Hello Friends!

Is it snowing where you are? Here in north central Massachusetts we are in the middle of the second big storm of the new year (a blizzardette you might call it). Of course snow days mean plenty of time for making. That's why I want to share this sweet little heart pattern with you. Made in just four rounds, you can crochet a whole pile of them in one snowy afternoon.

The original pattern was posted a few years agoin this post. I found that no matter how many times I made it, I would loose my place in the pattern. To make it easier, I edited the instructions so they are written out stitch by stitch and line by line. Now it is much more user friendly!

These hearts motifs are incredibly versatile and can be made with any yarn / hook combination. I've used worsted wool to make coasters, sewn two together to make sachets, and even made them out of thread and glued them to cardstock to make very special valentines! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Give it a try and have some fun! I'd love to see what you come up with. Be sure and share your creations with me on Facebook or Instagram.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch with love!

Welcome my little lovelies!

I've got a Halloween present for you! That's right, it's a free pattern for this ghoulishly gorgeous Granny Skull Square!  Last year when I posted the pattern and photo tutorial for the skull motif I had no idea how popular it was going to be.  Without any question it is by far the most visited post on my blog.  Who knew there were so many fans of macabre crochet!  I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that much. In stores there are skulls on everything from little girl clothes to shower curtains and kitchen accessories!

The feedback for the skull motif has been tremendously positive (thanks so much!). Other than a little confusion about making the eyes (work those stitches around the chain - not into it!) the question that I am most frequently asked is, "do you have a square pattern?" Now I can happily answer Yes - I sure do!

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or any of those other social media worlds, you know that it took a few tries to create a pattern that was good enough for you guys.  I feel pretty confident that this one will do the trick.  I wanted to make sure it was a universal size that will work with traditional granny squares.  That way you can have more options for mixing and matching your designs.

So there you have it! Just click on the button below for a downloadable PDF. The pattern will also be available (for free!) on Ravelry and I'll include a link in my sidebar.  If you have any questions or something about the pattern is confusing, please let me know.  I did the editing myself and mistakes are certainly possible!

I hope that you enjoy the Granny Skull. I'd love to see your finished squares.  Please feel free to share them on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram (I'm RobinBrz).  You can also use the hashtags #crochetskull, #crochetnirvana, #robinbrz.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Hi there,

I miss blogging. I don't know what happened. All that time ago it started out as a way to keep track of my crochet and other crafty adventures.  I never stuck to a strict schedule - it rubs against my creative side in a rough, chafing kind of way.  But I did post way more often than I do now.  The focus shifted too.  It stopped being about me and started being about you.  Don't misunderstand - I love you and I love sharing new books and giving things away. I just want to do more than that.  So what's the problem?  See here's where it gets muddy, because I'm not sure what the problem is. Part of it is wanting every post to be interesting and done to the best of my ability. I get hung up on the little details.  Another piece is time management and yet another is my desire to make things instead of writing about making things!! Oh and of course there is that part that is my family, my work and all the other things (that don't involve yarn} I want and need to do each day!!

So where does that leave me? Well, I haven't completely  decided.  I do know I want to keep blogging.  Like all of my creative endeavors, the blog is meant to be fun and to ebb and flow with me. Instead of worrying about what comes next, how about I tell you about this afghan/throw I'm trying to make?

Ever since I saw the Groovyghan by Tracy St.John I wanted to make one. Out of cotton. In lots of bright colors. This has been my dream project for at least 2 years. Eventually I got the funds together for the yarn. I had my pattern and hook ready when it arrived and anxiously jumped right in. After making two of each square I knew I was in trouble. I like making squares - but I don't LOVE it. And I despise sewing them together. CRAP! I knew going in that it would be a challenge, but my confidence was pumped up on psychedelic rainbows! The brilliant colors and promise of comfy, cotton snuggling would see me through! Want to know what happened next? I put that nice big box of yarn right in front of my chair in the living room, threw a towel over it and I've been using it as a table ever since!! I don't know if I'm relieved or embarrassed by this admission, but there it is. Everyday it is a reminder of my thwarted grand ambition.  I've tried a few times to get another square going, but I can't muster the enthusiasm. As much as I admire the Groovyghan and would love to have one of my own, it's clear that is not going to happen.

