Here is another reminder for those helping Julie Major with her crochet afghans for charity. I will be sending a thank you gift of my choice to the person that helps Julie the most with her 2 crochet charity afghans (USA and/or Canada mailing address only, and you must be at least 18 years of age. I am not responsible for lost/damaged packages. No purchase necessary.).
It is not my YouTube video tutorial, and it is not in English, but she said that it was easy to follow along with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZc0BrM3CIM
Julie is trying to complete the afghans by September. So, if you can get the granny squares to her by at least August 2018 that would be wonderful!
This is what Julie Major said about the other 10 inch by 10 inch granny square: “to make this start with magic circle 16 double ch inside , slip stitch to join ,, chain 5 dc in top of stitch, ch 2 repeat all the way around ending with 16 dc slip stitch, now dc each stitch on forth stitch 2dc , 2 ch 2 dc (first corner ) repeat to next corner do this all the way around slip stitch ch 3 continue next round start to finish you will end up with 10 rows.”
For 1 Afghan, please use Caron One Pound, colors Light Violet and Deep Violet. Red Heart White. 12 inch x 12 inch. After you finish the popcorn diamond, 3 rounds white, last round light Violet. Use the picture above for color changes.
For 1 afghan, you can use any crochet granny square pattern that you want. The sizes are 7 inches x 7 inches. They can be any color because she will use a base color to put them all together with 🙂just 4 ply and 4.0 hook size. Mail your crochet granny squares to:
Julie Major PO Box 1223 , Marathon Ontario Canada P0T2E0
“Tall tales and fantastic stories have been associated with the Fair since the very first one in 1936. More than just a little rain fell during that 1936 Fair. On the second day it rained for five hours and people actually arrived in rowboats. (The frequency of rainy days at the fall fairs was a consideration when the decision was made to move the dates to June and July of each year.)”
“Under the sponsorship of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, the exhibition that takes place each year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds has operated under the names of San Diego Fair and Citrus Show, Southern California Exposition, The Del Mar Fair, and the currently familiar San Diego County Fair. Although it is a state agency, the 22nd DAA uses no tax dollars to operate the Fairgrounds. Its operating revenue is generated entirely by the Fair and other activities on the grounds. The 22nd DAA has an annual operating budget in excess of $50 million (approximately $20 million of which is the budget for the Fair), employs a full-time, year-round staff of nearly 160, and is the source of seasonal employment for more than 3,000 people.”
To read more about the history of the San Diego County Fair, here is the direct link:
What a treasure the San Diego County Fair is! I have been going to the Fair for years, but only started participating in the contests for a couple of years. Since I started participating in the Home and Hobby section of the fair, it has opened my eyes to a side of the fair I never knew existed. If you go to the San Diego County Fair, I hope that you will visit the Home and Hobby section, Design in Wood, Garden Section, and Fine Art section too! If you can’t go to the fair for whatever reason, I hope you enjoy my YouTube videos that show you a glimpse of these areas and all of the amazing talents that are on display! This is only a small part of the Fair! I don’t even show (on video) the agricultural contests and animals, which is another part of the fair that I visit on a different day with my family!
“Today’s San Diego County Fair now attracts crowds of more than 1.3 million over its annual three-week run, and has been among the nation’s top 10 fairs for many years.
6Jun 2018 Theme: “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
9Jun 2018 Theme: “How Sweet It Is!”
5June 2017 Theme: “Where the West is Fun!”
June 10 2016 Theme: “Mad About The Fair!”
The California State Fair for the year 2020:
DEL MAR, Calif. (April 14, 2020) – The postponement of the San Diego County Fair was announced at today’s monthly 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors meeting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Based on Governor Gavin Newsom’s press conference today where he stated, “The prospect of mass gatherings is negligible at best until we get to herd immunity and we get a vaccine,” mass gatherings are not likely to be allowed for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we believe it is the responsible decision to postpone the San Diego County Fair to 2021. We encourage all San Diegans to continue adhering to all public health guidelines so that the Fair can return in 2021.
“The health and safety of our community takes precedence during this unprecedented time of crisis,” said Tim Fennell, CEO/General Manager of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “The San Diego County Fair is a beloved family tradition for more than 1.5 million San Diegans each year, as well as a source of livelihood for numerous individuals and businesses. Yet with the continued impacts of COVID-19, postponing this year’s Fair is the right thing to do.”
There are affiliate links below, if you are unsure of what affiliate links are please go to “Disclosures/Disclaimers” and “Privacy Policy” at the top of my HOME page. Affiliate links basically allow me to receive a very small referral fee, butonly if you make purchases. Just because you go to the link doesn’t mean that I will receive a referral fee.
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So, I visited a local yarn store and one of the owners said that she didn’t mind if I wrote a free crochet written pattern specifically for them, using their yarn. They have tons of gorgeous yarns to choose from. I show 3 different yarn choices in the written pattern and the YouTube video tutorial. She said that she liked butterflies and flowers. So, I designed the crochet shawl or poncho with a crochet stitch that resembles a sweet butterfly, hence the name.
