There's a new free pattern in town

And it's the perfect summer project!

Get all the details and the story behind the design on the free pattern page at the top of the page.

ENJOY!!



play hard ... play hooky

Looky Looky...

I got hooky!!

Designed by Ms Hooky herself (that would be me) and exclusively online, my new tees and hoodies are just in time for Fall.

I'm not trying to become the next new tshirt designer, but when an idea comes to you, you just have to GO with it. And I couldn't hold this one in any longer.

Choose your style and your color, but they're only going to be available until September 2! Click on the picture to order!

Pin it for later with the button to the left. (But don't wait too long or they'll be gone!)

play hard ... play hooky

Bunny Slope Teether for Babies - Free Crochet Pattern

Here's the story of my latest free crochet pattern. Scroll down to the Print Friendly button for the pattern.

My neighbor had a baby 6 months ago - just about 6 months after I had my baby girl. Even before he was born, I started thinking about what I could make for him.

Everyone loves babies. Well even more so if you are good with a hook, chances are you love crocheting for babies. That means the internet is chock full of ideas... some good, some, well, you know what I mean. I found myself cruising patterns for hats, diaper covers, photo props, loveys, Amish puzzle balls, booties, blankets (but let's face it, we all know I have too much hooky ADD to finish a blanket), rattles, mobiles... you name it and someone has probably tried to crochet it.

I eventually settled on a crocheted ring rattle-type thing. I planned to make the ring around a set of gorgeous customized wooden rings I found on Cake in the Morn on Etsy (I'll wait while you go check out her shop... seriously go... I'll be here when you get back). I even had the baby's name burned into a ring to make it even more special. 

All that was left was to make the ring. Here's how that went down: I'm so excited about giving them this gift!... He's still to little to use it though... Ugh, I still need to make that ring... I don't feel like making the ring today... I'll try to make it now, but I have so many orders... Ok, the holidays are over and the baby is getting big enough to play with it so I need to sit here until it's done... Sitting here trying to make it... I don't like this... It's twisting weird... Why is my colorwork shifting so bad?.. This will never hold the weight of those wooden rings... I give up.

So there my pretty little wooden rings sat, alone and naked - they looked so sad and kept reminding me of my shame. By this point I felt like a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad neighbor for never giving them a present to celebrate their baby boy. (This is the same neighbor who saved my coffee that day so you can imagine how guilty I felt.)

And then it happened. True inspiration struck. I had it. I'm going to make a ribbon teether! It's perfect. It's removable, washable, quick to make, and baby safe. YAAASSSSS!! I was so excited that I had three made by the end of the next day.

My fans on Facebook asked if I would write the pattern, and of course I agreed. Needless to say I couldn't repeat that whole agonizing process the next time one of my friends had a baby so I knew I needed to write it out anyway. I gave it the name Bunny Slope because I think it looks like cute little bunny ears and I had to give a nod to my local ski culture.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "This is a small project and it's a free pattern. It can't be that good." Well, you're wrong. Just WRONG. This isn't your average free pattern... you know what I'm talking about. This is a meticulously written pattern with every detail including a full page of new photo tutorials, specific materials needed, stitch explanations... everything you've come to expect from my patterns. Just because it's free doesn't mean I skimped on you.

So scroll down and click the print-friendly page to access this fun pattern. You can also find it on my Ravelry page! You'll want to make several so you can wash one when it gets dirty. As always, send me an email if you have any questions or problems. And don't forget to add yours to the Ravelry projects page so we can all revel in the cuteness.

play hard ... play hooky

Unforgettable

My new Unforgettable Slouch is here. It's a quick, versatile pattern that will become your new staple accessory. I have big plans for the new year so I hope you'll agree that it's off to a good start.



Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unforgettable-slouch
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/262914148/crochet-pattern-unforgettable-slouch
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/unforgettable-slouch/184343

play hard ... play hooky

Baby Top Hat - Free Crochet Pattern

Halloween. It's one of my favorite holidays. Not in a dark way, but in an I'm-so-excited-it's-Fall-and-the-holidays-are-about-to-start sort of way. Also, candy.

This year I've been getting some really fun costume requests from my friends. I'm up for a challenge and for making something new so I can't help but say yes.

One of my friends just had a baby and they're doing a Thomas the Train family costume theme. The baby gets to be Sir Toppem Hat, so naturally she needed his namesake accessory. That's where I came in.

