NEW Patterns & a {GIVEAWAY}

In preparing to write this post, I noticed that it will be my 100th post! I suppose that calls for a little celebrating, right?

I'm going to show you the three new patterns I've released this week... Do me a favor... Pick your favorite one, open it up in EITHER Etsy or Ravelry (those links will take you to my shops), and pin it! Then come back here, comment with your EMAIL ADDRESS and A LINK to your pin. I will give away one copy of each pattern on Wednesday.

If you don't want to wait, you can take advantage of my pattern sale, which ends tonight! Just use the code SPRINGTIME in Etsy to get 40% off your total pattern purchase... The discount is automatically applied in checkout in Ravelry.

Well, here they are!:

The Lacy Summer Hat:

The Elmo-inspired Camera Buddy

The Flower Camera Buddy

Linked in at: Stitch & Unwind

Enjoy. :)

EDIT: To make it even easier, here are links to my pins:
Elmo-inspired buddy
Flower buddy
Lacy Summer Hat 

Life lately!

 It has been about a month since my last blog post! My last few posts haven't really been updates on life, so it's time for a picture-filled post!

1. In the world of crochet:

I have never posted much of what I make on here, because I make so much for my business that I'd bore you. I do have some recent favorites I'd like to share. And because I love them, I'm running some sales, too! :)

I looooove these floppy sun hats. This one was ordered, but I need to make my daughter one for this summer. Make that daughters. By summer, there will be two. :) These are currently $7 off, making them only $12 shipped.

I had an order for some baseball themed hats and I love how they turned out. Neither of these are included in my sale, but I do have aviator hats on sale for the boys. They are $16 shipped.

 This is a scarf I made for a customer. Yes, it's still cold here. :)

 Easter props for a photographer

Beautiful bonnet and simple rose beanie... I just love these colors together!

Someone my husband works with had his first baby, and I had a pattern from Mon Petit Violin that I wanted to try... so they got this cute little sweater. :)

 A little something I worked on this week, but need to put down to continue with orders...

A baby blanket I'm working on for a customer... I love this yarn! It is so thick and soft, and it works up quickly.

Just a few squares I've made.... There are tons others. I love working with Join the Love on Facebook. We work together to make memory blankets for families who've lost a child. I recently assembled a blanket with donated squares for a family:

I have some sweaters and booties patterns from Mon Petit Violin, some hats, and some blankets (like this basketweave and this Noah's Ark) that I want to make for #3 before she arrives... and some things for my friend who is due in August. And maybe if I learn to knit fast enough, I can even knit something, lol!

That sums up my crocheting lately... If you are interested in my other sales, check out my Facebook page: 4Hankins Crochet. I also have all of my patterns 40% off. On Etsy use the coupon code: SPRINGTIME. There is even a listing there for 3 patterns for $10. After the discount, you'd get 3 patterns for only $6! The discount will be automatically applied in Ravelry, and you are able to download your new patterns instantly there.

2. Sewing:

I am quite a novice sewer, but I want to get better. I have some patterns I've picked up on sale that I wanted to try, and I've also found some awesome tutorials on Pinterest.

I used this tutorial to make my niece a fun skirt. It was quick and easy and perfect for a new sewer.

I used a pattern one night and made myself a new shirt! This took much longer with all of the pieces to cut out and sew together, but it was rewarding to make something that (I think) turned out nicely and accommodates my belly! :)

I got addicted to making pajama pants using the tutorial from this pin. By my third pair I was doing them in close to an hour. My son needed pj's anyways, and I got the flannel on sale for like $3. Can't beat a $3 pair of pajama pants!

I used several pins as inspiration for our new baby's diaper bag, but I kind of made my own pattern. I had a friend help me make a purse out of one of my husband's uniforms a year or so ago, and I remembered most of what we did. I made my pattern pieces for the sides and the bottom, made pockets, made the liner, sewed the pockets to the liner... Made the ruffles, made the outside, sewed the ruffles to the outside (I underestimated the length so I only put them on the front, but I like it that way). Made the straps, started sewing the liner inside the outer and sewed the straps in place. I love it! I'm so happy to have made my own diaper bag!! I even made rolled rosettes for the first time. Now let's hope that it holds up when I'm toting around 50 pounds of baby supplies. :)

I also made two other things that I apparently didn't take pictures of. I made a dress using this tutorial. I picked up a plain white t-shirt at Walmart to use for it and made my dress floor length. Maybe after I have this baby, I'll shorten it... We'll see. I haven't actually had an opportunity to wear it yet, but I hope to soon! I also made a belly band using this tutorial. You can never have enough belly bands, and this one wasn't as tight as my store-bought one, so it was much more comfortable.

