Children's Earflap Hats

I hope you enjoy the photo collage of children's earflap hats (seen below). I've been working on these the past few days (while at work) and since they are for children, I had to go hunt me up some models before I could post photos of them. I actually made 6 hats, but somehow I only ended up with 5 hats in the photos. Hmmm...wonder how that happened! LOL These are the same pattern as my adult or teen earflap hats, minus one row of increasing. FYI- yes, you've seen these models before...they are Pattycake and Sassy!

The Pool is Closed

The pool has officially closed for the winter (as of this past Sunday). I had prepared myself for a lovely day...with most of my packing up done...and planned to laze about on my raft while floating around the pool...but that didn't happen. See this photo...the sky looked horrible. And it started thundering and sprinkling and all that nasty stuff. Alas, the pool was closed down shortly after 4 pm. No fun in that all! Anyway...here's to the pool...hope it has a good winter...and is able to reopen for next summer.

Bic C and Baseball

Big C at his first baseball game of the season. He's the first baseman. They are basically starting off "fresh" this year and it's going to take some time for the team to become a "team". They lost Monday night to Madison, 22 to 0. Yep...sad. But Big C had a great hit. There just wasn't anyone on base to score. Oh well...they'll get there.

Teen/Adult Earflap Hat (Free Pattern)

Small T took this photo of me....she thinks it's hilarious!!!

Small T modeling the same hat that I had on.

Small T modeling another hat made today.

So....today has been a day of experimenting with yarn and a possible pattern that Small T had in her head (and she doesn't even crochet!). So...after much trial and error, here's another free pattern for everyone. I call it the Teen/Adult Earflap Hat.

Materials:

WW yarn (I used Red Heart Super Saver)

J hook

Notes:

The hat is made by holding two strands of yarn together throughout (while crocheting).

The beginning ch 3 is counted as a dc.

When it says "join" it means join to the top of the beginning ch 3 with a slip stitch.

1 - To begin, make a magic loop. Ch 3 and work 9 dc in the loop. Join to the top of the beg ch 3 with a sl st. Tighten loop to close.

2 - ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join. (20 dc)

3 - ch 3, 2dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join. (30 dc)

4 - ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join. (40 dc)

5 - ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join. (50 dc)

6 - ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join. (60 dc)

7 thru 11 - ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around. Join. (60 dc)

At the end of round 11, finish off.

Earflaps:

Holding hat upside down (and still wrong side out), with seam (from the beg ch 3 of each row) facing you, count 8 stitches to the left of the seam. Join yarn in the 9th stitch.

1- ch 3, dc in next 11 sts, turn.

2- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 10 sts, turn.

3- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 9 sts, turn.

4- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 8 sts, turn.

5- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 7 sts, turn.

6- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 6 sts, turn.

7- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 5 sts, turn.

8 - ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 4 sts, turn.

9- ch 3, sk 1 st, dc in next 3 sts, finish off.

To work 2nd earflap, holding hat upside down with seam facing you and the first earflap in your left hand, count 19 sts to the right of the SEAM. Join yarn in the 20th stitch. Follow rows 1 thru 9 of the 1st earflap.

Edging:

Using a coordinating color of yarn and holding 2 strands of it together, with hat upside down and seam facing you, join yarn somewhere around the seam area. Sc in each st around, putting 2 sc in the end post of each dc and working 3 sc in the corners of the earflap edge. Join to the beginning sc with a sl st. Finish off. Weave in all ends around the hat.

Braided Fringe:

Figure out how long you would like your fringe to be. I guessed at the length I wanted. Just make sure that it's the length you want AFTER it's doubled over or folded in half at the middle. Cut 12 strands of yarn (I used 6 strands of each color). Then after I fold the length of yarn in half, I attach it to the end of the earflap in the middle, between two stitches. Do this for both earflaps. Then, for each earflap, divide the strands of yarn into three equal bunches and braid them together. Knot the end(s).

So...that's my newest free pattern. Hope everyone enjoys it! There are many similar hats out there on the web, and I've not copied anyone's pattern to my knowledge. If I have used something similar to yours, please feel free to contact me and I will give you credit for having a similar pattern. Thanks a bunch!

More Hats/Caps

Yesterday, I finished another Baby Earflap Hat. I used Simply Soft yarn from my scrap pile. I know that two of the colors are watermelon and lime light. I'm not sure about the other one. It's like an off white.
Then, I made three baby skater beanies. I had made these back in November or December of 2010. These are made with Simply Soft yarn and a G hook. The photo is really dark for some reason, but the one on the left is Grey Heather with a black stripe, the one in the middle is Dk. Sage with a white stripe and the one on the right is white with a watermelon stripe. The pattern I use is here http://chiescrochetandknitting.blogspot.com/2005/11/very-simple-skateboarder-beanie.html . I follow the pattern through row 11, then skip to row 18 and finish following the pattern for these baby sized hats.

Coffee!!!

What happens when you drop the kids off at school in the morning? You get to go have coffee with your mom and sisters (two of them). Woo Hoo! It's about the only good thing about school starting back up (in my opinion). :)

Baby Earflap Hat

I finished this one up last night. I used Simply Soft yarn in Dk. Sage.

Update- Majestic Afghan

This is the current state of the Majestic Afghan. I have 16 rows of stripes (4 rows of each color), plus I've started on the next stripe. In this photo, there are 65 rows finished. I have since added one more row. However, I've had to put it aside so I can start working on a few more items for a craft show. It's on Sept. 10th, so...I need to get busy.

Yarn Therapy

Yesterday morning, Big Daddy needed to go out of town to buy some parts for Medium J's car. I was planning to take a quick nap, but then he said the magic words "Do you want to go with me....I'll buy you some yarn." Well, of course I want to go. Here's what I ended up with. Isn't it fab? Lots of lovely new yarn for my crocheting! I'm a lucky girl!

Fishing

The guys went fishing last night. They came home with a good catch of catfish and bass. I'm sure glad I didn't have to clean any of them. It took them quite a while to get them all done.

Small T and Softball

Some scenes from Small T's first High School softball game.

She plays Right Field on the JV team.

Still working on her batting.

Pow-Wow after the games. Coach is sharing his wisdom.

Crochet and Schedules

This is my latest bit of crochet. It's not much. But I managed to add 4 rows of purple, 4 rows of red, and one more row of purple on the Majestic Afghan. I've not had much time to sit on the couch this week and work on my beloved crochet.
Since it's Sunday morning, I broke out the planner to see what is going on this week. As I was looking at it, I thought "wow...it's not as busy as last week". And then I went "Duh!" cause it's not all filled in. I've not added the softball and baseball practice schedules or the FFA schedule yet. I need to go look at the school's website and see what is on the calendar today and get it added to mine. I'm slipping already...and we've only had 3 days of school so far. *sigh* Oh well, I'll get back in gear ASAP. Just like I always do. I don't know if other families are like ours, but we ALL live by my calendar. The kids look at it as much as I do. So does Big Daddy. I can see already that tomorrow is another busy day, so I'll have to get the kids in gear tonight and have them all organized before they go to bed.
This was my planner for this past week. Busy, right? Yep. I do have to say that some days weren't so bad, but basically, we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Plus, there was a day or two where Big Daddy and I had to both be out running around in order to get everything done. Yesterday was one of those days. Even though it didn't look that way on the calendar. I worked the car wash with Small T. Then I went to work at the pool. While we were at the car wash, Big Daddy went to the pharmacy and got prescriptions filled. Then while I was at work, he picked up Small T and they went to buy her softball pants. (This was interesting as Big Daddy and Small T don't shop very well together. I guess it was quite the ordeal. LOL) Then Big Daddy ran Small T to her friends house for the evening before coming home to start on the housework. He's been a real trooper about the housework this summer. He's done most of it, in regards to the laundry, dish washing and cooking supper. I'm a lucky girl! After I got off work, I had a bit of down time...I laid in bed and read a book that I'd started at the pool. Then I did the spectacular thing of "ordering out" for dinner. :) Only because Big Daddy was defrosting the refrigerator/freezer and the kitchen was a mess. We don't order out much usually. So it was a treat. Then, being super tired, I went to bed early. Woo Hoo! I never get to do this and I had a fabulous night of sleep. In fact, I woke up at 6:20 this morning. Crawled out of bed at 7 and am now enjoying some lovely time alone while everyone else is sleeping. What a way to start your day!!! Anyway, I'll be heading to the pool by noon today, so I hope it's a good day outside and not raining. Have a good Sunday everyone!

Photo highlights from this week...

Baby E and Momma came to visit Aunt Shelly. Baby E was wearing some of the layette I crocheted for her . Isn't she darling?

Friday night was the FCCLA Carnival. One of the booths was a Marriage Booth. Small T got married several times. But this one is my favorite. She married her boyfriend "Slim C" and Big C was the Best Man. Slim C and Big C are friends and that can be annoying to Small T at times. You can see this in the photo. She's a bit upset at Big C for butting in. :)

Saturday morning was the Band Boosters Car Wash. I brought all of the vehicles over. Big C's truck is shown here...it's getting the full treatment. I felt a bit bad about bringing it over because it was filthy. Oh well. We had cars, trucks, and tractors visit the car wash. Yep, you heard that right...tractors. We're a farming community.

Baby Earflap Hats

Brick and Black Simply Soft yarn.

Off White and Watermelon Simply Soft yarn.

I made these two yesterday. They work up extremely fast!

Baby Earflap Hat

I'm trying out a new pattern that I found. It's for a Baby Earflap Hat. This is the link http://myfairkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/baby-earflap-hat.html . I used Simply Soft yarn in Black and Grey Heather. I also left the flower off as this will be for a boy. What do you think? Obviously, my hand is not a good model for it, but I don't have a baby around to do my modelling. It wouldn't fit on Small T's head either.

Hat Fest Going On...Still....

Here is my latest batch of slouchy hats. These are all "Toddler Sized".

Light Blue Simply Soft

Brick Simply Soft

Grey Heather Simply Soft

Blue Mint and Plum Perfect Simply Soft

Knitting Again

Well, I'm trying out "knitting" again. I know how to cast on and how to do the knit stitch, but that's about it. So...I'm practicing my knit stitch again. A few months ago, I ripped out my previous piece that I was working on and then I didn't pick up the needles again. I needed a quiet activity this morning with everyone still asleep, so this was it. I'll have to see where this leads me. :)

Hat Fest Going On....

I've got a Hat Fest going on right now. I'm trying to get my stock of them finished up for the craft booth I'm having the first weekend in October.

I'm trying out something new with this little hat. I'm making toddler sized slouchy hats. I wasn't going to, but Small T said I should. So...here's the first one.

This is a comparison of the toddler sized slouchy hat versus the teen sized slouchy hat. I don't have a toddler around to try it on, so I'm hoping it's the right size.

Small T is modeling the black slouchy hat I made yesterday.

Small T is also modeling the grey heather slouchy hat I finished up yesterday (but started the day before). She was somewhat reluctant to model these at the time, but she came out of it fairly quick. She loves taking her picture. LOL

Good Morning!

Good Morning Everyone! It's FRIDAY! Woo Hoo! Not that it means anything to me, since I work each and every weekend, but still...it's FRIDAY! :)

Today is the last day of Band Camp. Hallelujah! I'm worn out. We have so much going on with school starting next week that the end of something is a cause for celebration.

This morning, I'm paying the bills for the household really quick, dealing with a death in the family during the night, loads of family descending upon me, doctor appt's this afternoon, ball practices for the two teens, plus I have to go to work in 2 hours. Whew! Nothing like multi-tasking.

The highlight of the day is that it's raining off and on today. That's a good thing and a bad thing. The good part is that I will be able to do some crafting while I sit in my car at the pool and watch it rain. The bad part is that it will affect my paycheck in a negative manner. Oh well. That's life. I'm half finished with a slouchy hat and I would love to work on it while I'm watching it rain this afternoon. We'll just have to see what happens, right?

Now, the most wonderful thing has happened!!!!! I'm over 10,000 hits on my blog now! I never thought this would happen. I've also got 21 followers! Wow! I'm so excited!!!! Thank you all for taking the time to visit my little blog and for also becoming followers! You really make my day!

Love and hugs out to everyone! :) Have a great day!

This Week So Far...

It's the week before school starts and yes, it's busy as usual. Band Camp/Flag Camp started on Monday. Softball and Baseball Practice started on that day as well. That means my two high school kids have had to be up and at it by 7 am each morning. In fact, I had to be as well. I'm the Band Booster President and therefore, I had to arrange help for passing out band uniforms (me and two wonderful ladies) during the camp this week. In among all of this, we are also setting up fundraising events for the year for the Band Boosters. This is not an easy job, but it gets easier each year as we become more and more organized. Movie nights have been agreed upon for the next few months and a car wash is coming up really quickly.

As for baseball and softball practice, each of my kids has attended their practices so far except for Small T. She missed today's practice and Big C was a bit late for his. You see, they had an emergency appt. at the ortho doctor that they see. Small T was put back in her Cam Boot and cannot play softball at this time. She can still go to practice and sit in the dugout while watching the rest of the team, and also attend the games, but she's not going to be able to actually participate. She is NOT HAPPY. She's still having a problem with the Liz Frank Ligament in her foot that was injured last year. Now, they've also found that she has a piece or chip out of the bone where the ligament belongs. So...she's scheduled for a CAT scan on Thursday and back to the doctor on Friday as she may be having surgery. Big C has his ankle in a Tri Fold as he's still suffering from his fall at the pool. The town where the doctor is located, had a massive city wide power outage, so he was unable to finish his appt. and will have to go back in regards to his knee on Friday when Small T goes. He can still practice at this time, but he's not allowed to actually run.

Now, while the kids were in the middle of their appt. today, I was at the dentist getting my front tooth fixed again. I'm so very glad it's fixed. Hallelujah! I'm so very vain about my front teeth! Tomorrow, it's back to work for me. The forecast is calling for rain along with much cooler temperatures. That's a welcome relief from all the excessive heat warnings that we've had in the past month. However, I could use the paycheck so I hope we aren't rained out the whole day.

I've also had lots of fun finishing up Small T's school shopping. We're all done now with hers and Big C's except for the backpacks which are due to arrive in the mail anytime now. Oh, and folders. I have to get some of those tomorrow.

And it's that time of the year when my meetings (organizations from school) have started back up. So far this week, I've had a Booster Club (athletic) meeting and the planning has began for the annual softball tournament that his held in a few weeks and I also have a FCCLA Alumni and Friends meeting this week on Thursday evening. We have a huge fundraiser coming up next week and we're in the final stages of planning it.

I applied to substitute teach at school this year and I have a few things left to finish up so I can get my certification. Then I might be called to work. I'm a bit worried about this, but I think I'll be fine. It's been a long time since I've done anything like this.

And...I've managed to get in a bit of crochet time in the evenings. Here are my finished items plus a progress report.

Slouchy Hat made with Simply Soft yarn and a J hook. I don't look to great in this color, but my model is already in bed. She's worn out.
Slouchy Hat made with Simply Soft yarn and a J hook. I love this hat! I think I need to make one for myself! I look good, I think.
Progress on the Majestic Afghan. I am on row 37 now. I did 12 rows on it this evening. It's coming along fairly quickly. Or at least, faster than I thought it would.

So, that's my update on the first two days of the week. I'll try to keep in touch this week as it's just as busy as the beginning of the week has been. :) Have a good one everyone!

Possibilities

I have to work at the pool again today. And it's probably going to be slow. The weather has not been co-operating. So...I need a couple of things to keep me busy while we are waiting for swimmers. I have a stitchery project picked out. If that's something I choose to work on. I also have four (count them....four) magazines piled up that I haven't read yet. (This is unbelievable since I am a magazine freak.) And I have my crochet that I could take. It would be a perfect time to work on the red and purple afghan or some Nana Squares. It just depends on how hot it is outside. I can't work with yarn when I'm sweating. You know? So...today has some good possibilities lined up for me in the "no boredom" zone.

Latest Read

I started (and finished) a book at the pool yesterday. (Obviously, we weren't busy with only five swimmers the whole day.) This is the 2nd book in the series. One of my sister's loaned this set to me. This series is centered around Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor. There's always a mystery involved in these books and I enjoy them.

Primitive Stitchery Finished

I finished one of my sisters' "Primitive Family Portraits" last night after work. I guess I didn't pay close enough attention to what I was doing, because I totally screwed up. I put the boys' names in black, instead of using the same color as their pants. *sigh* I absolutely refuse to pull it out though. I didn't like working on this one for some reason. Doing the girls was fun, but that's about it. I'm also tired of this stitch that I'm using. Anyway, at least this one is done. I have two more to go. This is my second finished one.

Free Pattern - Cluster Pinafore

I've finally found a bit of time to post my newest free pattern. It's called the "Cluster Pinafore". If you find any mistakes, or if something isn't very clear, please let me know so I can change it.

Cluster Pinafore

Worsted Weight Yarn

I hook

special stitch: Cluster - work 5 dc in stitch

ch 52.

