The 30-Minute Cowl - Free Crochet Pattern

My husband's grandmother is a piano teacher and she requested a short, warm scarf with a button that she could wear with her winter coat. That's how this design was born. I wanted something simple, but elegant. I wasn't necessarily going for a quick project, but I was able to crank these cowls/scarves out in record speed!

The maroon version was made with two strands of Red Heart With Love. 

Upper right was made with Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick.

Lower right was made with two strands of Lion Brand Jiffy.

I call this the 30-minute Cowl, because the short version works up super quick since you work into the chain spaces and not directly into the stitches. :-)

3 Steps to an Invisible Join

If you are like me (a bit of a perfectionist and slightly OCD), then you will love this technique for creating an invisible join when working in the round. The invisible join mimics the "V" look of a regular stitch so that it blends in and you can't see the beginning or end of a round. I use this on all of my hats and amigurumi pieces. 

I'll teach you how to do it in three easy steps!

This replaces the slip stitch normally done at the end of your project.

Step 1 - Cut the yarn tail

Cut the yarn and pull the final loop so that the tail comes completely through. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle so that it looks like the picture below. The length of your tail will be based on the pattern. If the pattern says leave a long tail for sewing, then cut a long tail. If the instructions are to weave in ends, then you can leave a shorter tail.

Step 2 - Mimicking the Front Half of the V-Stitch 

Insert the yarn needle (front to back) through the first stitch in the round. This is the stitch where you would have normally completed the slip stitch.

This step creates the front loop of the Invisible Join.

Step 3 - Mimicking the Back Half of the V-Stitch

Insert the yarn needle from front-to-back into the final stitch of the round. You will go down through the middle space and go under the back loop.

This step creates the back loop of the Invisible Join.

And this is what it looks like:

When to Use This Technique

I use this technique for every edge piece. I used it is here on the tiny coins for my pot of gold. Don't those gold coins look perfect? 

I also use this technique on hats, beanies and photography props so that there isn't an obvious end to the project. I like the edges to be uniform.

How to Crochet a Sweater for Your Elf

Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf? Do you know what he wants more than anything else? He wants a sweater of his own! You know they get tired of wearing the same old thing all the time. And, if you are having an ugly Christmas sweater party, then the elf should also be dressed in style. He does listen to your conversations throughout the day, you know!

Inspiration for this Project

After seeing Monsters University earlier this year, I graphed the Oozma Kappa design and thought I might make my 4 year old son a hat using the chart. But, he chose Minions instead. So, this chart has been saved on my computer until I realized that it was the perfect height/width for a sweater for Lloyd!

Supplies Used

Red Heart Soft Yarn - Green

Caron Simply Soft - Darker Green

Caron Simply Soft - Yellow

Size "E" crochet hook

Pattern

With Dark Green: Ch 32, join with slip stitch to first chain using caution to not twist the joining chain. (Note: Gauge is not included in this pattern. This round should be slightly loose around your elf.)

Round 1: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 2: With Green, ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 3-12: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in next 16 stitches, **Refer to chart for color changes.**, sc in last stitch, join with slip stitch.

Round 13: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 14: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

To work the first sleeve:
Slip Stitch in next two stitches, ch 1 & turn work.

Row 1: sc in same stitch as ch1 and in the next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn.

Row 2-11: sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn (6)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

To work the other sleeve:

Join yarn 2 stitches from the center of the arm pit area by doing a chain 1.

Row 1: sc in same stitch as ch1 and in the next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn.

Row 2-11: sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn (6)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sewing the Sweater Onto the Elf

I had to get creating with designing the sweater because my elf's hands are still stuck together. Which, in my opinion, adds to wonder of how this magical little elf got that sweater on. 

Slip the sweater onto the elf from the bottom.
Use the long tail to wipstitch the sleeves closed starting at the cuff and working to his shoulder. Tuck the yarn tail into his back. The kids will never know it's there! Repeat this process for the other side.
Make sure the elf's collar covers up the loose ends at the top. 

The Finished Project

Here is Lloyd, the next member of Oozma Kappa at Monsters University along with one of his favorite scare monsters as a baby! The Baby Sulley pattern is available for free on Ravelry from A Morning Cup of Jo!

Psssst!

If working from the chart scares you, then don't use it! The sweater would be just as fun in a variegated yarn, self-string yarn or it's a great scrap yarn project using whatever odds and ends you have around! Just have fun with it! 

How to Pack and Send a Box for Operation Christmas Child

Thanksgiving is so late this year and is therefore shortening the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas music and decorations are banned from our house until Santa makes his grand appearance in the world-famous Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But, I give all of you permission to break tradition just long enough to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Pop in your favorite Christmas music, gather the family and have some good old-fashioned fun while teaching your children how to be giving, caring individuals. I am asking each reader to commit with your family to pack one shoebox filled with trinkets and treats for a child around the world.

What is required from you?

1. A box (cardboard or plastic - similar in size to a shoe box). Want to have a shoebox packing party? You can order boxes online for a donation.
2. Print and attach a label for your box indicating gender and age group of the recipient!
3. Stuff the box with goodies (more info below)
4. Drop-off your box during the 3rd week of November! 
5. Donate $7.00 per box to cover shipping costs. If you cover the shipping cost online, you are able to print a unique barcode and Follow your box around the world. If you wish to write a check, please check their web site for current info on how to do so. 

Do you have to drop off your box at a designated location?

No. You may mail boxes at any time throughout the year to this address:

Operation Christmas Child

Samaritan's Purse

PO Box 3000

801 Bamboo Road

Boone, NC 28607

Suggested Items for Boxes:

• Toys (Ideas for Boys and Girls)
• School Supplies (Don't forget the crafty supplies, too.)
• Hygiene Items
• Accessories
• Something personal from you

Sending Something Personal

I think this might be my favorite part of the box and here are some of my ideas for what you can put in the box:

• A handwritten note and photograph of your family
• Artwork made by your kids (polymer clay sculpture, jewelry, paintings/drawings, etc.)
• Something handmade by you (a zippered pouch, game, etc.)

I read on the Operation Christmas Child web site that if you include your name and complete mailing address, you may even get a response back from the child. How cool is that?

Can I still help if I don't have time to pack a box?

Yes! You can build a box online!

For additional information: OCC: How to pack a Box

How to Eat Chia Seeds (Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia)

Image Source: Chiativity

Did you know that Chia seeds are a superfood providing lots of benefits to your body? Here are just a few things about Chia, but Google will tell you tons more benefits to this ancient superfood!

• Combats Diabetes by balancing out insulin and preventing blood sugar spikes
• Excellent source of Fiber - 1 ounce provides 11 grams of fiber
• Good for cholesterol - 1 ounce contains nearly 5 grams of Omega-3s
• Good source of calcium, manganese, phosphorus and protein!
• It helps you feel full and keep feeling full!

There are massive benefits to eating chia seeds, but how to do you get them in your body?

What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Daily Routine?

I attended my first MOPS meeting this week and this was my ice breaker question. My shallow answer was that my favorite part is collapsing into bed at the end of the day. While it's true that I am thankful when evening finally comes and I finally get to rest, it isn't true that this is my favorite part of my day.

My real favorite part of my day involves my sweet little four year old.

A rare photo of Vance asleep in my arms. (Forgive the low-quality cell pic.)

How to Swap Crochet Bits with a Friend

I have developed some amazing friendships through crochet. One friend in particular has become such a great friend! The Ravelry Group where we met was gearing up for a monster swap. With swaps, there is no guarantee who you will be partnered with. So, we did our own mini swap off the boards and just had fun with it. And these are the monsters we ended up with!

How to Pick a Pattern That is Good for Swapping

The pattern should have several pieces, but it also needs to have one main piece.