Now what am I going to do with the big box of yarn?

Happily I may have discovered the answer.  I'll tell you about it soon!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends!

Oh have I got something special for you!  It's a new book called Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide from DK Publishing. If you crochet - you should have this book in your library.  If you can't afford it (it's an oversized hard cover so it is a bit pricey), you should put it on your wish list and in the mean time, borrow it from your library!  I know you're wondering what is so special about this book? I made a list!  Let me say this first though... I am a bit fanatical when it comes to books, and even though I have a soft spot for all of them I don't love them all. I love this one. Not because the publisher sent me a free copy, but because in my opinion it excels in all of the areas a crafting book should.  Here we go...

The photography is outstanding.  This is a big book, printed on quality paper. The pictures are sharp, vibrant and dynamically capture the beauty of the yarns and stitches. There is a lot to look at making this as much a coffee table book as a how to guide. As the title claims, there truly are step-by-step instructions, wonderfully photographed and clearly worded for a bounty of crochet techniques.

This is a reference guide plus.  Here is a partial list of topics covered: following a crochet pattern, including reading charts; stitch techniques, embellishments, working crochet edges, open work and Filet crochet; colorwork; unusual stitches; unusual yarns (wire, t-shirt, plarn and string); making toys / amigurumi. Chances are if you are working on a project and come across a stitch or technique you're not sure how to execute, you'll find what you need here.  It's that kind of book!

Then there are the patterns.  More than 80.  Most of the techniques are accompanied by a pattern so you can see it in action.  Classic is the word that comes to mind when trying to think of how to describe them to you. There is nothing really advanced.  I think a beginner could do most, and certainly intermediate skills would be sufficient to follow all of the patterns.  Like all of the other information in the book, the patterns are clearly written with easy to follow, complete instructions.

One of my favorite things about the patterns in this book is all of the yarn recommendations are generic. Instead of telling us that some obscure, expensive yarn that you can't find or afford is used, these all say things like: Any DK merino can be used for a similar effect; An aran weight yarn will suit this project; or You can use any wool or wool mix 4-ply sport weight yarn for this project. I think that's awesome since choosing and substituting yarns is something I struggle with (and I bet lots of you do too!).

I always like to try out the patterns when I review a book.  In this instance I decided to try a new stitch.  It was still cold out and I had a skein of super bulky yarn left from the My Mountain promotion that Schachenmayr Yarns did last year. I made this simple cowl using just four stitches (I think! it's been a while and I can't find my notes!). I'm pretty sure it's just the chain, single crochet, half-double crochet and from the book - the Simple Crossed Stitch forming a top and bottom border.  I can't bear to think about wearing it now, but winter will be back again and I'll have this snazzy addition to my wardrobe.

Now how about that Giveaway!!

I think that you'll agree: this book is the kind of staple in your library that you'll turn to again and again!  In addition I've got some fabulous accessories to make this an awesome prize package.  There is a set of stitch markers from our etsy shop NirvanaDesigns, a pair of decorative forged embroidery scissors and a size H rosewood crochet hook.  There are several ways for you to enter - once or lots of times -  you decide. This one is open to US residents only - sorry folks, but it's a heavy book and shipping is on me! 

Good Luck!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time,
Be Blessed and Stitch and Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

Let's talk about socks. Generally speaking we don't give them much thought.  Lot's of people wear the same style every day. I am a white cotton gym sock.  My husband is a wool boot sock and my son is a black cotton dress sock. We are dedicated to our styles and because of our commitment it is the one thing we don't have to worry about when getting dressed each morning (hooray!). So while consistency does have it's advantages, I'll openly admit that it is boring (boo!). 

Hand knit socks however, are not.  The assortment of specialty yarns geared specifically for our feet are fabulous! You can find bright colors, light colors, self striping, ombre, jacquards, fair isle, heathered, and sparkles. Hand spun, hand dyed and hand painted in nearly any fiber or combination of fibers you can name! Then of course there are the patterns. On Ravelry alone there are nearly 30,000 matches for the search "knit socks"! Wow!

