Catch Em All Hat

Worsted weight yarn. (4) I used RedHeart Super-Saver
Size 7.0 mm Crochet Hook, 6.0 mm Hook
Color A- Cherry Red
Color B- Black
Color C- White
2 Stitch Markers
Yarn needle
Scissors

SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
STS = Stitches

BODY OF HAT

With Color A:
Magic Circle to begin.
Row 1: Chain 1, place 7 SC into magic ring. Cinch closed.  Place marker into loop on hook. (this will mark the first stitch at beginning of the next row. Do not join (7 sts)
Row 2: 2 HDC in each stitch. Do not crochet into loop with marker. Move marker to the loop on hook. (14 sts)
Row 3: ( 2 HDC, 1 HDC) repeat around. Move market at end of row. (21 STS)
Row 4: (2 HDC, 1 HDC x 2) around. Move marker at end of row. (28 sts)
Row 5: ( 2HDC, 1 HDC x 3) around. Move marker at end of row. (35 sts)
Row 6: ( 2HDC, 1 HDC x 4) around. Move marker at end of row. (42 sts)
End of increase rounds. Place a second marker around last stitch. This marker will not be moved.
Crown should measure 5 ½ inches.
Row 7 – 11: HDC in each stitch around. Move marker at end of row.
With Color B
Row 12-14: HDC in each stitch around. Move marker at end of row.
With Color C
Row 15 – 19: HDC in each stitch around. Move marker at end of row.
Row 20 - 21: SC in each stitch around. Move marker at end of row.
Slip stitch into row below. Fasten off and weave in ends.

BUTTON
Using 6.0mm hook
With Color C
Magic ring, C1, 7 SC, attach to first SC with slip stitch
Row 2: Chain 1 2SC in each SC around. Slip stitch into first SC.
Change to Color B
Row 3: 2 SC, 1 SC around. Slip stitch into first SC. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing

Finishing
Covering jog from color change, sew on button.

This hat was made for my 13 year old Grandson. For adult version, use 8mm hook, add one more increase row. For smaller sizes, use smaller hook, and decrease the increase rows.

Follow the White Rabbit Lapghan

The stitch used in this pattern is sometimes called the Blanket Stitch.

Materials used:
Worsted/Aran weight yarn in White and any other color. I used several different shades of purple.
L/8mm crochet hook
Scissors
Large eye yarn needle

Abbreviations used:
MC- Master Color (White)
CC-  Contrasting Color
FSC- Foundation Single Crochet
C- Chain
SC- Single Crochet
DC- Double Crochet

Pattern:
Using MC FSC in multiples of 3 to desired width. (Lay across your lap and add 2 inches on either side)
Alternately you can chain in multiples of 3plus 1.

Row 1-With MC *SC, 2DC in first stitch. (or second chain from hook) skip two stitches* repeat to end of row. You should end with one SC. C 1 Turn

Row 2- With MC *SC, 2DC in the single stitch of the row below.* repeat to end of row, ending with a SC.

Row 3- With CC repeat row 1.

Row 4- With CC repeat row 2.

Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length.

Blanket should be long enough to cover feet, and reach your waist. Weave in ends.

Bunny Hop Crochet Pattern

This pattern was designed for the Pen, Hook, and Needles/ The Crocheting Whovian groups "Tortoise vs. Hare" Contest. (Bunnies for the win!!) 

This is a stitch pattern that can be used for any type of blanket. You can use any type or size of yarn. Use the recommended hook for the yarn weight you choose. The directions given are for bulky yarn, or baby yarn using the Navaho plying technique. This technique is used for spinning, but can be used to crochet with. It will give you a triple thick yarn similar to bulky weight yarn.

Yarn= Baby yarn, Navaho plied (or Bulky)

Hook- M 9.00 mm

Stitches used: 

FSC Foundation Single Crochet 

Chain 

SC Single Crochet

DC Double Crochet

For Lapghan

1] FSC for length that will cover your lap comfortably. (Or chain for the same length, chain 1 then SC in every stitch across) Turn

2] Chain 2, DC in first SC of row below, and every SC across. (Chain 2 does not count as a DC)

3] Chain 1 SC in each DC of the row below, and every DC across. 

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for desired length. Tie off and weave in ends. 

Post CT Scan Update

     It is confirmed that I need another surgery. The CT scan showed that a small piece of the bone from my fusion broke off and is pressing against my spinal cord. The opening where the spinal cord is also narrowed. It looks like calcification, and arthritis. He is going to do a Laminectomy, and a framinotomy to my C4, C5, and C6. That's where they remove the back part of the vertebra. They will also make the opening where the nerve goes a little bigger. It is more of a major surgery that the ACDF was. The healing process will be slower as well. The ACDF was an outpatient surgery. I will have to stay in the hospital at least one if not two nights. It will depend on what my insurance will approve.

     I am not a happy camper. I was hoping for a less evasive surgery. I am just now getting where I can get around  by myself. I was even driving myself to therapy. (sigh) I hate the thought of starting over from the beginning. On the bright side, I did finish therapy today. I got a beautiful blue T-shirt with the rehabs name on it. If I go again, I can get a water bottle, or another T-shirt. I look to have to go again for my neck, and possibly for my lower back.

After we got out of the Doctors office, my sweet hubby took me up to Hickory, NC. I wanted to go to A. C. Moore Crafting Supply. I found some awesome yarn on SALE!!! I nearly hyperventilated at the sight of all the yarn choices they had. I hope to go up there again when I'm feeling better. That is a happy goal to look forward to.

I will post again when I have more details on my surgery/time.

ACDF Surgery 3 Month Update

     I had intended on writing a weekly blog, but pain meds, then life got in the way. I was healing by leaps and bounds better than I expected. At 6 weeks, I had a setback. I heard a pop in my neck and was instantly in pain. It ran from the left side of my neck, and went down my shoulder into my arm. My hand became numb.

     The doctor ordered a MRI and physical therapy. Therapy included massage, and H-wave with heat. That part of it helped some. I can not recommend Electro Therapy (TENS) enough. When my MRI results came back, it looks like my spinal chord is still compressed at my C5-6. The doctor said that it could possibly be a halo from my screw. He ordered a CT scan to confirm diagnosis. I go on July 26th to see what the results are. I will post again shortly thereafter.

     I want to speak (write) briefly about my last post. During my convalesce I have been binge watching Doctor Who. I also enjoy watching You-Tube. I saw this post by one of the people I subscribe to. (Jadainstitches) I could not resist posting it. I haven't made it yet, But I intend to. I will try to post a picture when I complete it. 

Recommended site to buy a tens unit is omronhealthcare.com/electrotherapy-tens
I got the one with Tens plus heat the second time. The cheap one is good, but the expensive one is
worth the money.

DR WHO TARDIS BAG - Crochet Pattern with Lining

One Week Post-Op

At 5 days post-op, I'm beginning to feel a little normal. The incision site is still tender, and a little swollen. I am swallowing solid food a little better. I haven't taken anything for pain today. My tens unit has helped a lot. I am still in a weakened state. I'm not wearing my foam collar except for riding in the car, and walking outside the house.

6 day post op was a difficult day. I believe I over did it yesterday. I've been plagued with muscle cramps in my shoulders, and neck. I had to take my pain pills. A heated compress helped some. From this point on, I have to remember that my body is still traumatized, even if it feels better.

Swallowing is much easier. I still need to take small bites. I'm suffering from a bad case of dry mouth. I've been drinking V-8 the last couple of days. It is easier to drink veggies than to eat them. I would not recommend tomato based drinks the first day or two after surgery. The acidity could aggravate your tender throat.