There are over 4 months until Christmas (ahhh that There are over 4 months until Christmas (ahhh that sounds so nice... but dang it! Time will start zooming now!)

A blanket for your special person would be a wonderful present and if you start now you will LOVE having it done. 

This blanket is super easy plus it makes a great stash buster so you can use what you have on hand. 

Free snappy pattern link in my bio or visit: https://snappy-tots.com/free-lap-afghan-crochet-blanket/

Made with @redheartyarns 

#makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
#crochetersofinstagram #crochetaddict 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
Free wash of the week: these monster sponges are s Free wash of the week: these monster sponges are super helpers with the dishes and in the bath. 
Click the link in my bio for quick access to this pattern or visit
https://snappy-tots.com/weekly-wash-20-monster-sponge/ 
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Enjoying some crochet time outside on a gorgeous d Enjoying some crochet time outside on a gorgeous day. Brookie loves the grass and is definitely a summer baby.

#yorkie #crochet #crochetoutside #relaxing #utahsummer
How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸🍉🧨
The solar light fireworks are one of my favorite decorations for summer and the month of July. They are super easy and quick to whip up so you could have a bunch done for the weekend.

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-firework-solar-covers/

Made with @redheartyarns super saver.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Ducke is ready for July… are you? This hat and s Ducke is ready for July… are you?
This hat and sweater set is easy to make and can be done in any colors.

I use @redheartyarns for anything I’m going to have outside because it holds up the best!

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-patriotic-goose-set/
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different Have you ever used thicker yarns to make different versions of a project? I love doing that!

I’m finishing up a blanket yarn version of a towel I made this week. It will be a lovey.

I love these textures!

#crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Plea Our unique selfie idea turned out pretty fun. Please share yours and include our tag #50photosofsummer so we can see them.

Join our photo quest and get a list of 50 photo ideas at https://snappy-tots.com/50-photos-of-summer/
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#photoideas #photoquest #boredombusters #familyfunideas #bucketlist #bucketlistfamily
😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of s 😎Happy First Day of Summer! Our "50 photos of summer" begins today and I hope you will join us.

Come download the checklist or follow along from your phone. I made a google sheet you can copy so you will have it everywhere you go!

Click the link in my bio for easy access to the printables.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We will be sharing our pix on our new family site @ourdangchannel

☀️The most important part: ENJOY the experiences, find peaceful, memorable moments to remember.

This list could be used for many things:
- Start a sketchbook and use the ideas for a daily drawing.
- Set up a free blog and learn how to make a post, add a picture, and encourage a description or journal entry.
- Include older family members by sharing your pictures or asking them for suggestions.
- Choose a reward for when you finish a column and when you finish the whole list.
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#summerbucketlist #photochallenge #familyfun #boredombusters #boredombustersforkids #vacationpix #summerquest
I made these birthday candles a few years ago and I made these birthday candles a few years ago and we have enjoyed them so much I made ones for Christmas too. 
These are super easy and fairly quick. They are great for holding banners, balloons, or to line a sidewalk for a special day. 

Click the link in my bio for quick access to the free pattern. 

Made with @redheartyarns.

#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
I have some new pillows and placemats to whip up f I have some new pillows and placemats to whip up for your summer picnics and porches. 

Made from @redheartyarns 

Click the link in my bio for easy access to the pattern or visit 
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pillows-and-placemats
Save 40% off until 6/20/22. 

Instructions included for making placemats and pillows, with or without a center pocket. The placemat could have a pocket to hold utensils and a napkin for picnic packing. You could even sew two placemats together to hold the plate in the middle. That way it makes packing for a picnic super easy.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
My new chomper totes are the first project in my 1 My new chomper totes are the first project in my 15 week gift making event. 

Today is the last day to sign up for just $7.50. 

Click the link in my bio for an easy way to visit the sign up page.
https://snappy-tots-shop.myshopify.com/products/the-great-summer-gift-event-2022

The price will be $15 after 6/15... some of the patterns will be sold separately at a later date for $3-5 each.

The first gift event pattern is available and emails have been sent. If you signed up and did not receive the email please make sure you are checking the one associated with the purchase.
If you need help please email heidi@snappy-tots.com.

These are all made from @redheartyarns super saver.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
In case you didn’t hear… today is going to be In case you didn’t hear… today is going to be the BEST day!!! I woke up to a rare rain storm so instead of emails at my work station bike, I went for a RUN in pouring rain. It was GLORIOUS!!! 

Please comment and tell me how you are going to make this day better. We all can use your inspiration. 

Because of a back injury I had to quit running distance but every once in awhile you just have to run in the rain. 3.2 miles of pure happiness 😁😁😁
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#happyday #letsdothis #runintherain #getoutside #motivation #getmoving #doforyou #utah #ksl #get_outside_utah #utahweather
Oila, my coworker, is loving this moment. I lighte Oila, my coworker, is loving this moment. I lightened the first part so you could see her. 🤣😂
…and isn’t that repeating bird awesome? 
#labsofinstagram #adogslife #getoutside
What’s your perfect moment? Right now, mine is What’s your perfect moment? 
Right now, mine is 73 degrees, watermelon, @crimejunkiepodcast, my swing, and working on a new crochet design.
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#yarnspirations #whileiwasyarning #creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters
I got the cutest gnome from my wonderful grandsons I got the cutest gnome from my wonderful grandsons and their amazing parents 🤣 isn’t this the most perfect gnome? He rode right over to say hello to new friends. 
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#newgnome #bestbirthdaygift #bestbirthday #gnomes
Our youngest got his permit!! Do you have any new Our youngest got his permit!! 
Do you have any new drivers at your house or remember when you started driving? It’s definitely an experience.

My husband is in the front teaching him to drive and I’m trying to focus on my crochet project 😜

We learned with our daughter that I am not a good driving instructor (sorry again). 
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#learningtodrive #newdriver #crochetismytherapy #becalm #whileiwasyarning
My daughter, sil, and grand daughter gave me this My daughter, sil, and grand daughter gave me this awesome solar light wind chime. Look how it makes this wonderful design on the ground! 
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#bestbirthdaygift #solarlights #patiolights #summer
Wanna play? Play? Play? Dogs + wet paint is awesom Wanna play? Play? Play? Dogs + wet paint is awesome! 🙄
#labsarethebest #closetalker #hopscotch #diyprojects #summerfun #decoartpaint #decoart
Got the first of the hopscotch pavers base coated Got the first of the hopscotch pavers base coated today and I’ll add the numbers tomorrow. Oila is doing a practice run through to the side. 

We want to make a long hopscotch but starting with a regular one for now until I can find more squares. 
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#diyyard #hopscotch #summerfun #steppingstones #diysteppingstones
Free cupcakes! Come get the crochet pattern and wh Free cupcakes!
Come get the crochet pattern and whip up a batch 🥳 they are gluten, sugar, AND calorie free!

Click the link in my bio for the free pattern on my blog.  THANK YOU!

Made with @redheartyarns 
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #bhooked #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
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Beanies For Bravery: Sending Hats to Soldiers

We are finishing up this season

Thank you to everyone that participated in sending beanies to our troops this season and in the past. Whether you made beanies, wrote thank you notes, sponsored the shipping, and/or shared my posts to spread the word YOU HELPED make this possible!

 

Quick Guide

Click one of the topics below to quickly jump to that section in this article:

  • Guidelines
  • Shipping Address & Info
  • Crochet Pattern
  • Knit Pattern

From 2011-2019 we have collected handmade things to send to U.S. soldiers serving overseas. This project has touched thousands of lives. Now is a GREAT time to crochet and knit to touch a life, don’t you think?

Please Join Us In Supporting Our Troops

 

Beanies Needed for Soldiers

In 2011, after my oldest son joined the army, we started a project called “Beanies for Bravery” to help show our support and give a small piece of love to our troops.

People from all over the world have made beanies for our US soldiers. Those, along with a hand written thank you letter, have been sent to more than 6000 soldiers from 2011-2015! In 2017 we collected water bottle soakers (a holder to keep their water cool) and sent over 1800 to troops in Afghanistan and Africa.

Thoughts From Soldiers

I have heard from many soldiers from the beginning of this project about how thankful they are to receive something, especially something made for them.

How can you help?

  • Crochet or knit solid black or solid dark brown beanies. Follow guidelines as listed below.
  • Write a short thank you note to a soldier and email or mail to above address. A note is attached to every beanie. This is a GREAT way for all ages and those unable to make hats to get involved.
  • An ad-free, downloadable PDF of this pattern, which includes the crochet and knit version is available for only $1.  click here
    100% of the proceeds from this pattern will be used to ship beanies to our soldiers overseas.
  • Send your beanies to the address below by JANUARY 31, 2022.
  • Shipping address: Heidi Yates/BFB, 848 Kentwood, Brigham City, UT 84302
  • Shipping sponsor: click here for more info

Guidelines

PLEASE read through the next part carefully. ALL needed information is included and it is important the guidelines are followed.

