The Kansas Hooker

Who woulda thunk it?

2012-01-16T09:42:00.000-06:00

Who would have ever thought that here, in the middle of January; one could walk outside in shirt sleeves and be perfectly comfortable? It truely is a sight to behold. The sun is out here in the heartland this morning and the temperatures can't even be described as crisp. Isn't that just cool?
Over the weekend I got a chance to get back into my kitchen. After being under the weather for so long it felt good to be banging pans and clanging utensils together. I perused several cooking blogs and came across this Cinnamon Roll Cake. We ate it for breakfast on Sunday and everyone agreed it was the new favorite. What made it different from my traditional coffe cake was that all that gooey goodness was inside every bite of the cake istead of being confined on top and having a lot of dull, bland cake left on the bottom. Thumbs up!

I also made this: French dip sandwich. No pics to show, but it made a great dinner last night while we finished up watching some of the football games. I added provolone to the sandwiches and tater tots on the side and we feasted heartily. For desert, I made these Cake batter Truffles. One at a time only please, these are really rich, enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

I did have time for some knitting too. I am working on yet another Gap-tastic Cowl. This one is for my SIL, who was a big help during my surgery. I am trying out this yarn from Lionbrand: It's really soft, the color is nice, and the price is right.

I am currently binding off, so this one is almost for the ages!

Have a marvelous Monday!

101.4.......

2012-01-14T09:17:00.000-06:00

A dark, shadowy body was standing over me when I awoke with a a start at 3:30 this morning. A shaky voice; "Mom, I don't feel good...." It was my youngest DS. I was up like a shot and reached for his forehead. He was warm and the themometer confirmed it with a reading a 101.4 degrees. Looks like it'll be a quiet Saturday at home today, even though I love that, I hate to have anyone sick and we all know how yucky a temperature can make us feel.

DD leaves for college tomorrow and here is her Gap-tastic Cowl

I used Dewdrops from Michael's. It's a cute, bulky yarn with sequins already sewn in. Makes it look like you did alot and really its just purling and knitting. :-)

Now I can concentrate on the finishing touches of my Button-Down Wrap.
Have a safe Saturday!

Let 2012 begin......

2012-01-11T09:46:00.003-06:00

Hellooooo! How is your 2012 going? Mine got off to quite a rough and painful start. It all began on New year's eve......my DH treated me and the boys to a nice dinner at a restaurant called Granite City Brewery. We made a party of it. I started off with a glass off Pinot Grigio and soft pretzel sticks with cheese dipping sauce(yum!) My youngest DS helped me with those. DH treated himself to a sumptuous steak and a good time was had by all. The trouble began after the ball had dropped in NYC and we all hugged each other and bid each other good night. My stomach had started bothering me earlier in the evening and then my entire chest and back was gripped with excruciating pain. Thinking it was just reflux and I hunkered down in the family room with my Tums and Pepto. Fastfoward 4 long and painful hours later when my DH awoke to me still moaning and writhing in pain. He promptly called his mom to cover the house with boys and rushed me to the nearest ER. Now this really is getting to be to long of a story, huh? Well, it was my gall bladder. How about that? Isn't it silly of all things that's what it was. I actually had to undergo two procedures, the first was an ERCP to remove gallstones in my common bile duct(which is a little microscope inserted through your mouth) then I had the bladder removed laproscopically. Suffice it to say I'm finally all better!!!!!!!! I return to work for half days tomorrow and Friday then full-time on Tuesday. Yay!!!!!

Enuff of that.... onto yarny, fibery goodness!!!! Even though I took an entire week off of my hooks and needles, I still have quite a bit to show you. some I finished right before my illness and some I've just dove into.

This is yet another Gap-tastic Cowl. I used this really cool yarn from Michael's called DewDrops, It has sequins sewn into it. You can see the little sparkle in the picure. I love it.

Next up is my Button-Down Wrap. You can see my starting it here.

