Get Ready for Crochet Classes!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6!

Are you looking for laid-back and fun crochet lessons? Want to get a cup of coffee and hang out with awesome people on a Saturday morning (well, mid-morning, there's no need to wake up early on the weekends!) and I've also heard that this place has yummy scones.

Be sure to check out the tab above that says "Crochet Lessons." I also have a Facebook Event.

Dinosaurs Galore!


Each craft fair teaches me something new. I got so many positive comments on my dinosaurs, especially the ones that were made with bright multicolored ones. So I've listed a bunch of them on Etsy now, and I'm just getting started!

Stella the Stegosaurus





Another Holiday Faire is in the Books!

Well, I made it through another Ocean Charter School Holiday Faire! I really enjoy these school craft shows, since there's plenty of kiddos.

One thing I've learned is my big item is my DINOSAURS! So I am creating more Etsy listings of my finished dinosaurs. All of them will be ready to ship, so I'll be able to ship them to you in a few short days.



Keep an eye on this site for these adorable dinosaurs!

Winter Faire at the Ocean Charter School

In a little less than two weeks, I'll be back at the Ocean Charter School! Last year, we had so much fun (and sold many cute dinosaurs!) and I'm really looking forward to it again. It reminded me of the Holiday Fairs I went to when I was a Waldorf student.

Come by and say hi!


Craft Fair: Pasadena Candy Cane Hunt

It's the holiday season, and my next craft fair is the Pasadena Candy Cane Hunt at the Paseo!
More information HERE



Spinach, Artichoke and Feta Scones

Lately I've been trying out some savory baking, and I finally found a delicious savory scone recipe!

These are easy to make, and take next to no fancy tools or ingredients. In fact, a lot of these steps can be done with your child! They are a little fluffier than a usual scone, but they're still buttery and perfect with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients needed:

3 cups of enriched self-rising flour
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
2 to 4 cloves of garlic (depending on how much you like the stuff!)
3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 box (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
1 cup 2% milk
2 eggs, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a very large bowl, mix flour and butter. You can try to use two forks, but I find it easier to just use my hands. Your mixture should look like breadcrumbs.
3. Finely chop the garlic, artichoke and spinach. Then add your veggies and feta cheese to your flour and mix.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk one egg. Add the milk, and whisk again. Then add this to your big bowl. Mix together thoroughly, you might have to use your hands to make sure it's completely done.
5. Flour a flat surface (I use a dry cutting board). Put your mixture onto the surface, and shape your mix into a round disk, about an inch in thickness. Cut your disk into even wedges, like a pizza (I usually make 8 wedges, but you can cut them into 10 or 12 if you prefer). Place your wedges on a baking sheet, leaving a little room between them, your wedges won't change shape. Just make sure they aren't touching.
6. Whisk your last egg, and brush the egg on top of your wedges.
7. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until your scones start getting slightly golden brown on top.


Please comment with any questions or pics of your finished scones! I'm a beginner baker, so I hope I explained this well enough :-)

Crochet and Coffee!

Are you interested in learning how to crochet? I'll be at the Joann Fabrics on Saturday in Sherman Oaks, and then the Starbucks next door. For more info, check out my invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/1678590432211784/


Happy Third Etsy-Versary!

I've had my Etsy shop open for three years now! I don't get a ton of traffic there, but it's the best place to buy my finished products, like toys and accessories. But I also have tons of crochet patterns, downloadable games and scavenger hunts, and a bunch of other fun things.

Go here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TomboyNanny?coupon=HAPPYTHIRD for one third off EVERYTHING in my shop!

If you're looking to get a jump on your holiday shopping, start here! The coupon is only good until October 31st.

Plaid Pussyhat!

So I was late to jump on the plaid bandwagon, so why not add one fad to another? Here's the plaid pussyhat pattern (try saying that 5 times fast!)
If you'd like to check out my other plaid hat, please go see my purple slouchy hat:http://www.tomboynanny.com/2017/09/the-plaid-fad-slouchy-hat.html

Anyway, I used 3 colors of worsted weight yarn. I used Red Heart's Petal Pink as Color A and Pretty 'n' Pink as Color B. Color C was a Vanna's Choice yarn... I sadly don't remember the exact name, but it is also worsted weight. Basically pick 3 yarns that are close in color. The lightest should be Color A, the darkest should be Color C.