Each year we donate hundreds of hats to local shelters because guidelines were NOT followed and cannot be sent to the troops. 

There are specific guidelines. Please follow these because hats that are the wrong colors or sizes cannot be sent and are a waste of your time and shipping expense.

Specifications

  • Beanies must be dark brown or black
  • Measurements: 8 ½ – 10 inches deep and 21 – 23 inches in circumference. PLEASE measure and make sure your hat is the right size.
  • Any pattern, knit or crochet, may be used.
  • PLEASE no cuffs, pompoms, earflaps, stripes, appliques or colors other than dark brown or black.
  • Attach a handwritten note/thank you letter to each beanie you send. Do NOT include personal addresses or phone numbers on the tags. Please do NOT use straight pins.

Suggested Yarn Brands and Colors

Red Heart Super Saver: Coffee or Black

Red Heart With Love: Chocolate, Black

These are just suggestions and many other yarns may be used.

Please be aware that some yarns, like Caron Simply Soft are a light weight worsted yarn. Make sure your beanie fits the needed measurements.

Important Note: some branches of the military request only 100% wool items, but the units we send to have requested non wool, washable fibers. I continually check to make sure we are providing items our soldiers are able to use.

Suggested pattern

When we first started this project, I wanted to offer a suggested pattern. Michelle Miller had this great pattern and the results are consistent. Easy enough for a beginner too. What drew me to the pattern was the fact that the designer is a mother of 3 sailors. This pattern has been passed down from her grandmother. Please respect her and the pattern and do not distribute it in part or whole.

Crochet Pattern


Want to purchase an ad-free, downloadable PDF of this pattern, which includes the crochet and knit versions, for only $1?   click here

100% of the proceeds from this pattern will be used to ship beanies to our soldiers overseas.


Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in dark brown or black. Yarns MUST be washable and comfortable fibers. Suggestions: Red Heart Super Saver Coffee or Black, Red Heart With Love Chocolate or Black

Please be aware not all worsted weight, size 4 yarns are the same thickness and can
provide a variety of results.

Hook: I hook (5.5mm)

Gauge: 4″ = 13 hdc and 10 rows
Finished size needs to be 8 ½ – 10 inches deep
Sample created from this pattern with gauge provided is 8.5″ x 20.5″

Note: These hats will be provided to both men and women.

Please no stripes, varigated yarns or embellishments such as braids and pompoms.

Directions
1. With I hook and worsted weight yarn, start with a magic circle of 8hdc (or preferred method for starting a circle of 8hdc sts). (8sts)
2. Work 2 hdc in each hdc around. (16 hdc)
3. Work (1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) around. (24 hdc)
4. Work (1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st) around. (32 hdc)
5. Work (1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st) around. (40 hdc)
6. Work (1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st) around. (48 hdc)
7. Work (1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (56 hdc)
8. Work (1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (64 hdc)
9. Work 1 hdc in each st around until hat measures 8.5 – 10″ from top to current row.
On the last round of hdc, finish with hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next st. This will make the next round even.
Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around.
Join with Sl St into first ch-1 sp. Finish off and weave in ends.


 

Knit Pattern


An ad-free, downloadable PDF of this pattern, which includes the crochet and knit version is available for only $1.  click here

100% of the proceeds from this pattern will be used to ship beanies to our soldiers overseas.


Materials

Worsted weight yarn in dark brown or black. Suggestions: Red Heart Super Saver Coffee or Black, Red Heart With Love Chocolate or Black

Please be aware not all worsted weight, size 4 yarns are the same thickness and can provide a variety of results.

Needles: Size 9 (4.5mm) x 12” or 16” circular needles, Size 9 double-pointed needles, Stitch marker

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches
Finished size needs to be 8 ½ – 10 inches deep
Sample created from this pattern with gauge provided is 8.5″ x 20.5″

Note: These hats will be provided to both men and women.

Please no stripes, variegated yarns or embellishments.

Directions

With worsted weight yarn and circular needles, cast on 72 stitches, place marker, and join to begin knitting in the round.

Knit 1, Purl 1 Rib for two inches.

Work in stockinette (knit every round) until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge or desired length if a longer or shorter hat is needed.

Note: Switch to double-pointed needles when too few stitches remain to easily knit on circulars.

