Making It In The Mitten

Monday, January 12, 2015

Crocheted Double-Sided Shell Blanket Pattern

As promised, I am sharing the pattern for this beautiful crocheted double-sided shell blanket today!

In case you missed the story behind this blanket and why it is so important to me, head on over to my post: A Crocheted Christmas Story.

This pattern is very time consuming, since it is double-sided, but I promise it is so worth it when it is done! The original pattern is for a baby blanket, but I used a bigger hook to make it work as a normal sized blanket. The pattern I am sharing makes a large blanket of over 5 feet wide and 5 feet long.

To make the pattern smaller or larger, you can add or subtract in multiples of 5 chains.

CROCHETED DOUBLE-SIDED SHELL BLANKET PATTERN

SUPPLIES:

6 SKEINS OF CARON ONE POUND YARN (3 SKEINS OF EACH COLOR)

SIZE K HOOK

ROW 1 (SHELL-ST ROW) WITH COLOR A, CH 198 LOOSELY. WORK IN 1 DC IN 5TH CH FROM HOOK (TURNING CH), 3 DC IN NEXT CH, 1 DC IN NEXT CH (1 SHELL COMPLETED) *SKIP 2 CH, WORK 1 DC IN NEXT CH, 3 DC IN NEXT CH, 1 DC IN NEXT CH. REPEAT FROM * ACROSS TO WITHIN 1 CH FROM END. DO NOT WORK IN LAST CH. DROP LOOP FROM HOOK.

ROW 2 (CHAIN-LOOP ROW) DO NOT TURN. WITH COLOR B, MAKE A LOOP ON HOOK.

STARTING AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST ROW, JOIN B WITH A SC IN THE 4TH CH OF TURNING CH (THE CH BEFORE FIRST DC OF FIRST SHELL-SC ROW). WORKING IN FRONT OF THE LAST ROW, *CH 6 SKIP NEXT SHELL, WORK 1 SC IN FIRST CH OF THE 2ND SKIPPED CH IN FOUNDATION CH (BETWEEN SHELLS) REPEAT FROM * ACROSS, ENDING WITH CH 6, 1 SC IN END CH (THE FREE CH AT END OF LAST SHELL-ST ROW).

ROW 3 (SHELL-ROW) WITH B, CH 2, TURN, WORK A SLIP-ST IN FIRST DC OF LAST SHELL-ST ROW, CH 2 *INSERTING HOOK THROUGH THE DC AND UNDER CHAIN-LOOP, WORK A SHELL (5 DC IN SAME ST) IN CENTER OF NEXT SHELL, REPEAT FROM *ACROSS ROW, DROP LOOP FROM HOOK. DO NOT TURN.

ROW 4 (CHAIN-LOOP ROW) PICK UP DROPPED A LOOP AT END OF THE SHELL-ST ROW BEFORE LAST. *CH 6, WORKING IN FRONT OF LAST SHELL-ST ROW, SKIP SHELL, WORK I SC IN SPACE BEFORE NEXT SHELL (SAME COLOR SHELL AS CHAIN-LOOP BEING MADE), REPEAT FROM * ACROSS, END WITH CH 6, SKIP LAST SHELL, 1 SC UNDER CHAIN-LOOP AT END OF ROW.

ROW 5 WITH A INSTEAD OF B, WORK SAME AS FOR ROW 3, DO NOT TURN.

ROW 6 PICK-UP DROPPED B LOOP AT END OF THE SHELL-ST ROW BEFORE LAST AND WORK SAME AS FOR ROW 4.

REPEAT ROWS 3,4,5,6 FOR PATTERN AND WORK UNTIL BLANKET MEASURES DESIRED LENGTH.

LAST ROW: SC IN EACH DC IN ALL SHELLS TO FINISH BLANKET.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD FRINGE:

CUT 5 1/2" LENGTHS OF BOTH COLORS USING TO STRANDS OF EACH COLOR FRINGE. ATTACH FRINGE BETWEEN SHELLS ON STARTING EDGE. WHEN ATTACHING FRINGE ON LAST ROWS FINISHED, CATCH LOOSE LOOP IN BETWEEN SHELLS.

I made this blanket for my sister for Christmas, and she has informed me she carries it with her everywhere she goes in the house. I am so glad she likes it as much (if not more) than I do!

As for me, I still can't decide which side I like better! And now that my big crochet project is complete, I hardly know what to do with myself. I am already itching to make another!

If you decide to make this blanket, or a variation of it, send me a picture, I'd love to see the finished product!

One more day of winter break and then it's back to the books for me.

Happy Monday!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Motivational Monday: January 11th

This was a busy week for this little blog of mine! I decided on a whim to change my blog's name. There were a few kinks at first, but now that they have all been worked out, you shouldn't see much change except for the name at the top of this page. To help me complete my goal of saving more money in 2015, I shared my 52 Week Money Saving Challenge that gets easier as you go! And on Friday, things got a little personal when I shared my Crocheted Christmas Story.

