Thursday, January 30, 2014

New Pattern Release - BLOCK MAN!!!

With a 5-year old who has been eagerly awaiting the Feb. 7th release of The Lego Movie, I decided to make a special hat that he could wear in the meantime.  Introducing... BLOCK MAN!!!


My son was very excited to try on the finished hat - and now I'm having to fight to get it off of him.  LOL

The pattern is now available for purchase in both our Ravelry shop and our Craftsy shop for $3.49.  But today and tomorrow you can get it for only $1.99!!!



Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Snow Day on the Gulf Coast

I know that to the majority of our friends and fans, a snow day is not a big deal.  But here on the Alabama Gulf Coast (we live 30 minutes north of the beach), a snow (or ice) day is HUGE!  Most of the kids in this area have never seen snow - and even a few of the adults.  I was born in West Virginia, so seeing snow is nothing new to me, but I've been in the South for 24 years. It's been a long time. 

The day started with icy rain and sleet...



...but as the day progressed, we finally saw snow!!
 
 
 
 
We had a great time playing and having some family time - and it was the first time in years I've had both my hubby and the kids home all day for my birthday.  That meant I had nothing to do (my hubby always spoils me on my birthday) and he even made me a homemade cheesecake - raspberry swirled and topped with ganache, fresh raspberry puree, and homemade whipped cream.
 

 
And this was what it still looked like this morning - the difference is that now, even though it looks soft, everything is frozen solid.

 
 
Of course I had LOTS of time to crochet - I wrapped up my 2nd square for the Moogly CAL and even started writing a new pattern.  I'll post about those within the next couple of days so stay tuned...
 
~ Jamie

Sunday, January 19, 2014

New Pattern - Bow Scarf

After a few Pinterest followers contacted me, as well as some of our Facebook fans, I was asked to create a pattern for a basic scarf with a large bow on it.  I myself had come across the same photo on Pinterest, but I was unable to find a pattern to show some love to a fellow designer. 

With that said, I was off and running, creating the pattern for this scarf in one evening.


The pattern includes instructions for scarves in your choice of 3 lengths, 3 widths, and 3 bow sizes, allowing you to have some real fun creating a scarf that is fun and unique.  Check out some of the fun ways my testers used this pattern:
 



And through Monday, January 20,  you can get the pattern for only $2.49 - no coupon code needed!  Visit our Raverly store to purchase your copy!!!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Moogly Afghan CAL - Block #1

As I announced earlier in the week, at least one of the Housewives will be participating in the Afghan Crochet-Along being hosted throughout the year Moogly

The first thing I had to determine before starting anything was the color palette I want to use.  Since I rarely make anything for myself, I decided to make it in colors to match our master bedroom - that means I'll be working with various shades of teal blue, cream, and brown.  (I honestly can't even tell you what brands or shades I'm starting with because I've had them put up for another project I was going to do for the bedroom.)

I sat down between Friday night and throughout the day on Saturday and worked up the first square for the CAL.  The Anticipation Mystery block by Margaret MacInnis was the first blog to be introduced for the CAL.  Here's how it turned out:


This is probably one of the most difficult patterns I've ever worked, but I love the final product.  I haven't blocked before, but I know it's going to be necessary for this project!  Are you participating in the Moogly Afghan CAL?  Send us your photos and we'll share them on the blog!!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along

Last year I attempted a project to create a different Granny Square.  The plan was to do one each day for the entire year - yeah, it didn't even come close to happening.  LOL  I've been wanting to try another year long project but wasn't sure what I wanted to do.  I did know, however, that I didn't want to take on something that was going to consume a ton of time.

Behold... MOOGLY has resolved my problem.  Moogly just kicked off an Afghan Crochet-Along.  Every other Thursday from January through November, they will be posting a link to a mystery square.  The squares will be 12" and in the end, there will be enough to make a 4x6' afghan (with a little extra once you join and add a border). 

That's it - there are no rules, no color or yarn requirements, and it's FREE (yes, we love that word here at the Hooking Housewives). 

Sooooooo... the first square was linked up yesterday.  I'll work it over the next few days and will track my own progress here with pictures.  I never make anything for myself so I figure this may be a fun way to do it. If you want to join us, you can see the full post from here.  And if you decide to participate, feel free to share your pictures with the Housewives as well as Moogly.  :)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Polar Vortex

We know that with the frigid temperatures, many of you are stuck indoors.  What better time to try out a new crochet pattern.  That being said, all Hooking Housewives patterns will be on sale Tuesday and Wednesday - use coupon code "COLD" to get your discount.

Visit our Ravelry store here... and if you don't have money for a new pattern, pick up one of our FREE ones. 

And as always, if you try out one of our patterns, please share your photos on our FB page.

Monday, January 6, 2014

New Pattern - Chevron Cowl & Infinity Scarf

Our first pattern for 2014 is here -it's a Chevron Cowl & Infinity Scarf.
 
 
This pattern is so versatile and easy to work up.  It's written for sizes Tween/Teen through Women but includes instructions on how to easily adapt it for smaller (or even larger) sizes.  You can skip the worsted weight yarn to use something more appropriate for your taste.  Check out some of the creations our testers came up with:


 
 
 
The best thing about this pattern is that IT'S FREE!!!  You can get your copy in our Ravelry store HERE.  And if you make one of your own using the pattern, share your pictures with us on Facebook.