The 2015 Gift-A-Long is almost here!

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The 2015 Gift-A-Long (GAL) is almost here!

This is the third year for the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long and I’m so excited for it to begin.  Every year has been a lot of fun and this year, it is bigger than ever and guaranteed not to disappoint.

What is Gift-A-Long? It’s a multi-designer promotion to help you kick your holiday gift-making into high gear!

Basically, 335 indie designers of knit and crochet patterns, have banded together to support each other and help everyone get their holiday to-do list done while having a lot of fun and possibly winning patterns and yarn and kits and lots of other fiber finds.

There is an amazing stats page you can find here: Indie GAL Stats!
#giftalong2015In a nutshell there are:
335 designers from 30 countries.
Over 150 donated physical prizes, and more coming in…
Over 2,300 digital prizes (patterns!)

There are almost 16,000 patterns to knit or crochet that will make you eligible to win one (or more) of the fabulous prizes.  Of the almost 16,000 patterns, 5,065 of them will be on SALE for 25% off!  Yup! Big Savings so stock up on your favorites.  The sale runs from Thursday, November 19th at 8:00 pm US EST to Friday, November 27, 2015 at 11:59 pm US EST.

There will be Pinterest boards and Ravelry Bundles available to peruse for all the sale patterns.  Each designer has at least 5 and up to 20 patterns on sale. Once you get your sale pattern, check out the other patterns the designer offers.  All patterns are eligible for the KAL/CAL threads and all paid for patterns (self, or third party published) are eligible for prizes.  Did I mention the prizes??? Tons and tons of prizes but you gotta’ be in it to win!

Check the Ravelry group for more information.  And be sure to check my Facebook page as I will be featuring a GAL Crochet Pattern of the day, every day of the Gift-A-Long!

You can find all my GAL eligible patterns here: Crochet by Darleen Hopkins on Ravelry 

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, Early November Status

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Still working on busting out some stash…

As mentioned in my last post, things have been busy here.  So busy that I was three months late with that last post.  And, like many of you, late November and December are hectic for my family.  In anticipation of the upcoming overload of activities, I am getting some stash busting done ASAP to see if the goal of crocheting 5 pounds of yarn for charity can be achieved before year-end.

image_mediumAs of June, I had crocheted 3 pounds, 12.5 ounces into hats, a blanket and bears.  My current project should take a chunk out of the 5 pound goal!  In September I started a blanket for donation to a local nursing home.  I decided to use Beth Graham’s Inca Blocks Wrap pattern.  I’m working it with (mostly) Caron Simply Soft and it is turning out pretty cozy.  The pattern is easy to follow-I love the chart!  My goal is to finish the crocheting this week and then work on weaving in ends this weekend.

Once the blanket is done I plan to make some beanies for donation.  I’ll need to stash dive and see what I have that is on Halos of Hope’s updated yarn suggestion guide.  Check it out.   I also found out about another organization that collects hats for kids going through chemo therapy.  The organization is the Jessie Rees Foundation and they send out Joy Jars with a beanie in each.  The story behind the foundation is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  I’ve got something special in mind for Joy Jar beanies, so please look for that in the next week or two.

PatchworkKitty-001

Hot pad crochet pattern. Christmas candy, gingerbread man and snowman

Summer 2015 Wrap Up

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Better late than never…

Wow, you know you are a little behind in posting blogs when you find one from -3 MONTHS AGO-that was never finalized and posted.  Well, here it is, a little late and a little out of season.  I’ll try to be a little more timely with the next one!!

August 2, 2015
It seems so odd to me to be thinking that summer is almost over on August 2, but it is; summer vacation anyway.  I’ve lived in Georgia 18 years now and I still haven’t gotten used to kids starting school in early August.  But we have open house tomorrow and the first day of school starts on Thursday.  My oldest has already started his high school marching band practices (Nov. 1 UPDATE: one football game left in the season) and I’ve had my youngest “training” for middle school cross-country all summer.  The first meet is just 3 weeks from tomorrow! (Nov. 1 UPDATE: He has completed his cross-country season and won the Coach’s award for being a good example and having a positive attitude! So proud of him!) Our summer has been busy with a nice family vacation, some friends over for sleepover parties, a camp here and there, getting wisdom teeth removed for one child and the other getting braces, and teaching the oldest to drive (wow!).  With all this, I did manage to squeeze in a little crochet time.

Hot pad crochet pattern. Christmas candy, gingerbread man and snowmanOwl crochet pattern amigurumi by Darleen Hopkins

In May the Peppermint Pals Hot Pad set was released and I was very excited to complete my charity lapghan for donation to the local nursing home in May as well.

Shawl-Moxie Crochet PatternShells of Love crochet baby blanket

June was a little quiet while I worked on a hat for Halos of Hope but July was BUSY! The Owl Always Love You amigurumi pattern was released in July as was my 4th shawl, Moxie. In addition, the Shells of Love baby blanket pattern was updated. Phew! July was a busy, busy month.

