Remembrance Day Poppy Applique

A beautiful flower - but do you know the history of the Poppy? Why it's often referred to as the "Remembrance Day" flower?

The remembrance poppy was inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields". Its opening lines were written by John McCrae of Canada, who served as a soldier in Europe during World War I.
McCrae wrote about the red flowers he saw growing, that were the first flowers to grow in the churned-up earth of soldiers' graves in Flanders, a region of Belgium.

But it wasn't until the early 20th century that a University of Georgia professor decided she would wear a red silk flower to honor the sacrifice of soldiers. Moina Michael then persuaded a military veterans group to use the poppy as an emblem of remembrance.
And in France, it was a woman named Anne Guérin, who urged French citizens to make and sell cloth poppies to raise money to repair the country after World War I. 

Today, the flowers are worn in France, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand on November 11 and on the last Monday of May in the United States... Memorial Day - in Remembrance of all those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice for Freedom.

This year, FDbyK4TT presents the Remembrance Poppy Applique for you to crochet and wear to celebrate the lives and sacrifices of those who have served.

Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner

Measurements: 3 inches tall/wide (approx.) 
Gauge is not critical for this project, however your finished size may vary slightly, depending on the yarn you use as well as your tension.

Materials Used in Model:
Red Heart® WW 4-Ply Yarn in 0319 Cherry Red and 0312 Black 
Size US F/5-3.75mm Crochet Hook 
Safety Pin, Bar Pin Finding or Similar (for use as functional jewelry)  
Yarn Needle for sewing 
Long Straight Pins for positioning

Commonly Used Terms & their Meanings:
ch - chain
slst - slip stitch
Dec - decrease
Inc - increase
sc - single crochet
hdc - half-double crochet
hdc-Inc - half-double crochet increase
DC - double crochet
st/sts -  stitch(es)
ea -  each
tog -  together
nxt - next
skp - skip
lps - loops
M/M - Move Marker/Marker Moved


Flower Pedals : (Make 2 for each Poppy)
with Cherry Red,
Chain 9, 
___ Rnd 1: Inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 6 chs, 5 sc in end ch st - turn piece to allow you to work up the other side of original beg chain (as if a flat round), sc in ea of nxt 6 sts, 3 sc in last st  (22 sts)
___ Rnd 2: [Inc in nxt st, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, Inc in nxt st, sc in nxt st] twice  (32 sts)
___ Rnd 3: (hdc in nxt st, 3 hdc in nxt st) twice, sc-Inc in nxt st, (Dec nxt 2 sts tog) 3 times, sc-Inc in nxt st, (3 hdc in nxt st, hdc in nxt st) twice  (46 sts)

Finish off.  Secure and weave in tail to hide.
Once both sections are made, wrap a piece of Cherry Red yarn around the center of each and place them across each other, before securing the two pedals together.

Pistil : (Make 1 for each Poppy)
with Black,
Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, [slst in st, ch-3, slst in 3rd ch from hook] 9 times  
Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Pistil to center of Flower Pedals.


Secure Bar Pin Finding or safety pin to back of flower and pin on your pocket book, shirt or make a chain long enough for your wrist for a bracelet or a longer chain for a necklace.

(¯`·._(_.·´¯`·._.» Copyright «._.·´¯`·._)_.·´¯)

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodles by K4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodles by K4TT End User Licensing Agreement or qualification.
Users may not redistribute, resell, and/or translate pattern into another language for reselling. Questions regarding sale of finished items is answered on this FiberDoodles by K4TT Blog, under the heading of EULA.
All patterns are released in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodles by K4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes or variations in individual work. If you should find any errors that you feel need attention, please notify me.

All patterns released from FiberDoodles by K4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. If you wish to share this pattern, please link to the website and/or page - DO NOT re-print or re-post to another website.

Labor Day & Back 2 School

Wow!  Really?  The Summer is over already?   But I got nothing done!!

