Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Tablet Cover (Beginner)

Hey Dearies! Here is a super cute new pattern for you! So, the reason why I wanted to make this tablet cover because my kindle doesn’t have a case, currently. I also wanted to make sure it could stay securely in its cover.

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However, I did have to change the pattern up a bit, due to the fact that I didn’t size my kindle to the pattern correctly. As you can see in the photo, that I did have to add more of the light gray color to make sure that it would fit my kindle’s size, but I will make sure the add the gauge, so that you guys can make sure it fits your devices perfectly.

I will also include the pattern for what I did, as well, just in case if you like the way mine turned out. So, let’s talk about what you will need!

Things You Will Need:

  • Medium Yarn (Size 4)
    • I used the I Love This Yarn Ocean and Light Gray
  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle
  • Button (Color of your choice)

Gauge: 12 Single crochet and 16 rows = 4 in. (Take time to check the gauge.)

Let’s begin!

-Flap:

Row 1: With the main color (I used Ocean), chain 2, make 3 single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. Turn. (3 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1. 1 Single crochet in each stitch across. Turn

Row 3: Chain 1. Make 2 single crochets in the first stitch. 1 Single crochet in each stitch, until you reach the last stitch. Make 2 single crochets in the last stitch. Turn. (5 sc)

Row 4-19: Repeat rows 2-3. (21 sc)

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-Back:

Rows 20-58: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Fasten off.

Edging: Join with your second color (I used the light gray), and slip stitch in any stitch along the last row. Then single crochet around and make sure you make 3 single crochets around the two bottom corners. You only have to single crochet around the flap, but once you get to the point, single crochet and then chain 8, then single crochet again in that same point. Once you have gone around the entire project once, fasten off.

If you didn’t check the gauge or did it wrong: Since I didn’t check the gauge for my kindle, I ended up single crocheting around the 3 sides, chaining one, when I got to the flap part. If you want your flap part to be just as thick with the second color, not like mine, I would keep going around the entire thing.

-Front:

Row 1: Chain 22, single crochet in the 2nd ch from the hook and across each stitch. Turn. (21 sc)

Rows 2-38: Chain 1. Single crochet in each single crochet across. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Edging: Join with your second color (I used the light gray), and slip stitch in any stitch along the last row. Then single crochet around and make sure you make 3 single crochets around the two bottom corners. Once you have gone around the entire project once, fasten off.

If you didn’t check the gauge or did it wrong: Since I didn’t check the gauge for my kindle, I ended up single crocheting around the 3 sides, chaining one, before starting the new row. You can do all 4 sides, but I recommend that you do that if you are planning on doing another.

-Finishing:

Make sure that the front and back pieces match up, then slip stitch them all together. You can use either the main color or secondary color. I used the secondary color, just to make sure that they would match the gray.

Then, attach the button, make sure that the flap is even from where you placed the button.

There you have it! A simple tablet cover for your tablet! Don’t forget to like my Facebook Page, I  post daily updates on when I go live or when I am doing any blog posts!

 

 

 

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: February

Hey Dearies! So, if you have been following my daily squares on Facebook, you will know that I was going to do the update yesterday, but I totally forgot about it, so I’m doing it now!

February has come and left us and I wanted to show you guys what the blanket looks now!

 

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What my temperature blanket looks now! This is both January and February together!

As you can see, this blanket is going to get pretty big and I didn’t realize it until now. My granny squares are 5 rows, tall and wide, so this blanket is going to get super big! It might actually be too big, but it will definitely warm me up on a cold winters day!

If you haven’t already noticed, there has been a new color in the mix, so let me explain. Due to not being able to get the store to go get the color yarn, I had to end up changing it. Plus, I didn’t want to put the blanket on hold when it came time to crochet the squares together.

This light purple that I switched it to will still represent as a 20 degrees color, it just isn’t as light as the color before it.

Hopefully, this will be the only color change that I will end up doing. I’ve planned it out, so if I start getting really low on a particular color, I am going to grab or order another roll the next time I go to the store.

Anyway, here is the colors and what they will represent:

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100 degrees – Fire Red (I Love This Yarn)
90 degrees – Pumpkin (Red Heart Super Saver)
80 degrees – Bright Yellow (Red Heart Super Saver)
70 degrees – Jelly Bean (I Love This Yarn)
60 degrees – Green (Main Stays Basic Yarn)
50 degrees – Turqia (Red Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)
20 degrees – Orchid (I Love This Yarn) *Changed to the following – Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)
10 and below – Light Gray (I Love This Yarn)         *Note: Due to one of the color changes, I won’t be updating this picture, the only one that has changed is the 20 degrees one and there is a note, with the new color I’ll be using.*

 

How do you tell which color to use?

I, personally, go with the overall temperature. So, let’s go by today, for example.

Today in Maine, the overall temperature is 17 degrees. I would choose the light gray.

Let’s say that it was an overall temperature of 22 degrees, I would choose the Orchid color. All my temperatures, for my colored yarn, has to have the same number first number. If that makes any sense, I’m sorry if it doesn’t!

What was the highest temperature for this month?

We actually reached another 50-degree day, but as usual, it doesn’t last long. Hopefully, in March we will start to see more days starting to warm up!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

Well, we reach single digits, but the way my temperature blanket is set up, we can’t really tell, other than it would be a light gray square!

Do you post daily updates?

Yes, I do. On my Facebook page, I post a picture of the square for each day. I also tried to post every week’s worth, but it was hard to keep track of, so I’ll be posting monthly and daily instead.

If you haven’t liked my Facebook Page, here is the link below! It keeps you posted and updated on my temperature blanket and any updates for my blog and YouTube channel, as well!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

 

 

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Stuffed Easter Egg (Easy)

Good Morning Dearies! So, I am going to shake it up a bit and we are doing something for Easter! I know it is a little early, but with my crocheted Easter Baskets up for orders, I wanted to show everyone how to make these cute little eggs, just in time for Easter!

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These are great for babies for their first Easter or for toddlers if you want them to find something other than jelly beans and candy! These eggs don’t take long to make, but they add the perfect touch to a crocheted Easter Basket!

So, before I begin, I want to talk to you about this pattern. I’ve made about 3 of these eggs, 4 if you include the tutorial I’ll be doing for you all. I’ve used a different brand type of yarn, just to see if there is a difference, and I believe it was my tension, but I’m still unsure.

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The pattern recommends Red Heart Yarn, so I would just use Red Heart, you can try it with different brands and if you do, and they turn out great, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Anyway, let’s talk about all that you will need:

  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Red Heart Yarn
    • I will be using the color aqua. I’m just guessing because I lost the yarn label for it, but I know it’s Red Heart.
  • Stitch Marker
  • Stuffing of your choice
    • I’m using the stuffing that you get from Walmart in the craft section. Basic stuffing for stuffed animals.
  • Sewing Needle
  • Row Counter (optional)
    • I wrote down the numbers of rows and crossed them off as I go. You don’t need a row counter, but if you are a beginner, I highly recommend that you use one.

Let’s begin!

Round 1: Chain 2. Make 6 single crochets in the second chain from your hook. Don’t connect. (6 stitches)

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Round 2: Make a single crochet in the next stitch and place a stitch marker(You’ll be moving this stitch marker for every row), then make another single crochet in that same stitch. In the next stitches, make 2 single crochets in each until you reach the stitch marker. (12 stitches)

Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch.

Round 4: Make *2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next.* Repeat (18 stitches)

Note: The * are for repeating an amount of different stitches for a round or row.

Round 5: Rep Rnd 3.

Round 6: Work *2 single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 2 stitches.* Repeat. (24 stitches)

Round 7: Rep Rnd 3.

Round 8: Work *2 single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat. (30 stitches)

Round 9-11: Rep Rnd 3.

Round 12: *Single crochet decrease in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat. (24 stitches)

Round 13: Repeat Rnd 3.

Round 14: Single crochet decrease 12 times. (12 stitches)

Round 15: Rep Rnd 3. Stuff the egg. (I used the other side of my crochet hook to help stuff the egg because the hole is really small.)

Round 16: Single crochet decrease 6 times. (6 stitches)

Finish off, leaving a long tail to weave through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight and secure the end and make sure to weave it in, as well.

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There you have it! Perfect pretty Easter eggs for the kiddos!

Posted in Gaming, Sims, Sims 2 Challenges

Sims 2 Challenges: Ones I Can’t Wait To Try Out!

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Hey dearies! So, as you all know I LOVE the Sims! I think its fun to play with life in a more pixelated way. As you all know that when you start playing a game, it can get boring doing the same thing over and over. Many players get creative and start finding different ways to play, which are called ‘challenges’.

Challenges are just a different, more fun, way to play the game. They can be about anything or have a goal in mind. Some challenges might have a points system, too. When it’s all said and done, a lot of people like to share their gameplay or how the challenge went.

I am so excited to announce that I will be taking part in some of these challenges and will record myself playing them! I know, I’m pretty excited too! So, let’s go on to the few challenges I have in mind that I would like to try!

The Legacy Challenge

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This challenge is one of the most famous that you can try out. Basically, your goal is to have a family with 10 generations, but following the guidelines. This challenge can be the hardest that anyone can try, but it’s fun to try the challenge out!


The Black Widow Challenge

Image result for sims 2 black widow challenge

The title sounds a little familiar, hmm? Well, it is! I actually used this idea for one of my short stories, but the challenge is nothing like my short story. You are a female who is on the hunt for wealthy men. You marry them for their money, cheat on them in front of them, and then have them die. Then you marry the person you had an affair with and do the cycle all over again.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it?


The Disney Princess Challenge

Image result for sims 2 disney princess challenge

Ever wanted to play as a Disney princess? Here is your chance! Its sort of the same thing as the Legacy Challenge expect every generation you start with, is a different princess.

Here is the list of generations and which princesses you can play as:

  1. Snow White (Start as an adult)
  2. Cinderella (Start as a teen)
  3. Tiana (Start as a teen)
  4. Aurora (Start as an adult)
  5. Anna (Start as a teen)
    1. Elsa (Start as a teen) [I can’t do this one because I don’t have one of the expansion packs, but if I end up getting the Sims 2 Ultimate Collection, I will keep you guys posted!]
  6. Rapunzel (Start as a teen)
  7. Belle (Start as a young adult)
  8. Ariel (Start as a teen)
  9. Jasmine (Start as a teen)
  10. Merida (Start as an adult)
    1. Or Mulan (Start as an adult)

As you go through each generation, there are mini-tasks that you have to do for each princess. You are also allowed to add extra sims if you want to customize the princes.

This challenge is on the top of the list for me to try out and I seriously can’t wait!


The Teenage Dream Challenge

Image result for sims 2 teenage dream

Ever wondered what it would be like as a teenager living the dream with no parents? This one is for you!

Basically, you are a runaway teen that is on their own. You have to have a job or find a way to make money and basically, be a teenager, but with responsibilities. You can make the challenge even harder and make her have babies.


The Mommy Challenge

If you like dealing with kids or babies, in the Sims, then you’ll have fun with this challenge. Basically, all you need to do is have kids, can’t be married to them or have them live with you. Raise your kids up, while trying to complete your lifetime goal.

The only problem with this challenge is that there are no points or set goals for you too do.


The Vampire Legacy Challenge

Image result for sims 2 vampire

Love playing as the undead? Make a legacy out of it with this challenge!

I’m a big fan of vampires, don’t ask me why, but I love reading about them and to actually play as a vampire, sounds so much fun! Your goal is to make it through 10 generations, without using any types of cheats. It’s like the Legacy challenge, but you’re a blood-sucker.


The Perfect Mother Challenge

Image result for sims 2 mother holding baby

Almost the same as the ‘Mommy Challenge’, but there are more tasks and goals for you to complete, the other big difference is that you can’t work until all your toddlers are children. If you don’t like raising babies and toddlers, I wouldn’t choose this challenge.


The 100 Baby’s Challenge

Image result for sims 2 100 baby challenge

One of the most popular and most known challenges is the 100 Babies Challenges. The goal is to have 100 babies, with the least amount of births and with different men sims. This is more challenging because the sims game will only let you have only 8 sims per household.

Mods and hacks are your best way to help you complete the challenge. What makes this even more challenging, is that you can’t have anyone help you! You are a single mom who has lots of babies! The good news is that once your teens get an A+, you can move their butts out to make more room for more babies!


The Family Business Challenge

Image result for sims 2 family business

Have the OFB (Open For Business) Expansion pack, but haven’t actually tried it out on how to manage a home business? This challenge can get you on the right path, plus you get to know more about the OFB pack.

This is the Legacy Challenge and Business combined. Have generations, while trying to keep open the family business.


The Not So Berry Challenge

Image result for sims 2 not so berry challenge

Again, another legacy challenge, but with a colorful twist. Every generation represents a different color, but each head of the household has a different task and job. Making it more different and a chance for you to try out different aspirations, too.

Here are the list of generations and their colors:

  1. Mint
  2. Rose
  3. Yellow
  4. Grey
  5. Plum
  6. Orange
  7. Pink
  8. Peach
  9. Green
  10. Blue

You also have to have your entire household be dressed in the same color that the generation represents.


The Prosperity Challenge

Ready to leave all your choices to the dice? This challenge shakes up the Sims gameplay! You are literally creating an entire neighborhood, however, with the roll of the dice. It determines how many families you will have, what their gender is, age, and personality.

The best part is, you aren’t just stuck with just one family, you have to play around with the entire neighborhood you just created! I’m really excited to give this challenge a go.


The Immortal Challenge

Image result for sims 2 immortal challenge

Ever wanted to see how long you can get your Sim to live for or just love the Sim you created and really don’t want to see them die? Well, this immortal challenge is something to definitely try out. You are a sim that builds wealth and a family.

Completing your Lifetime Wish and a list of objectives. You can get married and have a family, but once your spouse dies, you can remarry, start a new family, and a new job. It gives you a chance to switch it up.


The Rags to Riches Challenge

You start out as a poor sim with nothing (literally nothing) and make them be one of the most richest Sim in town! Building your home from scratch and working your way up to the highest career you can get!

A simple challenge, but you can’t get married until you have completed the challenge.


The Single Mom Challenge

Image result for sims 2 single mom challenge

I know what you are probably thinking, another mommy-like challenge!? This one is different because you aren’t starting out with just one Sim. You start out with a family of sims, that lives very poor and the father dies (you kill him). Then you find out you are pregnant with twins (using a cheat).

Then you have to not only raise your kids but the new twins on the way. Here’s another twist, can’t have a job until she has about 15,000 dollars in the bank. Not only that, but this challenge makes you get creative and makes you dress everyone is ruined, old clothes. You can only upgrade stuff/clothes when you have 5,000 dollars.


So, here are a few that I’m interested in trying and hopefully, going to film, as well. Leave a comment down below if you are interested in seeing me play any other these challenges. There are a whole lot more, but these are the ones that have caught my eye!

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Coin/Gift Card Purse (Beginner)

Today, we are going to learn how to make these cute little coin/gift card holders! They are very simple and easy to make, plus they are quick to put out if you are in a jam on finding a gift for someone. You can even make one for the kids use for dress up!

You can make them in all styles, but I’m going to show you how to make a quick and simple one.

What you will need?

  • 4.0 crochet hook
  • Medium Size Yarn
  • Sewing needle
  • Scissors
  • Small Button

If you are a beginner and haven’t worked with a smaller hook, don’t worry! This hook seems small and difficult to work with, but it is not. There are a lot of smaller sizes that are much difficult to work with.

The size we are going to be making is going to be about 4 1/2 inches to maybe 5 inches across. It will be small enough to have in your purse or to hold a few cards or gift cards perfectly.

Now, the way we are making these in pieces and then sewing them together. The other opinion is to single crochet them together, which I will do in this tutorial.

Start by chaining 18.

Row 1-12: Single crochet across. Chain 1 and turn.

 

Keep singl20190205_203631.jpge crocheting until it reaches the length you want it to be. If you are making a gift card holder, keep in mind that cards are about 2 1/5 inches long.

So, what I am doing, I am crocheting 3 inches, placing a marker, and then crocheting another 3 inches. About 12 rows or so.

Row 13: Double crochet across. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 14: Double crochet together across. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 15: Single crochet across and make sure that you have 8 stitches, this is needed to make the buttonhole for the next row. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 16: Single crochet together in the first two stitches. Half double crochet in the next. Double crochet in the next and in that same stitch, make a treble crochet. Chain 3. In the next stitch, make a treble crochet. In that same stitch, make a double crochet. In the next stitch, a half double crochet. Single crochet together in the last two stitches.

Then, single crochet around the entire piece, making two extra single crochet stitches in the corners. This isn’t necessary, but it makes the project look neater. 

Fasten off.

Repeat the first step and fasten off.

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Place both parts and lay them over each other. Grab the same crochet hook and start to single crochet the three sides together. If you aren’t sure how to do this, you can always just hand-sew the three sides together. Whatever you are comfortable! I will be doing this in a different color.

There you have it! Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page to watch me on how to single crochet this all together!

 

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: January

Hey Dearies! We have finally come to the end of our first month for our temperature blanket! I know you all have been waiting to see what it has started to look like, but if you are on my Facebook page, I post daily updates of what square was for each day!

Anyway, since I live in Maine, the temperature hasn’t been very high, the only high temp we were lucky to get was in the 50’s, and that was only for one day! I will also add the yarn and color of what I am using for each temperature, just in case you didn’t remember what colors I am currently going to be using!

Also, the way I am sewing them together is with a single crochet stitch. I wanted to give it a try, but this month wasn’t completely perfect, although, February should be a little better!

Now, for each month, I will be taking a picture by itself,  and then connecting it to the previous month, but since this is the first month of our temperature blanket, we don’t have to worry about that until next month.

Temperature Key:

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100 degrees – Fire Red (I Love This Yarn)
90 degrees – Pumpkin (Red Heart Super Saver)
80 degrees – Bright Yellow (Red Heart Super Saver)
70 degrees – Jelly Bean (I Love This Yarn)
60 degrees – Green (Main Stays Basic Yarn)
50 degrees – Turqia (Red Hear Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)
20 degrees – Orchid (I Love This Yarn)
10 and below – Light Gray (I Love This Yarn)

Here is the month for January:

 

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First month of the 2019 temperature blanket. The entire month of January. 

 

How do you tell which color to use?

I, personally, go with the overall temperature. So, let’s go by today, for example.

Today in Maine, the overall temperature is 17 degrees. I would chose the light gray.

Let’s say that it was an overall temperature of 22 degrees, I would chose the Orchid color. All my temperatures, for my colored yarn, has to have the same number first number. If that makes any sense, I’m sorry if it doesn’t!

What was the highest temperature for this month?

We actually reached 50 degrees! For Mainers, such as myself, days like that is considered Spring, but sadly, it didn’t last long. That is why you will see another color that stands out from the rest, that was when we had that one say of nice weather.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

Well, we reach single digits, but the way my temperature blanket is set up, we can’t really tell, other than it would be a light gray square!