Yesterday, August 1, I posted a holiday stocking pattern for testing and hope to have it available by September 1. (Nov. 1 UPDATE: It is now available!)  It is hard to think of Christmas when the summer bugs are still singing but the holidays will be here in just a few short months.

The two months of no school and my adjusted work schedule have been nice but I am looking forward to the routines that the school year brings us.  I’m always sad when the summer bugs (the singing ones, not the biting ones) go away.  I love listening to them while I crochet on my back porch.

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, June Update

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A Birthday Hat for Halos of Hope

Countryside Slouchy crocheted for Halos of Hope, chemo donationPat with 12 Months = 24 Hats  is so sweet.  My birthday was last month and she surprised me with a gift pattern, The Countryside Slouchy.  This hat has a unique style and is one I had not yet made.  It is always fun to try something new and I enjoyed making this hat.  Thanks Pat!!!!

Click on the hat and it will bring you to my Ravelry project page to see more photos.

This hat weighs 3.25 ounces.

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 10

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 3 pounds, 12.5 ounces!

Black Raspberry Shawl Crochet Pattern by Darleen Hopkins

Lapghan crocheted with scraps made for donation #CbyDH

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, May Update

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Scrap Lapghan!

Lapghan crocheted with scraps made for donation #CbyDHEach November the local Wal-Mart hosts a couple giving trees for charitable organizations that support local kids in need as well as seniors living in the local assisted living center.  Paper ornaments are hung with holiday wishes of the individuals served by the organizations.  Every year I fulfill a child’s wish and purchase something from the store for them.  And every year I notice a senior wishing for a warm lapghan and I think to myself, “Darn it, I don’t have time to make one.”  So this year I was determined to plan ahead and make a lapghan or two in advance.  This is my first and it will be donated this coming November.

While doing research for the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle series, I came across a new-to-me concept for using up small scraps called Magic Balls.  I thought this was a fantastic idea. I  gathered up a number of unused squares and scraps from when I designed the Patchwork Kitty Blanket and made three magic balls with the smaller scraps.  Working in the left-over squares with a version of the Nighty Night Baby Blanket I was able to finish a 30″ X 36″ lapghan.   Phew, that was a lot of ends to work in!!

The blanket weighs 1 pound, 3 ounces.

Yarn scraps for magic ball

The scraps before!!! What a mess 🙂

Magic balls of yarn made with yarn scraps

Magic balls of yarn made with yarn scraps.

 

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 9

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total lapghans made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 1

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 3 pounds, 9.25 ounces!

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, Sneaking in One More for April

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One more for April, 2015!

Purple Fuzz chemo hat for donation, Halos of Hope

While gathering up my collection of hats to mail to Halos of Hope I found this hat that was 90% done.  I had started it in February while I worked up the pattern for the orange furry wig.  I didn’t have enough yarn so I had to turn it into a beanie.  At some point I set it aside and completely forgot about it.  It is a whole ‘lotta Purple Fuzz!  The furry wig pattern is still on my to-do list and I have more furry yarn in stash to work with.

This hat weighs 3.25 ounces.

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 10

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 2 pounds, 6.25 ounces!

15 hats ready to mail to Halos of Hope

15 hats ready to mail to Halos of Hope

 

Whispers, Crochet by Darleen Hopkins http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whispers-shawl-shawlette-or-scarf

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, End of April Update

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Three More Hats for Halos of Hope

Halos of Hope chemo hat for donation, crochetPat with 12 Months = 24 Hats challenged me this past month with who could make the most hats during the month.  The winner gets 2 skeins of cotton yarn.  I started out strong and completed 2 hats in the first week.  But the month became busier for me and I was only able to complete 3 more in last couple of weeks.  Overall, 5 hats in one month is pretty great and I’m pleased with my progress.  I’m anxious to see how many Pat completed and if she’ll be sending me yarn or if I’ll be sending some to her! Of course, the real winner is Halos of Hope as all hats will be donated to them.

Halos of Hope chemo hat for donation, Big Kahuna crochet pattern The first hat is a pattern from the April issue of ILikeCrochet.com.  It is the Darling Baby Hat made in the largest size.  I used some organic cotton yarn I have had for a while and love it.  The flower is attached with a safety-pin so it can be moved or removed for washing.

Big Kahuna crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins. Made for Halos of Hoe chemo hat donationThe next hat is a Big Kahuna made with Bernat Handicrafter CottonTwists.  I LOVE the bright pinks!

Beanie crocheted by Darleen Hopkins for Halos of Hope donation, chemo hatThe last hat is a random striped basic beanie.  I didn’t follow a pattern.  I just grouped together some small balls of leftover cotton/acrylic blend yarn that I thought looked nice together and started crocheting.  I like the way it turned out but it was A LOT of ends to work in.

