Friday Features - headbands

I thought we would do things a little differently this week.  Rather than feature one designer, I thought I would feature a design type.  Since the weather here is warming up and today is the first day in about 10 days that it hasn't been rainy and overcast, I feel the need to pull my hair back and get out in the yard.  (Despite the fact that it is a clay, muddy mess!)  So this week the focus is on headbands!

Like this cutie from Cornflower Blue Studios called the Bow Headband.

(Image copyright Cornflower Blue Studios)

And keeping with the bow there is this one from Creative Yarn.  It is called the Headband with Bow 

(image copyright Creative Yarn)

I love this little crown/headband.  It would be perfect for Princess A's dress up box.  It is called the Wee Crown.  The pattern is in French I think, but if you scroll down it is also in English.

 image copyright DeeDeen Bird 

This one has beads, and rarely can you go wrong by adding beads!  It is called the V-Stitch Headband from Desperate Houselife.

image copyright Desperate Houselife

The final pattern this week is called the Linked Headband from  Crochet 'n Crafts.  It calls for size 3 thread but I imagine you could use two strands of bedspread weight cotton held together or sports/baby yarn instead.

image copyright Crochet 'n Crafts

Hope you found something to inspire you to pick up your hooks.  There are lots more patterns out there but so many of them involve flowers and I am trying to save those for next months June Blooms series so you will have to find those on your own if that is what you are looking for!

 

Until next time,

Wecipe Wednesday - Honey Almond Granola

I have a confession to make.  I have become a granola lover.  No, I am not a health nut and I won't sit here and tell you that it is a healthy breakfast, a tasty topping for yogurt and even ice cream.  Generally, granola is just yummy!

I have even turned my kids onto granola!  That is a HUGE thing, especially when little man HATES anything relatively healthy.  (Basically if it grows it is out of his diet, but if it bleeds it is in.)  Even he requests granola and yogurt for lunches.  And I figured that if I can get my kids to eat this stuff, maybe you might want to get your kids to eat it too.

I prefer to make my own because then I can control what goes in it.  Little man doesn't eat fruit in his so I can make a big batch and then divide it up so some has fruit and others do not.  You can also decide if you want more or less of one of the add ins, or even leave an add in completely out.  You can total control!  (With a 2 year old in my house sometimes it is nice to feel like I have control over something)  So here is my go to granola recipe:

 You will need:
3 cups rolled oats (not instant or 1 minute cooking) 
1 cup flaked coconut, unsweetened 
1/2 cup  honey 
1/4 cup wheat germ  
1/2 cup slivered almonds 
2 Tbsp unsalted butter (may substitute oil of your choice) 
1 tbsp vanilla

How to:
In a small pan mix the butter and honey.  Bring to a boil.  While this is warming mix everything else but the vanilla in a large baking dish.  Once honey mixture boils remove from heat and add vanilla.  Pour over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly.  Place in a preheated 300 degree oven.  Bake for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.  Allow to cool completely before eating.

You can add dried fruit after it comes out of the oven and you can add different nuts if you wish

Until next time,

Lazy Kitty

I used to think that my life was tiring sometimes.  Chasing the kids around the house, preparing 3 meals a day, cleaning, laundry, cleaning, laundry, crochet, let the dog outside, exercise, help with homework, volunteer work etc.  You know how it is, you've been there too. 

Then I saw this:

and I just knew that my life couldn't possibly be as taxing as it must be for my poor little kitty, Nibbler.  Seriously, how difficult must it be that she just falls asleep in such an unusual and probably uncomfortable position, knowing that as soon as H moves her little snooze is over.  Such a hard life.  I should count my blessings, and you should too!

Until next time,

Monday Musings

Just wanted to share Princess A's new dress.  Last year I fashioned a dress for her made from 2 bandanas and some ribbon that everyone seemed to love, so of course I had to make one this year too.  To be honest though I had wanted to make her one of those adorable dresses with the shirred top out of the bandanas but after much some trail and error I scrapped the idea and fell back on this standby:

The back is bare with the second bandana beginning at her waist.  It is elastic so it can grow with her.  The ties are also very long on her neck so she has room to grow there also.  All in all it is pretty simple to whip up and she loves them.  I love that they are lightweight, inexpensive to make, and look cute. 

I am also working on a cute project from Natalie Larson called the  Two Summer Sundress.  To the best of my knowledge it is only available as a Ravelry download, so if you aren't a member what are you waiting for?  This one has a knit bodice and material skirt.  I have it finished and hope to post pics of it later this week.

So what are you working on?

Until next time,

CAP's Crochet Feature Friday

This week I am featuring Cathy Phillips of CAP's Crochet.  She has a small little site that has about eight patterns available, but they are really nice patterns.  Check them out:

 I LOVE pink and grey together.  So combine that, with a new stitch that I had never heard of, and this one was a hit with me!  She calls this one more of a recipe than a pattern since it is primarily a repeat of the Snapdragon Stitch.  She doesn't name this one either, but you can find it here. 

 For me, this one is a must have! I love that it is light and airy with that femine flower on the front.  It is appropriately named the Bloomin' Bag. 

 This is the pattern that originally caught my eye.  I was looking for a summer-y hat for H to wear since she seems to love wearing hats.  Once at CAP's Crochet I just started roaming.  This is the Flared Shell Brimmed Hat.  She has another on the site also that is similar as well as modifications to this one to give it a different look. 

 I have a friend who is expecting a little boy in just a few months.  May have to make a run to the store and buy some yarn to start this blanket as a gift for her!  It is called the Color Blocked Stripes baby blanket. 

 Here is her Sweet Pea Tote Bag.  I have the perfect cone of yarn to make this one up.  Maybe H needs a new bag to back her school books in!

 This one is called the Stylin' Tote Bag.  I love the combination of green and yellow here.  She also shows one done in a solid color.

This is the Lacy V Market Bag.  I can also see this as an awesome beach bag if you aren't the type to make and bring your own bags with you to the market.  I like the rows of open lacy work. 

Hope you found something to inspire you for the weekend!

Until next time,