A good read

It's nice to know you're not alone sometimes!
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Crocodile stitch boots galore!

It all started with a post on Facebook asking for a pair of these slippers (Crocodile stitch boots by Bonita Designs) in late October.

I was willing to do it but I was at work, and before I could get in touch with the person who asked, someone else got to them first. That was fine by me,
I just thought it would be fun to try something new. Then someone else, we'll call her C,  messaged me and asked if I could make her 2 pairs for Christmas. I said ok, bought the pattern, and got to work in early November.

I had no sooner finished the first (multicolor) pair (on December 1st - my bday lol) and posted a pic when someone ELSE, we'll say J, messaged asking if I could make her 3 pairs for Christmas lol 

I said that unfortunately, I wasn't sure if I could do it for Christmas, as I was new to this pattern and didn't know if I'd have time - the first ones seemed to take forever, but I'd let her know. J asked if I could do 2 pairs, or even just 1. I felt bad but I had to say I'd get back to her. 

Apparently I got the hang of it because C's next (yellow) pair worked up a lot faster than the first - I started on December 3rd and finished them on the 13th.

On a side note - while I was working on C's yellow boots, my dog had puppies! So (with permission from C, of course) I snuck a puppy into a slipper and took a cute pic  :-D

So now I'm starting on not 1, but 2 pairs of child size boots for J lol For Christmas. Am I nuts? Lol  I started one pair last night (December 13th) and I'm almost half done  :-D  Wish me luck, and send me lots of cro-jo lol


Update Dec 17 - finished off one pair of kids' size boots, now starting the next.  
Pic added

Update Dec 22 - Finished second pair of boots, dropping them off to the customer tomorrow  :-D

Pic added

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Mum Made Me family to yours <3

An overshirt

My latest project.  The chart didn't specify a hook/yarn combo so I used what I had...apparently it was wrong because this shirt turned out to be dress sized lol  I got the chart from http://ideascaramelo.blogspot.ca/2010/08/ideas-con-filet_21.html?m=1

What a day!

So today was fun at work....lol  I was sick yesterday so I had 3 cake orders to do today on top of the baking that needed to be done.  The first cake (the yellow and blue one) wasn't so bad - the colours didn't want to get to the right shade, but it was ok.  The second one (the "spiritual" one) was a hassle because aparrently the store I just started working for doesn't actually sell full slab (16x24") cakes - so that meant we didn't have a big enough box, so I had to improvise by cutting down a bigger box that some cookies came in lol  Through all this I have the store manager coming by every half hour asking if I've started the third cake (with the picture of the big truck) because he has to explain (for the third time) exactly how they want it laid out - I guess I just didn't understand his drawn diagram or other two explinations.  Anywho - go to start on that and there's no chocolate cake!  I know I told my supervisor last week that I needed it.  Ah well, marble will have to do!  I'm just glad that day is over - now to start thinking about another custom order (a "torso" cake *wink, wink* lol)

Yummy crockpot bread

Time to share another of my favorite recipes!  This bread turns out nice and fluffy on the inside with a good crispy crust.  I love it!

Homemade Reese's peanut butter no-bake bars (or cups)



My aunt found this recipe (at http://www.iheartnaptime.net/no-bake-bars/) and made them last night.  Ohmygosh YUM!!  And so, SO easy!

All you need:
1 cup salted butter (melted)
2 cups keebler graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 (11 oz) bag milk chocolate chips

Measure everything out and then:
Combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a medium sized bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.  Pour peanut butter mixture into a 9x13 pan (or try paper-lined mini-muffin pans for reese's cups)  Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (at 50% power) for 1-2 minutes. Stir chocolate and pour over the peanut butter mixture. Spread chocolate with a spatula. To even out chocolate, tap pan on the counter.
Refrigerate for one hour.  Cut into bars (if not making cups) Enjoy!

Snowflake Necklace

 Snowflake Necklace

 

Pattern by Mum Made Me

PDF with tutorial pics available as free download on Ravelry

Materials

- <1 skein crochet thread (I used Aunt Lydia's "denim" quick crochet)

-  1.75mm (US 4, UK 2) steel crochet hook

- beads (optional)

Stitches used (US terminology used)

Ch - chain

Ss - slip stitch

Sc - single crochet

Dc - double crochet

Tc - triple crochet

Qc - quadruple crochet

Please note: If you are using beads they will need to be put on the thread in the opposite order you want them added to the necklace (diagram in PDF) before making your slip knot and beginning chain, sliding them down the thread as you work, until needed.  As you come to the ch 5 sp that will have the bead (indicated with an *), proceed as follows in place of ch 5: ch 2. Bring bead up thread to crochet hook. Ch 3. Continue with pattern. 

