Challenge accepted!

Before Christmas, I posted daily about different patterns and ideas I was finding online and mr Chesh did some reviews and giveaways. Since then I have gotten several emails from people who enjoyed reading my quirky posts (thanks!).
While talking to Mr Chesh and Miss Brookie about events for our big birth month in may, we have decided to get back into the blog groove and post each day in April.
What fun things will be posted? Product reviews and adventures by my cat, Mr Chesh, links to fab patterns I find while googling my life away, ramblings about nothing life changing, new pattern releases and sales, and brookie even wants in on the fun and says she will post too...but we all know she will probably sleep and sun tan the month away.
So...click on the link over there at the right that says something about "follow by email notifications" because you won't want to miss one post!
One more thing... Have you joined our ravelry group? I have been reading the intros by group members and there are lots of way fun and talented peeps there!
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/rockin-out-the-christmas-projects

SALE

New patterns, plus a HUGE SALE!

New pattern, "Taylor's Bonnet", includes sizes baby-adult plus a scarf.

New pattern, "Loopy Bags"

New pattern, "Greg the gecko". Make as shown, or as a stuffie.

New Contest

It's time for a Snappy contest. It's always fun to see what contestants create. It's easy to do, just follow the guidelines.

GUIDELINES

• Item must be a HAT created by Snappy Tots' patterns (one or a combination of pattern pieces). Please do not include crocheted items from other designers or of your own.
• Entries may include ribbons, buttons, felt shapes and hand embroidery.
• Enter as many times as you like...but only once per project.
• People MAY be included in your entry photo.
• Photos may NOT have a watermark, personal or business name on it. A "snappytots contest" watermark will be put on each photo.
• Photos may not be posted anywhere online prior to winners being announced. Contestants may NOT bribe people to vote for their photo. We try to keep this as fair as possible.
• Email a photo or collage of your entry to heidi@snappy-tots.com by April 3, 2013, 11:59 mt.
  If multiple patterns have been combined, please include a list of patterns used.
• Items entered into previous Snappy contests may NOT be entered in this contest.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in being removed from the contest. Please follow them and have fun!

PRIZES
Winners will be chosen based on number of "likes" on fb picture. Heidi's family will also choose a winner.

If you have any questions please email heidi@snappy-tots.com. Watch for daily specials through end of March which would be fun to use for entries.

Shipping the beanies

A very nice lady from my post office came and picked up the boxes of beanies. Seeing all of them stacked in my driveway, she wondered if I had an online business. I told her about all of you and this wonderful project. She was truly touched and said she was thankful for good people still left in the world.

The boxes were stacked in our garage waiting for pick up. They took up the size of a small car!

Luckily we had great weather the day they were picked up. One of the few non-snowy days that week.

Part of the boxes loaded in the truck...we made several trips.

...and there they go. Thank you nice post office lady. I hope we get to see pix :)

Thank you VERY much for helping make this project possible. Tracking shows the hats made it to their destination. I included a note with every box and hope to receive a picture showing they made it. I understand it they dont want to show pix of the kids and our contact has said they may wait to pass them out in the fall. Even a picture of them sitting in a room in CT would make me smile.

Learning something new each month

Last month I spent a lot of time playing with Tunisian crochet and even published two patterns with the stitch, Bowdacious Beret and Georgia Sun Hat.
I LOVE it! I have been going Tunisian crazy. I have made a ton of scarves with it. I am not usually a crocheted scarf fan, especially when they are worked in short rows. My favorite scarf pattern is the Tunisian Ripple Scarf by Elisa Purnell. I did one scarf half width and another just a qtr of the width with chunkier yarn. The repeat is easy to memorize and simple, even for beginners. The thinner scarf I did on a regular crochet hook.

Left: Lion Brand Amazing Yarn in Strawberry Fields and K hook;
Right: Lion Brand Tweed Stripes Ozark Forest and P hook

If you are interested in giving this stitch a try, scarves are the perfect project to practice on. An easy, yet beautiful scarf is worked in Tunisian Crochet Basic Stitch. There is an awesome step by step tutorial by "Crocheting the Day Away".

Lion Brand Amazing Glaciar Bay and P hook

Some other things I have picked up that I would highly suggest are:

I picked up my first Tunisian (or afghan) hook at Walmart for $2.49. I wanted some different sizes so I got this set from Amazon, but it is available several places. I like that is has larger hooks.

This is a great book, full of TONS of different stitches. Easy to follow.

 It has been exciting learning new techniques so I have decided to try something new each month.
For March I am working on Broomstick Lace and will share my experiences. Follow along by subscribing to my blog...check out the link on the right.

Crafters "be prepared" tip

Always know locations of yarn stores or have quick access to a search engine. This way when hubby asks, "I have to go to (big city where yarn stores are), want to go with?" You can quickly decide if a yarn run could be worked into the trip. If not, the trip can always serve to catch up on that "no brainer" project you have been waiting to finish on such an occasion.

Its finally almost spring!

New spring pattern and a sale!
To celebrate the release of my newest pattern, "Egg-sample", I have put several springy patterns on sale for today only (3/11/13).

Click here for pattern.

 

I have been wanting to do a pattern with several different stitch combinations. A decorated Easter egg seemed perfect for a sampler hat!
Patterns includes sizes toddler and child. There are SEVERAL pictures and step by step instructions for working the stitches and color changes.

More patterns on sale:
Fudgy Wiggle Ears
Gladys and the PEEPS
Cracked Egg Hat (all sizes) plus diaper cover
Hey Chickie
Lee's Chicken
Bloomin' Headband (TOP seller)