat and hopefully give some tips on how I did it. Anyone out there ever make a soccer ball hat and can offer me some tips?

On another note, I bought a pom pom maker and it has changed my life! My pom poms are uniform and I can whip one up in less than 5 minutes. I LOVE IT! Go get one!

Within my personal life I am trucking along with the pregnancy. I will be 11 weeks on Wednesday. Pants are tighter and the nausea is hanging around. All is as it should be :-) Next week I have an appointment with the doctor and can't wait to hear that little heartbeat! My sister has a c-section this week to deliver her 2nd child and I am beyond excited to welcome my new niece or nephew! Say a little prayer for Cricket, Jon, and Owen this week that all goes well and they bring home a healthy little bundle!

Babies and Hookin'

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:34:00 +0000

So sorry for my lack of blogging lately! I am on Spring break and relishing every moment. Well, most moments. Pregnancy nausea has been in full effect for the past three weeks, but I am managing fine.

When I was pregnant with Belle I swore the fridge had a gag-inducing stench. Paul never smelled it, but was a fabulous husband and bleached it for me twice! This time around, the smell came back...AND Paul could smell it too. This is a smell I would anticipate to the point I would plug my nose before opening the fridge, but still end up gagging because I was imagining I could still smell it! Again, Paul bleached the fridge, but to no avail. However, today I discovered the mystery! Note to self: Do not leave leftover broccoli way in the back of your fridge and forget about it for over a week. Ugh! Once I took care of the culprit the fridge smelled like a new appliance, and I was a MUCH happier preggers! (I promise I don't keep old rotting food in my fridge on a regular basis!)

Okay, so enough about my fridge dilemma. I have been trying to get back in the groove of my crocheting. I have been able to finish projects, but not as fast as I would like. I choose to take naps during Belle's nap times and at the end of the day I am more concerned with keeping food in my stomach to avoid nausea. Needless to say, I am nursing my pregnancy and haven't had a chance for new projects.

Next week is my very last week of this internship, April 26 is my last day of class, and the first week of May is bye-bye to 1st trimester! So many new crochet projects I am ready to get started on, so stay tuned! I am hoping to get an inventory of newborn hats in my stash in order to keep up on orders in the future. I can't wait to get creative with those little tiny hats.

Oh and for future reference, I am assuming any orders for Christmas should be taken now. Baby T is due early November, so I don't foresee much hookin' happening before the holidays. There will be a lot of baby cuddling instead :-) Get this orders in now so I can complete them before Fall!

Kind of a random post :-)

Baby: Round 2

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:01:00 +0000

It's official! The Thompson clan is growing! Belle is going to be a big sister! The big due date is November 9, and we couldn't be more excited!

With the excitement comes some fear too! How in the world am I going to go grocery shopping with two little munchkins? Will I ever see sleep in the first couple of months of this peanut's life? When Paul is at work, how do I take care of 2 children all by myself? Will I be capable?? All in all, I know things will be fine and it will be another life adjustment. I will be okay and I will figure it out...right?

The pregnancy is still early, so prayers for everything to progress healthy and safe is much appreciated. We definitely don't take this little blessing for granted and we hope to hear a strong heartbeat in a few weeks. :-)

Looks like I have another little head to crochet some goodies for! It is always so much fun when it is for one of my own munchkins!

Home Stretch!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:06:00 +0000

I am in the home stretch! Finally! I have 8 more days of my internship left! This means that I have four days next week, Spring break, and then four more days and I will officially have completed 700 hours of internship experience!

I honestly feel like this has been the longest haul! I chose to go to grad school now, even though I don't plan on going back to work until I finish having babies, because I want to be able to go back to work (not school) when I get back into the work world.

Many things have suffered or have had to make changes due to my decision to get my masters degree.

My Tuesday nights. Since August of 2008 I have devoted almost EVERY Tuesday night to class (6-10pm) and a few of my weekends. I think that Tuesdays will be my new favorite day after I complete my classes.
3-4 of my weekdays. My internship has taken up 25-30 hours of my life during the week since August 2010.
My loving mother, sisters, and sister-in-law have graciously babysat Belle during the week, so I can go to my internship. Nothing beats free childcare by family. NOTHING.
My stress level has sky rocketed. I hate deadlines, busy-ness, and staying organized. I am not the poster child for having everything in my life together. I am easily overwhelmed and I have definitely suffered from anxiety. The thought of never having to write another paper, take another test, or head off to my internship while trying to make sure Belle has dipes, wipes, clothes, a sippy, a paci, her blankey (blah, blah, blah) is so refreshing!
My poor husband. He has been a saint through all of this. He has dealt with my anxiety attacks over piled up laundry, my exhaustion from running around like a crazy person, and supporting me through the past 3 years (most days :-) I think he secretly CANNOT wait for this all to be over).
My crochet time! I have had a hard time completing orders in a timely manner and trying some new patterns. I have had papers to write and books to read, so the crochet hooks have taken a bit of a backseat. I have kept up as best a can, but my patient customers have been SO fabulous and understanding.

So, by April 14 I will be done with my internship hours, April 26 is my last day of class (ever!), and May 14 is the official graduation date. Doesn't this look pretty (although, I have no where to write this)?

Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:46:00 +0000

I wanted to post to thank everyone for the success of the blog auction for my sister and her husband's adoption of a little boy in Ethiopia. This is a late thank-you, but I figured late was better than never!

By the end of everything we ended up at $2173! Such a HUGE success and a great addition to their other donations. They are getting closer to bringing this guy home!

Please keep praying for them as they wait for their referral. Ethiopia is changing their adoption process and makes things a bit scary. We are hoping that by this time next year they will have their little guy home!

LAST DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsy Thompson) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:07:00 +0000

I know that I have been a bit overkill on promoting the auction through this blog and Facebook, but I am really praying that we can reach our goal of $2000 by midnight tonight. We are just $150 short of this goal and I know we can get there! If any of you are thinking about bidding make sure you do it today before midnight, or if you would rather donate than bid, click on the "donate" button on the side of the blog and you can make a donation.

$2000 would allow Jill and Jason to buy one plane ticket (they need to buy 4 overall because they have to fly to Ethiopia twice). We are so appreciative of all of the donations and the bids we already have! I am so blessed by the outpouring of generosity we have seen from people we don't even know!

I spoke to Jill yesterday and was laughing about how my original goal was $500 and we have far exceeded that. Jill said "that is what happens when we put God in a box." So true! He has completely taken this auction and exceeded our goals and expectations! He sure is good!