12 Days of Christmas NICU challenge

All right, as promised, here it is.  I've discovered that using the same pattern with 2 different hook sizes works to make the couple of sizes that my local NICU requests most, so that should make it easy.  I've used a textured stitch, but you can use plain hdcs all the way if you prefer.  I've also included edging instructions for both girls and boys so you have some variety, too.

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With worsted weight yarn and size I or J crochet hook,

Round 1:  Ch 3, 11 hdc in 3rd ch from hook.  (Skipped chs counts as first hdc.)  Join with slst to first hdc.  (12 hdc)

Round 2:  Ch 2, hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each dc around.  Join with slst to first hdc.  (24 hdc)

Round 3:  Ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in next 3 stitches, *2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first hdc.  (30 hdc)

Round 4:  Ch 1, sc in same st, dc in next st.  *Sc in next st, dc in next st.  Repeat from * around.   Join with slst to first sc. (30 sts)

Rounds 5-10:  Slst in next dc, ch 1, sc in same dc, dc in next sc.  *Sc in next dc, dc in next sc.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first sc.  (30 sts)  Do not finish off.

Girl Edging:  Ch 1, *sc in next stitch, ch 2, hdc in sc just made, skip next stitch.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first sc.  Finish off.

Boy Edging:  Ch 1, *sc in next stitch to the right of hook (reverse sc made).  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first sc.  Finish off.

iPad Cover Crochet Pattern Giveaway -- Messenger Style Cover

By now you all know me well enough to know that if I'm going to try out a project, I have to try it umpteen ways before I decide on the one I like.  The successful tries get turned into patterns.  (The unsuccessful tries usually get thrown in the dress-up box for the girls!)

This is my favorite -- so far -- of the electronics covers.  This one has a pretty texture and a messenger-style closure.  This is a cover that can double as a cute crocheted bag if you crochet a simple strap for it.  LOVE it!  I used mine this morning to hold all the diapers and other miscellaneous crap stuff that we took to the doctor's office when we got our flu shots.

For entries, let's hear some of the stuff for which you'd like to see patterns made for Christmas.  We changed our Thanksgiving plans, so I'm now going to have a whole week to enjoy crocheting instead of running around like a chicken, packing, travelling, and cooking.  I need inspiration!

Basic Electronics Cover Crochet Pattern Giveaway

There are lots of electronics covers out there.  Trust me, I know.  I married an electronics geek (I think he'd prefer to be called a guru?), so we have these fun toys.  After we buy the fun toys, we inevitably have to buy the cover to protect them.  The thing is, most of the covers are irritating.  For some things, the covers don't fit well.  For others, the device is nearly impossible to remove once enclosed in the cover.  Others are just bulky, cumbersome, and irritating.

Enter the crochet hook.  :)

My newest pattern comes in separate sizes for all three devices shown -- both Kindles, and the iPad.  It's quick and fun, and also perfect as a stocking stuffer for any electronics, ahem, gurus in your lives.

To enter to win a copy of the pattern, tell me what toys your kids (the grown-up kind you may be married to or the still-little kind) are asking to receive for Christmas.  The most requested items at my house are dinosaurs and dollies.  (Yay for the easy shopping this year!)  You can also get an extra entry if you tag Sunset Crochet on facebook and share this fun giveaway.  :)

New Item Giveaway: The Cotton Candy Newborn Bowl Pattern

This sweet baby girl bowl is quick and easy, but the details make it lovely for portraits.  The fuzzy stripe is so soft, and the flowers are just fun!

If you'd like to win this pattern, post your favorite Christmas movie.  :)  

Winter is coming -- at least in certain parts of the world.....

So it's time to start releasing a bunch of new winter/Christmas/holiday patterns.  First up:  The pinecone hat.

This elegant hat is unique and will be the hit of your holiday portraits.  Enter to win this pattern by posting your Christmas confession below:  When do you start hauling out the holiday decorations?  We'll be doing it the first weekend in November because I'm married to Mr. Christmas.  :)

Halloween Pattern Package Giveaway -- WINNERS!

Everyone ready?  Here are the results!  

Our grand prize winner -- #37, SVG 1987.  

The Apple Hat -- #82, Cassie.  

The Black Cat -- #88, Gena McMillan.  

The Candy Corn -- #1, La Bella Mia.  

The Cyclops -- #56, putzgoettin.  

The Devil -- #41, Michelle Ray.  

The Horned Monster -- #17, Mother Dar Photography.  

The Pumpkin -- #57, Shell.  

The Witch -- #91, NMgal.  

Thanks everyone for playing!! Winners, please send me an email or an Etsy convo with your email address so I can send your prize.  J  

Oh yeah, one more thing.....  The pattern package with all 8 patterns is available on Etsy for $15 for just a few days.  

Halloween Pattern Package Giveaway

On Etsy today, I released a special pattern package:  8 Halloween patterns for $15.  To coincide with the package special, I thought a giveaway would be appropriate.  We're going to have 9 winners today:

(1) Grand Prize Winner will receive all 8 patterns in the package
(8) Runners Up will receive one pattern each from the package

There are two requirements for entry:
1 - Tag Sunset Crochet or mention the giveaway in your facebook status.
2 - Post a comment below indicating that you have done the above AND share what your Halloween costume is going to be.  :)

The winners will be drawn tonight (October 6th) at approximately 10 pm (MDT).  Enjoy!!

First Day of Fall -- Final Giveaway

Okay, this one has to be my last giveaway of the day, but there are going to be three prizes, so that makes up for it, right?  They're still fall themed.

Prize A:  The witch's hat pattern....

Prize B:  The owl hat pattern.....

Prize C:  The football beanie pattern....

Okay to enter this drawing, let's have a confession.  How many Sunset Crochet patterns do you already have or do you have on your wish list?  (Hehehehe....)

First Day of Fall -- Giveaway #3

My mom taught elementary school for 37 years.  At the beginning of the school year, she'd pick up big packages of candy corn.  They were a great treat that she could provide to keep her kids motivated.  For my whole childhood, I associated candy corn with back to school shopping, and I loved them.  Now that I associate them with Halloween, too, I just get to eat candy corn for a couple of months of celebrating instead of just one.  :)

To enter to win this prize, share your favorite fall color combo for hats/scarves/sweaters/whatever you're crocheting.   I just found the most elegant variegated yarn in fall colors.  It has a rich plum, a brick red, and a golden yellow that I adore.

The pattern is available at pattern-of-the-day pricing in the shop now, too.  Enjoy!

First Day of Fall -- Giveaway #2

Okay, the next pattern up for grabs is another fall special:  the apple of my eye hat.  This is perfect for apple picking, and visits to the apple farms for real cider and apple donuts.  Mmm.....My mouth is watering!

To enter, share a favorite apple treat.  I'm making apple cobbler for my family for dessert tonight.  Yum!  I'll top it off while it's still hot with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The pattern is available for $2 while the giveaway is on (and for about 10 minutes afterward....):  Apple pattern :)

First Day of Fall -- Giveaway #1

According to my calendar, yesterday was the first day of fall.  It's finally starting to feel like fall around here, too, and that just makes me happy!  This week, we picked apples at my mom's house and then dipped them in super-yummy caramel.  That's how we've kicked off our fall celebrations the last couple of years, and we love it.   To enter this hour's giveaway, share one of your favorite fall traditions....

Up for grabs first is the Pumpkin Beanie Pattern:

Drawing in an hour!  Good luck!  While the drawing is going on, the pattern will also be available on Etsy for just $2.50.  Get it here:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/78336012/pdf-493-pumpkin-patch-beanie-hat-crochet

New pattern -- The Police Cap -- GIVEAWAY TODAY!

Last week, I had someone custom request a police cap pattern.  I used google images to find a ton of them, and realized that the most common features for all of the different forces that I saw were the flat top, 8 points around the edges, the brim, and the band around the bottom.  Oh, and a shield on the front.  So that's what I created.

Surprisingly, it took a lot of experimenting to get this pattern where I liked it!  That was mostly because the shaping on the points drove me crazy, but I think we're finally there.  

To enter to win the pattern, share what you're working on now (crochet or otherwise!).  :)

New pattern giveaway -- The pink friendly monster

I love this little guy.  I think he's (she?) a sweetie-monster.  How fun is this for Halloween adventures?