Ch 61

Row 1 - Skip 2 ch. Sc in next 2. DC in next 2. Tc in next 2. Leave remaining ch unworked. Center row created

Row 2 - Turn. Ch 6. Skip 2 tc and 1st dc. Sc in 2nd dc. Ch 4. Skip 2 sc. Sc in tip of center row. Ch 5. Sc in same st. Ch 4. Skip 2 sc. Sc in 1st dc. Ch 4

Row 3 - Skip dc, skip 2 tc, skip 2 ch. Turn. Join with ss to 3rd ch. (sc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 5*, 2 dc, ch 1, sc) in each ch sp around.  *(or ch 2, bring up bead, ch 3) in all but last ch 5 sp as desired
Row 4 - Turn. Ch 17. Skip 2 ch. Sc in next 2. Dc in next 2. Tc in next 2. Qc in next 2. Leave remaining ch unworked. Center row created

Row 5 - Turn. Ch 6. Skip 2 qc. Sc in 1st tc. Ch 4. Skip tc and dc. Sc in 2nd dc. Ch 4. Skip 2 sc. Sc in tip of center row. Ch 5. Sc in same st. Ch 4. Skip 2 sc. Sc in 1st dc. Ch 4. Skip dc and tc. Sc in 2nd tc. Ch 4

Row 6 - Turn. Join with ss to 3rd ch. (sc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 2, join with ss to last ch 5 sp of previous motif, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 1, sc) in 1st ch 4 sp. (sc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 5*, 2 dc, ch 1, sc) in each remaining ch sp around. *(or ch 2, bring up bead, ch 3) in all but first and last ch 5 sp as desired

Row 7 - Turn. Ch 15. Repeat rnd 1

Row 8 - Repeat row 2

Row 9 - Repeat row 6, using (ch 2, bring up bead, ch 3) to add beads in all but first ch 5 sp as desired Ch 50. Turn. Ss across to beginning ch. Fasten off and sew in ends

If you make this project and are on Ravelry please go to the following link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snowflake-necklace, click "hook it"at the top right of the page, and add your own pictures as you finish

 

This pattern is for personal use only and is not to be sold or redistributed. You are welcome to sell 

items made from this pattern, but do not claim it as your own design. Please credit http://www.facebook.com/mummademe and  http://www.ravelry.com/stores/mum­made­me in any publications ©MumMadeMe2012

Getting back into the swing of things

With all of the hiccups life has thrown at me lately, I have not crocheted anything in quite a while.  The other day, in one of the crochet groups I'm in, a pattern designer needed a new pattern tested.  I really miss crocheting, so I thought I'd give it a go!  So here it is - the first thing I've crocheted in a long time - the Sunny Days skirt, by Lily Girl Creations.  The testers were given free reign to do any colour combinations we wanted, so this is what I came up with.  Eventually I'll be finding a better ribbon that matches the flowers, but this will do for now 

 

 

This pattern is available on Ravelry for $4.99 and comes with instructions for ages 6 months - 10 years (although, some friends and I really wish there was an adult pattern too!).  It can be worked up in a couple of days, less if you just rally through it.  What's more, the designer Sarah was very helpful and quick to respond with any questions, which I greatly appreciated!  All in all, it was a great testing experience, and a nice way to get back into the swing of things.  Hopefully this will just be the first of many projects to come!



Nana Potatoes

I first tried this about a year ago when I went to my boyfriend's grandparents' house for dinner.  I loved it from bite one!!  I asked Grandma P where she got the recipe and she said that a friend had given it to her.  Of course, I asked if I could have a copy!  And now I'd like to share it with you.  And just for the record, this goes really well with Guess & By Gosh!

Nana Potatoes

from Grandma P's friend

You will need:

2 lbs frozen hash browns

Salt and pepper, to taste
1x10 oz. can Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. grated cheese
8 oz. sour cream (about 1 small container)
2 c. crushed Corn Flakes or crumbs (I even used crushed Cheerios!)
1/2 c. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350° c.  Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Place mixture in a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with Pam (or lightly greased).  Mix Corn Flakes with melted butter and spread on top of potato mixture.  Bake for 45 mins. 

This recipe freezes well before or after baking.  Just remember, if freezing before baking, you need to work quickly so the hash browns don't thaw too much.  If cooking from frozen cook at 350°c for 1 hour.





With Love - A "granny heart" graph (by Anna) converted to a written pattern

Hello all!  A while ago I saw a really cool looking chart being discussed in one of the crochet groups I'm in.  A couple of people weren't quite sure how to work it, and my curiosity was piqued.  I had actually never followed a chart before but for some reason, I just had to try this one. 