1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (51)

2- ch 1, turn. sc in each sc across. (51)

3- ch 1, turn. *sc in 1st 3 sc, work 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * across, ending with sc, sc and a sc in the top of the ch 1. (63)

4- ch 1, turn. sc in each sc across. (63)

5- ch 1, turn. sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, *sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * across, ending with sc, sc, and a sc in the top of the ch 1. (75)

6- ch 1, turn. sc in each sc across. (75)

7- ch 1, turn. sc in first 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, *sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * across, ending with sc, sc, sc, sc, and a sc in top of ch 1. (89)

8- ch 1, turn. sc in each sc across. (89)

9- ch 1, turn. sc in same st, *sk 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 1 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * across. (23 sc, 22 clusters)

10- ch 3, turn. 2 dc in same st, sc in middle dc (or 3rd dc) of cluster, 5 dc in the next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in the next sc, sc in the 3rd dc of cluster, ch 3, skip 5 sc and 4 clusters, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, (should be a total of 8 sc and 7 clusters in this section), ch 3, sk 5 sc and 4 clusters, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, 5 dc in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, work 3 dc in last sc.

11- ch 1, turn. sc in same st, {work cluster in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, }twice, cluster in the next sc, sc in the 2nd ch of the ch 3, {cluster in next sc, sc in the 3rd dc of cluster}7 times, cluster in the next sc, (should be a total of 8 clusters and 7 sc at this point), sc in the 2nd ch of the ch 3, {cluster in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster} twice, cluster in the next sc, sc in the 3rd ch of the beg ch 3.

12- ch 3, turn. work 2 dc in same st, sc in the 3rd dc of cluster, *cluster in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of cluster, repeat from * across, ending with 3dc in last sc.

13- ch 1, turn. sc in same st, cluster in next sc, *sc in 3rd dc of cluster, cluster in next sc, repeat from * across, ending with a sc in top of beg ch 3.

14- repeat row 12.

15- repeat row 13.

16- repeat row 12.

17- repeat row 13.

18- repeat row 12.

19- repeat row 13.

20- repeat row 12.

21- repeat row 13.

22- repeat row 12.

23- repeat row 13.

24- repeat row 12.

25- repeat row 13.

26- repeat row 12.

27- repeat row 13.

28- repeat row 12.

29- repeat row 13.

Edging:

1- ch 1, sc evenly up the side edge of the dress, working 3 sc in the corner stitch, sc in each st around neckline, 3 sc in corner, sc down the next side edge, working 2 buttonholes along the yoke (sc, ch 2, sc), join with a sl st to the 1st sc of bottom edge. fasten off. weave in ends.

Finishing:

Sew 2 buttons on the side opposite the buttonholes. Be sure to match them up.

*****As always, this is my pattern. I designed it as I crocheted. If there is a matching pattern out there, I've not seen it. I swear. Feel free to use this pattern to make all the lovely pinafore's that you'd like. But please don't claim this pattern as your own. Give credit where credit is due. Thanks. A link back here would be nice.*******

Starting a New Project

I've started a new project. I've decided to make a very colorful afghan. I'm going to use Red Heart Super Saver skeins in the colors Amethyst and Cherry Red. And I'm crocheting it from side to side (the length) instead of top to bottom or whatever (the width). So...here's what I did.

ch 201. turn.

sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each sc across. ch 1, turn.

sc in each sc across.

i'm changing colors after every 4 rows as i'm wanting a striped afghan.

i will keep doing this until it's as wide as i want. when i figure out how many rows that is, i will let everyone know.

at the end, i will put a border around it (of sc's). i was going to do fringe, but changed my mind.

that's it. i will keep you updated on the progress. i think i will call this my Majestic Blankie for right now. :)

Nana Squares

I made 12 more Nana Squares tonight while watching RE-RUNS on TV. I'm so tired of re-runs. Apparently, Big Daddy isn't. He always has them on and can't be talked into trying one of the other 900 channels that we have. *sigh* Anyway, I now have 90 solid colored Nana Squares.

Meeting A New Family Member

Me and Baby E. This past Sunday. She was 8 days old.

Big C and Momma Lea

A recent photo of Big C and Momma Lea (one of my many sisters). This photo had us all laughing. Obviously, you can now see why we call him "BIG" C. We grow our boys big!