I made it up as I went and decided to write it down for you. This is an easily adaptable pattern. Feel free to play with it, make it bigger, smaller, shorter, taller, add a hat band, a flower, or a button... whatever! Just make it yours. Upload it to my Ravelry page so we can all see. And be sure to give it heart so you can find it later.

Yes, that's a lot of single crocheting... but look how cute!

Click the "PRINT FRIENDLY" button at the top of the page to download and print the full pattern. Or find it on my Ravelry page. Here's some quick info for you:

MATERIALS:

• Worsted weight yarn (10 ply/8 wpi): 1.8 - 2.5 oz
• US G-6 / 4.00 mm crochet hook

FINISHED SIZE:

• Newborn - 12” around
• Bigger babies - up to 18” around (9-12 months)

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

Big new design, little bit of madness

Sure you can skip ahead to the pictures, but I'm in a particularly verbose (word of the day) mood. If you have the time, this is the story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down... wait no. This is the first look at my new design, the Boulder Beanie, and just how trying being a designer can be sometimes, but in the end it's totally worth it.

I was awake at 3:30 the morning of my son's first day of kindergarten. It was a mixture of nerves for his first full day of school, mentally running through my to-do list, and my brain throwing me random 90s TV theme songs. Some of them are still stuck in my head.

Either way I got up at 5 motivated to get through my list before anyone else in the house was up. I folded laundry, cooked breakfast, cleaned the living room, packed my son's lunch, checked email... you get the idea. By 6:30 the sun was starting to light my backyard and it became the perfect place to take pictures.

I pulled out my tripod, attached my remote shutter, drug my wooden bench half-way across my yard, and started blindly shooting, and shooting, and shooting. Hoping that if I took enough pictures I'd get at least a few keepers.

Backing up a little... I'd first had the idea last winter, just not the time to work on it. So this Spring I finally attempted it. Fail. It was ok, but it wasn't what I saw in my head. I knew I could try to force the design, but instead I put it on the shelf and took a break over the summer. 

The break was exactly what I needed. I spent a lot of time playing with my kids, I read a little, and my house was actually clean on a regular basis. About a month ago inspiration finally hit. So I dusted off my hooks. That's when I found out just how many different ways there are NOT to make this design.

I changed everything, EVERYTHING about this design more than a few times. Yarn weight, hook size, colorwork, multiples, stitch counts, brim styles... it goes on. Welcome to my world.

Here're just a few of my failed attempts. I didn't take pictures of most of them. I just couldn't. Warning: bad phone pics and unfinished hats coming your way...

Yuck. I can't bare to make this picture any bigger.

It was only when my in-laws came to my house for the weekend that I finally had the best idea yet and the day to devote to it (a huge thanks to my awesome mother-in-law, Karen, for letting me work while she played with her grandkids). It came together seamlessly in the end, the way it was meant to. Not forced, just easy. So without any more rambling, I proudly give you my first design for Fall 2014...

the Boulder Beanie

This mah Abercrombie shot... now all I need are the half-naked guys.

It comes in a kids size too

I hope you liked my little preview and look into my sometimes crazy life. Let me know what you think of my new Boulder Beanie. It's coming out Monday, 8/25 so get ready!

play hard ... play hooky

Break Free From Your Chains: New Tutorial Series!

It's been a long time coming, but my new tutorial series is finally here!

You may not know it, but I despise working into a foundation chain. I've been using the chainless foundation method for years now and it's about time I shared it with you. I've created a series of tutorials that will help you in several different foundation situations - to me that makes it sound like you're a crochet spy or something, cool.

These tutorials will be released over the next week on my Tips & Tricks page, so keep coming back to make sure you don't miss it!

Here's a look at the first one...

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.
-----------------------------------------------------

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

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

New Bulk Deals in my shop

Something new popped up in my Esty shop and my website. More options for bulk patterns & graphs!

Now you have the option to get 2 or 5 patterns at a discount - for when Pick 3 is too few or too many, now it'll be just right.

I also introduced long awaited bulk listings for my graphs. Stock up on 3, 5, or 10 graphs!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Eddyline Sunhat, Headband, & Belt Pattern is here!

Thank you for all your support during this round of Design Wars. Your votes, comments, and shares have made this a great experience and I've learned a lot. I appreciate you sticking with me to the end!

The final results (I don't even know who won yet and it's killing me!) will be posted on the DW blog tomorrow, but you can also see who won in the newsletter, set to go out any minute! Be the first one to know - sign up NOW!

To celebrate the end of a great competition, my Eddyline Pattern is now available! And do you want even better news? The first 20 copies sold on Ravelry are 30% off with the code EDDYLINE. Hurry because I have a feeling they won't last long!
** Update - all 20 sale copies are already gone!! THANK YOU! **

Here's where to get your copy:
Ravelry
Etsy
Craftsy

And now for some eye candy. Here are some of the amazing shots taken by my photographer, Jess at Jlight Photography (and a few I took)...

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

Autism Awareness Graph

April is Autism Awareness Month. In honor of all the exceptional child and adults living on the autism spectrum I wanted to release a new graph. $0.50 of each sale of this graph will go to Autism Speaks. I am also going to auction off the hat and cozy shown below to raise more funds to donate.

The puzzle piece is the symbol of autism to show that each child is special and forms a unique piece in the puzzle, so I decided to go big with this one. You can show your support with both the big design or the smaller one.

Get a copy:
Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-graph---autism-awareness-puzzle-color-grid
Craftsy - http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/autism-awareness-puzzle-color-grid/50647
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/listing/128418979/crochet-graph-autism-awareness-puzzle

** UPDATE **

With your help, I was able to donate $214 to Autism Speaks!! Thank you for helping me make the auction and sales of the graph such a success! :)

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Evolution of a Graph

I've had a lot of fun creating graphs to go along with the Graph Beanie Pattern! And thank you for all your suggestions and seeing hats you've made from the pattern - keep them coming! I definitely have more ideas than time to do all of them. I made the decision to test every graph I release, and for some reason, my new TMNT graph has given me a few problems along the way. BUT, this shows you why I take the extra time to test each and every graph. I want it to be the best it can be and sometimes that means going through several drafts to get to the final product! Some of the differences are subtle, but combined, they make a big difference from the first to the last versions. :)

1. Obviously not right - one eye is all wonky
2. The wonky eye is better, but I don't like that he's looking to the side. I also didn't like the overall shape of the eyes
3. So I started completely over with the graph design. I like the shape of the eyes, thought it was right until I took some pictures of the hat on my son. The eyes are too far apart and it looked more like a bug than a turtle
4. Moved the eyes closer, but forgot ad moved them an odd number of rows - the eye went wonky again.
5. YEAH! EUREKA!!

the "bug" TMNT

This is why it sometimes takes me a while to get it right, haha. But I'll either get it right or scrap the graph, so you always know you're getting a quality pattern!! 

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Shell Shock Beanie

YAY!! The Shell Shock Beanie pattern is finally here! After a few months, I finally got it in gear and finished the tutorials for the Shell Shock Beanie (aka the turtle hat haha). There are 3 pages of tutorials with each pattern plus a video tutorial if you need extra help. I hope you love it!

I'm having a lot of fun with this design. Next up I want to try it with two main colors instead of one. But in the meantime, here it is and here's where you can find it:

Ravelry - Kids Pattern
Ravelry - Adults Pattern

Etsy - Kids Pattern
Etsy - Adults Pattern

Craftsy - Kids Pattern
Craftsy - Adults Pattern

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Busy Week

Lots going on this week, so I hope I can keep up!

I have been working with Kim, from Oikos Handmade, to co-release a pattern for the Graph Beanies you seen on my FB page lately! I'm so excited to be able to offer this to you!! Kim & I will both be offering the beanie in our shops along with "a la cart" graphs you can get separately. If you have any requests for graphs, let me know!

There could be a SECOND pattern release this week too! It's been a long time coming, but the "Turtle Beanie" (or whatever other name we decide on... go on and give me your suggestions!!) is in the works! I have a few things to finish, including an all new video tutorial to help with the tricky bits, but my goal is to git-er-done very soon!

I have also decided to make Playin' Hooky Sightings a monthly contest, with bigger, better prizes. So keep your eyes peeled and your pictures coming. Remember, the more spontaneous and epic your sighting is, the better your chances of winning!

If I see any Playin' Hooky Harlem Shake vids, that would have to be an instant winner!

And of course, who can forget that today is the day I'm ordering our hoodies & t-shirts! I'm so excited I could pee. But I won't, haha. I'll let you know as soon as I talk to the printer when we can expect them for delivery!!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY