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Seamless Crochet Ear Flap Hat

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This is a simple double crochet beanie hat with ear flaps.  This hat is worked in a continuous spiral so there is no seam.  This hat can be a regular beanie or add optional ear flaps. Seamless Crochet Ear Flap Hat This pattern is written in US crochet terms.  I used worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook.  You will also need a measuring tape or ruler, scissors and a yarn needle to hide your ends.  You will need about 3 ounces of yarn Notes: Think of this hat in 2 parts (3 parts if you are adding ear flaps). Part 1 is the crown or top of the hat, part 2 is the sides, and optional part 3 is the ear flaps. The crown is a flat disc or slightly cupping disc. With each round the disc will grow wider and wider. Once the crown is as wide as you need it for the size you are making, then you will skip to part 2, the sides of the hat. Part 2 is just 1dc in each st. Continue with part 2 until the hat is as long as you like. For a beanie you will want the hat ...

Easy No Seam Thumbless Baby Mittens ~ No Scratch Mits

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These mittens are very similar to the Spiral Baby Mitten s only worked in a single color. This pattern is written in US crochet terms.  I used acrylic worsted weight yard and a size H crochet hook.  You will only need a small amount, about 2 ounces total Ch 4, working into the top loop only,  2 sc in 2nd ch from the hook, 1 sc in top loop of next ch, 2 sc in top loop of next ch\ Turn your work upside down, working into the other loop of the foundation chain, 2 sc in the other loop of the st you just worked into, 1 sc into the other loop of the next st, 2 sc in the other loop of the last st Now you will be working under both loops on each stitch as usual. You will not join round with a sl st and you will not turn your work. Place 2 sc in the first sc (this will count as your first increase on this short end, the 2nd increase will occur once you have gone all the way around), then 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches down the long side, 2 sc in the next 2 sc (here are the 2 ...

Homemade Pretzel Rolls Recipe

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I love these pretzel rolls. They are great for hot dogs, bratwurst, ham and cheese sandwiches, hamburgers or any type of sandwich.  You can use this same dough to make regular soft pretzels as well. Pretzel Rolls 1 1/2 cups warm water 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet) 1 T sugar 2 t salt 2 ounces butter or margarine, melted 4 1/2 - 5 cups all purpose flour pretzel salt (optional) Egg wash =1 egg + 1 T water beaten well Alkaline bath = 8 cups of water + 1/2 cup baking soda at a gentle simmer Mix the water, yeast, sugar, salt, butter and 2 cups of flour together to form a wet batter.  Slowly incorporate the remaining flour a little bit at a time to form a sticky dough.  knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.  This is a dense dough that will not spring back and will still be a bit sticky after kneading.  oil the dough ball with cooking oil and put the dough in a draft free warm place to rise until doubled.  Divide the dough into 100 gram dough ba...

Rumpled Ripple Rainbow Crochet Baby Afghan Pattern

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After I finished my Rumpled Ripple Scarf  I knew my next project would be to expand that pattern into an afghan size.  The pattern in essentially the same but for the afghan (and anything larger than a scarf) the foundation chain will need to be more repeats. This pattern is so squishy and soft and I knew it would make a perfect baby blanket.  I chose an a rainbow of colors, making it as bright and colorful as possible.  This blanket is off to Sweden to the newest baby in our family. This pattern uses US crochet terms.  I used a variety of acrylic worsted weight yarn. The colors I used Red - Red Heart Soft Really Red Orange - Red Heart Super Saver Pumpkin Yellow- Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Radiant Yellow Light Green - Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Radiant Lime Dark Green - Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Kelley Green Blue Red Heart Soft Teal Purple - Stitch Studio by Nicole Story Book Lullaby Mulberry The hook I used was size I.  This finished size of this blanket was...

5 Dairy Free Smoothie Recipes

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A Vitamix found itself delivered to my front porch. I don't really know how or why, but it did. My loving husband (my sweet, kind, wonderful husband) ordered it without really telling me so it was a big surprise. Our stick blender died and our food processor was on it's last leg. Instead of buying another $100 blender or food processor that is just going to die on us in a couple years he went ahead and invested in a Vitamix.  I saw the UPS truck pull up and I assumed my husband had ordered something from Amazon as he is fond of doing. But as the UPS driver emerged from his truck I saw that he was holding a large cardboard box with big bold letters spelling out "Vitamix". What a surprise! Initially I scoffed at the idea of spending so much on one kitchen appliance but I really do love it. I have been experimenting with it as much as possible. I've been making homemade almond milk, smoothies, pureed soups and sauces. I still have more I want to try, like p...

Edith's Baked Beans

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Summer time is right around the corner and if you are looking for a new favorite recipe to take to cookouts and backyard parties, this just might be the thing you are looking for.  Everyone loves baked beans and these beans are so delicious and easy to put together.  Large meaty butter beans, bacon and kielbasa in a rich homemade sauce.  A great change from your usual baked beans made from small navy or great northern beans. This recipe came from my grandmother's friend Edith.  I knew her when I was a small girl but my family has been enjoying this recipe since before I was born.  Try this recipe for a potluck or just with your family.  I know you will enjoy it :) Ingredients: 3 (14 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 pound bacon, sliced, fried and drained 1 large onion, large dice 1 green bell pepper, large dice 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced 1 (14 oz) can stewed tomatoes 3/4 cup ketchup 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 lb keilbasa sliced into 1/4 ...

Flats And Handwashing Challenge ~ Day 2 ~ Diaper Stash

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Here is my diaper stash!  GMD large cotton birdseye flats, Thirsties Duo Wrap covers and Blueberry Coverall covers. :)