Do you post daily updates?

Yes, I do. On my Facebook page, I post a picture of the square for each day. I also tried to post every week’s worth, but it was hard to keep track of, so I’ll be posting monthly and daily instead.

If you haven’t liked my Facebook Page, here is the link below! It keeps you posted and updated on my temperature blanket and any updates for my blog and YouTube channel, as well!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: What Are C2C?

When you first get into crocheting, the first thing you do, before you even get into it, is figuring out what you want to learn how to make. For me, other than my great-grandmother’s crocheted towel toppers, was the C2C. C2C is a ‘corner to corner’ type of stitch that you would find in blankets.

A corner to corner is something that you would usually see for a blanket, but I have seen many for scarfs and rugs as well. They are perfect for testing the limits to see what you can do with your crocheting skills. Here are a few examples that other’s have made:

Image result for c2c crochet

Image result for c2c crochet

You can get really creative with these types of projects! I will say, these are a lot easier to understand than graphgans. If this is something that you have saved in your Pinterest folder, or you are waiting for all your projects are done before starting something new, sit back and relax! I’m going to answer a few questions and give some tips, I have picked up, on C2C!

What will you need?

Depending on the pattern or idea you have in mind, you will need to start out on graph paper. If you are going for the basic C2C, having a graph will help you keep track of where you are, but graphs are used for more characters or lettering. For example, I am going to use this pixel picture:

Related image

Since we are going to be using this heart, as an example, we need to figure out how many bobbins and colors we will need. I also want to note that you can always change the colors for any of these types of projects. It won’t change how you make the C2C, only the colors.

For this project we need 4 different colors:

  • White
  • Black
  • Dark Red
  • Red

Now, let’s talk about bobbins, if you don’t know what they are, here is a picture of what they look like, you will need these, unless, you are using multiple skiens, which I don’t recommend because you have to turn the project back and forth, when you are done with a row.

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These ones aren’t exactly for ‘crocheting’, but the reason why I like these, is because you can clip them onto your work as you are working.

From looking back at the graph, I see that we will need about 9 bobbins, but like i said, every project will be different and you will have to determined what you will need for each project.

How do you start one?

After you have figured out what you need, you can then start. A lot of people start by chaining 6, but I prefer chaining 5. The reason for this is because I am one of those picky people that doesn’t like giant gaps or holes in my projects and I like to keep it that way.

Chaining 6, is what people normally do, but it doesn’t change the C2C. The only other difference is that, when you connect the squares together, they won’t be the same. For now, here is the video I followed:

*Note: This is not my video, this is to show what type of C2C I am currently using. All credit goes to Heart Hook Home.*

Is it easy?

Once you get the hang of it, it isn’t that hard to do! The only parts that I struggle with is changing color, but there are so many videos on YouTube that have helped me out with that!

What videos do you recommend?

I can recommend a few, but you’ll have to find someone that you can follow. Everyone is different, especially, when it comes to crocheting. I am also one of those people that likes to get right down to the point, especially, when it comes to tutorials.

Keep in mind, that some people can give you way too much information, to the point where you aren’t sure what you are doing. Heart Hook Home, did an awesome job explaining a C2C, I highly recommend you watching her tutorial.

If you want to learn, almost everything that is to know about a C2C, then the Crochet Crowd is your best option, although, I personally, don’t recommend him to anyone who is a beginner. I honestly found his video, on C2C, very confusing and especially as a beginner.

 

This was just a little more information, not a lot, but enough, to possibly get you going in the right direction of C2C. Once you learn how to do it, you won’t want to stop!

If you haven’t liked my Facebook page, I will be going live, tonight, with a surprise, that I am making for this month of January! Make sure to like my page and check it out!

 

Posted in Writing Works

The Black Widow’s Partner In Crime (Friday’s Short Stories)

*Just letting all of you know that I really don’t know where this idea came from. I started the beginning of this story when I was tipsy (thanks to the bud lite strawberrita’s I had the night before), and I ended up finishing this story the next morning. I’m sorry if this is a weird story, but hey, a weird story is an interesting story.*

By: Katie Night

Andrea sat at the bar, with a drink in hand. She had been siting at the bar for about 20 minutes, nothing had sparked her attention. Her last husband had been gone for about a month, before she started to crave for another man’s affection.

He had a heart attack and thought that he was the one for her. She thought that she was going to spend the rest of her life with him. Making memories, having children, and growing old together.

She just wanted someone to love her for her. She looked up at the bartender, as he poured her another shot. It burned in the back of her throat, but made it so she could hold back the tears she wan’t to let loose. She checked her phone, once more, looking at her flip phone that had a picture of her and her late husband.

Another 5 minutes had passed and she was getting tired of sitting, waiting for someone to approach her. It was like they knew she had lost her husband and that they were avoiding her like the plague. She struggled her shoulders and downed the rest of her drink, when she felt someone sit down next to her.

“Can I by you a drink?” The man wearing a business suit asked, as she looked at him in shock. She turned and looked around to see if he had might off meant to talk to someone else, but it was only them sitting at the bar.

She moved her hair behind her ear and smiled. “Sure.” He then turned to the bartender and he quickly made a drink.

“So, what is a beautiful lady like you doing in a bar alone?” He asked. She took a slip, waiting him to say more, but she was speak less. She didn’t think anyone would come and approached her tonight.

“It’s better than being home alone.” She responded. He moved his grey-black hair back and placed his hand on hers. She froze, not knowing what he would do.

“You are still alone, aren’t you?” He asked once more. She wondered if he was trying to hit on her, but she couldn’t tell. Although, he noticed that him asking questions about her, bothered her, he pulled his hand away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be so demanding on questioning you.”

She shrugged her shoulders. She started to feel the alcohol hitting her, making her more relaxed and able to more flirty. “I was really waiting for you to ask me what my name was.” She smirked as his lips formed a small smile. “Andrea.”

She held her hand out as did he, shaking hands. “Kevin.” She felt something different about Kevin. She couldn’t tell what it was, but his aurora said something else. He had a dark soul, but with little room for love. She still wanted to know what was different about him that made him approach her?

The rest of the night, they talked. Nothing, but talked. She told him about her college days, as he told her about the late nights he was doing surgery. By the time they noticed what time it was, the bar was about to close up for the night. Kevin walked Andrea to her car and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Andrea heart had warmed up with excitement and passion. She didn’t want to stop seeing him again. Kevin was all she could think about. The only question she had for him was why her? There were a few other ladies at the bar, but he chose her. She tossed and turned all night long, over thinking about Kevin.

 

The next night, Kevin, met up with her at her house. They could resist themselves and had to have themselves, right on her kitchen table, the one that her and Jeff had picked out after they got married.

She was lost in the moment, forgot about that table, her late husband, and everything else. The only thing she could think of was how much thrill she was having. making love to a stranger on her husband’s table. The look in Kevin’s eyes during the act of affection. It burned in her mind.

Once they were done, a small idea popped in her head. She gave Kevin a smirk, but he had no idea what she was thinking, or so she thought. Kevin picked up her clothes and threw them at her.

“Don’t even think about playing me, sweetheart.” He spoke and Andrea’s eye’s widened. How could he know what she was thinking? She threw her dress over her head, forgetting about her undergarments.

“How did you-” She tired to speak, but he interrupted her.

“I can read your thoughts and I know what you were thinking.” Kevin spoke as he slowly walked towards her. The only thing she noticed, was his eyes, even though, he was half-naked in front of her, his eyes scared her the most. “I love how your mind thinks, Andrea. I bet if we stick together, we can do exactly what you are thinking, to a couple of rich suckers.”

 

After that night, Andrea and Kevin worked hand in hand, roping in rich idiots that married Andrea, but they wouldn’t last a week in that house. Kevin grew angry whenever anyone else touched Andrea and would kill the new husband, before the end of the week.

The would make love to each other, with the money that the late husband had left for her the night before. No one noticed what was going on. Kevin would admit the late husbands in for surgery, but they would never make it.

Andrea loved to do it for the thrills. She loved the fact that another man touched her, Kevin would rip him apart. She wanted some to want her so bad, that he would kill any man that touched. her.

Once another one of her husbands had passed, she tried to wait as long as she could, but her cravings for affection always came back. She would go out to wealthy bars, sit and wait, until another sucker wanted to give her the world. She would play off sweet and simple, before getting them so drunk, she would mention to get married.

Those late husbands of Andrea, would fall so hard for her, they always said yes and then married her that same night. Once they would come home for their ‘honeymoon’, Kevin would be waiting.

Andrea and Kevin thought that this was something they would keep on doing forever until, people started to notice the pattern, they were leaving behind. The head of the police department, Steve Jones, had started to look into the case. He watched, from his car for weeks, as multiple men would enter that house alive, but would leave in a body bag.

There was only one man that came and go as he pleased. The head of the surgery department Kevin Rosevelt. He was one of the very known surgeons in the department, that even received an award for donating money to big charity events. It puzzled Jones’ to why he was doing this or what he was getting out of this?

“Dr. Rosevelt, good to see you again.” Jones said as he approached Kevin in the hospital, after the last husband of Andrea Whites’ had died. They shook hands and Kevin gave him a smile.

“You too, Steve. What brings you here?” Kevin asked as he was questionable about the reasoning to why he was here. He figured it was for another award or another patient was a officer.

They both sat down as Jones’ laid them down a few files on his desk. “I wanted to ask you a few questions on these missing men. Some of them you operated on and I just wanted to know how those surgeries went.”

Kevin looked through the files, there were about 6 different men in each of the files, 4 of them, he operated on. He stayed calm, as he had a feeling Jones’ was onto him.

“I only operated on 4 of these men, Jones’, why are these two in the same pile? I’ve never had them for patients either.” Kevin said, giving the files back to Jones’, hoping Jones’ would by them and move on.

“Do you have any relations with Mrs. Andrea White?” Jones asked. Kevin stood puzzled to him, wondering how he knew.

“She is one of my friends. Why are you questioning me about her?” Jones knew right away that if he told Kevin about the investigation, they would either flee the town or kill him.

“We are just asking because she has gotten married to these men and they happened to all of died within the week of them getting married. You operated on 4 of them and called time of death on the other 2. We just making sure that they have been dying of natural causes and not being murdered.” Jones explained. He didn’t wished he didn’t give so much information to him, but he hoped that maybe, he would confess or prove that he didn’t kill these women.

Kevin threw a hand in his face and then took the filed back. Looking through each of them again. He pulled the first man, Lance Drotter, he was a wealthy business man, but he only lasted three days when he was with Andrea.

“Mr. Lance Drotter, he came in, not breathing, we tried to bring him back, but nothing worked, so we called time of death at 15:23. Further look into his death, he had a stroke. Mrs. White had no idea of his medical history until she brought him to the hospital.”

Kevin threw that file down in front of Jones’, as his pager was going off. ” I wish I could go into detail even more, but I have to head down to the ER, so I’ll make it quick with the other cases.” He spoke. “Carl Jenson, alcohol poisoning. Gregory John, blood clot stopped his heart. Mattew Carter, came in unresponsive due to suicide attempt. Donald Heath, liver failure. Last but not least, Parker Adams, brain dead on the table. Happy now?”

Kevin rushed out of his office and Jones’ sensed that talking about these men upset him. Not only did he have the ER to worry about, but something about these deaths, Jones’ could tell it bothered him very much.

Jones’ wondered if he would get Andrea to talk some more, since Kevin didn’t give out too much information. He left the hospital, with the files of the dead 6 men. He figured he would look back into the files to see if he missed any more information.

 

Kevin knew Jones’ was onto him, he quickly got out of his office and went to one of the empty on call rooms. He dialed Andrea’s number, as quick as he could. “When do you want me at the hospital?” Andrea answered with, he would usually call her for her to spend some time with him in the on call room.

“Get out of the house with your stuff, the cops are on to us.” Kevin snapped as Andrea stayed silent. “We need to get out of here as soon as we can because Jones’ is going to be headed to your house now.”

“I already have the bag packed. You want me to take the SUV?” She replied as that car wouldn’t be detected by the cops right away.

“Yes, then go to the bank, take everything out of the accounts. I’ll meet you at the bank and we will leave.” Kevin said as he feared that she wouldn’t be able to take everything out of the bank right off.

“I’ll come and get you first. If I go to the bank first, they will figured it out. We need to go to the bank in the next town over.” Andrea paused for a second. “I’ll be there in 5 minutes. I’m going to throw my phone in the lake on the way to get you. I love you.”

They bother hung up and Kevin rushed to grab other stuff from his desk.

 

Andrea quickly got into the SUV and then opened the garage, there was Jones, waiting for her. He wouldn’t move, so she ran him over. After, that she just kept driving, hoping that no one noticed she did a hit an run. Once she reached to the hospital, Kevin quickly jumped into the car and planted a kiss on her lips.

“Go, I just got a call from the hospital that they are doing a locked down.” Kevin said as Andrea stepped on the gas. The drove and drove for hours, Andrea felt that nothing could stop them, once they left town and reached the other bank.

They quickly went in and out of the bank, cashing out their accounts and cards, making it so the cops couldn’t trace their whereabouts. Kevin took over driving. They kept driving and driving, as they heard the sirens on their tail. Andrea never felt so much thrill in her entire life.

She was wanted. So, wasn’t Kevin. She was called the ‘Black Widow’. Kevin and her stayed low, but when they arrived in a new town, the craving for a wealthy man passed her mind and she couldn’t help herself.

She would sit at the bar, and waited patiently for their next victim.

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Mug/Coffee Cup Cozy w/ a Pocket (Easy)

Good morning dearies! Today is it snowing, in Maine, and I wanted to tell you about a pattern that I have found, on Pinterest, the other day, that is actually perfect for today, because of the cold weather we got going on.

As you all know, if you don’t already like my Facebook page, I show two different patterns and which ever one wins, I go live, showing you how to make them! This week, it was the coin purse vs. the mug cozy. So, I guess you can already think what won, by the title of this blog post!

Here is the link for the pattern itself:

https://www.thestitchinmommy.com/2014/09/give-sugar-coffee-cozy.html

I want to shout out to the Stitchin Mommy for making this pattern available for us today! I’ll be making her pattern later tonight on my Facebook Page, when I go live!

You all know that I just love making mug cozies, they are perfect for the cold or chilly weather and they prevent you from burning your hand, when you are craving that hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot coco.

This pattern just showed up, out of no where, but I’m glad it did! I have always wonder if someone had came up with pockets for their mug cozy. This pattern is simple and very easy to make, perfect for holiday gifts, but since the holidays are over, I will be making one of these for myself, or for someone in the family.

Best part of this pattern, is that you get to try out different colors, or mix and match the colors for the pocket and the mug base.

The only downfall of this pattern, is that it isn’t for all mug types. This ‘mug cozy’ is technology a ‘coffee cup cozy’. So, chances are, this won’t find on your favorite coffee mug at home.

HOWEVER! I have came up with another pattern idea, that is based off a simple mug cozy, and all I did was add the pocket on the side! Which is what this pattern is really for.

If you just started to follow me, I made a mug cozy pattern way back when I first started to blog (which wasn’t that long ago). I will be basing it off of that pattern, but making it bigger and adding a pocket.

Things you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • If you want to feel creative, like myself, grab another color and mix it up!
    • I’m using the I Love This Yarn brand for this project.
  • 4.5 mm hook
  • A button
  • Yarn needle
    • As always! Got to make sure to sew in your loose ends!

 

Mug Cozy Base

20190108_120843.jpg

Chain 10.

Row 1: Find the second chain from your hook (Not counting the chain that is already on your hook). Make a single crochet and a double crochet, in that same chain.

Skip the next chain and in the next chain, make a single crochet and a double crochet. Repeat til you reach the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2: Skip the next stitch. Make a single crochet and a double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat Row 2, until you reach about 8 inches. If you wish to make it longer, you make do so. Also, keep in mind that the next step, we are making the buttonhole.

I would measure your mug first, and debating on adding more or less rows. Not all mugs are the same! You also don’t want your mug cozy to be too loose, otherwise it will fall off, and you don’t want it too tight either!

Don’t be afraid to ‘frog it’. Rippit, rippit!

Buttonhole

Next Row: In the first two stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog). Single crochet across, until you reach the last two stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog) in those last two stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Next Row: Half double crochet into each stitch, making sure that you still have 8 stitches. Keep going for another 2 inches, starting where you started your half double crochets. (This is for bases that have the 8 inches crocheted. If you made it bigger, see the * for more info.)

*Depending on how long you made your mug cozy base, measure it, if your mug cozy base is over lapping itself, then you don’t need to keep crochet for another two inches. These will vary for different mugs. Make sure to measure it around your cup, before crocheting!*

Next Row: Now, we are going to make the actual buttonhole. If you haven’t chained one from the last step, do so now and turn your work.

In the first 2 stitches, make a single crochet together (sc2tog). In the next stitch, make a half double crochet. In the next stitch, make a double crochet and a treble crochet, in that same stitch. Chain 3. In the next stitch, make a treble crochet and a double crochet, in that same stitch. In the next stitch, make a half double crochet. In the last 2 stitches, single crochet together (sc2tog).

You can fasten off, or single crochet all around the mug cozy. This is something you don’t have to do, but if you are like me and like stuff to look neat and even, this is something you would want to do!

Making the pocket:

Using the same size hook, that you used for the base of the mug cozy, we are now going to make the pocket.

Chain 11

Row 1:  Find the second chain from the hook and single crochet across. You should have 10 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2 – 12: Repeat row 1. Or until it has reached the length you would like. Make sure to leave a long tail, as you will use this to sew it onto the mug cozy itself.

Weave in any ends.

Sew on your button and you are done!

20190108_121100.jpg

I will be posting a video on how to make this mug cozy with pocket on my YouTube channel. I’ll add the video on here, once it is posted.

If you want to see me go live, on making the coffee mug with pocket, make sure you like my Facebook page and keep an eye out on my weekly polls, where you guys get to choose between two items and pick which one you want to see me make live!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet Blanket 2019

Crafty Sassy: Temperature Blanket 2019

Hey dearies! 2019 is just around the corner and as I have mentioned, I want to make a temperature blanket for 2019. I wanted to talk more into what a temperature blanket is and what you need for it.

So, for my temperature blanket, I will updating you on what it looks like at the end of every month, rather than posting every square a day, I figured it would be easier to post on what it looks like at the even of every month. However, I will be posting a square a day on my Facebook Page.

Let’s talk about some questions I have gotten on my Facebook page about the temperature blanket is.

What is a Temperature Blanket?

A temperature blanket is a blanket in which you crochet a square a day, in a color, based on the temperature of what it was that day. The picture below is an example that someone used as their ‘guide’, for their temperature blanket:

Image result for temperature blankets

This is just a simple chart, but there is a color that represents every temperature. You don’t have to crochet a square a day, you can do whatever you want to do! I’ll be crocheting a solid granny square a day, but you can crochet a row a day, or crochet a different design a day, whatever you would like to try!