It only makes sense that there are a variety of different techniques for turning yarn into fashionable footwear. Like all things in knitting, one way is not better than the other, or the "right" way to do it. It all comes down to what works best for you and the sock you're making!

There is one more technique that I've come across.  The magic loop uses just one long (40 inch) circular needle.  In fact, there is even a way to knit two socks at the same time using this method!  When I first started knitting I thought that might be easier for a beginner.  You know, get them both done at the same time and then you don't have to worry about the dreaded second sock syndrome.  Turns out I was wrong. I didn't know enough about the basics of sock construction and I wasn't confident enough in my skills to be sliding stitches around and pulling needles from one side to the other! It was a disastrous undertaking that ended with some choice words and a knotted mess of yarn. I haven't given up on the magic loop, and I still think there is wisdom in the two at once philosophy, especially for someone like me who has a hard time finishing all the things I start!

I'm not sure which of these I'll finish first. I've been plugging away at all of them everyday.  I like having a variety of different projects all set and at the ready.  Plus socks are great on the go. I can toss any one of them in my bag and not worry about having a pattern or keeping track of where I am on a chart. 

Did you have any idea that there were so many ways to make socks?  And we didn't even talk about the actual construction techniques (like top-down, toe-up and flat) or the many kinds of heels and toes you can make! With such a variety of options it's understandable why knitting socks is so popular.  There really is something for everyone. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings!
It's a well established fact that I have crafting ADD.  I am physically unable to to work on one project at a time.  I don't think that I have ever finished anything without starting something new or spending time with a WIP.  It's fine with me.  It works.  My husband doesn't understand - just like he doesn't understand why I insist on leaving the house at the very last minute - no matter where I'm going (I'm not usually late, but I am never early!)

As I was gathering the pictures for this post it dawned on me that my insatiable desire to try new things is  actually good for me.  Every time a publisher sends me a book to review it's an opportunity to feed my need.  What I mean is ... if I were to only work on one thing at a time from start to finish it would take me ages to prepare for a review.  Working on multiple projects at the same time lets me get a feel for the patterns and in turn the books much more quickly while at the same time stimulating my creative serotonin.  It's my happy way of multitasking!  

Let me show you what I'm working on today: A basic ankle sock from Happy Feet, a book devoted totally to tootsies!  I'm giving the two circ method  a try and hoping that I have finally found the right project for this pretty yarn I won from Danielle at A Stash Addict well over two years ago (more about that later!)

Next up is a little knit pear pincushion from 50 Pincushions to Knit & Crochet. It's my first attempt at knitting something small and round(ish). My initial impression: crocheting small round things is way easier!

And to wrap it up for today it's the Triangle Tulip Shawl from Lovely Knitted Lace. I'm quite pleased with my progress on what the book describes as a "perfect pattern for beginners". The first pattern I tried was a scarf using the yarn from A Stash Addict.  Turns out I'm not quite ready for knitting nupps with skinny yarn and tiny needles!!

Of course there are more, but we can talk about those another time!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

It's been a while since we've gotten together.  Don't think that I've been slacking!  I've actually got so many things in the works right now that I struggle to keep a healthy balance.  Since my last post and giveaway I'm excited to report that I've acquired some great new books and accessories to share with you.  So let's get right down to business and talk about the Stitch Red series and the newest book: Crochet Red.

The Stitch Red series of books are the brain-child of Jimmy Beans Wool co-founder Laura Zander.  Their designed to promote awareness and support for women and heart disease. Today heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Wow! The good news is that we can change! Information gives us knowledge and that makes us powerful!  Beautiful projects are coupled with personal stories from the designers, tips for healthy living and even enticing recipes.  On top of that, a portion of the proceeds go to The Heart Truth® and women's heart health education and research.

When the publisher asked my if I was interested in reviewing a copy I didn't hesitate to say yes.  While the women in my family have been fortunate,  in 2012 my husband at the tender young age of 50 suffered a major heart attack.  Thanks to the amazing medical professionals and the technology available he's made a tremendous recovery.  He's got a pacemaker that helps his damaged heart beat strong and steady and we're both now non-smokers after more than 30 years!

