Coming Soon...

 

due June 2013 :)

Octopus Camera Buddy *FREE PATTERN*

Octopus Camera Buddy Pattern

by: Kristin Hankins

 

**YOU MAY SELL YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT BUT YOU MUST GIVE ME CREDIT FOR THE PATTERN BY LINKING BACK HERE OR TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE. DO NOT CLAIM THE PATTERN TO BE YOUR OWN.**

Because this is a FREE pattern, I do not have any pictures, but I have made it easy to follow by separating the directions for the legs.

You will need:
a hair tie
WW yarn, in (2) colors of your choice
G hook
needle

In main color:

Make slipknot on hook. Join to hair tie with sc. 

Sc 34 more times around hair tie. Join with slst to first sc. Chain 1, *hdc, hdc, hdc, 2hdc* around, ending with hdc, hdc, hdc. Join with slst for first hdc. Chain 1, sc half way around. Now we’ll work the arms.

Chain 15, sc in 2nd ch. 3sc in next chain. Sc down the rest of the arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 15, sc in 2^nd and 3^rd chains. Sc3tog. Sc next 2 chs. 3sc. Sc to the end of the arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 15, sc in 2^nd chain. 2sc, sc in next 4 chs, sc2tog, sc to the end of the arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 18, sc2tog (2^nd and 3^rd chs), sc next 5, 2sc, sc to end of arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 18, sc in 2^nd ch, sc next 3 chs, 2sc, sc next 3, sc2tog, sc to end of arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 15, sc in 2^nd and 3^rd chs, 3sc, sc in next 2 chs, sc2tog, sc to end of arm. Sc in next st.

Chain 15, sc in 2^nd and 3^rd chs from hook. Sc2tog, sc next 3 sts, 2sc, sc to end of arm. Sc next st. 

Chain 15, sc in 2^nd chain, sc3tog, sc to end of the arm. Sc in next st.

Sc around to the 1^st sc of the round, join with slst to 1^st sc. Fasten off.

Embroider eyes with the second color and weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Kitty Camera Buddy *FREE PATTERN*

 

KITTY CAMERA BUDDY PATTERN

by: Kristin Hankins

 

You may sell your finished product, but DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Link back to this post wherever your item is listed. You may also tag my Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

G hook, yarn, hair tie, needle

 

 

 

Work 36 sc around hair tie. Join to first sc.

 

Chain 1, *hdc, hdc, hdc, 2hdc* around, ending with hdc. Join w/ slst in first hdc.

 

(I don't know why it's sideways...)

Chain 1, *hdc, hdc, hdc, hdc, 2hdc* around, ending with hdc. Slst into first hdc.


 

[Begin ear] Chain 1, work 6 sc. (6)

 

Chain 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc, sc, sc2tog. (4)

 

Chain 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc2tog. (2)

 

Chain 1, turn. Sc2tog. (1)

 

Fasten off. Skip 6 stitches, join yarn, and repeat the ear instructions to make the second ear.

 

 Stitch on whiskers; you can even add a mini bow to make a Hello Kitty buddy. Weave in ends.

 

Enjoy!

Smoothie / Exercise Post

A friend of mine recently told me about this smoothie and I've been hooked on it! In fact, any day that I can't have it for lunch, I just don't feel right... like I'm cheating on my "diet." LOL

I don't have A LOT of weight to lose, but I would love to lose 10 lbs and of course, tighten and firm my tummy. Having a small, nutritious breakfast of either a banana and half an orange or 2 kiwis and possibly a banana, followed by this smoothie for lunch, is helping me shed weight. I'm also going to the gym for 30-60 mins 4 times a week.

 

Here's what goes in the smoothie:

2 handfuls of spinach

1 apple

half an orange

1 banana

5 strawberries

1 cup of yogurt

 

I can't afford to eat organic all of the time, but I do try to buy it every other week. I also peel my apple about half the time, and just wash the skin really well the other half (all of the chemicals are absorbed by the skin BUT all of the nutrients are also in the skin). I am using fat-free yogurt, and I'm buying the tub, so I just scoop about 3 large tablespoons into my smoothie. Once I have all of my ingredients in the blender, I fill it with ice almost to the top, because I like it cold.

 

The length of time I spend at the gym just depends on how much time I have. I try to be there closer to an hour, but even when I can't stay long, I make sure to get my cardio in. If I am short on time, I jog for 10 mins. If I have a little more time to spare, I like to jog 2 miles to start my workout. I aim to keep my heart rate around 140, and that is more important to me than speed, so that's my purpose for jogging. After my jog, I focus on a muscle group (abs, arms, or legs). I spend the rest of my workout working on that area. For abs, I use the ab machine and do sit ups holding a medicine ball at my chest and over my head. For arms, I use free weights and a couple of machines. For legs, I use a few different machines. I LOVE working out!

 

One of the most important things about getting fit is drinking plenty of water. Remember never to drink your calories. You won't see any weight loss or notice a difference in your body if you drink sodas (diet or not), energy drinks, or any other sugary drinks. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and absolutely stay hydrated while you're working out.

 

If you're unable to hit the gym, there is plenty to do at home. You can run outside or in place, and you can jump rope or do jumping jacks for indoor cardio. You can do sit ups, crunches, push ups, leg raises, etc. all in your home. You can also get a set of dumbells to work on those arms. :)

 

I hope this post has helped anyone who's looking to get fit, but doesn't know where to start!

Hats Lately, Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween from 4Hankins Crochet!

 

Due to the close proximity to Halloween and the limited amount of time I have to make these, they are now $25 each, plus a $5 rush fee, and $3 shipping.

If you'd like to order, go here.

 

All of the patterns you see here are my original patterns except for the pumpkin. I adjusted the pattern to make different sizes, but you can find the original pattern here: Bev's Country Cottage.

 

Turkey Hat {FREE PATTERN}

I haven't really had time to write up patterns lately. I've been so busy with pre-K, soccer, karate, and dance, while also trying to get Halloween and turkey hat orders out in time for the holidays. Here's a quicky pattern. It's really very easy if you understand crochet patterns and do not need pictures of each step. If you have any questions, jusk ask. Enjoy!

 

As always, please link back to this post or my Facebook page if you post your hat for sale. Please be sure to credit me for the pattern. Thanks!

 

 

Turkey Hat Pattern by 4Hankins Crochet

To order a turkey hat, click here.
 

Materials: Worsted weight yarn in brown (A), white, black, orange, red, and yellow
H hook unless otherwise noted (4+ size uses G) 

Sizes: premie, 0-6mos, 6-24mos, 2-4, child, adult

Note: Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.

 

Each of the curly things is: Chain 21, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 19. (It will start curling on its own and you can curl it better with your finger.) I did 4 of these for the top. For the one hanging from the nose I did the same thing, but used hdc.
You'll sew the sc curlies to the top of the hat and the hdc curly beside the nose, after the nose is sewn on.

  

Eyes (make 2):
The black center (make 2): Ch 2, work 5sc in the 1st ch. Join w/ slst to the 1st sc.
The white eye: Chain 3, join w/ slst to 1st ch. Ch 1, work 10 hdc in circle. Join with slst to first hdc. Ch 1, work 2 hdc in each around (20), join with slst to first hdc.
Sew the black part to the white part, and when your hat is finished, sew the eyes to the hat.
  

Nose:
Chain 3, join w/ slst to 1st ch. Ch 1, work 5sc in circle, join to first sc with slst. Ch 1, work 2sc in each sc around (10), join. Ch 1, sc in each around (10), join. Ch 1,*sc, 2sc* around (15), join. Ch 1, sc in each around (15).
You'll sew the nose onto the hat under the eyes.

 

 

Size premie (H hook)

1.) With brown, Ch 3, join with slst. Ch 1. 12 hdc in circle; join with slst. (12)

2.) Ch 1. 2hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (24)

3.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (32)

4.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

5.-15.) Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

 

*Earflaps*

16.) Ch 1. Hdc in each of next 10 hdc. (10)

17.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of the next 10 hdc. (10)

18.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc2tog. (8)

19.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc2tog. (6)

20.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog. (4)

21.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog twice. Fasten off. (2)

 

Fold the hat so that the earflap is centered and you can find your starting point on the other side of the hat. Join A; Repeat 16-21. Weave in ends.

 

Size 0-6 months (H hook)

1.) With brown, Ch 3, join with slt. Ch 1. 12 hdc in circle; join with slst. (12)

2.) Ch 1. 2hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (24)

3.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (32)

4.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

5.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (48)

6.-15.) Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (48)

 

*Earflaps*

16.) Ch 1. Hdc in each of next 10 hdc. (10)

17.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of the next 10 hdc. (10)

18.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc2tog. (8)

19.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc2tog. (6)

20.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog. (4)

21.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog twice. (2)

 

Fold the hat so that the earflap is centered and you can find your starting point on the other side of the hat. Join A; Repeat 16-21, do not fasten off.