Decreasing

  1. *knit 7, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (64sts)
  2. *knit 6, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (56sts)
  3. *knit 5, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (48sts)
  4. *knit 4, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (40sts)
  5. *knit 3, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (32sts)
  6. *knit 2, knit 2tog* repeat to end of round. (24sts)
  7. *knit 1, knit 2tog*, repeat to end of round. (16sts)
  8. *knit 2tog*, repeat to end of round. (8sts)
  9. Thread yarn through the remaining 8 sts and pull tight to close the top of the beanie. Weave in ends.

Thank you for supporting our soldiers. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Extra Donations

Unfortunately we cannot send extra items such as food, toothbrushes, soap, etc. Please do not send anything but beanies and notes.

Tips For Sizing

Please measure beanies and make sure they are big enough for an adult male, but not too big. We get a big variety of hats. Here are some:

       

      Who receives the beanies?

      Because we ship to a lot of war zones we cannot post exact areas. In the past we have sent to Marines, Army and Air Force soldiers in the Middle East.

      In addition, 1500 beanies were made in green and white for the students and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT after the horrific events in 2012. For those that participated in that project, we keep in contact with the school PTA and will post any pictures or information we receive.

      Last update: hats were passed out to the students and staff during the fall, 2013. Pictures are not available at this time.


      Do YOU Have Someone We Can Send Beanies To?

      If you have ANY questions or know of a soldier we could send hats to, please email Heidi.


      Shipping Information

      What is the shipping address? 

      • Shipping address: Heidi Yates/BFB, 848 Kentwood, Brigham City, UT 84302

      Who pays the shipping?

      The beanies need to be shipped to Heidi (each participant pays to ship the piece to Heidi). The beanies are then prepared to ship to the soldiers. MANY sponsors have paid for the shipping, with help from the purchase of the pdf version of this pattern. THANK YOU!

      How much is shipping?
      Heidi lives in Utah. Shipping TO Heidi depends on how far away you live. Since they are a fairly small, light weight project, I think the cost should be pretty minimal.

      The cost to ship TO the soldiers is approximately $22 per 30 beanies. We have done a lot of research (A LOT) as we have shipped beanies to soldiers in the past so we know the most inexpensive way to ship.

      Filed Under: Crochet Tagged With: beanies, charity

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      Comments

      1. Jo Baldwin says

        at

        Heidi, what are you looking for in the notes that go with the hats, Jo

      Next Post >

      Weekly Wash #32: Monster Sponge

      HI! I am Heidi and I am so glad you are here. I hope you will enjoy my crochet and crafty creations, plus the quirky things I share.

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      There are over 4 months until Christmas (ahhh that There are over 4 months until Christmas (ahhh that sounds so nice... but dang it! Time will start zooming now!)

A blanket for your special person would be a wonderful present and if you start now you will LOVE having it done. 

This blanket is super easy plus it makes a great stash buster so you can use what you have on hand. 

Free snappy pattern link in my bio or visit: https://snappy-tots.com/free-lap-afghan-crochet-blanket/

Made with @redheartyarns 

#makersgonnamake 
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
#supportsmallbusiness #handmade
#handmadewithjoann #joanns
#crochetersofinstagram #crochetaddict 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
      Free wash of the week: these monster sponges are s Free wash of the week: these monster sponges are super helpers with the dishes and in the bath. 
Click the link in my bio for quick access to this pattern or visit
https://snappy-tots.com/weekly-wash-20-monster-sponge/ 
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
      Enjoying some crochet time outside on a gorgeous d Enjoying some crochet time outside on a gorgeous day. Brookie loves the grass and is definitely a summer baby.

#yorkie #crochet #crochetoutside #relaxing #utahsummer
      How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? 🇺🇸🍉🧨
The solar light fireworks are one of my favorite decorations for summer and the month of July. They are super easy and quick to whip up so you could have a bunch done for the weekend.

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-firework-solar-covers/

Made with @redheartyarns super saver.
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations
      Ducke is ready for July… are you? This hat and s Ducke is ready for July… are you?
This hat and sweater set is easy to make and can be done in any colors.

I use @redheartyarns for anything I’m going to have outside because it holds up the best!

Free pattern on my blog: https://snappy-tots.com/free-pattern-patriotic-goose-set/
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#creativelife  #livecreatively #creativityeveryday #bhooked #craftastherapy #crochetcommunity #crochetedwithlove #crocheters #crochetersofinstagram #crocheteveryday #ilovecrochet #snappytots #makersgonnamake 
#freepattern #freecrochet #freecrochetpattern
#redheartyarns #joycreators #yarnspirations

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