Posted in Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet C2C Baby Doll Pillow (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, last week I posted a pattern on a baby doll blanket, but I wanted to take a further step and make a pillow to go with it. This pattern is simple too, working with that C2C stitch, again.

I also wanted to make sure that it matched the blanket as well. The only thing I didn’t get a chance to do for the blanket was adding a white border around it, like I did for the pillow.

20200121_075352.jpg

If you haven’t seen or want to make the complete set, check out my C2C Baby Doll Blanket pattern that goes with this pattern:

https://katiesblog96971617.com/2020/01/14/crafty-sassy-crochet-c2c-baby-doll-blanket-beginner/

Now, let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I used I Love This Yarn in the color Green, Turquoise & Red Print.
    • You’ll only need 1 skein.
    • If you would like to add another color for the border, you can, but you don’t have to.
  • 4.0 mm hook
  • Any type of stuffing
    • I used cotton stuffing.
  • Sewing needle

Now, if you aren’t familiar with the ‘C2C’ stitch, here is a wonderful video that Heart Hook Home has, that not only helped me understand how to do the stitch but also shows how to increase and decrease. Here is the video:

This pattern is great for learning and getting familiar with the ‘c2c stitch before moving on to bigger and more complicated projects.

The blanket size is a 7×9 square project, you can, of course, add or decrease squares to fit a small or large size baby doll.

Let’s Begin!

Chain 5.

Row 1: Double crochet into the 3 chains from the hook and in the next 2 stitches.

Row 2: Chain 5. Repeat from row one. (This is how we increase.) Then flip your ‘square’, like you are going connect it. Slip stitch in the chain three, from the last square. Chain 2. Make 3 double crochets in that same space.

Repeat until you have 7 squares across. Once you do, after making your last square, slip stitch on the top of the square. (This is how you decrease). Chain 2 and make 3 double crochets in that chain 3 space.

Keep going until the other side has reached 9 squares and on that finally square, slip stitch on the top of the square. Chain 2 and make 3 double crochets in the chain 3 space. As you continue to go back and forth, you’ll notice the rows start to get smaller.

Once you are at your final stitch, slip stitch the top of that last square and fasten off.

Sew in any loose ends in and then repeat this again to create another square.

Border:

Once you have created two of the same size squares, it’s time to put them together!

Place them together, on top of each other, making sure the corners match to each side. Then, taking either a white or colored yarn of your choice, make a slip knot onto your 4.0 mm hook.

Into the first corner, it doesn’t matter which corner you start in, enter your hook in BOTH pieces through the square and pull up a loop and slip stitch.

Then chain 1 and single crochet in that same spot you entered in. Single crochet around and when you reach a corner, make 3 single crochets in that same corner.

When you have single crocheted 3 of the sides, start to stuff your pillow, don’t stuff too much because it can make it very difficult to close. Once your pillow is stuffed, continued single crocheting around until you reach the last corner.

Make 2 single crochet in that same stitch. Then slip stitch into the next stitch.

Cut the yarn and then fasten off your work.

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There you have it! A simple baby doll set that you can make for anyone!

Make sure you like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram. I’m more active on my Facebook page than I am on Instagram.

 

 

 

Posted in Writing Works

The Art of Love (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on by Katie Night

The Art of Love

Hey Dearies! I know this one is a little late, but I wanted to make sure I took a little extra time on this one. It’s not exactly like the prompt, but I did add in a little twist of it. 

Two dirt-poor art students survive by sharing a nasty little apartment above a bodega. They struggle through four years, barely making ends meet, comforting one another through tragedies and triumph, but never openly admit how they feel about each other…until they graduate, and one of them gets a job in another city. Is it too late to confess their love?

Living in New York City wasn’t easy, let alone being a paint. Jackie Brown wanted to see her name on every billboard, street store, and all over New York. Since she was 3, that was always her dream.

Her father was a famous painter himself, as so as her mother. Once they had her, Jackie’s mother felt that her child was holding her back from becoming famous and so let Jackie and her husband to New York.

Last time Jackie saw her mother, was 10 years ago. Now, she was 23, fresh from college and off to make her hobby into her dream, however, New York was expensive. Jackie’s father wanted to come with her, to make sure her dreams really did come true, but Jackie didn’t want her father to help her on that journey.

She wanted this one by herself.

After being in New York for a few days, she managed to find a place for her to stay in. Kenny Hunt was her only available option, especially with money being so tight, she didn’t want to be left on the streets.

Climbing up to the 3rd floor, onto an old book store, she knocked onto the door, with the faded ‘3C’ that sat on an old wooden door. After a minute or two, the door finally opened with Kenny behind it.

“Jackie, right?” He asked.

“Yes.” She nodded, giving him a soft smile as he opened the door more for her to come in. “Thank you again for this.”

She turned to face him, looking at his dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes. As she gazed into his eyes, he looked like he was hurt inside, like someone has ripped his heart out from his body and stuffed it in a trash can.

Kenny turned away, walking back to his canvas, ignoring her. As she looked around, she notices this was a very old room, it was a room that didn’t look like it was used for sleeping at all. The wide-open space had faded, cracked dark wooden floors. The paint used for the walls was faded and looked like there once were mirrors that inclosed the place.

As she turned to her left, there was a mini hall, looked like there were a few other rooms and hopefully a bathroom. Behind her was a stove, sink, and fridge that looked out of place from this room, but more than an old dance studio was out of place for any of this.

She didn’t see any mattresses or beds for her, in the opened space. Instead, the opened spaces were covered with canvases, paint, and brushes. It was like heaven to Jackie, making this choice the best one she had made for herself.

“Where can I put my stuff?” She asked, as his blue eyes looked up from the canvas.

“Down the hall to the right. Just don’t go into my room.” Kenny snapped as he went back to painting. Jackie was curious to know what he was painted but instead went to put her stuff away.

After being there for a few weeks, Jackie got herself comfortable, but Kenny seemed to rather ignore her. She had tried to work up the courage to place an empty canvas on one of the many empty easels, but hadn’t.

Brushstroke after brushstroke, she watched him from afar, not wanting her to see her eyes on him, she watched him move the brush back and forth like it was a dance he knew how to dance. Not to mention she couldn’t help but notice his arms had a few tattoos, but the one that caught her eye the most was the tree tattoo inside his left arm.

She wanted to ask him about it, it was the only one that she had noticed that was fairly new to his body, as the other tattoos he had were more faded. It took her a minute to realize that the tattoo was the tree from Lord of the Rings.

She got up and walked out of her room and slowly approached Kenny. He looked up for a second but turned away back to his piece. As she got closer, she noticed that his painting wasn’t of any object or item, that she thought it was, it was simply a mess of different colors of blacks and greys.

It was different from what her parents have painted before, but they were more into landscapes, such as mountains, hills, forests, and lakes. This was solid, but it spoke to her that something in his past had made him paint this way.

“What?” Kenny snapped, jumping Jackie, as she was zoned into his piece, rather than him.

“I-I was wondering if could use that spare easel?” She spoke nervously, she wanted to ask about his tree tattoo, but she had forgotten it, getting lost in his eyes.

Kenny changed his emotion, looked rather more confused like he didn’t think she would ask something from him so bold. “You paint too?” He asked as she nodded.

“I do, my parents do, too.” She said as he looked at her.

“Go for it.” He said, going back to his easel. Jackie was so enlightened that she ran to grab her supplies and set them up next to the easel.

Over the next couple of months, the started to bond over their love of painting and art. As much as they wanted to spend all of their time painting, Kenny had a part-time job down at the book store and Jackie had just gotten a job as a florist, that was also down the street.

Jackie had just finished her latest creation, it was of a couple, standing in the middle of the rain, sharing a deep kiss, with the background having rainfall underneath them all, not giving a care in the world as to what would happen.

It reminded her of her last love, that were that couple she painted. He had her heart, but she didn’t want it. She had gotten pregnant, but ended up losing the baby, which changed their relationship although. He wanted to settle down and build a giant family, as Jackie just wanted to paint and when she was ready, start a family.

That was their last kiss goodbye. They didn’t want to hold each other back and wanted to have one last kiss before they moved onto different lifestyles. Hence, why she wanted to leave New York.

Kenny came over, as she signed off of her painting. “Incredible, really.” He touched her shoulder as she watched him look into every detail she put into the painting. “What are going to call it?”

Jackie took a minute to think about it, coming up with the titles of her paintings was harder than it was for her parents. “Not sure yet.” Still admiring her work.

She glanced at Kenny’s easel, he had just a blank canvas, naked, as Jackie liked to call it. Ever since she started to paint in the same room as him, his painting has changed from dark and depression, to more artistic and creative, making them more appealing to the eye.

Her heart fluttered each time he would come up to her and watched her paint, as she would do the same. She had tried to open him and get him to talk to her, but he was a locked door, not letting anyone in.

That all changed. Jackie was working at her job when she got a phone call from the office from her mother. She wanted to let her know she was dying from cancer. That was the real reason why she left in the first place, she didn’t want Jackie to see her.

Jackie’s heart dropped as she got off the phone, it all made sense, she wondered why her father was always upset and depressed, but she thought it was because her mother had left, choosing her work over the family when really she was getting treatment for her breast cancer.

After work, when she got home, she didn’t say anything to Kenny, as he watched as she sadly went into her bedroom. She wasn’t in the mood to talk, didn’t even feel like painting, which was a first for her because she had always loved to paint.

“Jackie?” Kenny called out, but there was no reply from her, he didn’t want to intrude. It made him worry about her. Her happy self was what was keeping him inspired to paint masterpieces ever since his little sister had passed away.

Instead of answering Kenny, she curled herself up in a ball on her mattress and started to cry. There was nothing she could do, but felt like she needed to do something. She wanted to go to her happy place, but painting sounded so foreign to her.

She felt Kenny’s eyes on her like he was drilling a laser into her head. As much as she wanted Kenny’s attention, there was something more that she wanted. A distraction.

Siting up from her bed, she looked over at Kenny, as he sat on the bed beside her, gazing at his blue eyes, but her eyes wandered to his lips. “Is everything okay?” He asked, but instead of answering him, she leaned into his faces and pressed her lips against his.

Kenny froze for a second, not realizing that her lips were upon his, he didn’t know how to react, but before he could embrace the kiss, she had pulled away. Kenny’s mind was questioning if he should kiss her back or leave the room awkwardly.

Jackie looked back at him, waiting for his response, but his face looked confused. Did she kiss him wrong? She thought, but maybe it was too sudden for him, she thought again.

Until he caught her off guard and very slowly placed his lips together with hers.

She was lost into the moment, embracing Kenny’s warmth that she so craved, however, instead of taking their clothes off to get further lost into each other’s arms, they both laid down on her bed, and had him embrace her, snuggling up close together and making her feel something that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Safe.

As he brushed a strand of hair from her face, she finally spoke, telling him about her mother and her condiction.

“Go to her, you should spend your last moments together,” Kenny spoke, as much as it killed him to see her go, not knowing how long she would be gone for or if she would ever come back, he didn’t want to miss out on those final moments that he did with his sister.

“I can’t, I don’t have the money,” Jackie said as he understood her situation, he was in the same boat, being an inspiring artist wasn’t easy. He had been doing odd jobs, just to save up for an apartment, but it was never enough.

 

The next morning, Jackie was left alone in her bed, Kenny had stayed with her all night long, just to make sure she was okay, but he wasn’t next to her. She got up and started getting ready for the day, when she saw a note on the fridge, with enough money to get her to see her mother and possibly come back.

‘Don’t miss another moment away from your mother. You’ll regret it in the end.’ – Kenny

She smiled, as he was right. Quickly, she packed a few things and took the train to the other side of town, trying to make sure she was able to get to the hospital in time. Once she arrived, she was greeted by her father.

He hugged her tightly in his arms. “I missed you, buttercup.” He said, calling her by her childhood nickname. He started calling her that when she picked out some flowers from their garden and they happened to be buttercups.

Jackie didn’t want to let go from her father’s embrace, but slowly turned to look into the small hospital room, she could see her mother, looking pain and cold.

Her eyes started to water as he came closer to her mother’s bed, she was still alive but looked like she was barely holding on. “Mommy?” She spoke, making her mother awake and open her eyes to see her daughter.

Jackie came closer to her mother and hugged her tightly as she could, she was so weak, but was glad her daughter was sitting next to her. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Her mother spoke, as she held onto Jackie’s hand.

“Don’t worry about it, what matters is that I’m here for you,” Jackie said, kissing her mother’s hand and wiping her tears.

Jackie shared everything that was going on in her life, now. She even talked about Kenny, to her surprise, her mother said that he would be perfect for her. They played a few games, up until her mother was too weak to do so.

She died 2 months later after their last game of Uno. The last thing Jackie told her was to never give on chasing your dreams. Jackie knew she would never forget, but it made her think about Kenny. He was her new dream now, she needed to share her life with someone and he was perfect for her.

After the funeral, she said her last goodbyes to her father and headed back on the train, even though her mother had passed, she was wanting to get back to Kenny and to tell him how she felt about him.

Going up to their apartment, she was worried that he wouldn’t want to talk to her, after taking the money he gave to her to see her dying mother, but maybe he would. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, watching Kenny stand in the middle of the studio, painting, he almost dropped his paintbrush when he saw her.

Jackie dropped her bag, and ran to him, embracing into his arms, not caring if he was covered in paint or not. She looked into his eyes and the waterworks just came down. He understood her pain as to lose something, but kept her in his arms.

“I missed you so much, Jackie. You have no idea.” He said, looking into Jackies eyes, wiping away the tears from her face, as he turned to face her to all the work he had done when she was gone. It was all pictures of her.

One of them was when she was puzzled on painting and ended up getting paint on her face. Another was of her dancing. The more she kept looking at the paintings, she realized that he returned the feelings for her, but there was one painting that caught her eye.

It was a painting of them, laying on her bed together, after their first kiss and how she told him about her mother. She didn’t know how he did it, but it was perfect. “I love this one,” Jackie said as Kenny came closer.

“Not as much as I love you,” Kenny spoke as Jackie stared at him in amazement. “I understand if you don’t return the feelings, but I do love you and I just needed to tell you.”

Jackie then pressed her lips against his, embracing his presence and telling him that she accepted his feelings for her. She pulled away, leaning their foreheads together as she smiled. “I love you too.”

Let me know in the comments of what you thought about this short story! These will be posted every Friday and if you have a prompt or idea that you would like me to try out, let me know in the comments! 

Posted in Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy – Crochet C2C Baby Doll Blanket (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, for our first pattern of the year, I decided to create something that’s a little different. For Christmas, my daughter got quite a bit of baby dolls. It got me thinking and searching on Pinterest, what ideas they had for baby dolls.

What really got me to create this idea is when my 2-year-old came up to me and said, “Mommy, baby is cold.” I could’ve given her one of her old receiving blankets that I still had, but what fun would that be? While she was napping, I crocheted her baby doll a blanket.