Also, you will need a size H crochet hook.

Each round is not continuous, you will slip stitch at the end. 

The chains at the beginning are NEVER counted as a stitch.


With color A, chain 70, slip stitch into the first chain.
1. Ch, (Color A: hdc 5x, Color B: hdc 5x) 7x
2. - 3. Repeat row 1.
4. Ch, (Color B: hdc 5x, Color C: hdc 5x) 7x
5. - 6. Repeat row 4.
7. - 9. Repeat row 1.
10. - 12. Repeat row 4.
13. - 15. Repeat row 1.
16. - 18. Repeat row 4.
19. - 21. Repeat row 1.
22. With Color C for the rest of the hat: Ch 2, (dc 33x, dc2tog) 2x
23. Ch 2, (fpdc 2x, bpdc 2x) 17x
24. Repeat row 23.

Fasten off and weave in your ends. With Color A, sew the top of your hat (the original chains) together to lay your work flat. If you'd like, sew across the corners to make your "ears" a bit more distinct. Enjoy!


The Plaid Fad: A Slouchy Hat

So plaid is supposed to be big this fall, and I've seen a ton of plaid crocheted items. Well, here's my take on a slouchy hat! It works up very warm and cozy, without being too tight on the old noggin.

I made this one in purple, and I really like how it looks when you pick three colors that are similar.
Want to make your own? I've written up the pattern, and it's available on


Woven Cable Scarf

Materials Needed:
Worsted weight yarn (shown here in Lion Brand Pound of Love in Denim. The Pound of Love yarn is exactly the right amount for the entire set with the Woven Cable Slouchy Hat and Woven Cable Fingerless Gloves!)
Size H crochet hook

Stitches used:
Ch: chain
Sc: single crochet
Fpdc: front post double crochet
Fptr: front post treble crochet

Notes:
Each row should have 24 stitches throughout.
Always place your fpdcs on the next set of fpdcs, unless it says to skip them. When that happens, the fptrs will be around the SKIPPED fpdcs in two rows later.
When fpdcs need to be BEHIND, put your hook behind the fptrs you just created, and make your fpdcs.

Pattern:
1.     Ch 25, skip the first stitch, sc across
2.     Ch, sc across
3.     Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc, (fpdc2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x) 2x, sc, fpdc 2x, sc
4.     Ch, sc across
5.     Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, (sc 2x, fpdc 2x) 4x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
6.     Ch, sc across
7.     Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 4x, sc 4x, fpdc 4x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, sc
8.     Ch, sc across
9.     Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, skip fpdcs, fpdc 2x, sc 6x, skip fpdcs, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, sc
10.  Ch, sc across
11.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, fptr 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, fptr 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, sc
12.  Ch, sc across
13.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, (sc 2x, fpdc 2x) 5x, sc
14.  Ch, sc across
15.  Ch, (sc, fpdc 2x) 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 4x, sc 4x, (fpdc 2x, sc) 2x
16.  Ch, sc across
17.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, skip fpdcs, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
18.  Ch, sc across
19.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fptr 2x, fpdc 2x BEHIND, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, sc
20.  Ch, sc across
21.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 4x, sc 2x, fpdc 4x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, sc
22.  Ch, sc across
23.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 5x, skip fpdcs, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, skip fpdcs, fpdc 2x, sc 5x, fpdc 2x, sc
24.  Ch, sc across
25.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, fptr 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, fptr 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, sc
26.  Ch, sc across
27.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 3x, (fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x) 2x, sc 3x, fpdc 2x, sc
28.  Ch, sc across
29.  Ch, sc, fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, skip fpdcs, sc 4x, fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
30.  Ch, sc across
31.  Ch, (sc, fpdc 2x) 2x, sc 4x, fptr 2x, fpdc 2x BEHIND, sc 4x, (fpdc 2x, sc) 2x
32.  Ch, sc across
Repeat rows 2-31 10 times (or until your scarf is the length you desire).
Ch, sc across.
Cut your remaining yarn into 12-inch strands. Using your crochet hook, pull the strands halfway through the stitches in your first row and your last row to create tassels. This will help the ends of your scarf from curling up on itself.
Enjoy your scarf, and don’t forget to make the matching gloves and hat!

