NatCroMo Blog Tour 2017

NatCroMo - almost sounds like it could be a blues singer - is National Crochet Month and it's happening NOW!

In the past there may have been a public stigma that crochet is something only little old ladies do in their doily-decorated houses. Well, we all know that's not always true - not to knock the doily ladies because I pretty much think they rock too with their teeny hooks and crochet thread. Mad props.

This generation has brought a new set of crochet enthusiasts and experts who are constantly pushing their skills, and creating new techniques and styles. There's LITERALLY something for everyone. If you doubt it I dare you to google "crochet for _insert anything_" and see what you find.

We've come a long way and we have our very own month to prove it. This year, I'm very happy to be a first-timer in the 5th annual NatCroMo blog tour by crochetville.com. So go check out my interview on their blog to learn a little more about my background, what's most important to me, and if I'm bistitchual. ;)

As a bonus, here's how you can celebrate NatCroMo, Playin' Hooky style.

• TODAY ONLY: A special exclusive for Blog Tour peeps - 50% off on Ravelry when you grab 2 or more patterns! Use the code NatCroMoBlog
• All month long: Take 10% off every pattern in my Ravelry or Etsy shop with the code NatCroMo
• Get some hooky swag with "Looky Looky I Got Hooky" tees, hoodies, and mugs.
• Check out my tips, tricks, and tutorials to help push yourself to the next level.
• Follow me on social media to stay up with promotions and NEW designs!

YAY CROCHET!!

play hard ... play hooky

Thank you for supporting my dream

Small Business Saturday is to show support to the person behind the shop.

We run on pure passion (and caffeine). We give our whole selves to our work. We do it all for our families. And it wouldn't mean anything without you.<3 span="">

Thank you for supporting my dream. Please share, like, and comment to keep it going!

I'm giving you 50% off all my designs in my Ravelry shop today only. Use the code HOOKYBIZ when you check out.

Black Friday

❄️ The holidays are in full swing ❄️

That means you'd better get your hooks out! Get inspired in my Ravelry shop. Take 60% off your order of my original crochet patterns to make as gifts or keep for yourself! Use the code BLACKHOOKYFRIDAY when you check out.

play hard ... play hooky

A Decade of Crochet

I learned to crochet 10 years ago this week. I was pregnant with my oldest, Bryn, and after Thanksgiving dinner my sister-in-law got out her yarn after recently learning to knit and crochet.

At first we tried knitting, but it just didn't take so we pretty quickly switched to crochet. The rest is history.

Later that night we went to a friend's house. I, of course, took my hook and my swatch. I worked on that swatch - all the while thinking that a sl st was actually a sc - until we left. It was the ugliest, wonkiest, little yellow swatch, but I was seriously proud of myself - it was the start of something amazing.

I started Playin' Hooky Designs a few years later, but suffice it to say, after that first swatch I never put my hooks down. Thank you for giving me these ten years with you!

I'm giving you a special discount in my Ravelry shop today to celebrate. It'll keep your mind off your crazy family this weekend ;) Use the code HOOKYTEN when you checkout in my Ravelry shop.

play hard ... play hooky

BRONCOS WIN!

My home team won Super Bowl 50!! Help me celebrate Peyton Manning's record breaking 200th win (or maybe this will take the pain away if you're a Panthers fan). Click the picture to go to my Ravelry shop and use the code below.

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Phil Saw No Shadow!

That means an early Spring for us and a S-A-L-E for you!!

Use this coupon in my Ravelry shop to get 35% off your patterns for the rest of the day only! Hurry, Phil says there's not much winter left so make some beanies while you can still wear them.

Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow – an early spring is his forecast!
Posted by Fox News on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

play hard ... play hooky 

Groundhog Day 2016

It's that time of year again! It's Bill Murray's least favorite holiday with a glorified rat and yet thousands will flock to a small corner of Pennsylvania to see if Punxsutawney Phil will get us out of winter early.

"This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather."

 Every year I take a guess at what Phil will do and then give you a sale if I'm right!! This year I'm a little torn. I think the weather is going to keep him from actually seeing his shadow, but I also don't think we're going to get out of a longer winter - especially because it's DUMPING at my house right now. SO I'm torn... But my OCD-centric brain wants to say that he will NOT see his shadow bc of the clouds.

So there it is. My prediction for tomorrow. Lets see if the prognosticator of prognosticators can pull it out for the win!

Come back tomorrow to see if I was right and to get the coupon code for my annual Groundhog day sale!

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It's coming

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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)

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Get it before it's GONE

After much thought, I've decided to remove any of my graph patterns that could be considered trademarked or licensed. They will be taken down from my shops on Monday, 5/11.

Before they're gone for good, I'm having a "Get it for the LAST time" S-A-L-E in my Ravelry shop. They are only $1.00 through Sunday. So seriously, go get them while you can!

Help me get the word out and share this post so your friends don't miss out before it's too late.

I'm so sorry that I can't offer these graphs any more, but I can't in good conscience continue to offer something that was inspired by someone else's design. I've debated with myself about this for a while now, which is why I have so few of them that could be called into question. In the end, I need to go with what feels right to me and I finally concluded that means removing them. Even though they are among my favorite graphs and I will miss them, haha.