Our family has made lots of changes and as devastating as the whole ordeal has been we appreciate each other more, let the little things slide and enjoy every single moment we have together. Things I'm sad to say we didn't always do before.

During those difficult times going in and out of the hospital, crocheting was my serenity.  I was too distracted to concentrate on books and reading, but the easy rhythm of hook and yarn helped to keep me calm and let time pass without counting every minute. I continue to find peace and relaxation with my yarn, and a project bag is always with me just in case!

Now, about the book... Crochet Red is an attractive, nicely laid out collection.  The book is divided into 3 primary sections.  Following the introductions by both Deborah Norville and Vanna White we have: Projects & Profiles, Heart-Healthy Living, and Crochet Know-How. There are a variety of projects, and while a complete novice may need a little guidance, there seems to be a little something for everyone. There are bigger items, like the Peplum Jacket by Kathy Merrick with it's flattering shaping and detailed stitching at the waist and small fun items like the Heart Sachet (that I chose to make) by Kristin Nicholas.  The patterns are clearly written and easy to follow.  I did run into a little trouble making the heart sachet, but I think that was more due to being tired than any problem with the pattern!!  I am a fan of charts as a means to enhance a written pattern, but I was able to get by without them and I think the end result is just lovely!! The photography is wonderful with multiple images from different angles including close ups of stitch details. I found this helpful (in the absence of charts) to make sure that I was following the pattern correctly.

As a book and reading geek I especially like this book as the profiles of the designers and details about the patterns add insight and feelings that we don't always see in pattern collections.  I'm always interested in what inspires a design and like to understand how it came into being.

If you've read my reviews in the past, you know that I have a pet peeve about book bindings.  I'm pleased to report that while this is a paperback with a glued binding, it easily stayed opened to the right page!!  

Crochet Red Prize Package

I'm really excited to have this red themed prize package for you.  All of the pieces just seemed to come together and I think it may be one of the best giveaways yet!!  Here's what you'll win:  A copy of the book (from the folks at Sixth&Spring Books); A pair of my favorite stork scissors; A key chain made from heart sachet pattern in the book embellished with beaded charms; A set of hand crafted stitch markers from our shop Nirvana Designs with easy open lever backs (that could even make cute earrings!!); and finally a red crochet hook.  WOW!! It's free, easy and open to EVERYONE!! If I can send it to you through the US post office - you can enter!! 

Well folks - I hope you're all as excited about this one as I am!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

I live in Massachusetts.  It's cold here.  Not all the time, but right now in the middle of winter we're seeing some pretty low numbers!  Add in the wind chill and we're talking negative numbers!  And as much as I'd love to stay hunkered down in the house with a hot steamy cuppa and my latest project, the need to eat, which necessitates the need to work, means that I have to brave the elements.  The best way to combat the wintery winds? Layers.  And the final layer before the coat? The Wrap.  Don't get me wrong - I love a good scarf, but The Wrap is what I reach for when I'm dressing for the weather.  I have wraps in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials - I love each one and I will never have too many!  As if their powers of warmth weren't enough, wraps are so stylish and versatile that they simply beg to be worn anytime and anywhere you need to keep a little (or big) chill off your shoulders and neck. Wraps are a wardrobe staple that can see you through every season and any kind of day - from work to weekend, casual to formal there is a wrap for every occasion!

So when Tammy Hildebrand's new book Crochet Wraps: Every Which Way landed on my doorstep, I knew that I was in for a treat.  Not only is it about my favorite accessory,  it showcases 18 patterns and SIX different techniques!  How perfect for someone (me me me) who is always looking to try something new?!  Tammy has put together 3 patterns (easy, intermediate and advanced) for each method: Traditional Crochet; Motifs; Broomstick Lace; Hairpin Lace; Tunisian; and Double Ended! Wow!

With so much to choose from, it's hard to know where to start!  The Introduction and Tips & Hints at the beginning of the book are quite uplifting and inspirational.  It's easy to see that crochet brings Tammy great happiness and she wants us to enjoy it just as much as she does.  She offers lots of encouragement to experiment with new colors and not to be afraid to tweak the patterns to suit your personal taste.  Because there are six techniques, Tammy's advice to seek out on-line video tutorials and practice along with them is a great idea.  The book does have a How-To section with step-by-step instructions and clear photography to help you, but sometimes you need a little more guidance - especially when learning something new. 