You can even do it with one color, but start from the darkest color, and work your way down to the lightest or whitest color. Here is another example:

Image result for temperature blankets with one color

As you see here, this person used a ‘purple’ as their base color for this project, which you could do for any and all types of colors. The rainbow theme, for a temperature blanket, is more common because when it all get’s put together, it’s amazing to see what they look like.

Best part about seeing these blankets, is that the temperature isn’t the same everywhere you are from. I’m from Maine, and it doesn’t stay in the same temperature all year long. So, we will see a little bit of every color, that I have planned.

Do you have to use the same yarn?

Not at all! Most people use their leftover yarn that is just sitting in their closet. Or, if you are like me, I go out and buy whatever colors I don’t have and go from there.

There also isn’t a brand that you have to stick with either. Whatever yarn you have hanging around, that follows the key, will work! Even if they aren’t all from the same brand.

I’ll be using mostly I Love This Yarn, because it’s one of my favorite brands to use, but their yarn can be rather pricey! I do have a few other types of yarn that aren’t the same brand. Usually, I stick with a brand, when it comes to a project, but this being my first time making it, I’ll be using what I have from my yarn stash.

What colors are you doing for this blanket?

I know a lot of people are wondering what colors I will be using for this blanket. Since this is my very first temperature blanket, I will be doing the ‘rainbow’ color key for this project. So, here is the colors I will be using:

20181222_124142

  • 100 degrees – Fire Red
    • I Love This Yarn
  • 90 degrees – Pumpkin
    • Red Heart Super Saver
  • 80 degrees – Bright Yellow
    • Red Heart Super Saver
  • 70 degrees – Jelly Bean
    • I Love This Yarn
  • 60 degrees – Green
    • Main Stays Basic Yarn
  • 50 degrees – Turqia
    • Red Hear Super Saver
  • 40 degrees – Soft Blue
    • I Love This Yarn
  • 30 degrees – Dark Orchid
    • Red Heart Super Saver
  • 20 degrees – Orchid
    • I Love This Yarn
  • 10 and below – Light Gray
    • I Love This Yarn

This is the line up of what colors I will be using for my temperature blanket for 2019! I included the brand, just in case any of you would like to follow me in making this blanket as well!

Do you have to wait until the beginning of the year to start?

Nope! You can start one when ever you would like! A lot of people I know like to start from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, just to see what it would look like, too!

Another option you can do, is if you are a faster crocheter and want to blanket from, let’s say 2015, you can always use Google to search for what temperatures it was during that year from where you live. It might be a little hard to find, but it would be amazing to see what each year turned out to me.

If you are looking for a later year, Google might not have the information for later years, but if you are a newspaper collector, you might have more luck!

How are you joining your squares?

So, I have learned and watched quite a bit of videos on how to sew together squares and I have two in mind:

  1. Single crochet the squares together
    1. Now, this wouldn’t require a sewing needle at all! Basically, you would put your squares back to back and single crochet the seems together. It’s simple for beginners and you would have sort of have two blankets in one.
    2. Here is the video, if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUGb9pIcsXE
  2. Mattress Stitch
    1. This is a stitch that I LOVE to use because of the fact it hides how you stitched it together. I’ve used it multiple times and it is one of my favorites!
    2. Here is the video, if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elshk_5XuuM&t=600s

Not sure which one I am going to use, but I will show you how to do one of them, when I go live on my Facebook Page.

Do you have to make squares?

Not at all! You can do squares, hexagons, circles, rectangles, rows, and etc. Be creative and try to do a temperature that you think would be amazing.

If you are a beginner, I would start out with squares. You don’t have to do a solid granny square, like I am going to do. A lot of people use a granny square for this type of project, but I like my squares completely squared.

What do they look like?

Well, here are some examples! If you wish to make one of these, for your own collection, keep a look out on my Facebook Page for more details for how to follow along!

Image result for temperature blanket crochet
This isn’t exactly a temperature blanket, but I wanted to show an example that you can make them in just simple long rows. 
Image result for temperature blanket crochet
This is a square temperature blanket, but it is a different design from the original granny square. 
Related image
This one was made with hexagons. Like I said, you can make them using pretty much any time of shape.
Image result for temperature blanket crochet
Another great design, this one looks like they did two types of temperatures, one in the morning and one at night.

I will be doing monthly updates, as well, on my blog to show the progress of each month, but I’ll be doing a weekly and daily update for my blanket on my Facebook page!

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Basic Stitches & Terms Should Know For Crocheting

I was a beginner to crocheting, in the beginning of the year, but I got hooked into it the moment I first learned how to crochet. I thought it was going to be very difficult to pick up, unlike knitting, which my grandmother taught me to do.

If you are interested in learning how to crochet, please keep reading! There were a lot to learn and a lot of different terms. I do consider myself still a ‘beginner’, but I do know most of the stitches and terms, which I have learned over time.

First thing is first, if you are a true beginner, I suggest getting a set of crochet hooks. The first set I ever bought was on Wish, but if you don’t want to wait weeks on end for stuff, you can find a set on Amazon for about $10-$15. Some sets will even come with markers, tape measures, plastic needles, scissors, and some other stuff as well!

Image result for crochet hooks

If you don’t have the extra money to buy a set, you can always go to your local craft store or Walmart, and get the following:

  • Crochet Hook
    • Start with a 5.0mm hook. Most projects require this size and it is also the size I am going to use to show you each stitch.
  • Yarn Size 4 (Medium)
    • If you are unsure what size the yarn is, you can always check on the back of the yarn label, and it will tell you what size it is. It also tells you what hook it ‘recommends’ to use, but most crocheting projects use this type of yarn.
    • Image result for yarn size
    • Image result for yarn size on the yarn label
  • Markers
    • Markers aren’t really needed, but are very helpful for marking when your stitches begin and end.
    • You don’t necessary need the actually crocheting stitch markers, you can use a paper clip, bobby pin, or anything that is small enough for you to use for crocheting. You can check out the picture and see what I mean.
    • Image result for crochet markers
  • Sewing Needle
    • You will always need a sewing needle for every project you do. When a project is finished, you use them to sew in the ‘unwanted’ strands from the beginning, middle and end of your project.
    • Doesn’t matter what size you use for a yarn needle, a basic size works for most projects and you can also find a pack of needles that has different sizes on Amazon or your local craft store.
  • Scissors
    • You will also always need scissors, for all your projects, to cut off any loose ends. I suggest getting embroidery scissors because they are small and easy to travel with.
    • Image result for embroidery scissors
    • Normal pair of scissors works fine as well.

Now that you have an idea of what you are going to need, let’s talk about some stitch and abbreviation terms, before starting to crochet. I have created a mini ‘cheat sheet’, for you beginners, which will also be posted on all of my social medias. If you were to look at the entire list of crochet abbreviations, your head might spin, so that is why I’m breaking it down for the new comers. Crochet Beginner Cheat Sheet.jpg

The reason why we use ‘abbreviations’ for crocheting, is that some of the terms, that are used, are very long and it would make the pattern, we are reading, very difficult to understand. Most crochet books have a page or two, on what the abbreviations mean and how to do that particular type of stitch.

There are other terms that aren’t listed in crochet books. If you join a crochet group on Facebook, some of them, in the group, will use different terms that aren’t really in the crochet books, or the ones that I have.

Here are a list of ‘slang’ crochet terms, that some people might use, that aren’t necessary in the crochet books:

  • Ami – Short for Amingurumi.
    • Amingurumi are the stuffed animals that you can crochet and make, they just aren’t called ‘stuffed animals’.
  • BiStitchtual – Someone who crochets and knits.
    • I’ve never heard this term before, I don’t think anyone has really used this term, but then again, I haven’t come across someone saying it or calling themselves it.
  • C2C – Corner to Corner.
    • C2C are blankets that you make, using a grid or graph.
  • CAL – Crochet Along,
  • De-stash – Selling or giving away yarn you stash.
    • Most people who do this are ones that might have a lot of yarn just sitting around. Since some brands of yarn are very pricey, you might get them cheaper from someone else who isn’t using them.
  • FO – Finished object.
  • FOTH – Fresh off the hook.
  • Freehand – Making a project without following a pattern.
    • Lots of experience people make these, while writing the pattern as they go. When you become more advance, this is something a lot of people do to make money from crocheting, by selling their patterns.
  • Frogging – Ripping out rows or rounds of crochet (Ribbit, Ribbit)
    • I have done this so many times. Especially if I find I missed a stitch or it doesn’t look ‘neat’ and ‘pretty’. You’ll be doing it too!
  • HOTH – Hot off the hook.
  • Hooker – A proud and happy crocheter.
  • HSPY – Haven’t started project yet.
  • ISO – In search of.
    • If you are in search of a pattern, particular yarn brand, stitch, or any supplies that have to do with crocheting, most groups on Facebook, can be helpful to help you find what you are looking for.
  • JOTH – Just off the hook.
  • LYS – Local or little yarn store.
  • MAM – Mile a minute afghan.
  • MGBTC – Must get back to crocheting.
  • OCD – Obsessive crocheting disorder.
    • Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to keep going and try different patterns and projects.
  • PABLE – Pattern accumulation beyond life expectancy.
  • PHD – Projects half done.
  • PIGS – Projects in grocery sacks.
  • PTP – Permission to post.
    • Some use these word for posting on social media or sharing it on their personal social media, or blogging sites.
    • This is VERY important to know because if you buy a pattern, most creators do NOT want you to post it on another website or share it with anyone, unless they bought it.
  • SABLE – Stash accumulation beyond life expectancy.
  • STASH – Special treasures all secretly hidden meant to be discovered unexpectedly.
  • TALC – Take along crochet.
  • TIA – Thank you in advance.
  • TOAD – Trashed object abandoned in disgust.
  • UFO – Unfinished object.
  • USO – Unstarted object.
  • Yarn Cakes – The small skeins of yarn that result from using a yarn winder.
  • WIM – Work in mind.
  • WIP – Work in progress.
    • A lot of crocheters will use this term.
  • WIVSP – Work in very slow progress.
  • YAP – Yet another project.
  • Yarn Barf – The tangled mess of yarn from the center of a skein.
    • This happens to me, because I usually use the center string for when I crochet. I love using it because I know have to unravel yarn, but it can be a pain in the ass to unravel, when you use the middle string.
  • Yarn Bomb – A decorative piece of crocheted or knitted art that is strung up in a public place.
  • YART – Yarn acquisition road trip.

Make sure to follow my blog for more beginner posts on crocheting! I will be breaking down everything in little parts and I will also have videos for you to view, if you find it easier to understand and learn!

I also go live on my Facebook page on Tuesdays! Check it out and don’t forget to like it, so you can stay in the loop for whenever I post a blog post or go live!
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: How To Make Bigger Coaster Sizes

Since I have explored more on Pinterest, I can upon this beautiful peppermint coaster. The Purple Poncho was nice enough to make this pattern free for us to use, here is the original link to the coaster here:

https://www.thepurpleponcho.com/peppermint-coasters-free-crochet-pattern/

So, with that in mind, all credit goes to her and a big thanks goes out to her for making this pattern completely free to use!

However, as lovely as this pattern is, I had one problem with it. It wasn’t big enough for my ‘standards’, which is why I am going to tell you how to make the coaster bigger. If you are like me and have giant coffee mugs, the original pattern is too small. The pattern, in my view, is more for wine glasses or just for decoration.

This also might work for some other coaster patterns as well, as long as it has the same ‘basic beanie circle’ idea, then it should work, as long as you use the correct stitch for the project.

I’ll be using the peppermint coaster pattern as an example. After you have checked out the pattern and read through the rounds, after round 4, you start making that beautiful ‘peppermint’ design. Before you start with that design, let’s make it bigger.

This is called ‘increasing stitches’, which you can or do for most projects that require it, or you choose to do so. It’s very simple to do, but can be confusing.

Round 5: Ch 2, make 1 half double crochet (hdc) in the first stitch, then 2 half double crochet (hdc) in the next 2 stitches. Make 2 half double crochet (hdc) in the next stitch (meaning you make 2 half double crochet’s in the same stitch. Repeat.

Just keep adding a single half double crochet stitch (or the type of stitch that you are working on.) to each new row, until you feel like it is where you want the size to be. Then follow the next step in the peppermint boarder.

Does this work with all coaster patterns?

No, it does work for this pattern because this started out like we were going to make a simple basic beanie. Every coaster is different, but depending what it is, you can always figure it out or as the creator if they know how to fix it to be smaller or larger to what you are looking for.

I did go live on showing you how to make the peppermint coaster, if you would like to check that out, visit my Facebook page and don’t forget to like my page, so that you can know when I next go live or for any of my free giveaways. It is also the best place to find updates for my blog.

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: What Some People Don’t Understand About Being A Stay-At-Home Mom

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What do you think of when you hear ‘stay-at-home mom’? Do you think, ‘Wow, they are so lucky, they must get so much time.’ or ‘Their kids must drive them crazy!’ or ‘They probably didn’t want to go back to work.’ There are so many opinions about stay-at-home moms, but they don’t understand what goes through the mind of a stay-at-home mom.

I’m a stay-at-home mom. I made the decision to become one when I realized that I didn’t want to miss out on any of my daughters milestones. I also talked to my fiance to make sure it was something we could afford to do.

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However, I didn’t expect to be a stay at home mom. Way before I even had kids, I did have a plan of what I wanted to do in my future. I wanted to become a teacher. Still to this day, I would love to be a teacher, but sometimes plans change when you have kids.

Let’s get back to me being a stay-at-home mom. The other downfall is that I don’t have a way to get from place to place because I’ve got some compilations with getting my license, so once a week, my mother comes to pick me up and it gives me a chance to get out of the house.

When I get back home, I’m in this state of mind: lonely. I know I’m not alone, but when you are a stay-at-home mom, the only people you talk to is your children and whenever your spouse is home. You are probably saying, ‘Don’t you have other friends or mom friends you can talk to or invite over.’

Yes, I do, but here is the thing about me. I have no problem talk to close family, but when it comes to friends, I feel like this: I’m bothering them. They are probably busy. They don’t want to hear from me. I don’t have a car, they will think I’m using them. They probably don’t like me. 

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Those sentences run through my mind when I think about talking to someone other than my family. I do have a few friends that stay-at-home, but I will always feel like a bother to them. Which I might not be, but I feel like that for everyone, anytime someone does something for me or my family, I feel it was done because I was a bother.

Moving on, a lot of people think their house would be spotless, being able to stay home. I try my best to keep the place in ‘decent shape’, but between ordering stuff online, broken appliances, toys everywhere, and having a bunch of stuff that we have no room for, it’s very hard to keep this place spotless.

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I’m lucky to sweep at least once a week or vacuum. Dishes, the ones that we use the most get rewashed everyday, the other just sit until we need them. I’ve gotten all the dishes done at one point, but they stack up quicker. Laundry has been difficult because of the fact that they are broken.

It’s not just that, I worry about not being able to pay off bills, my own medical bills. I worry about little things, but they turn into giant things because my mind makes them a big thing.

You also have to take in fact that my daughter always wants me, so doing stuff around the house during the day is difficult. ‘You can get them done when she goes to sleep or takes a nap.’ Yeah, I can, during her naps, I try to get as much as I can done, but when she goes to sleep for the night, it’s difficult because I’m exhausted and I usually take that time to relax doing what I want to do. Sometimes, I’m just too tired and just go to bed.

The one thing people always asks me is: Do you love being a stay-at-home mom?

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Yes and no. The no part is that you don’t socialize very much with adults, chores can be a challenge to do, you get depressed very quickly, you mind feels, and you never get a break, sometimes. Why do I love it? I get to see my daughter reach milestones. Watch laugh, cry, walk, find her voice, play with her toys, talk, and most of all, make her known that she is loved.

If you are a stay-at-home mom and can get all the chores done, being able to sit on the couch folding laundry with a cup of coffee, watching your kids favorite T.V. show, good for you! I’m glad you have the motivation to do all that, I wish I had motivation for that.

But, if you are like me, where we barely get stuff done, spend it most with our kids, forgetting to sweep, worrying about what to do with stuff that you can’t decided to throw away or keep. It’s okay!

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It’s okay that our emotions get in the way, we just have to learn to deal with them in the most healthiest way possible. It’s okay if you reach out for help, sometimes you just need an outsiders point of view.

Posted in Uncategorized

What’s Going On For My Blog, YouTube Channel, and Facebook Page?

Hey Dearies! It has been awhile since I’ve posted a blog post and I wanted to chat up with you about what has been happening in my life and the future of my blog, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

I’m NOT done! Making this very clear! I ain’t quitting any time soon!

I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life and we also had a death in the family. I’m doing my best to mourn over our family’s lost, it’s a lot easier said than done. So, if I’m not able to post stuff on here or any of my social media platforms, please be patient with me.

Another thing that is happening is that there is a lot going on in my mind. The holidays can be very difficult for me because of the lost of my son. It can be difficult to do some stuff with my daughter and realize I won’t ever be able to do it with my son.

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Anyway, that’s what has been going on, but let’s talk about what the future is going to be like for the following platforms of mine.

My Facebook Page/Online Business (Katie’s Craft Studio):

I’m very active, when it comes to my Facebook page, so if you are ever looking for an update, check it out! It is where I will mostly post any updates or when blog posts are going to be out.

The online business, I am trying to get some more stuff together, working on a logo and business card. If you want to order anything that I offer, you can send me an e-mail or message me on my Facebook page for the time being.

I am currently working on a online order form for my small business, but it is still in the works. I’ll update the status of that on my Facebook page. I have thought about Etsy, but I want to offer more products, but I need to have the clients to order them first. Again, I’ll be posting an update on it.

My Blog: 

Yes, I will still be doing my blog. I have a couple new ideas, just to make sure that I am active everyday. I am also still working on Unclear 2, which I will explain that in a second.

Starting January 1st, I will be doing the 365 blog posts, it’s like a writing prompt which can help be become a better blogger and writer, so that will be public for your viewing pleasure.

Unclear 2 is in the works, it is out on Wattpad and I have been updating it, very slowly, but I will be doing a ‘short story’ of the month where I have a set theme and I have to write a short story on that theme or topic.

I’ll start doing reviews about anything. From books, TV shows, movies, or products! I’ve always wanted to do this, so for next year, I’m going to try my best to make it happen, at least once a month!

As for Crafty Sassy, I am going to have a plan on what items I would like to show every Tuesday. I can go live on my Facebook page, but I feel it would be better to give you guys an actually video on how to make some of the stuff, but more edited and clear to understand. Which will be posted on my blog and on my YouTube page, but we will get to that.

For wrestling and WWE stuff, I’m going to try and figure something out with that because I still love watching it, but it might just be for the pay-per-views and what I thought about the matches. I have thought about doing just a Superstar of the month and not every week because I feel like I have rushed most of them and I want to take the time to make them better.

