#crochetcheat - messy colorwork

When you're changing colors... a LOT... who else hates getting tangled up in your yarn? The only thing worse is weaving in ends (but we won't go there).

So let me show you what I do. It keeps those yarn strands completely untangled, and once you get the hang of it, it's faster than dropping your unused yarn after every color change. Winning.

I only do it this way when I'm changing colors literally every stitch - like certain rounds of my Disc or Old School Beanie. It gets a little trickier if you try to make it work with longer color sections. But give it a try to see if you can work it.

She grabbed her rocking chair and did THIS!

My 3 year old daughter, Tara, grabbed her rocking chair and took it to a corner of the kitchen. She didn't want to see what she was doing, but when I rounded the corner I stumbled on maybe the cutest thing ever. I stumbled over myself to grab my phone fast enough to take a video before she stopped (sorry about the dryer noise in the background #reallife).

That's my girl!

 

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

Brain Waves Beanie Video Tutorial

My Brain Waves Beanie video tutorial is finally LIVE!! It took me two filming sessions, cooperation from my kids, some of my sanity, and lots of hours to create (what I hope is) a helpful video tutorial for you. Find the pattern under "Free Pattern" above where you can view it directly on the page or download the PDF file to your computer or mobile device by clicking the link at the top.

I've also spent several days debating whether or not to charge a small fee for access to the video (I'm talking just $0.99). For some reason this decision didn't come lightly. I know I may get some grief over this and if it offends you I hope you'll forgive what I'm about to say. I have spent literally hundreds of hours creating and updating the pattern, personally responding to each question, and creating photo and now video tutorials for what always has been, and always will be a free pattern.

*gets on soapbox* I know there are some who believe that all crochet patterns and tutorials should be free. But seriously, who among you would go to work and willingly give up your paycheck? Yes, this is my job - I'm fortunate that it's also my passion. Even though I don't go to a traditional office everyday, I work extremely hard (with long, odd hours) creating patterns, responding to questions, taking and editing photos, promoting, web building and designing, balancing my accounts, and of course... crocheting. (Trust me, I'm not complaining. I absolutely love what I do and I'm grateful for what the crochet community has given me and my family) I figured that $0.99 would be a small price to pay for the video and help compensate for all the time and energy I've put into it. (PS - had I charged for the video, the pattern would have remained free.) *stepping off soapbox*

On the other hand, I gave you my word that the pattern would always be free. In the end I felt that my promise encompassed any and all tutorials and trumped my ego. IF you feel so inclined, I added a "Donate" button at the top of the pattern page and I would be honored by any contribution you deem worthy. But you can rest easy and feel free to enjoy the pattern and ask me questions without a donation.

So there you go... not sure if that was too much information, but it's been weighing on me lately and it feels good to say it. And don't forget... here's the long awaited video! ENJOY and I hope it helps!





PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Bryn's Yarn Bomb

I've already posted about this on my FB page, but I'm trying to be a better blogger so here it is again

If you don't already know, my 5 year old daughter passed away (whoa that was hard to say) about three months ago. You can read more about it here. This summer I was driving past her preschool and had an idea for a way to keep her spirit alive using one of my favorite forms of expression: crochet of course. I wanted to yarn bomb her favorite piece of playground equipment.

The idea came to me so clearly that I could literally see it in my mind. It's a pretty small preschool and I know the teachers pretty well. They were also devastated by what happened to Bryn and I knew they would want to be involved with my project. So I went against normal YBing protocol and told them my plans. They were honored and got on board immediately. It took me about a month to finish it (I have a 4 month old that likes to occupy my arms). I even took it camping with us.

Finally it was ready. I added her name to the bottom and put it up the day before the first day of school. Since then, the teachers tell me that all the kids love the colors and ask who made it. It makes me smile to know that they can think about her while they play. Check out the pictures and the video of me putting it up, I hope it brightens your day.

A few months later, it's still stands tribute, even in the snow

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY