tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25167691272794977972024-03-13T19:13:18.973-04:00RedCurlySueRedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-30118635589612307852011-08-14T11:20:00.004-04:002011-08-14T11:37:43.869-04:00Mermaid Tail Giveaway! Check it out!<div>My youngest daughter has loved mermaids as far back as she can remember. Her favorite Disney Princess is Ariel, she has a variety of mermaid Barbie dolls, and has even gone as Ariel for Halloween. She has always dreamed of being a mermaid herself and after witnessing her friend's transformation into a mermaid this last week during a late night swim, she is hoping to get her wish.</div><div> </div><div>Do you have a girl or boy as interested in mermaids/mermen as my girl? Well head over to <a href="http://finfunmermaid.blogspot.com/">Fin Fun Mermaid Tails</a> and check out the contest on this wonderful <a href="http://finfunmermaid.blogspot.com/">blog</a>! They are giving away a mermaid tail. Go there soon! The contest ends on Tuesday!</div>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-21435169020343416012011-03-24T17:14:00.004-04:002011-03-24T17:39:57.463-04:00NATCROMO Charity ProjectMarch is <span style="font-weight: bold;">National Crochet Month</span> (NATCROMO) and as part of the celebration, <a href="http://anastaciaknits.net/">Anastaciaknits</a> suggested crocheting something for charity. As it happens, I am already in the process of crocheting for a couple of charities, <a href="http://onlineangels.myftp.org/">Online Angels</a> (via <a href="http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2011/02/please-crochet-some-charity-squares.html">SmoothFox</a>) and <a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/">Project Linus</a>. I just completed my squares for <a href="http://onlineangels.myftp.org/">Online Angels</a> and will be mailing them before the end of the month. Of all the squares I made, SmoothFox's Charity Square Number 3 was my favorite. I like it so much, I'm looking forward to making myself an afghan with it in the near future!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTYIN_TcUEhUxlcZd04ubczEqf8LIh1ld1_bzOf7n1OGk7T-Ox1y-h1icEIkmN_tEX5Ft42gLgY8kV-7M3YUXvHnaFPtwdG-0VpQX6aSMPRybB9HVjARVQwnydb8JWFotDxY5JsWVhkE/s1600/SmoothfoxCharitySquareNbr3_2.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTYIN_TcUEhUxlcZd04ubczEqf8LIh1ld1_bzOf7n1OGk7T-Ox1y-h1icEIkmN_tEX5Ft42gLgY8kV-7M3YUXvHnaFPtwdG-0VpQX6aSMPRybB9HVjARVQwnydb8JWFotDxY5JsWVhkE/s320/SmoothfoxCharitySquareNbr3_2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587761125367979234" border="0" /></a></div>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-1378983378627831342011-03-11T21:11:00.006-05:002011-03-11T21:24:01.065-05:00FO FridayI've had the opportunity to test patterns for several designers over the last year and recently tested a couple spiral patterns for <a href="http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/">SmoothFox</a>. I love the way these came together and envision making several lapghans with these patterns. Hope you like them as much as I do!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fox's Spiral Granny Square<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwXb2v_ienzXJPMa0ihSXYN3nxiwO6uAl5SBpA9v16ch5Fur7zCM5T82ztLJG6KJifGAnZbXAB53I-QJT5VVvLZWOZhliItay6zCnWI95YsGvMNnmBX5g1d_Jr6KWtRhDdqjYecIyKTY/s1600/Fox%2527s+Spiral+Granny+Square.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwXb2v_ienzXJPMa0ihSXYN3nxiwO6uAl5SBpA9v16ch5Fur7zCM5T82ztLJG6KJifGAnZbXAB53I-QJT5VVvLZWOZhliItay6zCnWI95YsGvMNnmBX5g1d_Jr6KWtRhDdqjYecIyKTY/s320/Fox%2527s+Spiral+Granny+Square.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583010923751764930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fox's 4 color spiral blanket<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEAri9ZucotAEs5CWNqirYVM_GCfleWXAGlImksjd23ZgzgzK4z2uuNA6j1VLbOeiN_VMrgtsNc3P8wzl7M5xmOZwisxhm00ccqve2xGrGA-LMtKkIOnKRBpGWYh3ZHY35Mgo2ogqcTQ/s1600/Smoothfox_Spiral_Baby_Blanket_Fin.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEAri9ZucotAEs5CWNqirYVM_GCfleWXAGlImksjd23ZgzgzK4z2uuNA6j1VLbOeiN_VMrgtsNc3P8wzl7M5xmOZwisxhm00ccqve2xGrGA-LMtKkIOnKRBpGWYh3ZHY35Mgo2ogqcTQ/s320/Smoothfox_Spiral_Baby_Blanket_Fin.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583010758168478290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-87513185729671101592011-03-09T20:22:00.004-05:002011-03-09T20:32:50.537-05:00WIP WednesdayWednesday is here again and I have another WIP to share with you. This one's been on the list for a long time. You see, when I started crocheting again last year, my sister requested an afghan. I actually finished most of it in the first half of 2010, but took a break from it to improve my technique. When I revisited it in the fall, I finished the body but am still struggling with the border. As of right now, it reminds me of a man's rugby shirt. I want to add a touch of femininity to it but haven't decided what border to use just yet. Hmmm...maybe I'll get this done in time for next winter. Watch for it on a FO Friday!