Smalltown Dreamz

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Blog Stalkers Issue 1

Welcome to our first ever blog stalkers!

What are we? Stalkers... only not the creepy kind! We're a group of 3 stalkers, taking the first few weeks each month looking for the perfect post we'd like to share with you! But these posts will be about a variety of things. Yes, that's right! The three of us love crochet but we won't be bringing you just crochet related things.

This month we've found some pretty interesting things! Check out what we found below. Found a post that you love? Share it with us in the comments! Be sure to check out our Facebook page and drop links to your posts or posts you love! Stephanie Smalltown Dreamz

"Hi there Stephanie here one of your friendly blog stalkers. Normally I would share a particular post but I honestly love everything Esther writes. As many of you know I just had a baby this past October. I felt it so refreshing to read a blog about parenting and family life that was so "real". I think that anyone that goes to this blog and reads her stories they would be able to relate to at least one of them. Please take a look I promise you it is worth the read. http://www.storyofthislife.com/

"Lisa here with my Blog find for the month. This is a recipe post that I found while looking for the perfect pie to take to my families Thanksgiving Dinner. It is the Chocolate pie from Pioneer Woman. Since then I have made it for my husband’s birthday and probably making it for Super Bowl. Yes, it’s that good!

However, I do have a few tips to share on my experience.

The recipe is for 1 pie using 6.5 oz of chocolate baking bar. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Baking Bars come in 4ozs, so I doubled the recipe and bought 3 bars totaling 12 oz(I didn't add an additional ounce) . This made 3 pies as the single recipe gives you a pie and some extra. I used 2 bittersweet and one semi-sweet bar.

My only problem was in the directions she writes "The second it starts to bubble and thicken (note: It should be thick like pudding!) remove it from the heat." When it started to bubble I quickly removed it. Well..... it was not thick enough (it was sorta thick but I was more worried about "when it starts to bubble" part. I ended up putting it back on the stove after I had mixed it all to thicken more. So... since that first time, I let it bubble longer and I make sure it is "really like pudding" but keep stiring so it doesn't burn the bottom of the pan.

I hope you all enjoy and I would love to see your pies. Feel free to post the pictures on my Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/PinkSnailBoutique "

"Hey there!! It's Crystal! Crochet is my favorite craft but I also like to stay organized. I am very much a list person, you'll find them all over my house along with calendars, notes, scratch pads and much more. But this month I wanted to share with you a blog I found perfect for anyone that likes print outs. I know I do! Each year I print off one of Mom's Budget's Crochet Project Tracker and fill out what unfinished projects I have. Each year I TRY to complete those on the list. I add to the list throughout the year when I remember as well. Those projects that I have no desire to finish after a year, I decided to unwind them unless I really feel I will complete it... eventually! This site has many great print outs but also much, much more! Take look and let me know what you think!"

Until next month,
Stephanie, Lisa, & Crystal

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Here's to 2015

Coming Up for 2015.....

Wow!!! 2014 came and went but what an amazing year it was over here!!!! I am truly looking forward to a new year though.

For starters I have dipped my hands in a few different venues. One, I am a Mad Mad Maker which many of you know but as of summer of 2014 I was brought on as an admin. I think my official title is Mad Minstrel. haha. I am also involved with a new project called Blog Stalkers. You will see more about that in the upcoming months!

Upcoming Products for 2015

I am planning on a few different crochet patterns to be released this year.
I will be bringing my clay buttons back to my Etsy Shop this Spring.
**NEW** Coming this Spring I will be releasing embroidery designs.

Also coming in 2015 I will be having a weekly link up and a monthly link up. Detail on those are coming up soon.

I am looking forward to another awesome year and I hope you hang around for the ride!!

Happy Crafting

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Meet the Blog Stalkers

Blog Stalkers!! What are we? Stalkers... the fun kind!

Yes, we stalk blogs and a variety of kinds! There are three of us and we each have our own interests, though crochet is what brought us together. We decided to share with you the things we love, crochet and more! Each of us will feature a post or article written by a blogger we love and then we'll be sharing it with you! These blog stalking posts will be shared with you on a monthly basis on all of our blogs!
So now, without further ado, here's our blog stalkers and a small peek at what they might share with you!

Hello! I'm Crystal, founder and designer behind Crystalized Designs. I'm happy to be a part of the Blog Stalkers! You'll mainly find I follow crochet related blogs but I can't turn my back on blogs with great recipes. Other blog I follow relate to doing fun activities and crafts with children. I love doing fun small things with them, keepsakes to remember the younger years by! I'm looking forward to sharing with you some amazing posts from others!

