I finally have an online store right here on my blog! Here are the current offerings…
I'll be uploading more patterns all the time, so keep your eye out for the STORE button.
I love creating custom patterns. What would you like to see?
Don't forget, you only have two days left to enter the Hyundai Epic Playdate Weekend!
Being Spiffy used to be primariy a style blog, talking about fashion, hair, makeup, and nails. Those posts are still my most popular, so I thought I'd throw a compilation together. Here's the top four, counting down to the most popular…
#4—China Glaze Magnetix Review
#3—Skinz Nail Wrap – How-to and Review
I created this pattern after MUCH trial and error. It probably took me two years of making each size over and over to really get it how I wanted it. Now that it's complete, I couldn't be happier! But I know I'm not perfect, so if there are any issues, please let me know!
BASIC BEANIE WITH EARFLAP
SIZES
0-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
1-2 years
3-6 years
Beanies are sized to fit a little large so they can grow along with the child.
MATERIALS
US Size H crochet hook
1 skein worsted weight yarn (the entire skein won't be used)
1 skein worsted weight yarn for contrasting trim (optional)
TERMS
ch: chain
st: stitch
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet two stitches together (decrease)
{ }: repeat around
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
When making earflaps, initial ch 3 is included in final dc count. Ch 2s are NOT included in final dc counts.
0-3 MOS
Ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 5 {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—42 dc.
Rnd 5-9: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—42 dc.
If making earflaps, continue to earflap instructions.
If not making earflaps, fasten off, weave in ends and continue to trim instructions.
EARFLAP
From final joining sp, sl st in next 7 st.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 7 st; ch 2, turn—8 dc.
Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 4 st, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—6 dc.
Row 3: Dc, dc2tog twice, dc; ch 2, turn—4 dc.
Row 4: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
For second earflap, count 14 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.
TRIM
Join contrasting color to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
3-6 MOS
Ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.
Rnd 5-10: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.
If making earflaps, continue to earflap instructions.
If not making earflaps, fasten off, weave in ends and continue to trim instructions.
EARFLAP
From final joining sp, sl st in next 7 st.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.
Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 6 st, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—8 dc.
Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc in next 2, dc2tog, dc in last; ch 2, turn—6 dc.
Row 4: Dc2tog, dc in next 2, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—4 dc.
Row 5: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
For second earflap, count 17 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.
TRIM
Join hat color or contrasting color to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
6-12 MOS
Ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 7 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 7 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—54 dc.
Rnd 6-11: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—54 dc.
If making earflaps, continue to earflap instructions.
If not making earflaps, fasten off, weave in ends and continue to trim instructions.
EARFLAP
From final joining sp, sl st in next 8 st.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.
Row 2: Dc2tog, 2 dc, dc2tog, 2 dc, dc2tog; ch 2 turn—7 dc.
Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—5 dc.
Row 4: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog—3 dc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
For second earflap, count 18 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.
TRIM
Join hat color or contrasting color to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
1-3 YRS
Ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 5 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—56 dc.
Rnd 6-12: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—56 dc.
If making earflaps, continue to earflap instructions.
If not making earflaps, fasten off, weave in ends and continue to trim instructions.
EARFLAP
From final joining sp, sl st in next 9 st.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 9 st; ch 2, turn—10 dc.
Row 2: Dc2tog, dc in next 6 st, dc2tog; ch 2 turn—8 dc.
Row 3: Dc, dc2tog, dc in next 2 st, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—6 dc.
Row 4: Dc2tog, dc in next 2 st, dc2tog—4 dc.
Row 5: Dc, dc2tog, dc—3 dc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
For second earflap, count 18 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.
TRIM
Join hat color or contrasting color to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1. Fasten off, weave in ends.
3-6 YRS
Ch. 4; join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout rnds), work 11 dc in ring; join with sl st in top of ch 3—12 dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 2 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 1 dc in next 3 dc {2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc} around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—60 dc.
Rnd 6-13: Ch 3, dc in each dc around; join with sl st to top of ch 3—60 dc.
If making earflaps, continue to earflap instructions.
If not making earflaps, fasten off, weave in ends and continue to trim instructions.
EARFLAP
From final joining sp, sl st in next 9 st.
Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next 11 st; ch 2, turn—12 dc.
Row 2: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog 3 times, dc, dc2tog; ch 2, turn—7 dc.
Row 3: Dc in each dc across; ch 2, turn—7 dc.
