Dirty Rice and Dragons

*gigglesnort* that title sounds like a really, really bad movie. It pretty much sums up my evening, though. Made a cross between dirty rice and red beans and rice for dinner tonight and have been working steadily on my cross stitch.

Dinner wasn't as pretty, but I'm pretty sure it tasted better than the cross stitch would have. Kidney beans, rice cooked in chicken broth, smoked sausage, onions, garlic, and spices vs. cotton fabric and thread...Hmmm...

Oh! And the new crochet hook I ordered came today! Such excitement! Yep, that's my life, one thrill after another.

Cajun Rice Dinner

3C. Uncooked rice
6C. Chicken broth
1lb smoked sausage, sliced
2 T oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 t paprika
3/4 t salt
1/2 t oregano
1/4 t thyme
Sprinkle cayenne (more it you like it hot)
2 T Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed.

Bring broth to a boil, add rice, cover, and cook 20 minutes, until broth is absorbed and rice is tender.

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and sausage, cook until onion is tender and sausage is browned. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add beans and seasonings and stir together.

Stir sausage mixture into the rice. Add more Cajun seasoning as needed.
You may add 2 stalks sliced celery and/or 1 chopped bell pepper to the skillet when you cook the onion if you like, my family doesn't care for them.

Granny Square Poncho Pattern

I just finished another granny square poncho and have had several requests for the pattern, so I thought I'd finally get it written up and in my Etsy shop. It's easy but a bit time consuming.

You can buy the pattern here: Granny Square Poncho Pattern.

Alternatively, if you would rather buy the poncho than make it, it's available, custom made, here: Afghansoffthehook, Granny Square Poncho

A warm, chunky scarf for winter

A couple of months ago, I got some super bulky yarn on clearance and have been searching for patterns since. Most call for a 9mm hook and while that's fine for boot cuffs and hats, the scarves and cowls end up too stiff for my taste. I like those to be soft and squishy.
So I came up with my own design. It's mesh-y...lots of holes...but so thick that it's still warm, but the holes keep it pliable.
It takes just over a skein of Lion Brand Hometown, 81 yards each, so...about 100-110 yards.

Super Chunky Mesh Cowl
Pattern designed and written by Rachel Simister

Super chunky yarn, category 6. I used Lion Brand Hometown. This took just over 1 skein, approximately 100-110 yards.
16mm crochet hook
J hook. I used this to weave in the tails and sew the ends as the thick yarn wouldn't fit in any yarn needle!

CH 13.
Row 1 - hdc in 3rd CH from hook, *CH 1, skip next foundation CH, hdc in next CH*. Rep from * to * across.

Row 2 - CH 3, turn. Hdc in first CH 1 space. *CH 1, skip next hdc, hdc in next CH 1 space*. Rep from * to * across, putting last hdc in chain space at the end of the row.

Rows 3-50 - rep row 2.
Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Whip stitch short ends together, weave in ends.

This is a free pattern. You can give it out, but please don't sell it or post it anywhere. You may post a link to it if you like.
Thank you!
10/11/2014

Designing a New Fall Set

I picked up some Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Winery at Walmart a couple of weeks ago, on clearance, and since I've finished all my custom orders for the moment, I wanted to play with it.
The color is gorgeous. It gives from a deep Burgundy to a purple to a brownish to a pink...and everything in between! Great fallish colors. Because it was on clearance, however, it probably means they're discontinuing the color. Figures.
So, I scoured Ravelry and Google looking for a cowl I liked...and liked for the yarn. As I'm sure all you fiber artists know, not all patterns/ stitches work with all yarns.
Zilch. Nada. Nothing clicked.
I kinda liked this and kinda liked that...but...no. So. I winged it.
I'm not posting any patterns yet, because I want to post everything at once and the fingerless gloves aren't *there* yet, but...here are the pics. And the link to my Facebook page. I don't have any of it in my Etsy shop yet, not till it's done, but...here ya go!
Afghans Off the Hook

New Baby Stuff!

I was busy this weekend! A friend gave me some yarn and included was some absolutely delicious baby yarn! Oh, the fun I had!
Among the people I know there must be a bug going around...quite a few are either pregnant themselves or one of their kids are! In the last year, two have become grandparents and three have either had babies or are pregnant. And the year before had a good crop, too!
So. I had one blanket made already...I needed pictures for my shop... and this weekend I made another as well as my first lovey! As soon as I find out what my cousin is having...or find out she's not finding out!...I'll get her an afghan made.
Her grandmother, my aunt, was one of two aunts who were always giving afghans. She passed a few years ago and the other isn't well. I believe I'm the only one of the cousins who crochets, so I thought it would be nice for her to get a handmade afghan, even though her gramma is gone.
The blanket is just s simple basket weave, and the lovey is a granny square with a simple stuffed ball that I threaded with hair and sewed a face on.

