free, free stuff, knitting, pattern

Free Hat Pattern

just for you.jpgSpent some time recovering from a procedure that left me sitting more than usual and after spending some time on Instagram I was inspired to pick up the needles again. I had some yarn that had been sitting for a few years gathering dust that I started using first but realized that the yarn that the people on Instagram was on sale at Micheal’s  so I made a trip and got a few skeins. After spending years being a yarn snob I was quite surprised with the feeling of Thick and Quick by Lion Brand Yarn. It is soft but doesn’t feel like the cheap stuff I had found in craft stores in the past. It has a blend of wool and synthetic fibers but it feels warm and comforting to the touch. I linked to Amazon where you can get it but I got it at Michael’s for only $6 a skein plus Oklahoma tax.

I made quite a few hats. Often getting 3 done in a day. I have 3 sizes, adult, kid and little kid.

This is a loose quick pattern that I just made up as I went along. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments so that others can see the answer when I answer you.

Here is what I used to make the hats:

Size 10 (8mm) double pointed needle

Thick and Quick by Lion Brand yarns in whatever color combos you wish. You will only need part of a skein even if you don’t do any color work.

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Cardboard to make a pompom maker but you can purchase them on amazon too.

Small scissors to cut the yarn

Stitch markers

The Pattern

Cast on 10(12,14) stitches on each of 4 needles 40(48,52 stitches total) with your contrasting color if you plan on doing color work

k1,p1 for 6 (8,8) rows

Knit with main color for a full row

knit 1 with main color, knit one with contrasting color,* knit 3 with main color and knit one with contrasting color* repeat last 4 stitches until you reach the stitch marker.

Knit with the main color for a full row

Knit 3 with main color then one stitch of contrasting color and repeat that until you hit the stitch marker.

Repeat the last 4 rows for 4 (5,6) times or it measures the height of the persons crown that you are making it for.

Next row, with the main color, you knit 2 together and then knit one and repeat that  until the end of the row

Then knit a row

Repeat the last 2 rows until there are fewer than 10 stitches left, end with a decrease row, cut a 6 inch tail, put it on a tapestry needle and pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and then weave in the ends

Next make a pom pom in whatever color you chose OR you can purchase the fake animal fur ones on amazon here. I just use cardboard. Here is a link to a video on how to make pom poms

Attach the pom poms how ever you see fit. Some people like to put 2 like bear ears or like me I just add one to the very top. 

Hope 2019 treats you well! Happy New Year!

Amazon, free, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Prime, Review

Try Amazon Prime Free!

OK here is my review of Amazon Prime. I have been using Amazon Prime for several years now. I have bought everything from a lawn mower to floss from Amazon since with Prime you get FREE 2 day shipping of all Prime Products. Not all the products on Amazon are Prime products but I almost ALWAYS find what I need on Amazon and can have it shipped to my door with in 2 business days.  This has made a huge difference for this busy mamma of 3. I can just pop online and shop for things with out having to drag my monkeys alone with me to the store. They even have dry good groceries.

Prime also has ebooks that you can borrow for free for a month. Not all of their books mind you but I did read the Hunger Games this way and there are many more very popular books and of course all of the classics are free.

Prime also has lots of free shows and movies for members. I haven’t used this option much since I watch more Netflix and Hulu than Amazon but I have tried it and the experience was pleasant.

Here is what I recommend. If you are wanting something super heavy like, lets say, a lawn mower or a grill or a shed and need it shipped then why not take the opportunity and use the free 30 day trial?

The few times that I have had a problem with a product they have sent a replacement before I know it and paid for the return of the product that there was a problem with. What have you got to lose? Just click on the button at the top of the blog post and sign up! You will not be sorry.

apple sauce, cake, chocolate, free, from scratch, icing, Recipe

Chocolate Cake from Scratch

When was the last time you make cake from scratch?

Here is my simple recipe that anyone can make with the things you have at home.

1/2 cup Butter softened
1 1/3 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Teasp. Vanilla Extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup apple sauce (you can skip this but it makes it a little more moist)
1 teasp. salt
1 teasp. baking soda
1 teasp. baking powder
2 cups organic flour
3 tablesp. Cocopowder

Set the oven to 350F and then in a bowl combine the ingredients as they are listed and make sure that they are mixed well between each ingredient. When well combined, grease a 8×13 pan. and poor the batter in. Bake it for 30 min. While the cake is baking make the the icing.

1/2 cup butter softened.
1 egg
1 teasp. vanilla extract
3 tablesp. coco powder
3 tablesp. brewed coffee (I use left over from that morning)
2 cups powdered sugar

In a bowl add the ingredients as they are listed until you get to the powdered sugar.  Just keep adding the powdered sugar until the consistency is pretty thick. You might need more or less depending on how big your egg was.

Let your cake cool somewhat before applying the icing. Sprinkles can be added for fun.

 Then enjoy!