Next on my list of things to sew when I have time are these yoga pants and a few dresses for my daughters for the summer... all of which I already have the fabric for. Oh! And my son also picked out the fabric for his next pair of pajama pants. I'm really getting addicted to sewing! :)

3. Family and everyday life:

We have had a lot to celebrate lately! My pregnancy is going well, my kids are healthy, and my parents and one of my sisters were just able to visit for about 9 days. I'm feeling so blessed!

I'm 31 weeks today, and haven't taken a picture yet, but this was my bump at 28 weeks.

My daughter turned TWO! (Here she is after some cookie cake.) I can't believe it... She is still as tiny as a one year old, but she talks like a three year old (at least)! She is so smart and adorable, and I love her more and more every day. :)

 

 Her birthday started with a gorgeous sunrise and a very happy baby... until she started throwing up! :(

Then, she spent most of the day like this....

 Luckily, by the afternoon, she hadn't thrown up anymore and she was feeling much better. We went outside to enjoy the weather and play on her birthday present.

 We celebrated with cookie cake ON her birthday, but celebrated again with a homemade Minnie Mouse cake once my family got here. 

My "baby sister" also had a birthday coming up (today actually!) so my husband and I snuck an ice cream cake home one night for more celebrating.

 Annnnnnd we did some celebrating at Great Wolf Lodge, too.... ;)

Here is spoiled rotten girl with her birthday presents from her grandparents and a new Bitty Baby outfit from mommy and daddy. She treasures her Bitty Baby! It's so cool that we are within driving distance of the American Girl store AND a Lego store... When my family comes, we take a trip just for some good spoiling. :) My son had been saving his allowance for a while, so he got lots of new Legos between his money, mom and dad, and the grandparents!

 My son lost his FIRST and SECOND teeth! They were about a week apart and his adult teeth were already coming in, so he doesn't have much of a hole, but he's had a little fun with it... and he loved the extra money for the Lego store.

Updated family pictures!!!

My loves. :)

Me, my mom, and my little sister

My parents, my sister, and my kids

 It was a great visit and I can't wait until they are back in June to meet baby #3. Starting the countdown already!

I started a new book that my mom read and left for me... I have decided that I will be homeschooling my son next year, and preparation for that makes me want to go back to school! :-/ I've decided that reading nonfiction, autobiographies, history, etc. will help me with the craving for knowledge and cost a whole lot less. ;)

I didn't take a picture, but I'm also very happy to have been the winner of a giveaway at Cozy Things! My mom started teaching me to knit when she visited in October, but I need to find time to practice every day to finish learning and be able to make something. The knitting goodies I received are definitely motivation to pick it back up! Also, my mom and I found a lovely yarn store only about ten minutes from my house... In the 9 days that she was here, we went twice! I loved their yarn, and the ladies were super friendly! I'd just love to be able to go sit in there and knit with them! If you're in the WA area, you'll have to check out Yellow House Yarns!

Well, I think that is mostly everything! Thanks for visiting!

Preemie Hat CHALLENGE

THE CHALLENGE IS ON!
I would have had this post up days ago, but we were without internet and just had the technician out to fix it yesterday.

It's MARCH! On Facebook, I created an event last month to recruit people to take this challenge with me. We are making as many preemie hats as we can during the month of March. Specifically, my challenge to you is one hat every other day, totaling either 15 or 16 hats at the end of the month. I'm going to try to make 30+ but one person working with me is trying to make ::are you sitting down?:: 500! She started in February with a goal of 10 hats per day. 