Before we get started with this party, I would like to welcome Bethany from Southern Couture as the newest host of the Motivational Monday Party! She has done some wonderful DIY projects in the past and I am so happy she has decided to join us!

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Make sure to visit these other 7 wonderful ladies and show them some love!
When you link up with us, your posts are seen all 8 blogs to get you even more exposure!

The Dempster Logbook
Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

The Southern Couture

Ready to share what motivates you? Link up a recent post of yours, something that motivates you to create or just be awesome! Our goal is for this link up to focus on craft, DIY, & home posts so please try to remember that when linking up.

Limit it to three links per week and remember to link directly to your post, not your blog.
Do not link stores, giveaways, or other link parties.
Be sure to hop around some of the other posts that have been linked up to share the love and get motivated by what others have been up to…because of course, this is Motivational Monday after all.

Each week, your hosts will choose a few posts to feature from the previous week. If you want a chance at being featured, you must follow all of the hosts. By linking up, you agree to let each host share your photo and link back to your site. Link party goes live Sunday at 6pm PST and ends Thursday at 5pm PST.

Feel free to grab a Motivational Monday button in the sidebar to put on your own blog if you want to help spread the love!

Bre from Average But Inspired shared how she Upcycled Christmas Cards Into Winter Bunting. This is such a great idea, because otherwise, what do you do with all those cards?

This Wood Arrow Jewelry Organizer was created by Katie from Little House of Four and is simply adorable! This is the perfect way to store all of your jewelry, and I love how she added two other arrows just for fun.

Don't forget to grab our button if you've been featured!

PARTY TIME

It's time for you to link up your recent craft, DIY, or home decor posts. Make sure to check out other's projects as well for some motivation.

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a great week!

Friday, January 9, 2015

A Crocheted Christmas Story

This Christmas, only one person on my list received a handmade gift. Now, before you assume it was because I was lazy and lacking any creativity, I must defend myself and say that was not at all the case. It's just that the gift given to the one person who received the handmade gift was a very time consuming project, and quite frankly, it's a miracle I finished in time. Because of this, I didn't have nearly as much time as I normally do to make handmade gifts for those on my list.

This fall, my family came over to visit. As I think I have mentioned before, we refused to turn our heat on until November 1st, so some of our October evenings were a bit chilly. Without hesitation, my sister walked through the front door and grabbed a blanket, a crocheted blanket that had just been given to me as a gift from Adam's grandma. She commented on how much she would like one of her own and I told her that Grandma Muszynski would be happy to make her one. Her response: "Well it would mean a lot more coming from you." I laughed and told her there was no way I had time to make a blanket for her since I was already making one of my own.

A few days later, my sister sent out her Christmas list and somewhere near the top read "a crocheted blanket (hint hint Melanie)." I figured if it meant that much to her, I would ask Grandma Muszynski for the pattern and have her teach me how to crochet her famous blankets. A few weeks later, we went to visit her and sure enough, she gave me three copies of the pattern, told me what kind of yarn to buy, and the cheapest places to buy it. She offered to make the blanket for me, telling me that it would only take her about a week. I heard my sister's voice in my head and kindly declined.

I remember this day fondly, as it was the last time I saw Grandma Muszynski. Sadly, she ended up in and out of the hospital with pneumonia in November. While in the hospital, I remember her asking how the blanket was coming along, and we would send her pictures of my progress, which at that point was only about 18 inches. I couldn't wait to take it with us for our next visit on December 12th. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to show her. She went back into the hospital on Thanksgiving and never recovered. She passed away December 9, 2014.

Before that day, I can honestly say the blanket was less than halfway done. I had planned to work on it more once I finished school and told everyone I would finish it by Christmas, but in my head I had my doubts. After that day, I told myself there was no choice, I needed to finish that blanket by Christmas, not only for my sister but for Grandma Muszynski, as well. I crocheted every free moment I had, for hours at a time, and I know she gave me the motivation to do it. It became my way of coping with losing her. As I crocheted, I thought about all the memories I had of her and how proud she would be of me if I finished it.

After two months, I ended up finishing the blanket on December 22nd. It was a wonderful accomplishment to say that I finished my first ever crocheted blanket! I know Grandma Muszynski was on the beach somewhere, drinking an ice cold beer, and watching with a smile as my sister opened it Christmas morning.

It has been one month since Grandma Muszynski's passing, and I miss her like crazy! Although I wasn't her grandchild by blood, she always treated me as if I were one of her own and I have so many fond memories of her that I will cherish forever. I am hoping to continue to make these beautiful crocheted blankets in her memory.

Come back next week, because I will be sharing the pattern for this beautiful Crocheted Double Sided Shell Blanket!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Welcome to Making It In The Mitten! (previously Melanie Gets Married)

Hello, friends! You are probably wondering why you have been redirected...

I went out on a huge whim and changed the name of my blog from Melanie Gets Married to Making It In The Mitten in just a matter of hours. Crazy? Yes!! But I promise, it's still the same blog, just a new name!

I have been considering a name change for a while now! I feel like I have outgrown Melanie Gets Married, mostly because I have been married for over two years and rarely discuss weddings. The reason I haven't changed my name sooner is because I didn't have a name I liked, and well... I just didn't have the guts. I didn't want to lose followers, change all of my accounts, emails, blah blah blah.

Yesterday, after pondering names for hours, my husband came up with the name Making It In The Mitten, and I love it!

Now please, DO ME A FAVOR... Click the link at the top of this page or in the sidebar to follow my new blog on bloglovin'. While Melanie Gets Married is set up to automatically redirect you, you will no longer be seeing my posts through bloglovin' if you don't follow Making It In The Mitten!

I have all my new links listed below:

Thank you all so much for your support! I truly hope each and every one of you will continue to follow along even through this transition.

Happy Hump Day!

Monday, January 5, 2015

52 Week Money Saving Challenge With a Twist

Last week, I shared my Five Goals for 2015. On that list was the goal to save more money.

I've seen the 52 Week Money Saving Challenge all over Pinterest for a while now, but just knew that wouldn't work for us. Starting in May, I will be finishing up my classes and quitting my job to complete full-time fieldwork until December. This really is exciting since I will get to finally be "working" in my chosen career as an Occupational Therapist. The downfall... having no pay checks.

I decided to use the 52 Week Challenge, but add a little twist to it.

Instead of starting Week 1 with $1, I will start it with $52. This way, it will become easier to save the money. While it is the beginning of the year and I am feeling motivated to save money, I will put in higher amounts, and by the time I quit my job in May, the amount each week will be drastically lower.

Aside from planning ahead for future months, I don't know about you, but I am inpatient and want to see a change NOW. By putting in higher amounts at the beginning, you will have already saved over $100 after two weeks, and over $200 within one month!

To remind myself to put money into the bank, I am printing this off and sticking it to my bulletin board. As I deposit money each week, I will check the box to make me feel extra accomplished. Sometimes it's the little things that keep me motivated.

Who's up for the challenge? I am starting today by putting $52 dollars in my savings account and you should, too! Plan a nice vacation, put it towards student loans, redecorate a room, or just keep it as an emergency fund. Whatever you do with it, I am sure you will be loving having some extra cash around this time next year :)

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Motivational Monday: January 4th

Welcome back to another week of Motivational Monday. We figured everyone would be busy for the holidays so we took a few weeks off, maybe you noticed or maybe you didn't. Either way, today we are back and ready to party! Now that Christmas is over, I am excited to see all the fresh new ideas you all have!

Over the past week, I've been sharing my Top Posts of 2014, Our Year In Review, and my Five Goals for 2015.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Make sure to visit these other 6 wonderful ladies and show them some love!
When you link up with us, your posts are seen all 7 blogs to get you even more exposure!

Burlap and Babies

Limit it to three links per week and remember to link directly to your post, not your blog.
Do not link stores, giveaways, or other link parties.
Be sure to hop around some of the other posts that have been linked up to share the love and get motivated by what others have been up to…because of course, this is Motivational Monday after all.

PARTY TIME

It's time for you to link up your recent craft, DIY, or home decor posts. Make sure to check out other's projects as well for some motivation.

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a great week!

Friday, January 2, 2015

Five Goals for 2015

After ringing in the new year, I thought it was only appropriate to set some new goals. I know what you're thinking. Another blogger making another list of goals that will not be reached. If this were any other year, I'd say you're probably right. But truth be told, I have given these goals a lot of thought. While each one will be a challenge for me, they are five things that I know I need to do. Okay, four things I need to do, and one I really want to do.

1. Exercise: At least 5 days a week for 30 minutes. This NEEDS to happen.

2. Eat Less Junk: I need to say YES to snacking on carrots and celery and NO to those oh so yummy, but oh so bad for me bag of cool ranch doritos. This also includes drinking less alcohol, which is why I will be implementing a new rule: NO drinking on weekdays.

3. Save More Money: It's crazy to think, but I am definitely the saver around here! This is mostly because all of Adam's money goes to bills, but also because Adam spends any "extra" money he has left. This year (more specifically at the beginning of the year, before I start working for free) I want to save more money the second that pay check comes in so it's not as tempting to spend later.

4. Get Organized and Stay Organized: I am talking everything from blogging to school work, cleaning out closets, dressers and kitchen cabinets, and creating a new filing system for our paperwork.

5. Read More: Up until the past year, I have always really enjoyed reading. I have books that have been on my reading list for a few years, and it would be really nice to enjoy reading some of them.

I am feeling pretty determined to make sure these things happen this year, and I am hoping that by posting them here, I will feel a little more accountable for each of them.

A few other things I'd really love to do this year? Add more items to my Etsy shop and a few more room makeovers. There's been talk of tackling the half bath, laundry room, and guest room.

What are your goals for 2015?

I'd love to hear about them!