FIND SOME TIME TO CROCHET & A POM POM-A-DAY

Welcome to the month of manys!

Many events and parties to attend

Many additional household chores(Can you say d-e-c-o-r-a-t-i-n-g?)

Many people to connect with

Many fun activities to conduct with the kiddos

Many stores to visit (online or otherwise)

Many additional treats to bake

The next few weeks are definitely going to be filled with obligations that only pop up this time of year. My post today, while in its first appearance seems as if it is yet another “to do” to add to your already overburdened “to do” list, actually provides an opportunity to relax, reduce your heart rate, and create something special for the little ones in your life—a crochet hat for one of your child’s dolls.

If you don’t already know the positive affects that crochet (and knitting) have on your health, you have missed out on a natural tension reducer. By counting stitches, focusing on the stitch types, using one’s mind to connect with repetitive motions, and reaching the ultimate satisfaction when a project is complete, a person that crochets quickly learns that crochet can make a day flow much more smoothly.

Below you will find the directions for a simple style crochet hat for a small doll with a head circumference of approximately 8”. For those handy with the hook, it can be whipped up in a bit more than an hour—great to do while the kiddos are watching a holiday special on TV.

I have not added the directions to each stitch as there is no way that I could duplicate all the wonderful tutorials and videos available on the web. Instead, I am offering the pattern with a quick cheat-sheet at the end.

The hat is topped off with a pom pom. For older children, I’m sure that they will love to create the pompom on their own to top off their hat for dolly.

So….grab your crochet hook, a ball of crochet thread, a cup of cocoa, a blanket, and find some time to relax.

*This pattern may be shared with anyone, as long as it is linked back to this page and credit is given for the pattern.

Winter Cap with Pom Pom

 

 

This pattern is for a snowcap to fit a doll with a head circumference of appproximately 8”. Modify your first ring accordingly.

Skills Level: 2 (easy plus—some knowledge of basic stitches required)

Size 10 hook, size 20 crochet thread

Gauge: 13 stitches per inch

Abbreviations:

Round (rnd), chain (Ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), Front post (fp), Back Post (bp), slipstitch (ss)

13 rounds of DC, 1 rnd of sc, 3 rnds front post/back post ribbing

Ch 4 (first color-red in sample)

Rnd 1: 10 dc in 4th chain from hook (the ch3 counts as the first dc) (total of 11 dc) Join ring with ss

Rnd 2: ch3 (counts as first dc for this rnd and for every rnd hereafter) 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd *2 dc in the next dc from the rnd*, repeat between *'s(total of 22 dc), join with ss

Rnd 3: ch3, 2dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 33 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2,2 (meaning that I put two dc in every SECOND stitch) join with ss

Rnd 4: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 44 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2,3,3 (meaning that I put two dc in every THIRD stitch) join with ss

Rnd 5: ch3, 1.dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in each of the next TWO dcs, 2 dc in the next DC from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 55 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2, 3, 4, 4 (meaning that I put two dc in every FOURTH stitch) join with a ss

Rnd 6: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in each of the next FOUR dcs, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 66 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 5 (meaning that I put two dc in every fifth stitch) join with a ss

Rnd 7: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in each of the next FIVE DCs, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 77 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6,6 (meaning that I put two dc in every SIXTH stitch) join with ss

Rnd 8: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in each of the next SIX DCs, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 88 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 7 (meaning that I put two dc in every SEVENTH stitch) join with ss

Rnd 9: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd,1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd, *1 dc in each of the next SEVEN DCs, 2 dc in the next dc from the last rnd*, repeat between *'s to the end. (total 99 dc) This rnd has a pattern that I repeat to myself of 1,2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 8 (meaning that I put two dc in every EIGHTH stitch) join with ss

INCREASE COMPLETE

Rnds 10-13: ch3, 1 dc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the each remaining dc from the last rnd (total 99 dc) join with ss

CHANGE COLORS

Rnd 14: attach new color (white in sample) with a ss, ch 1, 1 sc in the first dc from the last rnd, 1 sc in the each remaining dc from the last rnd (total 99 sc) join with ss

RIBBING

Rnd 15: ch 3, 1 dc in the first sc from the last rnd, 1 dc in the each remaining dc from the last rnd (total 99 dc) join with ss

Rnd 16: ch 1, *1 dc in the FRONT POST of first dc from the last rnd, 1 dc in BACK POST of next dc from last rnd,* repeat pattern the each remaining dc from the last rnd (total 99 fp/bp) join with ss to top of first dc

Rnd 17-18: Repeat rnd 16, tie off, and weave in threads

Add pompom to top of hat.