The gaming part of my blog will be more active! I have a few ideas and I am actually going to try and live stream for my YouTube channel. I will also record myself showing how to’s- for Minecraft, Sims, etc.

YouTube Channel (KatiePurrPurr):

Nope, I’m also not done for this either. Although, I am working on getting a better camera because the one I have isn’t the best, when it comes to going live. So for now, I’ll try my best to ‘work with it’, but it isn’t going to be the best thing ever. I also need to get some better lighting as well.

The Sims series, I am working on it, right now, I do have a problem with the Sims because I need them to get to the weekend days, so that I can film. I will also have different idea for the series, I’m going to ‘free film’, basically filming without having a script. I’ve never done that before, but it will be new to me!

The second episode is in the works, I just need to film it and then I will go from there.

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So, a few things are changing for my platforms, but I’m not done! I’m not giving up! I just need to get back on track, which I will be on January 1st of 2019. For the time being, I will do my best to post stuff, but it might just be Crafty Sassy stuff.

Thank you for all that have supported me and have stayed with me through this progress!

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Towel Topper (Easy)

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Hey dearies! I wanted to give you guys an updated pattern on the towel topper! I finally mastered it to my liking and I wanted to share it with you guys. If you didn’t know, my great-grandmother has been making these towels since I was really little and I’ve always wanted to know how.

Now that I have more knowledge on how to make them, I created a pattern that is, to me, perfect. Not too much yarn, but just enough to complete the towel itself. As you can see in the picture above, one of them is very long, that was one of my trial ones that I practiced on.

We are going to be making these ones:

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What you will need:

  • Medium Yarn
    • Find a color that you would think, would go good with the towel.
  • 2 different sizes of crochet hooks. You don’t have to use just one size, you can use whatever size you would like, these are what I prefer to use.
    • 5.0mm – This one, we will use to crochet the actual towel.
    • 3.0mm – This one, we will use to start off the towel.
  • Towel
  • A button, color of your choice
    • The size can be whatever size you would like, but nothing smaller than an inch.
  • Sewing needle
  • Ruler (Optional)
  • Black Marker (Optional)

Let’s begin!

Part 1: Starting the towel –

The first thing we need to do it cut the towel in half, like this:43592885_483374518835072_2761795955673006080_n

As you can see, mine, isn’t completely even, which in normal because of the brand of towel I am using. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Take one of the sides, of the towel, that you want to work with and lay it flat in front of you. If this is your very first time making this towel, I suggest grabbing a fine point black marker, it will make this next part easier.

Starting from the right side, take a ruler and measure 1/4 of an inch, place a dot with your marker and do that all across the towel. Make sure you are also 1/4 of an inch away from the top of your towel.

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If you aren’t good with measurements, here is 1/4 of an inch on a ruler.

Once you are done making the dots, you can begin! Take the smaller crochet hook (3.0mm) and some yarn. Poke your crochet hook in the very first dot, where you started on the right, pull some yarn threw that first hole and slip stitch (sl st) to lock in the yarn.

You are going to do this all across the towel, until you reach the end. Be careful that you don’t snag any of the towel strings, it can happen for some towel, especially for thin ones.

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This is what it should look like after you finish the first part.

When you reach the end, turn your work and switch the crochet hook to a bigger hook (5.0mm), and chain 1.

Part 2: Crocheting the towel –

Row 1 – Single crochet (sc) in between each stitch. Chain (ch) 1.

*Note – I am considering this as the first row because this is when we are actually starting to crochet.

Row 2 – Double crochet together (dc2tog) for the entire row. If you end up with an extra stitch that you can’t double crochet together, just do a simple double crochet (dc). Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 3 – Double crochet (dc) across. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 4 – Single crochet (sc) across. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 5 – Double crochet together (dc2tog) across. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 6 – Single crochet (sc) across. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 7 – Double crochet together (dc2tog) across. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 8 – Single crochet (ch) across. You should end up with 8 stitches. This is needed for the button hole!

  • If you have 1 extra: Make a single crochet together (sc2tog) in the last two stitches.
  • If you are missing a stitch: Add another single crochet (sc) in that last stitch.

Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 9-13 – Double crochet (dc) across. Make sure that each row still ends with 8 stitches. Turn your work and chain (ch) 1.

Row 14 – For the last row, I’m going to break it down:

  • Single crochet together (sc2tog) in the first 2 stitches.
  • Half double crochet (hdc) in the next stitch.
  • Double crochet (dc) in the next stitch.
  • In the same stitch you just made the double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr) in that same stitch. Chain (ch) 3.
  • In the next stitch, make a treble crochet (tr) and in that same stitch, make a double crochet (dc).
  • Half double crochet (hdc) in the next.
  • Single crochet together (sc2tog) in the last 2 stitches.

Fasten off and weave in any extra strands.

Part 3 – Button

Sew on the button in between the middle of the 8th row. Make sure that it is in the middle.

And you are finished!

These are a perfect gift to make for anyone! Especially, for craft fairs and such. Enjoy this pattern and if you make one of these towels using my pattern, please feel free to tag me on Instagram by using the hash tag #KatiePurrPurr.

*I created this pattern to my own liking, I do own it and you are more than welcome to use it or share it, but please do not take this pattern to sell as your own. When sharing this pattern, please make sure that you link it back to my blog. Any questions on the pattern, feel free to contact me*

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Intermediate Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Halloween Jar Cozies (Intermediate)

Hey dearies! So, the Halloween Jar Cozies won for me to make on tonight’s live on my Facebook page! If you would like more information about that, scroll all the way to the end.

This is probably going to be on the the most challenging projects that I have tried, so bare with me! I want to shout out to Red Heart for this free pattern! Here is the link of the actually pattern:

Click to access LW4910.pdf

*Note: I don’t own this pattern, all rights go to the owner of the pattern. I make the pattern easier to understand, in my own words, but I DO NOT own this pattern!*

Here’s what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn
    • Red Heart Pumpkin, is what I’ll be using when I go live.
  • Crochet hook sizes 5.0mm and 3.75mm.
    • The smaller crochet hook is used to make some of the faces, you don’t have to do that.
  • Black Fabric
    • This is an option if you are a beginner.
  • Stitch marker
  • Sewing Needle
  • Row Counter
    • You can use a piece of paper, but I recommend using a counter, whether you use one on your phone or have a digital one like myself.

Let’s begin!

Grab your 5.0mm crochet hook and some yarn. Make a magic circle or an adjustable ring.

Round 1: Make 6 single crochets in the magic circle. Make sure that you don’t join this round! Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

*Note: As we keep working up, move the marker up after the end of every round. It will make it easier to keep track of where we are at for each round. 

Round 2: Make 2 single crochets in each of the stitches, until you reach where the marker is.

Round 3: Single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Make 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat until your reach the marker.

Round 4: Single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 5: Single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 6: Single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 7: Single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 8: Single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 9: Single crochet in each of the next 11 stitches. Make 2 single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until you reach the maker.

Round 10: Single crochet in the back loop only, of each stitch around.

*Note: If you don’t know how to single crochet from the back loop only, here is a link to a video that will show you how:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phf7Nj0_LJg

Round 11-15: Single crochet in each stitches around.

Round 16: Single crochet together over the next 2 stitches. Single crochet in each of the next 24 stitches. Repeat once more.

Round 17-33: Single crochet in each stitch around.

Fasten off and you can remove the marker!

Now that we have completed the base, you can leave it how it is or take some black fabric and shape it to look like a pumpkin.

Best part about this pattern is that you can use whatever color you want and it would be the perfect cover for gifts, especially if you can! If you are looking to make it for a larger jar, check the pattern and look at the gauge.

I will be going live on my Facebook page tonight, showing you how to make this! If you are intersected in watching me make this, check out my Facebook page and make sure that you like my page, so that you can keep up to date on when I go live or make sure you don’t miss the polls!

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Crochet A Flower Pin (Beginners)

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Hey dearies! You are probably wondering why you are getting a Crafty Sassy on a Friday, so let me tell you why! Since this coming up week will be the beginning of October, I have decided to go live twice, for the month of October!

So, I wanted to show you guys how to make this flower pin, because it also goes with the headband I showed you guys how to make on Tuesday. So, I will be going live on my Facebook Page. More information on that will be at the bottom of this!

Let’s get started! First thing, let’s talk about what you will need for this project:

  • Medium Yarn
    • Any color of your choice. Since this flower goes with the headband, you can match a color to go with it or whatever color you feel works best!
  • Crochet Hook 4.5 mm
  • Sewing needle
  • 1 Pin back
    • It doesn’t required any fancy pin, a safety pin would work find as well!

Part 1: Making the flower

  • Step 1: Chain 53
  • Step 2: Double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook. Double crochet in every following chain across.
  • Step 3: Chain 1 and turn your work. *Single crochet in the next space. Make 5 double crochets in the next space* (The stars are to let you know that you have to repeat, until you reach the end or if they say otherwise)
  •  Step 4: Fasten off and make sure you leave a long tail because we will be using it to sew the flower altogether.

Part 2: Sewing the flower together

  • Step 1: Loosely arrange the layers to form a flower.
  • Step 2: Using a threaded yarn/sewing needle, stitch each layer of the flower together, ending on the back side.
  • Step 3: Draw the threaded needle through the pin back. Secure the pin back onto the back of your flower and cut the excess yarn to complete the flower pin. And your done!

 

Having a pin, on the back of your flower, can make it so you can wear it on hats, scarfs, headbands, necklace, etc. So there’s not just one use for this project.

Anyway, I will be going live tonight on my Facebook Page. If you haven’t like my Facebook Page, here is the link!
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Let’s talk about the NEW plans for the month of October!

I plan on bring Crafty Sassy to you on Tuesday’s and Thursday, just for this month! Instead of the normal stuff that is for beginners and such, I’ve decided to make this month a ‘holiday special’. I will be doing the same for November and December.

If you have any projects that you want me to show you how to make, leave a comment down below, message my Facebook page, or even e-mail me at katie_farrington@aol.com!

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How to Crochet a Basic Headband (Beginners)

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So, there was a tie on my Facebook page on whether I should make the Rose or the Headband, but since the headband has been in the last few polls, I figured I would show you how to make one.

Now, I haven’t mastered this pattern completely, but it is a very fun pattern to make! Especially, if you are a beginner. The Rose actually goes with this headband, so I figure we can make the headband and I then can show you how to make the rose and show you how to put it on, as well.

As always, let’s talk about the supplies you will need:

  • Medium Yarn (Color of your choice)
    • I decided to used the ‘I Love This Yarn’ multi-color yarn to show you guys what it should look like.
  •  5.0 mm Crochet Hook
  • And of course, a sewing needle!

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So let’s get started!

Step 1:  Chain 44. Now, found it easier to count out loud, while making the chains, just so I don’t lose track of how many chains I made.

Step 2: Make 2 double crochet’s in the 3rd chain from the hook(NOT counting the chain that the hook is on!). *Skip 2 chains, single crochet in the next chain. Chain 2. Make 2 double crochets in that same stitch.* Repeat until you reach the other end, then make a single crochet in that last chain.

Note: The * represent where you start and end. Basically, you are repeating the same step until you reach the end. I will be putting in * to help you know what you need to do! A lot of crochet books use them and they are very helpful! If you are stuck or need help, let me know down in the comments!

Step 3:  Chain 2 and turn your work. Make 2 double crochets in the next available stitch. *Single crochet in the chain-2 part of the work. Chain 2. Make 2 double crochets in that same space.* Repeat until you reach to the other side and then single crochet the top of the last row.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3. Twice. You should have 4 rows altogether.

Step 5: Chain 30. Then slip stitch to the opposite side of your project. Slip stitch across that small side and then chain 30. Slip stitch to the other side and slip stitch across that side. Once you are done, cut your yarn and pull your crochet hook up and pull that end piece of yarn tight.

Step 6:  Sew in any yarn that is hanging around and then you are done!

Note: If your headband does not fit, you can always 4 chains add or decrease 4 chains, to fit your size head. If you are looking for it to fit a baby or child’s head, this might not be the project for that, but you can try and make it work!

For Example: If the headband was too small, I would chain 48. If the headband was too big, I would chain 40. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! I’ll try my best to help you out!

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Also, don’t forget to check out my Facebook page, I have a poll up every week on what project I should do next! Since Halloween is just around the corner, be prepared to be Spooked!
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Crochet Mug Cozies (Beginners)

Hey dearies! So, today I am going to tell you how to make these super cute mug cozies! Since summer is slowly starting to change into fall, I figured I would show you how to make these cozies, which are perfect for giving away, with mugs, as a gift for the holidays!

This was also the winner for me to make on this weeks Facebook Live! If you don’t know anything about that, scroll all the way down for more information about it!

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As always, before we begin a project, let’s talk about the stuff you’ll need:

  • Medium Yarn (a color of your choice)
  • Crochet Hook 4.5mm or a 7 in U.S
  • A button of your choice
  • As always, a sewing needle

Let’s begin!

Step 1: Make a slip knot onto your crochet hook and chain 8.

Step 2: Single crochet and double crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. Remember, we are NOT counting the chain that is on the hook itself.

Step 3: Skip the next chain and then single crochet and double crochet in the same chain. Repeat this til you are at the end of row 1. Chain 1 and turn your work.

Step 4: Skip the next stitch and do a single crochet and a double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat til the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn your work. Repeat this step until your work measures 8 in., from the beginning of your work.

Step 5: Skip the first stitch and slip stitch in the next 2 stitches. Then do 1 half double crochet in the next 4 stitches. Chain 1 and turn your work.

Step 6: Now, we are going to work on the buttonhole strip for the next 4 stitches. Do 1 half double crochet in each stitch. Chain 1 and turn your work. Repeat this step until your buttonhole strip measures 2 in. long.

You can always put a marker, if this helps with keeping track from where the buttonhole strip starts, you don’t need to do this, but it can help with making sure it’s measured correctly.

Step 7: Do 1 half double crochet in the first stitch. Chain 2. Skip the next 2 stitches. Make 1 half double crochet in the last stitch.

Step 8: This step, is for making a boarder around the project. Work a single crochet stitch evenly around. Working 3 single crochets in the corners and 2 single crochets in the chain 2 buttonhole space. Join them all with a slip stitch in the first single crochet from where you started.

Step 9: Fasten off the extra strands into your project and sew on your button! Then you are done!

*Tip* – For attaching the button, wrap your cozy around your mug so you can see where you want to put the button. Mark it with a pin, thread your needle and sew on the button, making sure to remove the pin. You don’t have to do this, but it was very helpful for me!

I will be going LIVE on my Facebook page, showing you how to do this. If you haven’t already liked my Facebook page, please do! I give updates on my blog and YouTube channel.

I also post polls on what I should make next on my Facebook page, and which ever one wins, I go live and show you how to make them!

Check out the link!
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Crochet A Granny Square (Beginner)

Today, we are going to talk about the most basic and easier square you can crochet. Granny square can be used to make mini squares, or one giant square! We are going to make a small, simple one.

I am going to point out that everyone has their way of crocheting the granny square. So, if you don’t think it looks right or you don’t like that pattern, then you can always search and find a pattern that works for you!

So, one of my kinda BIG crocheting projects, was the giant rasta color granny square, that I am making for my fiance. Its’ basically a giant granny square. It’s not done, but the bigger it gets, the more difficult it can be on your wrists.

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn (If you want, you can choice multiple colors, but I will be using just one solid color, to make it easier for you.)
    • Remember: If you are a beginner, try to stay away from dark colors.
  • Crochet Hook: 5.5mm
    • For the hook, it doesn’t have to be that size, but I found it was easier to work with in the video I watched.
  • Sewing Needle

 

Now that we having everything we need, we can get this project started!

Step 1: We are going to create a slip knot and pull tightly onto our hook. We are then going to chain 6. Then slip stitch the other end of the chain.

Step 2: Now that we have our circle, we are going to start by chaining 3 (Remember: This counts as 1 double crochet.) Then we are going to double crochet 2 times into the circle. I left a picture done below, just in case you need a refresher.

Image result for double crochet stitch

Step 3: Now, we are going to crochet 3 double crochets in the ring and then chain 3. Do that 2 more times. You should have something like this.

Image result for granny square first step

Slip stitch in the top of the chain to fasten off the base of the granny square.

Step 4: Now we are going to create the second row of the granny square. You can add on another color, if you would like, I’ll leave a picture down below showing how you can do that.

Image result for changing color stitch

Chain 3. (Remember: This will count as our first double crochet!) I always turn my work, but because this is a granny square, you don’t have to turn your work. We are going to now working in the open space with the following:
-Work 2 double crochets. Chain 3. Work 3 double crochets. Chain 1.

Step 5: 3 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet, chain 1, into each space. Slit stitch to finish the second row.

Depending on how big you want your square to be, you are basically repeating steps 2-5.

I will be going live on my Facebook page, if you want to see it done. Make sure to like my page and follow me for more updates on when I post any posts on my blog or for when I go live! Here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

I will be working on a video tutorial and create another blog post for those who aren’t beginners and just want the simple pattern.

I’m going to leave this link down below, if you would like to see a slowed down version of the granny square that helped me when I first started to learn how to make one. The Nervous Knitter is amazing and you should check out her other videos:

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Make A Crochet Hanging Towel Holder (Beginner)

 

So, the winner to my Facebook page’s poll was the Hanging Towel Holder! Today, I am going to show you how to make these awesome hangers. I will also be going LIVE, on my Facebook page, showing you how to make these hangers. If you are intersected, I will leave the link to my page, don’t forget to like my page, so you don’t miss out on any of my lives!

Link to my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Things you will need:

  • Medium Yarn(Any color of your choice, try to avoid using black or dark colors)
  • 1 or 2 Thin Bracelets or Thick Hair Ties(The Goody Ouchless Super Thick Hair Ties are preferred,
  • Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook
  • Button (Bigger than an inch)
  • Sewing Needle (To sew any unwanted strands.)

Before I get started, I want to say thank you to Naztazia, she is the one who made the pattern available to use for free and also created a YouTube video on how to make this towel holder!

Her website:
http://naztazia.com

Her YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/naztazia

Here is the link for the free pattern itself:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/830272

 

*So, because this is a pattern from someone else, I am going to explain in my way how to make these. I just want to put out there that this is NOT my pattern and I wanted to give FULL credit to the creator. With that being said, all rights go to the creators, not me.*

Step 1: Decide on whether you are going to use 1 or 2 thin bracelets or the super thick hair ties. Then, make a slip knot on to your crochet hook. When I got live, on my Facebook page, I will be using the thin bracelets.

Step 2: Take your crochet hook and put it into the circle and yarn over, bringing the yarn back in the circle. Pull it through all loops, making sure you only have one loop on your hook, making a slip stitch. Chain 3.

Step 3: Once you have chained 3, take your crochet hook and put it back through the bracelet, yarn over, just like you did for creating the slip stitch, but instead of making another slip stitch, we are going to double crochet. Here is a picture on how to double crochet, just in case you forgot.