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Let’s talk about what you’ll need for this project:

  • Medium Yarn
    • I used I Love This Yarn in the color Green, Turquoise & Red Print.
    • You’ll need only 1 skein.
  • 4.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle.

Now, if you aren’t familiar with the ‘C2C’ stitch, here is a wonderful video that Heart Hook Home has, that not only helped me understand how to do the stitch but also shows how to increase and decrease. Here is the video:

This pattern is great for learning and getting familiar with the ‘c2c stitch before moving on to bigger and more complicated projects.

The blanket size is a 22×25 square project, you can, of course, add or decrease squares to fit a small or large size baby doll.

Let’s Begin!

Chain 5.

Row 1: Double crochet into the 3 chains from the hook and in the next 2 stitches.

Row 2: Chain 5. Repeat from row one. (This is how we increase.) Then flip your ‘square’, like you are going connect it. Slip stitch in the chain three, from the last square. Chain 2. Make 3 double crochets in that same space.

Repeat until you have 22 squares across. Once you do, after making your last square, slip stitch on the top of the square. (This is how you decrease). Chain 2 and make 3 double crochets in that chain 3 space.

Keep going until the other side has reached 25 squares and on that finally square, slip stitch on the top of the square. Chain 2 and make 3 double crochets in the chain 3 space. As you continue to go back and forth, you’ll notice the rows start to get smaller.

Once you are at your final stitch, slip stitch the top of that last square and fasten off.

Sew in any loose ends and you’re done!

20200114_141617.jpg

There you have it! A perfect mini blanket for those baby dolls! Make sure you check back in next Tuesday, I’ll have a crocheted pillow that goes with this baby doll blanket set!

Make sure you like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram. I’m more active on my Facebook page than I am on Instagram.

Posted in Writing Works

The Scars He Left Behind (Friday’s Short Stories)

Posted on by Katie Night

‘Hey, Dearies! So, this is the first, of many, short stories that I’ll be posting every Friday. I’ll be posting the writing prompt or idea from where I got it from, and then you’ll get to read my version of the story. These are all fiction, nothing is real unless said otherwise. These are something fun to do and if you want to comment or send me a version of your story, from the prompt, I’ll be happy to read it and possibly post it on my blog, if you would like!’ 

Tell the story of a scar, whether a physical scar or emotional one. To be a writer, said Stephen King, “The only requirement is the ability to remember every scar.”

The Scars He Left Behind

Looking up from the stars, Lela was waiting for something to catch her eye, whether it be a shooting star or the moon turning full as it looked down upon her. The full moon gave

Lela a sense of power, made her feel safe.

She usually did this every night, feeling the hot summer day finally cool off and letting the dark sky raise over the town like a blanket, hiding us underneath it. It was her favorite time of day.

Until now.

Things have changed for her, she had a busy plate, going into her 3rd year of high school. She wasn’t a straight-A student but did enough work to make sure she passed her classes. This year was different, not only had she given up on love, but she found it again.

Or so she thought.

It started out so simple, she thought, but how wrong was she. It started with a random message on a chat room, she was on there talking to one of her two best friends about the excitement that happened during lunch, a fight broke out and they got to witness it first hand.

It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to them on that day, but for Lela, it was him.

The message from him popped up on her screen, she didn’t know what to do, nor react. She never had a guy take interest in her since middle school, but even then, she still didn’t know what to say, nor how to respond.

‘Can you help me meet Sarah? She seemed to log off.’

Little did Lela know that would be the start of a new chapter for her, not her friend Sarah.

‘Can’t you ask her yourself?’

Lela snapped back, thinking that this man wouldn’t want any interest in her. Why would they?

‘Sadly, I can’t seem to find her. I was supposed to meet her at the library, but I can’t seem to find her?’

Lela laughed at the message. She remembered Sarah was meeting up with her mystery guy today, but with midterms just about to start, she ended up setting up her date at the library with him.

Lela decided to stay home since she had to make sure to be home for her younger brother.

‘Didn’t you use her profile picture?’

Lela tried to explain, as much as she didn’t want to continue the conversation, she felt that she had to at least help him. Although, she chuckled at the fact that he didn’t have much common sense and wondered what Sarah saw in him.

She decided to do some snooping of her own and clicked on his profile picture. He looked semi-cute, or average. He wasn’t fat, nor was he too skinny. His dark hair complemented his eyes. As she kept looking, it seems that she found that they had more in common than she thought.

Lela thought he was kinda cute, but when she saw the year of his birth, she froze. Not only was Sarah talking to a much older guy, but a guy that would be legally called a man.

Chills went down Lela’s back as the conversation continued. Not only had it changed from helping him find Sarah, but his interest in her instead.

That was only the beginning.

After that same conversation, things changed. Lela and this man got closer and not even the 3rd day of talking, they finally met. To her mother’s disgrace, she didn’t want to see her 15-year-old daughter with someone who was 5 years older but tried her best to fight it.

She didn’t know what else to do, she banned her from seeing him, but that just made Lela want to be with him much more. The more the mother forbid it, the more she snuck around to see him.

It had been a week together for Lela and him, but in that week she lost so much. She didn’t know how it happened, it just did. His tongue mouthed words that made her jump into his bed. Making it seem that her virginity was something he wanted to take from her. Claim in with the others he took before hers, add it to his collection.

Once it was gone, she never got it back. The worst part is what came after that.

For months, she tried to build a so-called relationship with him, but he didn’t seem invested in her. Instead, his games came before her, the only time he wanted her was when he needed to be pleasured by her.

The times she did nor didn’t, he still went off and found another woman to laid in his bed. Forgive and forget, she thought over and over, the many times that he cheated. She didn’t know what else to do.

The scar.

He left two on that day in June. The heat was too hot to do much, but he still managed to leave a scar on her shoulder. She wanted to spend time with him, wanted to be apart of that world he was so attached too, but instead cut her left shoulder, and left her there, thinking she was wrong.

The second scar ended right in heart, making it seem like she might never find love again. Making it be more impossible or out of reach, just like the stars are from our grasp.

Once Lela had enough, she ended it, walking away from the first relationship she could ever call her own. She always looks down at that scar, to remind her that she is stronger than those dark times from where she got it from.

Looking back at the stars once more, she took a deep breath and smiled. Getting up from the patch of grass she was laying on and standing up tall, ready to walk into her next chapter, even with the scar he gave her.

Let me know in the comments of what you thought about this short story! These will be posted every Friday and if you have a prompt or idea that you would like me to try out, let me know in the comments! 

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

Crafty Sassy – Top 10 Snowman Crochet Projects

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since it has been snowing quite a bit in Maine, I figured I would share some patterns for snowmen! Now, snowmen aren’t just for the Christmas season, since you can make them whenever it snows!

Note: These are NOT my own work, as I will be providing the link that goes with each free pattern. All rights go to the creators.

 1. Snowman Potholder

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This snowman is so cute! Even though it says it’s for a potholder, but you can definitely make a few of these to add onto a snowflake or even Christmas blanket!

Click here for the free pattern: https://melodys-makings.com/snowman-pot-holder/

2. Snowman Coffee Cup Cozy

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Again, as you know, I LOVE coffee cup cozies and this one is too cute not to make one for yourself or others! Most of the ones I’ve found didn’t have the cute little hat, but this one did!

Click here for the free pattern: http://hamburke.blogspot.com/2013/12/another-easy-crochet-pattern-share.html

3. Snowman Wall Hanger

Snowman-Wall-Hanging_Large500_ID-1553903.png

Wall hangings are something I usually don’t have, but when I saw this pattern, I thought about making one for my house! As long as you keep this little guy inside, he will stay nice and neat, these are also perfect for those new homeowners!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.allfreecrochet.com/Christmas-Crochet/Snowman-Wall-Hanging

4. Snowman Hanging Dishcloth

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Dishcloths aren’t something I’ve been known to create, but this little guy is too cute! Not only could you use this as a decoration, but it would look pretty cute hanging from the oven handle!

Click here for the free pattern: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-snowman-hanging-dishcloth/

5. Melted Snowman

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I’m melting for this project! This is one I have never seen, but once I did, I was even more excited to see that the pattern was FREE! This little guy is not only the perfect decoration for the holiday season but he could even work as a newborn gift idea as a snuggle! As long as the buttons aren’t added!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.highlandhickorydesigns.com/melted-snowman/

6. C2C Snowman Scarf

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Ah, you know me and my love for C2C projects! This snowman will keep you nice and warm until Spring! As the pom-pom adds the perfect touch to make this project an amazing gift for someone, or even yourself!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.windingroadcrochet.com/c2c-snowman-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/

7. Snowman Towel Topper

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Towel Toppers I just LOVE! This one really takes my breath away, with so much detail, I didn’t think it was free, but I had to double-check! The creator of this piece of work took such great time and detail to this project for sure, definitely going to put this on my list of stuff to make this year!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snowman-towel-topper

8. Snowman Hat

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Hats are always great to make, especially if it is still snowing outside! This pattern is not only free but comes in all sizes so that you can make your entire family snowman hats!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2016/01/crochet-snowman-hat.html

9. Snowman Hanging Towel

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This towel hangs without a button, which is something that I have not quite tried, yet. This one has a lot of detail put into it, but this same pattern can be used to making Santa or a Gingerbread, but if you aren’t ready to start going down the Christmas train, this guy is something you’ll want to make for sure!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.acrochetedsimplicity.com/snowman-kitchen-towel-free-crochet-towel-pattern/

10. Snowman Stuffie

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Last, but not least, one of the cutest stuffies I’ve ever seen! There are a few of stuffy snowmen and women, that you can choose to pick from, but this one looks so soft and cuddly, I just had to put him on this list!

Click here for the free pattern: https://www.amigurumiforum.com/free-snowman-amigurumi-crochet-pattern-for-chirstmas/

There you have it! Snowman ideas for the snowy season! Which one did you like the best? Or which one can’t you wait to try out next? Leave a comment down below to let me know!

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update – December 2019 (Finished)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I am finally finished with our 2019 temperature blanket! The reason it has taken me a few days to post, because I did have a gap where some more squares could’ve gone, so I crocheted some white ones to fill in the blanket.

The only thing I want to do next adds a simple single crochet border and crochet the numbers to make 2019 and add them to the blanket as well! However, I will try my best to post the update of the blanket on my Facebook Page and Instagram, so make sure you are following me on there to check it out!

December came and went as soon as it did! Lower temperature, lead to more blues and purples when it came to squares. I’m just so grateful that this project is now done and finished!

Makine a temperature blanket isn’t as easy, as I thought it was going to be, but I managed to create one! As this being my first blanket to ever work on, I’m really proud how it came out!

Here is the list of colors I used for the blanket:

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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) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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?

Sadly, we didn’t get a 60-degree days, but have had quite of bit of 50 degree days, which isn’t bad, but I prefer my 60 degree days any day!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We did hit below 10 degrees, which isn’t fun, but now, I’ll be able to snuggle in this blanket to keep me nice and warm.

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

Thank you all for watching how this blanket turned out to be! I’m so glad that it’s finally done and the amount of support and motivation that I had was so helpful, so thank you to all that have watched this blanket go from just a few squares to a giant masterpiece!

Here is a slideshow of the progress of the blanket from month to month:

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Note: The month of February, I forgot to take a photo of, but other than that they are all there!

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet

Crochet Temperature Blanket: Tips and Tricks for Starting One

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! As you all know, I’ve been working on a temperature blanket all year long! If you are a follower and like my Facebook page, you will know that I have been posting updates and squares, as I go along, but because this was my first ever temperature blanket, I’ve picked up on some tips and tricks to help out anyone who wants to create one.

Now, I want to explain that a temperature blanket isn’t a bunch of granny squares that you sew together as you go. You can choose to use any type of blanket for this, although, if you want to do a C2C blanket, you’ll have to work on a lot of planning to make one of those. Here are a few examples:

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Any blanket pattern you can think of, you can pretty much make it into a temperature blanket! If you are still confused about what a temperature blanket is, let me explain a little better:

A temperature blanket is when someone who knits or crochets the temperature of each day for a year. Using different colors to represent all of the temps.

That’s just a quick explanation of what it is. Let’s talk about what you are gonna need to do, in order to actually start this blanket. I really wished I did some more digging on what colors and how big or small I needed to make my squares.

–Making a color chart

This is one of the most important things you need to think about before even starting the temperature blanket! I looked on Pinterest, just to get an idea on what others have done for their temperature blankets, but here’s mine:

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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) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

See anything wrong with it? I had to scratch out the original colors, for a few of the temperatures, due to me not having enough yarn for a few of the temperatures. Not to mention, the way I planned this out, wasn’t the best idea. Let’s look at a few other peoples temperatures charts:

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I based my chart off of this person temperature chart, which isn’t a bad idea, but if you are going to do it this way, make sure you have a few skeins stocked for each color, which I did not, hence why I wouldn’t update on time because I ran out of color.

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These two examples are what I wished I went with because there are more colors for all the temperatures. When I mean by that, more colors means more yarn, but less likely of a chance of running out very quickly.

Not to mention, more colors, the more you’ll be able to have a rainbow blanket.

If you aren’t a big fan of rainbow colors, it doesn’t mean you have to do them. I’ve seen people do different shades of one color, with the added greys, browns, or whites added in.

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The best part of these, you can switch out the ‘purple’ color for any color you wish! Not only are these are a little different than the normal temperature blanket, but these would make a great gift to crochet the temperature of their baby’s first year!

With whatever you decide to do, making a chart by scratch or following someone else temperature chart, make sure you have the extra yarn for each temperature, just in case so you have back up!

-Picking out the supplies

This is another step that determines, not only how much yarn you’ll go through, but also how thick or thin your blanket will me. I used a size 5.0mm hook, which is the normal size that most projects require, I consider this to be the normal hook that most people and beginners, work with a lot.

Of course, you can change the hook to be bigger or smaller, depending on what you are going for.

Remember, the small the hook, the thinner or smaller your stitches will me.  The bigger the hook, the thicker or bigger your stitches will be.

Either way, whatever hook size you chose to use, should be decided on the type of yarn you use. Not all yarns are the same. For my temperature blanket, most of my yarn was a mix of ‘I Love This Yarn’ and ‘Red Heart Super Saver’.

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I do recommend using the SAME brand when it comes to your temperature blanket. If you want it to look good, I would use the same brand, but if you are going through your stash of yarn, that’s okay too.

If this is your first time creating a temperature blanket, using your stash or straps isn’t a bad idea, but will give you a chance to make trial and errors, when starting this project.

-How to start working at it?

Once you have the temperature color chart ready and what type of supplies you need, its time to make time for this project. Since you are crocheting a color according to the temperature, doing it every day can be a challenge or you may not have the time.

Writing the temperatures is never a bad idea, but I also found it very helpful, especially when I get behind or run out of yarn, you can always look back and have the temperature written down and ready to go when you need it so.

