9 Years of Playin' Hooky and a Surprise

Today marks 9 years since the beginning of Playin' Hooky. When I started it all, I had no idea how much my life would be affected by my little business. Your support helped (actually, is helping) me through the hardest time of my life. Your laughs make my days brighter. Your questions help fuel my own crochet knowledge. I feel like we've shared our lives together even though we really don't know each other... and that completely blows me away.

To celebrate, I'm going live on Facebook tonight (6ish mountain time) with some HUGE surprises that you won't want to miss. Like my page and join me live tonight!!

play hard ... play hooky

Yarnspirations 2015 Look Book and Giveaway

I was so excited when Yarnspirations (the brilliant yarnies behind Patons, Bernat, Caron, and Lily yarns) approached me with a sneak-peek at their new baby look book, Country Mouse & City Mouse, and the chance to preview one of the adorable patterns.

It was hard to choose one, but as soon as I saw the Mousie Snood I knew that was the one. What was even more fun was that I got to put my own spin on the design. Some of you know that I live in Colorado. It's cold here. Well, maybe not in the middle of July, but it will be all too soon. So to make the snood even more snow-worthy, I decided to use Bernat Pipsqueak to add a fuzzy edge for my mountain baby.

Click HERE to get the free pattern from Yarnspirations - Mousie Snood - Country Mouse & City Mouse.

To give it that fuzzy look, I began my Mousie Snood with Bernat Baby Blanket on Round 2 using a chainless foundation and continued working until it was the right length. I then attached Bernat Pipsqueak to the bottom of my foundation round and worked 1 hdc in the BLO of each stitch around to create the cozy fur edge.

Enter below for the chance to win all the yarn you need to make your own fuzzy Mousie Snood!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided the materials to make the snood, but all opinions and reviews are mine.

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

Playin' Hookyversary!!

WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!

I'm celebrating 5 years of Hooky and to round out my week of games and giveaways, I have an epic surprise for you. Something I've never done before, so get ready to be happy!!

That's right! I'm giving you one free pattern of your choice in my Ravelry shop only.

Go to my shop, pick your favorite pattern, and use the code PLAYINHOOKYVERSARY5 - that's it.

It's good for the rest of the day today (Sunday, 8/3) so get it quick.

play hard ... play hooky

Don't be a Naked Hooker

Tee & Hoodie sales are now closed... until next time!

It's Playin' Hooky Tee and Hoodie Week!

If you've been with me for a while, you know that I hold sales of my tees & hoodies every few months. And it's TIME!! They're available through Saturday, 6/14 exclusively in my Etsy shop. - https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayinHookyDesigns

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"Why don't you have them available all the time?"... I have my reasons, a few of them!

The tees and hoodies are in my shop for a limited time. Then I take your orders to my local screen printer (yes, he's a real guy that I talk to face-to-face!).

We custom order and hand print each item making sure each design is done right, printed on high quality fabric.

Doing things this way also lets you pick your favorite color and style without having to worry if it's out of stock and you don't have to be stuck with the color I choose!

Finally, each order is packaged and hand delivered to the post office by me to make sure your order is right and up to my standards. If there is still something not quite right with your order, I'll make it right.

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BONUS I've added a giveaway where you could win a free fitted or unisex tee! One lucky winner will get to pick their favorite color & style for an all expenses paid tee! Friday the 13th will be lucky for one winner... the winner will be announced on Friday, 6/13, so go ahead and order your shirt. If you win and have already bought a shirt, you can choose to either add the free shirt to your order OR get a refund. Use the Rafflecopter widget below or on my FB page to enter. Mobile-friendly link: http://tinyurl.com/molea3m
Come back everyday for more entries!

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Show off your hooky love

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Friends don't let friends crochet naked

You might need a hoodie... or maybe a tee, but wherever you live, PLAYIN' HOOKY you'll be!

Ok, so I wrote that before I had any coffee this morning. I'm sorry. BUT hopefully it grabbed your attention because, get ready... it's Playin' Hooky Tee and Hoodie Week!!

