Circular Placemats - FREE Crochet Pattern

Inspiration and original free pattern from petalstopicots.com. LINK
Please visit her website for main pattern details. Below I detail the specifics of how I used her pattern.

I just LOVE this pattern! It works up fast and was easy to memorize the stitch patterning. Wandering from the traditional natural fiber yarns, I decided to use Caron Pound, an acrylic yarn. After trying different sizes of hooks, the J hook size gave me the density I was happy with.

The look I wanted was a layered look, though the placemats can be used separately, with the size and colors to compliments my dishes.

For the smaller mat, which is 13" in diameter, I added two extra rounds before the final round of scallops; a total of 10 rounds.

This change was done by simply repeating round 6 as my round 8 and repeat round 7 as my round 9 but working 4 sets of 2DCs and then the single DC.

For the larger mat, which is 17" in diameter, I added four extra rounds before the final round of scallops; a total of 12 rounds.

This change was done by simply repeating round 6 as my rounds 8 & 10 and repeat round 7 as my round 9 & 11 but working 4 (Round 9) or 5 (Round 11) sets of 2DCs and then the single DC. No blocking or steaming seemed to be needed.

Moss Stitch Blanket - FREE Crochet Pattern

A FREE Pattern, Designed and Written by Patty Kubitzki
COPYRIGHT ©, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Dec. 2017

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Whether you are a beginner or more advanced with your crochet skills, this project will yield professional looking results using only the most basic crochet stitches.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: 35” x 55”
Yarn: Caron Pound, weight 4
Color A = White
Color B = Soft Grey Mix
Color C = Medium Grey Mix

Hook Size: I
Gauge: 8 sts = 2”; 20 rows = 5”

Abbreviations and Terms Used (U.S. Crochet Terms)
Beg = beginning; ch(s) = chain; ea = each; rep = repeat; rnd(s)= round(rounds);
sc =single crochet; sk = skip; sl st = slip stitch; sp = space; st(s) = stitch(stitches)

Pattern Notes
The entire blanket and the border are worked using the Moss St.

Moss St = (sc, ch 1, sk 1) rep ( ), working a sc in the 1st st and the last st of ea row.

Color Sequence:
Color A: Work 20 rows
Color B: Work 1 row
Color C: Work 1 row
Color A: Work 2 rows
Color C: Work 1 row
Color B: Work 1 row

Blanket Body
Starting Ch: With Color A, Ch 144.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook; (ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch) rep ( ), with sc in last ch.

Rows 2 – 202 (end of body): Ch 1, turn. Work in Moss St through the Color Sequence above until eight(8) Color A 20 row sections have been completed.
Do not fasten off.

Border
! Note - Do not turn at the end of Rnds.

Rnd 1 - Using Color A: Ch 1. Turn to work along the edge of the blanket. Continue working the Moss St except when making the sc st insert the hook 1 further row down or 1 further st away from the side. Be sure to pull the 1st loop of the sc st far enough to eliminate bunching. At the corners, work an extra ch1, sc as needed to keep corner smooth and flat. Work this elongated Moss St pattern around the entire blanket body. Join at beg with sl st.

Rnds 2-4: Work the regular Moss St around, adjusting the corners as needed with an extra ch 1, sc. Join with sl st. At the end of Rnd 4, change to Color B to make joining st.

Rnd 5: With Color B work the Moss St around. Change to Color C to join with sl st.

Rnd 6: With Color C work the Moss St around. Join with sl st.
Fasten off.

Weave in and trim all ends.
Lightly steam block, as needed.

Enjoy your beautiful new crocheted blanket!
It will surely be a treasured piece.

COPYRIGHT ©, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Dec. 2017

Granny Stitch Cardigan - Crochet Pattern

Designed and written by Patty Kubitzki

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Expect to be complimented and admired when you wear this distinctive cardigan out in public. Just two granny stitch hexagons form the body and sleeves so it works up fast. Complete directions explain how to make and connect the pieces and customize the garment by adding extra length, borders and trim. Information given on how to adjust for different sizes. Details given for Adult size L/XL.

$4.50 for PDF instant download pattern
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Happy 1st of the Month ~ Update Financial Balances!

It is so important to be fiscally responsible. Here is a system I use to keep me aware of how I am doing.

This is one of the systems I have to track where I am financially. I use Excel and list Cash at the top, listing cash on hand (at home) and each bank, credit union, or any other accounts with funds that can be easily withdrawn. Total the Cash.

Below that I list all Reserve accounts; Investment holdings, retirement accounts, etc. and Total the Reserves.

Then add those 2 totals for Total Liquidity.

Below that list approximate value of other items that could be liquidated easily; such as precious metals or foreign currency. This is more for reference and not included in totals.

Now list the balances of all outstanding debts; credit cards, mortgage, car, student or other loans. Total Debt. Then subtract the Total Debt from the Total Liquidity and you have Your Net.

This little exercise will give you a general overview of how you are doing each month.

I hope you will give it consideration or let me know if you have another way to do it.

Cleopatra Style Halter Top - Crochet Pattern

Designed and written by Patty Kubitzki

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This is a fun top to make and to wear. It works up quickly and is easy to personalize. Four versions provided in size Large/Extra Large with instructions on how to adjust the sizing.
The density of the cup stitches provides ample coverage without the need for a lining. Recommend using weight 3 or 4 yarns. The yarns listed are acrylic but cotton yarn would be another good choice. The size detailed in the pattern fits a ladies bra size 38" - 44", B or C cup. The pattern provides instructions on how to alter the sizing to customize the fit.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe Serves 1

Ingredients:
Prepared steamed rice
Sweet & Sour Sauce – recipe enough for 4 servings here
1 garlic clove – chopped
½ of a 1” slice of sweet onion chopped in large pieces
1 carrot, peeled and diagonally sliced
about 1 c. broccoli florets
about 1 c. cooked chicken in bite-size pieces
1 –2 T. olive oil

Heat oil in medium size skillet on medium-med. high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook with lid stirring a few times until vegetables are just starting to brown around the edges.

Add chicken and enough sauce (Recipe Here) to compliment, about 1/3 c. – ½ c.

Heat through for about 3 minutes.

Serve on steamed rice.

For variety try: adding more garlic, chunks of green pepper, some hot sauce or some chopped red pepper.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

This light sauce is great for dipping Chinese wontons, crab Rangoon or egg rolls, or to add to vegetables and meat in a stir fry dish.

1 T. cornstarch
1 c. pineapple juice
1/3 c. sugar
¾ t. salt
¼ c. ketchup
2 T. rice vinegar or white vinegar
¼ t. mustard powder

In a small saucepan, mix a little bit of the pineapple juice with the cornstarch to avoid lumps. Then add the rest of the juice and the remaining ingredients. Stir well and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until thick.