Well, okay, so that is not entirely true.  It's been very busy for me here on the home front. One child going off to Middle School and the youngest entering into the 6th Grade!  
But truth be told, I am not a "Summer Person".. I have learned the older I get, the more I dislike the 3 H's of Summer (Hazy, Hot & Humid)  -  it's all fine and dandy if your a kid and enjoy playing in the pool all day..
but I am an artist - either by paper (which gets all wet n nasty in the humidity) or by fiber (which sticks to your sweaty fingers)...
so I am looking forward to Fall and of course, Winter!

There have been a FEW patterns released over the Summer Months.. I will post individual sales pages this week for the ones that I missed.. 
but just in case you missed them  (and can't wait for me to post them here) : 

There was the KISS Series Unicorn:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kiss-series---unicorn

FiberDoodles Released 3 New Pillow Pals:

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/othr---pillow-pal-cow

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/othr---pillow-pal-triceratops

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/othr---pillow-pal-piggy

and 4 New "Simple Amigurumi" Projects

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/104---roarin-roland-the-lion-cub

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/107---swoops-the-seagull

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/105---keiko-my-killer-whale

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/106---yankee-doodle-teddybear

So I guess I didn't slack off too much :)  But there is so much more coming ...
and don't forget ... I will be having a "Giveaway" next month, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners... total retail value of over $50.00USD in prizes 
(and no, it's not just patterns... more information coming so keep watching for updates and how to win!!)

Cagney - the Yankee Doodle Teddy

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy - Born on the 4th of July...

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy
A Yankee Doodle, do or die
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam
Born on the Fourth of July

In typical vaudeville extravagance, Cagney the Yankee Doodle Teddy, wants to sing and dance his way into your heart this 4th of July!  Although this little guy boasts vivid red, whites and blues - he promises not to get too full of himself and give you a hard time.

The Yankee Doodle Teddy pattern contains 12 pages of pattern instructions, with detail oriented photographs to help you bring this 18.5 inch friend to life (15.5 in tall without hat).  
To complete this pattern, it is expected that you already know how to crochet using slip stitches as well as single crochet stitches. You should also know how to crochet in the round, crochet in rows, crochet in the end of rows, crochet using a “chain start”, crochet an opening closed as well as how to increase and decrease crochet stitches.

Cagney, the Yankee Doodle Teddy would love to help you display your patriotic pride; or just hang out eating hamburgers and hot dogs with your little one, while watching some fireworks on a hot summer night.

Purchase Yankee Doodle Teddy on Etsy.com

** WARNING ** Young children, toddlers and infants should ALWAYS be supervised when playing with this toy. There may be small pieces that a child can dislodge and there is potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries. Check all toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Broken toys can develop small parts which may present the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries. A toy that cannot be repaired should be thrown away immediately. Please remember to use a yarn which is safe, as young children are likely to put toy in their mouth.

Pattern:
 

Materials Used in Model:

Red Heart® WW 4-Ply Yarn in 0334 Buff, 0390 Red, 0886 Blue, 0365 Coffee and 0311 White 
poly-fil fiberfill 
Size US G6/4.00mm crochet hook 
Yarn Needle for sewing 
Long Straight Pins for positioning

This pattern is written in English, using US Crochet Terms.
Patterns are sent in PDF form as an attachment to the eMail address that you have on file with PayPal, within 24 hours of your payment. You will need an Adobe Reader, or like software to view written materials.  You can visit http://get.adobe.com/ to find out more about Adobe and it's products.

By ordering any product from FiberDoodles by K4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodles by K4TT End User Licensing Agreement or qualification.
Purchasers may not redistribute, resell, and/or translate pattern into another language for reselling. Questions regarding sale of finished items is answered on this FiberDoodles by K4TT Blog, under the heading of EULA.