I want to say that I used to crochet a square a day, which wasn’t a bad idea, but sometimes I would forget to do so. That’s why I started writing down the days and what their temperatures were so that I could catch up during the weekend.

This system not only made it easier but also gave me more time to spend with the project itself. Whatever works for your schedule.

-Don’t forget to have fun!

Temperature blankets always sound fun to make in the beginning, but don’t just work on that project, have a few mini-projects to work on along with your temperature blanket. Sometimes only working on a temperature blanket can become boring, especially if you have been doing the same stitch.

If you are like me, and only thought of having one project at a time, versus working on 5 to 6 unfinished projects. I didn’t think I could be someone that got bored, but I understood that once you start a big project, it can get bored or old faster if that’s the only one you are currently working on.

I’ve learned that having a few or more projects unfinished is okay to have, but it keeps the balance of making sure that you are always doing something different versus repeating the same stitch over and over again.

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That’s all the tips and tricks I have for you this year! I’m not sure if I’m going to be making a temperature blanket for 2020, but if I do, I’ll let you all know all the details when I do.

Are you working on a temperature blanket? If so, what design are you going for? Let me know in the comments!

Make sure to follow me on my Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram, to keep up with what my final result will be when I finish my 2019’s temperature blanket. Not to mention, I’m usually active on Facebook, especially when it comes to my blog.

And also, have a Happy New Year!

Posted in Crochet

Crafty Sassy 2019 Pattern Recap

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Sadly, 2019 is coming to the end and I posted my final pattern for this year, but I wanted to do a recap on all the patterns that I have shared with you for the year of 2019!

I will be doing a mini description of them and adding the link, just in case you would like to check out that post or you missed it.

Crochet Mug/Coffee Cozy w/ Pocket

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This one was super fun to make! I wanted to have a mug cozy that worked for both mugs and regular coffee cups, not to mention, having a pocket for holding sugar or a tea packet, especially if you are on the go!

Crochet Coin/Gift Card Purse

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I came up with this idea for my daughter since she was only a year old, this purse fit her size. Not to mention, I wanted to make sure it would fit the size for a gift card because I didn’t find any patterns that looked this cute!

Crochet Stuffed Easter Egg

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This one I thought about selling these with a basket that I made during Easter, but they were a pain in the butt to make, so I decided to have the pattern free for all of you! They look perfect for baby’s first Easter!

Crochet Tablet Cover 

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I made this for my kindle, since the case it came in was very broken, not to mention, I wanted to try this pattern out for it. However, I made it too small, as to why I choose to work around it with a different color. But in the end, I came out really cute!

Crochet Completely Solid Granny Square

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I wasn’t going to post this pattern, but at the time, I was working on a project and was looking everywhere for a pattern of a completely solid granny square. I figured there was someone else that was looking for the same thing. These are perfect for creating a pixel blanket, however, it will take forever to sew them together.

Crochet Adult Size Dragon Ball Z Hat

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My fiance requested this one, saw it on Pinterest and I had to make him one. Sadly, the owner of the original hat didn’t sell the pattern, but the hats themselves, so I decided to create it but looking at the picture, which is harder than it looks, but not impossible.

Crochet Ice Pop Cozy

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These were pretty simple to make and when I first got into crocheting, ice pop cozies are one of the basic projects that every beginner should make because they not only give you some practice working in rounds but are really easy and quick to make quickly for a craft fair.

Crochet Striped Washcloth

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Usually, washcloths are the first thing beginners make, when they first start to get into crocheting, but I didn’t make one until a customer asked me. Don’t get me wrong, making washcloths were on my list to make, but I wanted to do something that was a challenge for myself.

Crochet Circle Coaster 

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Coasters are another fun and cool idea to make, if you have been following for a while, you know that I love to crochet coasters! The only downfall with some of these coasters that they have out there, they don’t make them big enough for a normal size mug, I make sure to make my coasters to be as big, if not bigger, for all mug sizes.

Crochet C2C Phone Case

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Ever since I learned the C2C stitch, I love working with it! It’s just so much fun to create and so many ideas I can’t wait to make in the future with it! Once you know how to work with the C2C stitch, the ideas of making pixel designs are endless!

Crochet C2C Wrist Pocket

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Again, this year I was trying out new patterns that had to do with the C2C stitch. I figured this idea would be useful for holding cash, when out and about. Or for kids who lose their teeth. Another idea would be to use this to hold your buttons or stitch markers as you crochet or knit!

Crochet Can Cozies

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Cozies are also one of my favorite things to make, as well! Whether they are for cans, mugs, or coffee cups, I love to decorate my drinks, cold or hot! Don’t be surprised to see some more of them coming up in 2020.

Crochet Basic Square Coaster

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As I have said, I love making coasters! You’ll be most likely seeing more of them in the new year, but I want to make it more creative and festive for all the seasons and holidays.

Crochet Travel Bag

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Crocheted bags and purses are always something that I loved to see made, they aren’t always the easiest bags to make, but seeing how creative some of the bags come out is so amazing! Made this one for my niece, she loved it!

Crochet Halloween Coaster

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These coasters aren’t just for Halloween, but if you try out different colors, you can make them for any time of year! This one goes with a placemat, which I love the placemat sets that have coasters!

Crochet Halloween Placemat

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Placemats are another pattern that I hope you will see this new year! These aren’t the ones you see all the time, but placemats are something that I think brings out a kitchen or dining room nicely.

Crochet C2C Scarf

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Scarfs are a first for me to make this year and I hope to come up with more fun and bright ideas as well! This idea came from the C2C Grinch scarf but made it like a candy cane or peppermint stick.

Crochet Child Size Mittens

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Are these super cute? Yes, but they were a real pain in the butt to make, especially when it came to the thumb part of the mitten. Not to mention, I wanted to make my nieces and nephews all a set, but because of how I don’t like working in small circles, I ended up making something else instead.

Crochet Child Size Hat w/ Pom Pom

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Last, but not least, the hats! These are based on how the Dragon Ball Z hat, but sized to fit a child. When it comes to hats, go bigger than the actual size. Going bigger isn’t a bad idea because, knowing how fast kids grow, they can just grow into them.

There they are! All the patterns from 2019! I know I haven’t been as active as I wanted to, but with starting college and being a stay at home mom with a 2-year-old, it’s been really busy!

However, I am planning out how I want to be more active for 2020. If you have any ideas or have something you would like me to create or come up with, feel free to let me know!

And as always, make sure to follow me on my Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter. I’m more active on my Facebook, so make sure you are following!

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the year and we will see you all back in 2020 for new patterns, crafts, stories, and so much more!

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update – November 2019

Posted on by Katie Night

I know this post has been way overdue, with my college classes and the holidays being around the same time, I have put this project on due, but now that I am currently on ‘break’ for college and holidays are just about over, I can put my focus on finishing this blanket.

Now that the temperature has gone down, for November, it has been getting cold, and we even hit the 20s. Lower the temps, more chance for snow and we have gotten a few snowstorms up here in Maine.

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We only have a month left! I can’t wait for this project to be completed, not only does this take forever to make, but it was also a pain in the butt for me to do, just because of how unprepared I was, but I will make sure to create on a post on how I would change or become more prepared on creating a temperature blanket.

As always, here is the list of colors and what temperatures they 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) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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?

Well, we haven’t seen anything higher than 50s degrees, which is cold, but I would prefer 60 degree days. As we get closer to the end of the year, we most likely won’t see anything warmer than 50 degrees.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We actually hit 20 degrees a few times this month, but nothing colder than that and we had to make sure we were bundled up. Best part about making this blanket during the winter, it definetly keeps you warm while you add the squares to the blanket.

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 Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Child Size Hat w/ Pom Pom (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Merry Christmas! This will be the last pattern I will be posting for 2019! This one is also another gift that I made for my nieces and nephews, this actually goes along with the mittens I posted a few days ago.

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The pattern for the mittens will be at the bottom of the post!

When it comes to crocheting hats, I’ve learned to go big versus going by the actual size the pattern is intended for, especially when it comes to babies and child sizes. For the adults, it’s easier to pick a size that fits all. Having the hat be bigger also gives them that extra growing space, so if now they don’t fit in it just right, they’ll grow into it.

Here’s what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I chose a light and dark pink, that matches the mittens, but you can change it whatever color or colors you prefer.
  • Size 6 mm hook
    • You can use whatever size hook, change the size to make it bigger or smaller.
  • Sewing needle

-Hat

Make a magic ring, slip stitch to lock it in place.

Round 1: Make 11 double crochets in the magic ring. Join with a slip stitch in the first double crochet. Chain 2.

Round 2: Make 2 double crochets in each stitch around. Join. Chain 2. (22 dc)

Round 3: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (33 dc)

Round 4: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 2 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (44 dc)

Round 5: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 10 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (48 dc)

Round 6: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 11 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (52 dc)

Round 7: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 12 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (56 dc)

Round 8: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 13 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (60 dc)

Round 9: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 14 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (64 dc)

Round 10: *2 double crochets in the first stitch, 15 double crochet in the next. * Repeat around. Join. Chain 2. (68 dc)

Round 11-15: Double crochet around. Join. Chain 2.

Note: If you wish to add the stripe, as seen in hats above, switch color at Round 14, going around at Round 15. Change it back to the main color before round 16.

Round 16-17: Single crochet around. Join. Chain 1.

Fasten off and sew in loose ends.

-Pom Pom

If you don’t know how to make a pom-pom, here is a video showing you how to. You don’t have to have one, this part is optional.

 

There you have it! Last pattern of 2019!

Also, here is the link for the pattern that goes for the mittens:

https://katiesblog96971617.com/2019/12/20/crafty-sassy-crochet-child-size-mittens-easy/

Don’t forget to follow my Facebook Page! That’s where I am the most active on, I’m also on Instagram and Twitter, so don’t forget to follow me on those!

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Child Size Mittens (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I have a few patterns that I want to get out to you guys before Christmas! I didn’t know how these would come out, but I’m hoping that they fit my niece!

If you are like me and are rushing to finish last-minute projects in time for Christmas, well, you aren’t alone! I know tons of people who are working to get their hand-made gifts done in time.

So, this is actually part of a set and I’m gonna get the hat pattern out as soon as I can.

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Here’s what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I am using Red Heart, you can choose one color or two!
  • 4.25mm hook
    • This is supposed to be a ‘child’ size, but if it doesn’t look big enough for a child or the size you are looking for, you can always go up a hook size or use 2 strands of yarn instead of just one.
  • Sewing Needle
  • Stitch Marker
    • This is needed! If you don’t have a stitch marker, you can always use a paper clip, safety pin, or even a bobby pin.
  • Measuring tape or ruler

Let’s begin!

–Mitten

Chain 2.

Round 1: In the second chain from the hook, make 6 single crochets. DO NOT JOIN! Place your stitch marker in the last single crochet you made. You’ll be moving this stitch marker to each round and in the last stitch. 

Round 2: Make 2 single crochets in each stitch. (12 sc)

Round 3: *Single crochet in the next stitch, make 2 single crochets in the next stitch* Repeat 6 times. (18 sc)

Round 4: *Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, make 2 single crochets in the next stitch* Repeat 6 times. (24 sc)

Round 5: *Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, make 2 single crochets in the next stitch* Repeat 6 times. (30 sc)

Round 6: Single crochet in each stitch until the piece measures the length of your fingers or the length you need them at. Make sure to keep moving the stitch marker to the end of each row. Don’t fasten off!

–Creating the Thumb Opening

Round 1: Single crochet in the first 15 stitches, chain 10 (this is for the thumb opening), single crochet in the last 15 single crochet.

Round 2: Single crochet in each stitch and chain around. (40 sc)

Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around.

Round 4: *Single crochet in the next 7 stitches, skip the next single crochet* Repeat 5 times. (35 sc)

Round 5: Single crochet in each stitch around.

Round 6: *Single crochet in the next 6 stitches, skip next single crochet* Repeat 5 times. (30 sc)

Round 7: Single crochet in each stitch around.

Round 8: *Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, skip next single crochet* Repeat 5 times. (25 sc)

Round 9-11: Single crochet in each stitch around. If you want to, switch to a different color for the cuff part of the mitten. Don’t fasten off.

–Cuff

Note about creating the cuff, when we are creating the cuff, we are working back and for creating the ‘ribbing’ effect. At the end of every other row, make sure to slip stitch to attach it to the mitten. 

Row 1: Slip stitch in the next stitch, chain 9, single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook (In the back loops only) and in each of the remaining chains across, slip stitch in the next 2 stitches of the last round of the mitten. (8 sc)

Row 2: Skip the slip stitches, working in the back loops only, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn.

Row 3: Chain 1, working in the back loops only, single crochet in each stitch across, slip stitch in the next 2 stitches of the last round of the mitten.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until the ribbing has been made around the last row of the mitten. Fasten off, leaving a long end for sewing the ribbed cuff together.

–Thumb

You can use the same color as your mitten is, or mix it up and do what I did and have the cuff match the thumb part of the mitten! Or try a different color to go with the mix!

Round 1: Join the yarn with a slip stitch anywhere in the thumb opening. Work 10 single crochets evenly around the thumb opening. DO NOT JOIN! Place your stitch marker at the end of every stitch and move it as you go! (11 sc)

Round 2: Single crochet in the 5 stitches, skip the next stitch, single crochet in the last 5 stitches. (10 sc)

Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around. Repeat until you have reached your desired length from the base of the thumb to the tip of the thumb.

Remainer Round: *Single crochet in the next stitch, skip the next stitch* Repeat 5 times. (5 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long end to sew the ends through the stitches of the last round and pull tight to close the top of the thumb.

Note about the thumb: This part might be the hardest to do, but if you are feeling brave, you can always crochet the thumb part and then sew it to the mitten, but if you are just starting out, it might be even trickier than this part. Whatever you are comfortable with! 

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There you have it! A perfect pair of mittens for anyone!

And if you want to add the long string, that is optional, I added it so that you can keep the mittens in the jacket just so you don’t lose them, but you don’t have to add them if you don’t want to.

Make sure you keep an eye out for the hat pattern that I’ll be posting sometime soon, that goes with this pair of gloves.

Don’t forget to follow my Facebook Page! That’s where I am the most active on, I’m also on Instagram and Twitter, so don’t forget to follow me on those!

 

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet C2C Scarf (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I’m officially on break from school and wanted to show you guys what I’ve been working on! As most of you know the Christmas season is here and as most of us crocheters start working on last-minute Christmas presents.

So, for the past year or so I’ve been making hand-made items, such as these, for my family, mainly my nieces and nephews. I’m always on the lookout for new things to try, but at the same time, I have to do what I know I can get done before Christmas.

I actually got the idea from the Grinch C2C crochet scarf that I found on Pinterest and alter the pattern to work out for my nephew.