Get your gear with short sleeves or long sleeves, zipper or pocket, in all sizes for one week only. The listings will be available through Saturday. Each item is hand screen-printed by a local artist on high quality Gildan fabric. Check each listing for more sizing and product details.

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BONUS I've added a giveaway where you could win a free fitted or unisex tee! One lucky winner will get to pick their favorite color & style for an all expenses paid tee! The winner will be announced on Friday, 2/28, so go ahead and order your shirt. If you win and have already bought a shirt, you can choose to either add the free shirt to your order OR get a refund. Use the Rafflecopter widget to the right to enter.
Come back everyday for more entries!

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Get your shirt now!

Spot the tee at tea (possibly one of my favorite sightings ever!)

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 - Yarn Pop

We're down to our final two prizes in my giveaway extravaganza! Are you ready to see what's up for grabs this Sunday evening?

If you know me, you may know that I'm a HUGE supporter of crocheting in public. I love the questions, the amazed looks, and the conversations it starts - bringing our craft to the masses (although in my tiny town, it's more like a small cluster). This next prize from Yarn Pop will help you take your projects to go while looking AMAZING while you do it!

Her bags come in a variety of gorgeous prints and sizes for any project! The have grommets across the front to let your yarn hang free and the large tooth zipper across the top keeps everything safe and secure (and maybe even toddler-proof!).

Lori is donating one "Totable" Yarn Pop in the Red Crossbones print (fitting, dontcha think?). Use the Rafflecopter link to the right or this mobile friendly link to enter!

PS - Keep an eye on Lori's Facebook page and her blog because she's running her own holiday giveaways where you can enter to win even more totes!

play hard ~ play hooky

10,000 Fan Giveaway - Twinkie Chan

My 10,000 Fan Giveaway is down to the last two days! It's been an amazing ride so far! Want to see if you won yesterday's prizes?

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Lindsey J.! She gets to bring home her very own octopus (hook) from The Lemonade Shop!

Nikki A.! The Crochet Me Somethin' necklace will soon be around her neck!

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Twinkie Chan... what can I say about her except that I LURVE her! She's colorful, creative, and sticky sweet (in the best way!). Not only is she the best at designing food-related crochet awesomeness, but she's incredibly generous and thoughtful when it comes to giving business advice for aspiring crochet designers. And have you seen her ROCKING tats? Oh and she eats yucky stuff. Yup, it's official - she's amazeballs.

She's giving away one copy of her book "Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies". Mmmmmmm crochet goodies... nom nom nom

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 - The Lemonade Shop

Happy Saturday!! Are you ready to find out who won the loot from Friday's 10,000 Fan Giveaway?

Drumroll please....

CONGRATULATIONS to...

Michelle C.! She'll get to pick her favorite crocheter peg doll from Happy Peg!

Jessie W.! A box of granny square and yarn ball cookies from Manjar will be soon be on their way!

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Has work been getting in the way? Did your job make you miss out on some of the prizes so far? Well, the giveaway is continuing through the weekend to give you the chance to enter. I've saved some incredible prizes for the end - well they've all been pretty great thanks to all my generous vendors.

First up this Saturday morning is the very talented Heather from the Lemonade Shop. You may have seen her odes to iconic shows and movies like Big Bang Theory, Star Wars, Walking Dead, Dr. Who - Master Yoda on the end of a crochet hook or Sheldon Cooper stitch markers - but have you seen her loveable animal designs? Totes adorbs!! (gah - I said it). I have a few hooks from her shop. They are made from high-quality wooden hooks and are even more detailed in person. It's hard not to smile when you work with them

One winner will get their very own Octopus crochet hook, size G. Squeeeee!!! She's so cute!!

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 - 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 - Auntie Jen's Creations

The chance to win a copy of Just Be Happy's book is over. But don't worry, because I have another two-fer coming your way! All four winners from today will be announced tomorrow morning.

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Every great hooker needs her accessories... and these wooden buttons by Auntie Jen's Creations are perfect! I especially love the square ones and the wood grain is gorgeous! Think of all the things you do with them. Where would you put them?

We're having two winners again and each one gets their own set of buttons!

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