Please note that there may be certain orders that FiberDoodles by K4TT is unable to accept and must cancel. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse or cancel any order for any reason. FiberDoodles by K4TT may also require additional verifications or information before accepting any order. You will be contacted if all or any portion of your order is canceled or if additional information is required to accept your order. If your order is canceled after your credit or debit card has been charged, we will issue a credit to your card in the amount of the charge.

Due to the format and ease in reproduction, patterns are non-refundable.

All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodles by K4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes or variations in individual work. If you should find any errors that you feel need attention, please notify me.

All patterns purchased from FiberDoodles by K4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. Each pattern is encrypted with identification unique to each individual purchaser.

Remembrance CAL (Part I)

Pattern:
Easy

Materials Used in Model:
Red Heart® Classic® WW 4-Ply Yarn in Light Grey, Dark Grey, Orange, Red, Light Yellow and White
poly-fil fiberfill, newspaper (stuffing)
Size US F5/3.75mm crochet hook
Crochet Needle for sewing

Part 1 Base:
with Light Grey,
___ Rnd 1: Using either the (ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook) or (magic circle) method to begin project, 6 sc in st (6 sts)
___ Rnd 2: (Inc in nxt st) 6 times (12 sts)
___ Rnd 3: in BLO (Back Loops Only), sc in ea st around (12 sts)
___ Rnds 4-20: sc in ea st around (12 sts/ea rnd)
Finish off. Secure and weave in remaining tail to hide.

Part 1 Top:
with Light Yellow,
___ Rnd 1: Using either the (ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook) or (magic circle) method to begin project, 5 sc in st (5 sts)
___ Rnd 2: sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts (7 sts)
___ Rnd 3: sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 3 sts (9 sts)
___ Rnd 4: sc in ea st around (9 sts)
___ Rnd 5: 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, (Dec nxt 2 sts tog) twice, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, changing to Orange on lst st (9 sts)
with Orange,
___ Rnd 6: sc in nxt st, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, (Dec nxt 2 sts tog) twice, sc in nxt st (9 sts)
___ Rnd 7: (sc in nxt st, Dec nxt 2 sts tog) 3 times, changing to White on lst st (6 sts)
with White,
___ Rnd 8: in FLO (Front Loops Only), (Inc in nxt st) 6 times (12 sts)
___ Rnd 9: in BLO (Back Loop Only), slst in nxt st, chain 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, slst in nxt ch, finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure section to Base. Skip nxt 4 sts on Rnd 8, again in BLO (Back Loop Only), join with a slst and ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook, slst in ea of nxt 2 chs. Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure section to Base. Remainder of Rnd 8 is left unworked.

This completes Part 1 of the CAL
You can find Part II here: http://bit.ly/2f41wla

Thank You!

Tomorrow, we celebrate Nationally here in the United States - Memorial Day 
Previously known as "Decoration Day", it was set aside to honor the men who lost their lives in the American Civil War (1861-65).  A war that fought to end slavery in America.
Now, however, this day honors all Americans who have died in any and all US Wars.

Photograph: Tomb of the Unknowns
Arlington Cemetery -Arlington, VA

While many associate this National Holiday with bbq's and sales - I choose to remember those who fought and who died.  For me, it is not a day of celebration, but a day to give thanks to those who fought in the name of freedom, justice and honor.

Photograph: Arlington Cemetery - Arlington, VA

I tend to celebrate not with parties and cookouts - but with reverence and giving.   

Each year, I take the kids and we plant a tree or a flowering plant - it varies as to the "where" as often times planning and permission has to gained before just covertly sneaking into some park and plopping down a seedling...

but giving life back, is how I choose to celebrate "Memorial Day".

And each year, since I am so far away from where my own family members grave markers are located - we pay respects to a local veteran, whom we've never met, by leaving flowers at their grave site.

Thank you for your service.  Thank you for your honor.  Thank you for your selflessness.  Thank you for your sacrifice.

Palmer the Bald Eagle

Being a city-dwelling East Coaster for 90% of my life, large birds of prey are not uncommon - but it's mostly hawks, and owls - rarely ever have I seen a Bald Eagle.  
But, for the years I lived in Alaska, these beautiful and majestic skydivers were bountiful! 

Little Palmer takes exception to being called "bald".  His white snowy hairdoo is in fact, very full of feathers, and no where near close to bald - but a name is a name.  
Perhaps the forefathers of science, who originally came up with the title; with their failing eye-sight, were bald?

Palmer loves being the U.S. Mascot... er um... "National Symbol"... but in reality he cares very little about politics or country boundaries.   Palmer just loves fishing along the coast line and feeling the winds beneath his wings.  If being the National Bird frees him up to fish in peace - then he's all for it.

This little eaglet wants to help you celebrate the patriotic holidays, honor the military member in your family or just befriend a bird lover (with lots of fish).  
Although smaller than his wilder brothers, Palmer is still out to impress, at nearly 15 inches in height. 

15 pages of detail oriented photographs, tutorials and written instructions, help you to create this easy "Sculpt-Gurumi" friend for giving, sharing or just showing off your Patriotic Pride.  BONUS United States Flag pattern accompanies Palmer.

Purchase Palmer the Bald Eagle on Etsy.com

**DEDICATION:  Palmer takes his name from a man who should be remembered for his bravery, his fearlessness and his dedication to saving the lives of others - a beautiful heart and majestic soul, that represents the best in each of us.  A man by the name of Orio Joseph Palmer. Battalion Chief Palmer died at 9:59 EST as the South Tower of the World Trade Center - collapsed moments after he reached victims on the 78th floor - He was the first one to the impact zone.

Pattern:
 

Materials Used in Model:

Red Heart® Classic® WW 4-Ply Yarn in 0311 White, 0365 Coffee, 0320 Cornmeal, 0321 Gold and 0312 Black 
*additional colors needed for Bonus: 0319 Cherry Red and 0387 Soft Navy
poly-fil fiberfill
Size US G6/4.25mm crochet hook
Crochet Needle for sewing
Long Straight Pins for positioning

This pattern is written in English, using US Crochet Terms.
For your convenience, this pattern has been made an "Instant Download" from Ravelry.com. You will need an Adobe Reader, or like software to view written materials.  You can visit http://get.adobe.com/ to find out more about Adobe and it's products.

By ordering any product from FiberDoodles by K4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodles by K4TT End User Licensing Agreement or qualification.
Purchasers may not redistribute, resell, and/or translate pattern into another language for reselling. Questions regarding sale of finished items is answered on this FiberDoodles by K4TT Blog, under the heading of EULA.

Please note that there may be certain orders that FiberDoodles by K4TT is unable to accept and must cancel. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse or cancel any order for any reason. FiberDoodles by K4TT may also require additional verifications or information before accepting any order. You will be contacted if all or any portion of your order is canceled or if additional information is required to accept your order. If your order is canceled after your credit or debit card has been charged, we will issue a credit to your card in the amount of the charge.

Due to the format and ease in reproduction, patterns are non-refundable.

All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodles by K4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes or variations in individual work. If you should find any errors that you feel need attention, please notify me.

All patterns purchased from FiberDoodles by K4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. Each pattern is encrypted with identification unique to each individual purchaser.

Thank You Veterans

Today is Memorial Day in the US and while many people see this day as the end of the school year and the prelude to summer; I, being a Military Brat, am unable to escape the true meaning of this traditional "holiday".

 Remembering the men and women, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters - who served, fought and in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and countrymen in the name of 'Freedom'.

Arthur 'Pop'

Richard 'Dad'

Rudolph (Uncle)

Sam (Brother)

Christopher (Brother)

Sunny (Uncle)

Ricky (Cousin)

Freddy (Uncle)

Elizabeth "Betsy" (SIL)

Johnny (BIL)

Thomas (Cousin)

Bill (XHub)