Now, I challenge YOU! Make as many preemie hats as you can by the end of March. If that only ends up being two hats, that is fabulous... If you can make or surpass the 15-16 hat goal, even better!

At the end of the month, you can send the hats to me to be delivered to the Seattle Children's Hospital, or you can mail or take your hats to a local NICU where you live.

Details:
NO WOOL. NO RED HEART SUPER SAVER.

AVOID YELLOWS.

Sizes needed range from small enough to fit a lemon or an orange, all the way up to a regular size newborn hat.

Contact your local NICU if you would like more precise information. Some say to avoid pale blues and purples. All say to use soft yarn.

Useful Links/Patterns:

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/
http://www.thepreemieproject.com/volunteer/yarn_list

http://thismamamakesstuff.com/crochet-baby-turban-pattern-tutorial/
http://teenytinytreasures.blogspot.com/2008/06/10-minute-crochet-preemie-hat.html
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/preemies.php

http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-basic-preemie-hat/

Some quick instructions I typed up using bulky weight yarn (I used Softee Chunky):
I am doing them a few different ways with a K hook.
Round 1: I am starting this round two different ways to achieve various sizes. Chain 3, join. Ch 1, hdc 10 (or 12) in the ring, join.
Round 2: Ch 1, 2hdc in each st around, join.
Round 3: For the smallest size, just ch1 and work 1 hdc in each st around for rounds 3-6.
To make a bigger size, ch 1, *hdc, hdc, 2hdc* around.
Round 4: You can ch 1, work 1 hdc in each st around for rounds 4-6/7.
Or, to keep going bigger, you can ch 1, *hdc, hdc, hdc, 2hdc* around.
Then for rounds 5-7/8, ch 1, hdc in each st around. That is the biggest I'd go.

Here's a link to the event on Facebook if you'd like to join there!: Preemie Hat Challenge

Thank you!!

Braided Scarf {FREE PATTERN}

I am currently trying to do some stash busting. I have seen some braided scarves on Pinterest and thought I would make one! I have several skeins of the old Softee Chunky, which are not compatible with the new ones. I don't want to start anything too big, and not be able to finish, so I'm finding little things here and there. Here's the scarf I made:

 

I was worried about how the colors would look braided together, but I think it turned out great! I didn't take pictures or write anything up as I was working on it, because I didn't expect people to ask. :) Here's what I did...

You need:

Bulky yarn

K hook

Needle

** There are really a few different ways you can do this. You can use worsted and a J hook, and just chain more (width will probably be fine, but maybe not length), or you can hold two strands together.

You can use three different colors like I did, or you can use all one color. I saw all one color on Pinterest and it looked awesome!**

Make three (either one in each color, or all in the same color):

Chain 82

R1: Dc in third chain from hook and in each chain across (80)

R2: Chain 2 (does not count as st), turn. Dc in each st across (80)

R3: Repeat R2. With the first two pieces ONLY, fasten off.

When you finish R3 of the third piece, chain 1. DO NOT TURN. 

R1 (perpendicular direction): We are going to crochet down the side (like you're starting a border). Sc across, about 2 sc per dc works well for me (6 total for the first piece). You are going to join the other two strands by sc down their sides as well. See pic:

 

Sorry for my weaving there... My third strand was the light blue. I sc down the side of the light blue, and then the cream, and then the dark blue. With 2sc per dc row, I ended this new row with 18sc.

 
R2: Chain 1, turn. Sc across (18)

R3: Chain 2 (does not count as st), turn. Dc across (18)

*This row can be used for the button holes.*

R4: Chain 1, turn. Sc across (18)

R5: Repeat. Fasten off. 

I don't have a picture for the braiding, and I apologize for that. If I happen to make another one of these, I'll edit this and include pics. I did take a picture of my scarf laid out that I will include. All I did was set that perpendicular row underneath a heavy book. With my strands laying flat, I braided them loosely and gently, careful not to flip any of them. I actually set each piece down as I braided, to keep it loose and flat. This is what it looks like finished:

 

When I finished braiding, I left the pieces laying flat, and worked the "perpendicular row" at the end the same way. I started with the far right side of the far right piece, joined my yarn, and sc across. I still worked 2sc per dc row and joined the other two strands by sc them the same way. I repeated the same directions from above:

R2: Chain 1, turn. Sc across (18)

R3: Chain 2 (does not count as st), turn. Dc across (18)

*This row can be used for the button holes.*

R4: Chain 1, turn. Sc across (18)

R5: Repeat. Fasten off. 