My very first knitted button hole! The wrap currently measures about 54 inches and it needs to be about 56 inches, so the end is in sight.

Here are the buttons, I picked out! Can't wait to add them!

Here is yet another Gap-tastic Cowl, this one is for the college DD. She saw mine with the little bling and wanted one for herself, I'm happy to oblige!

My illness lead to an unexpected yarn windfall. My dear staff and friends at school gave me a gift card to the local LYS. They are all too familiar with my fiber fascination. These three skeins of Cascade Rustic may be used for this crochet cardigan.

I thin it'll be darling with a black or white tee underneath it.

This little collection of yarn is for a super top-secret project. I may let you in on it once I have finished planning it, but I don't want to tip my hand just yet. Hee! Hee!

Well, there you have it the start of 2012. I hope your first week has been happy and healthy. Give someone a smile or a hug today!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:47:00.002-06:00

The year that was 2011 in projects...here is a sampling of most of the fiber projects I completed:

I am so blessed that my family and friends are happy, healthy, and safe, I wish you the very best for you and yours in 2012.

Greetings!

2011-12-25T13:30:00.000-06:00

Whew!

2011-12-22T08:55:00.000-06:00

Deep cleansing breathe in, slow exhale out....School is out! Classes resume on January 4th, but I do have to be back in the building on Jan. 3rd. for some "Teacher work". I finished a grand total of 11 socks for co-workers and the boys' teachers. which is your favorite? The boys unanimously agreed that the snowmen ones were theirs.

I also finished this circle scarf for a niece, I used this pattern here and it was done in a day or two. I used this pattern here. Her blog is super cute....take a gander.

Currently on the hooks and needles are some exciting projects. I am working on yet another "Gap-tastic cowl" (Love that pattern!) for the MIL.

Look this WIP. It's called Button Down Wrap. I am sooo excited to start it. I had a gift card to a local LYS and actually bought yarn instead of just dreaming. Ideally, I'd like to make this to wear for school. When I'm in the middle of a lesson I tend to get really warm, but when the classroom empties out, the chill creeps back in, so I think this will do the trick, Easy on and off. I can just leave it on the back of my desk chair.

Here is the yarn I picked out......yes it looks drap, but lighting in the heartland this morning is poor. Gray and dreary, so everything else looks that way too.

Here is the label. If you ever get to go pet this yarn, DO IT! It's so soft it's a combo of baby alpaca and merino wool. Soft-licious!

Mas y mas proyectos........(more and more projects)

2011-12-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

Hi all! Today the heartland is awash in bright sunlight with crisp temperatures! Look at Dusty enjoying the breeze!

I can tell the holidays are creeping up on us because my schedule keeps getting busier and busier and my project list longer and longer. Here are some cute chickens I made to give as gifts and maybe to decorate my tree(or kitchen!) You can find the pattern here.

Here is my Gap-tastic Cowl all finished. I haven't decided if I'm gifting this or keeping it. It's toasty-oasty and oh-soooo comfy.

Finally here are some more of Sucrettes Little Stockings.

Have you started your holiday shopping? I finally took the plunge this weekend. I hope the checking account holds out until Tuesday....Payday!

Have a superb Sunday. Take a minute to look outside your window and see what needs to be seen!

Los proyectos......

2011-12-02T11:44:00.001-06:00

Surely people who follow my blog regularly know that whenever there is a "blog blackout", meaning I haven't written in awhile, it doesn't mean my hooks and needles have been silent. Here are a few of things I worked on over the long holiday weekend:

I started this "Gap-tastic" cowl. I made one last year, but my college-age dd made off with it.

I finished up this snowflake hat from Drops Design, it is my god-daughter's X-mas present.

These little socks seem to be all the rage in blogland and I can see why. I can whip one up in as little as two hours and it's sooo cute and satisfying. You can find the pattern here: Stop and peruse her blog too, lots of eye candy!

I'm thinking of gifting these to my boys' teachers and other co-workers.

Hot projects!

