Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Eyeballs from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 1.25” diameter small eyeball, 1.75” diameter medium eyeball, 2.25” l diameter large eyeball.
Needles US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs, or size to obtain gauge

These eyeballs are knitted in the round from the bottom to the top. The pattern offers three sizes of eyeballs. Display various sizes and colors in a glass jar on a mantel for a great conversations starter. When changing colors just tie the ends together. There is no need to weave in ends! The total yardage per one eyeball: Large eyeball: 11 yards MC, 2 yards C1, 4 yards C2 (or C3, C4) Medium eyeball: 6 yards MC, 2 yards C1, 4 yards C2 (or C3, C4) Small eyeball: 4 yards MC, 1 yard C1, 3 yards C2 (or C3, C4) 

Directions 

Large Eyeball 

Using DPN, with MC cast on 6 sts and divide evenly on 3 needles. Place marker, being careful not to twist, join to begin working in the round. 

Round 1: Knit around. 

Round 2: KFB around, 12sts total. 

Round 3: Knit around. 

Round 4: * KFB, K1; repeat from * around: 6sts per needle, 18sts total. 

Round 5: Knit around. 

Round 6: * KFB, K1; repeat from * around: 9sts per needle, 27sts total. 

Round 7 -9: Knit around. 

Round 10: * KFB, K2; repeat from * around: 12sts per needle, 36sts total. 

Round 11 - 13: Knit around. 

Round 14: * SSK, K2; repeat from * around: 9sts per needle, 27sts total. 

Round 15 - 16: Knit around. Cut MC. Attach C2 (or C3, C4) 

Round 17: Knit around. 

Round 18: * SSK, K1; repeat from * around: 6sts per needle, 18sts total. 

Round 19: Knit around. Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eyeball with fiberfill. 

Round 20: * SSK, K1; repeat from * around: 4sts per needle, 12sts total. Cut C2 (or C3, C4). Attach C1. 

Round 21: Knit around. 

Round 22: SSK around: 2sts per needle, 6sts total. 

Finish stuffing. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn needle with tail. Weave through remaining sts, gathering tightly to close; stitch to secure. 

Medium Eyeball

Using DPN, with MC cast on 6 sts and divide evenly on 3 needles. Place marker, being careful not to twist, join to begin working in the round. 

Round 1: Knit around. 

Round 2: KFB around, 12sts total. 

Round 3: Knit around. 

Round 4: * KFB, K1; repeat from * around: 6sts per needle, 18sts total. 

Round 5: Knit around. 

Round 6: * KFB, K1; repeat from * around: 9sts per needle, 27sts total. 

Round 7 -9: Knit around. Cut MC. Attach C2 (or C3, C4) 

Round 10: * SSK, K1; repeat from * around: 6sts per needle, 18sts total. 

Round 11: Knit around. Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eyeball with fiberfill. 

Round 12: * SSK, K1; repeat from * around: 4sts per needle, 12sts total. Cut C2 (or C3, C4). Attach C1.

Round 13: Knit around. 

Round 14: SSK around: 2sts per needle, 6sts total. 

Finish stuffing. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn needle with tail. Weave through remaining sts, gathering tightly to close; stitch to secure. 

Small Eyeball 

Using DPN, with MC cast on 9 sts and divide evenly on 3 needles. Place marker, being careful not to twist, join to begin working in the round. 

Round 1: Knit around. 

Round 2: * KFB, K2; repeat from * around: 4sts per needle, 12sts total. 

Round 3: * KFB, K3; repeat from * around: 5sts per needle, 15sts total. 

Round 4 - 5: Knit around. Cut MC. Attach C2 (or C3, C4) 

Round 6: Knit around. Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eyeball with fiberfill. 

Round 7: * SSK, K3; repeat from * around: 4sts per needle, 12sts total. Cut C2 (or C3, C4). Attach C1. 

Round 8: * SSK, K2; repeat from * around: 3sts per needle, 9sts total. 

Round 9: Knit around. 

Finish stuffing. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn needle with tail. Weave t

The Original Pattern can be found at
http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Eyeballs__D55679220.html

Backpacking Checklist

Backpacking Checklist

Being an Outdoor Guide means that everyone asks you questions. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use!

