The past few years I have been incredibly busy. I have been a wife, a stay at home mom of 4, 5, and now 6 children, a crochet fanatic, a cook, a nurse, a housekeeper, a packer, a mover, a homeschool teacher, and a whole long list of other chores, activities, and hobbies. Several times I have tried to add blogger to that list and every time I have failed for whatever reason... I didn't have the time, I had writer's block, I had nothing interesting to write about. I came up with a million excuses. Some of the excuses were valid (I can't go on just 2 hours of sleep, I've tried, it just doesn't work for me).
I was mildly successful a few years back. I posted regularly, had some interesting recipes, fun pictures of my children cooking with me in the kitchen. Then I got pregnant and the sight of food made me run, screaming, from the house. With the addition of child number 4, my kitchen adventures didn't come to a screeching halt, but they did dwindle to the more mundane as I just didn't have the energy to attempt new creations and the ease of a weekly schedule took the place of fun. Tuesday was taco night, Wednesday was spaghetti, Friday was roasted chicken... There was nothing new and interesting and my blog fell by the wayside.
So, here I am again, trying to get a blog up and running. Four of my children are now in school. We no longer homeschool (though I miss it every day). My youngest 2 children still keep me quite busy but I have more help from the older kids once they are home for the day. I feel like I have more time because I do have more time.
It is funny. So many people comment "you have 6 children??? How do you do all that you do? How do you find the time?" It's a hard question to answer and most people don't understand when I say, "Yes, I have 6 children but I really have more time now than I ever did with just 2." How is the possible?
First, the more children I have had, the better I have gotten at organizing my schedule and theirs to make the household run as smoothly as possible. Second, everyone chips in to do the job. Being part of a family means we all have work to accomplish. I have stuff I need to do but all the kids (ok, the 11 month old is kind of exempt from this right now) also have their own jobs. Just like dad goes to work and mom cooks most of the meals, the kids have chores around the house. Whether it is sweeping the floor or unloading the dishwasher or wiping down the kitchen counters, every little job helps make the family run smoother. Finally, patience, (as much as possible when the baby refuses to nap, the 3 year old is sick, the 5 year old wants the toy his 10 year old sister has, and the teenagers are hiding), love, and the ability to "go with the flow." Sometimes things do not go as planned and I have figured out to not beat myself up over this, rather use it as an opportunity to learn and grow and plan better next time.
Anyway, I am attempting to add blogger (again) to my always long list of responsibilities. Some days I may not post much, but I would love to get back into posting about the things I love to do. I started this blog a few years ago with the hope of publishing my crochet patterns. Life got in the way and I let it fall off the radar. I am trying to start over.
In the coming days be on the lookout! I have been working up some really awesome crochet patterns that I cannot wait to share with you. My creative crochet mind has been in overdrive with ideas for everything from hats and gloves to purses and more! I look forward to sharing these ideas with you all. Hope you all have a great day!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Child's Hooded Cowl Pattern
Hook: N
Yarn: 1 skein Homespun Lions Brand (I used Baroque)
ch 50. join with slip stitch to form a large loop. be careful not to twist the chain.
1. ch 2. dc in each chain around. join with slip stitch to top of ch 2. (50)
2-5. ch 2. dc in each dc. (50)
6. ch 2. dc in next 33 dc. turn. (33)
7-16. ch 2. skip first dc, dc in each remaining dc, 1dc in the ch 2 space at the end of each row. turn. (33)
Now you will twist your work to edge around the face.
 |
| To edge around the face part you will follow the direction of the arrows, starting with the dot on the upper left. |
17. ch 2. dc down the one side (22 dc), dc across the front (17 dc), and dc up the other side (22 dc). turn. (61 dc)
18. ch 1. 1sc in each dc around the face. (61sc) fasten off and leave a long tail (at least 18 inches).
 |
| Place the corners together (indicated by the arrows above) and then sew the top together. |
Line up the top of the hood (using the picture above as an illustration, take the 2 corners where the arrows are pointing and put them together). Then, using the long tail, sew the top together. Ties off and weave in the end.
Embellish as you see fit! I am making another one with little ears on the top for a friend's son (ear pattern to come soon). I am also making one in gray with the edging around the face and the bottom in purple.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Fall Lacy Scarf Pattern
My first pattern post! I am so excited.
Even though we are in the middle of summer, I can only think ahead to fall time and cooler temperatures. While I love summer and the heat, for some reason, this year it is getting to me. I'm ready for fall and the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures.
With cooler temperatures comes the need to keep warm. Especially around the neck. So here is a wonderful scarf that is great for those fall time temperatures. It is solid to provide warmth but also lacy to make it more than "just a scarf."
Fall Lacy Scarf
What you will need:
H hook
yarn needle
scissors
2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver #981 - Fall
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
v-stitch = (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch
ch 22
1. dc in the 4th chain from the hook. dc in each ch to the end of the row. turn. (20 dc)
2. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
3. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
4. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd dc. *skip 2 dc, v-stitch in the next dc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (6 v-stitches)
5. ch 1. sc in each dc and 1sc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 sc)
6. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd sc. *skip 2 sc, v-stitch in the next sc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the last sc. turn. (6 v-stitches)
7. ch 3. dc in each dc and 1 dc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 dc)
8-9. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
repeat rows 4 - 9 until you have achieved the desired length, make sure to end with the 3 rows of dc.
fasten off and weave in the ends.
With some pictures:
ch 22
1. dc in the 4th chain from the hook. dc in each ch to the end of the row. turn. (20 dc)
2. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
3. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
4. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd dc. *skip 2 dc, v-stitch in the next dc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (6 v-stitches)
5. ch 1. sc in each dc and 1sc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 sc)
6. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd sc. *skip 2 sc, v-stitch in the next sc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the last sc. turn. (6 v-stitches)
7. ch 3. dc in each dc and 1 dc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 dc)
8-9. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
repeat rows 4 - 9 until you have achieved the desired length, make sure to end with the 3 rows of dc.
fasten off and weave in the ends.
My first one of these (in the pictures), I only did 2 rows of dc and ended up with 117 rows to get a nice length. I'm now working on the modified version (the one I have posted) with the 3 rows of dc and I like it much better.
Pattern and photos © Barbara McDonald. You may not copy or sell my patterns in whole or in part. Should you share my pattern, please link back to my page. Feel free to sell any finished product you make using this pattern.
Even though we are in the middle of summer, I can only think ahead to fall time and cooler temperatures. While I love summer and the heat, for some reason, this year it is getting to me. I'm ready for fall and the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures.
With cooler temperatures comes the need to keep warm. Especially around the neck. So here is a wonderful scarf that is great for those fall time temperatures. It is solid to provide warmth but also lacy to make it more than "just a scarf."
 |
| Fall Lacy Scarf |
What you will need:
H hook
yarn needle
scissors
2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver #981 - Fall
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
v-stitch = (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch
ch 22
1. dc in the 4th chain from the hook. dc in each ch to the end of the row. turn. (20 dc)
2. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
3. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
4. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd dc. *skip 2 dc, v-stitch in the next dc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (6 v-stitches)
5. ch 1. sc in each dc and 1sc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 sc)
6. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd sc. *skip 2 sc, v-stitch in the next sc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the last sc. turn. (6 v-stitches)
7. ch 3. dc in each dc and 1 dc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 dc)
8-9. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
repeat rows 4 - 9 until you have achieved the desired length, make sure to end with the 3 rows of dc.
fasten off and weave in the ends.
With some pictures:
ch 22
1. dc in the 4th chain from the hook. dc in each ch to the end of the row. turn. (20 dc)
2. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
 |
| dc in each dc. |
4. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd dc. *skip 2 dc, v-stitch in the next dc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (6 v-stitches)
 |
| ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd dc. *skip 2 dc, v-stitch in the next dc. repeat from * across. |
5. ch 1. sc in each dc and 1sc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 sc)
6. ch 3. v-stitch in 3rd sc. *skip 2 sc, v-stitch in the next sc. repeat from * across. end with a dc in the last sc. turn. (6 v-stitches)
7. ch 3. dc in each dc and 1 dc in each ch 1 space across. turn. (20 dc)
8-9. ch 3. dc in each dc. last dc in the ch 3 space. turn. (20 dc)
repeat rows 4 - 9 until you have achieved the desired length, make sure to end with the 3 rows of dc.
fasten off and weave in the ends.
 |
| Finished scarf. |
 |
| Close up of the finished scarf (with only 2 rows of the double crochet, I'm working on this scarf with the 3 rows and like it much better). |
My first one of these (in the pictures), I only did 2 rows of dc and ended up with 117 rows to get a nice length. I'm now working on the modified version (the one I have posted) with the 3 rows of dc and I like it much better.
Pattern and photos © Barbara McDonald. You may not copy or sell my patterns in whole or in part. Should you share my pattern, please link back to my page. Feel free to sell any finished product you make using this pattern.
This pattern is brought to you by www.meladorascreations.com
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
This pattern is brought to you by www.meladorascreations.com
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
This pattern is brought to you by www.meladorascreations.com
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
You can sell any item made from this pattern and link back to my page or videos, but you do not have permission to copy and paste my pattern anywhere online. ©Copyright 2014 - See more at: http://www.meladorascreations.com/leaf-necklace-scarf-free-crochet-pattern/#sthash.V9rPHNJq.dpuf
Thursday, July 10, 2014
The Birth of WackyWigz
Hi! My name is Barbara but everyone calls me Barbie. Welcome to my blog.
I'll start with a little about myself and my family. I am a stay at home mother of five children, 4 boys and 1 girl. We are a very creative family. From figuring out new dishes to make in the kitchen, to drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, we always seem to be working on something.
My main creative outlet is crochet. I love it! I make simple hats on up to large afghans and everything in between. But what I really enjoy, making fun and funky hats and yarn wigs or crochet costume pieces for my kids and their friends to use.
My introduction to making these wigs and hats was my daughter. One year she wanted to be Rapunzel for Halloween. But once I saw the price of the fake Rapunzel wig, I knew I could make something even better and more durable and for a whole lot less. So I thought for a little while and I pulled out some granny squares I had been assembling... that's when it hit me. A yarn wig! Perfect!
Almost immediately I was in the car and headed for the yarn store where I bought 2 large skeins of yellow yarn. I crocheted a simple hat to fit my daughter. Then the trial and error began... I measured from the top of her head to her knees to see how long to cut her "hair." Using chairs, I began unspooling the first skein of yarn to the length needed. Rapunzel hair is really long! I then started looping the hair onto the hat I had made (I would tie it later to make it secure).
Uh oh. Something I had neglected to consider... yarn can be very heavy. I had only covered about 1/3 of the hat and it was already too heavy, no way my little 5 year old could walk around, trick or treating, with so much poundage of yarn on her head. Back to the drawing board I went.
It took a little playing around but I was finally able to figure out the perfect yarn to child head ratio (not an easy feat when we are talking about a 5 year old and more hair than I have ever even thought about). It wasn't perfect but it would suit the needs of a child who just wanted to dress up like Rapunzel.
After Rapunzel's wig I didn't think about it again... for a year. Then my daughter decided she wanted to be Merida from the Disney movie "Brave." Off to the yarn store again, this time for red yarn instead of yellow. I then spent a little over an hour trying to remember how I had made the Rapunzel wig (made shorter by the sudden appearance of the Rapunzel wig from my daughter's closet). A few adjustments and my daughter was a beautiful Princess Merida for Halloween.
After the Merida wig, I was hooked. I had so many ideas running through my head about different styles and colors and cuts and curls. I began making different styles and playing around with the base hat pattern. My kids enjoyed the sudden influx of dress up wigs. They had as much fun playing with them as I was having making them.
After a few of their friends saw the wigs I was hit with requests. "Can you make..." I worked my fingers like never before but in the end WackyWigz was born.
I started with just a few styles and colors but have expanded to more than just fun wigs, now I also make fun hats and baby items as well.
That is the story of how I got started with my crazy wigs and hats. Quick bow to a really great friend who helped me come up with a name (and helped me get started on Etsy to sell these crazy creations).
Now I am expanding out even more to a blog of my adventures in WackyWigz.
Ta ta for now!
~Barbie~
I'll start with a little about myself and my family. I am a stay at home mother of five children, 4 boys and 1 girl. We are a very creative family. From figuring out new dishes to make in the kitchen, to drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, we always seem to be working on something.
My main creative outlet is crochet. I love it! I make simple hats on up to large afghans and everything in between. But what I really enjoy, making fun and funky hats and yarn wigs or crochet costume pieces for my kids and their friends to use.
My introduction to making these wigs and hats was my daughter. One year she wanted to be Rapunzel for Halloween. But once I saw the price of the fake Rapunzel wig, I knew I could make something even better and more durable and for a whole lot less. So I thought for a little while and I pulled out some granny squares I had been assembling... that's when it hit me. A yarn wig! Perfect!
Almost immediately I was in the car and headed for the yarn store where I bought 2 large skeins of yellow yarn. I crocheted a simple hat to fit my daughter. Then the trial and error began... I measured from the top of her head to her knees to see how long to cut her "hair." Using chairs, I began unspooling the first skein of yarn to the length needed. Rapunzel hair is really long! I then started looping the hair onto the hat I had made (I would tie it later to make it secure).
Uh oh. Something I had neglected to consider... yarn can be very heavy. I had only covered about 1/3 of the hat and it was already too heavy, no way my little 5 year old could walk around, trick or treating, with so much poundage of yarn on her head. Back to the drawing board I went.
It took a little playing around but I was finally able to figure out the perfect yarn to child head ratio (not an easy feat when we are talking about a 5 year old and more hair than I have ever even thought about). It wasn't perfect but it would suit the needs of a child who just wanted to dress up like Rapunzel.
After Rapunzel's wig I didn't think about it again... for a year. Then my daughter decided she wanted to be Merida from the Disney movie "Brave." Off to the yarn store again, this time for red yarn instead of yellow. I then spent a little over an hour trying to remember how I had made the Rapunzel wig (made shorter by the sudden appearance of the Rapunzel wig from my daughter's closet). A few adjustments and my daughter was a beautiful Princess Merida for Halloween.
After the Merida wig, I was hooked. I had so many ideas running through my head about different styles and colors and cuts and curls. I began making different styles and playing around with the base hat pattern. My kids enjoyed the sudden influx of dress up wigs. They had as much fun playing with them as I was having making them.
After a few of their friends saw the wigs I was hit with requests. "Can you make..." I worked my fingers like never before but in the end WackyWigz was born.
I started with just a few styles and colors but have expanded to more than just fun wigs, now I also make fun hats and baby items as well.
That is the story of how I got started with my crazy wigs and hats. Quick bow to a really great friend who helped me come up with a name (and helped me get started on Etsy to sell these crazy creations).
Now I am expanding out even more to a blog of my adventures in WackyWigz.
Ta ta for now!
~Barbie~
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