To enter today's pattern drawing, I want to hear your best morning sickness cure.  I'm spending too much time hugging a toilet bowl, and just don't have any energy.  If I can cure that, maybe I can function again.....

1500 Fan Celebration Giveaway #4: The Cyclops Monster Hat

Okay, there are several monsters on their way, but this is one of my favorites so far -- a furry one-eyed monster.

Entries.  Hmmm....  How about most embarassing moment?  Hehehehe.  This should be good for some insomnia laughs tonight.  :)

1500 fan giveaway #3: the pirate beanie

This one is perfect for a little pirate crew member. Red and white stripes with a knotted kerchief over the ear...

To enter, what's your favorite ice cream flavor? Apparently, I like dill pickles and chocolate....

1500 Fan Celebration Giveaway #1: The Ghost Hat Pattern

So there are lots of ghost hats out there.  I know.  It's an easy hat, and it's easy to execute.  What I love about mine, though, is that it's not just an earflap hat.  The long part wraps all the way from the sides of the face clear around the back of the head.  It gives it more of the ghost-costume feel, like the old sheets some of us used to use for our costumes.  :)

To enter, let's hear a cute costume idea.  One year I wore a black garbage sack and a pair of dark sunglasses.  I was a blind date.  Tee-hee!  (Okay, really lame, but I thought it was creative at the time.)

Pattern of the Day Giveaway #3: The Loops Newsboy and Loafers

Every time I make one of these sets for a neighbor who's having a baby, my 2yo daughter and my 3yo son have a war over who gets to wear the set.  Me pointing out that it's not going to fit either of them never helps.  Super soft and elegantly simple, this is my go-to newborn gift.

To enter, share a fall/Halloween/seasonal craft that's kid appropriate.  I'm going to be going crazy when it gets cold here, so I need lots of ideas!!

Pattern of the Day Giveaway #2: V's and Shells Afghan

This pattern is easy and elegant.  It's a really basic mix of stitches, but they're still so incredibly beautiful!

To enter, share a fall tradition.  The one I'm looking foward to right now is driving through the mountains covered in vivid reds, yellows, and oranges.  I just hope the pregnancy nausea doesn't make that experience less lovely than I'm hoping!

Pattern of the Day Giveaway #1: The Cluster Stitch Newborn Bowl

This is one of the first true "props" I ever made, and it's still a go-to item for many of my photographer friends.  It's quick and easy.  It's actually fairly small, but works up super stretchy.  I helped a friend get a 13 pound 1 month old in it, and it was still adorable!!

To enter, post a favorite fall treat (bonus points if you share your recipe!).  I'm making caramel apples with my kids this afternoon.  I use this recipe:  http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Caramel-Dipped-Apples-102427.  It's heaven in a pot.  No kidding.  I've also ditched my old caramel recipe for this one.  They're lovely as plain caramels, too.  Mmmmm.....

Drawing Winners

I've drawn for all the drawings except the four pattern giveaway, which I'll do later today.  Our winners are:

Hard Hat -- #14 Nichole

Skirty -- #19 BrandiJ

Bonnet/Leggings -- #13 The Scarlet Willow

Curious George -- #25 Misia Pepa Adventures

Butterfly Kisses Afghan -- #3 Kristine

Congratulations everyone!  Shoot me an email so I can send along your patterns!!

Oops -- I'm a space cadet

To enter - answer my question:  Do you prefer dense, warm, cuddly baby afghans or light, lacy, airy afghans? They take so much more time to write, that I need to focus!!

I thought I'd already posted the Butterfly Kisses afghan pattern for a giveaway, but that would be a case of getting lost on my checklist!

The biggest giveaway of the day....

This one is for the following patterns:  This one is for the following four patterns:

  

To enter, tag Sunset Crochet in your status on facebook and say what your favorite of the four patterns is.  Be sure the tag turns blue, or it won't show up on my page so I can see you've entered.  Post a comment here when you've done that.

Enjoy!

Any Bob-the-Builder fans out there?

This hat was created both because of several of your requests and because my cousin's little boy wants to be a dumptruck driver for Halloween.  Since it's cold here, it's fortunate for my cousin that we can make that a warm costume!  I personally think the whole idea of a crocheted hard hat is hysterical, but tell that to the little ones who won't take it off!!!

To enter, share what you're making for Halloween for your kids' costumes.