The Ten Essentials

For safety, survival and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)
• Altimeter (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing, below)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container
• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• Repair kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips

8. Nutrition

• Extra day's supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration reservoirs
  
• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Backpack
• Daypack or summit pack
• Pack cover
• Tent, tarp or bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Footprint (if desired for tent)
• Sleeping bag
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• Sleeping pad
• Pillow or stuffable pillow case
• Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
• Multifunction watch with altimeter
• Trekking poles
• Ice axe
• Meals
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cookset (with pot grabber)
• Dishes or bowls
• Utensils
• Cups (measuring cups)
• Bear canister (or hang bags for food)
• Nylon cord (50' for hanging food)
• Backup water treatment
  
• Collapsible sink or container
• Packable lantern

Clothing: Warm Weather

• Wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool)
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants or shorts
• Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
• Sun-shielding hat
• Bandana or Buff

Clothing: Cool Weather

• Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
• Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
• Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
• Gloves or mittens
• Rainwear (jacket, pants)
• Fleece jacket or vest, and pants

Footwear; Assorted Personal Items

• Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
• Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
• Gaiters
• Sandals (for fording, in camp)
• Camera or helmet cam
• Extra memory cards
• Binoculars
• Permits
• Route description or guidebook
• Field guide(s); star identifier
• Outdoor journal and pen or pencil
• Credit card; small amount of cash
• Earplugs and eye shade
• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Bear spray
• Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
• Biodegradable soap (and shower bag)
• Quick-dry towel
• Cell phone / satellite communicator / 2-way radios
• Personal locator beacon
• Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
• Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat

Article and others like it found at REI.com

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Dancing Shells Dishcloth from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 9” x 8.5”, blocked
Hook US I/9 (5.5mm) hooks

The shell stitch is a popular crochet stitch, but this dishcloth is taking it a step further. The dancing raised shells gives an interesting texture to look at and works double duty when washing your dishes! 

FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet Raised Double Crochet stitch is worked around the post of dc stitch 2 rows below (skipping over the sc row), creating a dc from front to back and around. 

Directions 

Chain 31. 

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch, sc across. Ch 3 turn. (30 sts) Row 2 (RS): Skip first 2 sc, *3 dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, 1 dc in next sc, skip next sc, repeat from * across; 3 dc in last sc; ch1, turn. Row 3: Sc in each st across, ch 3 turn. 

Row 4: Ch 3 counts as first dc, *skip next sc, dc in next sc (center st of row below shell) *skip next sc, work 3 FPdc around dc 1 row below next sc,. Repeat from * across, 1 dc in last st. ch 1, turn 

Row 5: sc in each st across, ch 3, turn. 

Row 6: Ch 3 counts as first dc, skip next 2 sc, *work 3 FPdc around dc 1 row below next sc, skip next sc, dc center st of the row below cluster, Repeat from * across, 1 dc in last st. ch 1, turn 

Repeat rows 3 – 6 four more times. 

Repeat rows 3 – 4 once 

Last row: sc in each st across. 

Finishing Weave in ends, wash and block to size. 

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Dancing_Shells_Crochet_Dishcloth__D55587220.html

Is Your Baking Soda Fresh?

Baking soda is used in a million cleaning and cooking recipes, but how do you know if it still fresh? Here are simple step by step instructions on how to check whether you should use that baking soda or not.

You Need

-Baking Soda
-Really Hot tap water
-White or apple cider vinegar

1. Mix 1/2 cup Hot Water with 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar

2. Add 1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

3. If there is immediate fizzing or bubbling your baking soda is still good. If not, It is time to get a new batch. 

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Market Day Dishcloth from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 9.5 x 9”
Needles US 7 (4.5mm) straight or circular needles

 Market Day is a fun textured dishcloth worked with knits and purls. It is very easy and is a good choice for beginner knitters. The high relief textures makes for a very useful dishcloth. 

Garter stitch (worked flat) All rows: knit Basket weave Pattern (worked flat, over a multiple of 6 sts) Row 1 (RS): knit 

Row 2 : purl. Row 3: *k1, p4, k1, repeat from *. 

Row 4: *p1, k4, p1, repeat from *. 

Rows 5-6: repeat rows 3-4. 

Rows 7-8: repeat rows 1-2. 

Row 9: *p2, k2, p2, repeat from *. 

Row 10: *k2, p2, k2, repeat from *. 

