'Just a Tam Minute' Hat

Kat in the 'Just a Tam Minute' Hat
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

It's finally done! I really love how this pattern turned out, and can't wait to make more. I ran out of the black crochet cotton I was using for the body of the hat, so I switched to a remanent of tweed thread I had sitting in the bottom of my yarn bin. (I scored 5 skeins of the stuff YEARS ago at a yard sale, and am down now to the tiniest little bit!)

The 'Just a Tam Minute' Hat:

Size 10 crochet cotton
1 / 2.75mm hook

Ch4 and join in a loop

R1 Ch1, work 11 sc into the loop and join with a slip stitch in the ch1

R2 Ch2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st and in each st around, join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R3 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R4 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R5 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc, * 2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R6 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R7 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)twice, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)twice* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R8 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )twice, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)twice* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R9 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)3 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)3 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R10 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )3 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)3 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R11 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)4 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)4 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R12 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )4 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)3 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R13 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)5 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)5 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R14 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )5 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)5 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R15 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)6 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)6 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2


R16 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )6 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)6 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R17 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)7 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)7 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R18 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )7 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)7 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R19 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)8 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc)8 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R20 Ch2, dc in same dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc )8 times, *2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc)8 times* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R21 Ch3, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc *ch1 skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the second ch of the initial ch3.

R22 Ch2 *dc in the ch 1 space, and in the next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R23 Ch3, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc *ch1 skip 1 dc and dc in the next dc* Repeat around and join with a slip stitch in the second ch of the initial ch3.

R24 Ch2, dc decrease the next 2 stitches together {yo, insert hook into ch 1 space, yo and draw up a loop, insert hook into dc, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 3 loops on hook, yo and draw through remaining 2}, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)9 times (18 dc’s), *work decrease, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)9 times* Repeat **9 times, work decrease, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)8 times, dc in next ch 1 space and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R25 Ch2, *decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)8 times* Repeat ** 10 times, decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)7 times, ch1, and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R26 Ch2, *decrease the next 2 dc’s together, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)8 times (16 dc’s)*, Repeat ** 10 times, decrease the next 2 dc’s together, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)7 times, dc in next ch 1 space and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R27 Ch2, *decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)7 times* Repeat ** 10 times, decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)6 times, ch1, and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R28 Ch2, *decrease the next 2 dc’s together, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)7 times (16 dc’s)*, Repeat ** 10 times, decrease the next 2 dc’s together, (dc in next ch 1 space, dc in next dc)6 times, dc in next ch 1 space and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R29 Ch2, *decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)6 times* Repeat ** 10 times, decrease next 2 dc’s together, dc in next dc (ch1, skip 1 dc and dc in the next)5 times, ch1, and join with a slip stitch in the ch2

R30 Ch1, *sc decrease next 2 st together, , (sc in ch1 space, sc in dc)6 times* Repeat ** 10 times, sc decrease next 2 st together, , (sc in ch1 space, sc in dc)5 times, sc in ch1 space, and join with a slip stitch in the ch1
R31 Ch1, *decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 11 sc* 10 times, decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 10 sc, and join with a slip stitch in the initial ch1

R32 Ch1 *decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 10 sc* 10 times, decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 10 sc, and join with a slip stitch in the initial ch1

R33 Ch1 *decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 9 sc* 10 times, decrease next 2 stitches together, sc in next 8 sc, and join with a slip stitch in the initial ch1

R34-36 Ch1, sc in each sc around and join with a slip stitch in the initial ch1

Bind off, weave in ends, and voila!