This is how that end looks (a little prettier without my weaved ends):

 You can kind of see the gaps after the first two and last two dc on each end, where I had it buttoned. I sewed on two buttons, about 3/4" each, on the other end (seen in the very first picture). I like the length, but I suppose it is adjustable if you want to wear it tighter and button it in a dc row of the strands.

Hope this pattern was easy to follow! Pin it if you like it, comment if you love it, just let me know somehow! :) Thank you. :) 

The New Year

It has been so long since I last posted! And even longer since I posted any kind of update that didn't have to do with sales or patterns. ;) December and January were busy months. In December we visited both sides of the family and had a wonderful Christmas. In January I managed to squeeze in some time to make things for friends' babies and my own little one. I had a couple of orders, but they were opportunities to create styles I had not done yet, so it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed all of the "new" that came in January!

 

January was also fun because we found out the sex of #3! I made a hat to reveal the gender to my Facebook fans. It's a:

 

 

My son, 5, is doing great. I just can't believe how fast he's growing up. He has at least 3 loose teeth, and we just started tracking his chores/adding on more charts and paying him allowance. He has always been interested in money and is excited when he has his own money to spend. Now that he is earning allowance, he is starting to understand working and "getting paid" and spending wisely. We're doing a word of the week each day, which he writes, spells and uses in a sentence, and he is always writing the month and day each day to learn how to spell them. He catches on to everything so quickly!

 

My daughter, almost 2, is just as quick. She is already talking like a 3 year old (or older). All of our family who just got to see her for the first time in 6 months, 12 months, and 20+ months were very impressed. Everyone said she was like a miniature adult. She is tiny for her age, so it is even more impressive when she starts talking to you in full sentences. Her vocabulary is extraordinary and she learns absolutely everything we teach her. For several months now, she has been counting to ten and singing her ABCs. She also likes to sing country songs from the radio, and songs we sing at home like "Pat-a-cake." I am amazed every single day with what comes out of her mouth!

 

I am almost 22 weeks with #3. Due to the location of my placenta, I have just recently started feeling her movements regularly. I never posted it, but prior to this pregnancy we suffered a miscarriage. It made this pregnancy pretty difficult emotionally, so these movements are such a blessing. It has taken me a long time to really accept that we are having another baby and that everything's going to be okay. It was pretty hard up until I started getting those welcome little punches and kicks. I was also very ill for the first 14 weeks. I lost a good bit of weight because I couldn't eat much, but we are through that part, and hopefully it is smooth sailing for the next 18 weeks.

 

We have lots to look forward to in the coming months. I'm excited for February, because my son gets to take Valentine's to school for the first time. We have done them for family and friends for a couple of years, but it's exciting to start taking them to school. If my newly found energy and productivity keeps up, February will be awesome. I have many, many ideas of things I want to create, and I hope to really roll through some baby stuff. I have a lot of organizing to do to be able to fit my girls in the same room (mainly their clothes in the same closet!) so I have been diligently working on that while trying to save time for my projects. I have much that I want to crochet and sew for the new baby, and especially matching things for my girls. My son's requested a couple of hats that I need to get to as well. I think I'm already nesting, because my latest hobby (and I say that because I'm doing it "for fun) has been cleaning. I have been cleaning so much every day, and really enjoying it somehow. I still hate laundry. But for some reason, I feel this need for the house to be immaculate at all times. I'm getting used to it too, so I don't know if I can ever cut back now! The biggest thing I am looking forward to is my parents and little sister coming out here at the end of March. We'll be able to celebrate my daughter's second birthday and Easter together. It's little things like that that excite you immensely when you live far away from everyone you love dearly.

 

Well, I hope your new year is off to a fabulous start... I hope good things are happening for you and that you continue to be blessed each and every day! I will have another post very soon about a group that is dear to my heart and other charities that are calling my involvement.

 

<3