Locks of Love

So we did it, we donated 10 inches of my sweet pea's hair to locks of love. I have to be honest, it wasn't easy for me to see those baby curls go, I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that it's just hair and that we were doing something good.

This was her very first haircut and she was a little intimidated when we got to the hair salon, she was afraid it was going to hurt, but she started getting more and more confident as things progressed and turns out she loves her new look.

Lately

I can't believe how fast last year went by for me, I guess that means I am getting old because when I was a little girl I thought the hours, days, months, etc went by so slowly! 

We had a great Christmas, the kids sure make life beautiful during the holidays, don't they? Now Winter Break is over and we are trying to get back to our routine.

The "Hop, Skip & Jump Mitts" was my last pattern released in 2014, I haven't released any this year yet, but I have lots of ideas in my head!

Pattern available here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hop-skip--jump-mitts

I made a point to make the first crochet item for myself this year, a Fall slouch hat using a gorgeous yarn that I received from Vicki Brown.

And yesterday I finished this mouse rag doll, isn't he just adorable?

May your 2015 be healthy, happy and full of yarn & crochet!

Designer Collaboration Event

I've teamed up with some amazing crochet designers and we have a fantastic New Years sale going on!
You can visit any of these 12 ravelry shops and use the coupon code ENABLER.

Here is the list of shops for you to visit:

- Just Be Happy
- KT and the Squid
- A Crocheted Simplicity
- Cuddlepie Crochet
- Frayed Knot
- Sincerely Pam
- La Tienda de Paloma
- Abigaiology
- Crystalized Designs
- Inspired by Ansley
- Crochet by Jennifer
- Living Skies Crochet

Discounts range from 30% - 70% off and vary from shop to shop.
Offer ends 1/2/15 EST.

Happy 2015!

2014 was an amazing year for me both in my personal and business life. I had my crochet work published/purchased by Crochet World Magazine, Happily Hooked Magazine, Red Heart Yarns and Michael's Stores.

Thank you for being here, for allowing me to share bits of my life with you and for supporting my crochet passion.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2015! 

Teapot Cozy {Free Pattern}

Copyright 2014, Alessandra Hayden

Fits a standard 44oz teapot

Gauge:
7 sc and 6 rows = 2”

Stitch Guide:
ch - chain, hdc - half double crochet, sc - single crochet, st(s) - stitch(es), sl st - slip stitch

Materials:
US Size H-8 (5.00mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, scissors, ribbon (approx 20”) 

Yarn:

Worsted Weight Yarn: (84 yards). Project shown is made with Loops & Threads Impeccable.

Instructions:
Round 1: Ch 12, join to form a ring, ch 1, sc in each ch,

join with sl st to 1st sc, ch 1. — 12 sc
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around, join to 1st sc, ch 1. — 24 sc
Round 3: (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) around, join to 1st sc, ch 1. — 36 sc
Round 4: Sc in each st around, join to 1st sc, ch 1. — 36 sc
Round 5: (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) around, join to 1st sc. — 48 sc
Round 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1st hdc + ch-1 now and through- out), hdc into same st, * skip 1 st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into next st; repeat from * around, join to 2nd ch of beginning ch-3. — 24 hdc groups
Round 7: Repeat Round 6.
Round 8: Ch 3, hdc into 1st ch-1 space, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into each of the next 10 ch-1 spaces, skip 2 ch-1 spaces (spout hole formed), (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into each of the next 11 ch-1 spaces, join to 2nd ch of beginning ch-3. — 22 hdc groups

Round 9: Ch 3, hdc into same st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into each ch-1 space around, join to 2nd ch of beginning ch-3. — 22 hdc groups
Before next row, sl st over to 2nd ch-1 space to leave gap for teapot handle.
Row 1: Ch 3, hdc into same st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into each of the next 19 ch-1 spaces, turn. — 20 hdc groups
Row 2: Sl st into ch-1 space, ch 3, hdc into same space, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) into each of the next 19 ch-1 spaces, turn. — 20 hdc groups
Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2.
Row 8: Ch 1, sc evenly across. Fasten off. Weave in ends. 

Finishing
Work one round of sc evenly around the spout hole.
Add ribbon through 1st and last st of Row 8, and tie a bow to close the teapot handle gap. 

Little things

Here are some little crochet items I made recently. I am a big fan of little projects, it is fun to make quick projects, instant gratification. ;)

Crochet Tip #1

Here is a tip for you!

When weaving in the ends of a hat or garment that stretches horizontally, weave your ends vertically to prevent the tails from unraveling when the fiver stretches with the wear.