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Rasta Tam

katintam
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

I've been looking for rasta tam patterns for a long time...I'm currently writing one for crochet thread, but came across this one for worsted weight and had to give it a shot....Modeled by my 13yo, Rasta Tam, crochet using Lana's Tam pattern from the Hippie Crochet and Knit Lovers yahoo group. ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HCKL/ ) I used Peace Fleece in the Hemlock colorway, and the cord (twisted, my fave style) is Peace Fleece in the Negotiation Gray colorway.
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Mady's Groovy Gauntlets

Mady's Groovy Gauntlets
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

My 5yo dd Mady wanted a pair of the Groovy Gauntlets for herself (my little rockstar) I used the pattern below, sized down by using the tail end of a skein of soft pink 'baby' yarn and a size E crochet hook. I also added 2 rounds of sc at the cuffs using scraps of eyelash yarn. She is totally thrilled.
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Groovy Gauntlets

Groovy Gauntlets
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

These gauntlets crochet up really fast. The pictured example (with my 13yo dd as a hand model, were crocheted using Peace Fleece in Negotiation Gray

Hook: G
Yarn: Worsted Weight

Chain 30 and join in a loop, being careful not to twist.

R1 Ch2, dc in next ch, and in each ch around, join with a slip st in the second ch.

R2-R11 Ch3, sk1 *dc in next stitch, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

((LEFT HAND))

R12-13 Ch3, dc in same st (increase created), ch1, *dc in next dc, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R14 Ch3, dc in next dc, ch1, dc in next dc, ch5, skip 2 dc's and dc in 3rd dc (thumb hole created), ch1, *dc in next dc, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R15 Ch2, dc in next 2 dc's (decrease created), *ch1, dc in next dc *twice, ch1, dc in 2nd ch of chain space, ch1, sk1 ch, dc in next ch, ch1, dc in dc, ch1, *dc in next dc, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R16 Ch3, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch1, *dc in next dc, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R17 Ch2, *dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R18 Slip stitch around and join, bind off, weave in ends.


((RIGHT HAND))

Work Rounds 1 through 11 the same as above.

R12 Ch3, *dc in next dc, ch1* 3 times, dc ch1 dc in next dc (increase created), ch1 **dc in next dc, ch1** Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R13 Ch3, *dc in next dc, ch1* 4 times, dc ch1 dc in next dc (increase created), ch1, **dc in next dc, ch1** Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R14 Ch3, dc in next dc, ch5, skip 2 dc and dc in 3rd, ch1, *dc in next dc, ch1* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R15 Ch3, dc in next dc, ch1, dc in 2nd chain, ch1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch, ch1, dc in next 3 dc (decrease created), ch1, dc in next dc, ch1, Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R16 Ch3 *dc in next dc, ch1* 3 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch1, **dc in next dc, ch1** Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R17 Ch2, *dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc* Repeat around and join with a sl st in second ch.

R18 Slip stitch around and join, bind off, weave in ends
© 2008-by Amy O’Holleran: This is my original work, and may not be reproduced for sale without my express permission. Pin It

BumGenius giveaway

There is a contest to win 12 BumGenius dipes here (BabyCheapskate) Go sign up!

The contest will run through Wednesday, August 6 at midnight, EDT or until there are5000 entries.. Winner will be decided via random drawing and contacted via the email address provided. Open to U.S. residents only. Pin It

'No Sweat' Water bottle cozies

'No Sweat' Water bottle cozies
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

With a concern for the number of single use water bottles my kids could go through in a given week (recycleable, yes, but sooo wasteful) I've given them all reusable water bottles. In an effort to combat the sweating that happens with any cold beverage, I have worked them up some 'No Sweat" cozies. These are so simple to do.

All were made with different novelty yarns (ribbon, funfur, component yarn)

The first 2 on the left were made by crocheting on size I hook

4chains into a loop, working 2 chains, then working 12 dc's and joining with a slst to form a ring.

Slip stitch to the space between the first 2 dc's, chain 2 and dc in the same space, 2 dc in next space, and around, joining with a slip st.

Slip st to the space between the first 2 dc's, ch3, and dc in the next space, **ch1, dc in next space**, around. join w/ slip st.

Slip the first space between the first 2 dc's, ch3, and dc in the next space, **ch1, dc in next space**, around. join w/ slip st.

Continue in this fashion until the cozy is tall enough to reach the neck of your bottle...it will stretch a bit, so check frequently for size.

Bind off and run a drawstring in and out of the last row of dc's.



The 3rd cozy is also crochet, also on size I, and for the first 2 rounds, is worked the same as above, but instead of continuing in dc's all the way up, ch 5 and sc into the dc spaces, working a couple of slip stitches at the end of each round so that you are starting the next round around the 3rd chain of each ch5 set.. To finish, work a round of **sc, ch1* around the top, then a round of **dc, ch1** ,bind off, weave a drawstring through the final dc row.

The fourth design was worked up on the small blue Knifty Knitter with a boucle yarn. It was a bit of a "collaboration" with my 9yo dd (ie, she did some, mom did most, LOL) She has a thermos style bottle, but still wanted a cozy. We worked about 15 rounds, worked a crochet bind off, adding in a large coordinating hairtie elastic, basically just encasing the elastic within the sc bindoff, cinched the bottom closed and secured it firmly. It just slips over the bottle like a sock, and is held up really will by the elastic, much better for this type of bottle,as it won't slip off too easily.


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The "Totally Mindless" Fashion scarf

100_4818
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

Sometimes I really don't want to have to pay attention to what I am doing while watching tv or a movie. At those times, I will pull out a ball of fun fuzzy yarn and do some finger knitting. (Usually scored from the $tree or 99cent stores...can't beat those prices!) I learned (a lifetime ago) at summer camp ((Picture a tent garlanded with miles of gaudy yarn tubes, LOL)). For this technique (if you don't know how to finger knit, check out http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer06/FEATfingerknitting.html ) I don't use all 4 fingers like you normally would, but just 2. I "knit" the entire ball into a long (and much thicker) strand, then "knit" the resulting strand, again using just 2 fingers. I weave in the tails that are left from the first "knit-through", and voila!! I much prefer this technique over simply doing a 4-finger finger knit, as the resulting 'fabric' will be a bit denser, with less stretch than the traditional finger knitting. You really do not want too much stretch on long scarves like these. Since all balls of yarn are not created equal, there will some variation from scarf to scarf. The ones pictures here are from left to right...Bernat Bling Bling in "Moulin Rouge", Bernat Bling Bling in "Night Club", Lion Brand Fancy Fur in "Tiger Eye", and Lion Brand Festive Fur, in a colorway I can't locate, LOL. They make super quick and easy last minute gifts. My eldest dd likes to make these for her friends on their birthdays.
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Waste not, want not...Fulling and felting

I hate wasteing anything...I save every scrap of fabric, even the tiniest bit to add to stuffings. I also save every tiny bit of my wool yarn scraps. I keep a small bag in with my knitting and crochet supplies, and whenever I need to trim ends, I stick them in the bag. After a year of knitting and crocheting, I have quite a bit. A few nights ago, I sat down and started going through the odds and ends (while watching a late night movie). I took the longer pieces and spliced them together, and took the shorter pieces and seperated them into fibers in a little bowl. Once I had all of the pieces either spliced or seperated, I set the bowl of fibers aside and set to work on a little freeform crochet. I wanted to make a little bag, but since I really had no idea how much yarn I had, played it all by feel. I crocheted the bag about 4 inches in diameter and about 7 inches high in SC, added a final row in 2DC, CH1(skip 1)2DC around the top for a drawstring, added a chained loop at the back, and sc'd around the loop for added stability. I secured it really well, bound off, wove ends. In the morning I tossed it in the washer and dryer with a load of clothes to full. The final dimensions are 3 inches in diameter by 4 inches tall.I had to reopen the drawstring holes a little bit with a knitting needle in order to weave through the braided drawstrings, and I stretched the back loop out a bit with a larger knitting needle so it would more easily fit on a belt or Mei Tei strap. I can't wait to use it!