My "With Love" granny heart

It.  Was.  Great.  I'm in love with charts now!  But it got me thinking that maybe there are others who are missing out on some great projects, simply because they don't know how to read a chart.  I decided to find the creator of this particular chart and ask if I could convert it into a written pattern.

Guess what!  She said yes  :-D  *insert happy dance*  If this works out right, I might try to make chart conversions a regular feature on here  :-D  That's if I can find more awesome charts that don't already have written instructions to go with it....

Now on to the pattern.  The original chart by Anna can be found on her blog (in Hungarian with a few English translations) or on Ravelry.  If you make this I'd love to see it!  Go "hook it" on Ravelry, or post a link to your pic on the comments here.  I love your chart, Anna, and thank you so much for allowing me to do this!

The chart calls for 16 g cotton yarn and a 3.5 mm hook, but it works well with almost any yarn and corresponding hook size.  So - without further ado - I present:

With Love

a Granny Heart pattern

 



Terms used (American terminology)
Yo - yarn over
Ch - chain
Ss - slip stitch
Sc - single crochet (insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through both loops)
Dc - double crochet (yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, {yo, pull through 2 loops} twice)
Dc2tog - double crochet 2 together (yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through remaining 3 loops)
ch 1 sp - the space created by a chain 1 stitch
3 dc sp - the space in between 2 sets of 3 dc

Main square
Ch 3. Ss to beg ch to form ring (or use magic circle)
Rnd 1 - Ch 2 (counts as dc now and throughout pattern). 2 dc in ring. Ch 1. {3 dc in ring. Ch 1} 3 times. Ss to beg ch 2 to join. (12 dc)
Rnd 2 - Ch 2. 2 dc in last ch 1 sp. {(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp.}3 times. (3 dc, ch 1) in same ch 1 sp as beg ch 2.  Ss to beg ch 2 to join (24 dc)
Rnd 3 - Ch 2. 2 dc in last ch 1 sp.  3 dc in next 3 dc sp. {(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp}3 times, (3 dc, ch 1) in same ch 1 sp as beg ch 2. Ss to beg ch 2 to join (36 dc) 
Rnd 4 - Ch 2. 2 dc in last ch 1 sp.  3 dc in each 3 dc sp across. {(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. 3 dc in each 3 dc sp across}3 times, (3 dc, ch 1) in same ch 1 sp as beg ch 2. Ss to beg ch 2 to join (48 dc)
Rnd 5 - Ch 2. 2 dc in last ch 1 sp.  3 dc in each 3 dc sp across. {(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. 3 dc in each 3 dc sp across}3 times, (3 dc, ch 1) in same ch 1 sp as beg ch 2. Ss to beg ch 2 to join (60 dc)
Rnd 6 - Ch 2. 2 dc in last ch 1 sp.  3 dc in each 3 dc sp across. {(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. 3 dc in each 3 dc sp across}3 times, (3 dc, ch 1) in same ch 1 sp as beg ch 2. Ss to beg ch 2 to join (72 dc)

The rest of the pattern is worked in rows until written otherwise

 



Top left "bump"
Row 1 - Ch 2. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp and each 3 dc sp across.  Dc in ch 1 sp. (17 dc)
Row 2 - Ch 2. Turn. 2 dc in same sp. 3 dc in each 3 dc sp across, including last sp between 3 dc and beg ch 2  (18 dc)
Row 3 - Ch 2. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp and each 3 dc sp across. Dc in last dc (17 dc)
Row 4 - Ch 2. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp and each 3 dc sp across. Dc in last dc (14 dc)
Row 5 - Ch 2. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp and each 3 dc sp across. Dc in last dc (11 dc)
Row 6 - Ch 2. 3 dc in next 3 dc sp and each 3 dc sp across. Dc in last dc. Fasten off & cut (8 dc)

Top right "bump"
With RS facing, and Top left "bump" positioned at top left, join yarn with ss to right-most ch 1 sp of main square.  Repeat instructions for Top left "bump".  DO NOT CUT YARN

Boarder (worked in rounds)
Rnd 1 - Ch 1. Sc evenly around, working 2 sc when going down the side of a dc or ch 2, and work 2 sc in ch 1 sp at bottom of main square. Ss to ch 1 to join (97 sc)
Rnd 2 - working in between sts around - Ch 2. Dc in next 3. 2 dc in next. {dc in next 2. 2 dc in next} 3 times. Dc in next 3. Dc2tog. Dc in next 3. 2 dc in next. {dc in next 2. 2 dc in next} 3 times. Dc in next 7. 2 dc in next. {dc in next 2. 2 dc in next} 3 times. Dc in next 17. (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in bottom 2 sc sp. Dc in next 17. 2 dc in next. {dc in next 2. 2 dc in next} 3 times. Dc in next 3. Ss to beg ch 2 to join.  Fasten off and sew in ends (117 dc)

Have fun, and HAPPY HOOKING

Baby Steps - Going back to work after a year...