Here’s what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn (Size 4)
    • I’m using, as always, Red Heart Brand.
    • You don’t have to use just two colors, you can switch it up and use as many or just one color, whatever you like!
  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle

If you don’t know how to do the C2C and find it easier to see what it looks like, here is a video from Heart Hook Home that I found very useful. Not to mention, if you like your C2C stitches to look nice and neat, her way works amazing and it’s the same way that I’ll be using for this pattern.

Let’s Begin!

Chain 5.

Row 1: Double crochet into the 3 chains from the hook and in the next 2 stitches.

Row 2: Chain 5. Repeat from row one. (This is how we increase.) Then flip your ‘square’, like you are going connect it. Slip stitch in the chain three, from the last square. Chain 2. Make 3 double crochets in that same space.

Repeat until you have 9 squares across. Once you do, after making your last square, slip stitch on the top of the square. (This is how you decrease). Chain 2 and make 3 double crochets in that chain 3 space.

Keep repeating until you have 140 squares. (In order to make it longer, add more squares if needed.) Then end it, as you did for the other side and then fasten off.

Tips for changing color: 

  • I worked with the same color for 5 squares, and then switched to another color.
  • Try out different colors, have fun with it!

 

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There you have it! A simple scarf that is quick and easy to make, especially if you don’t know what to make for anyone!

Make sure you like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram. I’m more active on my Facebook page than I am on Instagram.

Posted in Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Fear Of Losing All Your Adult Teeth

Posted on by Katie Night

Okay, so this is something that really isn’t talked about, but I figured I would brush on it because it has always been a fear of losing an adult tooth. The real why I’m talking about it is because I’m not the only one who fears of losing their teeth.

When you are little, losing teeth was exciting because we would always get a visit from the tooth fairy that took our teeth and replaced us with money, but when you become an adult, losing an adult tooth can cause more anxiety, fear, and panic, especially if you don’t have any control over it.

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The real reason why I’m bringing this topic up because a few months ago, I was, still am, freaking out over my teeth. One of my top front teeth was loose, just a little bit, but any adult tooth that moves, to me, it’s gonna fall out. I when to the dentist and they told me to take it easy and not bite into anything hard.

To me, my mind was racing everywhere, my anxiety was making me think that I was gonna lose it, I’m gonna have to get an implant or worse, they’ll pull all my teeth out and I’ll have to get dentures. Not to mention, the big key factor, it’s gonna cost money that I don’t have for it.

You are probably laughing about it, but you don’t understand, this is how my anxiety is.

With that being said, I started to do what you shouldn’t do when your anxiety is as bad as mine is. Google.

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I was searching for everything from bad gum disease to implants to getting dentures. Not to mention, I started watching videos about everyday people who have had dentures since they were young.

It was bad, I couldn’t sleep a few nights because of my research.

Anyway, let’s get back to what happened when I felt that my tooth was moving. I was flossing and sometimes, my gums bleed if I floss too hard, not to mention that I haven’t been to the dentist in almost 2 years because I couldn’t afford it. So, I freaked out.

I tried to have breakfast and couldn’t finish it because I thought I felt my top tooth move, so I called my dentist and they scheduled me to come in right away. So, I went in and they took a look at the tooth and did confirm that I wasn’t nuts and it was moving slightly, keyword slightly.

Not to mention, I’m 22 and I STILL have my wisdom teeth in, they told me I needed to go get those pulled. They don’t bother me, but up until now, they are starting to push my teeth together, not to mention if I’m getting one pulled, you might as well get them all pulled.

With that being said, I’ve been brushing, flossing, and mouth rising like it is a religion because I’m afraid to have dentures.

But why are we so afraid to get dentures? Well, because we think it’s for old people, which you aren’t wrong, but there are young people who have them as well. The youngest person to ever wear dentures is 3 years old.

That’s crazy, but depending on what their genetics are, it can force you to be without your teeth. If you go on Youtube, you’ll find lots of people, young and old people, who had dentures and how they are trying to make it so it isn’t just for ‘older’ folks.

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Some of them even have dental implants, which can cost a fortune, just to get them. Hearing their stories and what they struggled with losing their teeth, especially at a young age, makes me inspired. Not to mention, it won’t make me feel alone because there are people at my age that have fake teeth.

It’s something no one should be ashamed about, but instead, embrace it.

Especially since I’ve had 2 children and pregnancy can do a HUGE number onto your teeth. So, if it happens to me, it happens. Seeing those videos and reading about these people that have dentures or fake teeth, relaxes me in a way and it lets you know that you aren’t alone.

Do you have fears that your teeth are going to fall out? Leave a comment down below, I would love to know that I’m not the only one that has a fear about it.

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

Crafty Sassy: Top 5 Free Crochet Wine Bottle Cozy Patterns

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Happy Thanksgiving! I figured since we are getting closer to Christmas, as crazy as it seems that its almost here! I would find some wine bottle patterns that would be perfect to make for those of you who have wine lovers in the family!

Not only are they simple to make, but they make a great way to bring a bottle of wine over for dinner. These are also reusable and I’ve added a pattern or two that is simple, no holiday theme, just in case you want to give a neutral wine cozy!

Before I begin, I just want to note that these aren’t my patterns, so all credit goes to the original owners! I will be adding the link to their websites so that you are able to create these amazing creations!

  1. Football Wine Cozy

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These are perfect for the football fans that also love to drink wine! You could also change the wine bottle for a 24oz of beer, as an idea. Never a bad idea to drink wine and watch the famous football games they always have on Thanksgiving!

Football Wine Cozy

2. Striped Wine Cozy

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Here is one of those simple patterns that you can create if you don’t want it to have a holiday theme. This also has a different type of stitch that you are working with as well, then it just being plain double crochet all around. You can also just use one main color as well!

Free Crochet Pattern Wine Bottle Cozy

3. Pumpkin Wine Cozy

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I know what you are probably thinking, Halloween is over, but pumpkins tie into Thanksgiving. Especially if you want some pumpkin pie with a glass of wine! You could even switch the orange color for red and make an apple wine cozy instead.

Pumpkin Wine Cozy

4. Poinsettia Wine Cozy

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This one is perfect for Christmas time, especially with the famous flower you see during the holiday season! The flower can be a challenge to create, but it is definitely worth a try! Also, if you don’t like the green that they used, you can always switch it out for a darker green or white, as well!

Poinsettia Wine Cozy

5. Snowman Wine Cozy

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I had to save this one for last! This little guy is too cute! Plus he has a lot of detail put into him, which is simply incredible! If you were making a few of these, I can see you switching out the red for green, blue, purple, or any other color you can think of.

Crochet Snowman Wine Cozy

 

There you have it! Some new ideas for what to give out for Christmas!

With that being said, I wanted to let you know that I have new pattern ideas coming soon, but with Christmas around the corner, this is the time that I am working on towel toppers and gifts for my family before the big day.

I’ll be trying my best to be active and I’m going to be making another post on what we are going to be doing next year for the blog, and how I’m going to try my best to be as active as I can!

Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure you eat some turkey and crochet!

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

Crafty Sassy: Top 10 Free Thanksgiving Crochet Patterns

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, to start out this wonderful month out, I figured I could do some searching to find some super cute and amazing decorations for Thanksgiving since it’s almost here!

Note: I don’t own any of these patterns, all rights go to their original creators. I will be proving the link to the original patterns. Make sure that if you create any of these, please don’t claim the patterns as your own, these creators work hard to create these patterns!

I wanted to get a variety of Thanksgiving stuff, so it won’t just be placemats or potholders. Its a little bit of everything. Without further ado, here are some free patterns just in time for Thanksgiving!

1.Pumpkin Pie Pot Holder

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This pie looks so good enough to eat! Just kidding, but it makes a very festive potholder for Thanksgiving Dinner or for those who just LOVE the famous pumpkin pie!

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pumpkin-pie-pot-holder

2.Fall Maple Leaves

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These are perfect for adding more of a ‘3D’ effect to blankets, hats, or anything! Of course, you could use them as coasters, if you make them big enough!

Fall Maple Leaves Free Crochet Pattern

3. Thanksgiving Wreath

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Ain’t this the most cutest thing ever?! If you are looking for something to hang on your door for Thanksgiving, this would be perfect! Not to mention, you could even hang this on your wall, as well.

Thanksgiving Wreath

4. Autumn Placemat

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Now, if you are looking for a simple, yet festive for a placemat, these are for you! Very simple to make, but also are perfect for the big turkey day! Not to mention the color pattern that they chose for the yarn is beautiful!

Crochet Autumn Placemats

5. Pumpkin Pie Cuddler

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If you are a big pumpkin pie fan, then you definitely need to make this cuddler for yourself! Not to mention, these creators have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to free patterns, but this pie is too cute!

Pumpkin Pie Kawaii Cuddler™ – Free Crochet Pattern

6. Falling Leaves Afghan

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Now that it’s getting colder, time to make some blankets! This one is perfect for the fall, especially if you love to cuddle up in a blanket on the colder days!

https://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Falling-Leaves-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart

7. Turkey Coasters

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These turkey coasters are by far the cutest I’ve ever seen! The creator put a lot of detail into these and I think they are just too cute! These can be perfect for coasters for the kids for Thanksgiving!

Turkey Coasters Crochet Pattern

8. Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffie

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Looking for something cute to make for a shelf for Thanksgiving, this little guy is just too adorable to not want to make! I love how his feathers came out!

Thanksgiving Turkey Crochet Pattern

9. Chestnut Leaf Table Runner & Placemat

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I just LOVE this design! Even if it isn’t for Thanksgiving, having these places mats up during the fall would be too cute to have! Not to mention, you crochet three of the placemats to get the runner!

https://www.abc-knitting-patterns.com/1329.html

10. Pumpkin Placemat Set

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Are you one of those people who just LOVES pumpkins? Then you need to make yourself a table set of these! Even if you don’t like the pumpkins, this would make a wonderful placemat come Thanksgiving time or just in general for your everyday use!

https://www.momsloveofcrochet.com/PumpkinSet.html

There you have it! New free patterns for you to try out, even if it isn’t Thanksgiving, these are still a fun idea to try out in time for the holidays. They would also make great gifts for new newlyweds or new homeowners as well!

Which ones were your favorites? Which one would you love to create for yourself? Let me know in the comments!

Make sure you like my Facebook page! I post updates on my blog, Youtube channel, and anything else on there!

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

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update – October 2019

Posted on by Katie Night

Halloween has come and gone, but I know everyone is interested in what our temperature blanket is starting to look like. Since we are officially in the fall season, the temperature has cooled down quite a bit!

With only two months left of this year, I can’t wait for it to be completely finished! This is one project I can’t wait to see, once it is completed, but as you can see, I might need to fill in the blanks, to complete the blanket, since I didn’t plan this one well.

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I also wanted to mention that with this year coming to an end, time for another blanket to create for next year, but I will be making another post and giving out some tips for anyone who wanted to create their own temperature blanket themselves!

As well, here is the color list that I’ve been using:

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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) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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?

The highest our temperature has gotten is 60-degrees, but as we go into winter, 60-degree weather is something that we will want to have back!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

The lowest we hit was actually 40-degrees, so make sure you have oil in your tanks or firewood ready to go if you haven’t already started keeping your house warm. I’m sure we will be seeing more of the colder temps pretty soon!

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, Top Projects for Crochet/Knitting

Crafty Sassy: Top 10 Free Crochet Halloween Stuffies

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since we are in the last week of October and Halloween is just days away, I figured I would share some of these super cute stuffies that you can make for this spooky holiday!

Note: I don’t own any of these patterns, all rights go to their original creators. I will be proving the link to the original patterns. Make sure that if you create any of these, please don’t claim the patterns as your own, these creators work hard to create these patterns!

Now, some of these patterns might be a little hard for beginners, but we love to challenge our skills! These are also perfect gifts to that person who are big fans of the Halloween season.

1. Cute Baby Ghost
https://www.windingroadcrochet.com/pretty-little-ghost-free-crochet-pattern/

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This is super cute! I also love the little spider that they added on the side for the ghost! If you are wondering how their cheeks get pink, any lite blush or eyeshadow can create that effect.

2. Little Bat
https://coolcreativity.com/crochet/amigurumi-little-bat-free-crochet-pattern/

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This is another adorable pattern, I just love these cute baby bats!

3. Little Pumpkins
https://stringydingding.com/pumpkin-amigurumi-free-crochet-pattern/

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Last year, I made a bigger version of these mini pumpkins, although, I didn’t have enough time to make it more adorable. I’m tempted to make a mini one!

4. Sharlotte The Spider
https://woolpatterns.com/cute-halloween-amigurumi-free-crochet-patterns/

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If you don’t like real spiders, I think you’ll be on board with Sharlotte! This reminds me of Charlotte’s Web book I read back in elementary school.

5. Frankenstein
https://spinayarncrochet.com/frankensteins-monster-free-crochet-pattern/

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This little guy is freaking cute! These are perfect for the little ones to cuddle with at night. This creator has a few of these little guys and the next one is on this list!

6. Classic Vampire
 https://spinayarncrochet.com/vampire-amigurumi-free-crochet-pattern/

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I’m a big vampire fan and the reason why I said this was a ‘classic vampire’, because, well, it is. That and it doesn’t sparkle in the sunlight, that’s for sure. However, putting a little bit of highlight on it could make this little monster shine in the daylight.

7. Candy Corn Cuddler
https://3amgracedesigns.com/candy-corn-kawaii-cuddler/

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This is something I would definitely create and put on my couch, however, my two-year-old would most likely take it whenever I wanted to cuddle with it. I can’t blame her either, that cuddler is too cute!

8. Zombie Bear
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zombie-bear-2

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This bear is cute and spooky, just look at him. Now, this stuffy is one of those fun one that you can use your scrap yarn for. If you are a big Halloween fan, this might be something that you want to make for your spooky collection.

9. Oogie Boogie
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oogie-boogie

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If you already know who this guy is, then you must either have seen The Nightmare Before Christmas or are a HUGE fan of the movie. I couldn’t forget this guy, that’s for sure, but the best part, he’s a free pattern. And if you check out the creator, you’ll also find that they have created Zero and Jack, as well.

10. Hocus Pocus Witches
 http://thecrochetqueendesigns.com/free-pattern-red-haired-witch/

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Well, I had to save the best for last! Hocus Pocus is one of those movies that you have to see every year for Halloween and when I saw this on Pinterest, I was so excited! More excited that the pattern was free!

Which ones were your favorites? Which one would you love to create for yourself? Let me know in the comments!

Make sure you like my Facebook page! I post updates on my blog, Youtube channel, and anything else on there!

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

 

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

Crafty Sassy: Top 10 Free Crochet Costumes for Newborns

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, I wanted to make this post last year, but I changed my mind. Even tho my daughter will be turning two at the end of this month, I wanted to share some links to some super amazing patterns for newborns!

I didn’t get into crocheting until after my daughter was born and really missed out on making her one of these costumes to do a photoshoot for her. However, just because I missed out, I still want to keep in mind, just in case I ever get asked to make them in the future.