Hello! I'm Lisa, the person behind Pink Snail Boutique. When I was asked to be part of Blog Stalkers I was honored and excited to be on the team. I have a bit of the crafting ADD bug so my tastes are all over the place when it comes to reading blogs. I will admit most of my blog following has come from searches and pins I have found on Pinterest. From crochet to homeschooling to planning parties. As a mother of 3, all of which are crafters themselves, I am sure I will have something for everyone. Little Lisa factoid- My ribbon and bead stash are almost as out of control as my yarn stash. I can't wait to stalk some blogs to share with you.

Hello there!!! I am Stephanie with Smalltown Dreamz. I am so thrilled to be part of the Blog Stalker Team. When it comes to overall crafting I like to dip my hands in everything. I love to learn new things. I follow many types of blogs because you never know where your next inspiration can come from. I have been blessed to have a crafty husband so we have been able to teach our oldest son how to build and create things for himself. I am looking forward to sharing all the inspiration that I find.

You can also find Blog Stalkers on Facebook!!!

Stay tuned for next month to see who we have been stalking!!!!

If you have been stalked and would like to add our button to your page please feel free

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Before the Final Crunch

Are you feeling the last minute crunch to get those last minute gifts bought or finish up the last of your handmade gifts. I know I am. haha...... I am not sure why I do this but I always manage to procrastinate Christmas. I mean I know when its coming every year. I know that it will be on time every year but every year I manage to fall literally to the last minute. Last year I was wrapping gifts when we got to the house we were supposed to exchange at. How sad is that......... Having a new little one I am sure this year will be much like the year before.

A few weeks ago I was at Michael's and picked up a beautiful skein of Isaac Mizrahi Sutton the color was West End. Super Bulky and an acrylic/wool mix. I knew I wanted to save it for myself but seeing as it was only 62 yards and I only had one skein I wasn't sure what I was going to make with it. into the stash it went. lol ( we have all been there)

So anyway I have had a few late nights lately as I am sure every mom does with a newborn. The other night was one of those nights. I sat there staring at my lovely new yarn from across the room and decided I just wanted to at least touch it lmao (yes we have all been there too haha) I grabbed it and a hook and things just started flowing. Next thing I knew I had a cover for my hook jar.

I LOVE the way it laid out!!!!!

I used a long half double crochet around the body of it.

Even though it is something small I still feel awesome cause I took the time to make something for myself.

Now back to the chaos

Happy Crafting

Monday, December 1, 2014

Sizing Formula for Crochet Hats

Recently over the holidays I ran into a fellow crocheter who had some awesome knowledge to share. I for one LOVE math which is why I think crochet designing is so much fun for me. However I was INTRIGUED when she told me that there is a math formula to figure out hat sizes. Seeing how this is something that I am really interested in and was finding it difficult to determine sizes, I started taking notes.

After I got home I started crunching numbers and comparing the results with other sizing charts and I was floored that the formulas were pretty accurate. I will for sure be keeping this in mind for the rest of my crocheting life. HAHA.

So this is how she broke it down for me.

Crochet Circle

Formulas for finding crochet hat sizes.

Circumference (divided by) 3.14 = Size of Crochet Circle

Circumference (divided by) 10 = ? (multiplied by) 4 = Hat Height

Circumference (divided by) 2 = Hat width

*** These formulas will work with Most hat patterns but not all depending on the pattern type***

For example......

0-3 month old - Circumference = 12 - 14 inches

Circle Size

12 / 3.14 = 3.8 (round nearest whole number or .5)

14/ 3.14 = 4.4 (round nearest whole number or .5)

so your circle size would be 4 inches to 4.5 inches

Hat Height

12 / 10 = 1.2 * 4 = 4.8 (round nearest whole number or .5)

14 / 10 = 1.4 * 4 = 5.6 (round nearest whole number or .5)

So your hat height would be 5 inches to 5.5 inches

Hat Width

12 / 2 = 6

14 / 2 = 7

So your hat width would be 6 inches to 7 inches

Neat huh?!?!?!?!

For those that don't enjoy math like I do I have it all broken down for you below. I hope you enjoy!!!!

