A Gift in a Jar: Butterscotch Brownies

 

I hope you all are having a nice slow and cozy Advent and holiday season so far. I know these short days can be so hectic and not so cheery to many, and please know that I am thinking of you. I have learned over the past few years, this season, although filled with pretty lights, sweet gifts, and yummy treats, is most importantly a season of preparation and stillness. Remembering our sweet Savior's first coming into the world as a baby in a manger and preparing our souls for when He comes again. Thinking of Jesus' Earthly life is so comforting to me because it reminds me that he gets me. He fully understands the trials we are going through, and He is right by our sides, through every painful and every joyous moment.  I hope that thought comforts you too, and allows us all to be grateful for Him first, send extra love to others second, and soak in all the wonderful magical things this season brings third. 

In the spirit of Christmas and gift giving, I wanted to share a homemade project with you this year that you can cozy up indoors and make for your loved one.  It's a simple brownie mix that you could gift on it's own or pair it with an oven mitt for a little gift set that is sure to warm the heart and the belly. I paired my brownie mix with the oven mitt I designed for my crochet class on Skillshare. If you may be interested in making this little mitt, you can head over to my class to see how it's done. If you are already a crocheter, feel free to just download the pattern or skip over to the project videos.

I love using natural and simple materials when I create things whether it's gifts or just a little something for myself. I think it offers a peaceful and warm feel made with intention. I chose to use simple ingredients for the brownie mix that you most likely have on hand, and my oven mitt was made with pure American wool. For the wrapping, I used a natural linen fabric, a bit of twine, and a tree clipping. I very much hope you enjoy making this gift and gifting it! 

Brownie Mix:

1 1/4 cup flour

2 cups sugar

2/3 cup cocoa powder

pinch of salt

butterscotch morsels

Mix all brownie ingredients in a bowl with a handful of the butterscotch morsels. Slowly add the mix into a 1 quart mason jar pressing down the mix firmly into the jar as you go. I used the bottom of a small glass for this. Add another handful of morsels to top the jar off and close. Print out this label and add to the top of the jar. Place the oven mitt on top of the fabric, then the jar in the center of the oven mitt standing up. Gather the four corners of the fabric at the top of the jar and securing with the twine. Decorate with your tree clipping. 

Essential Crochet Basics Class for Skillshare

A few months back, I was contacted by Skillshare to see if I would be interested in creating a course for their platform. If you aren't familiar with Skillshare, they are an online learning community with tons of wonderful classes on a wide range of topics. I actually learned to knit by taking a Skillshare class in 2014, and talked about my experience in this post.  I was a bit hesitant at first, because I am quite a shy person. Throughout school, and even now, I would DREAD presentations, as I tended to sound as if I were running a marathon while giving my public speech. My husband, being the most incredibly supportive person he is, ended up convincing me to give it a try. Creating this class was no small feat for me. Not only am I camera shy, I am not so great with technology either, so the filming and editing portions of this class were a learning curve for me. That said, I LOVED designing this project and sharing my skills in this class. I don't know how people learned much of anything without the internet. The majority of my crochet skills were learned through kind people sharing their knowledge online. So although I feel uncouth as a teacher, I do hope this class can help others who are interested in this craft.

This class is brimming with basic crochet techniques including how to get started, basic stitches, and finishing techniques. You will learn how to crochet in rows and rounds. And you will walk away with the cutest oven-mitt to gift or keep for yourself. It is an intensive beginner class, but I wanted to teach all of the core crochet techniques that makeup most crochet patterns that students can come back to and reference as they work through other crochet projects.

So if you are interested in learning this craft, or if you are already a fellow crocheter and simply want to make the oven mitt class project, you can enroll in the class by following this link. The first 25 students can enroll at no cost. I really hope you enjoy the class!

Crochet Wall Hanging Tutorial

I found this amazing dishcloth pattern on Knit Picks' website, and wanted to make it for my sweet best friend for a housewarming gift. When I showed her the picture of the design, she kindly told me that I was crazy if I thought she would use it as a dishcloth. So I turned it into a wall hanging for her and am so delighted in how it turned out. This was my first tapestry crochet project, and I have no idea why I've never tried it before! I'm quite addicted now, and can't stop browsing patterns or dreaming up some of my own. So if you know of any good tapestry crochet resources, send them over please!