When it comes to looking for free patterns, for this type of project, it is a little bit of slim picking, but if you don’t mind paying for the pattern itself, you can find more Disney characters. (Which I will be making a post with links to those very soon!)

Even if you don’t know how to make them, always see if your friendly crocheters wouldn’t mind creating them for you. I love to getting sent a project to do, such as this, it gives me a challenge and something new to try out!

Disclaimer: None of the patterns shown are mine, all rights go out to their creators. I have left links to where the free patterns come from. Make sure that if you chose to make these, or have them made, that you give credit where credit is due to the original creator.

  • Baby Turtle

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://coolcreativity.com/crochet/crochet-turtle-newborn-photo-prop-with-free-pattern/

  • Baby Cinderella

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://lovableloops.com/patterns/free-cinderella-dress-crochet-pattern/

  • Baby Chick

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://www.leftinknots.com/home/baby-chick-infant-hat-and-cocoon-free-crochet-pattern

  • Baby Dino

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://letscrochet.org/crochet/free-patterns/babys-dino-hat-cape-crochet-free-pattern/

  • Hello Kitty

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Here is the link for this free pattern: http://dearestdebi.com/crochet-newborn-hello-kitty

  • The Hungry Caterpillar

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://letscrochet.org/clothing/baby-caterpillar-cocoon-crochet-free-pattern/

  • Baby Santa

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://yourcrochet.com/baby-santa-hat-cocoon-bunting-free-crochet-pattern-video-tutorial/

  • Baby Firefighter 

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://snugglyfoxdesigns.blogspot.com/2019/02/firefighter-overalls-and-hat-free.html

  • Baby Mermaid 

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://knitting-bordado.com/crochet-mermaid-baby-outfit-pattern-free/

  • Baby Unicorn

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Here is the link for this free pattern: https://lovableloops.com/patterns/free-unicorn-diaper-cover-crochet-pattern/

There you have it! A big shout out to the creators of these amazing patterns! Especially for beginners who are looking for something different to try out!

 

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Halloween Placemat (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Sorry, this is a day late, but with my college midterms coming up, it’s been pretty busy, but without further ado, here is the pattern for this super cute placemat!

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If you want to create the placemat with the coaster, here is the link for the coaster that I posted last week: https://katiesblog96971617.com/2019/10/01/crafty-sassy-crochet-halloween-coaster-easy/

Note: It has been brought to my attention that I need to clarify the yarn, especially with placemat, potholders, or oven mitts. This pattern, with the yarn chosen, is for DECORATION and shouldn’t have anything hot on top of it.

Acritic yarn MELTS! If you want to use this as an everyday placemat, make sure you use cotton! It doesn’t have to be the same brand that I use, as long as it is the same size.

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • 5.5mm hook
  • Medium Yarn (In black and orange)
    • I am using Red Heart Super Saver in Pumpkin and I Love This Yarn in Black.
    • Please make sure you see my note if you are making this placemat for everyday use!
  • Sewing needle

Placemat

With orange or black yarn, chain 23.

Round 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. Double crochet in each of the next 18 chains. Make 5 double crochets in the last chain. Working on the opposite side in the unused loops of the beginning chain, double crochet in each of the next 19 loops. Make 6 double crochets in the next chain. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3. (50 dc)

Round 2: Chain 3. Double crochet in each of the next 19 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in each of the next 5 double crochet. Double crochet in each of the next 20 double crochet. Make 2 double crochets in each of the next 5 double crochets. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3. (60 dc)

Round 3: Chain 3. Double crochet in each of the next 19 double crochet. Make 2 double crochets in the next 10 double crochets. Double crochet in each of next 20 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in the next 10 double crochets. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3. (80 dc)

Round 4: Chain 3. Double crochet in each of the next 22 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in each of the next 14 double crochets. Double crochet in each of the next 26 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in each of the next 14 double crochets. Double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3.  (108 dc)

Round 5: Chain 3. Double crochet in each double crochet. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3.

Round 6-8: Repeat round 5.

Round 9: Chain 3. Double crochet in the next 23 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in the next 26 double crochets. Double crochet in each of the next 28 double crochets. Make 2 double crochets in the next 26 double crochets. Double crochet in each of the next 4 double crochets. Join in at the beginning of the chain 3. (160 dc)

You can fasten off, but if you want a nice border, switch to your other color.

Border

Round 1: Chain 1. Single crochet in the same chain as joining. Working in the back loops, single crochet in each remaining double crochet around. Join with the first single crochet.

Round 2: *Skip the next single crochet, make 5 double crochets in the next stitch, skip the next single crochet, slip stitch into the next stitch.* Repeat around. Slip stitch into the first stitch. Fasten off.

There you have it! A perfect placemat for Halloween! The best part about this is that you can mix and match different colors for whatever theme you have in your kitchen! I actually make one with white and a lite purple border for my Mother’s Day giveaway!

Also, don’t forget to like my Facebook page, I update it on a daily and it let’s you know when another blog post or free giveaway is!

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

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Halloween Coaster (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I know it has been quite a while since I’ve posted for Crafty Sassy, but because Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, not to mention my birthday is in October, I had to share this super cute pattern with you all!

So, this is part of a set, but the placemat will come out next week. This pattern set was part of my Mother’s Day giveaway, while I used a light purple and white. However, this is Halloween, so the colors will be black and orange.

Here is the link for the matching placemat that goes with this coaster: https://katiesblog96971617.com/2019/10/09/crafty-sassy-crochet-halloween-placemat-easy/

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As much as I love working with black, it’s very difficult to see the stitches, but here are a few tips to help you out.

Tips for working with black yarn:

  1. If you are lucky enough to be a crochet hook collector, you might have heard of the ones that light up, and yes they do work great, especially when you are working with darker colored yarn.
  2. If you don’t have those light-up hooks hanging around, a lamp or overhead lights will be your best friend. I always use an overhead light for my life and when working with darker colors.
  3. If you don’t have any of the 2 above, sunlight or daylight works well!

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I’ll be using Pumpkin, in Red Heart Super Saver, and Black, in I Love This Yarn.
  • 5.5mm hook
  • Sewing needle

Take the color you would like to use for the middle. I’ll be using black as my middle.

Chain 6.

Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as double crochet on thisd rounds and the others). 9 Double crochets in the ring. Join at the top of your chain 3. (10 dc)

Round 2: Chain 3. Double crochet in the same chain as joining. 2 Double crochets in each stitch. Join at the top of your chain 3. (20 dc)

Round 3: Chain 3. Double crochet in the same stitch as joining. 2 Double crochets in each stitch. Join at the top of your chain 3. (40 dc)

You can stop here if you want, but if you want to make it bigger, do Round 4. If you want to stop here, skip to the border step. 

Round 4: Chain 3. Double crochet in the same stitch as joining. *Double crochet in the next stitch, make 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Join at the top of chain 3.

Border

Grab the second color and chain 1 with it.

Round 1:  Single crochet in that same stitch you joined in the last round and all around. Slip stitch into the first single crochet.

Round 2: Chain 1. Skip the next stitch. *Make 5 double crochets in the next stitch. Skip the next stitch. Slip stitch in the next stitch.* Repeat until you reach the end and slip stitch.

Fasten off and sew in any loose ends.

There you have it! Make sure to check in next Tuesday for the placemat that goes with this coaster.

Also, don’t forget to like my Facebook page, I update it on a daily and it let’s you know when another blog post or free giveaway is!

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

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update – September 2019

Posted on by Katie Night

Fall is officially here! One of my favorite seasons! So, right now in Maine, we are going through what we like to call ‘second summer’, which is when we get a few days that the sun is out and it’s hot. Then it goes back to be cold, again.

With September finally coming to the end, I will say we were lucky enough to get some nice last days of summer, but the leaves are changing colors, which makes car rides so much fun to enjoy because of the beautiful scenery.

As you can see, the blanket is starting to fill itself back up, but I think a few of you might be wondering if I’ll have enough to fill the other side. I might not, but I will be crocheting white squares to fill in what is needed.

Here it is!

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The photo may not do justice, but it is super big! I had to move furniture around just to get a full photo of the blanket.

As always, here is my color list:

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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 got one last day in the ’80s, but I’m pretty sure we won’t see another on until next year. On that day, I ended up going to Popham Beach and was it a perfect day to walk along the beach and collect shells!

The water was too cold to swim in but wasn’t too back to walk in.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

60’s have been our lowest, so far, I expect us to start seeing more days get colder as we go into October, which makes me sad because I do love the warmer weather.

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 Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019 – August

Posted on by Katie Night

August has finally ended and fall is closer than we know it! Temperatures have stayed the same for the most part, but now are starting to get a little cooler as we watch the leaves change colors we watch the end of summer slowly turn into fall.

I did use a different yarn for the last few 80 degree days, but I have a feeling we won’t have any more of those days in the future. I can’t wait to slowly watch our colors go back into the blues and purples.

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I also wanted to note that I will be putting an update on how I would redo or change anything from this year’s temperature blanket because as you can see, this is pretty huge for a blanket, let alone, it’s bigger than my bed, even sleep on a queen!

Anyway, here are the colors that I used, just in case you forgot what each of them meant.

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

 

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?

So, the highest has been 90, we never reach a 100-degree day, which I was hoping to at least happen once. I do go for the overall highest temp, but its never been 100, but has gotten very close to it!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

The lowest, we actually hit a 60-degree day. We have had a lot of 70 or 80 degree days but finally hit a 60-degree day this last week. I believe we will start to see more of those to come in the upcoming weeks!

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 Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Travel Bag (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Back with another super cute pattern! This is a market back that I had a blast making! Plus it was super simple to make as well. I ended up making this for my nieces 5th birthday and she loved it!

I would say that this bag a normal size for a bag, it’s not huge, but it’s big enough to fit what you would normally put in your purse. Well, for me, but you can use it for anything!

This pattern is going to be split into 3 parts. The base, handle, and gussett (which is a long part than connects both of the bases, I will explain more as we get there to hopefully make a little more sense).

Let’s begin talking about what you will need for this project:

  • Medium Yarn
    • Make sure you have 2 skiens of the colors you want to use. You will be working with 2 strains of yarn with this project.
    • I used Red Heart in white and orchard. You don’t have to change colors unless you want to, but I did just to see how it would look like.
    • 5.0 mm hook
    • Sewing needle
    • Stitch markers

Base and Handle (Make 2 of these)

Grab 2 strains of yarn, of your choice, chain 37. 

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (36)

Row 2: Chain 1. single crochet across. (36)

Rows 3-12: Repeat row 2. Once row 12 is done, you can change into another 2 strains of color. I dropped the white by cutting it and crocheting over it. I just grabbed the other end of the yarn I was working on to replace my white.

Note: You don’t have to switch colors, but I did.

Row 13: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), skip the first stitch, double crochet in the next stitch and in each st across. Turn. (36)

Rows 14-19: Repeat row 13. Once at row 13, go back to using the 2 main colors that you were working with before. (You don’t have to do this unless you want to!)

Rows 20-27: Repeat row 2. Turn.

Now, we are going to be working on the handle part, we are NOT fasting off, not yet, but I just wanted to make sure before you start to fasten off. 

Row 28: Chain 1, single crochet in the next 6 stitches. Chain 50. Single crochet the last 6 stitches.

Row 29: Chain 1. Single crochet in the 6 stitches. Work a single crochet in each of the chains. Single crochet in the last 6 stitches. Fasten off and sew in any loose ends.

Once you have made two of the bases with handles, lets start on the gussett, or the part we are going to use to connect it all together!

Gussett (Make only 1 of these)

Working with 2 strains, again.

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Single crochet across. Turn. (5)

Row 2: Chain 1. Single crochet across. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until it measures out to be about 30in. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends. Fold the gussett, from front to back, at the folded part, place a stitch marker on the row that is in the middle fold.

Assembly: 

There are two ways to do this:

  1. Single crochet around the long sides of the gussett and single crochet around the 3 sides of the bases. Sewing them together.
  2. Single crocheting all the pieces together, using 2 strands.

Whichever way you want to do it, is fine. I found that the first one made it a little bit easier for me to connect them, but I also wanted that nice thick border it has.

When you connect them, the short side of the gussett is the closest to the handles.

If you are single crocheting around, to connect them, make sure that when you get to the corner, you single crochet 3 times.

20190816_160722.jpg

There you have it! I’ve been one of those people that just love the crochet bag idea and I had to share this on with you all! A very simple pattern, but it can be tricky to assemble!

Make sure you follow my Facebook page for updates on my blog and more extra fun stuff! I do lots of giveaways!

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

 

Posted in Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Basic Squared Coasters (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Back at it again with another super easy pattern for you! This even goes with the can cozies we made last week, but I will be adjusting the size so that it will fit all sizes!

If you want to make a can cozy to go with this, here is the link: https://katiesblog96971617.com/2019/08/06/crafty-sassy-crochet-can-cozies-beginner/

So, when it comes to coaster patterns, a lot of them don’t make them as big as they need to be for normal or bigger size mugs/cups. Sometimes the pattern’s picture is zoomed in, so you really can’t tell if they are that big unless you make them yourself.

20190813_083031.jpg

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I’ll be using Red Heart Super Saver in White and the border in the same blue mix as the can cozy.
  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle

Let’s begin.

Chain 18

Row 1: Single crochet into the 2nd chain from your hook and in each remaining chains. Chain 1 and turn your work.

Row 2: Single crochet across. Chain 1 and turn. Repeat until your desired length.

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Note: I kept crocheting until the height of my coaster was about 4in. You also have to keep in mind that we are also adding a border as well!

Once at your desired length, fasten off and weave in your ends.

Boarder

Grab another color, or you can use the same color to make the base. I’ll be using the same blue mix colored yarn for the border.

Insert your hook on any side of your coaster. Chain 1 and single crochet across. When you reach a corner, make sure to make 3 single crochets in that same corner.

Fasten off and weave in any loose ends!

20190813_083001.jpg

There you have it! A perfect and simple coaster to make for your guest or just yourself. If you still want to make the can cozy that goes with this pattern, make sure to check out the link at the top of the page.

Make sure you follow my Facebook page for updates on my blog and more extra fun stuff! I do lots of giveaways!

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

 

 

Posted in Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Can Cozies (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, today I have another super easy pattern for you all! Since we are still in the hot weather in Maine, I figured we would make some can cozies for our soda cans! This also goes with a set, so next week, I’ll show you all how to make the coasters that go with them!

If you are just starting out, this is going to be perfect for you! Especially if you don’t want to just make a dishcloth, which is what most crocheters recommend to start out.

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn
    • I’m going to be using a multi-colored yarn from Red Heart. I forgot what it was called since I lost the label for it.
  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle
  • Stitch Marker

Let’s Begin!

Round 1: Chain 2. Make 7 single crochets in the 2nd chain from your hook. Do NOT join, we will be working into a spiral. (7sc)

Make sure you place a stitch marker at the end of each row. Move the marker up after each row is completed. This will help you stay on track.