I have lots of projects on my hooks and needles at the moment, so I wasn't able to commit to a new wrap that I would finish by the time my stop on the blog tour came around.  I did however recently have the opportunity to purchase two pairs of giant (US 35/20 mm) knitting needles - perfect for making broomstick lace.  It must have been fate! I'd been admiring the look of the "peacock" design you see in typical broomstick work, but had no idea when I'd ever get my hands on those huge needles. I decided when I saw them that I'd keep one pair to give it a try - and give the second pair away as part of the blog tour prize package!  Wielding the large needle feels pretty awkward.  I had more trouble getting the loops on than working them off.  I'm sure that with practice it gets easier, just like everything in crochet!  I don't know that I'll be jumping right into a big broomstick project, but I can see it looking great as trim on a scarf, table runner or place mats. 

Since I didn't actually make anything from the book I'm not able to comment on the accuracy or clarity of the instructions.  However, each project is beautifully photographed with many shots showing different ways to wear the wraps, as well as the stitch details. In reading through the patterns things look complete and I wasn't thrown my any unfamiliar abbreviations or wording.  Plus, I was able to figure out how to do the basic broomstick lace by following the pictures. 

Tammy has put together a lot of kick in a little book!  It's rare to see so many different techniques all in the same place, and I think using the wrap to showcase the variety of stitches is a brilliant idea! Although there are patterns that are "easy" a true beginner may be overwhelmed.  I'd say a confident beginner who is familiar with the basics and is looking for a challenge or the intermediate crocheter who is ready for something new will be very happy with Crochet Wraps.  Also, to complete most of the projects specialized tools are required.  In addition to the "big" knitting needle for the broomstick lace, you need a loom for the hairpin lace, an extra long hook for the Tunisian crochet and a double ended hook for the double ended crochet. All of these tools are available on-line, but chances are they're not part of your everyday tool box. 

And finally, my personal pet peeve about craft book bindings.  Like most paperback craft and pattern books this one has a traditional glued binding.  While in most instances this is just fine, in craft books it's a bit frustrating because they don't easily stay open while sitting in your lap.  You can press the pages open and it will sort of do the trick, but it's hard on the spine, and after a while the book flops open to the page you've used the most. I'm always much happier when my pattern books  have a spiral binding! That said, it's certainly not the kind of thing that stops me from buying a book - it's just my personal preference! (I'll be getting of my soap box now and moving on to the fun stuff!)

The folks at Stackpole Books have generously offered a copy of Tammy's book for me to share with you.  To spice it up a little I'm including a set of hand crafted stitch markers from Nirvana Designs and a pair of US 35/ 20 mm knitting needles to get you started on your broomstick lace!  The contest will run for a week, is free and open to US residents.

Win: A Selection of Goodies to Add to Your Library & Tool Box!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
I hope you enjoyed the review and will take a moment to enter the contest.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Hello Friends and Welcome!

I'm so glad you're here.  Today I have a fresh and exciting new book to tell you about, plus a prize package of crochet goodies to get you hooking in style!  So lets get right down to it!!

Fashion Crochet: 30 crochet projects inspired by the runway by Claire Montgomerie
Carlton Books, (reprint) September 3, 2013
Hardcover, 173 Pages

When Katie from Sterling Publishing contacted me about this new book I almost said no thank you.  Why you ask?  Well, the hard truth is I am about as far away from fashion conscious as you can possibly be while still wearing clothes, and my only experience with the runaway occurs when I happen to pass by Project Runway on my way to National Geographic.  I changed my mind when I realized that it might be interesting to try something new and step outside of my crochet box.  I' d be lying if I didn't say I was nervous about what I'd find. 

