The Kansas Hooker

Dusting off the needles....

2013-03-18T18:51:00.003-05:00

It's spring break for us here in Kansas. Last, Friday was absolutely gorgeous; 80 degrees, bright and sunny. Then , in one fail swoop the temperature plummeted on Sarturday and has been struggling to creep back into the 50's.
I got the urge to knit. So, I dug out some Suga and Cream cotton and my truty size 7 bamboos and presto!(Well, maybe not that quick, but by Suday night...) I had these two done.

Owl potholder(pattern)

Butterfly pattern

In progress......

Arm knitting....

2013-03-15T15:23:00.001-05:00

This was just wayyy tooo fun! I've needed a kick in the pants for a long time to get my fiber mojo back and this project was just the thing to do it. I was wandering Pinterest one day and came across this link in the DIY section. Out of curiosity, I followed it and was instantly interested in trying it. So off to Michael's for a quick purchase of super bulky yarn(Cozy Wool by Loops and Threads) and couldn't wait to get started. The entire project took under an hour. That is binding off and sewing the ends of the scarf together. talk about instant gratification! I'm just sad I didn't find this earlier in the year when I was searching for Christmas gifts, I think my college-age DD and friends would have loved getting these in various colors.

So, here is the link Arm Knitting and good luck and have fun!

Wanna share in a little celebration with me? An editor from the magazine Crochet Today contacted me and wants to use a picture of my Joplin Vest in an upcoming issue of the magazine. My non-fiber friends just don't understand how excited I am that the magazine took notice of me and my little blog. Wheeeee!

You can see it's creation here: Caroline's Joplin Vest

Granny Owl Squares

2013-02-26T11:33:00.003-06:00

I've been toying with this pattern found here.

It's a snow day for us here in the heartland, so hopefully you'll see more!

Lambie Pie

2013-01-29T22:39:00.000-06:00

While losing myself on the internet this Saturday afternoon, browsing blogs and shops at my leisure. I came across this lil' lambie pie. Isn't he cute? I was quite taken by him. I pinned him, favorited him, and did whatever else was necessary, so I could go back and find him and look at him again and again. So this Sunday morn when I awoke, I decided to free-hand a lambie pie of my own:

In other news, I've been working on a simple ripple scarf...the yarn is yummy. I picked this up in the mountains of North Carolina when I was there for a family reunion this summer. I think it was at a yarn store in a town called Blowing Rock.

Be healthy and safe........Click on here if you want to go the link for the original lambie pie.

When the bloggee is away......

2013-01-23T16:25:00.002-06:00

.....the hooks, needles, and fiber are still at play!

Here is a seed stitch cowl that has been on my needles for the past month. It was slow going because I chose a size 8 needle but that matched the yarn perfectly. I got this yarn at my LY,S that sadly closed its doors for good over the the holiday break. I picked up about 12 skeins of beautiful yarn each at more than 50% off it's list price. This is a beautiful silk, cotton, baby alpaca blend. Sooo soft and comfy. I am going to love wearing this to work and out and about.

This was a custom order that I did for a gal at work who requested it. I used a free earflap hat pattern then winged the face by looking a pics on Ravelry. For my first "face" hat I thought he came out cute. It looked even better on the baby!!!!

2012-12-31T10:07:00.001-06:00

Here's to a happy and healthy new year for you and all the people you care about in 2013!

Project collage 2012

This is just a sampling of my projects this year. I kind of got behind keeping track of my projects in September, October, November, and December.

What time is it? Adventure Time!

2012-11-01T11:07:00.002-05:00

Here is my DS Halloween costume. He was thrilled at how it turned out. I used tutorials here and here.

Really?

2012-10-31T08:42:00.002-05:00

Really? This is really a pattern out there to make? Really?

:-)

Bun-Bun Tri-Ami

2012-10-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

Materials:

Small amount of white ww yarn

Polyester stuffing

9mm safety eyes

Needle/embroidery thread

G hook

Bun-Bun is worked in continuous rounds, do not join.

Magic circle: 4 sc into center of circle.