Row 4: Dc, dc2tog, dc, dc2tog, dc; ch 2, turn—5 dc.
Row 5: Dc2tog, dc, dc2tog—3 dc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
For second earflap, count 21 st to the right from back seam, attach yarn and repeat earflap directions.
TRIM
Join hat color or contrasting color to back seam with sl st, ch 1, sc around; join with sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
OPTIONAL EARFLAP TIES
Cut 12 - 3-foot-long lengths of yarn in desired colors. Loop 6 of the strands through the bottom of one earflap, pulling through until ends are even. Use all strands to tie in a knot at the base of the earflap.
Braid the yarn until it reaches the desired length and knot again. Clip ends.
Shared on…
I love a good playdate. Getting out of the confines of our teeny home for a change of scenery benefits my kids and me. My kids get to have peer interaction and I get adult conversation. It's a win-win! Our playdates are usually pretty lame, though. More often than not it's a trip to the playground two blocks from our house.
It's on my "kiddo bucket list" to take them to Scheel's and ride the ferris wheel. It was always my favorite ride at the county fair and my 8-year-old has never been on one. I can't wait to share that with her!
In an effort to redeem myself from past pathetic playdates, I am on the lookout for super fun activities to do with my kids this summer. That's why I'm stoked about Hyundai's Epic Playdate Weekend.
April 27, from 9 am-5 pm, Hyundai is hosting an epic playdate in Santa Barbara, California with some pretty high-profile bloggers like Dooce, Oh Happy Day, and Say Yes to Hoboken. They're camping on the beach and hosting workshops for kids. How cool would it be to chill with these web-celebs and their families? Ice cream sundae bar? Don't mind if I do. Hula-hooping workshop? I'll bring the saddle shoes! Paint fight? Not gonna lie. Dooce would kick my trash.
The thing is, not just anyone can go to this shindig. It's invite-only. Lucky for you, Hyundai is giving away a trip for four to this exclusive playdate.
HOW TO ENTER
So what's your idea of an EPIC playdate? Chillin' on the beach with some awesome bloggers? Or would you be content to ride on a ferris wheel like me? Make sure you share in the comments!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
The Bible says that man can't live by bread alone. I beg to differ, because I think I could eat this bread forever! This recipe from Cooks Illustrated is the only one I use. It's classic, tasty, and easy!
In case you haven't heard of Cook's Illustrated, Cooks Country, or America's Test Kitchen, they test recipes over and over until they're foolproof. Every single one of their recipes I've made has turned out. I'd say that's a pretty good track record!
You can subscribe to their magazines or websites to obtain recipes or purchase their cookbooks. You won't be disappointed!
AMERICAN LOAF BREAD – STANDING MIXER METHOD
Makes one 9-inch loaf.
Adjust oven rack to low position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Once oven temperature reaches 200 degrees, maintain heat for 10 minutes, then turn off oven heat.
Mix flour and salt in bowl of standing mixer fitted with dough hook. Mix milk, water, butter, honey, and yeast in 1-quart Pyrex liquid measuring cup. Turn machine to low and slowly add liquid. When dough comes together, increase speed to medium (setting number 4 on a KitchenAid mixer) and mix until dough is smooth and satiny, stopping machine two or three times to scrape dough from hook if necessary, about 10 minutes. Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface; knead to form smooth, round ball, about 15 seconds.
Place dough in very lightly oiled bowl, rubbing dough around bowl to lightly coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; place in warm oven until dough doubles in size, 40 to 50 minutes.
Form dough into loaf by gently pressing the dough into a rectangle, one inch thick and no wider than the length of the loaf pan. Next, roll the dough firmly into a cylinder, pressing with your fingers to make sure the dough sticks to itself. Turn dough seam side up and pinch it closed. Place dough in greased 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan and press gently so dough touches all four sides of pan.
Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in warm spot until dough almost doubles in size, 20 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees, placing empty loaf pan on bottom rack. Bring 2 cups water to boil.
Remove plastic wrap from loaf pan. Place pan in oven, immediately pouring heated water into empty loaf pan; close oven door. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted at angle from short end just above pan rim into center of loaf reads 195 degrees, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove bread from pan, transfer to a wire rack, and cool to room temperature. Slice and serve.
Do you make homemade bread? If so, where did you get your recipe?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in some of my posts for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Jill Swensen