CREATE A HANDCRAFTED POMPOM

 

Link to post with pompom tutorial

 

Hints and suggestions:

*I used DMC Cecelia cotton for the hat and merino for the pompom. Depending upon the age of your little one, they can help with creating the pompom for the hat by using the tutorial from an earlier post.

*When creating the ribbing, remember that each front post stitch belongs with another fp stitch; each back post stitch belongs with a bp stitch.

*For those of you (like me) that find endless steps tedious and somewhat confusing during the increasing rounds, I am adding a visual to assist with each round.

Rnd 1    Ià TOTAL 11

Rnd 2    Và TOTAL 22

Rnd 3    I Và TOTAL 33

Rnd 4    II Và TOTAL 44

Rnd 5    III Và TOTAL 55

Rnd 6    IIII Và TOTAL 66

Rnd 7    IIIII Và TOTAL 77

Rnd 8    IIIIII Và TOTAL 88

Rnd 9    IIIIIII Và TOTAL 99

Key: I equals 1 stitch in each stitch from previous round; V equals 2 stitches in each stitch from previous round

 

* Dolls by Berdine Creedy and Robert Tonner

Happy Halloween! It's Going to be a Boo-tiful Day!

Happy Halloweenie!

An example of how I spent October during my break from posting

Dolls by Robert Tonner and Berdine Creedy

Crochet creation, needle felted pumpkin, and pull toy by me

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween

AUTUMN, CHANGES, & BUTTERFLY BATIK

Change—New Paths—New Directions

While most of us realize that in order to grow we must step out of our comfort zone and explore new paths in life. However, recognizing the need to change directions and actually taking that first step are often at opposite ends of the spectrum. Many times we need a nudge to help us take that first step. For me, the nudge came in the form of a major health setback. I was forced to make choices that I preferred not to make. Yet, now that I can look back at the footprints I have left on that new path, I realize that my change in direction was a good choice to make.

Since the beginning of 2014 my blog posts have become less frequent. In fact, for several months I did not even add a new post. I apologize for the lack of new educational ideas and activities during this time. I have come to the conclusion that for the remainder of 2014, I must devote my time to my family, my health, and personal commitments. Trying to juggle all of those needs with maintaining this blog was not in the best interest of my family, my readers, and my health. I intend to return to this blog in 2015, hopefully renewed and revitalized. In that time, please remember that monthly activities and ideas that I posted in 2013 and early 2014 will still provide creative suggestions for making learning fun and memorable.

My final blog post for 2014 fits in perfectly with my decision to journey down a different path for a while. Mother Nature is on her own path to change with the turning of the seasons. While pictures, books, classroom decorations, and the like lead us to believe otherwise, the transition from one season to the next is anything but sudden. For weeks in our area summer has been fighting to maintain its hold on our region. In fact, during the first week of September we had record breaking temperatures. Our usually wet month of September has been dry. Yet, each morning, there is a glimmer of hope that the cooler autumn weather is winning the battle of the seasons. Spiders are capturing the dew each morning and now spinning the spectacular webs that are synonymous with fall. Moths and butterflies are hastily slurping the last of the nectar from the fading blossoms of summer. Caterpillars are beginning to stake their claim to their sleeping grounds to ride out their transition to new creations—moths and butterflies that will emerge in the spring.

Summer to autumn

Autumn to winter

Winter to Spring

Spring to Summer

The endless change of directions that nature takes is a reminder to all of us that to grow we must change, even if the change may not be as easy as we’d like.

