Sharp Crochet Hook Winner!

First, many thanks to Jessica from Sharp Crochet Hook for sponsoring this giveaway!!  

Second, thank you to everyone that entered the Sharp Crochet Hook giveaway!  I am so thrilled so many of you not only loved it and wanted to win one but a lot also posted on fb that you couldn’t wait and bought one!! Thank you for shopping small businesses! 

 Let’s get this party started shall we???? 

 The winner is….. 

geezbees75 said...

I am a fan on db. I would love this as a late birthday gift. Tomorrow is my big day.

 Please email me your mailing info to innerhooker@hotmail.com and I’ll pass it along to Jessica. 

 If you didn’t win I seriously encourage you to go buy one! It’s super handy and pretty inexpensive at just $6.99 for the hook and $10.99 for the hook and extra pattern booklet...totally worth it!    

Click to head over and buy your own Sharp Crochet Hook

Be sure to "like" the Sharp Crochet Hook and Facebook for future info, giveaways, and such!

Follow the Sharp Crochet Hook's blog for fun project ideas

Flower Pattern: Free!

When I made this hat I decided last minute to whip up a flower for it.  Of course I was racing out the door (late I am most certain) to meet the photographer.  This became one of those things I really needed to get around to writing up but of course never did....until now.  

Sure it's been a year but hey better late than never right?

I used a #5 bulky weight yarn and an H (5.00mm) hook for the flower on the hat.  Truly just about any weight yarn will work it just may look a little different.

Flower Pattern

Start with a magic circle.  {never heard of this magic I speak of??  Check out this video}

Round 1:  make 6 sc in center, join to beginning and pull circle closed {6 sc}

Round 2:  (4sc in each sc)  {24 sc}

Round 3:  (3sc in each sc)  {72 sc}

(optional)

Round 4:  (sc in each sc)  {72 sc} 

want your flower more wavey?  Add an extra sc in each or every other space.  

Less wavey?  Don't do so many sc in each. 

Fasten off, weave tail to center of flower.  Use your 2 tails to tie to hat and weave in.  I also like to add a button to the center but that's completely optional.

The hat pattern can be purchased here:  Inner Hooker Super Bulky Beanie

pattern includes 5 sizes ranging from newborn to adult and directions to make the hat with or without earflaps. 

Hope you enjoy!  Now go add sweet flowers to all of your stuff!

Sharp Crochet Hook review and giveaway

I am really excited to share this week's giveaway with you!  

When I was pregnant with Sawyer a dear friend from back home sent me a little baby gift.  My favorite items were a few flannel burp cloths with crocheted edges.  I wasn't much of a hooker back then so making my own didn't even cross my mind.  I loved those burp cloths!  I used them with both boys and aside from a little fading from being washed a million times LOVED so much they still look great and still wipe many noses.  When I was pregnant with Dex I really wanted a few more but didn't have a way to hemstitch the edge and wasn't willing to prepunch them or shove a skinny hook through.  Have you ever tried that?  It is hard!  The Sharp Crochet Hook makes it easy breezy!  Instead of the crochet hook being rounded it's super pointy, sharp to be exact!  You just poke it right through the fabric!

Up until a few months ago I had never heard of the Sharp Crochet Hook.  {yes, sometimes I wonder if I do live under a rock.  I blame it on my life being consumed with small children}  Have you??  I am sure you have!  If you haven't you need to check this out!  It is awesome!  When I heard about it I knew I had to have one!!  I contacted Jessica (owner and creator of Sharp Crochet Hook) and asked her if she'd be interested in a little review/giveaway action.  I was so stoked when she said yes! I am new to asking people if they want to do giveaways so I am still a little nervous they'll tell me to F off ;)  

A little peak at what I did with it.  I made a few burp cloths for a cousin due to have her baby girl any day now {are you listening baby G??  That's right...it's time!  Get moving girl!}  The first one I just wanted to get a feel for it so I did a simple scallop edge, no pattern needed.  The next one I used the Picot Fan pattern in the Sharp Crochet Hook pattern book and LOVED it!  It was super cute!  

and because my baby girl is now 13 and I am surrounded by boy stuff I decided to trim a few pair of socks (both patterns from the Sharp Hook book) for baby G as well.  