Image result for double crochet stitch

Step 4: You are going to double crochet 50 stitches, add more or less depending on the size of the bracelet or hair tie. When you get to the last one, slip stitch to close the ring.

*Remember: The chain 3 counts as 1 double crochet!*

Step 5: Chain 1. Then, make 8 single crochet stitches across. Here is a picture down below, just in case you forgot.

Image result for Single crochet stitch

Step 6: Chain 1 and turn your work.

Step 7: Keep making single crochets across for 17 rows. Make sure you chain 1 and turn your work after finishing each row. You can use a row counter if that helps you remember how many rows you have left to do.

Step 8: Once you are done row 17, chain one and turn your work. This next part can be tricky, so I’m going to break it down, so you don’t get confused.

  1. You are going to single crochet in the first one, but instead of yarning over, you are going to go into the next stitch and single crochet, you should have 3 loops on your hook. This is called a single crochet decreased. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all hoops.
  2. Next, half double crochet in the next stitch. Here is a picture, just in case you forgot, but it is basically doing a double crochet, instead of pulling through 2 twice, you pull through all of the loops. Image result for half double crochet stitch
  3. Double crochet in the next stitch.
  4. In the same stitch, that you did the double crochet, crochet 2 trebles. Here is a picture down below, just in case you forgot. Image result for treble crochet stitch
  5. Chain 1.
  6. In the next stitch, do 2 treble crochet.
  7. Double crochet, in the same stitch you did your trebles.
  8. Half double crochet in the next stitch.
  9. Single crochet the next stitch, but we are going to do another single crochet decrease, just like we did for the start of this row.
  10. End the project, but cutting the working yarn and pulling your hook up. Sew in the tail into the project.

Step 9: Sew the button onto the project, make the button in the middle, just above the ring. In between the ring and the first or second row. Sew and cut any wondering strands of yarn. You’re done!

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page, where I will be going LIVE, showing you guys how to make this.

I also want to give you guys an update that because I now have a better camera to show you guys how to make these amazing things, make sure you check out my YouTube channel because I am going to try my best to add more content, like this, to it!

 

 

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Being Afraid Of The Scale

Image result for stepping on a scale

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I see in the mirror is me. Not just me, but the extra weight that hangs over, under my arms, under my chin, and the worse, the muffin top.

Ever since I’ve been little, I hated the scale. In school, I didn’t want to step on it and have everyone find out what my weight was. To this day, stepping on the scale scares me. I’m afraid of it being too high. I’m afraid of everyone knowing my number of how much I weigh.

It’s hard for me to even think about losing weight, because I always hear everyone around me saying, ‘Isn’t she too young to be big for that size?’. It has scared me, to the point where I was ready to give up on trying to lose weight and ignore the comments.

The comments would always come back to haunt me. Even after having kids, I still haven’t managed to lose the baby weight, but other mothers are so lucky and drop it at the snap of their fingers. I’ve always wanted to be just like those moms, drop the extra weight and keep it off.

This morning, after I woke up, I did something I wouldn’t normally do. Step on the scale.

Just pulling it from under my sink, I worried on how big the number was going to be, even with me doing yoga for about a week. What if the number is too high? What if the yoga isn’t working or I’m not putting in enough effort? What if I am eating too much?

Those questions kept circling my mind as I finally stepped onto the scale. My face flushed as I looked down at the haunting number. 234.8. A lot of you might not think that its a lot, but for me, I have been in the 200’s since high school. It puts a damper on your mind. Or for me, I tell myself that it’s not good enough.

You see, we are told at a young age that we can’t be ‘big’ or ‘fat’. Even in school, they make us take a test on how ‘healthy’ we are, or to see how ‘overweight’ we are. To me, it made me feel that I had to be skinny to fit in, have friend, do sports, or even join teams.

Maybe its just me, that has problems trying to lose weight. Maybe I’m the only one having issues with it. It gets harder to want to do anything when technology keeps getting better and is making us become more lazy or not have motivation to do anything.

The real issue is that no of us should be afraid of stepping on a scale, but stepping on a scale will give you, not just a number, but where you would fit on the scale of what is socially normal to be, in this world today.

Next time you see an overweight person, don’t judge them because they are fat or look overweight, don’t judge them. You should only judge them as a person by their personality, not their looks.

Image result for quotes on losing weight motivation

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Make A Towel Topper (For Beginners)

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Today, I’m going to try to teach you guys how to make these simple towel toppers. My great-grandmother has been making these for years and we always had a few of these hanging around the house. To this day, she still makes them, but not as much as she used to.

I am basing this pattern off of what I have seen on YouTube, other free patterns that they have on the internet, and going by one of her towels. I have NOT perfected this pattern. My great-grandmother never really wrote down her pattern or anything like that, she is one of those ‘make it as you go’ type of crocheters.

I will make a better blog post on the towel topper, but for now, I’m gonna show you how I managed to make my first one.

So, first thing first, lets list off the supplies you will need for this project:

  • Kitchen Towel
    • Any type of towel you can use, but use one with more of a thickness, it makes it easier to work with, in my opinion.
  • Medium or Size 4 Yarn
    • Chose a color that would match with your towel design, if it has any. Try not to chose black, it is harder to work with, same with darker colors.
  • Button
    • I chose to get a pack of white big (not giant) buttons. White matches with mostly anything, and for this being my first towel, I figured it would be easier to work with. You can chose whatever color buttons that you think would fit for your towel, as long as they aren’t the small buttons.
  • Sewing Needle
    • Normal sewing needle, nothing really special. It can help with poking holes through the towel.
  • Crochet hooks: 2.25mm and a 4.5mm
    • These are the hooks I used, I might change the sizes, but the reason why you need two is the smaller one will be for bring the yarn through the towel itself, while the other one will be for the actual crochet part of the towel.

Now that you know what you need, let’s begin!

Step 1: Take the towel, you have chosen to use and fold it in half, hamburger fold, if that makes it easier to visualize. Cut the towel in half.

The reason for this is that if you have a long kitchen towel with the same design, on each side, you’ll be able to make two different towels.

Image result for kitchen towels

Step 2: This next step is going to be a little tricky. You can use the sewing needle to help poke holes in the top of the towel, I found that easier than taking the small crochet hook (2.25mm) and poking it through.

Once you poke your crochet hook through and pull through you yarn. Then, you are going to yarn over and pull through both loops, basically doing a slip stitch.

You repeat this step until you reach the other side of the towel.

*Remember to try not make your holes too close or too far apart. A few of the videos that I watched recommend being a quarter of an inch away from the top of the towel and from your last stitch, or hole you made. It doesn’t have to be exact, but whatever works for you.*

Step 3: Turn your work over. Now, we are going to switch our crochet hook, switch to the 4.5mm. Chain 1.

We are going to double crochet in between each of the stitches of the towel. You are going to keep doing that until you reach the other side of the towel.

*How to double crochet*

For this project, you are going to yarn over, go through or in between the stitches and then yarn over again, go through the first two loops, yarn over and go through the last two loops.

Image result for double crochet stitch

Step 4: You are going to repeat Step 3, for this next row. Instead of going in between the stitches, you are going to go in between each double crochet that we made in the first row of double crochets.

Once you reach to the other side, turn your work over and chain 1.

Step 5: For this next row, we are going to still double crochet, but we are going to skip every other one. For your first double crochet, you are going to double crochet in the first spot, but skip the one next to it.

You keep going until you reach the other side. Make sure to turn your working and chain 1.

Step 6: Repeat Step 5, making sure to skip every other one. Once you reach to the other end of the towel, turn your work and chain 1.

Step 7: As you can see, the towel topper is now starting to become smaller, which is what we want it to do. Now, we are going to repeat Step 3, making sure we double crochet into each one. When you get to the other side, turn your work and chain 1.

Step 8: Repeat Step 3. Turn work over and chain 1.

You are going to repeat Step 3, and making sure you turn your work when done that row and chaining 1. For the next 5 rows.

Step 9: Once you are done double crocheting those last 5 rows, it is now time to finish off the project and make the opening for the button to go through.

Now, everyone does this differently, but I am going to do it differently from what my great-grandmother does.

After you turned your work and chained one, you are going to do 2 double crochets. Chain 2. Skip the next 2 stitches. Then do 3 double crochets.

Step 10: This is the last row we are going to crochet. So, make sure you turn your work and chain 1. We are basically going to double crochet, for the last row.

When you get to the open space, you are going to double crochet twice in that opening.

We you get to the end, bind off by cutting the yarn you were working on and pull your crochet out, don’t remove the crochet hook from the loop, pull it up, so that the yarn is bind off.

Step 11:  The last step is simple, all you have to do is sew the button into the middle of the project, just like shown in the picture above. Then it is complete!

Like I said in the beginning, I will have a better post, when I have mastered a pattern and will update you guys on it. These towels have been a gift for any event or celebration. I love having these because you can hook in on your stove handle, especially if you have one made for the theme for your kitchen.

If you are intersected in learning how to do this, I will be going LIVE on my Facebook page, tonight! Like my Facebook page, because I do post all my blog posts on their, as well as my twitter. Click the link below:
https://facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: How To Make A Heart-Shape Bookmark (For Beginners)

This project, that I’m about to show you, is a very simple to make and is great for beginners, just like myself! I’m going to break down each step with pictures, and explain the process a little easier for you! I will also have a YouTube video in the makes for those who prefer videos to learn from.

First things first, let’s talk about what items you will need:

  • Meduim (Size 4) Yarn
    • If you are a beginner, I suggest working with light colors than dark ones. Lighter colors you will be able to see a bit better than dark colors.
    • Also, you will need 2 different colors, one for the heart and one for the stem, but if you want to stick with the same color, that is fine as well.
  • Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm/U.S. 7
  • Sewing Needle

Next, I will let you know what type of stitches that are involved with this stitch, I find it useful to know what kind of stitches the project requires, so that I can practice or get to know the stitches before hand:

  • Chain stitch (ch)
  • Double Crochet (dc)
  • Treble Crochet (tr)
  • Slip Stitch (sl st)
  • Small or Large Picot (For the stem)

I also what to remind you that if the first time you make this, it doesn’t come out perfect, that’s okay! It takes a lot of time and practice to make your projects come our perfect.

*Remember: You can always push your work back, if you feel you don’t have enough room to work your stitches in.*

Step 1: Make a magic circle. (Down below I have a slide show on how to make a magic circle. However way you make a magic circle, is totally up to you! This was how I learned to make them.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Step 2: Now that we have our magic circle, we can begin! Chain 4 (ch).

Step 3: Next, you will need to crochet 2 tr (Treble Crochet) into the circle. If you don’t know what a treble crochet is, here is a picture that can help you out with that!

Image result for treble crochet stitch

Step 4: Double crochet (dc) into the circle 3 times. Down below will be a picture on how to double crochet.

Image result for double crochet stitch

Step 5: Chain 1 (ch).

Step 6: 1 Treble Crochet (tr) into the circle. (You can look back up to the picture if you forget.)

Step 7: Chain 1 (ch).

Step 8: Double crochet (dc) into the circle 3 times. (You can look back up to the picture if you forget.)

Step 9: Treble crochet (tr) into the circle 3 times.

Step 10: Chain 3 (ch).

Step 11: Make a slip stitch (sl st) into the circle to secure your work.

That’s how you make the heart part of the circle. The next part is the stem or the actually bookmark itself. This might be difficult, so I’m going to try my best to explain it.

Step 12: Make a slip stitch (sl st) into the heart circle with a different color, or with the same color.

Step 13: Chain 42 (ch), or however long you would like it to be. You can make it longer or shorter, but I would stick to chaining 42, just so you can see how long or short you might want it to be.

Step 14: Count from your hook the 6th chain and make a slip stitch (sl st) into that 6th stitch.

Step 15: Then you are going to slip stitch (sl st) into each chain, until you reach the 6th chain.

Step 16: Now, we are going to make a small picot. Chain 3 (ch), insert your hook into the 3rd chain from your hook, the first chain that you made if it is a little easier for you. Then, yarn over and pull through all the loops.

Step 17: Repeat Step 15 and slip stitch (sl st) into each chain until you reach the 6th chain.

Step 18: We are going to now do a large picot. It’s basically the same thing as a small, but you just chain more. So, chain 5 (ch), insert your hook into the 5th chain from your hook. Then, yarn over and pull through all the loops.

Step 19: Repeat Step 15.

Step 20: Repeat Step 16.

Step 21: Repeat Step 15

Step 22: Repeat Step 17.

Step 23: Slip Stitch (sl st) all the way up til you reach the heart and slip stitch into the middle of the hole, in the heart and you are done!

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Here is what the finished product should look like! Mine isn’t perfect, but no one’s will be perfect the first time. Practice makes perfect!

*If you have already liked my Facebook page, I will be going LIVE tonight on my Facebook page showing how to make this! If you are interested, here is the link to my Facebook page! Please like and don’t forget to share!
https://facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Top Projects for Crochet/Knitting

Crafty Sassy: Top 10 Crochet Projects You Can Profit From

Everyone loves hand-made crafts. Not a lot of people invest their time into them, but others, like myself, have more projects on your mind that you just don’t know where to start. Well, since I am a stay-at-home mom, I figure I would list some projects that could make you some extra cash on the side.

  1.  Towel Tops
    Image result for crochet towel toppers
    This is probably one of the most popular items you can make and they can sell pretty fast! You just buy a regular kitchen or hand towel and crochet the top so that you can hang it on your stove hanger.

    My great-grandmother always made these and they would be gone before you know it. They are very simple to make and there are a lot of videos on YouTube that can show you how to make these.

    Best part about making these is that you can use any towel, even for holidays! Which is pretty amazing! You always don’t have to do the same pattern either, there are many patterns out there that you can use. From one button to two, it’s completely up to you!

  2.  Towel Hangers
    Image result for crochet towel holder pattern
    I found this a few days ago and this would probably sell like hotcakes, just like the towel tops. The only difference between these and the towel  toppers is that you can hang whatever towel you would like.

    Instead of crocheting the towel itself, you crochet along a hair tie or an elastic band. These too, are pretty simple to make. Best part about these, is that you can make them any color you want them. Again, you can find a few great tutorials on this on YouTube.

  3.  Blankets
    Image result for crochet blanket
    These will always be on the list, but they do take up a good amount of your time, depending what kind of design you are going for. However, baby blankets might be the easiest thing to make, just because they are the smaller version of a big blanket.

    I know a lot of people will save the bigger blankets for family. Don’t get me wrong, they can make you some cash, you just have to be very detailed on how long it might take and you might have to use all of your spare time to finish it in time.

  4.  Hats
    Image result for crochet hats
    These will always be on the list. Hats are a quick and easy thing to make, especially kid hats. A lot of people would buy these with a gloves, scarf combo. Depending on how good the work is, you could make some serious cash(Not enough to pay rent, though. Unless you can supply the demands.)
  5.  Scarfs
    Image result for crochet scarf
    I loved getting scarfs, my great-grandmother would always make the fuzzy ones and get them to us, in our favorite color, for Christmas. I still  have a few from when I was little. Like I said with the hats, it would be a great combo to do together!
  6.  Place mats
    Image result for crochet placemats
    Not a lot of people have crocheted place mats, but they are something someone could sell. You could also be able to customize them for holidays, with different colors and patterns! A set of four would most-likely sell like hotcakes, too!
  7.  Coasters
    Image result for crochet coasters
    Coaster aren’t something you would see at a craft fair, but they are an amazing idea to make for one! A lot of people don’t have coaster, but they don’t want to spend too much money on them.

    These are very easy to make and they can be crocheted, but some of them can be made by hand!These would go great with place mats.

  8.  Gloves/Mittens/Arm Warmers
    Image result for crochet arm warmers
    Gloves might be a expect level project, but mittens would be a lot easier to make. Same with arm warmers, they might be easier to make as well. Arm warmers could also be part of the combo, you can either replace the gloves, or add it to the combo of hats, scarfs and gloves.
  9.  Pins
    Image result for crochet pin
    Yes, there is such a thing as crocheted pins! Although, you would have to work with smaller and finer yarn, they are very amazing to make. Especially, flower ones!
  10.  Mini Stuffed Animals/Characters
    Image result for crochet stuffed animals
    You probably seen these all over the internet or Facebook. They can be very challenging for a beginner. They have all kinds of different characters or objects that you can crochet into stuffy’s.

    Amazon has a wonderful Disney Princess Crocheting Kit, that I haven’t tried out yet. They have a booklet on how to make every princess, but they only give enough yarn to make two. I highly recommend getting it, just for the booklet!

 

Are there any projects that you see at craft fairs that I missed? Comment down below and comment of which one you see would be more in an high demand!

*Note*

  • These aren’t a quick way to earn millions of dollars. This would be something you would earn on the side for some quick cash. If you make them with great quality and passion, I’m sure you could make a living doing it.
  • I just wanted to make a note, so that everyone knows this isn’t something you can get rich quick and fast. A lot of people make these as a hobby of theirs and put a lot of effort into their projects.
Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Why I Decided To Fix An Old Friendship

Image result for best friend quotes

So, if you have been reading or following my blog since April of this year, I talked about how I had to get rid of one of my best friends because it was too much unwanted drama and stress. I didn’t fix that relationship, believe me, it’s not worth fixing, to me.

I’m talking about another relationship that I destroyed back in my senior year of high school. I can’t really remember why I got rid of her as a friend. I believe it was because I thought she was more drama, but I don’t have a set reason on why I did what I did.

I’ve known her since the 10th grade, but we really connected and became best friends in 11th grade. We had many fights, but always fixed them as soon as possible. When senior year was coming to an end, I ended the friendship. Maybe because I didn’t think I would see her as much? Maybe I wanted to end the pain of losing her as a friend?

The only thing I can think of is that I was very immature and everyone in high school can be immature. What really made me look back and realized all the stupid shit I did and all the people I pushed out of my life, was when I lost my son.

When you go through something as difficult and it changes you. You think of things differently, you rethink all your actions, and you become more mature after going through something as difficult as death or anything.

After my son died, I deleted my old Facebook and created a new one a few months after, I wanted time away from social media. Well, in the past couple weeks, I saw her profile pop up on my suggestions list for friends. I debated on whether on messaging her or not, just because on how I ended things so quickly and without reason.

I’ll be honest, when I finally got the courage to message her, I literally had it all wrote out on my phone, planning on what I was gonna say to her. Deep down, I knew that I should at least be an adult and say sorry for all the crap I caused. All I thought she would do is have my ass handed to me, which I totally deserved, but I was shocked.

I think she was shocked too when I sent that message, but I’m glad I did. She forgave me, something I didn’t think that would happen, but she did. It shows how much we have both grown up in the past almost 3 years.

We ended up telling each other everything we have done within the past 3 years. We even talked about our high school days. I was shocked to find out that she had been thinking about me too, wondering why I got rid of her as a friend.