Basket Weave Baby Afghan
Approximately 30x40"
I used over half a skein of Bernat Baby Sport and almost two skeins of Bernat Baby Coordinates.
The border was done in Bernat Pipsqueak, and used about a quarter of a skein.
I used a G hook for the Afghan and an N hook for the border.
I switched colors every 10 rows.

Chain 102.
Row 1- In the 4th chain from the hook, dc. Dc in each CH across. CH 3, turn.
Row 2- skip the first dc. Hdc in second dc. *Fpdc in next 3 dc, bpdc in next 3 dc.* rep * to * to the last 2 dc. Hdc in last 2 dc. CH 3, turn.
Row 3- skip first hdc, hdc in next hdc. Fpdc in each fpdc, bpdc in each bpdc, across to last 2 hdc. Hdc in last 2 hdc. CH 3, turn.
Row 4- skip first hdc, hdc in next hdc. Fpdc in each bpdc and bpdc in each fpdc, across to last two hdc. Hdc in last 2 hdc. CH 2, turn.
Row 5 on- repeat row 3 twice, then row 4 twice, back and forth, every two rows, across until Afghan reaches desired length.
Border - in any corner, attach yarn. CH 3, 2 dc, in same stitch. *Dc in every other stitch to the next corner. 3 dc in corner.* repeat * to * around. Attach to top of CH 3 with a slip stitch. Finish off and weave in ends.
I'll post the lovey tomorrow!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193123622/handcrafted-crocheted-baby-afghan-or?ref=shop_home_active_1

Basket Weave Infant Cocoon and Hat Set

I have just written a pattern for an infant cocoon and hat set that I would like to share with you.  I haven't had a lot of time lately to post anything, but I'm hoping that changes soon. I now have a shop on Etsy.com and this set is for sale there, along with several other items.
Basket Weave Cocoon and Hat Set

 

Basket Weave Infant Cocoon and Hat Set

By Rachel Simister

8 oz. worsted weight yarn in main color.

3 oz. worsted weight yarn in secondary color.

Size I hook

Yarn needle 

Gauge isn’t very important here. After crocheting the 5^th round, piece should measure approximately 6” across. If you’re way off, go up (if it’s too small) or down (if it’s too big) a hook size.

I don’t like the magic circle, so I don’t use it. If you like it, feel free to use it.

The stripes were added randomly, so you can change from the main color to the secondary color whenever you like. Work the last stitch in the round, hook through the top of the first dc, yo with new color and pull through in a slip stitch to change color. The number of rows done in the secondary color were also random.

Chain 2 does not count as a stitch.

Round 1. ch 4, join with a slip stitch in first chain to form a loop, ch 2, 12 dc in loop, join to 1st dc. (12dc)
Round 2. ch 2, 2 dc in same st and in each st around. Join to top of 1st dc. (24 dc)
Round 3. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next st. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (36 dc)
Round 4. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 2 sts. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (48 dc)
Round 5. ch2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 3 sts. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (60 dc)

Round 6. ch 2, *FPDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.
Round 7. ch 2, *BPDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.

Round 8 on. Rep rounds 6 and 7 until cocoon measures approximately 19”, ending with main color. Do not fasten off, join secondary color.

Cuff

Round 1. Ch 2. Dc in each fpdc and bpdc around. Join with slip stitch to top of first dc.

Round 2-4. Ch 2. Fpdc in first dc. *Bpdc in next dc, fpdc in next dc* around. Join to top of first fpdc. Finish off.

 

Hat

Chain 2 does not count as a stitch.

Round 1. ch 4, join with a slip stitch in first chain to form a loop, ch 2, 12 dc in loop, join to 1st dc. (12dc)
Round 2. ch 2, 2 dc in same st and in each st around. Join to top of 1st dc. (24 dc)
Round 3. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next st. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (36 dc)
Round 4. ch 2, *FPDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.
Round 5. ch 2, *BPDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.

Round 6 on. Rep rounds 4 and 5 until hat measures approximately 4”, ending with main color. Do not fasten off, join secondary color.

Round 1. Ch 2. Sc in each fpdc and bpdc around. Join with slip stitch to top of first dc.

Fasten off.

 

Weave in all ends in cocoon and hat.

Using Up Scrap Yarn

So, a friend of a friend is in need of baby stuff.  Well, my "baby" is 20, so I don't have anything, but I hate to see someone in need and not help if there's any way I possibly can.  Like most folks, my husband and I rarely see much of our money.  It's generally spent before we actually get paid, so there's nothing I could do in that regard, so I offered to make her a baby afghan out of leftover yarn.  She's having a girl, so was asking for girl stuff, but while this blanket is going to be colorful, I'm working with what I have. 

I was raised on the phrase "beggars can't be choosers", and I still live by it, so if what I make doesn't suit her, that's fine, I'm sure I can find someone who would appreciate it.  I don't mean to sound nasty, but I have made too many things for people, put time, effort, and thought into it, only to have them turn their noses up at it.  I don't want, need, or expect a big production of gratitude, but it would be nice to be thanked, and for the person to NOT look like I just handed them a bag of dog poop!  *sigh*  Sorry.

Usually those folks are the same ones who raise their eyebrows when they find out how much it is to buy an afghan.  No, they're not cheap.  Not to buy and not to make.  On average, I ask around $200 for a regular sized afghan.  For a blanket??  No, a blanket you can go to the store and buy for $20.  This is a hand made afghan.  Not only that, but my afghans are made to order.  Bigger or smaller, whatever colors you like, and if you want to pay for Merino, I can do that, too!  (That's gonna be a hell of a lot more than $200, though!).  Once I take out the price of the yarn and break it down into all the hours I put into it, I'm making about half minimum wage.  Oh, well, you can do this sitting on the sofa in front of the TV.  Yeah...I can...but it's still work.  It still makes my carpal tunnel act up sometimes, I still get a stiff neck and sore shoulders from it!

I have looked at several calculators that are supposed to help you price your hand made items.  HA!  I should be charging at least three times what I do!  Now, there may be s few folks out there willing to put that kind of money out for an afghan, but I certainly don't know any of them!  I know I had an aunt who made quilts and she could sell just the tops for $600 each, but I don't see that happening here. 

Anyway...

I've just done a simple half double.  I have more blue and purple yarn, so I do five rows of one, then six rows, each one a different color, in no special order, then five rows of the other.  It's not baby-ish and it's not girly, but it's colorful...and it's free!

Finally Back!

Finally.  About a month ago, my 3 month old computer fatally crashed.  I got it back the other day.  I feel like I should get something out of it beyond them fixing it for free, I mean come on!  3 months and it dies?  *sigh*  Frustrating!

So, I've been busy.  Just a little bit!  I started and finished a baby blanket for a friend's first grandson.  I used the pattern I've already posted, the vertical lattice, but it's yellow this time. 

 

I think it turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself!

 

Our oldest son came home last month, too.  He's been stationed in Hawaii since 2010 and is finally home.  Big adjustment for all of us.  He's planning on going to school next spring, so now it's working on getting a job. 

 

Feeling a bit off with all that's going on, so please bear with me.

Is Summer Here Yet?

Not that I'm looking forward to the sweltering heat, but as a school bus monitor, I get the summer off!  No, I am not like most people, who love the summer.  I could live in constant spring or fall, but the summer heat kills me.  Especially since we moved to Iowa from Utah.  I grew up in Indiana but never got used to the humidity.  I wanted to move back east from Utah, but I do miss those dry summers!

Summer, for me, means that I can get back to what I really want to do...crochet!!  This work thing has cut into my crochet time terribly!

I have started another afghan, however.  My aunt asked me to make her one to replace one her mother made her years ago and that she lost to a house fire, also quite a while ago.  She wanted it in the same pattern as my last afghan, but in her high school colors as the one she lost was.  Now she went to the same high school as my dad did.  The enemy!!  LOL  That high school was hated by many when I was a teen...because they kicked everyone's butt in basketball!!  This was back in the '80s.  Their colors are purple and gold so, of course, while they were winning, they called it the purple reign.  If you're from the '80s, you'll get it.  So, also of course, I have to tease her. 

So, since I already shared the pattern, I'll share pix of the work in progress.  This one is going to be queen sized, so in addition to adding stitches to make it bigger, I am also using a larger hook...I used an I hook last time and a J hook this time.

 

about 1/6 done!

 

 

Wash Cloths

This whole work thing is seriously cutting into my crochet time!  *sigh*  I haven't gotten nearly as much done in the last couple of weeks as I would have liked, but I did get some great cotton yarn and made 2 wash cloths out of it.  I got some Lion Brand Recycled Cotton, which, from what I gather, is scraps from when they cut pieces for T-shirts mixed with some acrylic fiber so it's 76% cotton and 24% acrylic, but it feels like all cotton and the acrylic gives it a little extra durability.  I used the color Marine and just love the result!

