What a month-lots of miles and lots of new patterns

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Road Trip and New Patterns – June, 2016

Last month was busy, very busy; both in crochet and personally.   My family and I took a 13 day road trip.  My husband’s goal is to have my boys see the US.  So far, we have been to 46 states!  Last month we drove from Georgia to as far west as Las Vegas.    The trip consisted of sites of such extremes, from the massive natural beauty of The Grand Canyon, to the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam, to the paleontological with preserved prehistoric dinosaur footprints, to the astronomical with the Meteor Crater in Winslow, AZ.  (I can’t read, “Winslow, AZ” without singing “The Eagles, Take it Easy” in my head!)  The trip was amazing and exhausting.  We drove 5,291 miles.  My husband drove the entire time and because the driver is in charge of the radio, we listen to RUSH, the entire time.  That’s OK, the boys and I are fans too.

slot canyons escalante UTThe trip was exhausting.  It. Was. Exhausting.  We got up early to avoid the heat and pushed ourselves with many hikes.  We hiked The Narrows at Zion national park, hiked for hours at Bryce Canyon national park, hiked at 6am to avoid the 110 degree weather at Arches national park.  Even that early it was hot.  And we spent a few hours in the heat exploring the slot canyons in Escalante, UT.  This was probably my favorite hike of the entire trip.  It’s hard to compete with Zion and Bryce.  But my husband and I had been to Zion and Bryce 17 years earlier so the slot canyons were a new experience for us.  And the boys loved it too.  And every muscle in my body hurt after.  Even muscles I didn’t know I had hurt.

Because this trip was exhausting, extremely enjoyable, but exhausting-did I mention that?-I didn’t crochet too much.  I had big plans.  I brought yarn to make a number of hats for donation.  I brought yarn to work on a new design for a fall decoration and I brought yarn to finish up a sample for another design that was 99% ready to go.  I did finish up the sample and was excited to publish Arnie and Annie, Baby Alien Loveys when we returned home.  The rest of the yarn just went on a very long road trip and returned back home unused.

In addition to Arnie and Annie, Baby Alien Loveys, last month I was able to self-publish The Littlest Ladybug, Bib and Rattle set, #familyfun, Tic-Tac-Toe travel game and Blue Rivers Hat.

PHEW!  I need to spend July resting.

AlienLoveysWebsiteBanner

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Christmas in July – Whoo Hoo!

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It is Christmas in July Time!

Christmas in July crochet pattern saleMy youngest son loves going to thrift stores with me.  We have purchased some silly stuff and some useful stuff and some fun stuff at thrift stores.  We both love the adventure of looking around and finding something unique.  So much of what we see in retail stores is the same.  I guess this is why I, like many others, enjoy crocheting.  We are making a one of a kind item, something you won’t see at Target or Kohl’s or the outlet mall.  Much of my house is decorated with thrift store treasures.

My youngest son also loves the nutcracker decorations that come out during the winter holidays.  We have a small collection (some previously purchased at thrift stores!)  When he was real little, he would line the nutcrackers up like opposing armies in battle formation or marching.  So when we walked into the store and saw a 15″ nutcracker for sale he was really excited.  Initially I was hesitant because I try to avoid having too many knick-knacks and such in the house.  I’ve been called an “anti-hoarder” before.  And my other nutcrackers are more traditional yet this nutcracker was golf themed.  But, he made a convincing argument.  He said, “Look.  It’s wearing a knitted sweater”.  Yeah, I couldn’t argue with that.  We had to get him.  Besides, it’s Christmas in July time!

Hot Pads Snowman Gingerbread Man Peppermint Facebook

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Repurposed Crib for Yarn Storage

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Re-purposed Crib Yarn Storage

yarn storage out of repurposed crib #CbyDH

Crib re-purposed into beautiful yarn storage.

About a year ago, I picked up a used crib.  I had asked the manager at a local thrift store to please let me know if she received a crib that she couldn’t resell as I was looking for one to use as a photo prop.  She called me a few weeks later letting me know she had a crib and a changing table.  She couldn’t sell them because they were recalled.  Since I didn’t plan to use them for a baby she said if I was interested she would let me have them for $10.  SOLD!

 

Shells of Love crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Changing table saved from the trash.

I was super excited.  Right away I painted the changing table white and used it for photos and for storage when I wasn’t using it as a prop. Because the changing table worked so well both as a prop and for storage, I decided I didn’t need the crib after all.  It spent some time on my covered porch while I tried to determine if I could/would ever use it.  When I finally decided I did not need it I recycled the metal springs and posted the wood pieces for re-purposing.  I couldn’t bring myself to toss them in the trash as they were in good shape.  When nobody responded, I put them under the porch and thought I’d try again in a few weeks.  Then this morning, while taking a shower, I had a EUREKA moment; use the crib slats as yarn storage.  It was so simple and so awesome!  Originally I wanted to hang the slats.  I also thought I needed spacers between it and the wall.  But when I started filling the slats up with yarn to see if it would really work I realized I didn’t need any of that.  Propping it up against the wall is perfect!  Easy-Peasy.  The room has carpeting in it so it shouldn’t slide at all.  AND the crib has another piece just like this!!  I plan to pull out the other one, clean it up and fill it up with more of my yarn stash!  I know I have enough.  One day I will work through all this stash…one day.

 

 

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The Potholders Have Arrived!

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YIPPEE!  They arrived!  The packaged didn’t even make it to the house before I ripped it opened.  And they are gorgeous!  In May I posted about a crochet potholder swap  (Post 1 and Post 2) and I’m super excited to share with you the three beautiful potholders I received in the swap.  I can’t wait for the next one 🙂

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The round purple/teal was crocheted by Sybil. The pattern is called Disc Disc.

The lavender and white was crocheted by Linda. The pattern is Vintage Climbing Trellis Hexagon.

The dusty red and indigo was crocheted by Linda. The pattern is an Ornamental African Flower Potholder!

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crocheted scarf pattern, del mar, by Darleen Hopkins

New Pattern Alert! del mar Scarf, crochet

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https://crochetbydarleenhopkins.com/patterns/scarf-del-mar/

I’m super excited to share the latest #CbyDH  pattern! The del mar Scarf. The crochet pattern is pretty easy.  There is one tricky part where one motif ends and another begins (all worked in one piece, seamlessly!) but the scarf is charted so if you get a little confused, you can always refer to the chart.  After you make a couple motifs you won’t even need the pattern, it is that easy!

Did you know? del mar is Spanish for “from the sea” or “of the sea”.

Pattern information can be found here: The del mar Scarf

And, like all my patterns, the del mar Scarf is included in the Crochet by Darleen Hopkins Buy 2 Patterns, Get a 3rd for FREE! sale on Ravelry. No coupon needed.

Black Raspberry Shawl Crochet Pattern by Darleen Hopkins

Crochet Potholder Swap!

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Potholder swap 1 WEB

First completed potholder for the swap!

I’ve always loved potholder patterns.  There are so many cute, silly and fun patterns available.   I have a lot of crocheted potholders.  They were my first crochet projects.   It was a great way to perfect my tension.  But because they were so simple, they are plain and not at all exciting and are showing some wear.  I’ve had them for about 10 years now.    So when I heard about a potholder swap, I was super excited.

I’ve never participated in any swaps before and have always been curious about them.   I’ve learned that you make the item then mail it along with return postage to whomever the organizer of the swap may be.  She (or he) sorts them all and mails you an item made by another person.  For this swap we are each making three potholders of the same pattern.  The colors can vary but the pattern is to be consistent.  Then, we will receive back three potholders made by three different people!  I think it will be awesome to see the work of others.

I had a heck of a time deciding on which pattern to use.  I was tempted to go whimsical.  Many of my bib patterns could easily be converted to potholders and I was really leaning toward making three pigs (three little pigs, get it?)  But then I saw this Granny Stitch Potholder pattern by Recycle Cindy.  I thought it was adorable and genius in its simplicity.   And I’m really into grannies lately as I’m working on three different pattern designs that incorporate granny squares.  So, the combination of this cute potholder pattern with my quest to work from stash and I quickly became hooked (sorry, no pun intended).

So far I’ve completed one potholder.  Each one is using up a lot of scraps, which is great but results in a ton of ends to weave in.  My goal is to get them in the mail this weekend.  I have a lot of weaving and crocheting to do to in order to finish!

Are you interested in participating?  Check out the Ravelry group here: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/2016-potholder-swap

hotpadsHot Pads-Peppermint Pals, Snowman and Gingerbread Man

New Pattern Alert! The Modern Tote

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New #CbyDH Pattern Alert! The Modern Tote is now available!

crochet pattern for a bog. The Modern Tote by Darleen HopkinsAn easy and versatile tote bag for you to make. Use yours as a gym bag, a project bag, a take my lunch and other necessities to work bag, a book bag, a beach bag, a large purse, or make yours in thinner yarn for a smaller purse. Whatever purpose it is made for, it will look fantastic. Pattern is written for heavy worsted/aran weight but it can be made in any weight yarn. Your bag will vary in size if you use different yarn.