As my final educational activity for 2014, I have chosen a craftivity centered on what I believe are the ultimate examples of change—butterflies. From the moment they hatch into a tiny caterpillar until the time comes to settle into a deep metamorphic slumber, butterflies are nature’s example of how trust in change can result in beautiful creations. When a butterfly lays her eggs, not knowing if her efforts will succeed, she trusts that the leaf, the branch, or the seedpod will provide for her young offspring. The caterpillars emerge and forage for weeks, trusting that food will be readily available. They grow and shed one casing after another, trusting nature to protect them during each transition. Then, the caterpillars trust nature once again to protect them as they spin their protective chrysalis and finally emerge a magnificent winged creature.

The activity below provides children with an opportunity to demonstrate how change (addition of paint to a crayon resist background) can yield beautiful results.

Beautiful Butterfly Batik*

Objective: Children will learn the traditional method of batik (hot wax resist), but use that information to create a variation of the method—crayon batik.

Materials:

Crayons with fine points

Sturdy paper or cardstock

Diluted tempera or acrylic paint
Large bowl
Optional: butterfly template (provided)
Plain newsprint or screen mat for drying

Procedure:

Preparation: Prior to conducting the activity, pour a small amount of paint into a large bowl. Dilute the paint with water so that there is ample pigment in the water, but the paint is now the consistency of water. This will be used as the paint bath to dye the crayon artwork.

1. Show your children pictures of traditional batik (Hint: an internet search will provide some excellent examples).

2. Discuss the process for creating traditional batik.
A. Paint melted wax on fabric.
B. Dye the fabric a light color and allow to dry. The dye will resist the fabric that is coated in wax.
C. Add more melted wax. Repeat the dying process.
D. When the last dye has been added and dries, the wax is melted from the fabric, usually with a hot iron.
The result is a design with bold colors and lines that crisscross the colors where the wax cracked during the dying process.
3. Ask the children to use the crayons draw a block style picture of a butterfly or moth, encouraging the children to use large shapes with small spaces in between. It is important that the crayons completely cover each shape with a thick layer of wax.

 

 

4. Fold and crinkle the paper into a ball.

 

5. Unfold the paper and briefly dip it into the bowl of diluted paint. (Hint: younger children may need to be reminded that if their artwork is allowed to remain in the paint too long, the paper fibers may become weak and tear.)

 

 

6. Place the artwork on a flat surface to dry.

 

The faux batik butterfly artwork is a combination of different mediums that can represent the change of the seasons. When the children look at their completed artwork, ask them to find the small lines of paint that worked their way into the blocks of crayon wax. Explain that these lines can represent the days where our seasons are a mixture of two seasons—for example, very hot days in September that begin chilly with a heavy dew coating the windows and plants.

*I originally created this activity for a wonderful web site that focuses on teaching children the wonders of nature and how butterflies are wonderful ambassadors for nature’s ability to grow and change. Please check out their site for more activities and information about butterflies.

Kids Butterfly dot Org

A Blog's Anniversary When Life is Just Ducky

One year. Wow! It is quite difficult to believe that a year has passed since I posted my first blog entry. Throughout that year, my blog has served as a reflection of my hectic schedule. When life had been just ducky, my blog posts were frequent and overflowing with activities. However, as I am sure you are aware, spare time is a fluid entity—Some months I had enough, some months, well, not so much. It seems as if my spare time since the end of January has disappeared along with the frigid temps of the winter. Therefore, my blog posts have become less frequent.

Last week, however, I did manage to devote some time to an afternoon of fun with a friend by visiting a 40 foot tall (YES, I did say 40 foot tall) rubber duck that casually bobbed up and down in the Hague in front of the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. My friend and I were not alone. There was a school group, a gathering of locals, curious out-of-towners, even a group of folks dressed up like the Statue of Liberty—all with cameras in hand.

Up until then, I had some trouble coming up with a special topic for my 1 year anniversary blog post. When I saw the giant rubber duck, however, my problem was solved. After all, who doesn’t love a rubber duck?!

First, a little background on the giant rubber duck—

The giant 40 foot rubber duck was created by the talented and outside-the-box pioneer Florentijn Hofman. He crafted his piece of whimsy in 2007. Since its first appearance in the Netherlands (Hofman’s home), the duck has traveled the world. To date, the duck has only appeared in 2 U.S. cities—Pittsburgh, PA and Norfolk, VA.