2011-11-19T10:29:00.000-06:00

Here are the latest owlies in the series. I gifted one to my MIL who was very happy with it. There are now 7 in the collection and no signs of stopping. Such a quick, easy project, that's let's me be really creative. I get to choose colors, eyes, wings etc. etc. etc.

Speaking of "Hot Projects".....here is what popped out of my oven this morning. I'm trying to get a jump start on my Thanksgiving baking and whipped up 2 pumpkin pies.

Deb Y. had a cute idea over at Dly's Hooks and Yarns She gave us a peek at her "spot" where she sits and creates. Well, here's mine......notice the theme......X-mas is coming!

Have a superb Saturday!

Free knitting pattern-Loop-dee-loop cowl

2011-11-15T11:11:00.000-06:00

by Caroline Chrisco

Materials:
Size 8 knitting needles
2 skeins (approximately) Vanna White by Lionbrand

Cast on 30(I used the long-tail cast-on)
Row 1-Knit
Row 2-knit until all yarn is gone(leave yourself enough to bind of with and enough to whipstitch the ends of the scarf together.)
Last Row- Let 5 stitches drop off needle
Bind off the next 20 stitches
Drop the last 5 stitches.
Fringe: Gently pull the dropped stitches free all the way down each side of the scarf. Don’t go too fast, you’ll get a knotted mess. Coax them gently free of the bound off stitches.

Finishing: Stitch the narrow ends of the scarf together, to create a large continuous oval. Weave in ends. Wear wrapped as desired.

more owlies.......

2011-11-13T16:17:00.005-06:00

I'm an owl loving mama this weekend...

Owlies

2011-11-12T09:54:00.011-06:00

I have floundered around the last couple of months in my crocheting life. I've hooked a project or two but nothing has really grabbed me. I went in search of inspiration....I went perusing blogs and came across this one...Fiddlesticks. I found these darling little owls here and here on it. Just like her interest was piqued so was mine. Now I am hooked.....literally! Here are my first two and there's a third on my hook as you read, with ideas for more to come!

I leave you a picture of my breakfast this morning. I retrieved the last bag a summer blueberries from the freezer. So warm and satisfying.....I use this recipe here and it hits the spot every time!

Have a superb Saturday!

Knitting away......

2011-11-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

My blog is titled "The Kansas Hooker" because when I started it years ago, I had fallen madly in love with crocheting, but I came to fiber first, through knitting. About 2 weeks ago, when I was petting yarn in Michael's, I came across this Vanna yarn by Lionbrand:

It just begged to be knitted instead of crocheted for some reason, so I dug out my trusty size 8 bamboo sticks and jumped right in. I had a pattern in mind, but it just felt good to be knitting again. No counting, no turning. Just back and forth, back and forth. I don't even have to look at the work. My fingers found their places again and click, click, click. I was back in the zone.

Here is the project, I'm calling it the Loop-dee-loo cowl. I am loving the fit and drape of this one, as well as the snugginess factor. It is sooo cozy! I can't wait to put it on with my winter coat.

Loop-de-loo Cowl

by Caroline Chrisco

Free pattern to come soon!

Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:30:00.001-05:00

Candy Corn Potholder

2011-10-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

This is a quick, satisfying project that I always fall back on during this time of the year. I pass out to family and friends alike! You can find it here.

Candy Corn potholder

My youngest son picked out a new decoration for the house this Halloween. Spiders. in general are not my favorite creatures, but I too, couldn't resist this super-sized creepy crawly when he saw it at Target!

A Better Harry Potter scarf

2011-10-24T16:27:00.002-05:00

My DS wanted to be Harry Potter for Halloween this year (being the true fiber fellow, that I am thought at once: WooHoo, I get to crochet the scarf!), so I set about immediately scouring the web for all the current free Harry Potter scarf patterns. I tried a few out and tested them with various yarns and crochet hook sizes, but it just wasn’t grabbing me. I mean, I really want to love this project, because it’s the first time ever, my son actually wants something crocheted for him. So without further ado, I present my version of the Harry Potter Gryffindor First year scarf.