When my copy arrived I anxiously flipped from back to front to see what secrets it may hold.  I was quite pleased to find a very  friendly union between fashion forward and traditional patterns.  The book is set out in sections that include: Practicalities, Wraps & Scarves, Accessories, Dresses, Skirts & Shorts, Tops & Jumpers.  Plus the usual intro, resources, index and acknowledgements.  What sets this one apart from so many others is you can actually see the pieces that inspired the patterns.  The work of fashion icons (that even I've heard of) like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs become accessible to all of us.  You also get to see the originals in action with some of entertainments most trendy names (Angelina Jolie and Sienna Miller).

There are lots of photographs and whimsical water colors of the designs that give it the feel of a coffee table book.  There are written instructions as well as charts where appropriate.  There's a real variety of styles allowing something for everyone.  The Granny Square Cowl is an updated take on the classic motif.  The Chain Shoulder Bag is a great blend of function meeting fashion.  And the Little Black Dress is a classic beauty with its yoke and sleeves done in an open floral stitch set against the solid form fitting body.  Wow!  I've never seem crochet look as grown up and sophisticated as it does in this book.

I think that's one of the reasons why I found myself enjoying these patterns.  While I don't necessarily see myself wearing any of the skirts or shorts it features, it's nice to know I have the means to make them should I want to.  And while they might not all be my style I definitely can see myself carrying the Bobble Bag that I decided on.  If it's looks good on Angelina imagine what it will do for me!

I was hoping to have it finished to share with you, but it's not quite there.  The pattern and extra large chart are easy to follow - although I did get confused for a moment when I started.  For some reason I failed to realize that the patterns are all written in UK terms.  Once I replaced my tr with dc I was fine!  I'm done with the first side and about 10 rows for the top of the second.  The geometric pattern has great texture and is an excellent photo backdrop for the goodies in my giveaway.

All in all I think Fashion Crochet is a unique and trendy collection that will add variety and style to your library.  Most of the patterns are in the intermediate level so a good foundation of basic skills will be helpful.  We often fall back on things that are comfortable and easy.  This book moves beyond  the ordinary and reminds us to push the envelope and take risks.  The world of crochet is a big and wonderful place.  There's plenty of room for chevron afghans, cozy hats and lacy shawls as well as sleek tunic dresses, beach shorts and pineapple halter tops!

Now it's your turn to try something new.  The folks at Sterling have given me a copy Fashion Crochet to share with you,  and I've put together a selection of some of my favorite crochet notions. The giveaway is free, easy and open to residents of the US.  Log in to the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance(s) to win this awesome prize package.

Step outside of your crochet box and take a chance on something new!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greeting Friends!

It's October already!  Wow!  For so many reasons this is my favorite time of year.  New England foliage and the brisk, refreshing weather rank at the top of the list, but so do the bounty of holidays: Halloween, Day of the Dead, I Love Yarn Day, and my birthday!  I try to come up with an October project that embraces all of these favorite things.  Last year I filled our house with little pumpkins. (Check out the post, and the link to the super easy pattern!) 

This year's inspiration comes with a story.  Last year I signed up for an account with Stumble Upon. As instructed, I selected several categories I was interested in (crochet, knitting, photography, nature etc.).  Like Pinterest, these were the topics that I would see when visiting their website.  I did a bit of stumbling (that's what they call it), and promptly forgot about it.  Because really, how many social networks can I be a member of ?  Anyway, I must have signed up for emailed "highlights" because about once a month I'll get a message with links to what's hot in my categories.  Usually I just glance, but recently something caught my eye.  It was a skull scarf and a series of pictures showing how to make the skull.  Cool.  This is something I'm willing to stumble over to!

After 15 frustrating minutes of trying to remember which version of my username and password I used I finally made it to the page.  As it turns out, it was just a jpeg - with no link to the website or person who contributed it.  But that's okay, because I just wanted to print the picture and try making the skull.  Printing proved another challenge and required saving the image to my desktop and printing from there.  I'm not so thrilled with my stumbling experience, but I am glad they delivered the skull picture to my inbox.

I made the skull according to the pattern.  It came out okay, but as I was making it I was thinking of all the things that I would do differently next time.  After a few hours of trial and error I came up with my version of the skull - and this is what I am sharing with you today. Because next to pumpkins, what can be better in October than skulls!?!  However, I realize that if it hadn't been for the creative person who posted their skull scarf on the internet, I wouldn't be sharing my version with you today. 