 

22.) With orange, single crochet all the way around, working 3sc in the center of each earflap. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

 

Size 6-24 months (H hook)

1.) With brown, Ch 3, join with slst. Ch 1. 12 hdc in circle; join with slst. (12)

2.) Ch 1. 2hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (24)

3.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (32)

4.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

5.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (48)

6.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 5 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (56)

7.-16.) Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (56)

 

*Earflaps*

17.) Ch 1. Hdc in each of next 10 hdc. (10)

18.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of the next 10 hdc. (10)

19.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc2tog. (8)

20.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc2tog. (6)

21.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog. (4)

22.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog twice. (2)

 

Fold the hat so that the earflap is centered and you can find your starting point on the other side of the hat. Join A; Repeat 17-22, do not fasten off.

 

23.) With orange, single crochet all the way around, working 3sc in the center of each earflap. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
 

Size 2-4 years (H hook)

1.) With brown, Ch 3, join with slst. Ch 1. 12 hdc in circle; join with slst. (12)

2.) Ch 1. 2hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (24)

3.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (32)

4.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

5.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (48)

6.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 5 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (56)

7.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 6 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (64)

8.-18.) Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (64)

 

*Earflaps*

19.) Ch 1. Hdc in each of next 12 hdc. (12)

20.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of the next 12 hdc. (12)

21.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 8 hdc, hdc2tog. (10)

22.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc2tog. (8)

23.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc2tog. (6)

24.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog. (4)

25.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog twice. (2)

 

Fold the hat so that the earflap is centered and you can find your starting point on the other side of the hat. Join A; Repeat 19-25, do not fasten off.

 

26.) With orange, single crochet all the way around, working 3sc in the center of each earflap. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

 

Size Child (G hook), Adult (H hook)

1.) With brown, Ch 3, join with slst. Ch 1. 12 hdc in circle; join with slst. (12)

2.) Ch 1. 2hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (24)

3.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (32)

4.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (40)

5.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (48)

6.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 5 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (56)

7.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 6 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (64)

8.) Ch 1. *hdc in next 7 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc* around. Join to first hdc with slst. (72)

9.-20.) Ch 1. Hdc in each hdc around. Join to first hdc with slst. (72)

 

*Earflaps*

21.) Ch 1. Hdc in each of next 12 hdc. (12)

22.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of the next 12 hdc. (12)

23.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 8 hdc, hdc2tog. (10)

24.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc2tog. (8)

25.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc2tog. (6)

26.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog. (4)

27.) Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog twice. (2)

 

Fold the hat so that the earflap is centered and you can find your starting point on the other side of the hat. Join A; Repeat 21-27, do not fasten off.

 

26.) With orange, single crochet all the way around, working 3sc in the center of each earflap. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

 

 

For the braids (I used orange, brown, and yellow), do this twice: Cut 9 pieces of yarn about 30" yarn. Fold it in half and feed the folded part through the bottom of the flap (between the last two hdc2tog). Pull the tails through the loop created. Pull tight to secure and then braid. Knot at the end.

Monster Cookies

It's been a long time since my last post, so I thought I'd post a sweet treat!

With my neighbor's encouragement, I've been breaking out the stand mixer more often (well, twice) and baking! This week, my son and I made monster cookies together. They are one of my favorite treats that my mom bakes when we do our Christmas baking. I didn't have her recipe, which makes a TON of cookies, but I googled and used Paula Deen's recipe, which made about 3 dozen large cookies.

You will need:

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. The recipe says to line your cookie sheets with parchment paper, but I just greased mine. Mix the first three ingredients well.

Add the next 4 ingredients, and mix well.

Stir in everything else.

Eat some of the candies, of course!

After you've stirred in everything, you should have a big glob of amazing monster-ness. :)

Drop by tablespoons, leaving enough room between them. Bake for 8-10 mins. Cool for 3 mins on the pan, and then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Silly me, I forgot to take pictures after we were done... I didn't realize it until I started this post, and we don't have much left. :) They are too delicious not to eat quickly!

Enjoy. I have convinced myself that these are healthy because of all the peanut butter, oats, and raisins. Right!? ;)