iPad Mini Cozy Pattern

Skill level: Beginner to Easy
Materials:
150 yards of worsted yarn
US Hook Size I/5.5mm
Yarn needle
Button for loop closure
Embellishments (optional)

Gauge: 4 hdc to 1 inch

Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
SL ST = slip stitch
RND = round

Pattern Instructions:
Ch 21.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc 18, 3 sc in last ch. Turn work (working up other side of chain). Sc 18 on opposite side to end, 2 sc in last ch, sl st to 1st sc to join. (42 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc 42 around, sl st to 1st hdc to join. (42 sts)
Rnd 3 – 23: Repeat Rnd 2 (42 sts per rnd)

Flap
Row 24: Ch 1 turn, sl st 4. (This is a short row to reposition hook.)
Row 25: Ch 2, turn, hdc 22. (23 hdc)
Row 26 – 28: Repeat Row 25.
Finish, weave ends.

Loop Closure
With a sl st, attach yarn to last row of flap, in the middle. Ch 15, sl st to 1st ch to form loop. Finish, weave ends. Fold the flap down. With a stitch marker (or contrast color yarn) mark where to sew your button on, based on how far down the loop stretches. (See the image for an example.) I sewed my button on at Rnd 16, in the middle, so that my loop fastened to the button would keep the flap down nice and snug.

For a more secure closure, add another loop and button – spacing the two equal distances apart, along the flap.

Embellishments
Here’s where it gets really fun! Use your imagination to embellish your cozy. I used this heart tutorial to make some darling little hearts to sew on the front of the cozy. You could also add buttons, ribbons, felt or even some embroidery to truly personalize this little creation!

2016 Pantone Color Of The Year

2016 Pantone Colors of the Year

 I am obsessed with the Pantone color of the year...each and every year. I always tell myself I am going to do SOMETHING with the the Pantone color of the year. Alas...I usually fail miserably. So this year, I'm not going to promise big Pantone type projects or features. I am going to simply share the knowledge and let you decide how you are going to use it.

So, what is the Pantone color of 2016? Pantone decided to tip the entire color wheel and fashion industry on its head this year and through us for a loop. They chose...two colors for 2016. I know right? Whaaaaa?

I'm pleased to introduce you to Rose Quartz and Serenity. Is it just me or do they look more like baby pink and powder blue?

Pantone describes their decision to choose two colors as this:

"For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." 


And for the curious crocheters and crafters, a history of Pantones.

Source

Source

How will you use the two new colors for 2016 Pantone's colors of the year? Or will you? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Rock the hook,
Tia

Don't forget to rock with me over at Facebook, Pinterest and on Ravelry.

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

Source

2015 brought many changes to my family, my kids, my crochet business and most definitely my blog. I tried to go out on my own and start a freelance writing business. It wasn't a complete failure and I actually made some sweet coin. I neglected my crochet blog because I didn't have time to do both freelancing and blogging well at all. I quickly learned that I am not happy or fulfilled writing for stuffy clients. Yes, the money isn't too bad once you build up a clientele. But if you don't like writing for clients, or dealing with their obsessive nitpicking over word choice (especially when you chose to use correct grammar and they just don't get it)...well it's hard to keep at it day in and day out.

In May of 2015 I decided enough was enough, and closed down my freelance writing business. The fact that my husband and I are raising two growing boys and live somewhere in the middle class meant that I still needed to contribute to the household income. So, I secured a position as a bookkeeper at a local school. That was a wise decision. I have a 20 year banking and bookkeeping background so it's not new territory. And I have the same hours and holidays as my kiddos and a retirement plan - both wins.

Do I regret my foray into freelance writing? Nope! It was a great experience and even better lesson. I do regret staying away from my crochet blog for so long. I hope you didn't lose complete interest. If you did, that's okay too. Maybe I can woo you back in with free patterns and cool tools. Either way, I welcome 2016, recommit to my little blog and feel blessed to be writing again just for me, and you.

Happy 2016 and may the crochet be with you!

Rock the hook,
Tia

Don't forget to rock with me on Facebook, Pinterest and Ravelry.