With the fibers...I dumped the whole lot into a large rectangular plastic storage container, made sure that the fibers were spread out to roughly the same thickness, added a dribble of baby shampoo and some hot water, adding more water bit by bit as need, I basically patted the fibers together, flipping the "fabric" and patting until they really began to felt together, I added a bit more hot water to heat the fibers up a bit, squeezed out some of the excess water, then placed the "fabric" on a bamboo mat on a towel, and rolled and pressed, rolled and pressed, adding more hot water to heat it back up every now and then. After about 15 min of this process I had a very unique and durable piece of felt. I wanted to do something a litle different with it, so I set it aside. While playing on Ravelry, I was inspired by a collection of crocheted mushrooms...Playing off of that inspiration, I cut, stitched, and stuffed...even added a few button 'spots'. I had some little trimmings left, which I felted into a small ball...the perfect baby mushroom ;) Zero waste on this project, lol. I took a flat river rock, painted it with a couple of different shades of green, then hot glued my pincushion mushroom, and the baby mushroom ball to the top...isn't it cute?? It was put into immediate use, lol...there are always stray pins and sewing needles floating around, lol.
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Dalmation Minkee pocket diaper

I love Minkee! it is soooo soft and cozy, and makes the sweetest diapers! I was able to scrounge up just enough elastic to work up one more pocket (REALLY need to go to the fabric store!) Isn't it adorable?

closed, the outside, and the inside...the big improvement to my design there is the addition of the inner gussets...they add a few extra steps to construction, but make a huge difference!


and here is my darling boy modeling my work...it is still a bit big on him, but that just gives room to grow in :) Pin It

Mama cloth...reusable tampons

Ok...I know some of you might think I'm nuts. Maybe I am, LOL. I continue to try and find as many ways to cut unneeded spending and reduce the amount of waste that we as a family contribute to the landfills as I can. I figure every little bit helps. We live just a few miles from our local landfill, and I am appalled by the number of garbage trucks, not to mention private vehicles, that go down our road every day headed to the dump. I was intrigued by the idea here http://www.borntolove.com/d-list7-make.shtml of reusable tampons...I really hate pads...I haven't tried cloth pads (I plan on making a bunch for my older girls though, as they are now at the age to need them...eegads!!), but I had a bit of a brainstorm...I had some scraps of organic hemp/organic cotton fleece leftover from making a sling and some diaper doublers for my son(I seriously hate to throw out even the littlest bits)...I cut rectangles about 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches, stacked two together and attached the layers as well as a strip of ribbon yarn together using an overlock stitch. I cut the tails of the ribbon about 4 inches long, and at the moment they are in the wash getting 'fluffed'...more to come...


The rectangles of hemp/cotton fleece pinned to the ribbon yarn.

After they were washed and dried, they look like they will work really well...they roll up pretty easily, and since the layers were not sewn all the way around, they will wash and dry super easy. These also have the added benefit over the idea linked above (which is genious, btw) of the ribbon for easier extraction.



I found a cute little drawstring bag to store them in...


It is interesting to hear that I am not alone in my nutso-ness...I was given this link by a fellow crafty mama to a whole (LONG) discussion on the topic, and various alternatives...http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=82588.0 Which, of course, got me thinking, and playing around with a little organic cotton yarn (the brand escapes me, as the label has disappeared). I took off on one of the ideas that was discussed on the above thread for a drawstring style knit tampon...I cast on 13 stitches with a 2 tail cast on, size 4 dpn's, worsted weight cotton, and knit in the round for 16 rows, then bound off by slipping all of the stitches onto a tapestry needles like you would with a hat (just a very very tiny hat, LOL), I then ran a piece of yarn through the cast on row for a drawstring

I stuffed this one with cotton balls, just to see how it looked...


Then I had another brainstorm...combine the knitting aspect with my original easy clean roll up idea...again on size 4...this time a 12" circular...same worsted weight cotton...I cast on 20 sts, knit stockinette for 16 rows, bound off 18, knit an I cord for 4 rows, bound off, and left a long tail. Easy peasy, and becasue of stockinettes natural tendency to curl, it rolls up super easy!
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