Free Pattern: Cinnamon Bun

I've been dreaming up some new patterns for fall. Here is my first one, a gift from me to you :) I hope you find it simple and rewarding. Be sure to let me know if you stitch up one of your own. I'd love to see some photos! So, without further ado, here's the how-to:

 

Cinnamon Bun 

By: Sarah Mancini

Skill Level: Easy

You Will Need:

•  Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Oatmeal and Nature's Brown
• Crochet Hook: US G6 (4mm)
• Blunt tapestry needle
• Scissors

  
Abbreviations: I have used American terminology for this project.

• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet
• Hk: Hook
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Directions:

Pastry: Using Oatmeal
Using Oatmeal colored yarn, ch 77.

    1. Dc in third ch from hk and in ea remaining st. (75 dc total)
2-4. Ch 2, turn. Dc in ea st. (75 dc total)
        Fasten off and weave in ends.

Cinnamon Swirl: Using Nature's Brown
Using Nature's Brown colored yarn, ch 67.

    1. Dc in third ch from hk and in ea remaining st. (65 dc total)
2-4. Ch 2, turn. Dc in ea st. (65 dc total)
        Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing:
Left align the layers of fabric, placing the Nature's Brown on top of the Oatmeal colored one. Stitch the aligned ends together then slowly roll them forward, into a swirl. Sew the ends (which should align after rolling) securely to the side of the bun.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Enjoy :)


*Disclaimer: This pattern is for personal use only. You may use this pattern to make items for charity or for gifts but you may not use it to make items for sale.

Breakfast Garland Crochet Pattern

There is a brand new pattern in my shop. Be sure to click on over and check it out. So far, I've listed it on Etsy. I'll be listing it on Ravelry soon :)

Summer Reading Wish List

As with everything else, I am behind on my reading. Like way way behind. Let's just say that by the time I get around to a book I'm interested in, my friends have already finished reading it, book clubs have already discussed it, someone has already made a movie about it and said movie has been out on video for months (okay, years). And that's just when I manage to get started. After that my progress is always slow, a page or two here, a chapter here or there. Sadly, I can't tell you the last book I've managed to finish. It's just been way too long to remember.

There once was a time when I was constantly reading, each and every spare second of my life. I would devour whole novels, ingest collections of poetry, constantly consuming more and more. Those were my college days, my working days, my first pregnancy/new mommy days. But now it seems my days are always full, full of mothering, housekeeping, working, blogging, crocheting, sleeping... Somewhere along the way, my beloved books got left behind. It's a bit shocking when I think about it. Books have always meant so much to me. They were my daily dose of art, pop-culture, escapism, self-awareness, depth, entertainment, companionship. It has been a bit lonely without them.

I don't recall when I started reading The Swan Thieves (sometime before Christmas?) or Water for Elephants for that matter (last spring or fall maybe?) but I haven't managed to finish either and I'm pretty annoyed with myself in that regard. I've been downright neglectful of my collection. But they are loyal friends, these books of mine. I know they'll be waiting for me when I find the time, right on the shelf, where I left them <3

Carrot Ginger Soup: Dairy Free (or Not)

Who loves being sick? Well, definitely not me but there is something I love about being sick. That one and only thing is comfort food. What, no appetite, you say? Well, don't cry to me. Sick or not, I always want food. Ginger is a great stomach-settler and this soup is just the thing if you've got a touch of the flu. But it's also really great if you don't. Actually, I make this soup all the time and every time I do I'm glad I made the effort. It is a bit labor-intensive though so if you're sick, you may want to ask someone else to make it for you. Here's the recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/carrot-and-ginger-soup/ if you'd like to try it out yourself.

Cupcake Garland

 

I just finished making this adorable cupcake garland designed by Twinkie Chan. I nearly got a sugar high when I hung it up this morning. I'm so pleased with the way it looks in the girl's room. It's just the right amount of cute :) 

This is the first pattern I have completed by Twinkie Chan and let me tell you, she is quite the crocheter. She has a serious knack for design and I don't just mean style. I'm talking about construction, form, the way she uses stitches to make shapes. Not only did she teach me to crochet a cupcake, she taught me to do it in a way I'd never thought possible. In doing so, she has made a lasting impression on me. I may just need to go purchase her book ;)

In addition to being a super talented lady, she also happens to be generous. She shared this pattern for free over at Rock N Roll Bride. Click on over to check it out!

Ta-da!

Last night, around six, I walked into C's room to find her standing in her crib! I was so excited and stunned as this was her first time doing so. I could tell she was really thrilled about it. It was such a great little moment: me, beaming down at little C, and C beaming right back as if to say, "Look what I just did Mom, isn't it cool?!" Oh, C you are growing up so fast! Please slow down a bit for me <3

Winner: Guess It Giveaway

And the winner is...Jodi! Congrats. I hope you enjoy your new tote bag :)