As some of you may know, I've been a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) for the last year or so.  As those same people probably know, the last year hasn't really been the best (at ALL - for info, see a previous post: An Update and A Thank You) and we're working through a pretty rough patch right now.  No work, no car, no money, no life, staying at my dad's house (thank you so much, daddy!), haven't been seeing my daughter very much (at ALL - and that's a WHOLE 'nother story!)...you get the idea.  Well, finally, the first step to smoothing things out is here!  :-D

A couple of days ago (Tuesday) I had an interview at 7-11.  The manager interviewing me (who's name is Lisa) was really nice, told me I had a very good resume (which made me feel SO awesome to hear!) and I just thought it generally went really well.  She said that she'd be running a security check that day, making up her mind on who to hire that night, and calling the next day to let me know.  Let me tell you, I didn't leave the phone's side at all yesterday (Wednesday), waiting to hear if I'd gotten the job or not!  The phone call didn't come yesterday, so I was a little worried, thinking maybe I hadn't been hired...and then this morning....RING, RING!  It was Lisa!

I'm so happy to say that my security check was perfect and I got the job!  I go in next Tuesday (the 16th) for paperwork and computer stuff  :-D  That being said, I'd like to stop for a sec to send out a HUGE thank you to my Aunty Jo for telling me about the position and for putting in a good word for me.  I'm sure she's a big part of why I got it.  Thank You Aunty!  <3 

It's only part time, but part time is better than no time.  That just gives me more incentive to bust my butt off and earn full time hours!  And to be honest - I actually kinda like working in a convenience store, so I don't think that will be too hard.  So now, I wait for Tuesday to come.  While I still have a lot of other bugs to work out and changes to make in my life, as they said in What About Bob? (a movie and quote that my Granny and I just LOVE) - Baby Steps!

Here's to the next baby step, and all those to follow

"Guess & By Gosh" Porkchops

While looking through cookbooks at my dad's house, I came across one from the local volunteer fire department.  In it I found a recipe of my Nana's (who passed away when I was 5, but I still have fond memories of her) called "Guess & By Gosh".  It's very simple, but very tastey - so I wanted to share with you all

Guess & By Gosh

by Vivian Whitehead

You will need:

4 med. sized pork chops

2x10 oz. cans Cream of Chicken soup

1/4 c. chopped onion

1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1x10 oz. can water

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350° c.  Brown pork chops in frying pan.  Mix together all remaining ingredients in a bowl.  Place pork chops in casserole dish.  Pour mixture over meat and bake for 30-45 mins. Serve over rice (or with Nana Potatoes!)

An update and a Thank you

Well...here I am...still sane...for now  lol  The last year or so has turned my life around quite a lot - and not in a good way, unfortunately. 

Almost a year ago we moved out of the town that I'd spent my whole life in, about 3 hours away, because hubby got a job - and for the first little while things were great.  He was getting decent wages, they had a staff house with cheap rent, the people were nice - then things started going downhill.  Hubby's boss (I sure wish I had googled Jack Purdy before we moved!) started messing around with his pay, slowly giving him less and less and saying things would return to normal after 'this' was done and then it was when 'that' was done etc, until we were barely surviving - let alone able to move back to our hometown.  Finally hubby decided enough was enough, he wasn't counting on their "promises" anymore, and he filed a complaint with Labour Relations for all the unpaid hours (even at minimum wage, because they didn't give him pay stubs proving he made more, they still owe him around $6K!).  His boss's response was to give us a 24 hour eviction notice.  Nice, right?  Long story short, in February we had to store our stuff at friends' houses (in that town, because we can't afford a truck to move it) and come back to our hometown (staying with my dad, who happened to have a heart attack - on my son's birthday while I was still stuck out of town -  and need a double bypass just as we were planning to come to his house)  and I'm now looking for work and having no luck.  It's been....tiring...trying...stressful... but, onwards and upwards!

