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.  :)