Row 11-12: repeat rows 9-10: . 

Directions

Cast on 44 sts. Work 8 rows in garter sts. 

Row 1 (RS): knit 

Row 2 : k4, purl to last 4 sts, k4. 

Row 3: k4, *k1, p4, k1, repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4. 

Row 4: k4, *p1, k4, p1, repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4. 

Rows 5-6: repeat rows 3-4. 

Rows 7-8: repeat rows 1-2. 

Row 9: k4, *p2, k2, p2, repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4 

Row 10: k4, *k2, p2, k2, repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4. 

Row 11-12: repeat rows 9-10: 

Repeat rows 1-12 another 2 times. 

Repeat Rows 1-7. Work 7 rows in garter stitch. Bind off. 

Finishing Weave in ends, wash and block gently

The Original Pattern can be found at 

http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Market_Day_Dishcloth__D55802220.html

NATO Phonetic Alphabet

The NATO Phonetic Alphabet is the most widely used radio / telephone spelling alphabet. It is a good thing to know. I found this great chart to help me remember.

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Diagonal Dishcloth from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements Approximately 8” Square
Hooks US H/8 (5mm)

This cloth is designed to aid the beginner crocheter to learn the concepts of increasing and decreasing along the edge of a project and changing yarn colors within a project. 

dc2tog – double crochet 2 together (YO, insert hook in next st and pull up loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, 2 loops left on hook, YO, insert hook in next st and pull up loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, 3 loops left on hook, YO, pull through all loops on hook) 

Directions 

Row 1: With MC, Ch 5, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in same ch, 2dc in last ch 

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in same dc (first dc), dc in each dc across, 2 dc in turning ch. 

Row 3 (and every odd number row): Change color, carry unused color along side of work, repeat row 2. 

Row 4 and every even number row: Repeat row 2. 

Rows 5-12: Increase until the end of 12 rows - 27 sts 

Row 13: Change color, carry unused color along side of work. Ch3, turn, dc2tog, dc in each dc across to last 2 sts, dc2tog over the last dc and the turning ch. 

Row 14: Ch 3, turn, dc2tog, dc in each dc across to last 2 sts, dc2tog over the last dc and the turning ch. 

Row 15 and each odd number row: Repeat row 13 

Row 16 and every even number row: Repeat row 14 Decrease until the end of 24 rows – 5 sts. Fasten off. 

Finishing

 Attach MC with sl st edging color into centre stitch of last 5 sts in last row (should be third st from either edge), ch1, 3 sc in same st, *evenly space 25 sc along side of work, 3 sc in next corner,* repeat between ** 2 times, 25 sc evenly along the last edge, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends, wash and block to size. 

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Diagonal_Cloth_Crochet_Pattern__D55803220.html

Retro Super Nintendo Video Games for Free

Hello everyone!

I found this great site that you can play Retro Super Nintendo Video Games for Free! Now, go fill you free time with none productive nostalgia.

http://www.snesfun.com/

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Chain Link Dishcloth from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 9.5” square
Needles US 7 (4.5mm): Straight or circular

 Sometimes, simple is the best. This dishcloth features knits & purls to create a fun design to brighten any kitchen. With a garter border, this is a quick knit - perfect for those who need a dishcloth right away! 

The first 5 and last 5 stitches in each row will be in garter (knit on both RS & WS) for the border. It is helpful to use stitch markers, marking these borders. 

Directions

CO 51 st Knit all stitches for 4 rows Chain Link Pattern 

Row 1: (RS) K across 

Row 2: (WS) k5, P to last 5 st, k5 

Row 3: K6, *p2, K6* rep between ** to last 5 sts, k5 

Row 4: K5, *p6, k2* rep between ** to last 6 sts, p1, k5 

Row 5: rep row 1 

Row 6: rep row 2 

Row 7: K10, *p2, K6* rep between ** to last 9 sts, p2, k7 

Row 8: K5, p2, k2, *p6, k2* rep between ** to last 10 sts, p5, k5 

Rep Rows 1-8 of Chain Link Pattern 5 more times. 

Rep Rows 1-4 once more. Knit all stitches for 4 rows BO all stitches

Finishing Weave in ends, block if desired.

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Chain_Link_Dishcloth__D55586220.html#