The original picture has a watermark on it for a face book group: ClubeDasCrochedeiras.  After much searching, I was able to locate them and the original picture!  It appears that the group is Portuguese.  While I wasn't able to figure out exactly who posted the pattern, I was able to reach out to the group and say thank you.  I know that there are only so many ways that you can make a skull motif, and that nobody would have ever known if  I just posted my  version without this story.  But I know, and even though I could have come up with the pattern on my own by looking a pictures on the internet, someone in Portugal gave me a good foundation and made it a whole lot easier, and for that I am thankful!

And so my dear friends, here in my version of the skull motif.  I've been having a great time making them.  Once you've done a few they're super quick.  Like all motifs there are lots of ways you can use them.  Link them together like our Portuguese friends to make a scarf, use them as coasters, hang them in your window as spooky decorations or just make them because they're fun.  No matter what you do with them - Enjoy!!

The Pattern

I used worsted weight cotton and an f/5 - 3.75mm hook for the white skull.  I've made several and prefer this combination.  The finished size is about 3 3/4" x 5". The cotton has nice structure for this kind of motif.  However, use whatever you have on hand.  Skulls are a great stash buster!!  The first one I made was a little messy, by the fourth one I had the pattern memorized and they came out neat and even!

Step 1: Ch 14, sl st in beg ch to form loop.

Step 2: Ch 14 (again), sl st in 14th ch from hook to form another loop.  Now you should have 2 loops that look like the number 8 or a pair of glasses.

Step 3: Work 18 sc evenly around the first loop, then work 18 sc evenly around the second loop.

Step 4: Using the yarn tail left at the end of the starting chain, wrap it snugly around the space between the eyes 3 or 4 times.  Secure the end by pulling it through the loop you make while wrapping.  This gives your skull a nice finished look.

Now you’ll be working in rows to create the Top of the Skull above the eyes (the forehead!)

Set Up Row: Sl st in the next 7 sts.  This will get you from between the eyes to the top edge so you can start working in rows.

Row 1: Ch 1, turn. 14 sc across top of eyes.

Row 2: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 12 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 3: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 10 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 4: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 8 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 5: Turn (don’t ch 1), sc in each sc across. (8 sc)

Stop here and use stitch marker to hold your place. Cut yarn leaving about 36 – 48 inches.  After finishing the lower portion of the skull you’re going to come back to the marker and use the extra  long yarn tail to create the border around the skull.  You can fasten off after Row 5 and the reattach the yarn for the border, but if you do it this way there are fewer knots and tails to weave in.

Bottom of the Skull (the nose and teeth)

Turn the skull upside down.  Find the center under the eyes, count 7 stitches right and join the yarn in that stitch.

Row 1: Sc in same st as join and in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip 6 stitches, sc in next 4 sc. (8sc, ch4 sp)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 4sc, 4sc in ch 4 sp, 4 sc. (12 sc)

Row 3: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, sl st in next 2 sc, ch 4 (counts as 1 tr ch), tr ch in next 5 sc, leave last 3 sc unworked. (1 unworked, 2 sl st, 6 tr ch, 3 unworked = 12 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each tr ch across , sc in top of ch 4. (6 sc)

Fasten off.

Border around the Skull

Go back to the top of the skull where you left off (at the stitch marker). Ch 1, then evenly sc all the way around the skull. Work 2 sc into the corners at the cheeks and bottom of the jaw for smoother transitions. (52 sc)

Finish off with the invisible join or with a sl st into the starting ch.

Weave in the ends, and lightly block to the correct shape. Enjoy!!

But first I decided that I should probably know just a little bit more about the tradition.  I'm happy to report that the skulls are used as a way to recognize and remember loved ones who have passed on.  Day of the Dead is celebrated in central and southern Mexico on November 1 & 2.   The indigenous people  believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them. The sugar skulls, which are often adorned with the name of the deceased, are part of the alters that families prepare in anticipation of their loved ones visit.  If you'd liked to read more about this interesting tradition visit MexicanSugarSkulls.com.