Round 2: 2 single crochet in the next 6 single crochets, single crochet in the last single crochet. (13 sc)

Round 3: *Single crochet in the next single crochet, 2 single crochet in the next single crochet* Repeat 6 times. Single crochet in the last single crochet. (19 sc)

Round 4: *Single crochet in the next 2 single crochets, 2 single crochets in the next single crochet* Repeat 6 times. Single crochet in the last single crochet. (25 sc)

Round 5: *Single crochet in the next 3 single crochets, 2 single crochet in the next single crochet* Repeat 6 times. 2 single crochets in the last single crochet. (32 sc)

Round 6: Working in the back loops only. Single crochet in each single crochet around.

Round 7: Single crochet around. Repeat until your project reaches your desired length. I’ll be crocheting until I reach about 3.5 inches tall.

Last Round: Slip stitch in each single crochet around. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends.

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There it is! Sadly, I didn’t have any cans to actually use and show you how it would look, but I tried my best to shape it so it looks like it was holding a can. I think these are super cute and fun to make or have for guest to use!

Make sure you see next weeks blog post, it will go along with this pattern. It’s a coaster that is perfect for this can cozies!

Make sure you follow my Facebook page for updates on my blog and more extra fun stuff! I do lots of giveaways!

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

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019 – July

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! With July finally coming to an end, it’s time to show you what our lovely temperature blanket is looking like! So, this month has been SOOOOO hot! Although we haven’t reached 100-degree weather, it has felt like 100 degrees on some days!

As you can see, our blanket looks different. It has an addition to it, and let me explain why.

So, as I have mentioned before, this is my first crack at the whole temperature blanket thing. I didn’t have a lot of time to really think this through and get the yarn I needed for the blanket.

I was gonna add the addition to the beginning of June, but totally spaced it, when connecting my squares together. I didn’t realize until I was in the middle of July that I wanted to do so. With that being said, I finished off July with the addition.

Let me tell you, I didn’t plan for the blanket to be this BIG, but on cold winter days, this will be the perfect thing to snuggle with on those chilly days. Anyway, take a look of it yourself!

20190731_125616.jpg
January, February, March, April, May, June, and July.

I tried my best to get the entire blanket in the shot, but for the future, I will be taking two pictures, just to make sure that I get the entire blanket in the shot! Literally, I was moving furniture around just so I could get a full shot of how big it is.

This is in my living room if you were wondering. The bigger it gets, the harder it will be to take photos, but I will try my best to keep giving you an update on it!

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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 have had a few days of 90 degrees, which are the orange squares. We haven’t hit 100 degrees, yet, but this is Maine. It’s rare for it to hit 100 degrees, but it has been 100 before in the past. It’s gotten close, but once it does, you’ll start to see some red squares when we do!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

70 has been the lowest temperature we have seen, but only if we have a wonderful rainy day! Although, we have been getting a lot of thundershowers, that I HATE! Thunder scares the crap out of me and makes my anxiety go from 0-100 pretty quick when it comes to that.

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 Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet C2C Wrist Pocket (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, I’ve got another super fun project to show you guys! This one is another c2c pattern and since I created a c2c phone case, I figured we do another pattern using the c2c stitch!

This idea happened to show up, while I was on Pinterest, which is usually where I get a vast majority of patterns or ideas. I saw that they had a wrist pocket and I wanted to try it with more of a C2C kick to it!

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These are perfect for going to amusement parks or just a hike or just in case you don’t want to have to take your purse/wallet with you. Plus they can look pretty stylish too!

Let’s talk about what you’ll need:

  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I’m using a Red Heart Brand. I’m not sure what the color is labeled, but it does look like hot pink!
  • Sewing Needle
  • Button

Before we begin, if you don’t know how to do a C2C stitch, here is a link to a video on how to do so, if you need to visually see how to do the stitch. This is NOT my video, all credit goes to Heart Hook Home.

Now, let’s begin!

C2C Base

Chain 5. 

Row 1: Double crochet into the 3 chain space from the hook. Double crochet in the last 2 chains.

Row 2: Chain 5. Double crochet into the 3rd chain space. Double crochet in the next 2 spaces. Turn your square and slip stitch in the chain 3, from the previous stitch. Chain 2. Work 3 double crochets in that same stitch where you did your slip stitch.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2.

We are now going to end the top row. If you want to make it thicker, add another row or repeat Row 3.

Row 4: Turn your work and slip stitch in the next 3 stitches. *Chain 2. Make 3 double crochet in the chain 3 gap.* Repeat until you reach the other side. Chain 5.

Row 5: Double crochet into the 3rd chain from the hook. Double crochet in the next 2 chains. Slip stitch into the chain 3 gap. *Chain 2. Make 3 double crochet in the chain 3 gap.* Repeat until you reach the other side. Chain 5.

Repeat this process until your work can wrap around your wrist. Make sure you add another row, for when we add the button.

Remember: To end a side, after you finish your double crochets, slip stitch in the top 3 holes to end the side. Look back into the video for more help!

Once you end your base, single crochet around it. Make sure to make 3 single crochets in each of the corners.

Button Hole

On one of the shorter sides, single crochet together in the first two stitches. Half double crochet in the next stitch. Double crochet in the next stitch. Treble crochet in the same stitch as your double crochet.

Chain 3. Treble crochet in the next stitch. Double crochet in the same stitch as the treble crochet. Half double crochet in the next stitch. End the last two stitches with single crochet together.

Pocket

Row 1: Chain 9. Single crochet in the second chain from your hook and single crochet across. You should have 8 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2-8: Single crochet across. Chain 1 and turn. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Note: I made this to be about the same size as the width of the wrist base. You can make yours bigger if you need to. 

Attach this to the wrist base by sewing it on. Only sew 3 of the sides. Weave off any ends.

Pocket Button Hole

Slip stitch into the top of the base, right above where your pocket opens up.

Row 1-3: Chain 1 and single crochet across the length of the pocket. Turn. Repeat.

Row 4: Chain 1. Single crochet in the first 2 stitches. Chain 3. Single crochet into the last 2 stitches. Turn.

Row 5: Chain 1. Single crochet into the first 2 stitches. Single crochet in the chain space 3 times. Single crochet into the last 2 stitches. Fasten off and weave in any ends.

Sew on the buttons for the pocket and wrist base and you are all set!

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There you have it! This is another pattern that is perfect to practice, especially if you want to get into C2C stitches.

Make sure you follow my Facebook page for updates on my blog and more extra fun stuff! I do lots of giveaways!

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

 

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet C2C Phone Case (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I’ve got another free pattern for you guys and I can’t wait to show it to you all! So, as you all know, if you follow me on Instagram, I showed you one of my pieces that was a C2C (Otherwise called a Corner 2 Corner), that I sadly rushed and didn’t pay attention to the details and ended up taking it apart.

Now, I am currently been practicing with the C2C stitch and I figured this pattern would be an awesome idea, especially if you want to try and make this particular stitch. This phone case is a basic ‘sleeve’ case.

For this case, I ended up pulling out an unused skein of yarn that has been sitting in my closet of yarn, that I got for Christmas. I also know a LOT of people and family members who just LOVE camo stuff and I figured, why not use it for this!

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn
    • I am using the Red Heart Super Saver in Camo.
    • You can use whatever colors you wish, but using a mixed colored yarn makes it more fun!
  • 5.0 mm hook
  • Sewing needle

Let’s Begin!

Making the Base

First thing is first, grab your yarn and make a slip knot onto your hook!

Row 1: Chain 5. Double crochet into the 3rd chain from the hook. Double crochet into the next 2 chain stitches.

Row 2: Repeat row 1. *Slip Stitch into the opening gap of the last square you made, in the chain 3 space. Chain 2. Make 3 double crochets in the same gap that you made your slip stitch in. * Repeat * one more. Turn your work.

Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 until you reach your desired height. Mine has 12 squares for my height, I wanted to make it a little bit bigger so it wasn’t so snugged tight. 

When you reach the desired height, turn your work and slip stitch into the next 3 stitches. After that, Chain 2 and make your 3 double crochets. You do this same thing for your width as well. (I did about 13, making sure it wrapped around my phone, but adding an extra row, making it 14 just so it wasn’t as snug.

I know this can sound confusing, but if you need to watch someone do this, I will be leaving a link from Heart Hook Home, that shows you what you need to do. If you are like me, you want to see what you need to do, but once you learn to do it, you’ll catch on pretty quick!

This video was SO helpful when I was looking for a good C2C teaching video. You see, when you do a normal C2C, they have you chain 6 instead of 5, making the project have more of a gap between squares.

Anyway, how long you want to make your width, is totally up to you. I based it on how long it needed to be to wrap around my phone, but I added another row so that it wouldn’t be so tight.

Here is what it will look like:

20190723_085157.jpg
As you can see, my length is about 12 squares going up and my width is about 14 squares going across. 

Border/Sewing Together (Optional)

Now, for the next part, you can do of 2 ways.

  1. Single crochet around the entire base. 
    1. I went with the first one because it does make it easier to add the buttonhole to the case itself. It also makes it look nice and neat.
    2. When you single crochet around, make sure to make 3 single crochets in all of the corners. You’ll see why when we come to the next step!
  2. Fold it and sew it together. 
    1. You can do the second way, but if you are looking for an easier, and simple way to sew them together, step one is the way to go! If you are set on step 2, just skip down to the buttonhole step.

Once you have finished with step 1, grab your sewing needle, sew in any loose ends before we begin. Get enough yarn, that you will think will be enough, and thread your needle.

Note: I usually grab more than necessary, but the extra yarn that is leftover, we are going to use for the buttonhole or you can use it for any scrap projects in the future! NEVER THROW YOUR SCRAPS!

Once your needle is threaded, line the two ends together and tie a know. This will make it so that our sewing is a little thicker. Then start sewing! I went back an forth, going through both of the stitches from the single crochet.

Sew ONLY 3 of the sides, one of the short sides will be the opening for the case itself. Cut any extra yarn and weave in any loose piece of yarn. Any extra yarn we will be using for our next step!

20190723_093834.jpg

Here is what mine looked like, once I sewed around it all!

Buttonhole and Button

By the opening at the top, find where you want to place your buttonhole.

Slip knot the extra yarn onto your hook and insert it onto the top. Single crochet in that same spot.

Chain 20.

Note: You can chain more or less, depending on where you want your button to be, just remember, you need to make sure that it will reach the button. You can always sew the button to where you want it to be and then create the buttonhole. 

Single crochet into the next stitch/and or place.

Fasten off and weave the ends. Add your button and you are done!

20190723_094737.jpg
This is what mine turned out to be!

There you have it! I think these would be perfect gifts for stocking stuffers for the teens or adults. I won’t be surprised if you can fit a PSP or DS in these no problem!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram or like my page on Facebook. I update my Facebook page, a lot, so if you are wondering when I’ll have a new post or when I go live, that is the place to check out!

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

Posted in Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Circle Coasters (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Back again with another super cute pattern! Not only is this super cute, but it is one of those patterns you can play around with the colors. I figure this would be the perfect time to show you how to make a coaster since we are in summer!

This pattern will have TWO sizes, since I’ve found most patterns, for coasters, are usually very small or not big enough for your super big mugs, which what I use on the daily! So, let’s start with what you need!

What you need:

  • Medium Size Yarn
    • I’m using Red Heart Super Saver in a light purple and dark purple.
  • 4.5mm crochet hook
  • Sewing Needle

Alright! So, let’s begin!

Make a magic circle with your main color.

Round 1: Chain 3. (This counts as your first double crochet.) Work 11 double crochet in the circle. Pull the tail of the magic circle to tighten and close the circle. Slip Stitch in the top chain of the beginning of chain 3.

Round 2: Chain 3. (Counts as your first double crochet.) Work a double crochet in that same stitch. Work 2 double crochets in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch in the beginning of chain 3.

Round 3: Chain 3. (Counts as your first double crochet.) Work 2 double crochets in the next stitch. *Double crochet in the next stitch. 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of chain 3.

Round 4: Chain 3. (Counts as your first double crochet.) *1 double crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch. * Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of chain 3.

Round 5: Chain 3. (Counts as your first double crochet.) *1 double crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch. * Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of chain 3. Fasten off.

This should fit most cups, if not, you can always add another row or so! Also, if you see your project curling up, stretch it out and adjust, if you have too. Now, if you don’t want to make the swirl design, just sew in your loose ends and create for your table!

Contrast Swirl

Since I am using a dark purple, I’m going with a light purple. You can also use white for any dark colors for the swirl part as well!

Insert your hook near the center of the circle, in between the next 2 stitches, from round 1 and pull up a loop. Insert your hook in between the next 2 stitches and pull up another loop.

Keep doing this around in the same manner, creating a spiral until you reach the end of the last round. Fasten off and weave your ends.

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You can make a set of 4 coasters, for your table, or make more so that you have them for when you have company over on a hot day, these will not only help keep the water droplets from soaking into your table but they will look super cute!

Tip: If you don’t like the fact that your coaster slips and slides on your tables, try taking a hot glue gun and make dots on the back of the coaster. Let them dry and they see if that helps prevent it from sliding around.

Make sure to follow me on my Facebook page! That is where I give most of my updates on my blog or Youtube channel!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Easy Patterns

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Striped Washcloths (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, today I figured I would teach you how to create a simple washcloth! If you are very new to crochet, this would be the place to start! Creating washcloths are one of the most basic thing to crochet, not to mention, it helps you with learning how to single crochet.

When a beginner is looking for a project to practice on, washcloths are usually where they start from. You can make them with different stitches or styles! This particular pattern also shows you how to change colors and to create a simple single crochet border!

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn
    • This pattern requires two types of colors. You can use any colors you would like!
    • I’ll be using Red Heart Super Saver in White and Cherry Red.
  • 3mm hook
  • Sewing needle
  • Stitch Marker (optional)

Now, let’s begin!

Using your main color, chain 35. (I’ll be starting with the White first.)

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Turn. (34)

Tip: You can place a stitch marker at the end of each row, it will make sure that you don’t lose track or make sure that you don’t add any unwanted stitches!

Row 2-23: Chain 1. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1 on the last row, we are going to change colors at this point! (34)

Should measure about 4 3/4in (12cm). Change to your other color. (I’ll be switching to the Cherry Red.)

Row 24-25: Chain 1 with your second color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1, when you are the last row.

Switch back to your main color.

Row 26-27: Chain 1 with your main color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1, when you are the last row.

Row 28-29: Chain 1 with your second color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1, when you are the last row.

Switch back to your main color.

Row 30-31: Chain 1 with your main color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1, when you are the last row.

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Row 32-33: Chain 1 with your second color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Don’t chain 1, when you are the last row.

Switch back to your main color.

Row 34-38: Chain 1 with your main color. *Single crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to the end. Fasten off. Weave in any ends from switching colors.

