January Slippers

My quest to find the perfect slipper pattern has begun. Each month I hope to make a pair to give as a Christmas present. My favorite kind of slippers are soft and squishy.There are lots of patterns out there for a variety of slipper styles, but many are complicated, with lots of steps and pieces. Up until now I haven't found that "wow" pattern....but this year I will!,

While I probably will end up making a variety of styles, my most favorite type of slipper is:

• squishy soft and thick...thin + slippers = a sock
• easy to wear and walk in...a nice fit
• fun to make and does not require a degree in engineering

A good friend of mine made this beautiful pair for me for Christmas and I love them. I will definitely be trying this pattern by Bonita Patterns.

In the beginning of the month, out little boy, Hayden, hurt his foot and needed a pair of slippers to wear to school. After searching through patterns and being reminded "oh yes, slipper patterns are gross", I posted on my fb page for help from snappy peeps...who ALWAYS come through. Quickly several suggestions were posted. I ran out of time that night to make him a pair, but I did choose from that list for my first "quest" pattern.

"Knit Look Slipper Boots", by Stacey Tallman seemed to be the favorite of a few and looked like my kind of slipper.  At first all I found was an adult size (bummer), but soon discovered a 3 pack (thanks again to a snappy friend) which includes all sizes. YAY.

The pattern was easy to read and follow. The ebook has 17 pages and no page numbers so be prepared if you print this out. Mine ended up all over the floor and I spent the next 15 minutes playing "match the pages to the screen" to get them in order.

I used Caron Sheepish yarn (same thing my pink slippers were made of). My daughter had picked out 2 skeins. One skein was not quite enough. I did have some green sheepish so I added the final rounds with that instead of buying another turquoise skein.

I actually enjoyed making the first slipper which is a HUGE success. I will make more of these. I would like to use a slightly heavier yarn next time so they are even squishier.

If you decide to check out more of her patterns please note: her "one-piece toe up slipper socks" are an identical pattern, only without the cuff. I thought I was getting another fun slipper pattern.

So far our slipper quest if off to a great start! I will keep searching for free patterns too.  

Updates on patterns

Pig Snout:

1. With H hook and light green, start with magic loop of 6sts (or preferred method for starting a circle of 6sts), join and pull closed. 

2. Ch 2, 2 hdc in each stitch around (12sts). 

3. Ch 2, 2dc in each of first 3 sts, 2hdc in each of next 3 sts, 2dc in each of next 3 sts, 2hdc in each of next 3 sts. Sl st to join. Finish off, leaving a long tail for attaching to hat.

Contest Time

Each month we have a fun event. This month it's time to turn things pink, red and white for a chance to win prizes!

Click on graphic to enlarge.

Combine Snappy patterns or use just one. Make a hat, blanket, scarf, headband...whatever! Open to everyone! Its always fun to see what people come up with. There is a hidden surprise for everyone that enters so get your snap on!

Fun things to do

As the new year approached, like many of you I started making resolutions. Besides the typical "loose weight", I added some crafty ones too....and hope you will join me in the fun.

A few years ago I worked on Christmas presents and holiday boutique items a little each month and it made for a less stressful fall and winter. For most of us the holiday season is super busy, even more so if you have a shop. Finding time to spend with family is scheduled among making gifts and finishing orders.

So...join me in "rockin' out Christmas" as we work on things month by month.
I would LOVE to set up a fb group for everyone to share ideas and keep inspired, but I am VERY leery of groups at the moment so I am still working on this idea. I do know that the 24th of each month will be check in day where you will be encouraged to share pix of your projects and a short story about your adventure. You will be entered to win fun prizes (you never know what we will be giving away!).

As part of our quest, I hope you will join me in "12x12x12". This project includes making 12"x12" squares each of the 12 months. Originally I was going to post different patterns I found, but then came across an awesome group on Ravelry already doing this in a fun way. They post two different 12" square patterns plus a 6" square pattern to use as a filler. How awesome! The group is called "2013 Crochet Block-a-Month" and is open to everyone. Along with that I will also post fun patterns (in case you want to make a larger blanket or substitute squares) I come across, as well as pix and notes on my own creation...mostly to keep me working on this.
This project can be included in the "rockin' check in" on the 24th each month.

For my afghan, I found a varigated yarn in colors that will match the person's home I plan on giving it to. I am not a fan of variegateds but it will work nicely with solids. I chose colors from the yarn to go with it. Normally I would have used something softer then Red Heart, but it is readily available to me in case I run out. I also will wash the blanket before giving it and that will help to soften the yarn.

First 12 x 12 and start of 2nd one. I also copied the patterns and put in a binder I am going to use for all the patterns I need for my Christmas projects.

 

My decoration goal is this awesome tree skirt from Red Heart. I absolutely LOVE it! I like the colors...but after pulling the skeins I am very surprised at the palette. Should be fun seeing it come together. I would not have put these together. I still need to find one more skein. For this project Red Heart will be fine because a sturdier yarn will hold up better for this use.

I gathered all of the skeins so they are together in one place and ready to go.

My gift goal is to make slippers for each member of my extended family and some friends. I got the most gorgeous crocheted pair from a friend and decided THAT is what I am going to do. If I wait until fall there is no way I will get more then a couple pair done, but if I make 1-2 pairs each month I will have awesome gifts all ready to go. Plus, by buying the yarn a little at a time I can afford to buy nicer quality.

I hope you will play along. I LOVE having a challenge and it will be fun seeing everyone's creations.
I will post updates here, on my blog. I have decided to do away with newsletters...since i haven't sent many...and instead would like to encourage you to sign up for email updates on the right side. You should receive emails in the mornings IF I have posted or updated.

Celebrating Bdays

Birthdays are the best day of the year! Last year, to celebrate snappy friends' big days, I tried setting up a program to automatically send a coupon to people. The response to the program was GINORMOUS and we could never get the autosend to work how we would like so we ended up sending them upon request. We will be doing the same thing this year, but a little differently.

During your birth month, you may request one free pattern of choice (from current patterns).

This is to celebrate Snappy friends so please make sure you like my facebook page.

Only one free birthday pattern, per person, per calendar year.  Please be honest and request only one for yourself...does not include pets, children under 12, etc.

Snappy Tots reserves the right to request proof of birthdate and/ or deny this offer.