It was a lot of fun to “compete” with Pat this month.  I can’t wait to see how many she finished!!  Did she beat 5???

These three hats weigh 8.75 ounces.

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 9

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 2 pounds, 3 ounces!

Black Raspberry Shawl Crochet Pattern by Darleen Hopkins

Crocheted Wee Bears for Team Lewis

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, Mid April Update

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More Crocheted Bears

Crocheted Wee Bears for Team Lewis

6 Wee Bears for Team Lewis ready to mail!

Wee bear for Team Lewis crochted in cotton/acrylic blendscrocheted bears for Team Lewis, used Sugar 'n Cream ombre and a solid lavendarThree more bears for Team Lewis.  The striped matching bears are made with alternating rows of Sugar ‘n Cream ombre and a solid lavender.  This yarn was given to me by very generous crocheter (Read more!)  The pink striped bear was made as the sibling to the blue striped bear I posted last week.  I used a couple different brands of cotton/acrylic blend yarn for her and she is super soft!

The bears are a lot of fun to make. I’m honored to be able to help out this group and I hope the bears can bring some comfort to those who are going through the worst thing imaginable. The  three bears weigh 5.75 ounces-before stuffing!

Team Lewis is a sweet organization, please check it out.

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 1 pound, 10.25 ounces!

Sunny Days Baby Mobile crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

Time for Spring, April 2015

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Springtime Crochet

Spring was late to north Georgia this year but when it finally did arrive, it brought the beautiful and bright colors of the springtime flowers.  First the sunny yellow daffodils, then the bright purple pink of the redbud trees and the sweet purple of vinca.  Currently the white and pink dogwoods are in bloom and azaleas in many shades of pink to red and white are starting to show their colors too. Of course the new green leaves are popping out and to the dismay of many, the light green of pine pollen covers just about everything in sight.  It is because of the pine pollen that I am always happy to see April showers.  Springtime is beautiful and colorful and often wet.

I finally had a chance to peruse the latest issue of ILikeCrochet.com, April 2015.  And just like the colors Mother Nature brings us in the spring, this issue is full of gorgeous and bright patterns and projects to bring a little springtime to everyone, even if nature is a little late.  From the bright Flower Power Throw on the cover to one of my favorites, the Retro Flower Cushion (adorable!). Blooms abound on hats, bags and in the lace of shawls, wraps and tops.  There are some wonderful gift ideas for new baby and Mother’s day.

Sunny Days Baby Mobile crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins #CbyDH

photo courtesy of ILikeCrochet.com

And because we are always thankful for April showers that not only bring May flowers but clear the pine pollen from the air and the cars, the Sunny Days baby mobile would make a great gift to any expectant parent.  I just had to give a shout out to my design. 🙂

I’ve already started a Darling Baby Hat in extra large as one of the hats for my 2015 Stash Bust Challenge.  What will your first project be?

2015 Stash Bust for Charity, Early April Update

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Bears and Hats and Hats and Bears

Cubed Hat, Relaxed Beanie crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins with adjusted stripingchemo crochet beanie for halos of hope - Cubed Hat, Relaxed Beanie crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins with adjusted stripingThe Cubed Hat with alternate striping.—–>

This past week my boys been on spring break so we decided to take a quick road trip to Tennessee and Alabama.  The road trip was fun and we saw some great sites.  Raccoon Mountain, Cathedral Caverns, Russell Cave National Monument and Little River Canyon National Preserve.   Whenever we road trip my husband does most of the driving.  This gives me lots of crochet time.  This is good because  as mentioned in my last post, Pat, with 12 months = 24 hats challenged me to hat-off.  We are competing to see who can make more hats for Halos of Hope this month.  In addition to hats, I’m making bears for Team Lewis.  Lots to crochet in April!

Relaxed Beanie Cubed Hat Crochet, crochet pattern by Darleen Hopkins Cubed Hat Relax Beanie Halos of Hope, crochet pattern by Darleen HopkinsI decided to make a Cubed Hat as my first hat for this challenge as my husband wears his Cubed Super Slouchy a lot and I thought it would be nice to make one for donation.  Halos of Hope always seems to need hats for men.  My intent was to make a Cubed Hat, Super Slouchy but apparently I picked up the pattern for the Cubed Hat, Relaxed Beanie!  Whoops!  About 80% into the hat I realized I was making a beanie.  Oh well. The good thing about this error was I had enough green yarn to make a second beanie.   I used the same pattern but adjusted the striping.  My husband really liked the color combination so it looks like I’ll be making him one as well.

teddy-bears-team-lewis crocheted bear for Team LewisThe bears are a lot of fun to make.  Team Lewis is a sweet organization, please check it out.

It’s been a busy month so far!  The two hats and three bears weigh 12.25 ounces.

Total hats made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 6

Total bears made in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 3

Total weight of yarn used in the 2015 Stash Bust Challenge to date: 1 pound, 4.5 ounces!