20190709_121439.jpg

This is what it looks like the washcloth without the boarder. You can leave it like this, but for me, I think the border adds or makes it look better and evener.

Border

Grab the secondary color that you used for the stripes, and attach it to the side of the washcloth. You can start where ever, but I recommend not starting on a corner.

Chain 1 and then single crochet around your washcloth. When you get to the edges, make sure you make 3 single crochets in each corner.

Once you have reached to where you started, slip stitch into the next single crochet and fasten off. Weave in any loose strings.

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There you have it! A simple washcloth for you! This was the very first one that I’ve ever made. I was one of those beginners that just jumped into beginner patterns and never got a chance to create a washcloth.

The best part, you can use this in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room! Where ever you need it! However, when you do finish creating this, it will be very stiff. The more you get it wet and use it, the more it will start to loosen up.

I recommend hand-washing these in lukewarm water, and having them air dry. Once they begin loose enough, you can put them into the dryer, but I would be careful. I’ve had a few projects unravel in the washer before.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: June

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Another month as went and gone, but we officially in the summer months for sure! I’ve already had to re-stock on the 70 degrees weather since I really didn’t plan this too well, but it was something that was completely new to try out.

Lately, it has been either raining or just too hot to do anything. For us crocheter’s or ‘hookers’, we would rather be inside in the cool AC, working on our projects, especially if you are working on blankets.

Although I will admit, I did go outside a few times with my hook and crocheted outside, but once the sun starts to move around, you just want to find another place with shade. Not to mention the bugs are crazy this year!

Now, let’s take a look at what we have so far:

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January, February, March, April, May, and June

As this blanket is getting bigger, it’s been harder to take pictures of it, not to mention each of my squares is bigger than a normal temperature blanket would be.

Oh, and don’t mind the toys that are scattered around the blanket, I was taking this photo, just after my daughter woke up from her nap. I had to rush a little bit, just to make sure that I got the entire blanket in the frame.

Not to mention, my daughter wanted to have fun on the blanket itself!

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

 

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?

Yes, we have hit the high 80’s, which means it won’t be much longer until we start to see some higher temperatures. For the most part, it’s been in the ’70s, but as we start to get into July, the temperature is sure to crank up.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We only had maybe a day or two that was just in the ’60s, which is just the way I like it. As we get more into July, we may not see another 60-degree day for a little bit, but hopefully, it will and give us a chance to cool down.

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, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Ice Pop Cozies (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So, since we are in summer, I wanted to give you all a pattern that was perfect for this season! As I was growing up, one of the favorite cold treat to have on a hot day, other than ice cream, was freeze pops!

We would always have so many of them that the only ones that were left in the fridge were the colors that we didn’t care to have. My favorites were red, pink, and of course blue!

These cozies are not only super cute, but they are perfect for the little ones and those who don’t like holding cold stuff in their hands. These are just a simple and very basic to make, so if you are short on time, these can be finished within a  few minutes, depending on how fast you crochet.

I have also included two sets of the same pattern, one for switching colors and the other one for making just solid colors. The color switching one will be first and the solid color one will be after that.

Here’s what you will need:

  • Medium Yarn (In any color you would like, or have two colors for more fun!)
  • 4.5 mm hook
  • Stitch Markers (This is optional, but if you are a beginner, I highly recommend to use.)
  • Sewing Needle

Let’s Begin! (Color Switching)

20190611_101902.jpg

Chain 13 and slip stitch into the first ch to create a ring.

Round 1: Ch 2. 13 half double crochet in the ring, slip stitch on the top of your ch 2 to close. Work each round continuously; use a stitch marker to help keep track of the rounds.

Round 2: 13 half double crochet around.

Round 3: 13 half double crochet around.

Round 4: 13 half double crochet around. (This is where you can choose to switch colors if you like.)

Round 5: 13 half double crochet around.

Round 6: 13 half double crochet around.

Round 7: 13 half double crochet around. (This is where you would switch your colors again.)

Round 8: 13 half double crochet around.

Round 9: 13 half double crochet around.

Finish off and sew in ends.

 

Let’s Begin! (Solid Color)

20190611_101853.jpg

Chain 13 and slip stitch into the first ch to create a ring.

Round 1: Ch 2. 13 half double crochet in the ring, slip stitch on the top of your ch 2 to close. Work each round continuously; use a stitch marker to help keep track of the rounds.

Round 2-9: 13 half double crochet.

Finish off and sew in ends.

This is something that can be done very quickly and it’s also fun to mix the colors around. These are also perfect for selling at craft fairs since it is something simple to create!

Also, if you don’t like the size of the cozie, you can always add more rows to make it longer.

Another thing, if you wanted it to sit at the end of the freeze pop, you can always sew the bottom of it. However, I like the cozy being the size it is since it’s easier to move and adjust when you are eating the freeze pop.

 

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page! I try to go live on Tuesdays and if you like my page, I do polls and free giveaways as well! Also, this is usually the first place that I post updates on my blog as well!

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

 

 

 

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: May

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Another month has passed for 2019! We FINALLY are getting some warmer weather, just in time for summer! As you can see, I have taken the picture from the floor and not on my bed because the blanket is starting to get really big!

I bet you are wondering how long it will get, huh? Well, not much longer because once the end of June has come and gone, I will be starting July from the beginning of our blanket. I know that it’s not something people do normally when it comes to temperature blankets.

So, let’s talk about this month some more! So, we finally hit a few 70 degree days, but nothing has gotten warmer than that, though, it has felt like that. Not very many 40 degree squares, but it looks like we won’t be seeing days like those for awhile!

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January, February, March, April, and May.

Sorry for the picture quality not being the best, but we can see every square all in one frame, which is harder, especially trying to fit it on the bed to take a perfect picture of it.

As always, here is the chart of colors that I am using, nothing has really changed, but I think I did switch out a brand for the 60 degrees color to a Red Heart brand since my entire blanket is almost completely made up of it.

The good thing is, the color didn’t really change at all, still the same color, just a different brand.

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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 finally got to 70 degrees, but haven’t reached that 80 degrees either. As we keep going into June, the weather will start to warm up a little more for us.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We had a few days that were 40 degrees, which aren’t that cold, but I would rather them be 50 degree days instead. We might see another 40-degree day, but I think we are in the clear and might only see 50-60 degree days in the future.

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 Adult Size Dragon Ball Z Goku Hat (Easy)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey dearies! Today I am back with a NEW pattern that I had to try and recreate. As you all know, some patterns can be available for a limited time or a price. A lot of creators rather create the items instead of having an option to buy the pattern.

Especially, if you know someone or really want something that they have created. Well, that’s what happened to me. As I was scrolling on Pinterest, I happened to see this hat set:2019-05-21.png

As soon as I saw it, I showed it to my fiance, who is a HUGE Dragon Ball Z fan and loved it! So, I looked into seeing if there was a pattern or someone who sells the pattern itself. Sadly, I didn’t get a pattern or couldn’t purchase a pattern.

When you can’t get a pattern, what do you do?

Recreate it, of course! Now, this was a simple recreate because the beanie is simple and those patterns are free, but I put a little twist to mine. I’m going to show you how to make the orange hat, the green one I am still currently looking for another pattern for the antenna’s, but once I do, I’ll have that pattern up for you all!

Let’s talk about what you will need:

  • Medium Size Yarn (In Orange, Black, and White)
    • I used Red Heart Super Saver Pumpkin, since I still have a huge skein of that left and same with the white.
    • I also used I Love This Yarn for the black, since I didn’t have any Red Heart in black.
  • 5.0mm
    • You can change the hook size to a 5.5mm or 6.0mm because the beanie will be really snug when it’s finished.
  • Sewing Needle
  • Scissors

*Note: This size fits an adult. My fiance’s head size is 21 inches, but I did adjust the pattern so that it wasn’t so tight. If anyone wants me to re-adjust the size if you want me to make one for the kiddos or baby sizes!

Let’s Begin!

-Hat-

Starting with the orange yarn, chain 5 and slip stitch in the first stitch chain to form a loop

Row 1: Chain 2. Make 10 double crochets in the loop. Join at the top of the first double crochet with a slip stitch. (10)

Row 2: Chain 2. Make two double crochets in each stitch. Join as you did before in row 1. (20)

Row 3: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the first stitch, Make 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (30)

Row 4: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat *around. Join. (40)

Row 5: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (50)

Row 6: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (60)

Row 7: Chain 2. * Double crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (70)

Row 8: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 6 stitches, 2 double crochet in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (80)

Row 9-15: Chain 2. Double crochet in each stitch. Join. (80)

Row 16-19: Switch to the black yarn. Chain 2. Double crochet in each stitch. Join. (80)

Row 20: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch. Join. Fasten off. (80)

Now that our hat is done, we need to create the circle part.

-Symbol Base (White circle)-

Grab the white yarn, chain 5 and slip stitch into the first chain to create a loop.

Row 1: Chain 2. Make 10 double crochets in the loop. Join. (10)

Row 2: Chain 2. Make 2 double crochets in every stitch. (20)

Row 3: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the first stitch, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (20)

Row 4: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat * around. Join. (30)

Row 5: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets in the next stitch* Repeat *around. Join. (40)

Row 6: Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch. Join

Row 7: Change to black yarn. Chain 1. Single crochet in each stitch. Join. Fasten off.

The next part is totally up to you. My fiance didn’t want the symbol that they had, in the original picture, so he wanted me to do this symbol instead:

2019-05-21 (1).png

I’m sorry that I don’t know the symbols, but this is what he chose. You have to do one of two things to get the symbol on the white piece.

  1. Sew on the symbol.
  2. Puffy Paint it on.

I’ve never used puffy paint, but I wanted to give it a try and still give the ‘3D’ effect. I can sew, but let’s be honest, I got very frustrated on trying to do so. The good thing about sewing is that you can pull it from your project.

Here’s how the puffy paint came out:

20190521_164903.jpg

You don’t have to do either of the symbols, get creative and put whatever you would like!

Once you are done with the symbol, make sure that if you used the puffy paint, let it dry for about 4 hours before touching it or doing this next step.

Take your hat and white symbol circle, grab some black yarn and sew on the circle symbol piece to the hat. And you should be all set to wear it!

I’m going to try my best and create the other hat, but make sure you are following my Facebook page! I usually update when I’m about to create a new pattern or if you want to suggest any ideas that you would like me to recreate!

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: April

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I know I’m a little behind on the update, but I was currently out of the 50-degree yarn and of course, it was the last square for April. The yarn FINALLY came in yesterday, so I was able to finish up April.

So, this month, as you can see, we are starting to warm up a little more! Although it did rain quite a bit in April, we did have some nice days! We haven’t hit 70-degree weather, yet, but I’m pretty sure that we will see some next month for sure!

20190514_140308.jpg
January, February, March, and April!

Now, as you can see, this blanket is getting pretty big! The more we get into summer, we will start to see the rise in temperatures quite a bit. In Maine, once it gets hot, it gets hot pretty quick before it stays like it.

Right now, this is my kind of weather. Not too hot, but not too cold. Just enough where you might need a sweatshirt, but even if you sit in the sun, you won’t want to have keep taking it off.

Just in case you forgot what colors and yarn I’m using, here it is:

 

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 Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

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 are still in that 60-degrees mark. We haven’t hit 70-degrees, yet, but we were pretty close to it. As we begin May, we should at least see a few days that will hit 70-degrees.

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

We didn’t get as cold as 20-degrees is, but we did have a few days that were pretty low, which was 30-degrees

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 Mom Talk

Mom Talk: What You Should Think About Before Joining A MLM

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of my friends have been joining MLM businesses. In the past few years, these MLM businesses have everywhere! There isn’t one person that I know that is or did join an MLM business.

Image result for mlm

If you don’t know what an MLM is, let me explain: MLM stands for multi-level marketing. It is also called the ‘pyramid selling’, ‘network marketing’, and referral marking’.

In simpler terms, they want you to have more of your friends join so you can go up higher in the company.

Here are a few companies that are MLM:

  • Avon
  • Mary Kay
  • Herbalife
  • Scenty
  • doTerra
  • Younique
  • Le-vel
  • Pampered Chef
  • It Works!
  • Paparazzi

These are just a few of the MANY MLM businesses that are out there. I only labeled a few that are the most popular or what I have seen is the most popular.

I bet you are wondering, who are the targets for these companies?

Image result for stay at home working mom

Stay-at-home moms or moms in general. Some companies like to have their reps post on how you can work from home and still spend time with your children. Which are most mother’s dreams, who wouldn’t want to stay home with their kids and make money all at the same time?

Unfortunately, a lot of people jump into these businesses, after being persuaded to try one of these companies products out. So, I’m going to talk about the things you need to know BEFORE joining an MLM business.

Do you like the products that they sell?

Related image

First things first, you have to love what you are selling before selling it. Most people get into MLM businesses because they loved the products that the businesses were selling. Think of it this way, if you wouldn’t use it or buy it, why would you have your friends and family buy it?

Talk to a form rep or read reviews from former reps online.

Image result for read reviews

Before even investing a dime into an MLM business, talk to the former reps! From their experience, they can tell you what they wished they could’ve done differently. They can also give you some pointers on what helped them out when they were active in that company. Even ask them why they left and keep that in mind when you are thinking about joining an MLM company.

DON’T talk to the reps that are still active, they will most likely convince you to join the company and tell you how great it is, but you need to make sure you have not just the pros, but the cons too.

How much money will you have to invest?

Image result for money

This is another big one to think about. Especially, if you are a stay-at-home mom. Making sure you know or have an idea of how much money you spend on an MLM company, is a HUGE thing to know.

Reps will talk about how it’s only a small or one-time price to join, but you also have to think about if you will be buying more products. Remember, you have to show what you are selling to make a sale if your clients don’t know what it looks like or wants to see it in person.

Will you have the time for it?

Image result for time

This is also another thing to think about. Some of the companies want you to post on your social media all the time about the products or hounding you to make a sale. If you are a stay-at-home mom, you want to make sure that you can care and spend as much time with your kids, but if you also have to post or make sales, it might be harder to do.

How many other people, such as friends and family, sell it?

Image result for selling products

You won’t be the only one selling for an MLM company, but it is good to know who is selling from the same company you are. If you have more than 3 people selling the same products you are, it is going to be difficult to even make a sale.

A lot of people don’t think about it either, they get so excited to sell the products that an MLM is offering, that when it comes time to do so, they are having even more trouble trying to make a sale since they find out that more peeps on their friends list are selling the same thing that you are.

DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY!!

Related image

A lot of people forget to even think about this before joining. You want to make sure that the company is everything that you are told it is. If they support or donate money to a charity or support a group, make sure that they are really doing so.

Before becoming a rep, you want to make sure that when you get into an MLM company, they are everything you support. Making sure that the quality of the product is the same as well and also making sure what they claim is true, as well.

Doing your own research and making a list of the pros and cons of the company is something you must do, especially if you want to join an MLM company.