Now, you may notice that I used an unusual method for making the crochet poncho. I got the idea for the poncho when I walked into a boutique. I saw this gorgeous beige poncho
It is lightweight and instantly adds a “fancy” touch to a sundress. It is so quick and easy to make too! If you like the lighter poncho yarn that I used in the video tutorial, here are the direct links to purchase them on Amazon. These are some of my favorite colors, but you can find many more different color choices:
Here is the free step-by-step YouTube video tutorial:
I show how to make the matching crochet headband in the YouTube video tutorial and the paid written pattern. I have a separate video tutorial for beginners to start with, but more advanced crocheters will love the easy crochet stitch too! I love the method I used to make the crochet matching headband, and I think you will love it too! The crochet headbands would be perfect for a quick and easy small item on a craft show table too!
Click here for the product that I used to make the headband. I wear my finished crochet headband a lot, and it stays on perfectly!
The first one that I made, I wore with the matching crochet lightweight poncho to the San Diego fair. Here is the video that shows my adventures that day:
I sat on the top of the double-decker bus on my way to the fair, and my hair was whipping around with the wind. I didn’t realize that I lost my crochet matching headband…lol…somebody will probably find it!
You can also make a crochet sash for your plain sun dresses using this same light-weight yarn
I made the crochet sash in the picture above with 10 rows. Mine is the width of one of my crochet beige poncho panels. I tied a knot on the side of the dress and spread out the sash for a decorative look.
The sundress is so cool during the hot months and is not too long. If you like this style, here are some direct links for you:
Click on the picture above, or here, to choose from different colors in this style.
There are affiliate links below, if you are unsure of what affiliate links are please go to “Disclosures/Disclaimers” and “Privacy Policy” at the top of my HOME page. Affiliate links basically allow me to receive a very small commission, butonly if you make purchases. Just because you go to the link doesn’t mean that I will receive a commission.
I was very surprised how much my husband and father both loved “Chip” the crochet amigurumi squirrel and his little acorn that opens up! So, he is my #1 Father’s Day gift idea for 2018. If you think that you would like to make one, here is the direct link to his blog post: Crochet Amigurumi Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat
I put little small packages of peanut M&Ms in his acorn!
I will also add another surprise in the acorn, and I am going to make “Chip” a part of a gift basket for my father, and husband, for Father’s Day. Too much fun!
Here are some of my Father’s Day crochet gifts that I have given in previous years:
Crochet Super Quick and Easy Beginner Vegetable/Market Bag 2016:
Now, these I never made for my father, but my husband loved them. If you want to make your father a funny gift, these crochet shark slippers will be perfect!
I made this Quick and Easy Beginner Water Bottle Holder in camouflage and with ties, because a lady told me that these are perfect for the veterans VA hospital. She made similar ones for the veterans in wheelchairs. They could tie these to their wheelchairs. They also would be great gifts for the men in your life that like to go on hikes. They could tie these to their backpacks or belt loop.
Crochet Quick and Easy Beginner Water Bottle Holder
I made this crochet Coffee Cup Cozy for Father’s Day 2015. You will learn how to crochet the seed stitch and how to embroider words on your cozy.
Crochet Quick and Easy Beginner Father’s Day Coffee Cup Cozy:
This next crochet dog wasn’t made for a Father’s Day gift, but is one of my Father’s favorites that I made for him:
The following are some gift ideas that would be great in a gift basket or as separate gifts.
I never realized how easy my popcorn maker was to use! I let it sit in the cabinet for months, until my husband broke it out. You only need a little bit of the corn kernels to make a large bowl of popcorn for 2 people! I used zero oil to make my popcorn! I love it! When you get the munchies, it is the perfect go-to snack! Don’t expect to have movie theater popcorn loaded with butter and salt with this homemade popcorn, unless you flavor it that way yourself. Click on the picture above, or this link to go to the same popcorn maker that I use: popcorn maker I have already made 2 large bowls and have tons of my corn kernels still!! Love it!
Did you know that you could make little popcorn kernels out of Sorghum ancient whole grain?!?! I used it in my popcorn maker, and it made delicious little popcorn! It didn’t pop up and out like corn kernels, so you have to be careful. I followed the directions that came with my popcorn maker for regular corn, except I didn’t put as much in the lid with the Sorghum. The Sorghum doesn’t come out of the popcorn maker, so I turned off the machine dumped out the little white kernels, and then turned the machine back on to continue popping the remaining kernels. Any kernels that didn’t pop, I dumped in the bowl. Wait for the unpopped kernels to cool down, and then you have delicious Sorghum popcorn!!!! I added a little popcorn flavoring to mine “White Cheddar.” I used no oil to make it.