Craft Show Essentials: Mannequin Head

If you've ever done a craft show, a mannequin head can definitely come in handy. They help your customers see how your hat, headband, or other headpiece looks - but without actually trying it on.

I don't have a ton of space in my tiny apartment, and I don't want to go out shopping for a mannequin.  But what I do have is yarn and fiberfill stuffing! So I created my own pattern!
Adult sized
Adult sized head can be found on Etsy, Ravelry, or Craftsy.

Child sized
Child sized head can be found on Etsy, Ravelry, or Craftsy.

Labor Day Etsy Sale!

Right now EVERYTHING in my shop is 20% off!

Go to www.tomboynanny.etsy.com!


The Beer Bazaar, Sunday August 27th, 2-8PM

Come to the Beer Bazaar at Angel City Brewery on August 27th!
http://angelcitybrewery.com/event/angel-citys-beer-bazaar-2017-08-27/

This brewery is gorgeous, with tons of great beers on tap. There will also be food trucks with lots of choices for a late lunch or early dinner. Kids are welcome, but of course they can't drink.

For more information, go here: http://angelcitybrewery.com/event/angel-citys-beer-bazaar-2017-08-27/

The Beer Bazaar starts at 2PM, and goes until 8PM. There are some awesome sellers to check out here, so there is plenty to see. We came to the Bazaar a few weeks ago, and they were playing fun 60's music, with plenty of tables (we sat down and played a board game), and a beautiful bar. There were fun, independent artists selling all kinds of handmade and vintage items. It was a ton of fun!

Come hang out, and say hi to me!

Craft Fair Searching

I love craft fairs. I've only done two, but I'm completely hooked. I love setting up my items, and then fiddling with them, and then rearranging them. I love talking to people about my creations, and meeting new people. I know that sounds like the worst thing ever for some sellers, and honestly I thought I'd hate it. I have a bit of stage fright, but at craft fairs I just have so much fun.

So far I've only done tiny shows, one of which I barely made $100 over two days. But I liked chatting with parents, and showing off my toys to kids.

One thing I recommend to others is to check out the fairs and shows ahead of time. I love the major fairs, but luckily I've checked them out before applying. I am DEFINITELY not ready for that! I have so much respect for those people who sell at the nationally known shows. If you're one of those sellers, my hat's off to you.

I've also been to shows that seem lovely, but just aren't for me. I went to a permanent show this weekend which was absolutely gorgeous, and the people who worked at it were so nice and friendly... but it was a 90 minute drive through nasty traffic. If I lived nearby, I might be tempted. Plus, the foot traffic in the show was pretty slow.

On the other hand, a few weeks ago my friends and I met up at a local brewery. Lo and behold, there happened to be a super tiny craft show!  I had no idea! It seemed to be in the very beginning stages, but super cute, and in a brewery! My husband and I are beer geeks, so it works perfectly for me.

Another thing that's helped me out is the many craft fair checklists. Here are a few really good ones: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/what-to-bring-to-a-craft-fair/22715491953
https://festivalnet.com/help/tips/160things.html
http://www.handmadeology.com/a-great-big-craft-show-checklist/

Braided Cable Cowl

Want to make the entire set? Find the hat pattern HERE and the gloves pattern HERE. The finished projects will also be sold in my Etsy shop.


Materials needed:
Worsted weight yarn, Lion Brand’s Pound of Love is the perfect amount for the cowl, gloves and hat. Patterns for the gloves and hat are available in my Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy shops.
Size H crochet hook



Stitches used:
Ch: chain
Sc: single crochet
Fpdc: front post double crochet
Fptr: front post triple crochet


Notes:
Each row (except the first, which will have 35 chain stitches) should have 34 stitches.
Row 4 is the first row with fpdc stitches. Those stitches should be done around stitches directly below, in row 2. After that, each fpdc should be done around the fpdcs directly below.