A Better Harry Potter Scarf

My version by Caroline Chrisco

1 skein of RHSS Burgundy
1 skein of RHSS Gold

Size H hook

Row 1-With burgundy, chain 22, half-double crochet in second chain from hook, then hdc in each chain(21hdc)turn, ch.1

Row 2- Hdc in each hdc across(21hdc)

Row 3-22 Repeat row 2

*At the end of row 22, do not complete your final hdc on that row, do your first YO and draw up a loop, YO again; draw up this loop, now with 3 loops on your hook, drop the burgundy(cut, leaving about a 6 inch tail for weaving in later.) and draw up the gold yarn through all three loops. Turn, ch.1.(Now tie the burgundy and gold loose ends together, weave in later.) This is how I make the color switch and it looks seamless:

Row 1-Continue using the gold and follow the same established pattern, (21hdc) turn, ch.1 for 22 rows.

I then switched back to burgundy and then back to gold. I did 5 repeats of burgundy(started and ended with burgundy and 4 repeats of gold.)

Finishing:

Fringe: Using only burgundy, I cut 8, 16 inch lengths and attached them on both ends for the fringe. I like my imperfect perfect of way of deciding where to place the fringe. I find the middle of the scarfs edge and place one there. Next I place one each on the outer edges. Then I divide the section between the outer and the middle fringe in half, and place one there, ditto for the other outer edge. I keep dividing the spaces in half and place fringe until I can no longer squeeze any more in place. Repeat for the other end of the scarf. (Note: I use an overhand knot method of attaching the fringe to a scarf, you may want to use a slightly larger crochet to draw the fringe through.)

Weaving in ends: Just note about weaving in ends, I know I mentioned the tying of knots as you switched colors. Since this was to be scarf, that may see a lot of action during various Halloween parades, Trunk or Treating, and Trick or Treating, I believe you should tie the ends together so you get a secure scarf, but if you can secure them buying crocheting them in nice and tight, do what makes you most comfortable.

My notes: This of course, is just my opinion and my version of what makes better HP scarf. The main reason why I think it is, is because, the HDC gives the scarf a thicker, richer feel and I only chain one at the turn of every row, which I think makes for neater edges. It's tricky to always find that last stitch before the turn, but I think the precise, squared edges speak for themselves.

Good luck!

Currently on my hooks......

2011-10-22T10:45:00.002-05:00

Hello blogland and I hope you are having a super Saturday. Mine is starting out slow and I'm happy to see it stays that way. We go, go, go all week with school, teaching, piano lessons, homework, cooking, laundry, and dinners, its soooo nice not to have a schedule today. Am I right?

I have sorely missed updating my blog with the current little whatnots that I always seem to have on my hooks. You know me, unless there are 2-3 projects going my crochet ADD needs are just not being met so with further ado, here are some of my current WIPs and FOs:

I showed you the makings of one of these lil guys a few weeks back and here one is. I've currently made three and a pig, but they've all been snatched out of my grasp before I could even get a pic.

I am working on these two scarves. The first is a Harry Potter scarf for my middle DS. Halloween is fast approaching and he decided on HP. He will be really cute and I'm glad I finally get to crochet a costume part. The second is from a free pattern I picked up at Michael's a few weeks back. It's a really mindless pattern but look at how cute the stitch close-up is. Looks like I'm really doing something fancy, doesn't it. I am using the Michael brand yarn too...Impeccable from Loops and Threads.

Enjoy this beautiful Autumn day, your family, and your friends........

Caroline

The winner is........

2011-10-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! So sorry I didn't post on Wednesday. My mom went back into the hospital for a brief stay, but is now back home. Yay! I think, we're really on our way to recovery right now.

And the winner is......

Knittingdancer....Congratulations!

Please email me with your mailing info!

P.S. Blogger is acting up again and I'm having trouble leaving comments on your blogs this week, don't worry, I'm still reading just can't say so!

Edited on Mon. 10/17.11: knittingdancer received her package today!!! Yay!

A new design......Santa ornament/package topper

2011-10-12T13:19:00.002-05:00

Santa Ornament

Original pattern by Caroline Chrisco

Materials:G hook
Small amount of red yarn
Polyester stuffing
Small amount of pink and white felt
Needle
White & pink & black embroidery thread

Work in continuous spiral, do not join rounds

Magic circle and sc 4 into center.
Rd. 1 sc in each stitch around
Rd. 2 2 sc in each sc around(8sc)
Rd. 3 sc in each stitch around (8sc)
Rd. 4 sc in next stich, 2sc in following stitch; repeat around (12sc)
Rd. 5 sc in each stitch around(12sc)
Rd 6 sc in each of next 2 stitches then 2sc in following stitch; repeat around (16sc)
Rd. 7 sc in each stitch around (16sc)
Rd. 8 sc in each of next 3 stitches, then 2sc in following stitch(20sc)
Rd. 9 sc in each stitch around(20sc)
Rd. 10 sc in each of next 4 stitches then 2sc in following stitch(24sc)
Rd. 11-16 in each stitch around
Arms(make 2):
Using white
Magic circle and 6 single crochet into loop.
Rd. 1-Switch to red and single crochet in each stitch around(6sc)
Rds-2-5 sc in each stitch around(6sc)
Fasten off.

Work on face:
Using the pattern I provide for you at the bottom of the page. Trace the face onto the pink felt and cut out. Repeat with the beard pattern except use white felt. Attach face onto beard; sew entire beard/face onto ornament. Using black embroidery floss, create eyes, using the French knot stitch. (Working from wrong side, draw needle and thread up through desired location on face. Wrap thread around needle twice and insert the needle back through almost the same exact spot. Keep tension on the thread in front and back of fabric as you pull through. Fasten off. Repeat for second eye.)

Pom-pom: Attach pom-pom of your choosing to top of ornament. I have made my own and used store-bought as well.

Hanging loop: Chain 24 (or desired length of chain) Fasten off. Sew both ends into top of ornament, right behind pom-pom, that way the ornament will always face forward.

An Etsy treasury with a little uglee twist!

2011-10-08T07:30:00.001-05:00

'Ugly is Beautiful' by MoonBeansGifts

These items are so ugly, they're kind of appealing!

Ornament Angler Fis... digitsdesigns $40.00	Bright Pink Fleece ... Maddiessockmin... $18.50	a WEEk oF mOnSTeRs ... art4barewalls $50.00	ClaM named Beckham ... buttuglee $89.00
Veri Uglee CarolineChrisc... $12.00	Papier mache witch ... Jevgeniamasks $43.00	Cute Pencil Topper uglyclothes $10.00	ACEO waiting for a ... mariannat $4.00
Keychain Ugly Bunny... RenataGatica $12.00	Bambaks, books love... Bambaks $4.00	Halloween Prim Grun... MysticHillsNga... $55.00	Vintage Kelly Green... judemallorymar... $35.00
ON SALE Zombie Devi... PsAndQs $100.00	Cute Monster JERRY ... PinkSprinklesP... $21.00	Halloween Bat with ... ItCameWithTheF... $10.00	Finger Puppet Plush... Wingsical $3.75

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I'm baaaaack!

2011-10-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Thank you all so much for the well wishes for my dear mom. It was touch and go for awhile but this Monday, we finally saw some improvement and by today we've made leaps and bounds towards recovery. She is going to make a full recovery. It will take time, but thank goodness we now have plenty of that!

I have not really been working on any projects. I did finish 3 Red Angry Birds but didn't take any pictures of them. I finished one of the pigs from that same game too.

I have been thumbing through all my patterns and leafing through all my magazines, but I haven't gotten insspired by anything yet, soooooo I decided how about a giveaway?

I have a great packet of yarn that I tried to give away in this post. The winner never emailed me or contacted me again(Shucks!) So I am going to try and give it away again!!!!

Here it is:
3 skeins of RH Baby Sport and 2 skeins of Moda Dea Daisy.

All you to do to enter is: Leave a comment telling me you want to be entered and then please check back to make sure you know if you won or not.

The comments will be open from today October 6 through Tuesday, October 11. I will announce the winner on Wednesday, October 12.

Good luck to all! And thanks again for all the well wishes and positive support!

Away for awhile.......mom in hospital, quite serious, I'm out of state right now.

2011-09-23T18:29:00.002-05:00

Keeping busy.......

2011-09-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Welcome! Welcome! It is a beautiful sunny day here in the heartland. The sky is cerulean blue, the air is crisp, and the breeze gentle and caressing. Who could ask for anything more? It does make one stop though and realize how fortunate one is. Here I live a clean, safe little portion of our world and it is sooo easy to lose track of how hard so many of us have it. It is, of course 9/11. Who can ever forget? Where were you? Do you remember the horror? The disbelief? The overwhelming sorrow? But, I also remember neighbors holding hands. friends hugging each other, strangers saying "God bless you and God bless America. I have shed my tears this morning(though there maybe a few more...), said my prayers for the families, and thanked my maker for shedding such grace in my life.

Here is something I have been looking for forever! My youngest DS is a huge Angry Bird fan and I've finally found the perfect pattern. You can find it here.

Here is my Blooming Flower Cushion reveal:

Now don't ask me what I'm going to do with it or if anyone would want it, but right now it sits in my family room and I get puzzled looks from visitors when they spy it and pick it up. I think they need to get used to large amounts of color too!

Finally I whipped up these two backpack buddies. The lil pink one was sold as soon as my hook stopped and I am carrying the brown one on my bag. You can see it in the back ground of the picture. Dosen't the brown Uglee well with Vera Bradley? LOL

Have a super Sunday and next I'll be sharing some posts about our latest RVing adventure!

Mugsy made a treasury list on Etsy!

2011-09-03T15:11:00.000-05:00

'Bright Bouncing Baby Boy' by aprilderek

A colorful collection to bring a bit of cheer into your nursery:)

Fun Felt Garland - ... tinamagee $19.00	Baby Bib - Zig Zag 38Stitches $7.50	Alphabet Set -Woode... aworkinprogres... $175.00	Personalized Boys R... AppleBlossomPr... $18.00
Wooden Teether Fox ... littlesaplingt... $12.00	Yellow Crochet Baby... DCREATED $49.00	Baby Boy Blanket Ba... HattieDesigns $28.00	Amigurumi Crochet P... FreshStitches $5.00
Little Guy HOLIDAY ... petitepeanut $13.00	vintage blue metal ... industrialreli... $24.00	Mugsee Uglee CarolineChrisc... $10.00	3 Pack SNUGS one si... andrea125 $39.00
Boys Nursery Tree a... wallartdesign $125.00	Fabric Bin Storage ... thespottedbarn $18.00	Adorable vintage Li... beggarsandchoo... $39.99	Baby Mobile in Colo... JennaEBee13 $55.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

A new Uglee.....

2011-09-01T08:45:00.001-05:00

Hot! Hot! HOT! The high is supposed to be 100 degrees and who knows how high the heat index will go. This is summer's last big push and just in time for the last week of summer. So far our Labor Day weekend is going to be low key. Just relaxing and some family time.

I have kind of lost some of my crochet mojo this past month. With DD leaving for college and her afghan finished up, I've been at a loss at what projects to do or start.

I started this lil' guy about a month ago and just finished him up last night. I used my Baby Uglee pattern and may call him Mugsy Uglee.

How many of you read the Attic 24 blog? I was perusing through it the other day and saw this pattern. It caught my fancy and I started working on this aimlessly in the evenings. Sometimes I like it, other times I don't. Hmmmmmm....the verdict is still out on this project.

Stay cool, dry, or safe wherever you are!