Here comes the baby pool

I had a dream last night that I had the baby, so we'd better get this party started before it's too late.

I thought it'd be fun to start a pool where you can guess when we will get to meet my baby girl. The best part? The one closest to actual date will win $20 to my shop!! As a bonus, EVERYONE who guesses her name right will get a free pattern.

Use the tab above or this link to enter!

http://playinhookydesigns.blogspot.com/p/baby-pool.html

play hard ... play hooky

Don't think of it as Monday...

Think of it as PATTERN DAY!!

I'm so excited to finally bring you my first design of 2015... the Snowdrift Slouch.

Swirl, twist, roll… whatever you call it, you NEED this hat. It’s as fun to make as it is to wear. Versatile, cozy and comfy, with undeniable style. Make it in a solid color or with a color pop. Just make it your own today!

Here's your chance to enter to win a free copy of my new Snowdrift Slouch pattern:

Follow this link to Pin the picture to the left.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/109071622201360202/

Then head over to my Facebook post and leave your Pinterest ID.

Tomorrow (1/13) I'll pick FIVE random winners from all the entries to win a free copy of the Snowdrift Slouch pattern (or another pattern from my shop if you already have it)!

  

  

play hard ... play hooky

Brace Yourself for the Winner

I always try to bring you something just a little different during Playin' Hooky tee and hoodie week. I used all of my Photoshop "skills" to put a Playin' Hooky tee on Ned Stark and asked you to finish this meme. The comment with the most likes on Facebook wins a free Playin' Hooky tee.

I couldn't resist giving a little something special to my personal favorite captions. These commenters get to pick a free pattern from my shop. If you're a winner, send me an email to claim your prize.

Designer's Picks

• Kiley Jones... They just called you a Knitter!
• Jennifer Bibb (and Alyssa Willey)... It's time to weave in the ends!
• Jackie Fenwick... Last minute gift requests are coming. 
• Steff Walker... You made her lose her stitch count

And the Grand Prize winner of the free Playin' Hooky tee is...

Chellsea Hernandez

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you so much to everyone who played along. I hope we all got a smile out of it.

If you didn't win the free tee, you still have until Wednesday, 9/24 to get your Playin' Hooky gear and represent. Did you know? Every Playin' Hooky tee & hoodie is ordered and hand screen printed by a local artist. The crochet stitch design was specially created for me by another local designer. No big box companies here! I personally quality control check each one as I package them to make sure your order is perfect.

play hard ... play hooky

Outfitters Braided Headband Kit Giveaway

You know that feeling when you're done with a big project and all you can think about is climbing a mountain and shouting that not only did you finish, but you're pretty proud of the results? Is that just me? Well even though there are mountains all around me, I'm far too out of shape to summit one. So here's me shouting! In anticipation of the release of my new pattern on Monday, I put together a kit for one lucky winner including everything you'll need to make your Outfitters Braided Headband.
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Outfitters Braided Headband Kit:

1. A  printed copy of the Outfitters Braided Headband pattern, including over 100 tutorial photos.
2. 1 Skein of Hand-Dyed Yarn by Yarn Baby, LLC - superwash merino, worsted weight, 100 yards. Super soft and squishy!
3. 1 "Single" Yarn Pop Yarn Tote in Pink Interlock - Unique, Contemporary & Bold. Yarn Pop makes it easy to stay organized while crocheting on-the-go.
4. 2 ChiaoGoo Bamboo crochet hooks - size K/10.5 - 6.5mm & size L/11 - 8.0mm
5. 1 5' Measuring Tape
6. 1 Mini Digital Finger Ring Row Counter
7. Assorted Playin' Hooky Gear - 2 Stickers, 1 Pin, 1 Button
8. Set of 16 Clover Interlocking Stitch Markers 

Outfitters Headband
Design Details:

• Yes, it's crochet! It's tunisian.
• 3 ways to braid.
• 2 different closures.
• 3 sizes: Toddler, Kids, Adults
• It's reversible (whaaat?!)

The Fine Print:

• Use Rafflecopter to the right to enter!
• Open to all countries with no shipping costs.
• Must be 18 to enter.
• Winner will be contacted on Monday, 3/31/14.
• Winner has 24 hours to claim prize. If it's not claimed another winner will be chosen.

A HUGE thank you to Amanda Wilson Photography for knowing exactly how I wanted the pictures to look (even when I didn't know myself) and taking magazine-worthy shots!

play hard... play hooky

10,000 Fan GIveaway - New Moon Studio

We have come full circle with one full week of giveaways! Thank you to  everyone who entered, all my new fans, and of course my vendors. It's been an incredible time so far and I hope you think so too!! My hope is that I introduced you to some drool-worthy shops. First up as always are the winners from yesterday.