I bought this apron from Canton Trade Days (First Monday for you locals) a few months back.  It was WAY too long and super frumpy but it was $2.  You can't go wrong for $2.  I altered it to be shorter (like 10" shorter, seriously.) and added the crochet at the bottom.  Much less frumpy!

Cute right?!?!

I am also working on a few tea towels but they aren't quite ready!  I'll have to show you my progress later!  I have so many cute ideas!  I was thinking trim on a onesie?  Fancy up a pair of cut off jeans?  I am desperate to do a few pillowcases BUT I am in the process of redoing my room and have no clue what color/style/pattern I am going to do. 

 I think it goes without saying that I love this little hook!  I did find that it is a little hard to poke through more than 3 layers of flannel but seriously that is pretty thick!  I tried to go through 4 layers and while it was possible it was pretty tough and slow going.  I stuck with 2 layers of flannel and it slid right through! Sharp Crochet Hook has my vote!  Love it! 

Here are a few ideas for inspiration from the Sharp Crochet Hook's blog

adorable edge on a baby blanket!  Love this!  May have to make one for my nephew!

Great for you scrapbookers and card makers!  how freaking cheery is this?!?!

also love this!!  Jazz up a cheap tank or Tshirt!  Heller!  Adorable!

You ready???

Here's how to enter!!  Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.  

Giveaway closes Thursday March 1st at 11:59pm.  Winner will be posted Friday March 2nd.

Mandatory to enter:

1.  Follow Sharp Crochet Hook on Facebook

Additional entries:

2.  Follow Sharp Crochet Hook's blog

3.  Post about this giveaway on Facebook!  Be sure to tag (using the @ symbol) The Sharp Crochet Hook and Inner Hooker so we can see your post!  

Three chances to win!

Don't want to wait to win??  I don't blame you!

Head over to Sharp Crochet Hook and buy now!  The hook alone is only $6.99 and the package which is the Sharp Crochet Hook and the pattern booklet are only $10.99!  I mean seriously super cheap for something that makes adding that special touch that much easier.  Oh and did I mention .99 shipping???

Go buy your hook now!

Summerscrafts Yarn Bowl Giveaway

Are you ready for another awesome giveaway?? I have wanted one of these for quite some time and am super excited to have the chance to give one away to a lucky reader!! If you are a hooker or knitter I am sure you have seen these awesome ceramic yarn bowls! 

 Swoon right?!?!

A little Summerscrafts history in their own words:

"We are a husband/wife team who are retired and whose hobby is making stoneware pottery. Las Cruces New Mexico, where we live, has a very active pottery guild that promotes ceramics and sponsors the Empty Bowls program to feed the needy. Last year the guild raised over $20,000 for the local soup kitchen, for more information on go to:

Pretty awesome business owners right?  We all know that I love do gooders!!  I love, love, love when people give back!  One of you will win this gorgeous yarn bowl from Summerscrafts.  Yarn bowls are such a beautiful and practical way to keep your yarn and string neat and untangled while you knit or crochet.

Summercrafts is giving you the chance to win one of their most popular glaze color combinations!

 One side of the bowl has a "J" shaped cut for the yarn, the other side has a pierced design to thread the material through. The bottom has cork pads to protect furniture surfaces. It measures approximately 6 1/2" x 2 1/4" high. Yarn and needle are not included.

Here's how to enter!!  Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.  Giveaway closes Thursday February 9th at 11:59pm.  Winner will be posted Friday February 10th.


Mandatory to enter:
Check out Summerscrafts on Etsy and leave me a comment telling me your favorite color.

Additional entries:
Pin your favorite item from Summercrafts Etsy to Pinterest!  Be sure to leave a link to your pin!
Post about this giveaway on your facebook, twitter, or blog (each an additional entry)


YEP, that's up to 5 entries!

Don't want to wait to win??
Head over to Summercrafts website or Etsy and shop now!  Bowls are only $21.99!  Amazing deal!

Winding the Skein Handspun Yarn Giveaway!

I am so happy to share one of my favorite yarnies with you all. If you follow Inner Hooker on facebook you have heard me sing my love for Debra from Winding the Skein.  She is UH-MAZING!