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TfoMy6YdABT6LqyukWs3oQfWOWE9johLBlra5zskCdz-7Q7bpMDTJ8_kfnukmj-4-wwjkJWQO68YFcqgvPVAFKDYeFlXSooYhazGP-slFHtQ_iDhOxyzt-rJjygrDyAAzyhNQ9hfuME/s1600/Shawnas_Lapghan_3.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TfoMy6YdABT6LqyukWs3oQfWOWE9johLBlra5zskCdz-7Q7bpMDTJ8_kfnukmj-4-wwjkJWQO68YFcqgvPVAFKDYeFlXSooYhazGP-slFHtQ_iDhOxyzt-rJjygrDyAAzyhNQ9hfuME/s320/Shawnas_Lapghan_3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582257850039580578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-85062415067396464702011-03-04T11:46:00.003-05:002011-03-04T11:52:58.708-05:00FO Friday!Today is FO (Finished Object) Friday! And would you believe it?! I have a FO to share with you! This is a lovely shawl designed by <a href="http://crazycraftercatlady.blogspot.com/">Anastacia Zittel</a> (one of my favorite designers and a dear friend) in honor of another great crocheter and friend, Hobobird (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> ID). I really love the way it came together!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwi-lsMwWq87O3wAzKRpjseqFmjWbrkZ-tiptX6mrKXqzFyV3ll_f4wGVu9qTOAVyWkbXStAspeKi0OlqCaryUsEca7b8VVD4_cQDHHVxS5giBDh3wV8e_0J5wOUTaPUconuhfEun5DE/s1600/Hobobird_shawl_FIN.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwi-lsMwWq87O3wAzKRpjseqFmjWbrkZ-tiptX6mrKXqzFyV3ll_f4wGVu9qTOAVyWkbXStAspeKi0OlqCaryUsEca7b8VVD4_cQDHHVxS5giBDh3wV8e_0J5wOUTaPUconuhfEun5DE/s320/Hobobird_shawl_FIN.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580267606257243106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy Friday to all and Happy Crocheting!RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-77909856006177680272011-03-03T22:10:00.003-05:002011-03-03T22:52:23.635-05:00Thrilled Thursday!Ok, so this won't necessarily be a reoccurring theme, but today I am posting a Thrilled Thursday! post. You see, I am part of a square swap on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> called Baker's Dozen, and this month is my month to receive squares. Well, I got my first square today! It's a beautiful teal square and came with an adorable sheep stitchmarker. Thank you, <a href="http://lindayarncloset.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZEF7IaZbWb2QgZ8mvPFMGquot3uFShSeZTz8L5pVqPHv0Asz_R46SKQS8Vko9OVil6JI0d1A9VPRZBd5stsFYQlnaZ2rbi7VDp5ZxndeE6LqqyNZZZlcJEcIGhj2aaqgvssXtybVqV8/s1600/BDSS_Poodlemama9.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZEF7IaZbWb2QgZ8mvPFMGquot3uFShSeZTz8L5pVqPHv0Asz_R46SKQS8Vko9OVil6JI0d1A9VPRZBd5stsFYQlnaZ2rbi7VDp5ZxndeE6LqqyNZZZlcJEcIGhj2aaqgvssXtybVqV8/s320/BDSS_Poodlemama9.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580067177643782866" border="0" /></a>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-7960119727634262002011-03-02T08:37:00.005-05:002011-03-02T09:52:14.909-05:00WIP WednesdayOne of my goals for 2011 is to blog more often, so I am adding a few themes to my blog, one of which is WIP (Work-in-progress) Wednesdays. You'll probably see a lot of crochet projects but I might throw a few "other" projects in as well, just to keep it exciting! So, without any further ado...<br /><br />I am trying to finish these hats for my daughter and her friends. There is another one not shown below that is lime green that I haven't determined what accent it will have yet. I'm hoping these will appear in my blog again in the near future on a FO Friday (that's Finished Object Friday for my non-yarnie friends)!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4oDnCkN7JPvDRw4dGeZK7f6DuMIVMAPp09uMggo81pRMlbU5O4E_riTemZibO6uYyKT5V0AK0aViHvjJhmEnwTsDeqJQNf3zCEepdh_0-tJO9DtK_1qx6brYwaMFkE2u-lqw45XvUvc/s1600/Pink_Cloche_3.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4oDnCkN7JPvDRw4dGeZK7f6DuMIVMAPp09uMggo81pRMlbU5O4E_riTemZibO6uYyKT5V0AK0aViHvjJhmEnwTsDeqJQNf3zCEepdh_0-tJO9DtK_1qx6brYwaMFkE2u-lqw45XvUvc/s320/Pink_Cloche_3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579493737412485042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw8Hmj7MtR9bOUyF0cNUiC13CDKlMl_dJkY-yi3x02YH8PLmTHRCwt46k5rFBkxQZChzlDGU-0_grpMjFA-jhHpSTTSBlFe9njPm7VKwa8zoCBzThFf4068BEDU-1wS_XyiYCRxhdZXs/s1600/Royal_Cloche_4.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw8Hmj7MtR9bOUyF0cNUiC13CDKlMl_dJkY-yi3x02YH8PLmTHRCwt46k5rFBkxQZChzlDGU-0_grpMjFA-jhHpSTTSBlFe9njPm7VKwa8zoCBzThFf4068BEDU-1wS_XyiYCRxhdZXs/s320/Royal_Cloche_4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579493463219990466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>The second one is actually a rich royal purple, but my phone's camera doesn't pick it up too well with indoor light. I really like the way these are coming together. :) Stay tuned! More to come!RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-15800662907859716532011-02-21T00:00:00.003-05:002011-02-21T00:09:22.273-05:00Diamonds Are Forever 12" Crochet Square<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD1FjvLOzmBPekvhQbyhxkAoE0H2LgcAfWI_pcJjUltGhGwaGE8jwd1pPB9q0MDLLTaSizKmi5grEWXV64bz4AxrSM86L2IksGtx7P8958F4alrCF6TdVr5IyQTspGbrXfagLW40g6lE/s1600/DiamondsAreForeverSquare_FIN.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD1FjvLOzmBPekvhQbyhxkAoE0H2LgcAfWI_pcJjUltGhGwaGE8jwd1pPB9q0MDLLTaSizKmi5grEWXV64bz4AxrSM86L2IksGtx7P8958F4alrCF6TdVr5IyQTspGbrXfagLW40g6lE/s320/DiamondsAreForeverSquare_FIN.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576003513946024194" border="0" /></a><br />I must say, I'm really liking the design side of crochet. I especially love the challenge it poses for my easily distracted brain. My bestie recommended I design a square with a similar filet pattern to my Diamondhead Hat. This one's for you, Christine!<br /><br />Supplies needed:<br />Hook: US I / 5.5mm<br />Any worsted weight yarn<br />Yarn needle<br /><br />Terms:<br />ch = chain<br />dc = double crochet<br />sl st = slip stitch<br />sk st = skip stitch<br />ch sp = chain space<br /><br />Gauge: 3 ¾” across (diameter) after 1st 3 rounds<br /><br />Create a circle per your choice (join a small chain, magic ring, or ch 1)<br /><br />Rnd 1: ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), (3dc in beg circle, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc, join with sl st to ch 3 of beg ch [12 dc, 8 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 2: sl st into ch space, (ch 3 (counts as first dc from here on), dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [28 dc, 8 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 3: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *sk st, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, sk st, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [32 dc, 12 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 4: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [44 dc, 16 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 5: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [52 dc, 16 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 6: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 4 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [68 dc, 16 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 7: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 6 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 6 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 6 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 6 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [84 dc, 16 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 8: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 9 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 9 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 9 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 9 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [96 dc, 16 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 9: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 12 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 12 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 12 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 12 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [120 dc, 12 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 10: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, dc in each dc and ch 1 sp and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [136 dc, 8 ch]<br /><br />Rnd 11: ch 1, hdc in each dc and 5 hdc in each corner, join with sl st in beg ch. Finish off.<br /><br /><br />Thanks to BlogStarr for her awesome test crocheting skills! Although this pattern has been tested, should you find an error, please email me or message me in Ravelry.<br /><br />This pattern is free, but should not be distributed by anyone without my permission. Please feel free to make as many of these as you like for local craft fairs, auctions, raffles, etc., but please do not sell finished items online without my permission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me via email at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com or through my Ravelry ID redcurlysue. Thank you!<br /><br />Created by Melissa Dalton aka redcurlysue © 2011RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-68678211529371443772011-02-07T22:36:00.006-05:002011-02-07T23:59:22.228-05:00Diamondhead Hat (my first published crochet pattern!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UvcvFn9AO7NFt0-Ejkde2nosjNvZ46XX6XEf_np_D8ae9EnRtfmO_VhBEmF-N0vl6_vjtXwVYqQh2e2DTrJmLrmHdG_wNMnVimPn8XNOb376CUsbf1H-mLEOnSpDEtQ7gjzapb4z6VI/s1600/DiamondheadHat_2.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UvcvFn9AO7NFt0-Ejkde2nosjNvZ46XX6XEf_np_D8ae9EnRtfmO_VhBEmF-N0vl6_vjtXwVYqQh2e2DTrJmLrmHdG_wNMnVimPn8XNOb376CUsbf1H-mLEOnSpDEtQ7gjzapb4z6VI/s320/DiamondheadHat_2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571161475668165778" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, here it is! My first published crochet pattern! Well, self-published anyway. Enjoy!<br /><br />I really enjoyed making the hat after being inspired by one of my favorite designers, Anastacia Zittel. You can check out her beautiful designs on her <a href="http://crazycraftercatlady.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default">blog</a> or on her Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/anastacia-zittel">designer profile</a>. I test crocheted her Xcellent Scarf and immediately wanted to design a matching hat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To request a PDF of this pattern, please email me at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com.</span><br /><br />Supplies needed:<br />Hook: US I / 5.5mm or size necessary to meet gauge<br />Any worsted weight yarn (Pound of Love Denim used in photos)<br />Yarn needle<br />Stitch markers, if desired<br /><br />Terms:<br />ch = chain<br />dc = double crochet<br />sl st = slip stitch<br />sk = skip<br />p = picot (ch 3 then sl st into 3rd ch from hook [aka beg ch])<br /><br />Gauge: 3 ½” across (diameter) after 1st 3 rounds (for large child/small adult size hat)<br /><br />Ch 3 (or, if you prefer, start with a magic ring/circle or join to make a circle)<br /><br />Rnd 1:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>12 dc in 1st ch of beg ch, join with sl st in 1st dc. (12 dc)<br /><br />Rnd 2:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, sl st in 1st dc. (24 dc)<br /><br />Rnd 3: ch 2, 1 dc in same st, (2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc) 15 times, 2 dc in last dc, join with sl st in 1st dc (36 dc)<br /><br />Begin diamond-shaped filet<br />Rnd 4: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, *dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * 4 times, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 6 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 5: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 6 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 2 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 6: sl st in next 2 dc, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, repeat from * 4 times, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 12ch)<br /><br />Rnd 7: sl st into ch sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, ch1, dc in next ch sp, repeat from * 4 more times, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, ch1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 8: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 4 dc, *dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, repeat from * 4 times, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 9: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 4 dc, *ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 5 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 10: sl st into next dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 11: sl st into next dc, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, repeat from * 4 times, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 12: sl st into next ch sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 7 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, dc in ch sp, repeat from * 4 more times, dc in next 7 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (54 dc, 6 ch)<br /><br />Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each dc and ch sp, join with sl st in 1st dc (60 dc)<br /><br />Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each dc, join with sl st in 1st dc (60 dc)<br /><br />Rnd 15: ch 1, sc in each dc, join with sl st in 1st sc (60 sc)<br /><br />Rnd 16: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 3 st, *p, sc in next 5 sc, repeat from * 10 times, p, sc in next sc, join with sl st in 1st sc. (60 sc, 12 p) Finish off.<br /><br />Thanks to gumby28, bjlark63, BlogStarr, anastaciaknits, honeystalks, NokturnalKnyts, and snapdragon928 for their awesome test crocheting skills!<br /><br />This pattern is free, but should not be distributed by anyone without my permission. Please feel free to make as many of these as you like for local craft fairs, auctions, raffles, etc., but please do not sell finished items online without my permission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me via email at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com or through my Ravelry ID redcurlysue. Thank you!<br /><br />Created by Melissa Dalton aka redcurlysue © 2011RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-26520370656579803182010-08-19T13:09:00.003-04:002010-08-19T13:54:47.308-04:00Mothers and daughters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I3si_DGE5fsSMUHTLpag72tefLq4OXEtKZXJAMAkhc7WbVQkGnB_6Gl-rHrQc_Fxlzt8ShGG7s4j7nCsX2RuZzwGiiWTDGHsw7UHhA45N9MIpV4O3_TJ2jA4_fVgISjR2IPW74GAte0/s1600/MottFamilyPortrait1974.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I3si_DGE5fsSMUHTLpag72tefLq4OXEtKZXJAMAkhc7WbVQkGnB_6Gl-rHrQc_Fxlzt8ShGG7s4j7nCsX2RuZzwGiiWTDGHsw7UHhA45N9MIpV4O3_TJ2jA4_fVgISjR2IPW74GAte0/s200/MottFamilyPortrait1974.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507180861024239186" border="0" /></a><br />I have been thinking about my mom a lot lately, so much so that you would think its almost Mother's Day! Well, her birthday <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> just around the corner, so I do have that excuse. Regardless, she has been on my mind frequently, so I wanted to take a moment to say how grateful I am to have such a wonderful mother. She has stood beside me through thick and thin. She has loved me when most wouldn't. She has believed in me when most haven't. But most of all, she has been a pillar of strength and love whenever I've needed her, even when I didn't know I needed her. If I can be at least half the mother she has been to me, then I know I have done my best for my daughters.<br /><br />There is a special bond most mothers and daughters share that cannot necessarily be explained, but exists nonetheless. And I have seen this bond first hand with my mother, with my children, and with the other mothers and daughters in my life. This bond is not tied to blood, but rather to the actions and relationships developed between woman and girl. So I ask you this, what is your definition of a mother? What does mother mean to you?<br /><br />Now, I will be the first to admit that my mother is human, as am I. But to me, my mother is a super (reference to The Incredibles. If you haven't seen it, you need to). With that, I leave you with a cute picture and a lovely poem:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mothers and Daughters</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Anonymous</span><br /><br />You can see it in their eyes,<br />in tender hugs and long good-byes,<br />a love that only moms and daughters know.<br /><br />You can see it in their smiles,<br />through passing years and changing styles,<br />a friendship that continually seems to grow.<br /><br />You can see it in their lives,<br />the joy each one of them derives,<br />in just knowing that the other one is there...<br /><br />To care and to understand,<br />lend an ear or hold a hand,<br />and to celebrate the memories they share.<br /><br /></div>RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-63356475738002205632010-08-13T23:57:00.003-04:002010-08-14T01:12:14.229-04:00Have Mixer, Will BakeI recently received the best back-to-school gift (or maybe it was a graduation gift) from my parents (yes, after all these years, my parents are still buying me back-to-school items) - a <a href="http://www.sunbeam.com/ProductDetail.aspx?section=kitchen&pid=607">Sunbeam Mixmaster</a> stand mixer! No, its not a Kitchenaid (those are a little too pricey at this time), but it has a lot of power, which is just what I need. You see, I jammed the beater connection on my Black & Decker hand-held mixer during my second <a href="http://www.wilton.com/classes/">Wilton Cake Decorating</a> class, <a href="http://www.wilton.com/classes/gum-paste-and-fondant.cfm"></a><a href="http://www.wilton.com/classes/flowers-cake-design.cfm">Flowers and Cake Design</a>. It made it through all my previous batches of buttercream icing, but the royal icing was too much for it. And when I tried to use it with just one beater, the sound the motor made was, in a word, awful. So I made do with the icing I had left over, as well as borrowing from others (thanks <a href="http://starrzz.com/BlogStarr/">BlogStarr</a>!). My parents took pity on me (they usually do) when they found out, and this is what they sent home with me:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50324161@N02/4889487219/" title="New_Mixer by I'mHooked!, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4889487219_39759c493b_m.jpg" alt="New_Mixer" width="240" height="181" /></a><br /><br />So, here I am, up at all hours, finishing my cakes and icing for my Tiered Cakes Class tomorrow, and I am loving my mixer. Have mixer, will bake! Any special requests?<br /><br />Life's short. Eat dessert first!RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-57565071520960069832010-08-05T08:33:00.003-04:002010-08-05T09:13:38.174-04:00Let Them Eat Cake!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTy3uk5Fx0VN5t6XBvMMOcUEVoE5ct11RueNj_qJKLc9nRhUI4zNcdmIzsAlxLCbMqis7JdQK_wMBa_IMqrsx7sXhvmvpaRdE1yEcyOyHdlSc3kk0pNpHyjLGwQjy260OgUsOBIFQwUg/s1600/Mums_Butterfly_Garden_1.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTy3uk5Fx0VN5t6XBvMMOcUEVoE5ct11RueNj_qJKLc9nRhUI4zNcdmIzsAlxLCbMqis7JdQK_wMBa_IMqrsx7sXhvmvpaRdE1yEcyOyHdlSc3kk0pNpHyjLGwQjy260OgUsOBIFQwUg/s320/Mums_Butterfly_Garden_1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501912700480878274" border="0" /></a><br />This last Spring, my friend Christine (aka <a href="http://starrzz.com/BlogStarr/">BlogStarr</a>) and I started taking <a href="http://www.wilton.com/classes/">Wilton Cake Decorating classes</a> at her local <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a>. We have had great fun learning a new skill and our families have enjoyed devouring the fruits of our labor. That is, when they finally got to cut into the cakes we made. You see, after spending hours putting them together, it was nice to just enjoy the finished product. Our families, of course, had other plans. They wanted to eat the cakes immediately upon our return from class each week. It isn't that they didn't appreciate the beauty of the finished product. They just wanted to enjoy the taste as well! Unfortunately for them, saying "cake" a hundred times didn't help their cause any. In fact, it pushed the inevitable cake cutting out to a later date each time the word "cake" was uttered. I enjoyed sharing my masterpieces with them, honestly, but the constant asking/reminding grew quite irritating. So, instead of letting them consume the final product, I stewed and made them wait. Looking back, I know they weren't intentionally being irritating (well, except maybe one of them). They were just showing their appreciation. You see, if they didn't really like the cakes, they wouldn't want to eat them, now would they? So in the future, I say Let Them Eat Cake! Bon Appetit!RedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516769127279497797.post-57322564335624830332010-07-08T00:22:00.000-04:002010-07-08T01:02:31.352-04:00My Very First Post!At the behest of some of my very best friends, I have started a blog. I hope to fill it with useful information as well as entertaining anecdotes from my everyday, not-so-ordinary life. I also plan on posting pics of my various crafting/hobby endeavors. So, without further adieu, my first official blog is as follows:<br /><br />I am totally and thoroughly obsessed with crochet. Really. I never thought it would happen, but since Christine and I took it up after the first of the year, it has consumed a large number of hours of my life. Laundry has gone unwashed. Kids and hubby have had to wait longer than necessary for dinner, and I have stayed up until all hours of the night working on and/or researching projects. What can I say? I LOVE IT! It is challenging, relaxing, time consuming, and provides a great feeling of fulfillment, especially when I complete a project (or, at a minimum, figure out a complicated stitch).<br /><br />I am a member of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a>, an online social network for handcrafts and fibers, and have recently joined an exchange group that will allow me to share my work in 12-inch squares with 12 other enthusiasts. I have made a number of bags and hats for my kids and was recently asked to make a baby blanket for one of my mother's employees who gave birth to a preemie baby girl. My mother is a hard sell on any hobby she is not interested in, so you can imagine the rush I got when she expressed her appreciation for the quality of work I had produced. Its funny how her approval still means so much to me after all these years.<br /><br />So, as you may have guessed by now, a great many of my blogs are likely to be about crochet. But rest assured, I will also grace you with humorous anecdotes from my crazy life, as well as dish unsolicited advice about various things like parenting, employment, and friendship. I look forward to sharing and hope you do, too!<br /><br />Until my next post,<br />Live Laugh LoveRedCurlySuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06995909399306475941noreply@blogger.com0