Materials

Some sort of stick (I used one out the yard, but you could purchase a dowel rod from a local craft store)
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors of your choice
5mm crochet hook (or whichever hook works best for your yarn)
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Note that the weight of your yarn and size of your hook will determine the size of your hanging. The original dishcloth pattern calls for a worsted weight yarn and 4mm crochet hook and the final measurements were 8" x 11". I used a heavy worsted with a 5mm hook, and mine turned out slightly bigger.

Instructions

Follow the pattern as instructed, finish off, and weave in all ends. In order for your work to look correct on the Right Side, you will need to insert your hook from the back to the front on the Wrong Side row stitches.

Make about 12 4" tassels and attach them to every other stitch on the last row of your work.

Using a tapestry needle, attach the top of your work to your stick by inserting the tapestry needle into the first top stitch and around the stick and then working your way across the top row. Leave enough access yarn at the and to attach to the opposite side of the work so you can hang it.

A Summer Haiku

This pattern has been in my queue for about a year, and this summer I finally got around to making it. It was one of the most enjoyable patterns I've followed in quite some time. Not to mention, the end result is absolutely beautiful. It's so elegant, yet practical and humble. I'm also a bit obsessed with the color, HELLO beautiful blue/gray! This pattern is from Quince and Co., and the yarn is Tern, a fingering wool/silk blend. You can see where I Ravelried this project here. I've also been eyeing Tolt's Horn Shawl Pins, but I can't decide which one to get. Maybe all!? I think one would go lovely with this. Hope everyone is taking in the sticky summer heat while it lasts, because fall and lots of fiber workings are on their way!

Baby Color Blocked Blanket: Easy Crochet Pattern For Beginners

The color blocked pattern has been making many appearances lately, and I really love the simplistic and unfledged look of it. When I was asked to create a baby blanket for a recent custom order, this was one of the first designs that popped into my mind. Other baby color blocked blankets I've seen have been in bright hues and give off a fun and loud vibe. I wanted to go with a softer more neutral color palette for this blanket that is cozy and calming for a newborn. This is a gender neutral blanket, and I really love how the tight small stitches of the single crochet stitch and the simple neutral colors came together. I find it so comforting and perfect for a little winter babe.

This pattern is perfect for beginners, because it only uses one basic stitch, and you don't have to worry about counting rows. Even if you are an advanced crocheter, this pattern is great for working on while being preoccupied with oh I don't know you're favorite t.v. show, little ones running around and demanding attention, in the midst of doing laundry or cooking, etc.

Materials: worsted weight yarn in 4 neutral colors, size 5mm crochet hook, scissors, measuring tape

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc)

Instructions:
Step 1 - Using your first color ch 89. sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (Your piece should measure about 26" across).
Step 2 - *Turn and ch 1. sc in each stitch across.* repeat until piece measures 7 1/2 inches long. Change colors.
Step 3 - Repeat Step 2 with remaining 3 colors. Fasten Off and weave in ends. The blanket should measure approximately 26" wide x 30" long.

Comfiest Slipper Booties

These slipper booties are by far the most comfortable slippers I have ever made/owned/worn. It's true. And to top that off, they are so sweet and simple. Just lovely if you ask me. I have had Erika Knight's latest crochet book Simple Crocheting on my wishlist for awhile now, and when I saw a free pattern from the book on SMP craft, I was so so excited to get a little taste test. This pattern was easy to read and work up, and I can't wait to try the other beautiful patterns in her book. I do want to note that the pattern called for bulky yarn, and I instead  double stranded a light soft yarn.  I love these slippers, and I can't wait to lounge around the house in them in the chilly days ahead.

Source: Cozy Crocheted Slipper Boots Pattern

Crochet for a Cause & Newborn Hat Pattern

The Period of Purple Crying is a term that refers to the time period that a newborn cries more than any other time period and can be quite frustrating to new parents. During this time, many parents believe there is something wrong with their baby, but it is actually a very normal and healthy period. There have also been statistics that sadly show an increase of infant deaths during this period due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Spreading awareness about this period can help educate new parents and help them understand what their baby is going through. It helps show them they are not alone, reassures them that their baby is healthy, and lets them know it is just a period that has an end.

I created this pattern for newborn hats that will be passed out to infants and their families to help spread awareness about The Period of Purple Crying. I wanted to share it here to help recruit volunteers for this wonderful cause. If you have another idea for a cute newborn hat, feel free to use a different pattern. We are just asking that it contain some shade of purple in the design. Also, any knitters are welcome to make hats, too! All the information about where to send your completed hats are at the bottom of this post, and they should be mailed by the end of September to arrive in Oklahoma for the first of October. The pattern for this top knot hat follows, and works up pretty quick so you can make several in one day. Thanks so much to any volunteers, and please feel free to spread the word to any crochet/knitting friends. 