Instructions:
1.      Ch 35
2.      Skip the stitch nearest to your hook, and sc across
3.      Ch, sc across
4.      Ch, sc, (fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 9x, sc 2x) 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
5.      Repeat row 3
6.      Repeat row 4
7.      Repeat row 3
8.      Ch, sc, (fpdc 2x, sc 2x, skip 3 stitches, fptr 3x, fptr 3x around the skipped stitches, fpdc 3x, sc 2x) 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
9.      Repeat row 3
10.  Repeat row 4
11.  Repeat row 3
12.  Repeat row 4
13.  Repeat row 3
14.  Ch, sc, (fpdc 2x, sc 2x, fpdc 3x, skip 3 stitches, fptr 3x, fptr 3x BEHIND the fptrs you just did, around the 3 skipped stitches, sc 2x) 2x, fpdc 2x, sc
Repeat rows 3-14, as many times as necessary. In my photos, I repeated it 14 times. Lay your work out, with your last row you crocheted next to the SIDE of your first rows. With the braid sides on the inside, crochet one row of scs through both your current row AND the side of your first rows. This will connect your cowl. Fasten off, and weave in the ends.



My Lion Brand Pound of Love Project

Recently, I found some Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn on sale. The yarn is great because it's machine washable, and the colors are really nice and bright. It started to make me think: what about making something that uses the entirety of this, but no more? That way a crocheter could get multiple items out of one skein of yarn.

Here is Lion Brand's website: http://www.lionbrand.com/pound-of-love-yarn.html They have awesome colors, and it looks like a few of them are on sale now!

How about cabled sets! The first one will be braided cables, made with white.
Look how many items I made with just one skein! I made a slouchy hat, elegant gloves, and a giant cowl. I am almost done creating my patterns, and I will be posting them shortly.



Here's a sneak peek at my next set, made in denim:

Brand New Brachiosaurs

I tried out the new Red Heart Super Saver Stripes. These yarns are so much fun with amigurumis! I now have two new brachiosauruses (or apatasauruses) in my Etsy shop.

The rainbow dino is HERE
The purple dino is HERE




Want to make your own? The pattern for this cute guy is on Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry.

Shawls are great for cool summer nights

I love making shawls. They're great as a little warmth on a cool night or they can easily be layered on colder days.

Also, all of mine are machine washable! Yay!

Want a different color scheme? Just ask, and I'm sure I can whip something up. For other items, check out www.tomboynanny.etsy.com
Extra Large Sunshine Shawl

Multi-Color Shawl

Extra Large Jewel Tone Shawl

Bright White Bridal Shawl

Cozy Heather Gray Shawl

Looking for a crochet lesson? How about this Saturday!

What's better than eating a picnic dinner under the stars, with Shakespeare? Bringing some crochet along, of course!

Want to learn how to crochet? Just bring your equipment to Independent Shakespeare Company's "Measure for Measure" this Saturday at 5. I'll be crocheting, and I'd love to help you learn some stitches!

http://www.iscla.org/

Dinosaur Treasure Hunt for a Rainy Day Inside

Stuck inside with kids? Are they bored, and constantly begging for you to turn on the TV? This game is perfect for them! The instructions are easy to follow, and the game is great for kids of all ages. There are 12 clues, and each one has interesting dinosaur facts.

Click HERE to download the game!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/256292792/dinosaur-hunt-kids-scavenger-hunt-dino?ref=shop_home_active_29




Just download the game, read the instructions and print the game. Then hide the clues (the instructions tell you where to do so), and let the kids have some fun! The game can be played over and over, too!

The Perfect Cure For Road Trip Boredom!

School's almost out, which means VACATION! Hooray! Trips to Grandma's, or Disneyland, or who knows where, it'll be a blast! But wait... that means possibly long hours stuck in a car, train or airplane. How long until the kids start bickering, whining or saying the dreaded words: "I'm bored!"?

Most parents I know get a panicked look when I ask them how long their trip will be. How will the kids stay entertained? No one wants their kid glued to a screen the whole time. 

So I created this awesome activity book! It's full of games, puzzles, riddles and more; all geared to grade school aged kids, around 6-10. Also, there is an answer key for the parents, in case the kids get stumped on one of the puzzles. 

Go to my ETSY SHOP to purchase!

This is an INSTANT download, so just purchase the item, download the files and print them. No waiting for a package, and you can print the file multiple times. So if you've got more than one child, you only need to buy one file! Just hand the book to your child with a pen or pencil.