My first skirty pattern

Okay, so the skirty intimidated me.  A lot.  I don't know why -- it wasn't particularly hard, but still it scared me.  But once I made it, oh.my.fun!!  I have ideas for several more, so we'll see how it goes.  What do you want to see next?  Lacy?  Tutu?  Post a suggestion to win this pattern free.  :)

Peaches and Cream Bonnet and Leg Warmers

Next up is the pattern for a charming bonnet and leg warmer set.  I can't wait to get "real" photos of this set from my photographer.  This is so quick, but looks so charming!!  To enter, share the color you have the most of in your yarn stash.

Curious Monkey Pattern Giveaway :)

Do you have a Curious Monkey at your house?  Or is it another character?  To enter to win the pattern for the curious monkey hat, post your child's favorite character....

Perfect Plaid Afghan Giveaway

I love this afghan.  I hate making projects more than once, and I've made this one no less than EIGHT times.  It's fast, it's fun.  It looks like you worked and slaved for days, when it really only took a few hours.  I used to make one of these for every neighbor who had a baby.  (I probably will again when my babies get big enough for me to concentrate on the same project for a while!)

This pattern is today's pattern of the day.  You can win it free, however, by posting your favorite thing to give (or to receive!) a new baby.  It doesn't have to be something you've made -- just something you love.

Stories needed.

Today's giveaway is for any one pattern of your choice. The entry today, however, is a little different than my normal entries.

One of my BFF's just hit 12 weeks, and she's trying to come up with creative ways to make her announcement, now that she's largely past the risk of miscarriage. So to enter, I want announcement stories. How did you (or someone you know) tell your husband, your family, your friends, your coworkers? I can't wait to hear your stories!!

Giveaway TODAY! Fuzzy slippers and hat

I love this pattern.  I'm trying to decide if I'm willing to spend the time to make ME some fuzzy slippers.  I've never crocheted big-people shoes before, but this one is tempting me!

If you'd like to win the patterns, post your favorite kind of home-made ice cream.  I'm bbq-ing for my my family tonight, and trying to decide what to pick up at the store.  (Bonus entry if you send me a recipe you love, too!)  :)

Pictures Needed! Patterns to Trade!!

I've got a bunch of hats and sets that are listed with just my icky snapshot photos and several more that are just about ready to go.  I need to get quality photographs of little ones wearing these items asap, so I thought I should open it up to any of you that might be interested.

So here's the deal:

1 -- You work up a pattern and get a super-awesome photograph of the item on your little one.  Send it to me.  I'll share all the photos on Facebook.

2 -- If I use your photo for an Etsy listing, I'll send you two patterns of your choice.

Photographers, you are welcome to include your logo, and I'll of course post a photography credit/referral with the listing as well.

So I was thinkin'....

That I should post a little surprise treat for those of you that signed up to be followers on the blog.  Thoughts?

Okay, here it is....  Instructions for a simple beanie that has the cutest little edge.  It will roll up all the way around.  This is perfect for newborns -- it's soft, simple, and keeps them cozy all the time.

Supplies Needed:

DK weight yarn (I used Sirdar Snuggle DK)
Size G (4.25 mm) crochet hook

Special Stitch:

Sc decrease=insert hook in stitch indicated, draw up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, draw up a loop, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Instructions (0-3 Months):

Ch 3, join with slst in first ch to form loop.

Round 1:  Ch 3 (counts as dc now and throughout), 11 dc in loop.  Join with slst to first dc.  (12 dc)

Round 2:  Ch 3, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in next stitch and each dc around.  Join with slst to first dc.  (24 dc)

Round 3:  Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next stitch.  *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first dc.  (36 dc)

Round 4:  Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 2 stitches.  *2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 2 dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first dc.  (48 dc)

Rounds 5-9:  Ch 3, dc in next stitch and each stitch around.  Join with slst to first dc.  (48 dc)

Round 10:  Ch 1, 2 sc in same stitch, sc in next 2 stitches.  *2 sc in same stitch, sc in next 2 stitches.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first sc. 

Rounds 11-12:  Ch 1, sc in each sc around.  Join with slst to first sc.

Rounds 13:  Ch 1, *work sc decrease over next 2 stitches, sc in next 2 stitches.  Repeat from * around.  Join with slst to first sc. 