I welcome all respectful comments and messages if you have questions or concerns.

http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/get-it-for-the-last-time

PS - You should still have access to your graphs in your Ravelry once they are removed on Monday.

play hard... play hooky

Happy Birthday to ME!

It's my birthday and I'm in the mood to celebrate!

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I have a little secret, but it's getting bigger

I've been a little quiet lately. It has a lot to do with incoming orders, chores, and the beginning of the holidays. But there's another, little... tiny in fact... reason.

And it's a GIRL!!

Along with trying to answer messages, getting orders done, posting on FB, and keeping up with my kids, I'm also growing a tiny human. So needless to say. I'm tired. Exhausted really. I also have a major case of pregnancy brain. Please forgive me if it takes me longer than usual to get back to you, or post new tutorials and patterns. 

I'm 23 weeks along already (that's me at 20 weeks in the pic), and our baby girl is due March 1st. I was actually pretty surprised when the ultrasound tech said "I don't see any boy parts". I had myself convinced it was a boy. But I think maybe Bryn was smirking down at my shocked expression - she knew all along. 

To celebrate the announcement, I'm having a one-day sale in my Ravelry shop. Use the coupon ITSAGIRL today only for a special discount on your total pattern order.

It's about to get crazy around here.

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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

Zaggy Beanie Relaunch

I took a break from updating my patterns during the holiday season, but I'm back to it! This week it's all about the Zaggy, the what? The ZAGGY! (sorry for the nerd alert).

I picked the Zaggy as my next update simply because I had an order for it so I could easily change the format, check the gauge, add more detailed pattern instructions and tutorials. Plus, it's REALLY fun to make!

If you don't already have the pattern, you can get it in any of my shops. BUT if you check it out on Ravelry use the code HOOKYZAGGY for a special discount through noon on Tuesday (2/18).

Here's what's new:
- Detailed materials required, including yarn amounts
- Corrected gauge measurements
- Updated Photo tutorials
- Added area for you to write notes

 (PS - I made the purple hat, photographed it, and edited pics this morning all in under TWO hours! Whew!)

These hats were all made by my awesome testers! They make my patterns look good!

Where to buy:

• Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zaggy-beanie---kids or http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zaggy-beanie---adults
• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayinHookyDesigns
• Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/176644/pattern-store
• Website: http://www.playinhookydesigns.com/#!product/prd1/194516911/zaggy-beanie---crochet-pattern

* If you already have the pattern, you get the update for free! Past Ravelry & Craftsy buyers should receive an update automatically. Past Etsy & website buyers, please pm or email me your order number so I can send you your update.

PLAY HARD ... PLAY HOOKY

Super Bowl, Groceries & a Rat Forecaster

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. More than that, a team from my state is in the big game. Still, I'm more excited about getting my groceries in a deserted store than I am about the score, haha! I'll probably end up checking who wins, but in a house without cable & a husband who despises televised sports, there's no question that we'll miss every down and each commercial.

That being said, it's also GROUNDHOG DAY!! I've made it a tradition each year to predict whether or not Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow and then have a sale if I'm right.

This year is my 3rd annual Groundhog Day Sale. For the sake of everyone in the polar vortex I guessed that Phil would NOT see his shadow and we'd have an early Spring. Well, it turns out I was wrong. I should've known, btu I was trying to stay optimistic. I knew this day would come - I was right the past two years. That means there won't be a sale today...

Wait, what?! I'm not going to let a little prognosticating rodent rain on our parade. So I'm having a sale anyway. Take that Phil!

So today, take a break from your Super Bowl party prep and taking out your frustrations at Phil on your kids' Alvin and the Chipmunks dolls to head over to Ravelry for my We-Won't-Let-Phil-Get-Us-Down SALE!!!

Use the code GROUNDHOGDAY in my Ravelry shop today only to get a special discount to help you get through the rest of winter.*

* $7 ebooks and $2.50 throwback patterns are not eligible for the sale as they are already discounted

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Happy Hooky Holidays!

No lines, no pushing, no gas money... just you with your coffee mug in your pjs! That's the way to shop.

This year, Black Friday lasts the whole weekend with a sale through Sunday plus Daily Deals to keep you coming back for more!

WEEKEND SALE

Are you in search of my patterns?

Use the code HOOKYHOLIDAYS for 30% every individual pattern in my Ravelry shop through Sunday.

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-mcqueen

FRIDAY DAILY DEAL

Looking for the perfect present? 

Check out my Etsy shop and get free US shipping Friday (11/29) on any custom beanie, headband, or disc with the code HOOKYSHIPPING.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayinHookyDesigns

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!!

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WHOA!! 9,000 FB Fans!!

Whoa! Sometime during the night I reached my 9,000th fan! To celebrate, try out some new patterns you've been eyeing. It's buy 2 get 1 free in my Ravelry shop until Sunday! Whooo hoooo!!!!

Thank you so much for all your support!

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)...

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