Materials: yarn in any shade of purple, 4mm crochet hook, scissors, ruler

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (ss), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)

Pattern: ch 5. ss into first ch. ch 1. sc in each ch around. ss into first sc. *ch 1. sc in each sc around. ss into  first sc of round* repeat until piece measures 5 inches.

Rounds 1 and 2 - ch 2. 2 dc in each sc around. ss into first dc. 

Round 3 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc* repeat around. ss into first dc of round.

Round 4 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next 2 dc.* repeat around. ss into first dc of round. (40 stitches)

Round 5-11 - ch 2. dc around. ss into first dc of round. 

Fasten off and weave in ends. Tie top tail into a knot, and roll a cuff at the bottom of the hat with the last 2 rows to finish. 

To find out more about The Period of Purple Crying visit http://www.purplecrying.info

Crocheted Mug Cozy

Trent and I treated ourselves to a coffee grinder and French press recently, because French press coffee is so yummy. Fresh coffee really makes for a good morning. We have been using local coffee beans from French Truck Coffee, and we both really love it so far. I made these simple crocheted mug cozies to go along with our new French Press, so I don't burn my hands after the fresh hot coffee hits the mug. A very cute solution I think. Here's the pattern:

Materials: 4mm hook, a very small amount of yarn, button, needle and thread, scissors

Abbreviations: Chain Stitch (ch), Double Crochet (dc), Single Crochet (sc), Slip Sitch (ss)

ch 27. ss into first ch to join both ends.

Row 1: ch 1. sc around. ss into the top of the first sc.

Row 2: ch 2. dc into first 25 ch stitches. (2 ch stitches should be left open) turn.

Row 3-4: ch 2. dc around. turn.

Round 5: ch 2. dc around. ch 10. sc into third ch from hook (this is the button hole).

Round 6: sc into the rest of the chains and in each dc from Round 5 around.

Fasten Off and weave in the end.

Sew your button on the opposite side of the clasp and button hole you made (use pictures for reference). I tried this mug cozy on several sizes of mugs, and it fit all of them, so hopefully it fits most standard mugs. Enjoy your coffee, tea, cider, etc. with your new drinkware accessory;)

Kitchen Calligraphy Art // You Wash, I'll Dry

This is a pretty simple and explanatory DIY, but I wanted to share. I am a complete beginner in calligraphy, but I've been practicing a lot. I wanted to create a simple calligraphy DIY that I could display in our home, even though I'm not that great at it yet. I've been on the lookout for a piece of art to hang above our sink in the kitchen, but haven't had any luck yet, so I decided to use an old frame and some fun calligraphy art for this space for the time being. I've seen the phrase you wash, i'll dry on tea towels and decided to use this phrase in my frame. I love this saying for a few reasons. It reminds me of my great grand parents ( I know, I was quite lucky to be able to know them for the first 9 years of my life!). My mawmaw Nobie would hand wash the dishes after every meal and my pawpaw Ancel would dry them and put them away, even though they had a perfectly good dishwasher that could do the work for them. It's one of my clearest memories of them. I also like this phrase because it applies to so many things in a marriage/household. You have to work together as a family and help each other out. Anyway, I hope you like this simple little DIY. Don't be scared to show off your skills, even if you feel nervous that it's not perfect!

Striped Newborn Hat Pattern

A friend of mine asked me to make some baby props for her photography business, and this is by far my favorite piece I made for her. It's just so simple and non-distracting, and I really love the neutral colors of this hat with nice and simple wooden buttons. This pattern was quick to work up, but you do have to change colors often. I think it's definitely worth it because stripes are the best. Actually, wee BABY stripes are the best!

Materials: soft baby yarn in 2 colors ( I used a white and tan color), 5mm hook, scissors, 2 wooden buttons (i bought mine here), brown thread, sewing needle

Abbreviations: Chain Stitch (ch), Slip Stitch (ss), Double Crochet (DC)

Pattern:

Row 1: Using your first color, ch 3. 10 dc into the second ch from hook. ss into last ch. ch 2.
Row 2: 2 dc into each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 3: Change to second color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 4: Change to first color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next two dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 5-9: Change colors. ch 2. dc in each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Use your needle and thread to sew the wooden buttons on the front side of the hat, one on top of the other.

Photo credit to Erin Cefalu Photography. Check out her site here!