Rd. 1 2 sc into each sc around(8sc)
Rd. 2 sc in each stitch around(8sc)

Rd. 3 2sc in next stitch , then sc in next, repeat 3 more times(12sc)

Rd. 4 sc in each stitch around(12sc)

Rd. 5 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat 3 more times(16sc)

Rd. 6 sc in each stitch around(16sc)

Rd. 7 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 3 stitches; repeat 3 more times(20sc)

Rd. 8 sc in each stitch around(20sc)

Rd. 9 2sc in next stitch, then sc in eaco of next 4 sc, rpet 3 more times(24sc)

Rd. 10-12 sc in each stitch around(24sc)

Rd. 13 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 5 sc; repeat 3 more times(28sc)

Rd. 14 sc in each stitch around(28sc)

Rd. 15 2sc in next stich, then sc ineach of the next 6 stitches; repeat 3 more times(32sc)

Rd. 16 sc in each stitch around(32sc)

Rd. 17 3sc in next stitch, sc in each of the next 16 stitches then 3sc in next stitch then sc in next 16 stitches.

Rd. 18-20 sc in each stitch

Leave a long tail, fasten off.

Ears(make 2)

Magic circle- 3sc in center of circle

Rd. 1 sc in each stitch around(3sc)
Rd. 2 2sc in next stitch, then sc in following stitch, repeat 2 more times(6sc)

Rd. 3 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 2 sc, repeat 2 more times(9sc)

Rd. 4 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 3 sc, repeat 2 more times(12sc)

Rds 5-8 sc in each stitch around

Rd. 9 sc dec in next stitch, then, sc in next 2 sc, repeat 2 more times(9sc)

Rd. 10 sc dec in next stitch, then sc in next 2 c, repeat 2 more times(6sc)

Fasten off

Tail

Make a pom-pom( I love this tutorial using a fork to make a small pom-pom, perfect size for Bun-Bun)

Assembly:

• Attach safety eyes

• Using black embroidery floss, stitch nose slightly lower and in between eyes(refer to pictures).

• Stuff body, use the eraser end of pencil to get stuffing into the top of your Tri-ami.

• Whip stitch bottom seam close
• Attach pom-pom to back of Tri-ami.

• For adding pink hue to cheeks and ears, use powder blush from your make up stash. Use a Q-tip or your pinky finger to apply.

Other patterns in the Tri-ami series:

Lil Piggy

Mouse

More to come!

A lil' more pumpkin love.......

2012-10-18T08:31:00.000-05:00

Dusty back from the groomers........

Lil' Piggy Tri-ami

2012-10-11T20:49:00.002-05:00

Materials:

Small amount of pink ww yarn

Polyester stuffing

9mm safety eyes

Needle/embroidery thread

G hook

Lil’ pig is worked in continuous rounds, do not join.

Magic circle: 4 sc into center of circle.

Rd. 1 2 sc into each sc around(8sc)

Rd. 2 sc in each stitch around(8sc)

Rd. 3 2sc in next stitch , then sc in next, repeat 3 more times(12sc)

Rd. 4 sc in each stitch around(12sc)

Rd. 5 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat 3 more times(16sc)

Rd. 6 sc in each stitch around(16sc)

Rd. 7 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 3 stitches; repeat 3 more times(20sc)

Rd. 8 sc in each stitch around(20sc)

Rd. 9 2sc in next stitch, then sc in eaco of next 4 sc, rpet 3 more times(24sc)

Rd. 10-12 sc in each stitch around(24sc)

Rd. 13 2sc in next stitch, then sc in each of next 5 sc; repeat 3 more times(28sc)

Rd. 14 sc in each stitch around(28sc)

Rd. 15 2sc in next stich, then sc ineach of the next 6 stitches; repeat 3 more times(32sc)

Rd. 16 sc in each stitch around(32sc)

Rd. 17 3sc in next stitch, sc in each of the next 16 stitches then 3sc in next stitch then sc in next 16 stitches.

Rd. 18-20 sc in each stitch

Leave a long tail, fasten off.

Ears(make two)

Ears are made in rows.

Chain 8

Row 1 sc in second chain from hook and in each sc(7sc); chain 1, turn

Row 2- sc in first stitch, then sc in each stitch across;(7sc) chain 1, turn

Rows 3-6 repeat Row 2

Fold crocheted square in half and slip stitch around edges to form triangle.