Round 14: Ch 1, sc in each sc around.  Join with slst to first sc.

Finish off.

Giveaway #10: The big one....

Today's last giveaway is a big one.  I'm going to leave it up for a few hours just to ensure anyone who wants to participate has the opportunity to do so.

If you haven't yet taken advantage of the 4 patterns for $12 sale that's valid today only, be sure to take the opportunity.  When I go to bed tonight, that one disappears, and it won't be back until we hit another big landmark.  But this is where the big giveaway comes in.  I'm giving away one of those sets --  any 4 patterns you want -- to one lucky winner.

To enter, share what 4 you'd pick.  :)

Giveaway #9: Another little birdy....

This is another little birdy that came to roost.  He makes me smile.

I'm running out of contest ideas.  So tell me something you'd love to see in the shop.  A pattern idea?  A combination of patterns?  A sale (be specific here)?  What's something that I don't currently have that you'd like to see?

Giveaway #8: A new pattern -- the bluebird hat and ruffled diaper cover

This might be one of my favorite sets ever.  It's super simple, but oh-so-very-fun!!

To enter, share your favorite outdoor activity.  Although I haven't been for quite a while (I've either been pregnant or recovering from a c-section for the last 4 summers!), I love to jetski, especially at Lake Powell where there are all kinds of little canyons that you can explore only on a jetski.  So fun!

Giveaway #7: The Herringbone Hat and Booties

TWO patterns with this give away.  Get the Herringbone hat and booties.  Tell me what you're working on for fall (or spring if you're southern hemisphere)

Giveaway #6: The basic stork sack

All right, another highly requested pattern: the basic newborn stork sack.

To enter, post what you'd tell someone who'd never purchased a pattern from SunsetCrochet about the shop.

Giveaway #5: The Soft Shells Hat and Flower

I've never done this one before as a giveaway, but it was among those most requested on the last giveaway.  (Don't worry, I'll get to the others, too!)

So to share?  Hmmm.....  I started my diet again this morning, and I'm totally craving the zuchini bread I made and froze last night.  What's your favorite secret treat?

Giveaway #4: pick your pattern.

I'm on my phone, so this giveaway is for a pattern of your choice. To enter, post the pattern you hope to see on today's giveaways.

Giveaway #3: The Peacock Shells Afghan

The shells on this one each come to a little point, so it's texture reminds me of a peacock.

To enter, share the first crochet project you ever finished.  Technically, for me that was a whole ball of yarn that I made into a giant chain when I was six, but I don't think that counts.  When I was 8, I made a hot pad.  It took a month.  It's so crooked and lopsided and ugly, but I still am proud of it when I see it at my mom's house.

Giveaway #2: The Witch's Hat

Our second giveaway today will get you a pattern just in time for the fall season:  The witch's hat.

To enter, share a Halloween tradition at your house.  We blow up helium balloons and give them instead of candy to our trick-or-treaters.

Giveaway #1:

Today's first giveaway is for one of our more popular items:  The cluster stitch ear flap hat and diaper cover.

To enter this giveaway, simply add a comment to this blog post.  Share with us something you love about crocheting.  To start with, I'll share one of the things I most love:  an old crochet hook.  Mine's an old crochet hook that my mother bought me when she first taught me to crochet.  It's so smooth and it fits just perfectly in my hand.  Sometimes I think I create just to use it.  The funny thing is that I HATED that hook until I was an adult.  How time experience change things, huh?

1,000 Fan Special

Today only, all patterns are buy for for $12.  Get them while this special lasts!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78889542/facebook-sale-any-4-crochet-patterns-for

New milestone.....New blog.....

The truth of the matter is that I had no intention of starting a blog for Sunset Crochet.  When I started working in Etsy in earnest back in March, I never dreamed that this little endeavor would be as successful as it has been.  It has been such a blessing for my little family, and I'm so grateful for the support of everyone who has made this happen.

Yesterday we surpassed 1,000 fans on facebook.  That's a huge milestone!  Today we're going to be doing a day of giveaways, but because of facebook's guidelines on using their page for giveaways, I needed to start a blog.  With as many giveaways as I have planned today, something was bound to get noticed by facebook, and I didn't want the headache of dealing with them.

So it begins.