Find out more about the pattern here: The Modern Tote

Modern Tote Bag crocheted by Jean, crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Crocheted by Jean!

And check out these awesome totes made by some awesome pattern testers!  Interested in testing patterns?  Read this post, How to be a Crochet Pattern Tester.

Modern Tote Bag crocheted by Amanda, crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Crocheted by Amanda!

Modern Tote bag crocheted by Sharon, crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Crocheted by Sharon!

Modern Tote bag crocheted by Erika, crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Crocheted by Ericka!

Modern Tote bag crocheted by Gina, Crochet Pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Crocheted by Gina!

Modern Tote bag crochet pattern in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice. Pattern by Darleen Hopkins

I was so inspired by the testers that I made a second tote for myself! Crocheted in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice.

Crochet Pattrn for Kitty Cat Throw Blanket

The story behind the Baby Kitty, Patchwork Throw Blanket Crochet Pattern

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The Baby Kitty Blanket

BabyKitty Halloween

Josh, dressed as a kitty for Halloween. He’s showing me his tail with his right hand and you can see Baby in his left.

Some people are dog people, some are cat people.  I’m a cat person.  I’ve had a cat for most of my life so it wasn’t much of a surprise that my youngest son, Josh, loved kitties too.  When he was about three years old, my mother bought him a beanie type stuffed kitty.   The kitty was named “Baby” and Josh carried her around everywhere.  At night I had to wrap Baby in a blue cotton blanket.  She had to be wrapped really tight, rolled up in the middle with just her head popping out.   Baby went on many adventures and very quickly became one of many stuffed kitties that had to be in bed at night with Josh.  But Baby was always his favorite and always the one to be wrapped up extra special.   Like all sweet little boys, Josh has grown and is turning into an amazing young man (14 just last month!) and the kitties have been replaced with things like an iPad and XBox.

Baby Kitty throw blanket crochet pattern by Darleen HopkinsA few years ago I was working on a new method for a blanket design, Made with Love, Patchwork Heart Baby Blanket.   When I was drawing it out, Josh watched me.  After a few minutes he said I should make a kitty blanket.  He said I should make it like the heart blanket, but a kitty.  It took me a while but I did design that kitty blanket.  Josh helped me a lot.  He worked with me on the preliminary drawings.  He helped me pick the right colors for both the kitty, blacks and grays of course, just like Baby, and the background, blue of course! And he helped me arrange the squares to avoid the placement of identical colors next to each other.  The child is a puzzle whiz and his help was greatly appreciated!  The naming of the pattern was easy, Baby Kitty.

This blanket has so many memories stitched into it.  Not only the precious memories of Josh’s suggestion and help, but I made most of the squares while on a family road trip.  It was a wonderful family adventure of which the blanket serves as a souvenir.  This blanket will be treasured forever, as will Baby, with her matted fur and scratched up eyes.  She is a sweet reminder of the past and of the sweet little boy who loved her.

In celebration of National Crochet Month and Crochetville’s Blog Tour, I’m giving away 5 copies of this pattern.  Find out more on how you can win a digital copy on my Facebook Page.

PatchworkKitty-001

 

New Pattern Alert-Peek-a-Boo Lion Baby Blanket

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March-In Like a Lion

I remember, in either 1st or 2nd grade, an elementary teacher of mine having a huge calendar in her room.  Each month had a saying but the only one I really remember was March-In like a lion, out like a lamb.  I remember thinking it was really weird-how could a lion turn into a lamb??? and what does that have to do with March???  For whatever reason this saying stuck with me for many, many (many…) years.  So when it came time to publish my latest design, I thought the perfect day would March 1!  I’m pleased to announce that March 2016 is indeed, coming in like a lion.  A Peek-a-Boo Lion to be exact.

The Peek-a-Boo Lion Baby Blanket is now available!  Enjoy!!  and enjoy the rest of March!

And of course, is included in my Buy 2 Patterns, get a 3rd for FREE offer! No coupon needed and offered on my Ravelry site.  Shown below in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn.

Lion Baby Blanket crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins. Peek-a-Boo Lion #CbyDH

Shells of Love-001