Tail

Chain 12

Row 1 3 sc second chain from hook and in each chain to end. It should turn into a darling curly-q for you piggy’s behind.

Snout:

Magic circle, 6 sc in circle, join with slip-stitch and gently pull close

Fasten off.

Assembly:

· Place safety eyes between rows 6 & 7

· Stitch nose to just below and in between the eyes. Refer to picture.

· Using black embroidery floss and needle, place two stitches for nostrils.

· Attach ears to either side of piggy’s head. Refer to picture

· Stuff, use the eraser end of a pencil to get the stuffing up in the top of the tri-ami.

· Whip-stitch the bottom close.

· Attach tail to backside of piggy.

· Enjoy!

Other Tri-ami patterns: Mouse
Santa ornament/topper
Christmas tree ornament/topper

Havin' me some autumn love!

2012-09-30T10:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday all! I'm excited to show you some autumn love I've been having. Look at these pumpkins! I think they came out really cute. I've made a total of 4 already, but 2 have flown the coop all ready and are in their new homes. It's been fun plowing through my fabric scraps and notions to find things to embellish with, Hopefully there'll be more to share.

Lastly, I have to leave you with some tried and true fat-free favorites, I make these year after year and friends and family alike are always clamoring for more.

Happy Crafting!

Completed projects!

2012-09-24T15:58:00.003-05:00

Hi all! I thought I'd take a few spare moments that I have at the end of the day and post 2 projects I completed over the weekend. The first Tah-Dah is the baby blanket I was working on. I love the colors and I think its going to be just perfect for the little boy its meant for.

The second project I stumbled across while I was "Pinteresting" early Sunday morning.

You can find her blog and the tutorial here. Mine is not near as cute as hers, I'm hoping mine will improve when I try again. Wish me luck!

New plants....

2012-09-18T10:39:00.001-05:00

I was a mom of small kids for years.....Austen and Taylor, then when they were 8 and 10 along came Devin and Trenton. House plants were never a priority when you have little ones running around underfoot. I worried about little fingers scrounging in the dirt, leaves in the mouths and dumped pots. I looked around my home the other day and realized how devoid of green stuff it is and looked at my kids(2 are in college and the next 2 are now 9 and 11) I came to the realization that I can have plants again!!! So without further ado...
Tah Dah!

This is the little plaque hanging above the vignette. In English it translates to "Health, love, some spare change, and time to enjoy all of them.

New projects.......

2012-09-10T10:31:00.004-05:00

Walking the long aisles at WalMart, I came across these:

Which led me to this:

Didn't they come out sweet? Now I have some perfect hostess gifts to take with me whenever I get invited somewhere.

Next is another circle shawl. I had such great success with this one. That when I walked into a yarn store in Blowing Rock, NC, this yarn spoke to me to make another. Here's the progress so far....
Close up of stitch and yummy yarn.....

Last, but certainly not least, the baby blanket maker is making another one. I am trying the Loops and Thread brand baby yarn from Michael's out on this one. I usually use Baby Bernat, but this yarn was cuddly and the color was cute. It's white with a blue and green fleck.

How do you like those freshly painted tootosies on the bottom...hee, hee!

Tah-dah!

2012-07-29T11:50:00.001-05:00

Hear ye! Hear ye! Gather 'round and feast your eyes on the completed wedding afghan!

I got to gift this to my friend last weekend at her wedding. Then my family and I packed up the RV and headed out on our first vacation in almost 2 years. Read about our adventures out west here!

This is how we roll!

Ooops! Was I gone awhile?

2012-05-12T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hi all! The wedding afghan lives! I have enough squares now to start joining. I used the flat braid join and found an excellent tutorial here.

Close-up of join:

Only 2 weeks of school left, as you can imagine life is running at a break neck pace. My oldest DD has survived her first year of college and is home for the summer AND gainfully employed at local restaurant! The oldest DS will being staying put in his college town for the summer and is also gainfully employed full-time for the summer. The 2 younger DS are eagerly awaiting summer break and will be starting tennis and basketball.

This teacher/mom can't wait for the break either!!!!

Have a superb Saturday!

Hello Saturday!

2012-04-15T09:10:00.002-05:00

I am at an extremely busy time this weekend, so what do I do? BLOG. of course! My DH is out of town until this coming Friday, which for us is a lOOOOOng time. We are still each others BFF and if we can't see and talk with each other everyday, it is a burden!!! With who am I supposed to share the gory details of the Elementary school schedule meeting with? Who is he supposed to share his frustrations with current United States leadership with? * Sigh* Oh well, on top of it all it is my 3rd son's 11th birthday. I have to handle 7, 11 year old boys today bowling, laser-tagging, and mini-golfing for 2 hours! What was I thinking when I agreed to having more kids?????? Anyway, we should have a fabulous time, I handle 26 5th graders at any given moment, but it is always different when it is your own, isn't it?

I have finally decide on a complimentary square to join my Wedding square. I am just going to do a traditional granny-type square. I did not use a pattern from book, but just remembered some random pattern that I must have done in years past.

Bobble Owl-free pattern

2012-04-11T18:59:00.001-05:00

Bobble Owl

By Caroline Chrisco

Materials:

WW yarn

G hook

2 small buttons for eyes

Felt

Embroidery needle and floss

Polyester stuffing

Special Stitches:

Beginning Bobble(BB) chain 3, then 3 dc in selected stitch, next remove hook from loop of last completed dc, insert hook through the 3rd chain of beginning chain 3, catch the loop you just dropped and slip stitch through that chain of beginning chain 3; chain 1

Make Bobble(MB) 4 dc in designated stitch; next remove hook from loop of last completed dc, insert hook through top of first completed dc, slip stitch through that dc; chain 1.

To begin: Chain 11

Round 1- Beginning Bobble, then *skip a chain, next Make Bobble* Repeat between* three more times; finally 2 MB in last chain. Continuing down the opposite side of your starting chain MB in the first skipped chain 1 space. Repeat MB 2 more times using the skipped chains( so the bobbled are falling in between the previously made bobbles.) MB in the same space as your BB. Slip stitch the last bobble to the chain one of BB (10 bobbles total)

Round 2- BB(all in same stitch) MB in every chain 1 space around, slip stitch last bobble to BB chain 1 space.

Round 3-5 repeat round 2

Round 6- BB then slip stitch on top of next 4 bobbles MB, then slip stich 1 bobble; MB then slip stitch next 4 bobbles, MB, Fasten off.

Finishing: Select two appropriately sized buttons or safety eyes. Cut felt into circle shapes for around the eyes. Using embroidery thread, attach felt squares onto owl, then buttons. For the beak, I like to use yarn because it’s a little more substantial then floss and gives me a good, strong feature. I just whip-stitch a triangle shape. Wings are also an option, I usually just make a basic shell shape( Chain 2, then 5 dc into 2nd chain from hook, fasten off) I attach those to either side. I’ve also been known to embroider around the wings for added detail, as well as French knots to the cheeks or eye area for character.

For a video how-to on the Beginning Bobble and regular Bobble stitch, check out my YouTube tutorial. It's my first, sooooo take it easy on me!

Easter baking.....

2012-04-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you got a chance to enjoy your family and/or friends today.

Have you ever just had a hankering to bake? I can't really explain the feeling if you haven't ever experienced it, but this morning when I woke up....I just wanted to bake. I have had this recipe for bookmarked for awhile, so decided it was finally the day to roll up my sleeves and do it! She calls it a Loft house- style cookie, but my boys know them as those good cookies from Walmart, so apparently someone on either end of the coast(or the mid-section for that matter) has seen these and adapted them.(Maybe a copycat version?)

Anyway, here is the rolling of the dough, notice, my 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter? it's actually the lid off of an applesauce jar, measuring exactly 2 1/2 inches.

Ahhhhh.....can you smell them yet? Here they cool on the rack.

Frosted glory!!!!!

My baking urge has subsided and now we have fresh cookies for our lunches all week long!

Now that I have committed to the wedding afghan here is a tidy little pile of squares......

See you soon, have a sublime Sunday!

Planning.....

