fluffy – Whole Heartily

DIY Crochet – Ear Warming Headband

Welcome back friends! Do you crochet? I dabbled in crochet off and on for a few years, always fascinated, but never fully catching on. I kept at it, and suddenly, it clicked! I feel calm and cozy when I’m crocheting, and fiercely proud whenever I complete a project.

It’s that time of year for keeping warm! Whether you’d like to create a ear-warmer headband for yourself or to gift to a friend, I’m here to help!

This headband is cozy, classic and ideal for any level of crocheter (beginners included)! Any bulky size 5 yarn can be used in this pattern.

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 6mm)
Yarn (size 5)
Scissors
Yarn needle

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot and then 64 chain stitches. The chain number may vary a bit depending on the head size you are creating the headband for. If possible, hold the chain around your head or theirs to measure.
Turn your chain around and half double crochet (hdc) into the back loop of the second stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your chain.
Turn your work. Insert your hook under both loops of the first stitch, yarn over and pull through. Then insert your hook behind the second vertical loop of the stitch you just created, yarn over and pull through. This create a smoother/ straighter finish along the sides of the project.
In the next stitch, hdc into the back loop and then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your project.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the next 8 rows for a total of 9 hdc rows. You are welcome increase or decrease the amount of rows if you’d prefer a thinner or wider headband.
After the last hdc of your last row, use the scissors to disconnect the yarn from the skein and pull the loose in through your crochet loop, leaving a good length to sew the headband together.
Taking each end of the project, pinch the corners in towards each other to create a C and a backwards C, then bring the C’s together to interlink. Using a yarn needle, stitch the remaining yarn back and forth through all 4 layers of the interlinked ends.
Turn the headband right-side out and there’s your twist!
Put over your ears, and get cozy!

DIY Crochet – Warm, Fuzzy Scarf Pattern

It’s that time of year for keeping warm! Whether you’d like to create a scarf for yourself or to gift to a friend, I’m here to help!

This scarf is cozy classic and ideal for any level of crocheter (beginners included)! Any bulky size 5 yarn can be used in this pattern, but for the soft and fuzzy results of my example piece, I used Carron Latte Cakes Yarn.

SUPPLIES

Crochet hook (size 6mm)
Carron Latte Cakes Yarn (Color: Rose Scented)
Scissors
Yarn needle or small crochet hook

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a slip knot, then chain 250 stitches.
Turn your chain around and half double crochet (hdc) into the third stitch from the hook. Continue to hdc in each stitch all the way across your chain.
Chain 2 and turn your work. Hdc into the back loop of the third stitch from the hook, then continue to hdc in the back loops of each stitch all the way across your project.
Repeat step 3 for the next thirteen rows for a total of 15 hdc rows. You are welcome increase the amount of rows if you’d prefer a wider scarf!
After the last hdc stitch of your last row, use the scissors to disconnect the yarn from the skein and pull the loose end through your crochet loop.
Using a yarn needle or a small crochet hook, weave the loose ends of the yarn into the surrounding scarf.
Wrap around your neck and get cozy!

Classic, Fluffy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Have you tried a classic, fluffy sugar cookie? They are so cozy and delicious, and would pair perfectly with any warm beverage of your choice. Share them with family, friends, even leave them out with some milk for Santa Claus!

CLASSIC FLUFFY SUGAR COOKIES

2 3/4 cups of flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
2 cups of granulated sugar, divided
1 egg
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, then set this bowl aside.
In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups of the sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and the vanilla extract to the creamed butter, and thoroughly mix again.
Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated (you may need to use your hands). The dough will be soft and slightly dewy when ready.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour or more.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator when ready and pre-heat the oven to 350F.
Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a small mixing bowl and set it aside.
Line a large baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper.
Scoop out portions of 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough, rolling them into balls about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Roll each cookie dough ball in the bowl of sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes (this varies per oven so keep an eye on them) or until the top of the cookie begins to crinkle and the bottom sides turn golden brown.
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooking rack to finish cooling completely.
Enjoy!