Crocheted Valentine's Headband

With Valentine's day right around the corner, I wanted to make something that was quick, easy and versatile since I am always short on time and love to create things that have multi-purpose.  I whipped up this headband in about 30 minutes and quickly realized that it could be used in so many other ways.  But this is a picture of my sweet 4 month old modeling it as a headband.

 

First things first, the pattern.  I wish that I could call this my own, but I found it here from Posh Pooch Designs.  I followed the pattern on the hearts, but instead of slip stitching the hearts together, I used a needle and threaded them together with all the loose ends.  This made more sense to me, as I needed to weave in my ends anyhow.

Once I had all my hearts sewn together, my next step was to ch 25 (twice, one for each end of the headband), and then slip stitch them into the last heart on each side, and weave in all loose ends.  This creates the ties that you will tie together to secure the headband.

I realized that the pattern was originally intended to be a dog collar, so I created a matching one for our sweet pup:

Then I realized that this can be purposed into a nice Valentine's Day garland as well, thanks to a suggestion from one of my amazing friends.  So now, I am working on increasing the size of the hearts to make a larger garland version of this cute creation.

Happy crocheting friends ~ Sara

Homemade Meatballs

I am pretty proud of my Italian heritage.  Both of my great grandparents were born in Italy and my family has handed down recipes through the generations.  This recipe is one of my husband's favorite.  It can be used with Spaghetti or on a sub as a meatball sandwich.  Heck, I even eat them by themselves for a healthy, carb-friendly dinner.

Here is my before picture:

These are the items you will need:

- 1 lb ground beef (85%)

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

- 3-4 garlic cloves, or 2 Tablespoons of the minced garlic

- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder

- 2 teaspoons dried Italian Seasoning

-3/4 cup Bread Crumbs

- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 egg beaten

Mix all ingredients into a large bowl.  Form into 1-2 inch balls and place on a greased baking dish, such as a 9x11 Pyrex dish.  Cook at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked throughout.

I like to plop these into my spaghetti sauce and then pour it all over my noodles:

Enjoy your meatballs!!!

Cat in the Hat Crochet Pattern

The other day, my sister-in-law requested that I make a "Cat in the Hat" themed baby shower gift.  I was up for the challenge and here is what I came up with.

The hat is a newborn size, and I will be giving the pattern here for free.  I will be working on the pattern for larger sizes and will update here, once I have them tested.  The diaper cover pattern comes from Repeat Crafter Me and was super easy to follow.  

Hat - Newborn Size:

Yarn: I used I Love this Yarn - Soft in red and white.

Hook Size: H (5.0mm)

Begin by creating a magic ring with the red yarn, Ch2 (ch 2 counts as the 1st dc here and throughout).

R1:  work 8 dc into the ring and attach with a slip stitch to the 1st dc.  (8)

R2:  Ch2, dc in the same sp as the ch2, 2 dc in the remaining, join to the 1st dc with a slip st (16)

R3:  Ch2, dc in the same sp as the ch2, *dc in the next, 2 dc in the next.*  Repeat from * to.* Join to the 1st dc with a slip st  (24)

R4:  Ch2,  dc in the same sp as the ch2, dc in the next 2, 2 dc in the next.* Join to the 1st dc with a slip st (32)

R5:  Ch2,  dc in the same sp as the ch2, dc in the next 7, 2 dc in the next.* Join to the 1st dc with a slip st (36)

R6: Ch2, working in the back loop only dc in the next and all remaining (36)

R7:  Ch2, dc in the next and all remaining (36)

Tie off and Switch to white yarn:

R8-9:  Ch2, dc in the next and all remaining (36) 

Tie off and Switch to red yarn:
R10-11:   Ch2, dc in the next and all remaining (36)

Tie off and Switch to white yarn:

R12-13:  Ch2, dc in the next and all remaining (36) 

Tie off and Switch to red yarn:
R14-15:   Ch2, dc in the next and all remaining (36)
Tie off and Switch to white yarn:

To make the Brim:

R16: Ch2, dc in same sp as Ch2, *dc in the next, 2 dc in the next.* Repeat from * to.* Join to the 1st dc with a slip st  (54)

R17:  Ch 2, hdc in the same sp as the ch2, hdc in the next 2, 2 hdc in the next.* Join to the 1st hdc with a slip st (72)

Brim should begin to fold up on its own.  Let the center of the hat fall down into the hat.  This will allow the hat to stand up firmer.  (The crown of the hat shouldn't fit like a normal beanie)

Happy crocheting ~ Sara