Newborn - Circumference = 12 inches

Circle Size

12 / 3.14 = 3.8 (round to the nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 4 inches to

Hat Height

12 / 10 = 1.2 * 4 = 4.8 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 5 inches

Hat Width

12 / 2 = 6

So your hat width would be 6 inches to

0-3 month old - Circumference = 12 - 14 inches

Circle Size

12 / 3.14 = 3.8 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

14/ 3.14 = 4.4 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 4 inches to 4.5 inches

Hat Height

12 / 10 = 1.2 * 4 = 4.8 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

14 / 10 = 1.4 * 4 = 5.6 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 5 inches to 5.5 inches

Hat Width

12 / 2 = 6

14 / 2 = 7

So your hat width would be 6 inches to 7 inches

3-6 month old - Circumference = 14 - 16 inches

Circle Size

14/ 3.14 = 4.4 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

16/ 3.14 = 5.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 4.5 inches to 5 inches

Hat Height

14 / 10 = 1.4 * 4 = 5.6 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

16 / 10 = 1.6 * 4 = 6.4 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 5.5 inches to 6.5 inches

Hat Width

14 / 2 = 7

16 / 2 = 8

So your hat width would be 7 inches to 8 inches

6-12 month old - Circumference = 16 - 18 inches

Circle Size

16/ 3.14 = 5.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

18/ 3.14 = 5.7 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 5 inches to 6 inches

Hat Height

16 / 10 = 1.6 * 4 = 6.4 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

18 / 10 = 1.8 * 4 = 7.2 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 6.5 inches to 7.25 inches

Hat Width

16 / 2 = 8

18 / 2 = 9

So your hat width would be 8 inches to 9 inches

1-3 year old - Circumference = 18 - 20 inches

Circle Size

18/ 3.14 = 5.7 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

20/ 3.14 = 6.36 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 6 inches to 6.5 inches

Hat Height

18 / 10 = 1.8 * 4 = 7.2 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

20 / 10 = 2.0 * 4 = 8.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 7.25 inches to 8 inches

Hat Width

18 / 2 = 9

20 / 2 = 10

So your hat width would be 9 inches to 10 inches

3-10 year old - Circumference = 20 - 22 inches

Circle Size

20 / 3.14 = 6.3 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

22 / 3.14 = 7.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 6.5 inches to 7 inches

Hat Height

20 / 10 = 2.0 * 4 = 8.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

22 / 10 = 2.2 * 4 = 8.8 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 8 inches to 9 inches

Hat Width

20 / 2 = 10

22 / 2 = 11

So your hat width would be 10 inches to 11 inches

Teen to Adult - Circumference = 22 - 24 inches

Circle Size

22 / 3.14 = 7.0 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

24 / 3.14 = 7.6 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

so your circle size would be 7 inches to 7.75 inches

Hat Height

22 / 10 = 1.8 * 4 = 8.8 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

24 / 10 = 2.4 * 4 = 9.6 (round nearest whole number, .75, .50 or .25)

So your hat height would be 9 inches to 9.5 inches

Hat Width

22 / 2 = 11

24 / 2 = 12

So your hat width would be 11 inches to 12 inches

I hope that all makes sense and I hope this helps with sizing your hats in the future!!!

In the mean time Here is a hat I made for my oldest son recently to match his new winter jacket. The pattern is the Griffin Hat by Sincerely Pam

I look forward to finding more tips and tricks to share with you this next year along with a few other fun things. Until then...................

Happy Crafting

Friday, November 21, 2014

Twas the Night Before Saturday

Twas the night before Saturday and all through our homes,
Pam, Lisa, Crystal and Stephanie were working on this poem.
Our Stocking patterns were designed with lots of love and care.
In hopes that you’d make them so your mantels would be less bare.

With patterns listed on Ravelry, and coupon codes ready,
Yarn and hooks all picked out, crochet fast, hands steady!
Papers flying, hooks wielding, the final product in sight!
Oh no! Weaving ends! Always gives us a fright!!

With our beautiful stockings hung up for all to see,
We can be so proud knowing they were “Made By Me”.
Staring out the window on this cold and blustery nigh,
We hold our hooks tight and give out a cry.

"Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!
Hung by the chimmeny! Hung up on the wall!
Now hook away! Hook away! Hook away all!!

And guess what RUDOLPH has joined in on the Reindeer Games......

The 4 winners from our Santa and His Reindeer Stocking Pattern Giveaway are.............

1. Viola P

2. Darlene M

3. Marjorie M

4. Patty K

Congratulations!!!!!!

Please contact one of the shops to receive your patterns. Each winner will receive a copy of each pattern For a total of 10 stocking patterns!!!!

All the patterns are now available for purchase in our shops. You can find them list below

Twas the Night Before Saturday Sale - 40% off each stocking pattern using

coupon code: STOCKING

(This code is good in our Ravelry Shops only)

in each store through this Sunday, November 23rd.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Santa and His Reindeer Stocking Collaboration

It's that time of year again! Decorating, shopping, cooking, more shopping.... but most of all, it's the season of giving! Sincerely Pam, Pink Snail Boutique, Smalltown Dreams and Crystalized Designs have collaborated in bringing YOU Santa and his 8 reindeer stockings! And we're giving away a set of these patterns to FOUR people!! Yes, you read that right! Four people will get the Santa Stocking, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen... are you singing along yet?? Want to meet them??