Check out this thick and thin!  This yarn seems to be so popular these days and can you see why?!?!  Beautiful!

these locks and corespun are to die for!!  Oh what I would do for some of those gorgeous locks!

Not only is Debra extremely talented her family is also involved!  

Her 14 year old son Jonathan sells the wooden buttons on her sites.  

The wood is from her parent's farm that was homesteaded by her great grandfather!  Her mother was born in the old farmhouse and still lives there!  Isn't that pretty neat.  I love the history.  Jonathan's grandpa helps him cut the buttons and then he sands and drills the holes.  I have a few of these buttons and they are truly a work of art.  So when you buy wood buttons you are helping Jonathan save for his dream camera to continue pursuing his photography and videography.

Debra's other son Gabriel is 12 and makes and sells PVC Niddy Noddys.  

I don't have much first hand use with them since I still haven't pulled out my wheel to learn to spin but they are a great tool for spinners or even if you recycle yarn.  Head over to Winding the Skein to read more about how Gabriel makes these and what makes his so great!

Such little entrepreneurs!  Seriously look at that kid!  What a handsome little man!

 I love supporting handmade and this family is the picture of it!  Everyone working together to do the best they can for their family.  I wish I could put into words just how amazing Debra is.  We are not extremely close but we have chatted online for the last year or so and as silly as it is to say I totally look up to her.  She is the kind of woman and mom I hope to continue to grow to be.  

NOW FOR WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!

Winding the Skein is giving away 3 prizes!!!

**1st prize will win a $20 shop credit**

2nd prize will win 5 Myrtle wood buttons

3rd prize will win an oversized (we are talking BIG like 7" big) handspun pompom
(adorable to add to a hat or for a little decor in your craft room!)  

here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry:
Check out Winding the Skein on Etsy and her website and tell me what you will spend your winnings on!

want a few extra chances to win??

Follow Winding the Skein on Facebook

Follow Winding the Skein's blog

if you are on Pinterest pin your favorite item!  (be sure to leave me a link to your pin!)

Facebook, tweet, or blog about this giveaway!  (also leave me a link please!)

REMEMBER!

leave a separate comment for each entry!

SEVEN chances for you to win!  You can do 1 or all 7 but you must leave a separate comment for each entry.

Contest will close February 2 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced Friday February 3.

Winding the Skein has an upload day that just happens to be Mondays!
Be sure to check her out this evening, you won't be disappointed!

While you are there you can also snatch up a knitting pattern or  even some recycled yarn (for an amazing deal).  Debra got me to overcome my fear and taught me to knit with dpn's with her video!  Dude...don't be scared.  Try them...they are easy!

Can't stop drooling???  Yeah, I know...me either.  Check out Winding the Skein on Flikr to see her portfolio of work!

 'Arizona' and 'Dex' obviously are 2 of my faves :)

yeah, just click the pic, you know you want to

Inner Hooker Circus and a Giveaway

Confession:  I have had a serious case of the blahs.  I usually have so many ideas my hands won't work fast enough.  Since just before summer I just sort of got burned out.  I had ideas but couldn't force myself to actually put them out.  Months ago Ciara Hammonds Photography (one of my dearest friends) asked me to make circus themed hats.  6 months later I finally did it.  Soooo sorry I took so long Ciara!  You know I love you!  That being said I think I am back in the groove!  Now to wrap up all of these half finished things :)  
Thanks for sticking with me through the blahs and months of nothing new.  


onto the good stuff...

How can you not LOVE the Inner Hooker Circus!

We got our kids together and these are the resulting photos!  I can't believe Ciara's awesomeness!  Our kids definitely gave us a time.  That combined with the previous day of rain = gypsy circus!  Our kids were covered in mud and candy drool in about 5 minutes.  

All of the above patterns are now available for purchase!
Simply click the links below and it will take you to the shop! 

Circus Monkey

Elephant

Clown

Lion

Bear

Don't already own any of the above and want to purchase the entire circus set??  Click below!

The Circus (all 5 patterns)


and....since it's been awhile I thought it would be a good time to do a GIVEAWAY!
3 winners will win the entire Circus Set (patterns)!