If I looked back at the only really close friendships I had, the one I had with her, was probably the best because we clicked a lot better that I did with my other ex best friend. The ex best friend, we had a few things in common, but I feel I was more issues and drama because she wanted to be center of attention.

I’m glad I took the shot to fix a broken friendship that I ruined. It felt good to know that after 3 years, we clicked back, just like that. Even now, that I have kids, she still would’ve stayed if I just kept her in my life, but the past is in the past. I’m going to try my best to, hopefully, keep this friendship for many more years and years to come.

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Top Projects for Crochet/Knitting

Crafty Sassy: 5 Easy To Do Beginner Projects For Crocheting

Looking at crocheting project, just looking at them makes you want to learn how to do it, if you are like me, you like to save the page you see them on and come back to it whenever you have time.

Some projects can be very tricky or confusing, so then you forget all about it and never look back until you see it again. This has happened to me so many times, that now that I know how to crochet, I try to go back and find them and see if I am ready to attempt them.

So, if you are truly wanted to enter into this fun and amazing hobby, sit back and check out these easy to do projects, if you are a beginner! Lets begin!

  1. Granny Square Blanket

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This is the current project that I am working on for my fiance. This is perfect for beginners! If you want to just make a simple blanket, this is perfect to do! Whenever I looked at a granny square blanket, I didn’t think I could make one.

If you don’t know, but I am a visual learner and need everything broken down step by step. YouTube was the first place I looked to find a video that would slow it down, and I finally found one, The Nervous Knitter.

She broke the granny square steps as slow as you can go, but it was easy to understand and learn. I always watch the videos first, before trying them, so I picked up on the steps very quickly. Once you learn how to do it once, it is like riding a bike, something you can’t forget.

If you want to check out her video, here is the link!

 

2. Scarf

Image result for crocheted scarves

Scarves will always be something that is easy to do. The only difficult thing about them is the patterns you choose. I didn’t understand why my grand-grandmother makes scarfs so much, but after realizing how quit they are to make, I understood why kept making them.

3. Bookmarks

Image result for crocheted bookmarks

You are probably thinking to yourself, bookmarks?? Yes, almost anything you can think of, you can crochet. Now, not all bookmarks are easy and I will be posting a how-to on how to do these ones.

These ones are as simple as granny squares, plus they are cute and pretty quick to make. Why have a plain boring paper or plastic bookmark when you can have a bright and colorful one instead!

4. Beanie Hat

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Just like the scarves, this is another quick and easy thing to learn how to do. So, if you are a beginner and don’t have any gifts in mind for a birthday or Christmas, you can always crochet a hat and scarf.

I haven’t had a chance to learn how to crochet, but really can’t wait!

5. Granny Square Patchwork Blanket (Mini Granny Squares)

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I know that I already have the giant granny square blanket on here, but here is the other version that your grandmother might have around her house. The difference between this blanket and the other one I mention is that this is just smaller squares you sew together.

While the other one is just a giant granny square, this one you can get creative and mess around with different colors and see what works and what doesn’t.

 

Which one would you like to try out? Or which one should I show you how to make? Or which ones have you already made? Leave a comment down below!

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: Types of Yarn

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As a beginner, if we ever wanted to start a project, using yarn, we would just find the color we wanted and grab it, right? Then once we get home, we find out that the knitting needles or crochet hooks, aren’t for that type of yarn.

The chart that is shown above, will be your best friend while shopping for the right kind of yarn. Most of the yarn, that you can get, have one of this pictures with the yarn on it, saying the number of what kind the yarn is.

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Something like this. I will tell you what size the yarn is and even recommends what size crochet hook or knitting needles you should use with this yarn. Most of them have this on their packaging, which is very helpful for everyone.

Now, let’s get into detail with each one.

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The picture that is shown about, shows the thickness of what each one looks like. I will be going through them all and explaining which one would be ideal for the project you are looking for.

0: Lace

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This is one of the thinnest yarns that will be on this chart. If you are looking to make fashionable clothes, scarfs, hats, or hand warmers, this is what you would mostly use.

Lace yarn makes the project look more ‘perfect’ or it looks better in presentation. If you are a beginner, I would hold off on going right to the thinnest yarn.

1: Fingering/Super Fine

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Fingering yarn, or what the chart likes to call ‘Super Fine’ yarn, is used for making baby socks or anything clothes wise. Or, what you can find a bunch on, shawls. I’ve seen a few that have actually made a table cloth, for decoration.

2:  Sport/Fine

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Sport, or Fine yarn can be used to make headbands, for babies, little cute stuff animals/characters. If you are looking to make some baby booties, this might be the yarn for you as well!

3: DK/ Light

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If you are looking to make some 3D objects for your projects, such as flowers, this would be the yarn you work with. If you are looking to make a baby set, or baby blanket, this yarn will be soft enough to use to make them.

4: Worsted/Medium

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This is the typical yarn that you would get for most of your projects, the possibilities are endless with this type of yarn. If you are a beginner, this is the type of yarn that you can basically make whatever you want with it.

I’ve seen people make blankets, hats, gloves, scarfs, handbags, baby blankets, baby shoes, crochet flip flops, etc. I’ve been using this yarn to make the backing of my latch hooks and also used my loom knit with is as well.

5: Chunky/Bulky

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If you are looking to make some stuff for the winter time, then you would use this. The type of yarn is thick to make great blankets with, or have a hat, scarf, and mittens for yourself. Although, you might need bigger crochet hooks and knitting needles for these projects.

My son and daughter’s blankets, I used this type of yarn, of course, they didn’t come out perfect, for my first time, but they loved them both!

6: Super Bulky

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With this type of yarn, you can Arm Knit with this type of yarn, which I have always wanted to try, but with the price of Super Bulky yarn being very pricey, it’s something that will have to wait for me.

You can even finger crochet with this as well, or just make a nice big pillow to go on your couch.

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With all of these yarns, the projects are endless. The best part of buying yarn, is that each one comes with a pattern, so if you have been throwing them away, you have been missing out.

Next Tuesday, I WILL have a tutorial on how to make a bookmark, crocheting. I just forgot about it and haven’t had a chance to get into it, due to I am working on a blanket for my fiance, which I will blog about when I am finished! Happy Crafting Dearies!

 

Posted in Gaming, Sims

The Sims Saga: Which Do I Prefer?

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When you here the game Sims, what comes to mind? I think about The Sims games, creating a character and controlling their life. A lot of people forget that the Sims first originated from SimCity, where you created a city and made sure that it was successful.

I’m not going to talk about SimCity, though. This is mainly about The Sims. I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually played the Sims, but for it’s time, it was amazing. To be able to control their life, made them do whatever our hearts wanted them to do.

It was like GTA, but without the violence and free will to move your Sim manual. You could even create your dream house, have a family, or get the job of your dreams. When I got hooked, it wasn’t with the first The Sims, it was The Sims 2.

The Sims 2

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The first time I saw The Sims 2, was when I was on YouTube. I had came across it and it was recommend to me. A lot of people actually used The Sims 2 game, to create movies or series, or what got me hooked on, was the teen pregnancy series.

You must think that I’m weird to like to watch them, but seriously, look up the series ‘My Life’. The creator of that series, she really got me to thinking that I wanted to do something creative like that. If you actually watch her series, from her very first episode, to her newer ones, she has come a long way.

The Sims 2 had more to offer, as well. There were more add-on’s to the game, such as the different seasons, hobbies, and even jobs. It made the game play more like real life.

I finally had a chance to buy it for myself, and I am currently, trying to learn how to film and make a good series, that I will post on my YouTube channel.

Even if you aren’t trying to make a series, its a great way to past the time on a rainy day. Hell, I even when forward and created my fiance, son, daughter, and myself into the game. I highly recommend getting this game! It’s the best of both worlds.

Now, let’s talk about its, aftermath…The Sims 3.

The Sims 3

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I’m going to try my best not to bash this game. It wasn’t a bad sequel to The Sims 3. They added a lot of new things, such as making it easier to custom clothes and items, you didn’t have to wait for loading times to get from one place to another, and you could follow your Sim to work, the hospital, etc.

There was one BIG issue with this game. It is SO buggy. If you didn’t have the best computer in the world, you were bugging because your game would lag. Brand new or with mods, it would lag, or the loading time would take forever. Especially if you are in create-a-sim.

To me, the creators wanted to get this game out, as soon as possible because of the high demand that The Sims 2 was, so they did rush it, a little, by adding some stuff that the other games never had.

The one thing that I LOVED about it, was that you could follow your Sim anywhere without having to deal with those loading screens and the way you could custom, almost everything.

The Sims 3 was the first Sims game that I have ever own and I had the season, pets, and supernatural packs that made the game play so much fun! I wonder, now that I have a better computer, if it would run better?

Last, but not least, let’s get to the newer Sims game that came out in the last few years, The Sims 4.

The Sims 4

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Again, this is another game I haven’t touched, yet, and I have looked into seeing if it is really worth getting, but to me, the creators went back a couple steps. You think with a newer game, it would be better and would fix the problems from the last game, well, they did, but not very well.

I have heard that the game play is okay, graphics are okay, etc. It is missing A LOT from The Sims 3 game. You have loading screens for EVERYWHERE you go, even if you are going to the next door neighbor.

It’s not as buggy or laggy, as The Sims 3 was, but they had to get rid of a lot of stuff, in order to fix it, which a lot of people were disappointed in. The Sims 4, seems to me, boring. Just because they didn’t add anything new that would make us get excited.

Although, they did add a pack that basically makes you do your Sims job. Which was something that we could do in the other games, but I would rather just fast-forward my Sim’s job, then doing it, I’m already controlling pretty much them, why should I have to do their work for them?

Which is worth playing?

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The Sims 2, hands down. I would recommend it to everyone. It plays great on Windows 10, there is a few glitches, but it’s still playable. I like how the Sims are in this game and how you can do so much.

Plus, it still has that SimCity feeling to it, so that I could make my own town, I could. I am hoping to get a few more packs, just to play around with it some more. I do have the the Late Night and University packs, so I am hoping to either get Pets or Seasons next.

If you are a Sims fan, which game do you prefer? Leave a comment down below! There has also been a rumor that they are working on The Sims 5, do you thinks they should have another Sims? If so, what do you think they need to improve or leave alone?

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: How To Make A Latch Hook Pillow/Pillow Case (My Version)

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Good Morning all of my dearies! So, I figured I would show you how I make my latch hook pillows. I have already done a tutorial on the latch hook, and how simple and easy it is to do.

Now, I did this all on my own, I didn’t find this online, I came up with the idea because of the fact that some of the latch hooks were too amazing to just have as a rug. So, I figured that I would make a latch hook and turn it into a pillow. Not all of my latch hook pillows are perfect, I haven’t really mastered it, but I try to be better than the last time.

These are great gifts for family or friends, I would say for everyone, but it depending on the size of the latch hook and making the backing, it can be a very long process. The quickest that I was able to do, was about 2 months, but that was a small foot by foot latch hook. If you have kids, expect the project to take longer.

So, first things first, you need to have the following supplies:

  • Latch Hook kit
    • If you are a beginner, I recommend with starting out with a small latch hook, a foot by foot one would be perfect to start on and it won’t take as long as a bigger one.
  • Yarn (Medium)
    • The backing I just basically knitting small squares together or two long parts that I end up sewing together. The color can be any color you want it to be, as long as it is medium thickness and somewhat matches your latch hook.
    • I would try and get two yarn rolls, just to start out, but do keep in mind that you will also need it to sew the pillow together.
    • *Note* Try and avoid black yarn, especially if you are a beginner, black yarn is very hard to work with. Dark colors might be okay, but try and avoid them, if you are just starting out.
  • Metal Thick Needle
    • You’ll need this to sew your pillow together, or pillow case. I recommend using a thicker needle (Not talking about knitting needles!), the reason is because it will make it easier to sew them together. Plus, with the thinner needles, you can tend to break them, believe me, I have broken a few.
  • Scissors
  • Knitting Needles
    • Make sure that you have the knitting needles suggested size, it is on the yarn roll and suggests a size.
  • Rug Binding
    • This you will used around the sides for the latch hook, making sure that it doesn’t fall apart when finished.
  • Fabric Glue
    • I found that it was easier to use fabric glue to keep the rug binding together. You can use an iron, but I have tried and It didn’t work, I’m not sure if I did it right or not.
  • Stuffing (for making a pillow)
    • You can stuff it and then close it, or if you or anyone you are giving the latch hook pillow has any pets, I would take a pillow case and fill it and then put it into the pillow. It’s totally up to you.

Once you have everything, that I have suggested to have, you can finally start! First, before we can begin our pillow, we need to complete the latch hook, first. This might be the longest part that you need to do to make this pillow.

Then, knit the backing, you can either knit a classic square, or make it longer and have different pieces that you end up sewing together. Whatever is easier for you to do, I found that the squares were easier, depending how big your latch hook is, it made it easier to see the progress versus just knitting a long part.

The reason why we should make the latch hook first, is because once we trim it down, it will be easier to measure or know how long or wide you need to go. Some latch hooks don’t have a printed picture on them, some of them are blank and give you a big blank latch hook, just to make sure that you have enough to make the latch hook.

That’s only with the bigger latch hooks, a since foot by foot is usually has a printed design on it, so that you can follow the pattern.

After both parts are completely, just sew them onto the latch hook, making sure that you cover the latch hook grid. If you are making a pillow case, only sew around it, leave the top untouched, so that you are able to place a pillow into the opening.

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It should, almost look like the picture above, this was a project that I made for my aunt for her birthday. Her favorite Disney princess is Belle, so I made her a small foot by foot pillow.

This latch hook, I got from Hobby Lobby, but I am pretty sure you can find it on Amazon, you might be lucky and find it at Walmart, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up. This latch hook did not have a grid, with the picture, so that you can follow it on key.

The picture was printed on the latch hook and I made the best judgement for each one. The background isn’t green, it’s purple, I changed it to my aunt’s favorite color, instead. Another note, for this latch hook, the yarn is SUPER thick and was a pain in the ass to hook on.

However, the yarn I used for the background was a simple medium yarn, what most latch hooks use, so I was glad that the background wasn’t as difficult to do.

Next Tuesday, I have a surprise! I am going to show you how to make a book mark! Not just any kind of book mark, a crochet-made bookmark!

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Is It Possible To Work From Home As A Stay-At-Home Parent?

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Yes, I know it’s been a while since I have done a ‘Mom Talk’, but I wanted to go into detail to see if it is really possible to work from home as a stay-at-home parent. Whether you are trying to make extra cash for spending or looking to create a permit career.

Every since I had my kids, I’ve always wanted to be a stay-at-home mother and also have a career from home as well. There is a lot of scams, but their are a few that are very legit and could even give you benefits for you and your family.

I search everyday for a work at home career or even just a part-time job, but there is always an issue. Either I don’t have the experience, I don’t have a quiet place, or don’t have the sale mind to bug people to buy the products I’m pushing to sell.

So, I looked into doing survey’s for cash. However, there is always a catch. You either can’t cash out until you make, at least, $20-$30 bucks, which takes forever to do. Plus the survey’s were either the same thing, that I would spend 30 minutes to an hour to complete and only got less than .25 cents, or I wouldn’t qualify for most of the survey’s.

Let me tell you something, it IS possible to work from home. You just have to find it at the right opportunity.

Image result for work at home jobs for stay at home moms

I’ve heard so many stories of people that are making enough money for even their spouses don’t have to work, plus still having enough money to buy their dream home, or have that car they always wanted, or even have a big family, like they have always dreamed of having.

I’ve always thought that if the time was right, the opportunity will come to me, I just can’t stop searching. Although, I’ve been trying to get back into the Customer Service pool, but the two things that stop me are: I have a loud, barking at whatever moves or makes a loud sound, dog and not feeling confident enough to do both working and taking care of my daughter.

That’s why I started this blog. I wanted to have a job where I could work whenever, but still have time for my kids. I still haven’t found a way to actually make money off of it, yet, but it’s possible. I just can’t give up.

Maybe one day, I’ll be able to look back on this all and enjoy my life as a stay-at-home mom and a working mom. Like I have always told myself, if it’s meant to be, then its meant to be. If it isn’t, just keep on swimming and don’t give up.

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: How To Loom Knit A Scarf (Figure 8 Stitch)

Happy Tuesday to all my crafters! Today, I’m going to take you step-by-step on how to loom knit a basic scarf. I’m going to break it down, just in case some others go way too fast.

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Now, I am going to be using a solid blue color yarn, I figured using a plan color would be easier to focus on. I’m also using a medium size yarn, which is a basic yarn that you would get from the craft store.

If you don’t have a looming set or kit, you can buy them on Amazon, Walmart, or your local craft store. The one I have is the KB Tadpole Loom, I got this from either Walmart or Kmart. It comes with the loom set and a little booklet, that shows you how to 8 different thinks with the loom.

So, first thing is first, we need to create a slip knot. Now, if you don’t know what a slip knot is, that’s okay because I am going to explain it too you. A slip knot is a basic knot that is used for knitting, crocheting, looming, etc, projects. I basically holds the start of your work together.

A lot of people do a slip knot differently, you don’t have to do it my way, but I would look on how other’s make a slip knot and choose whatever makes you comfortable. Here is a quick visual on how I make a slip knot:

  1. Find the start of your yarn and hold on to it. I have used this yarn before, as you can see. If you are using a brand new yarn, you can either find the start of it by grabbing the middle string, that might be sticking out, or look around the yarn and see if you can find the other end. Personally, I rather grab from the outside, because mostly every time that I grab onto the middle and pull, sometimes it be in a knot.
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  2. Wrap the yarn around your finger, leaving a enough space in between them. See photo below:
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  3. Next, you are going to pull the first yarn over the second yarn, like this, see below:
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  4. Then, you are going to pull the end of the yarn, so that it’s tight, not too tight on your finger, though.
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      • And there you have your slip knot!

Now that we have a slip knot, we can begin! So, take the slip knot off of your finger and place it on one of the end pegs, and tighten it, not too tight, though. Like shown below:

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What we need to do next is wrap the yarn around the pegs. Pay very close attention to how we do the figure 8 stitch.

It will look tricky at first, but it’s very simple, just make sure that you are wrapping each and every peg, as shown in the picture above. Once you get to the other side, see below, go back and re-wrap all the pegs, using the same stitch that you just did.

When you finish wrapping all the pegs again, your work should look like this, if I explained it well enough. This is the top view:

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Here is what the side view will look like:

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If you haven’t already noticed, that there was one peg that was only wrapped once. That is okay! It is supposed to be like that. Every time that you wrap them a second time, there will always be one that isn’t wrapped twice.

Now, because this loom doesn’t have a end peg that you can wrap around, I wrapped the yarn around the side of my loom, because if you don’t, your work will come undone. That is the only down fall with this loom, it doesn’t have a place to wrap your yarn.

