Crochet: Minecraft Creeper Beanie

I have 4 younger brothers, and like most boys right now, they love Minecraft. So I decided to make my two twin brothers Minecraft themed beanies. The first one is based on the ever popular Creeper.

The pattern is a simple Double Crochet beanie. I always have to end up using a pattern, because if I don't, they end up looking like plates. I have NO CLUE WHY, but it drives me nuts! The pattern I use is from Oombawka Design found here. FYI, Oombawka also posts a new free crochet pattern every day on their Facebook page. I love seeing their posts!

I made it in the medium size, and on row 7, I started creating the pattern for the face. I found the pattern on Craftsy here.

It was very well received. By that, I mean he screamed and showed everyone he came in contact with when I handed it to him. I really like how these beanies come out! They're simple and so easy to make fancier with fun designs.

xo Link

My 2015 Resolutions: 10 Things To Do and 10 Things To Stop

I know this post is probably going to be overlooked because everyone is like, "ugh here we go another person who is going to make a resolution and give up in a week". But I don't care! I need to write it down and see which ones I accomplished at the end of the year. A LIFE resolution of mine is to complete everything on my list of resolutions for at least one year. Yeah, I haven't accomplished that yet. One day at a time.

I also want to have a list of stuff I plan to stop. Some of the negative things I have let seep into my life. I really want this year to be a year of happiness, regardless of any challenges I may face. I hope I can inspire you guys to do the same. Making goals to take negativity out of our lives is just the start of a more positive world.

10 Things To Do

1. Learn to knit, needle felt, embroider, cross stitch, etc.
2. Get my GED
3. Start up my crafting business
4. Be a better mother, wife and sister
5. Become more immersed in my religion
6. Have a clean home 85% of the time
7. Learn to drive stick shift
8. Make 3 cosplays for myself
9. Get back into shape after baby
10. Beat my husband's gamer score on Xbox360

10 Things To Stop

1.  Stop judging others for whatever I may disapprove of
2.  Stop using the internet for pointless reasons as much
3.  Stop nagging
4.  Stop being a couch potato
5.  Stop judging my body
6.  Stop worrying about what others will think of me
7.  Stop spending so much money on pointless purchases
8.  Stop eating so much junk food
9.  Stop assuming the worst
10.  Stop giving up because whatever I'm doing doesn't look "perfect"

What are your resolutions this year? What do you plan to learn and what do you plan to stop doing? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing everyone's goals for the year! It inspires me to do mine as well. Good luck and happy new year!

xoLink

Crochet: Slouchy Summer Hat

This has to be one of my favorite hats I have made so far. This is SUCH a cute hat and one I am so proud of. I plan to make at LEAST 2 more for myself and my mom. I think the color I used helped as well.

I used a pattern from Ravelry found here. This pattern was actually really easy and worked up really fast. I love the textures on it and love that it's not too thick. It's definitely a perfect hat for summer.

I did do things a bit different with this hat. For Rows 5, 11 and 12, I did a pattern on and off of BLO. Row 5 was BLO, row 11 was normal, and row 12 was BLO again. When I finished row 14, I realized it wasn't slouchy enough (the gauge was being weird) so I repeated rows 8-14 until I was satisfied with the slouch and did row 15 in the opposite of the previous row. (depending on if it was BLO or not)

Halfway through the pattern, I realized it also required knitting. Which I cannot do. (yet) So instead of knitting the headband, once I was done making the main part of the hat, I chained 11 and did 10 dc in BLO and ch 1 until it was long enough to stretch around my whole head, then with the hat inside out, I used sc to stitch it to the hat. I'm sure it would work just as good (if not better) with a sl st as well.Then I just finished it in my preferred way and wove in the ends.

I also ended up making a second hat which turned out better than the first. I unfortunately can't remember what I did differently, but I didn't have to repeat any rows. I didn't realize that until I was done though, because it turned out too slouchy and I have to fold the band back in order for it to not look like a fashionable hair net.

This hat is perfect for people who are beginners with knowledge of the basic three stitches. It's simple, but looks fantastic. I recommend you give it a try!

xo Link

Crochet: Ribbed Crochet Beanie

I've become a bit obsessed with making hats. It's so fun and easy, and I feel so accomplished once I'm done!

Today's hat is for a friend who asked for an off white beanie. I went through a bunch of different patterns before I decided on this one. The yarn I had was really chunky and wouldn't work with any other pattern I tried, and the hat still turned out REALLY thick. It'll be wonderful for the cold months, but it's probably going to be a little too warm for these hot Arizona summers.

I used a pattern from AllAboutAmi here. I loved how the hat came out, but it was definitely a lesson in patience. It took WAY longer than I thought it would! But it came out awesome and I'm excited to try it in hdc or even dc to increase the rib size. I didn't change this pattern up at all though, so there isn't really any walkthrough for you guys this time. Sorry! If you click through to AllAboutAmi's blog post above, she has a wonderful walkthrough there.

The pom pom definitely completes it as well. I will definitely be making myself one!

xo Link

DIY: Glitter Mason Jars!

According to Urban Dictionary, Craft Herpes is glitter. "Like the STD herpes, once you have glitter on you, you cannot get rid of it. If you have glitter on you and you touch someone, they will suddenly have glitter on them. You may think that you have washed it all off, but one day you will be in the right light and notice it on you somewhere."

I still have glitter on me from when I first tried out this DIY. My fiance still has glitter on him, and he didn't even make it. This stuff gets EVERYWHERE. But if you're like me, it's TOTALLY worth it. Glitter is sooo pretty and sparkly omg I LOVE IT.

Anyway, today I will be spreading my craft herpes onto you by showing you how to make these glitter Mason Jars.

You will need:

• A clean jar with no stickers
• Crafting glue (school glue will work too, honestly)
• Glitter (I used chunky gold glitter)
• A small cardboard box
• Paintbrushes

Step 1

Cover the area you want glittered with a layer of glue. Not too light, but not too heavy either.

Step 2

Holding it over the box, start shaking glitter all over it in even amounts.

Step 3

Gently tap it off into the box to remove the excess glitter. Once it looks good, place it in the box and leave it to dry.

Step 4

Once it's dry, get your glue again and a loose paint brush and paint glue all over the glitter. This will seal it in and prevent the craft herpes from spreading. Let that dry and you're done!

Super easy and you can use it on virtually anything. I used these for the centerpieces at my wedding. Classy and quick to make! What did you make? Show me in a comment! My favorite pieces will be featured! Good luck, crafters!