During all this I haven't been too active on here or at Mum Made Me (or crocheting at all, for that matter), and I lost a bunch of likes on Facebook.  At first I was a little upset but I've decided that it's ok, because it gives me a chance to thank the fans who have stuck around during my absence, and to appreciate those who emailed me to show their support while I was/am dealing with some bumps in life's road.  I know that things will turn around again and I will be able to get back to you all, happy and energized, and back to crocheting things again.  Thank you again to all of you who have stood by my side  <3

Chick Pea "nuts"...who'da thunk it?

I'm always looking for a snack that's cheap, easy, and that my 3 year old son will like.  Someone mentioned roasting chick peas so I decided to investigate.  There are a lot of recipes for them out in internet-land, you can basically season them to taste, but here's a general idea:


You will need:
1x15oz can chick peas
1 tbsp. cooking oil
seasonings to taste - approx. 1/4tsp each, give or take

Some of the seasonings you can use are: cumin, seasoning salt, pepper, sea salt...the options are endless and totally up to you!  One combination that my son and I really enjoy is: pepper, salt, a little dried mustard, old bay seasoning and ground oregano.  So here's what you do:

Preheat oven to 450°f/230°c (I have a convection oven so I set it to 425°f/220°c)

In a bowl, whisk cooking oil and seasonings together.  Drain and rinse the chick peas, then pat dry with paper towel.  Put the chick peas in the bowl and mix well.  Dump contents of bowl into a cooking sheet with deep sides.  Cook for 45-50 minutes, stirring about half way through.  Enjoy warm or cooled off

 

 

They end with a texture very similar to corn nuts.  And best of all - my little man LOVES them!Another thought I had, but haven't tried out yet, would be to prepare in the oil and cook (minus the seasonings) and then sprinkle with pop-corn flavorings (Salt 'n' Vinegar are the first on my list to try!).  Please leave a comment if you find a seasoning combo that you really like, I'd love to try it out!

Mountain's Edge: A Free Crochet Pattern

A while ago I was wanting an edge that looked kind of like peaks and vallies, but I just couldn't find a pattern that matched what I saw in my head.  So I started playing around on a granny square I had and the Mountain's Edge is what I came up with.  And guess what....the pattern for the edge is available (with tutorial pictures) on Ravelry (as a free download!) or written instructions at the bottom of this post.  I hope you like it and I hope you'll "hook it" on Ravelry or post on Mum Made Me to share pictures with me

 

 

Materials

- yarn/hook of your choice - I used ww and 5.5mm/US I hook

- project that needs an edge

- Yarn needle

Stitches *US terminology used*

Ch - chain

Ss - slip stitch

Sc - single crochet

Hdc - half double crochet

Dc - double crochet

Tc - triple crochet

LS - ladder stitch (not sure that's what it's called but for the purposes of this pattern it is. If you know the real term please tell me. It's a sc into the side of st just made (see pics 1 & 3 of pdf) [Insert hook into side of st just made, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through both loops] (see pics 2 & 4 of pdf)

Please note: This pattern works in multiples of 5, not including corners, if going around a project, as pictured. If working along one edge only, multiples of 5, including corners: Join with ss at corner, ch 1, sc in same st then work from [---* of pattern across. If your edge is multiples of 4 or 6, dec/add a LS and remove tc/add qc [quadruple crochet - yo 3 times, insert hook, pull up loop, (pull through 2 loops) 4 times]

Join with ss to corner with RS facing.

Ch 1. Sc in same sp. Sc in next st. [insert hook into side of st just made, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through both loops] (LS just made. See pics). Repeat [LS] 2 more times. Tc in next st. Dc in next. Hdc in next. Sc in next. (Sc in next st. [LS] 3 times. Tc in next. Dc in next. Hdc in next. Sc in next) across. *Sc in corner. (Sc in next st. [LS] 3 times. Tc in next. Dc in next. Hdc in next. Sc in next) across. Repeat from * around. Ss to sc to join

Please add your project on Ravelry by clicking on this link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mountains-edge and clicking "hook it"

This pattern is for personal use only and is not to be sold or redistributed. You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but do not claim it as your own design. Please credit http://www.facebook.com/mummademe and http://www.ravelry.com/stores/mum-made-me in any publications ©MumMadeMe2012

 

HAPPY HOOKING!!  <3

Mum Made Me referral contest

I thought I'd have a little contest... From now (January 19) until next weekend (January 26) refer your friends to my page (http://www.facebook.com/mummademe). Get them to like it, and swing by here to follow my blog and leave a comment here telling me you sent them. Then the person who sent the most new likes will win a prize! The winner will get their choice of free hat (Ready to ship or custom order, not including shipping) or two free patterns from my Ravelry store (http://www.ravelry.com/stores/mummademe) Good luck, and have a great day <3