Anyway, here comes the more difficult part. You will need your hook for this step. Take your hook and grab, from the first set of yarn that we cased on, you are going to pull it over the peg and over the second yarn. Note: It doesn’t matter which side you start on, but which every one you decide to start on, finish it before moving on to the other side. 

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You keep doing this, on the side you are working on, it should look like this, when you finish your first side.

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It’s okay if they are a little loose, most of them will end up in the middle anyway, so it’s okay that they don’t, at first.

Once you have completed the other side, your work should look like this:

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Then, just gently push the middle of your work down and recast another figure 8 stitch, until you get it to the length you desire. I have added a chart, for the average lengths, but if you want a scarf that fits perfect, for you or whoever you are making it for. Hold you arms out side and have someone measure from fingertip to fingertip, that will give you the exact length you need.

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How To End Your Work

I don’t have any pictures on how to cast off, so I am going to explain the best I can. I will be making a YouTube video about this blog post and will attach, once it is uploaded. I will make sure to have pictures, as well.

Basically, you’ll be transforming one side to the other and then binding off. So, grab your hook and take one of your yarn, from your first peg, and wrap it around the peg across from that peg. Note: I’m pretty sure you can start from either side, when you bind off. But don’t quote me on it. 

 Once you have finished that, and got to the final hook, your work should just come off and you should be all set.

There you have it! I’m sorry if I didn’t explain it a little better. I will be making a video on how to do it, as soon as possible and I will edit at this post, once I do! If you have any ideas or want me to try out something new, let me know in a comment or send me an e-mail at katie_farrington@aol.com!

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy: Crocheting VS Knitting

Happy Tuesday! I have another Crafty Sassy coming to you! I am going to talk about the difference between Crocheting versus Knitting and how they are different from each other. Let’s jump right in!

So, the major difference between the two is that you don’t use the same tools. For crocheting, you use a hook and for knitting, you use long needles. The better thing about crocheting is that you can see more progress than you can knitting, depending on what you are knitting.

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Crochet

Now, I’m not an pro at crocheting, but I have managed to crochet a granny square and I am working on a granny square blanket for my fiance. To me, at first, crocheting looked very difficult. Even when I tried to practice a single crochet square, I always seemed to mess up, somehow.

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After trying for a while, I gave up. More so, I took a long break and headed to YouTube. I am one of those people that can’t just read the book and look at pictures to do something, I have to physically see them doing, what I am trying to learn.

I figured I would start simple and look for a video to make a granny square. I found the best tutorial by the Nervous Knitter. Link for the video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDdXrZB1FOE

Since crocheting can be very fast, she slowed it down every step and it was much easier to follow. I watched the entire thing, twice, just to make sure I did it right and know, I know it almost by heart.

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With crocheting, once you get the pattern down, it’s like riding a bike, you don’t forget it very easily. Crocheting, you can do so much, the best part is that you can see your progress, so working on a granny square blanket, I see the progress, which makes me excited to keep on going!

Once I am finished on my fiances blanket, I will post a picture on here and show you how to do a granny square tutorial, as well!

Knitting

Knitting was the first thing that I ever did, or tried out. I knitted my son’s first blanket. It was very simple to do and, at that time, I preferred to knit versus crochet. The only problem with knitting, it felt like my project was never going to be finished.

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Don’t get me wrong, knitting was very basic and was easier to start out, but once your project gets bigger, you don’t have very much, to me, encouragement to keep going. Plus, I also seemed to lose a stitch or two and my project would come out all uneven, and with me trying to make things perfect, I would restart multiple times.

But there is also another way to knit, without using the needles. You can loom knit as well. I just got a giant set of different looming sizes and shapes. (Next Tuesday, I will be going a tutorial on how to loom knit a scarf!)

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Knitting was something that I did for my latch hook pillows, the backings of them. I knitted them like I was making a blanket, but the needles can only hold on so much, unless you have the needles with the wires, which I don’t currently have.

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Although, knitting was a easier way to have my projects looking a little neater, not perfectly neat, but neat as a way, there was not unwanted holes, just a solid pattern. Knitting, to me, is more for making a really great scarf or, if you have the knitting needles with the wire, a hat or even a blanket.

Which one would be better for beginners?

I would trying out knitting first, just because the concept is more simple and easier to follow versus crocheting. Try something simple, such as knitting a scarf or a square, just to get some practice.

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Once you feel like you know the basics for knitting a simple scarf, try challenging yourself and try to crochet a granny square. If you are like me and need to physical see what is going on, I am going to try my best and make little tutorial videos to help you guys out.

If you get really frustrated with any of it, take a break. Taking a break from your work is okay to do! Especially, if you have children and they are making it difficult to work on anything. Your work will still be there when you want to go back to it.

Another tip that really helped me out, before jumping in on crocheting or knitting, or any project, take a step back and just watch videos of people doing those things. Watch how they do their work and whatever tips or things they do, that you feel or know that would help you out, use them!

Watching other people crochet and knit, I’ll pick up the little things that they do, so that I can used to my advantage or help better myself into crocheting or knitting different things.

Also, if you aren’t sure what kind of knitting needles or hooks you should get, try some out. I prefer metal ones, just because it’s easier, although, I haven’t tried out the wooden or ones with handles. I literally, just bought a set off of wish and have stuck with them ever since, although, because they don’t have a handle, my hands can get sweaty and it makes it harder to work the yarn.

I do recommend trying them out and seeing with ones you think, for yourself, make it easier to crochet or knit.

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One thing that I highly recommend, is to work with bigger yarn! I know a lot of people say not to because it will make it harder to work with the less thicker yarn, but it will let you be able to look, up closely, how it is done. So that if you feel you made a mistake, with the less thicker yarn, with the bigger yarn, you will be able to see clearly what you did to mess up.

So, next Tuesday, I will be doing a step-by-step on how to loom knit and simple figure 8 scarf.

Posted in Mom Talk

My Little Heart Warrior

**WARNING**

*This is a very true story. Tissues might be needed. It was difficult to write this, but it is something that helps me express what had happen with my son and his short journey. Please, just take caution when reading.*

There are a lot of ‘Mom Blogs’ out in the web. Some talk about how to take care of a child or their experiences with their child’s first achievements in life. But I haven’t seen very many that talk about the experience of having a child with a heart disease. Let’s just say that it’s very much an emotional rollar coaster.

Well, that’s what it was for me. My son was diagnosed with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) when I was 22 weeks pregnant with him. Basically, HLHS is when the left side of their heart is either underdeveloped or never formed. Once he was born, he would have to go into surgery within the first week of life.

Altogether, he would have to go through 3 major surgeries with in the first 3 years of his life. Now, I was 18 when I was pregnant with my son, Liam. Image being me at 18, and being told that there was a very big change that he wouldn’t make it. Liam’s everyday life would be either life or death.

The happy family that my fiance and I imaged had changed. We didn’t know if he would make it to his first birthday. We had so many unanswered questions. Would he be able to play sports when he gets older? Would he need a heart transplant in the future if his starts to fail? Or the big question that we wanted to know: Would he ever make it home from the hospital?

Because of how serious his disease was, we weren’t able to have him, in our state. We were recommended to go down to Boston Children’s Hospital. We were told that they deal with congenital heart defects everyday. It made me and our family feel a lot better about having Liam there.

Once Liam was born, he was the most beautiful baby boy that I ever laid eyes on. You couldn’t see that there was anything wrong with him, but on the inside, there was a struggling heart that we would of never noticed.

As soon as I hear him cry, I started to cry myself. They cleaned him up and gave him medicine, to keep the values from closing. We could only hold him for a minute before they took him up to where he needed to be.

I finally got to hold him longer, later that day. I wanted to keep holding him because I knew that once he had his surgery, it would be a very long time until we were able to hold him again. They planned for his first surgery to be on June 27th, 2016, 3 days after his birth.

My fiance and I spent the entire day with him, holding him, getting as much closeness as we could. Until, the morning of his surgery came. We walked down with him, until we got to the point we weren’t able to go past. We both kissed his and held his little fingers. Praying that god would watch over our little boy.

During that day, we got out of the hospital, trying to get our minds off of the fact that they were doing surgery on our son. I wanted to wait all day, but my fiance and I agreed it would be best to go out and get some fresh air. We got frequent updates, while Liam was in surgery. It made me feel better that someone cared enough to let us know that everything was going smoothly and that they would keep us posted until he was our of surgery.

Once they called to let us know that he was doing great, they told us that he was all set to see visitors. I was nervous and scared to see how he looked. Even when we got closer to his room, tears already started to pour down my face.

As a parent, you never want your children to go through surgery or be hooked up to anything. Seeing Liam for the first time out of surgery, was life changing. His chest wasn’t closed, they keep the chest open for a few days to make sure everything is working out fine before they close it. Every time I would go to see him, I asked that they covered his heart, just when I was in there. I don’t know why, but I felt uncomfortable.

As weeks went passed, they finally closed his chest and slowly started to take him off some medication and his breathing tube. We were finally able to hold our son again, after about 4 weeks from his surgery.

We thought that things were going great, he was able to leave the NICU and move over to what they called was ‘The Floor’, meaning that Liam still needed nurses, but not 24/7, like he did in the NICU. The doctors said that once he was able to start eating from a bottle or breast and a few other things, he would be able to go home.

Day 2, of being on ‘The Floor’, was the most horrible day of my life. The nurse had come in to give Liam his medicine and he was being fussy, so she suggested that I pick him up and rock him. All of a sudden, my worst nightmare had happen. He stopped breathing in my arms.

The nurse took him and pressed the code blue button, 7-8 other hospital staff rushed in to help, they took him back over the NICU. I followed them, shocked and frighted. My fiance rushed over to the hospital, they wouldn’t allow both parents to stay in the room together, so he had to stay at a place that was a mile away from the hospital.

My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. I didn’t know what to do, they had a nurse stay with me until my fiance got there. All I could say was, ‘he stopped breathing in my arms.’

They did CPR on him for 45 minutes until they were able to get on bypass. They didn’t know what happened. They figured it was a blood clot that blocked blood from reaching his heart. The told us that they were going to try and take him off bypass slowly and hope for the best, but if he was still on it after a week, there was a good chance that Liam wouldn’t make it.

During the time he was on bypass, Liam had brain damage, from getting CPR for too long, kidneys and liver were starting to fail. We ended up sitting down with a few doctors and his surgeon. We also got our immediate family to come up, for the support. They said that once we can get him off bypass, that they would be able to determined if he would still have brain activity, but by the looks of what they were trying to read, he had little to none brain activity.

My fiance and I looked at each other and prayed that god wouldn’t take Liam from us. He did. On July 23rd, 2016 at 4 in the morning, our son had passed away. When they took him off bypass, he was doing fine, but slowly started to decline. My fiance, his mother, my mother and I, were with him when he passed. I held him until his heart stopped beating.

Everyone I knew, their baby got to come home in their car seat,  but Liam never even left the hospital. He didn’t come home in a car seat. He came home in a box. Every mother’s worst night mare.

It was really hard to write this, but I think it’s time that everyone knows that not every baby born in this world is perfectly normal. I rather tell people my experience than let every mother or soon-to-be mother think that everyone’s child is born healthy.

Because my son wasn’t born healthy. His heart disease was something that not even doctors know how it was caused. I’ve googled it thousands of times, no one know’s why HLHS happens or any congenital birth defect.

This year will be two years that Liam has been gone. I’ll never get to see him on his first birthday or see him walk or talk for the first time. He was two days shy of being a month old.

But there is one thing that I want to let everyone know. Whether your child was on this world for a day, month, or years, you can’t just get over it. People think that because Liam wasn’t even a month old, that I can just get over it.

To this day, I still cry about him, not as much as I first did, but I do still cry about him. I always will. He is my little Simba and I miss and love him so much.

On a happier note, Liam gave us a surprise from up above. We were blessed with our daughter, Isabella on October 25th 2017, our rainbow baby. I believe that he knew we were ready to be parents, as cheesy as it may sound, and gave us our healthy daughter.

Every year on his birthday, we release balloons, in honor of him. In honor of our heart warrior, our little Simba. Now, our Simba is looking down and watching over his little sister from up above.

Liam Michael (June 25th, 2016 – July 23rd, 2016)

Liam Michael
Our little heart warrior

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts

Crafty Sassy – Intro to Latch Hook Projects

I mentioned that I have worked with a few latch hooks, but I never went in detail on what they really are. Latch Hooks are like rugs that are made up of yarn on a grid. There are many things you can with latch hooks. I personally, like making pillows, but they are a lot of hard work.

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The picture above is what a latch hook looks before you start or add on anything. Also, that is the tool you use to ‘tie on’ the yarn. Now, if you are intersected in making one of these and you are just a beginner, I recommend buying a latch hook kit. It will come with everything you need: the grid, the cut up yarn, and the hook tool.

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Not all kits are the same! The picture above shows what you would get in a kit, but be warned, not all kits have their colored yarn organized perfectly like this! Some grid might actually have the print of the picture already on the grid, to help guide you through the process.

Also, if you haven’t noticed, most of the latch hook grids have multiple blue squared on them, that helps with knowing where to start, it you aren’t lucky enough to have a kit with the picture printed on the grid. Most of the squares are 10×10, by counting them, but some grid might be different and be like a 10×9 or 9×10.

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The process is very simple. I didn’t think so, at first, but it is very easy to do. The picture above with show you a little better than how I explain it.

  1. Take a piece of yarn, whatever color you need and wrap it around your hook, your latch hook tool.
  2. Take the hook, while holding on to the yarn that is wrapped around it, and insert into the grid, just the hook and make sure that the hooks open, as shown above.
  3. Next, take your end pieces of your yarn, remember, you still have it wrapped around you hook, and pull it into your hook, making sure that your latch hook tool flap, we will call it, doesn’t close. You have to make sure that stays open for this step!
  4. Then, take your latch hook and pull it through that square, where you want to place the yarn. The hook tool flap will close to keep the yarn in it’s place when you pull through the square.
  5. Last, but not least, tighten the knot and make sure it is on tight!
  6. Once that is done, you keep repeating until the project is done!

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Sorry, if I didn’t explain it very well. This picture above does a better job, but I figured I would give it a shot and try.

When you finish your project, you will noticed that you have extra strands of yarn leftover. Some kits will add more than enough to finish, other’s might give you enough to just barely finish the project. If you are like me and keep everything, keep the extra strands, just in case you need them for another project, you never know.

If the kit didn’t give you enough yarn, there is another way to get some more. You can always go to a craft store, or look online, and find the color yarn and cut it yourself, but using the size of what the kit gave you. Or, some craft stores will have the yarn cut up already for you, so if you are making the latch hook for someone, they have it for you to grab and go.

Latch Hooks is great for all ages, plus, if you are just starting to get into crafts and such, this would be the way to start out. You can do so much with latch hooks, they don’t just have to be a rug. They can be pillows, stuff animals, wall hangings, etc. They even have blank grids that you can freestyle.

The only downfall with the latch hooks, is that it can take up a lot of your time, sometimes. It’s nothing that you can pick up and finish all in one sitting, maybe if you are quick and did it all in one night, or had a small one to work with. This type of project is a pick up and finish later type of project.

Anyway, I will had a few pictures below of the latch hooks that I have finished. So far, I have made two pillows and two pillow cases. None of which have been for me, but all the ones I have given away, have loved them. Not because I did a great job, but it was something that I made for them and those are the best kinds of gifts!

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If you are very intersected in wanting to make one of these, check out your local craft store. You won’t have much luck at a Walmart or Kmart, but Amazon does have a very wide selection!

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Is It Wrong For Parents To Express Themselves?

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Everything in the world today is changing. Especially how we raise our children. What about the parents who have tattoos? Or piercing? Or colored their hair? A lot of the other generations judge these parents who express themselves. Why is it that we can’t express ourselves as parents?

It’s not typically to see a mother with bright pink hair and tattoos. A lot of the older generations would say that its very immature to have tattoos and brightly colored hair and be a mother. Or they might say that’s what’s wrong with this generations upbringing.

I believe that parents who get piercings, tattoos, or dye their hair, they are showing their children that its okay to express yourself. So what those parents have tattoos that show. Who cares? They are expressing themselves.

I have always wanted to dye my hair a dark maroon color, ever since high school, but I was afraid to because I didn’t want anyone to thing that I was copying them. To this day, I still haven’t dyed my hair that color.

Not only that, I have always wanted to get a tattoo of my son. See, a lot of people think that tattoos are a waste, but there is always a meaning to each one. My fiance has a beautiful tattoo that was for our son.

As parents, we have a right to show our children that expressing ourselves is not wrong to do. We, as parents, want our child to express themselves like when we were younger. Never tell your child that they can’t express themselves.

I wanted to have my nosed pierced and more of my ears or dye my hair, but I never really was able to. I was more afraid to ask and get shot done.

Now, as an adult, I can do these things. I don’t care if my fiance and I walk down the street covered in tattoos and have dyed our hair or got more piercings. As long as our children have everything they need and bills are paid, there is nothing wrong spending some money on ourselves.

After all, we only live once.

So next time you see parents that have dyed hair, tattoos, and piercing, don’t judge them. They are just showing that expressing ourselves is completely okay to do.

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Dealing With Being Frustrated

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As all parents know, we are bound to get frustrated with our kids, lifestyle, work, etc. How to deal with it, can be very difficult. Especially, when you are a stay-at-home mom. It’s even worse when you suffer from depression.

I get frustrated. I can admit that. A lot of people can’t.

I get frustrated over little things, that I can do nothing about. I get frustrated over the bigger things that I can’t fix. Sometimes, there is nothing you can do, until the time is right to fix something. Or in my case, money always frustrates me.

Sometimes I get very frustrated with my daughter. I get frustrated when she cries and there is nothing I can do to help her. Do I take it out on her? No. I put her in her crib, play pen, or anywhere where I know she won’t hurt herself. I then take a deep breathe, count to ten and then go back to my daughter and try to take care of her the best I can.

Another reason why I get very frustrated is that I haven’t felt comfortable to leave my daughter with anyone, yet. I bet you are all thinking or saying that I need a break. I do, but with my past history, it’s very hard to do.

Losing my son, is making it difficult to leave her with anyone. I feel that if I do, I am going to freak out, if she were to spend the night somewhere, or I would get that call that something is wrong. The only people that really understand what I am going through, are mother who have lost a baby.

My daughter is 7 months old and I am starting to realize that she just wants me, which frustrates me because I want to get stuff done in the house. I know it’s my fault, but it’s hard to let go. It’s like when your child goes in for their first day of preschool, its hard to watch them go.

Anyway, being frustrated doesn’t mean you are a bad parent, it means you need to take a step back and try different ways to relax your frustration. I’ve counted to 10, that has helped. Closing your eyes, working out, doing a hobby, or if you are in a pickle, closing your eyes and relaxing them to a second.

Meditation is what I’m going to try and get into because of the fact that I still don’t feel 100% comfortable to leave my daughter with anyone, yet.