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Schere K.W.! She will be making ice cream headbands and bacon scarves with Twinkie Chan's book!
RaeLynn O.! Can tote her WIP's anywhere because she won the tote from Yarn Pop!

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For my final giveaway, New Moon Studio is donating a STUNNING hand thrown yarn bowl. I'm finding it hard to describe; it's just that beautiful. Seriously, no words... just look!

The bowl is made with high fire stoneware and covered with combination of two beautiful glazes.

It is approximately 6"x3".
Each yarn bowl is made to order, so estimated ship time from final pick is 3-4 weeks.

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I also want to give a final thank you to all of my vendors! I couldn't have done with without their amazing talent. If you missed any of them during the giveaway, here they are...

Yarn Baby

Mad Mad me

RAD stamps

East Mesa Design

Just Be Happy Patterns

Auntie Jen's Creations

Craftwich Creations

TJB Designs

Happy Peg

Manjar Sweets

The Lemonade Shop

Wearthou

Twinkie Chan

Yarn Pop

New Moon Studio

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Wearthou

Perfect for a Saturday Date Night is this Crochet Me Somethin' Necklace from Wearthou. Made entirely from sterling silver, the ball of yarn is 1cm across and has a single crochet hook, shaped by Shirley and is soldered securely in place. It is then tumbled to give it all a glossy shine.

I had one of these necklaces and proudly wore it. Everyone who asked got to listen to me explain that "No, I don't knit. I'm a HOOKER!" :) I loved the dialog it started.

And then I lost my necklace... insert sad music here. But don't worry! My story has a happy ending. I knew I couldn't live without it so I bought myself another one!

Use the Rafflecopter to the right or this mobile friendly link to enter!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Manjar Sweets

You are NOT going to want to miss this one! There's no better way to celebrate that the weekend is almost here then to win a box of granny square and yarn ball cookies from Manjar Sweets! I'm seriously in love! Crochet, yarn, & sugar - YES please! I'm jealous of anyone who gets to enter. I may just have to order them for myself. I'm no where near handy enough with an icing bag to attempt these.

Use the Rafflecopter form to the left or this mobile friend link to enter. So jealous.

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Happy Peg

Who's ready to see who won?

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Avril H.! She gets to play with the hook from Craftwich Creations!
Crescendo Gal & Sandie R.! They each one a new set of st markers from TJB Designs!

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Alessandra (Just Be Happy) is at it again! Not only did she donated two copies of her book, but she's also giving this morning's prize from her newest shop, Happy Peg. I swear, she always has the best ideas - it's hard to keep up! Her new peg dolls are SO sweet that I dare you not to smile! She makes everything from firemen to circus performers to farm animals and of course hookers too!

Enter for your chance to win one Crocheter Peg Doll from this upbeat and positive shop. Just imagine having your own little crochet friend standing at the ready. Now I want one!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - TJBdesigns

TJB Designs made the first set of stitch markers I ever used... and the second... and the third... they are still my go-to markers today! They stay in place, are easy to place and remove, are easily bendable if you need to reshape them, and are just the right weight so they don't get in your way!

Two lucky winners will each get one set of these awesome markers to help with all your last minute Christmas gifts! Use the Rafflecopter form to the right to enter!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Craftwich Creations

First things first! WINNERS!

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Diane C. & Kat A.! They each won a copy of Just Be Happy's book!
Laurel H. & Maria W.! The won Auntie Jen's Creations button sets!

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If you're like me, then you're pretty picky about your hooks. Just like an artist needs the right brushes, you need the right hooks! I instantly fell in love with the hooks from Craftwich Creations. Hand carved from the best branches, each one different but beautiful! You really need to check out what she can do! Best thing is? She makes more than just hooks - you can find drop spindles, and yarn, and wool dryer balls (oh my!).

This morning's prize is one green size M hook from Craftwich (the one shown on the Rafflecopter widget). You're going to want to get your hands on this one!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Just Be Happy Patterns

Who wants to know yesterday's winners?

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Amy H.! She won the set of hooker stamps from RADstamps!
Alexandra M.! She won East Mesa's granny square mug!

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Alessandra has created something that, well, just makes you happy! A native of Brazil, she has been inducing smiles with her adorable newborn props, cute kids animal beanies, adult styles and so much more! She is one incredible lady... she'll crank out props, hats, and cozies like you've never seen, all with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. And guess what? She has her own book too! So inspiring.

For Wednesday morning's giveaway Just Be Happy has donated a copy of her book to two, YES TWO lucky winners! It's full of adorable and whimsical (but wearable) designs for kids. Check it out to start your day with a smile!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - East Mesa Design

East Mesa and I go way back. If you've been with me for a while, you may have seen my etched wine glasses or my Kleen Kanteen with my logo. Recently we've teamed up to bring you the best mug EVER! How else would you want to start your day? Coffee and crochet = bliss!

East Mesa Design is giving away one mug - and the best part is you get to choose the color!! Read about about them below the pic.

"Granny Square Etched Ceramic Mug

These mug are sandblasted, through the color glaze to the ceramic.

•How many do I get?•

You will receive 1 mug.  Choose your color: Apple Green, Black, Bright Orange, Cranberry, Navy, Matte Plum.

•What are they for?•

You know, drinking stuff.

•How they are made?•

Handmade everything by me! I design, etch, wash, and package each glass. They are sandblasted, using a stencil that I make. Sandblasting imprints a permanent design that will last as long as your glass does.

•How do I clean them?•

A little soap and warm water goes a long way! Towel dry to prevent water spots. They can also be washed and dried in the dishwasher. Your choice.

•What size are they?*

24 oz! That is a good size mug!

Me with my mug

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - RADstamps

Before we get started on today's free loot, who wants to know the winners of yesterday's?

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Jonna V.! She won the hand painted skein from Yarn Baby LLC!
Lindsey I.! She won Mad Mad me's clay hook!

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I found RADstamps on Etsy and immediately bought myself three stamps! Not only are they UH-mazing, but they're priced so right that it's ok if you can't pick just one. I dare you to try (did anyone else hear Barney Stinson say "Challenge Accepted"?).

This morning, one lucky hooker will win this set of mini stamps that are small but pack a punch. Leave your mark on your envelopes, your stationery (do people still have stationery?), your hand, or your friend's forehead... just keep STAMPING!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Mad Mad me

Next up in my 10,000 fan giveaway is Mad Mad me. If you haven't heard of Charissa, you may be living under a rock because she has a knack for bringing people together and creating networks. She likes to play with yarn and clay alike - of course she's amazing at both!

She's donating one of her signature clay covered leaf hooks. Hooking, comfort, and beauty - all in one! I bet it'll fit very nicely in your stocking ;) Use the Rafflecopter form to the right to enter! You only have until 8pm (MST) so be quick!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Yarn Baby

Thanks to the generosity of a few amazing shops, I've put together a giveaway featuring high-quality handmade items every hooker would want to find in their stocking.

Here's how it'll work:

• I'll feature 2 shops every day - each for 6 hours - Get ready for some seriously amazing shops!
• The morning shop will be featured from 8am-2pm (MST), and the afternoon shop will be featured from 2pm-8pm (MST)
• You'll be able to enter for that shop's prize for the 6 hour time period only
• I'll announce the winners the next morning
• Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize.
• Please read the terms and conditions before entering

If you want a sneak peek at the afternoon shops, make sure to sign up for my newsletter

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** NOW CLOSED ** Winner to be announced tomorrow!

Now that all the official business is taken care of, I can introduce you to my Monday Morning shop!

Say hello to YARN BABY! If you haven't seen her gorgeous hand dyed and hand painted skeins, you're in for some great yarn porn. What's even better? She creates a backstory to each skein she crafts! Love it.

Use the Rafflecopter form to the right to enter for this beautiful hand painted skein - worsted weight, 218 yds. Stop by her Facebook page and ask her to tell the story behind it!

play hard ~ play hooky

Hooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt

While you're at work today, play a little hooky and go on a spooky Halloween scavenger hunt! I've hidden 10 bats (look for the picture to the left) in my Etsy Shop. Each one is hidden in a different picture. It could be on any picture, anywhere, in any direction! But it will always be this bat in black. To find them, search through all the listings in my Etsy shop. You can earn a coupon code worth up to 20%!

Start hunting: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayinHookyDesigns

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Email me or send me a FB message with all the LINKS (not the listing titles) to the listings where you find a bat to unlock your coupon code. 
2. Your discount amount depends on how many bats you find: 1 bat = 2% off... 2 bats = 4% off, 3 bats = 6% off... 10 bats = 20% off!
3. DO NOT GIVE AWAY ANY LISTINGS AS A COMMENT HERE OR ON FB. If you do, you will automatically be disqualified from any discount. Let's let everyone have fun!
4. The hunt is on all Halloween day only. So search fast!
5. Your discount will be good in my Etsy shop through Sunday (11/3).

Here's an example of what you're looking for. If it's not the exact bat shown, it doesn't count.

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Santa Beanie Pre-Sale & Photo Contest

I know, it's only September, but store aisles are already filling with blow up lawn decorations, wreaths, stockings, and ornaments, so I'm jumping in too. I'm having a Santa Beanie Pre-Sale so you can get a beanie at a discounted price and I won't be as overwhelmed during the holiday season. I also had a genius idea about what to do with your beanies once you get them... keep reading for details!

• Get a sale price for ordering early
• Order your beanie from 9/18 to 9/21
• It will ship to you on November 1st

Grab your cameras and bring out your footy pj's because in conjunction with the Santa Beanie Pre-Sale, I'm holding an Awkward Family Photo Contest! One winner will get a $25 gift certificate to my shop. It's the perfect last-minute gift for someone you love.

• Submit your photos from now until 12/15.
• Send me the pic through email or my FB page.
• All submitted photos will be posted here on my blog.
• Readers will vote on their favorite photo.
• The photo with the most votes WINS!
• Photos must feature at least one of my Santa Beanies (pictured, it can be made by me or made by you from my pattern) to be eligible.
• Only one photo per family is allowed.
• By sending me a picture you consent to allow me to use it on my blog, FB page, and other social media sites to advertise for the contest.
• You retains rights and credit for the photo.
• Watermarked photography is allowed.

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Offshore Dress, Cami, & Leggings

Design Wars 4 has come to a close and it was a great competition! It was fun competing with nine great designers, and they came out with some drool worthy patterns! I took a deep breath and stepped out of my comfort zone (hats of course!) to design my new Offshore Dress, Cami, and Leggings set. 

Thank you to everyone who supported DW4!

Did you see the full results?

You're looking at the 1st place Best Design to Wear winner!!!

When Anne Geddes Baby yarn was picked for this round of DW, I knew I was in for something different. The colors are gorgeous, but I'm not usually a DK-kind-of-girl. I had to get my fingers and hook used to it. Over a month of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this design which ended up being the biggest pattern I've ever written with nine full pages of photo tutorials and 5 sizes ranging from 6 mo to 3T.

Want to get your own copy?

Ravelry: Dress and Cami, Leggings

Etsy: Dress and Cami, Leggings, The Full Set

Craftsy: Dress and Cami, Leggings

Website: Offshore Dress, Cami, and Leggings

I couldn't have done it without my amazing group of testers!I LOVE how each one added their own spin and creative twist. It made me realize just how adaptable this pattern really is. I deeply appreciate all their hard work, creativity, and of course their editing skill! Thank you!!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

And the winner is...

Voting for Design Wars 3 is now closed! Thank you so much for all your support, votes, shares, and comments! No matter what the final outcome, you made this a really fun experience for me.

While we wait for the winning design & Red Heart prize pack winner to be announced, I wanted to announce the winners of my little giveaway! If you don't see your name, it's ok, I saved something special for you on the big pattern release day, tomorrow!

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Free copy of the Eddyline Sunhat, Headband, and Belt Pattern:

• Amy H.
• Brooke C.
• Elizabeth A.
• Martha A.
• Tiffany V.

Eddyline Crochet Kit:

• Holly N.

Custom Word Disc:

• Sarah K.

Playin' Hooky T-shirt:

• Heidi J.

Congratulations!! All the winners have been emailed so be sure to check your inbox if you think it could be you! Stay tuned for the pattern release tomorrow and for a fun surprise to help me celebrate the long-awaited release of the pattern!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Design Wars Bribes... ehr I mean Giveaway!

That's right, I have stooped to bribing you for your votes. Well, actually it's just an incentive to keep coming back. If you haven't already heard, I'm involved in this round of Design Wars!! The final reveals have been announced and voting has begun. In fact, you can vote every 12 hours until voting closes!

Here's what you can win:

• 5 winners will get a FREE copy of my Eddyline Sunhat Pattern when it's published
• 1 winner will get to make their own Eddyline with a crochet kit! Includes a copy of the pattern plus up to 4 balls of Red Heart Creme de la Creme yarn (colors vary by availability)
• 1 winner can customize their own word disc, made by me! What would you say?
• NEW: 1 winner will get their own Playin' Hooky T-shirt - winner chooses between fitted/unisex, colors, & size!

Scroll through the pictures on the giveaway widget to the right to see what you can win. Don't forget this is all about Design Wars 3, so make sure you visit the blog to see the other amazing designs and vote for mine *cough* I mean your favorite! ;)

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY