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

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

"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!)

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

Photo how-to: yarn organization