If you are like me and can’t leave your child, for whatever reason, start with an hour. Leave your child with your spouse and see how you do. Try it out with different family family members and then slowly leave them for more that an hour or two.

When you know that baby is comfortable and you finally feel comfortable, then leave them with family for a night. You just have to get to, not only your comfort zone, but your child’s as well.

Another way to deal with frustration, is to talk to someone, someone you know that wouldn’t mind listening to whatever is frustrating you. Airing it out is a lot better than keeping it in. I know how hard it is to talk to someone, but you don’t want it to keep it all in.

Before it’s too late and then you end up screaming at someone.

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: The Aftermath Of Having Babies

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Babies given our life full of joy, over-tiredness, happiness, exhaustion, etc. We carried them for 9 months, experienced all of their movements and felt them grow inside us over time. No one really talks about what happens after birth, what happens to us mother after the baby is born.

I think that no one wants to see the aftermath of having a child because it’s not pretty. I’ve had natural births, so I don’t know if it is the same aftermath with a c-section. Forewarning you, some of this stuff that I will be talking about might be really gross for some of you, so if you don’t have a really strong stomach, I wouldn’t continue to read.

Once you get to the end of your pregnancy, you might be at that point where you just want your kid to come out. No joke. For me, that statement was 100% true. I loved being pregnant, but the further you get, the more uncomfortable it is. Especially if you were pregnant during the summer.

With my son, I was induced, due to his condition. Being induced was a bitch. It was a lot more painful vs. having your child naturally. My daughter wasn’t needed to be induced, thank god.

When you start to go through labor, from my view, its not bad until you hit that 6-7 cm. Then you kinda just want to grab your spouse and want to punch them in the nuts, but don’t really do that.

The pain and everything went away when I had my children in my arms, or once I saw them. Everyone things that it’s such a happy time, well, you are dead wrong. If you have your children naturally, be prepared to bleed for the next couple weeks.

That pregnancy glow you once had, has changed to a Walking Dead add on. To this day, my daughter is 7 months old, and I still look like a Walking Dead extra. Then again, pj’s are my best friend.

Your boobs hurt, if you are breastfeeding, I was only able to do it for a little bit, but to this day, they will always leak. Not to mention that it hurts to go to the bathroom, to me, I felt that I was in labor again after the first time. For that first month or two, you feel like shit. You feel even worst when baby blues or depression hits you at the same time.

It’s all worth it in the end, they tell you. Well, the one thing that isn’t worth it, and I still have this issue, peeing when you sneeze. You are stuck with that in the end too. Hell, I have to hold my sneeze unless I want to pee myself. At this point, you are better off wearing Depends now.

 

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Dealing With The Loss Of A Child

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As you all might know, or will find out, I lost my first born son, before he turned a month old. His birthday is next month and I wanted to talk to you about the loss of a child. Whether they were on this Earth for 5 years or two days, it still hurts the same.

June 25th, is coming soon, which is also my son’s birthday. He would have been two years old. As the month has been coming up, I haven’t been the same.

Last year, this time, I was working and was pregnant for my rainbow baby, my daughter. Work distracted me from the fact that I would celebrate his first birthday without him here. This year, he would have been two, and now that I am a stay-at-home mom, it has been really difficult.

You see, losing a child is very difficult to cope with, even at my age. I was 18, when I had him. I was 18, when we lost him. And because of losing him so soon, it made my fiance and I grow up a lot. What was the reason, you ask. Well, let me tell you.

When I was pregnant with my son, Liam, we found out he had a very serious disease, HLHS or Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Meaning the left side of his heart was underdeveloped. At first I never even hear the term, but after watching a lot of Grey’s, they talk about it all the time.

They don’t have enough research to explain why it happen, but it just did. ‘It was the way cells formed’, is what all the doctors would tell us. None of us wanted to believe that it was true, but the ultrasounds said otherwise. Once he was born, he was going to be going through a lot up until he turns about 3. Well, as you know, he didn’t make to 3. He didn’t even make it to his first birthday.

Everything went well, with his first surgery, but a blood clot stopped his heart and he just went downhill from there. Another reason why it’s even harder to deal with the lost of a child, is when you are holding them when their heart stopped, not just once, but twice.

That story is for another day, which I haven’t decided whether to post it or not.

He died on in my arms, I know a lot of people might think I’m crazy, but to me, I wanted him to know that he was going to heaven in the comfort of his parents arms.

One thing that a lot of people tell me is to get over it. I can’t just get over it. It’s not something you get over with, it takes time to cope with the fact that they are no longer with us. I though, I believe he is always watching from up above.

Please, if you know anyone who has ever lost a child, don’t ever tell them they need to ‘get over it’. You are a terrible person for even thinking that, just saying. If anything, we need to comfort those who have lost love ones.

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Dealing With Depression As A Mom

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A lot of people think that having a baby will bring you joy and happiness for your family. Which is does, but a lot of people don’t understand that there is a lot going on then just taking care of a baby.

I have been dealing with depression since I was 13. It’s been a long rocky-road for me. Sometimes, I just wish that I could just be happy, but having depression, makes you want to do nothing. Be nothing. You are always sad inside and no one will really know unless you talk to them about it.

When you have a baby, after the baby is born, some mom struggle with, what it is called, ‘baby blues’. It usually happens to a lot of moms within the first month of their baby being born. That’s why a lot of OBGYN’s ask you about ‘baby blues’, at your 6 week post-postpartum check up. They want to make sure that you and the baby are in good hands.

As a mom who has already lost a child and just had another one, it’s really difficult for me to watch my daughter grow because my son died when he was only a month old. It’s started to hit me a few days ago, that’s why there hasn’t been a lot of blogging going on.

Not just with the depression, stress and other issues are also on my mind. It makes it worse, especially when you have a little one that needs you every waking minute. There are days that I don’t want to get up, but my daughter gives me the kick that I need to get up and go on with my life.

It makes me sad that I can’t see my son reach the milestones that my daughter is, but she gives me a sense of hope. Just because I lost my son, I can’t get up on the fact that he’s gone. I always know that he will always watch over my daughter and any future children that I may have.

Before you say that a newly mother can’t be depressed, think about this. Have you ever had a child? Have you ever thought of the crying to never end? Have you ever go nuts, in your mind, because your baby is crying and you don’t know why?

I give praises to newly mothers, especially ones that have babies or children with birth defects. I also want to praise all the mothers that try their best, when they think their best isn’t good enough.

You moms are doing amazing!

It’s good to hear a good thing or too. To me, it makes me feel inspired and more confident to shoot for the stars.

But the one thing that I always do, when I’m feeling depressed or down, I talk to someone. Whether it is a friend, family member, or my fiance. I talk to someone. I rather people know what’s going on, versus keeping it all locked inside. As much as I sometimes would rather not talk to anyone, I know that I should.

If you are a mom, who’s struggling with depression or ‘baby blues’, talk to someone or talk to your doctor, they can give you some medication that will make it easier for you to handle. As much as some people don’t like taking medications, I am one of those people, it does work.

I am always an open ear. Seriously, if you need someone to talk to, go to my Contact page and send me a message. It’s better to open up to someone, rather than no one.

To all those moms, you keep doing what you are doing, better days are sure to come.

*If you really need help and need to talk to someone or a medical professionally, click on the link below. It gives a list of hotlines and explains depression in depth. The hotline is there and is completely anonymous.

https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/depression-hotline/

Posted in Mom Talk

How to Deal With Family Drama (Mom Talk)

Whenever I hear the term “drama”, it immediately makes me think of high school. I honestly thought that drama would be out of my life for good after I graduated high school, boy was I wrong.

There is drama almost everywhere you look. Whether its at work, social media, or family, its bound to happen at some point. The best kind of drama is when its not happening to you. However, it is very difficult to avoid or stay away from since not everyone is going to agree with you.

Family drama can cause issues and damage, depending what the issue is at hand, it might cause some to avoid or even go low contact with other family members. Like for example, I don’t talk to my father, he did a lot of bad stuff in the past that I don’t want my children around him at all. It was a decision I made for my children and myself.

Because of this, it has caused issues for other family members, which I don’t care anymore. Some people think I should forgive him and others agree with my decision and respect me more that I don’t want my children around toxic people like that.

As a parent, you’ll always have to deal with drama, whether it’s family or in-laws. You tend to deal with more if you are co-parenting. The best advise for that drama is to remain civil the best you can. I think of it as getting along for my daughter’s sake since I would rather get along versus have my daughter stress over her parents fighting.

A lot of people, like myself, will tend to not say what’s on my mind, especially to people I know can get very emotional and take to heart. I don’t do it because I have no back bone, I do it because it keeps the peace and its not something I have to stress about it.

Over time, I’ve realized that I am a recovering people pleaser which I’m trying my best to stop doing that. Its hard, especially if you are like me and want to make sure everyone gets along. (You can tell that I’m a Libra!)

Here are the top suggestions for trying to avoid the unwanted family drama:

  1. Set Clear Boundaries – I have struggled with this one, a lot. Looking back, I wish I was more clear on what my boundaries were when it came to A LOT of things, but the past is in the past. Setting boundaries lets the other party know that this is the line and don’t go past it, but in a kind way.
  2. COMMUNICATE – Communicate is key to any relationship! Whether it’s family, your co-parent, friends, neighbors, etc. You need to communicate directly. In a nice way, or in a way that can help you get the other party to understand.
  3. Don’t Gossip – I know this is hard for ANYONE to do, especially when its family. When its family, its kinda hard NOT to gossip because if you don’t hear about it at all, you’ll find out or hear others gossiping about it at the family reunion or holidays. Not gossiping can help with the spread of miscommunicate. Which can have a snowball effect on its own.
  4. Find out what triggers others to react – Especially when you are telling someone boundaries, before you react, think about what tone or words will trigger this person so that you can avoid a blowup. Before you react, count to 3 and take a deep breathe. I do this especially because I’ve react before thinking about how to say something and it doesn’t go well.

These are a few things that can help you, but don’t be upset if they don’t work. There are special cases where NOTHING works and you are stuck with trying to please a person who cannot be pleased.

One thing that helps me, is journaling. Looking back at how I felt in that moment and trying to understand how I could handle the situation differently. If its something I really don’t want to remember, I’ll rip it up or burn it and its like a sense of relief off my shoulders.

What are the best ways you have handled family drama?

Posted in Mom Talk

How To Deal With Unwanted Advice (Mom Talk)

Once you find out your expecting your first child, its an amazing feeling! Your excited to experience being pregnant and feeling your child grow to giving birth and watching them grow. However, the moment you get pregnant, the unwanted advise will start to kick in.

Some people are very genuine, but there are others that will pull the whole, “When I was pregnant,” or “I raise my kids this way.”  It can be very overwhelming and it does make you very cautious about how you will raise your kids because you’ll feel like you need to raise your kids the way they are telling you.

Best part, you don’t NEED to take their advise.

I would nod and thank them anyway. I was always raised to be kind and respectful to my elders or anyone in general. I would say usually, “Thank you for the advise, I’ll keep that in mind.” Saying something as simple as that is sweet and perfect to use.

As a mom, you will get told by everyone how to care for your child. From your family to doctors to strangers. Even before the baby’s born, you will be told how to even take care of yourself.

What’s important is what’s best for YOU. If you aren’t sure about something, whether when you are pregnant or kids, ask your provider, they would know what is best. Of course you can always go to your mom, but if you really are unsure, going to a professional would be the best advise that you can get.

When I was first pregnant with my son, I wasn’t as vocal as I wanted to be. It was all new, exciting, and I was scared shitless. I was worrying about all the wrong things that could happen with the pregnancy, especially with it being my first. I was even more overwhelmed when I found out my son was going to have a heart condition.

Even when they knew about his heart condition, I still got the unwanted advise. I don’t think many people understood that with his heart condition, it was all together going to be a different situation. I just kept to myself and thanked them anyway since I was more worried about if my son was going to make it.

My daughter, it was completely different. I put my foot down to a lot of stuff. I’m still trying to make sure that peoples advice doesn’t change the way I want to raise my kids. Plus, we as moms, get judged on everything.

With my more recent daughter, I did get some advise, but honestly I did take most of it in consideration since there has been a huge gap between my oldest daughter, to my youngest and there had been a lot of changes since she was little.

To me, I will take the advice into consideration, but if it’s something that I, as a parent, will not do to parent my child, then I speak up. Sometimes, I can’t speak up to others about this because I’m afraid of hurting their feelings, but I have learned that when it comes to you parenting your kids, the only feeling that matters is your kids and yours.

There are three ways you can handle unwanted advise:

  1. Ignoring  it – This is what I usually do, if a stranger were to approach me with unwanted advise. I usually will nod my head. Sometimes, I do it with family, its easier to do, if you don’t want to make a big deal out or you know it will turn into a giant fight, this would be your best go to.
  2. Speaking up, in a polite way – If you are a person that voices your opinion, but don’t want to offend anyone. This would be more towards close friends, maybe family. Telling them in a polite way, will make it seem not as harsh as bluntly coming out and telling them what is what.
  3. Bluntly telling them straight up – I only go this far, if I’m frustrated. If I have had a bad day and didn’t have any coffee, I snap. I usually will only snap at family, because they have been in my shoes. Plus they understand that they would rather me snap at them versus my kids.

There is one thing that we always need to keep in mind. How we parent our kids, may not be the same as other, but we should respect how others parent. The world we live in now, there are too many people judging before they know the full story, but when it comes to advise, we need to handle it as we feel comfortable.

Posted in Mom Talk

Why You Shouldn’t Smoke Around Your Children (Mom Talk)

Back in the day, we didn’t know how bad smoking cigarettes can be. Now, you don’t see any commercials promoting cigarettes or tobacco. If you do, its very rare to see an add for cigarettes. No matter how much people hate it, there are people who still smoke today and I don’t think it will go away anytime soon.

I’ll admit, I have tried a cigarette a few times, but thankfully it wasn’t something I got addicted to. It also helped that most of my family didn’t smoke around us either, which made me grateful I didn’t get into that. I’m actually shocked that I didn’t start smoking when I was living with my ex, who ask smoked as well as his family.

Even though I have never became addicted to it, I could see how difficult it is to try and quit. I watched my ex tried to quit, but would always cave when his family was around because they still smoked. He almost had quit for a full year before our daughter was born to then give it up the day after we had her.

Back in the day, people were smoking all the time with kids around. In public places or in their own homes. No one realized the dangers until more research was done to show and prove that they can kill you faster than eating fast food every day. They also found out that second hand smoke was just as bad as smoking the cigarette.

Which is why I will keep my kids away from cigarette smoke as much as I can. Smoking is a bad habit, but you shouldn’t make others or your children have to deal with your habit. I know so many people I went to high school where if they lived in a household where their parents smoked, 9 times out of 10, I saw them pick up the same habit.

Even when you are in another room or holding up the cigarette away from the child, they can still inhale the second hand smoke. Especially in a car. Rolling down the windows WILL NOT prevent the smoke from getting to the child. Thankfully in Maine, you can get fined for smoking in the car with any minor under 15 or 16.

As a mother, who had a child with a heart condition, it’s even more fatal. I’m one of those moms that will not go into a house or car if it smells like cigarette smoke. I was never around it and I want my kids to not be around it.

I will be making sure that my kids don’t get into that awful habit. My daughter knows whenever she sees a cigarette to think of it as a ‘cancer stick’. Since one of the possibilities with smoking can be getting cancer from it.

I’ve lost family members because of their smoking habits, I don’t want to risk my children’s life just because someone needs to have a cigarette.

Posted in Mom Talk

Being a Stay-At-Home Mom (Mom Talk)

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A lot of moms don’t have the pleasure to stay home with their children nowadays. In order just to live, you need both parents income and even that can barely keep you afloat. Even then its still a struggle to afford daycare on top of all the other bills as well.

Back in the day, the husband would be out working, while the wife stayed home to care for the kids, keeping the house clean and in order, and as well as making sure that there was a cooked meal ready for when the husband got home.

Being a stay-at-home mom isn’t for everyone. I honestly never really thought about being a stay-at-home mom much until after I had lost my son and got pregnant with my daughter that I didn’t want to miss out on her growing up and reaching milestones that I would never get to experience with my son.

After I had her, I knew I would have a very difficult time leaving her when I had to go back to work. So, her father and I decided that being a stay-at-home mom would be the best thing for not only me, but it would save us on having to pay for childcare as well.

At the time, I didn’t have my license and the only places I could walk were just to my mother-in-laws, which I didn’t do much because we lived on a very busy street. Not to mention, I was living in a trailer park that also wasn’t close to any store at all either.

We did have a mini backyard that I had a swing that I could go out on, which was nice to have, but I felt very alone during the day and even more at night. Since my daughters father worked night shift, I barely had time with him during the day before he had to leave for work.

I did feel very alone, even though I was with my daughter, I felt so alone. The social interaction I would get from her father, was more of what bills need to be paid, what groceries we needed, and what we were going to do the weekend. I felt like I was on zombie mode.

Which is why I started to get into blogging more and even had a pen pal that I would e-mail just to stay sane. Sure, I had my family I could call and text, which I did often, but they didn’t really understand what struggles a stay-at-home mom can go through.

I become very depressed after the 2nd year of being a stay-at-home mom. I loved being able to spend time with my daughter and watching her grow up and learn new things, but I also hated being stuck and alone most of the day.

Thankfully, I did manage to get out at least once a week when my mom would come on Sundays. We would do our usual visit to see my great-grandmother or do something fun for the day either visiting family or shopping or just getting out of the house.

The sad part was, the moment I got home, I was alone again.

My depression got so bad to a point that I didn’t think I’d ever get to the point of not being here. However, the voice in my head kept telling me, “your daughter needs you.” That was the thing that kept me going, but it also terrified me of how she would have to cope if I went through with it.

Thankfully, my mom helped me get myself out of the tunnel of darkness and back on my feet. After the 3rd year of being a stay-at-home mom, I got a job and started working again.

After that, I moved in with her, got my license, bought my first car, and worked on myself within the first 6 months of leaving my ex. As much as I loved spending all the time in the world with my daughter, I was slowly losing myself.

I never regret being a stay-at-home mom because my daughter and I had lots of fun and she always made me smile, especially on my bad days. If I had to go back and do it again, I think I would, but I would find a remote job so that I didn’t loose my mind completely.

Being a stay-at-home mom is hard, but the memories and watching your child grow up and hit milestones, is priceless. I really wish we didn’t live the way that we did so that more mother’s could experience it for themselves for at least the first year.

I wish I did that with my youngest daughter that I had back in February of this year, but with how my current living situation is, it would be difficult to do. I did take a longer maternity leave with this one, but ended up going back to work shortly after.

Overall, choosing to be a stay-at-home mom has is ups and downs, however, it is up to you to see if that lifestyle is something for you. After being back in the workforce, I personally wouldn’t be able to do it again, unless I was working from home.