2012-04-07T10:08:00.002-05:00

My good friend is getting married this July. As you can imagine I was beside myself, thrilled for her and her soon-to-be hubby, and for ME! Ahem.....yes, ME! I get to crochet something big and beautiful them. A wedding afghan. It's been 9 months since I completed the Jay-hawker for DD. I've been waiting for the time to start the next Big One and here is my opportunity....finally. I have browsed and searched wedding afghans and realized not one of them is going to work. I have come up with my own design and I hope they like it. I am going to do this block from this book: 200 Crochet Blocks,(block #16) I am still searching for a matching block and will let you know when it surfaces.

Inspiration

2012-03-21T12:52:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried a new stitch and it quickly becomes your new stitch of choice? Years ago, when I first started crocheting, I felt that way about the half-double crochet. I not only loved the texture, but I loved the swoopy-feeling that you get when your hook slides through all of the loops. Well, that's how I feel about the bobble stitch, that I discovered when making this purse. So now I want to use it all the time. I've not only started a larger Raspberry bag(this time in chartreuse! So I'll have to call it the Key Lime Bag...LOL) but I designed this little owl. I think the bobble gives him just the right look of feathers.

Two Tah-dahs!

2012-03-13T15:19:00.004-05:00

Doesn't the sun always do a little something-something for ya? I know it does me. Maybe it was being raised in Puerto Rico(land of eternal sunshine.....85 degrees year-round, but I digress)Sun make me happy. Sun energizes me. Sun completes me. It is 77 degrees here in kansas today on its way to 80. It sure has put a fire under me! The bright blue sky, the warm prairie breeze; they sing to me today. They coax me to work and complete; to create and make.

Tah-dah #1

The Jopline Vest: you can see progress here and here. I cannot tell you how much I absolutely adore this vest. The yarn feels luxurious, the floaty-ness feels chic. I feel like a million bucks wearing it. I'm so glad I did not skimp and finished this one to the best of my abilities. The blocking was tedious, but the the pay-off is in details when I'm wearing it.

Tah-dah #2

The Raspberry purse, first seen here. I finsished lining it over the weekend and it sat until this morning. I just felt like it needed a little more. So I added the flower witht he button middle. Ahhhh, that's what it needed. I gave it 2 pockets inside, one for my phone and one for my sunglasses. I think that's all I'm gonna need if Kansas keeps on giving weather gifts like today. Now all I need to do is slip in my wallet and I'm good to go.

Outside shot.....gorgeous!

Having a terific Tuesday, hope you are too!

Tasty Tuesday!

2012-03-13T13:52:00.008-05:00

Hi all! We're on Spring break here in the heartland and when I opened my cupboards, there were no cookies! What? No sweets in a house with 3 boys and me???!!!! Have no fear, here is the quickest and easiest way to get a delicious chocolaty, crunchy fix if you ever need one.

Colossally Crunchy No-Bake Cookies

Adapted by Caroline C. Chrisco

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (12oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 pkg. butterscotch chips

3/4 c. smooth peanut butter

4c. of crispy rice cereal

In a large microwave-proof mixing bowl, add the entire package of chocolate chips, half the bag of butterscotch chips, and the peanut butter.

Place bowl in microwave and heat on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir.
Put back in microwave and heat for 1 more minute. Remove, stir until all the chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. (If you feel like it needs to be zapped further, do it in 30 second increments, so you won't scorch the mixture.)
Add the crispy rice cereal(if you note, I use a heaping 4c. measurement, because I don't want any mix left at the bottom of the bowl!) Stir with a large spoon until all the cereal is coated with the chocolate mixture.
Drop by teaspoonfuls on baking sheets.
Place sheets in refrigerator for at least 45 minutes(these actually set up fast, check back on them sooner if you can't wait.)
Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator at all times.
Enjoy!

Springing forward.......

2012-03-10T08:13:00.000-06:00

Hi all, spring is just around the corner, we all should getting ready to move our clock hands ahead an hour this Saturday. So what better way to greet spring than with a new project!!!!

I found this pattern here and it inspired me immediately.

It was a fun pattern, easy, fun....instant results.

This fabric will be the lining....I'm warming up the sewing machine as this is being written. Can't wait to finish this one up.

Lastly, here is a peek of the finished project that I have been working on over the past several weeks. It's almost ready to "Tah-dah!" but not quite. I've got to finish blocking it, so all the details show up just right. I am dearly in love with this project and want to show it in its best light. Please hold on just a while longer.