Here's how to enter!

1.  leave a comment on this post
2.  follow Inner Hooker on facebook or tell me you already do
3.  share on facebook, be sure to tag Inner Hooker using the @ symbol
4.  Follow Ciara Hammonds Photography on Facebook
5.  Follow me on Pinterest...yeah it's not related but come on it's so fun!

and that's it!  5 ways to enter to win 5 patterns!

Contest will close at 11:59p Thursday the 27th with the winners
being chosen by Random.org and announced Friday the 28th.

Crochet Along

I have been totally obsessed with grannies lately!  No, not real grannies though I do love old people.  Granny squares, it seems they are everywhere I look!  Maybe they are popular again?  Maybe I notice them because I am obsessed with them?  Either way I have been attempting to convince myself to start and can’t seem to take the leap…sort of like starting a diet.  I decided to see if anyone else would be interested in joining along.  Each week or 2 weeks (we can vote on how often) we will have an assignment or goal then we will check in with each other and post pictures and all that good stuff.  You know…hold each other accountable and actually finish this project! 

Since we will be doing it together I thought we’d take a vote and see what everyone liked best.  Of course we can’t please every one so if you’d prefer another of course that is fine, you will just need to adjust your goals accordingly.   All of the options below are free patterns.  I don’t want anyone to not participate because of cost.  I am also hoping to use up stash yarn but we’ll see!

Option 1

Sunburst Granny

Sunburst Pattern

Pattern can be found here.

These pictures are examples.  You can click the picture to be taken to the source. 

Option 2

Hexagon Granny

Hexagon Pattern

Pattern can be found here and here.

These pictures are examples.  You can click the picture to be taken to the source.  

#3 Summer Garden Granny

Summer Garden Pattern

Pattern can be found here.

All pictures were found here.

Of course I am in love with a million more but I think these 3 are great choices!  

If you'd like to join in on the crochet along please head over to fb to vote for your favorite.

Inner Hooker on Facebook

Please feel free to leave your vote here as well or any opinions, feedback, etc...

Yarn Bomb II & III

Second and third bombs in one night! Would it count as one or two?? One night…two locations, I am going with two and since it’s my blog I can do what I wanna! I was super excited to get started and it looked even better than I anticipated. With all of your help and my partners in crime we successfully pulled it off!

Not only did my sleuthy friends help bomb, one learned to crochet so she could make cozies!! I am proud to say she is hooked (pun totally intended) If I pulled her into a life of hooking does that make me her pimp?!?! The other…well let’s say she created her own kind of crochet, yes, she actually did crochet though it turned into a bracelet instead of…well anything else. Thank goodness she is a sharp shooter since hooking is not something she’ll be quitting her day job for!

The 3 of us along with my daughter got together Monday night around 9 for some chatting and tagging 50+ coffee cozies! Each sleeve got a tag tied to it to help explain what they were for and to tie it at the location. We ended up taking quite a bit longer to get them done. That along with too much chatting and laughing and teaching Lyndsi to read patterns we hit the road around 2am! First location we strung about 30 cozies from the doors, around the front and the counter of the drive thru. Lesson learned: using thread to attach tags and leave enough to hang and store in bag until used= very large tangled mess! We had a little hiccup with the ties but we brought extra so it all worked out. Even worse my dumb ass forgot the signs we printed to post explaining what we were doing! Lucky for me Ciara {as always} came to my rescue! A quick handwritten note had to suffice.

Loaded up and off to our second location. The second one is much smaller and located in a strip mall so there was much less area and far fewer good places to tie them. {BUT the lighting made for much easier picture taking.} Nothing a little purple duct tape couldn’t cure ;)

I have to admit these are my new favorite bombs, yeah, yeah I know it’s not like I’ve done a million of them to compare to but I love the spread the yarn love and it being something useful as well.

Thank you to everyone that has participated and helped by sending cozies! It would not be possible without you! Now….onto the pictures!

Please keep the cozies coming! I am hoping to do this over the next month whether it’s big or small bombs. If you are near Phoenix, La Jolla or Camarillo and want to join please let me know!