Take your time, don’t rush into it.

Image result for take your time quotes

Looking over all the pros and cons of an MLM company, you can decide whether this is something you want to do. Talk it over with your spouse, family, and friends, get their insights about it.

Take as long as you need, just remember, the choice is yours. If you think it’s a great idea, go for it! Just make sure that the company and its products are what you are passionate about. Remember, if you wouldn’t buy it, why would you want to sell it to anyone else?

 

 

 

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Hooks, What Should I Get? (For Beginners)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since I am working on a few projects, I figured I would talk to you about the many crochet hooks that you can come to choose from. Especially if you are a beginner, knowing what hooks to get can is very important!

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As a beginner myself, I jumped right into buying a set of crochet hooks from Wish and went from there. However, since I got lucky and only paid 3 bucks for a mini set, I wish I would’ve known there was more than just one type of hooks.

Each type of hooks can have a different feel or how they are in general, but before we get into how they feel, let’s talk about the different kinds of hooks you can get:

  • Aluminum Hooks
  • Plastic Hooks
  • Steel Hooks
  • Wooden/Bamboo Hooks
  • Japanese Hooks

I’m going to break each of these down just so you can get a picture of how they are like and if they are for you. The only ones that I don’t have in my possession, are the Japanese Hooks, but I will still explain and have a photo of them just so you know what they look like.

Also, I am going to put a chart of the different sizes of hooks you can get and how they are labeled, as well.

Image result for crochet hooks size chart

As you can see, there are 3 different types of labels for these hooks. USA, English, and Metric. The easiest one to go by is Metric, I found that it was easier to find hook sizes by using their actually metric size.

To me, using letters to determine which size hook, has been confusing and usually if a pattern says a hook size as a letter, I always end up looking up in my crochet books or search in Google, to get the metric size. Hence why my patterns, don’t have the hooks in letter sizes.

If you are a beginner, Metric is the way to go, but you can determine which one you feel most comfortable following. If you are wondering how small these hooks can be, they can get pretty small or really huge.

Now, let’s get down to talking about the actual hooks themselves.

Aluminum Hooks 

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There are one of the most common hooks you can get. I prefer them/use them, for almost every project! These hooks were one of the first ones that I bought to get into crocheting. They can come in all different colors and can go as little as 0.60!

However, for the little hook sizes, you have to be VERY careful. I actually have a few of the tiny ones and let me tell you, they can bend very easily. I haven’t even used them once, but they bent trying to get them out of the packaging!

Lucky, I haven’t reached a project where I’m required to use them, yet.

Another thing to look out for is that they can’t get wet! When I mean by that is if you have sweaty palms or hands, they can tend to be more difficult to work. First time I used them, I was so excited and nervous that it made it difficult to want to work with them.

Although, you can get grips or even use tape to place around the handle of the hook, making it easier to grip and easier to handle your work better!

Overall, they are perfect for beginners! Plus, I love the different colors you can get them in. My family usually get me crocheting books, and some of them come with these hooks, so I have already started a collection with my metal hooks!

Plastic Hooks

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These next hooks are another fun-coloring type of crochet hook. Now, I want to let you all know that I haven’t had the pleasure to work with a plastic hook in a ‘normal’ size, meaning the only sizes I have are an 8.0-11.5.

Have I worked with them? Yes, I actually used one of them to make a basket for my mini balls of yarn. I do plan on getting myself a plastic set, just so I can have them for an option, which a lot of crocheters tend to so that.

These hooks work pretty well, I don’t have any complains, although I have seen and heard from a few people, that they are very easy to break, which I figured they would because they are made up of plastic.

However, I haven’t had one break on me, ‘knock on wood’, but I can see the smaller ones breaking a lot quicker than the bigger ones.

Overall, I see more people use the bigger plastic hooks more than I do the smaller ones.

Steel Hooks

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I know you are probably thinking, ‘What’s the difference between these and the aluminum ones?’. Well, there are a few differences, but let me explain why.

These hooks have a built-in handle, which is perfect for if you have sweaty hands, as I do from time to time. Not only that, having a handle makes it easier for you to grip the hook better, but it makes it easier to control smaller hooks.

Yes, they do make them in smaller hooks. I actually bought myself a set, that also came with a storage bag, because I was looking for something to help me better grip my smaller hooks, especially, since I crochet a lot of towel toppers.

Although, these are one of my ‘go to’s’, the only problem I have with them is the grips. Now, the set that I bought, had rubber grips, but they were starting to slide off and it made it bothers me when they do that. Especially, when you are crocheting.

If you do want to get yourself a set of these hooks, go for the ones that are built onto the hook itself. If you do end up getting a rubber set, take some hot glue or craft glue, and glue the inside of the rubber piece, and slide your hook back on.

Overall, they do have some very cute grip holders and they can come in multiple colors. These are definitely a must, especially, if you are a beginner!

Wooden/Bamboo Hooks

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These hooks were the first thing that I really wanted, as soon as I got into crocheting! They were handmade and hand-carved, but I really just wanted them as an option and to grow my hook collection.

They are so smooth to the touch and have a point at the top of the hook, which makes going into stitches easier. The size of every hook is hand carved into the hook itself. These were so pretty I didn’t want to use them, but I did have some problems.

The ones I have, they felt weird to use, but when it comes to trying out different hooks, it can take a while to adjust, but it felt weird to use them. It’s not that I didn’t like them, I just the hook itself is very awkward.

I even put on a handle, which I didn’t want to do, but with the handle, it was a little easier.

The smallest size they go, in carving them with would, is a 3.0. Anything smaller is just a metal hook with a wooden grip, which I would like to note, the wooden grip is very strong and I haven’t had any problems with it.

Overall, I like to have a set, just to have it, but I have used them before. It does take some type to get used to, but you also need to be careful because since these are made up of wood/bamboo, they are very easy to break. Hence why they don’t go smaller with size!

Japanese Hooks

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Now, as I said in the beginning, I’ve never tried these, so I can’t really give a good detailed explanation whether they are good or bad. I do see quite of bit of other crocheters that do use them.

What I have read, from my crocheting books, these hooks are perfect for people who have small hands and it helps with arthritis. From the looks of these hooks, they do look very comfortable.

Overall, you have to try them to get the feel from them. I do plan on getting a set in the near future.

In order to find out what hook works for you, try them all out! Of course, you don’t have to buy the entire set of them, you can always get just one of each and see how they are for you!

I like to have options, especially when crocheting. Have a set of each different hook can give me more options to choose from, no matter what size hook I need!

Leave a comment down below letting me know what kind of hook you prefer to use! I’d love to know!

Don’t forget to follow my Facebook page, I update my temperature blanket daily on there, go live crocheting, and even have free giveaways! Link is down below!

 

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

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crocheting a Completely Solid Mini Granny Square (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I wanted to show you how to make a solid granny square, but this one is an actually solid granny square. The reason why I wanted to show you what a complete solid granny looks like, I wanted to also kinda see what I’m going to use it for.

The question I know I’m going to get asked is, ‘What’s the difference between a solid granny square and a completely solid granny square?’

Well, let me show you!

The purple square is a completely solid granny square. The blue one is a granny square, which is actually what I used to make my temperature blanket. The difference is that you can’t see the holes that are made for making the granny square.

*Note* They are NOT the same size. The completely solid granny square or the purple one is only 2 rows. While the other square has 5 rows.  

I actually found the pattern on Youtube because I was looking for it for one of my ‘big’ projects. Needless to say, I got very lucky and it just happened to be in my suggestions for videos to watch.

Here is the link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3TElIayQS8&t=640s

Now, you are probably wondering, ‘What project were you going to use to make with these?’

Well, here’s the thing. I love making stuff for others and I wanted to make my mother a blanket for her birthday, but I ended up going with the C2C method. The only problem was that I jumped into it and made a lot of mistakes.

To the point where I ALMOST finished it, but instead of printing out another sheet and20190416_084725.jpg ripping it, I decided to just rip it and got granny square small instead. Which is why I suggest to really pay attention when it comes to C2C and learn as much as you can!

With that being said, I am currently, been making a bunch of tiny granny squares. You are also probably thinking that I’m crazy for doing so, but in the end, it will look awesome!

 

However, you don’t need to make a bunch of small ones, as I did. Anyway, let’s get down to what you need for this pattern:

  • Medium Yarn or Size 4
    • I’ve been using Red Heart Super Saver since it’s what I’ve been using for the project itself.
  • 5.0mm hook
    • You can use any size, depending on the size yarn you are using.
  • Marker
    • These are a must when it comes to doing this the first time! Especially if you plan on making these squares bigger!
  • Sewing needle

The pattern is pretty simple, but it can get confusing, let’s begin!

You can either start with a magic circle or a chain 4. The difference between the two is that the chain 4, you have to make a slip stitch to start. Which

Row 1 ( If you used a Magic Circle to start): Chain 2.(counts as your first stitch) Make 2 double crochets in the circle. *1 treble crochet. 3 double crochets.* Repeat from * until you have 4 corners. Join with a slip stitch at the top of the chain 2. Place a marker at the top of each of your treble crochets.  

Row 1 (If you chained 4 to start): Make 2 double crochets in the last chain from your hook (You’ll be working in this chain). *Make 1 treble crochet. 3 Double crochet.* Repeat from * until you have 4 corners. Join with a slip stitch at the top of the chain. Place a marker at the top of each of your treble crochets. 

The next row is the same for both the magic circle and chain 4.

Row 2: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next stitches, until you reach your stitch marker or first corner, remove it and remember to put it back for each treble crochet stitch. Make 2 double crochets where your stit marker was. Make treble crochet in that same stitch and another 2 double crochets in that same stitch.* Repeat from *. Join with a slip stitch in the top of your chain 2.

Repeat Row 2 until you have reached the desired size. Fasten off and weave ends in. 

There you have it! I will also make sure that I update you on my current project that I’m working on for my mom!

Make sure you are following my Facebook page! I do free giveaways on some stuff that I have made! Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

 

 

 

Posted in Books, Reviews

Book Review: A Sucky Love Story (Brittani Louise Taylor)

Posted on by Katie Night

I am a big Youtube fan, I’ve been watching Youtube since I was 13. Always wanting to start a channel of my own and really be myself. There were two big names that I used to watch on the daily: Shane Dawson and Brittani Louise Taylor.

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Ever since then, I’ve followed them both on social media, but we are going to talk about Brittani, first. The first video I watched of hers, was the mini two-part episode she did with Shane, ‘Emo Breakup.’

Here is the link, if you would like to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st8-oYpI_FE

Brittani was one of those people who loved to show herself being herself, which is one of the reasons why I loved watching her videos. She gave me the inspiration to keep being myself. However, little did any of us followers knew, she had been going through something even more frightening. An abusive relationship.

Since she was going through a trial, she wasn’t allowed to say anything about what was going on in her situation, so her lawyer told her to write a book instead, which she did. Out came ‘A Sucky Love Story’.

I’m not going to go completely into details, but as a person who has been watching Youtube for a while, you never would’ve thought anything wrong would be happening in their lives.

Brittani was on Tinder, trying to find her ‘soul mate’, as she says in her book. She had a few failed attempts at Tinder, but was still hopeful, until she found Milos. At first, she didn’t like him, but over time, he changed everything about him to what Brittani was attractive too.

In the end, Brittani had gone through hell and back, figuring out that everything that he told her, was turning into a lie. At one point, multiple detectives and law enforcement officials said that the way Milos actions of him and his so-called ‘mother’, made them think to believe that they were going to try to human traffic her and their son.

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Brittani wanted to tell her story so that anyone who does start or is currently trying out online dating, just to make sure you know the signs and that you are careful who you meet. She wanted to make sure that no one goes through the same thing she had to endure.

My Opinion of the Book:

I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep on reading, so that I could find out the real truth and what really happened to her. She does an amazing job and had notes from when everything happened. I ended up getting teary towards the end of the book, but it was amazingly written.

I would 100% recommend it, but I highly recommend it to those that are thinking or already started online dating. It’s good to keep in mind what can happen to you when you meet someone online and how cautious you need to be when it comes to that.

At the end of Brittani’s relationship with Milos, the best thing that came out it all was her son Rex, who is now happy with his mother and grandmother. Brittani is still doing Youtube videos, whenever she has a chance, but because of her relationship, she has to alter her and her son’s life.

If you are one of those people who says, “If he is abusing you, just leave,” it’s a lot hard said than done because that person can manipulate you to change your mind and try to work out things together.

If you are in an abusive relationship, talk to someone and try to make a plan, there are all kinds of people and place who are willing to help, even if you have children, they want to help you. Here is the list of links if you want to reach out for help:

Image result for list of abusive relationship hotlines

If you want to check out Brittani’s channel and watch the videos she made when she was with Milos or what she is currently doing now:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BrittaniLouiseTaylor

If you want to get somewhat of a sneak peek to what really happens to Brittani, she did make a video with Shane Dawson explaining bits and pieces of what really happened to her, but in order to really find out what happened, you will need to read her book.

Image result for brittani louise taylor

Link for Shane Dawson’s video with Brittani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNuKpwX6Tz4

 

Posted in Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: March

Posted on by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! If you have been following me on my Facebook page, you would’ve noticed that I was behind on my daily squares, due to running out of yarn, which can happen when doing a temperature blanket!

Anyway, let’s talk about how this month went, we are FINALLY getting some warmer days and we also had our very first 60-degree day, which was also on the last day of the month.

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January, February, and March!

So, if you are wondering how big this blanket is going to get, well, it’s going to get pretty big! This blanket is also being laid on a King size bed, so by the time this blanket will be finished, it will most likely go over the sides and fit perfectly on the bed.

We already have about 90 squares on this blanket. In the upcoming month of April, we will be able to start seeing different colors since it is beginning to warm up and make it feel like spring!

Also, you might have noticed a slight color change for my dark purple, this one also one of the colors that I did up end up running out of and had to substitute it with a different type of purple.

It’s still the same Red Heart brand, but a different line of yarn, so I will add that to the list of colors, as well. Hopefully, I won’t have to make any more color changes to this temperature blanket, but it is my first one, so mistakes are bound to happen.

Just in case you want to see what the colors will start to look like, as the temperatures get warmer:

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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) *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
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)

 

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?

Well on the last day of March, we got a 60-degree day! So, the light green is just the beginning of what temperatures will start to look like in the upcoming weeks!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

So, our lowest temperature was actually 20-degrees, but on those days, it felt a lot colder than that!

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, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Tablet Cover (Beginner)

Posted on by Katie Night

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

Posted on by Katie Night

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)

Posted on by Katie Night

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!

Posted on by Katie Night

Image result for sims 2 challenges logo

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

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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)

Posted on by Katie Night

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

Posted on by Katie Night

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?

Posted on by Katie Night

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.

Image result for crochet bobbins
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)

Posted on by Katie Night

*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)

Posted on by Katie Night

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

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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!

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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

Posted on by Katie Night

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:

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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

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!