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I was so happy to see that this “special” seasoning is on Amazon Prime! I absolutely love this seasoning on practically everything I cook! I use it on potatoes, vegetables, meat, etc..I had to sensor the label, because I am a “G” rated site, but the name, and where the seasoning is from will make everyone laugh!!!
I first heard about Cacao nibs when I went to a chocolate festival. They actually sprinkled them on a delicious strawberry salad, and both my husband and I enjoyed the taste. My husband loves to eat a little bit of these nibs daily. If you would like to purchase them, click the picture, or here: Chocolate nibs
“Cacao nibs are simply chocolate in its purest form, before anything else is added. (A “nib” is the edge or point of something.) They are dried and fermented bits of cacao beans. The texture of our raw organic cacao nibs is similar to that of roasted coffee beans. They have a deep chocolate flavor which can be described as slightly bitter and nutty. Raw cacao nibs are the less processed version of chocolate with no unhealthy additives, so they preserve all the nutrients of the natural cacao bean. Cacao nibs are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, iron and magnesium. These crunchy cacao bits are often used to play up the chocolate flavor in sweets and other dishes.” To read more, here is the direct link: Health benefits of Cacao Nibs
Click the picture above, or the following link: zing box
These zing boxes would make an excellent Father’s Day gift! They contain
TUSCAN HERB EVOO
BLACK CURRANT BALSAMIC
MEDITERRANEAN EVOO
TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC
Delicious pairing to dip your bread in!!!
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Crochet Kitchen Towel Toppers are always a favorite of mine. I have a YouTube video tutorial that shows how to make one. I also have a free written pattern on my blog. If you would like the free written pattern, here is the direct link: Life is a Hoot Kitchen Towel Topper
If you like my crochet button, instead of a flower, I made 6sc into the magic circle, Round 2: 2sc in every st around for a total of 12 stitches, Round 3: *1sc in one st and 2sc in the second st and repeat from * for one round, Round 4 to Round 6: make 1sc in every st around, Round 7: Sc2tog until almost closed, then slst closed. FO.
For the border, I evenly spaced 1hdc around the border. In the button hole loop, I made 6hdc.
Here are some kitchen towels that you may like, just click on the picture to go to the link:
We use this hot sauce practically every day! Click the picture above, or here. It is perfect for omelets, soups, and practically anything..lol…Enjoy!
This is my favorite bottle cap opener idea! I am sure that any dad would love to get it for Father’s Day! Click the picture above, or here to see it!
This soup is one of my favorites!!! It is so easy to make too. The pack comes ready to go, with seasoning too, and is delicious!!! They have been making quality soup since 1888! One pack made plenty of soup for 2 people. They have other styles of soup too! So far, this is the only one that I have tried and absolutely love!
There are affiliate links below, if you are unsure of what affiliate links are please go to “Disclosures/Disclaimers” and “Privacy Policy” at the top of my HOME page. Affiliate links basically allow me to receive a very small referral fee, butonly if you make purchases. Just because you go to the link doesn’t mean that I will receive a referral fee.
I can’t remember their name, but someone asked me to make a crochet squirrel YouTube video tutorial. She had purchased a crochet written pattern from someone else and couldn’t understand how to make it. She wanted to make the crochet squirrel for her father who absolutely loved squirrels. I think she said that her father loved to feed them.
When I finished my crochet squirrel “Chip,” my husband loved him and so did my father. So “Chip” makes a wonderful Father’s Day Gift!! I am making 2 of “Chip” for Father’s Day gifts.
After I finished “Chip,” I thought that he resembled a crochet skunk named “Pepe Le Pew,” and that is how the crochet skunk was born.
Then I thought, how can you have “Pepe Le Pew” without “Penelope the Cat?”
I then thought that “Chip” needed a girlfriend, and “Rebel” was born.
If you only want the PDF written pattern it is available in Ravelry, here is the direct link:
If you like “Chip’s safety doll eyes, here is the direct link to 6060 eyes.
“Chip” and “Rebel” look good in their new case! If you would like an 18″ x 18″ plastic case, click the picture above, or here.
Crochet Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat YouTube Video Tutorial Part 1 Introduction and Materials:
Crochet Amigurumi Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat YouTube video tutorial Part 2: Starting to make your Crochet Amigurumi:
Crochet Amigurumi Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat Part 3 YouTube video tutorial:
Crochet Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat Part 4 DIY Video Tutorial
Crochet Squirrel, Skunk, and Cat Part 5 DIY Video Tutorial
Crochet Quick and Easy Acorn that unzips open:
Crochet Quick and Easy Heart that unzips open:
If you like the crochet flower that I used, it is my crochet double cherry blossom flower. I used my 3.5mm crochet hook. The yarn that I used is Red Heart yarn for the Hot Pink color and Pound of Love for the light pink colored yarn. Here is the direct link to my crochet flower series blog post, where you can find the video tutorial:
just 4 ply and 4.0 hook size. Mail your crochet granny squares to:
Helenmay Crochet You Tube Channel 