Hofman’s creation depicts our connection to each other (After all, ducks do float on water—which flows from city to city, country to country, and continent to continent) as well as inspires a sense of joy and return to childhood.

So, as Hofman intended, I decided that it’s time for some rubber ducky fun!

Given the enormous size of the duck, I decided to create an activity that focuses on size comparison. Rubber ducks in various sizes can be used to compare sizes, discover and discuss the concept of water displacement, and discover and discuss the buoyancy of an object (i.e. A duck filled with air should float. What will a duck filled with water do?)

A Rubber Duck CAN Float—But What If It Doesn’t? 

 

This easy-to-complete activity demonstrates the concept of buoyancy and water displacement as a way of identifying the volume of an irregularly shaped object.

 

Materials Needed:

Rubber ducks in various sizes

A bowl large enough to cover the largest duck with water

Water

A crayon or wax marker

Tape

Printout of ducks

2 water balloons—one filled with water, one filled with air

Adhesive dots

Link to Florentijn Hofman’s website 

 

Directions:

1. Show the ducks to the children. Discuss how they are different (size, shape, etc.).
2. Place the ducks in order from smallest to largest.
3. Place a piece of tape to cover any holes in the ducks to keep water from seeping inside when they are immersed in water.

4. Add water to the bowl, leaving at least 1 inch unfilled.
5. Use the crayon or wax marker to mark the water line on the bowl.

6. Beginning with the smallest duck, hold the duck upside down and push it into the water. Observe how the water level changes. If possible, use the crayon to mark the level of water on the side of the bowl.

Hint: for the smallest duck, there will be little observable change.
7. Repeat for each duck, marking the side of the bowl when each duck is immersed in the water.
8. Discuss why it was hard to see the change in the water level when the small duck was under the water, but much easier to see the change when the large duck was under the water.
9. Show the picture of Florentijn Hofman’s duck to the children. Discuss how much water would be displaced (spilled) if that duck was pushed into the water. (See Link Above)
10. Discuss why the ducks had to be pushed into the water (The ducks are filled with air). Use the 2 water balloons to demonstrate by placing them into the bowl of water. The balloon filled with air will float. The balloon filled with water will sink.

Follow-up FUN:

Use the printout of the ducks to demonstrate the concepts of area and size comparison. Use the dot stickers to cover the ducks as much as possible without overlapping the dots. Count how many dots it takes to cover each duck. Discuss how many dots it would take to cover Hofman’s duck.

 

Use your imagination and create an afternoon of learning fun with your little ones—rubber ducky style!

 

In celebration of the first anniversary of my blog, I’m hosting a very special giveaway. This giveaway includes a numbered and signed rubber duck designed by Florentijn Hofman and a $20.00 Amazon gift card to purchase your own set of ducks (The other ducks pictured came from Amazon) or any other treat that you could use for some fun activities with the kiddos.

*This giveaway will include a signed and numbered souvenir rubber duck (a $22.00 value) from the Chrysler Museum and a $20.00 Amazon gift card sent via email to the winner. The registration will last from the posting of this blog post until midnight, June 13, 2014. One winner will be randomly selected from all entries. The rubber duck and gift card will be shipped within approximately 2 weeks following the close of the giveaway. The giveaway is open ONLY to residents of the United States with a United State’s mailing address. The winner’s name will be posted on the blog, unless the winner chooses not to have his/her name posted.

To enter the contest the entrant must post a comment on this blog as well as submit an email address through the contact link on the blog’s home page. The winner will be contacted via email at the close of this giveaway. The winner of the contest must reply to the contact within 72 hours. An alternate winner will be selected in the event that the initial winner does not respond within the 72 hour time frame.

 

 

This blog post has been shared on the following blogs. Please check them out.

 

The Squishable Baby dot Com

 

Lovely Commotion dot Com

 

Giveaway Update

 

Congratulations to Lisa for winning the giveaway in celebration of the one year anniversary of this blog.