I used a simple single and half double crochet pattern.  I made one about 10" square and one about 8" square.  The pattern was supposed to make a 9" square, but even after using a smaller hook, it was 10".  I used fewer chains for the smaller one.

Mesh Washcloth
worsted weight cotton yarn
H hook (I used an F hook and it was still larger)

Ch. 39.
Row 1:  sc in 3rd ch from hook *ch 1, skip nexr ch, sc in next ch.  Repeat from * across.  Ch. 2, turn.
Row 2:  hdc in 1st ch. 1 sp *ch 1, skip next sc, hdc in next ch 1 sp.  Repeat from * across.  Ch 1, turn
Row 3:  sc in 1st ch 1 sp *ch 1, skip next hdc, sc in next ch 1 a.  Repeat from * across.  Ch 2, turn
Repeat rows 2 & 3 until cloth is square, ending with sc row.  DO NOT FINISH OFF.

Border:
Ch 1, turn.  In same sp as ch, (sc, ch 2, sc).  sc evenly around edge of wash cloth, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in every corner.  Join with sl st to first sc.  Finish off.  Weave in ends.

`

Starting a New Afghan

I love bringing home a bag full of yarn!!  Feels almost like Christmas. 

So, I found a pattern at Redheart.com that I liked...not sure how to share that without stepping on toes, but if I figure it out, I'll post it here.  It's called Ripple Flash Dance Throw.  I've changed the colors to suit the person I'm making it for.  I'm using off white, brown, beige, and hunter green.  Haven't quite gotten to the green yet.

I'll post more pictures as I get more work done.

It's really easy and the variation in ripple length gives an otherwise very common ripple a bit of character.  You can't see it in the picture, and I'll post another once I have more done, but in the middle there's an extra long section.  So the length of the ripples goes 15, 11, 11, 11, 19, 19, 11, 11, 11, 15. 

I hope the colors work out ok.  She likes browns/tans, and dark green, and I couldn't find 2 shades of dark green that weren't either too close to each other or...well...ugly, so I went with 2 shades of brown.

 

About halfway there!

 

 

Vertical Lattice Baby Blanket

This is a pattern I wrote a couple of years ago for a baby blanket.  I had never written one before, but couldn't find one I really liked.  It was for a friend whose baby was due in early August, so I wanted one that was a little lighter weight than the ones I was finding.  I think it turned out beautiful, if I do say so myself...especially for a first timer!  I bought a big one pound skein of baby weight yarn, but had plenty left, so 550-600 yards.

This pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop here: Vertical Lattice Baby Blanket Pattern

Alternatively, if you would rather have one custom made for you, visit my Etsy shop, Vertical Lattice Baby Blanket. It's available in baby or throw size.

Figuring This Out

Please bear with me as I try to figure this all out. 

My name is Rachel and I'm brand new to this.  As if you couldn't tell.  I wanted to try this out because, well, why not.  I actually hate the word 'blog'...sort of the sound one of my dogs makes when she yarks.  Charming way to start out, huh? 

So, I live in Iowa with my husband of almost 23 years, our youngest son, three cats and two dogs.  I love to crochet and cook.  And read.  I hate housework.  Hate.  My life is anything but exciting, but I am a pretty good cook and I make some very nice afghans and I really like to share.  If it hadn't been for the sharing of information by others, I would never have gotten good at either cooking or crocheting, so I guess I would like to return the favor.

I know it's barely March, but here in Iowa, land of the endless snow, it's too nasty to do anything outside, so I thought I may as well be productive while I'm stuck inside.  I have decided to make afghans for Christmas presents this year.  My sister got one last year for her birthday, so that leaves hubby's family.  That's five sibs (his mom got one year before last for Christmas).

This is the one I made my sister,  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the one I sent my mother-in-law, but it's the same design, just different colors.  So far, I have one finished and one almost finished.  Yes, I need to get pictures of those, I know. 

I just got an order for another one that I will start on as soon as it's paid for.  *I learned to never start a project until it's fully paid for.  Otherwise I would be drowning in afghans and baby blankets.*  This is why I started working on the presents so early.  New orders always come in when I have something else I want to do LOL, but the things I 'want' to do don't put money in the bank.  *sigh*

The pattern is available for sale in my Etsy shop Ridged Chevron afghan pattern

If you would like to buy a custom made afghan, handcrafted by me, you can do that here: Ridged Zig Zag Afghan at Etsy.

Crocheted Zig Zag Afghan
Approximate Size: 49" x 71"