Classy Jar Cozy

I needed to pretty up a windowsill in my kitchen, so I crocheted cozy covers for these mason jars, and added little "belt loops" to thread a pretty ribbon through. Enjoy the free pattern!

Classy Jar Cozy

Skill level
Beginner pushing intermediate

Finished size
Up to you, made to fit your jar!

Supplies
Mason jar
Worsted weight yarn
5 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle

Skills

Ch - Chain
Sl st - Slip stitch
Sc - Single crochet
Dc - Double crochet
Hdc - Half double crochet
Sk - Skip

Instructions

FYI, you don't actually crochet this while it's around the jar. I just popped it on the jar for photos!

Ch in multiples of 6 to fit around your jar with a bit of a stretch to it.

Row 1: 4 dc into 3rd ch from hook (this is your first shell), sk 2, sc, sk 2, *5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc, sk 2, repeat from * around ending with sc. Sl st in base of first shell to form a circle.

Here is row 1 unjoined.

Then just slip stitch to join and form a ring that will go around your jar.

Row 2: Ch 1, continuing around opposite side of chain, sc into each around. (You should have 2 less stitches than your starting chain)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in same, sc in next 2, *sc in front loop only of next (this means the loop that is on the inside of the circle), sc in net 3, repeat from * around ending with front loop sc in last, sl st to join.

Row 4: Ch, sc in same, sc in each around, sl st to join.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in same, sc in next 2, *dc into exposed back loop of Row 3 sc, sk next sc (the sc above where you dc into the Row 3 back loop), sc in next 3, repeat from * around, sl st to join.

Here's how what you're doing in Row 5 will look. You're creating a little belt loop to thread a ribbon through later.

  

Row 6: Ch 1, sc in same, sk next, *5 hdc in next, sk next, sc, sk next, repeat from * ending with skiping last stitch, sl st to join.

Row 7: Sl st in next 2, *sc in next, ch 5, sk next 5, sc in next, repeat from * around, sl st in first sc at top of shell.

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in same, *sk 2 ch, 5 hdc in next ch st, sk 2 ch, sc in next, repeat from * around ending with 5 hdc, then sk 2 ch, sl st into first sc.

Repeat rows 7 - 8 until desired length is reached.

Last row: Ch 1, sc in same, *5 sc in ch space, sc in next, repeat from * around, sl st to join, fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends.

Use crochet hook or yarn needle to help thread ribbion through loops, then tie in a bow.

Christmas Things: Part 2

 

 

Elves and lights | It snowed on Christmas Eve for a white Christmas on Christmas morning!

Christmas morning yule log on TV vs coal stove in my living room | Presents!

Odie with his new squeaky hedgehog | Lillie investigating her new pop-up tunnel

Christmas Things: Part 1

Truffles. Recipe here.

Putting up our tree.

Sending out our Christmas cards.

Getting ready to meringue!

Instagraming

 

 

Chocolate dipped meringue snow peaks | Chocolate syrup brownies

Gingerbread | Enormous oreo-stuff red velvet crinkle cookies

Last Minute Gifts, Snacks, and DIY Decor

Gifts

 

Glitter photo ornaments | Crochet collar

Frangelico truffles | Crochet headband (in round 3 where it says skip 2, skip 3)

Snacks

Risotto stuffed mushrooms | Garlicky kale chips

DIY Decor

Frosted twig bouquet | Snowflakes

Gingerbread garland

Yarn Party for Shelter Animals

This past weekend, my crochet and knitting group (also here on Facebook) had a yarn party with the purpose of Stash Bust for Charity! Each month, we dedicate a few meetings to stitching up our extra stash of yarn into items to donate to charity. This month we were stitching blankets to donate to animal shelters.

Since the blankets are for pets in need, they don't really care how their blankies look, just as long as they're cozy! So as you can see, they came out a little wonky, but by the end of the night we completed about 5 pet-sized blankets.

Of course, we needed snacks to stitch by.

Macaroni & cheese and broccoli stuffed pizza.
Lauren's husband works at a pizzeria and was experimenting. 

Spinach dip and bread bowl.

Cupcakes!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

We helped my parents decorate their tree this weekend. They have some of my favorite ornaments from growing up.

Ta da!

And here's how the weekend looked through Instagram.

 

Vegan banana bread | Out for sushi Friday night

Whoville-style tree on our table at the sushi restaurant | Carrots from my garden. Plant earlier & thin better next year
Blankets made at Stash Bust for Charity night | My favorite ornament picture

Pumpkin Maple Fudge

So good, and so very very sweet. You've been warned. Now here's the recipe!

Pumpkin Maple Fudge

Adapted from Sugar Crafter

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup pureed pumpkin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 bag (4.4 oz) mini marshmallows
3 Tablespoons maple syrup

1. Line a 12 x 8 baking dish with foil, letting it hang over the edges. 
2. In a large sauce pan, whisk together the sugars, butter, evaporated milk, pumpkin, and spices.
3. Bring to a foil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for 10-12 minutes or until the candy thermometer registers 235 degrees Fahrenheit – soft ball stage.
4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the white chocolate chips, then the marshmallows and maple syrup.
5. Stir until melted, and then immediately pour into the prepared pan.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 2 hours or until completely cooled. 
7. To cut, lift the foil from the ends of the dish.

Tis the Season