Cozy Mugs...Free Pattern Friday

I don't know about you, but I struggle finding a new or unique gift idea for my kids' teachers and therapists. As many of you know, I have 2 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and one who receives various therapies and interventions (but not because of Autism). This year, with my youngest little monkey in kindergarten and my oldest monkey back in public school, I counted a total of over 13 teachers and therapists. Some may say, well, just give the 'main' one a gift. In the world of special education, each and every one of these kiddos' teachers play an integral role in their education!!

This year, I am thinking of working up a few mug huggers for the teachers' coffee cups and maybe a little coffee mug and a pack of hot chocolate or single serve coffee. A few of my favorite patterns are the Snowman Mug Hug from Red Heart.

Red Heart has this cute Puppy Mug Hug also, for the puppy lover on your gift list!

My other favorite is the Coffee Hugger by Loop Leigh Loops. Sorry, this link is not free, but it's only $1.99. I have made it and it is simple and quick to work up!

Micah Makes has this cute pattern for a mug hug with coaster.

Let me know how these work up for you guys!

Try It Out Tuesday! - Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer

How many times do you look at a pattern or start a project and you use two strands of yarn? I tried an old trick that I noticed my mother-in-law does - she uses an old tub of butter, punches a hole in the center of the lid and just strings her yarn through there. That works fine for her because she only crochets using size 10 thread. It doesn't work so well when you have funky or bulk yarns.

Perhaps I'm just really goofy and clumsy, but I felt all tangled up. That was until I found this great gem over at Herschner's. The Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer bag has three grommets at the top of the bag so you can thread 3 different skeins of yarn (or perhaps more) at once. Here are a few of my thoughts on Zip 'n' Go.

The PROS

• Great price - Only $9.99
• Light Weight
• Doesn't tangle or tear yarn
• Great design - has a pocket in the front big enough to hold a pattern or a small book and top zip
• Roomy
• Long handle
• Works out if you want to keeps several skeins of a particular project together. (Heaven knows I'm always misplacing one color or another mid-way through my projects)

The CONS 

• Only comes in black
• No separate storage for hooks or needles, (but I will say that you can easily store these items in the front pocket)

My thoughts over all on the Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer.....LOVE IT!

**DISCLAIMER**I do not work for or receive any profit for reviewing this item. In no way, shape or form do I represent the above product or company. I'm simply a crafty mom sharing information on products, goods and services that I have used.**

Try It Out Tuesday - (A little late) - Let's start Decking the Halls!

I don't know about you, but I know that there is so much excitement building up at my house this week. Today marks the second  day of my kids' Thanksgiving break. Plus next week there is a teacher in-service day after the break. The little monkeys get a total of 6 consecutive days off. TRUST me, I am planning away on what we should do to keep these guys busy!

This summer we moved to a new house. With our new house,we are starting new traditions. One of which is going to be an advent calendar. Every year we start one, but we start kind of late....(oops). This year, I thought the little monkeys could help me out with making this calendar I found on Etsy.

I love these awesome instructions. Very clear and easy to follow. I would love to see how yours turn out!

Wednesday's Woman

You may remember a while back, (actually a LONG while back) I featured Dusty from Crochet My Love on this blog. Since that time, I have been inspired by her and many other wonderful crochet artists and crafters. I would love to pay homage to them all and I hope that you too will be inspired by their creativity. If you are interested in sharing your story please contact me.

Are you ready for some football? - Free Pattern

With the holidays around the corner, I am certain that everybody's hands are busy creating all sorts of goodies! I thought I would share this darling little hat that I found on one of my new favorite websites - Repeat Crafter Me. I know that so many families have a holiday tradition of football before or after stuffing themselves with turkey on Thanksgiving. What better way to celebrate the tradition that crocheting a little football hat for the youngest football fan in the house!

What I love about this pattern is that Sarah gives step by step instructions on this little hat and best of all it's FREE! What crafter doesn't love freebies?

Enjoy! Share how yours turns out!

Thankful Days

All around Facebook, I have seen that everybody is taking time out during this month to give thanks to those who have blessed our lives. It has been so refreshing to see facebook full of positive posts this month! I am jumping on the bandwagon and giving thanks as well. It is amazing to see how much better you feel and how much better you day goes when you give thanks for the simple blessings in life.

I will be honest, at times, it is challenging to think of what to be thankful for. At times, it is overwhelming to say thank you to just ONE person, because there are so many wonderful people in our lives. Over at The Crafting Chicks blog, they had a great post this month with 'prompts' of who to send thank you notes to.  This may be a good way to start de-stashing those scrapbook papers that have been collecting dust on your shelves, or perhaps try out a few new scrapping techniques. In the age of technology it is so nice to get a handwritten thank you, a nice note or something other than a bill or advertisement in your 'physical' mailbox.

I'd love to hear from you all how the thank yous are going this month!