Crocheting for Valentine's Day

Here are just a few of the projects (and a small amount of candy-making) that I have done in preparation for Valentine's Day. Enjoy! All of the patterns linked in this post are free crochet patterns! Be sure you check them out. XO

Cross Your Heart Coffee Cozy

This was my first Valentine's project. I made it in January while my mom was in surgery. It works up so fast and makes a great teacher's gift!

This didn't quite fit on my cup, but it was the perfect size for a wrist warmer. I'm keeping it for myself and need to make a second one for the other hand. This is the perfect project for those scrap yarns!

Cross Your Heart Coffee Cozy

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

FO Friday: Assembling the Minions

My younger son turned 4 last week and started preschool this past Monday. He demanded that I make him a Minion backpack for preschool. I was hesitant and we talked him into buying a camouflage dinosaur backpack instead. I kind-of felt bad for not making him the backpack, so I made him a Minion hat.

While I was working on it, he kept asking if it was his Minion backpack. And, I kept reminding him about his really cool dinosaur backpack. He wouldn't relent. A couple of weeks ago, I was driving to work when an idea came to me on how I could make the backpack.

So, I took about 5 minutes and drew out a couple of sketches:

Happy Independence Day with a Dose of Crochet

Yesterday was Independence Day in the U.S. I started off my day by testing the Addison Headband pattern for the amazing Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations. I made the headband in red, white and blue and wore it to the parade.