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Sunday 30 September 2012

Free Pattern Details - Classic Wool DK - Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts - Patons Yarn

 

Heat up your cold weather wardrobe with these fun Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts. Shown in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash.

Heat up your cold weather wardrobe with these fun Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts. Shown in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash.

Skill Level
Intermediate

Download the free pattern here.

Saturday 29 September 2012

BBC NEWS Health -Cup of cocoa may keep doctor away

 

Forget all this hot chocolate nonsense and get into real cocoa.

 

Cup of cocoa may keep doctor away

Cocoa is rich in antioxidants

A cup of cocoa a day may help to keep the doctor away.

A study by scientists in the United States has found that a cup of hot cocoa is rich in powerful antioxidants.

Previous studies have also shown these chemicals, which can protect against a range of diseases and reduce the effects of ageing, are found in cocoa.

However, this latest study suggests cocoa may be richer in antioxidants than better known "healthy" drinks like tea and red wine.

Health benefits

In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the health properties of tea, red wine and cocoa.

A study in China, published in April last year, found tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop cancer compared with people who did not drink tea.

A cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants

Dr Chang Yong Lee,
Cornell University

Just over a year ago, researchers in France reported that a glass of red wine a day may cut a man's chances of having a second heart attack by half.

In 1998, a study of more than 8,000 Americans found chocolate, which is made from cocoa, may even extend life.

They are all rich in polyphenols, chemicals that have an antioxidant effect on the body.

This means they can "mop up" free radicals - charged particles, produced by the body, which can damage cells and trigger diseases like cancer.

Dr Chang Yong Lee and colleagues at Cornell University in New York carried out tests to measure antioxidants levels in tea, red wine and cocoa.

A cup of cocoa came out on top. Their study found it was twice as rich in antioxidants as a glass of red wine, up to three times richer than a cup of green tea and up to five times richer than black tea.

Although cocoa is found in many other products, such as chocolate, the researchers said drinking it was the best way of harnessing its health benefits.

This is because a bar of chocolate is high in saturated fats. A 40g bar of chocolate contains about 8g of saturated fat. This compares with 0.3g in an average cup of hot cocoa.

"Although we know that antioxidants are important for good health, nobody knows the exact daily amount required per person," said Dr Lee.

"Nevertheless, a cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants."

The study is published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

 

Source BBC News

Friday 28 September 2012

Free Pattern Details - Grace - Scallop Mesh Jacket (crochet) - Patons Yarn

 

Work into the front and back loops to create the beautiful ribbed edgings on this cardigan. Crocheted in Patons Grace.

Work into the front and back loops to create the beautiful ribbed edgings on this cardigan. Crocheted in Patons Grace.

Skill Level
Intermediate

SIZES
To fit bust measurement
Extra-Small/Small
28-34" [71-86.5 cm]
Medium 36-38" [91.5-96.5 cm]
Large 40-42" [101.5-106.5 cm]
Extra-Large 44-46" [112-117 cm]
2/3 Extra-Large 48-54" [122-137 cm]
4/5 Extra-Large 56-62" [142-157.5 cm]

Finished bust
Extra-Small/Small
36" [91.5 cm ]
Medium 40" [101.5 cm]
Large 44" [112 cm]
Extra-Large 48" [122 cm]
2/3 Extra-Large 56" [142 cm]
4/5 Extra-Large 64" [162.5 cm]

Download the free pattern here.

Thursday 27 September 2012

Got Spirit Hat Crochet Pattern - Red Heart

Got Spirit Hat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download Printable Instructions

This yarn comes in favorite team colors to make it easy to show your spirit! This beginner crochet pattern is great for making hats for all your friends or for learning to crochet.

Project Number:
LW2924

Designed By:
Edie Eckman

Skill Level:

  • Beginner

Category:

  • Crochet

Project Type:

  • Hats

Download Printable Instructions here

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Crochet DROPS jacket in ”Nepal”, ”Big Fabel” and ”Alpaca Bouclé”.

 

Trendy and retro at the same time - be really original!"

Crochet DROPS jacket in ”Nepal”, ”Big Fabel” and ”Alpaca Bouclé”. Size: S – XXXL

Free Crochet pattern can be found here by DROPS design

DROPS design: Pattern no ne-092
Yarn group C + C + C
-----------------------------------------------------------
Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL
Materials: DROPS NEPAL from Garnstudio
400-400-450-500-550-600 g colour no 0618, camel
150-150-200-200-200-200 g colour no 2923, goldenrod
150-150-200-200-200-200 g colour no 2920, orange
And use:
DROPS BIG FABEL from Garnstudio
300-300-300-400-400-400 g colour no 912, soft chocolate
And use:
DROPS ALPACA BOUCLÉ from Garnstudio
100 g for all sizes in colour no 2020, light beige
DROPS CROCHET HOOK SIZE 5 mm – or size needed to get 14 tr in width x 5½ rows vertically = 10 x 10 cm.

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Spooky Cup Cozies Free Crochet Pattern - Red Heart

Spooky Cup Cozies

These monsters and ghouls will keep your coffee warm and your fingers protected while you hand out Halloween treats! Use the cozy over the top of the cardboard insulation for extra finger protection!

Project Number:
LW3255

Designed By:
Vicki Blizzard

Skill Level:

  • Easy

Category:

  • Crochet

Project Type:

  • Seasonal

Download the free pattern here.

Monday 24 September 2012

Free Crochet Pattern 90268AD Cardiff Cowl : Lion Brand Yarn Company

Image of Cardiff Cowl

Lion Brand® LB Collection® Baby Alpaca
Pattern #: 90268AD

Rating:
*****
4.3 (based on 28 reviews)

Most current review / See all reviews
Write a review

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

SIZE: One Size
About 10 x 21 in. (25.5 x 53.5 cm)

 

Get the free pattern by clicking here

Not already a member of the Lion brand Yarn website then join now by

 Clicking here.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Crochet DROPS pouf with stripes in 2 threads ”Eskimo”. ~ DROPS Design

 

"Perfect for children’s room, or as present?"

Crochet DROPS pouf with stripes in 2 threads ”Eskimo”.

This pattern has been carefully reviewed, but should you have any comments/questions please contact usa@garnstudio.com

DROPS Design: Pattern no ee-427
Yarn group E + E
-----------------------------------------------------------
Measure:
Circumference: approx 160 cm (incl filling)
Diameter: approx 50 cm
Height: approx 20 cm
Materials:
DROPS ESKIMO from Garnstudio
300 g colour no 26, hot pink
250 g colour no 21, blue/violet
200 g colour no 10, bordeaux
200 g colour no 15, dark blue
200 g colour no 23, tan
150 g colour no 07, orange
DROPS CROCHET HOOK SIZE 8 mm – or size needed to get 8 dc in width and 8 rows in height with 2 threads Eskimo on 10 x 10 cm.
ACCESSORIES:
1-2 down duvets for filling (it is important to use down as this is the best to shape the form). A cheap duvet is perfectly fine – we have used summer down duvets that weigh approx. 1400 g).

 

 

For free pattern visit Garnstudio.com by clicking here

Friday 21 September 2012

In The Loop Scarf–Free Crochet Pattern Berroco

 

Click here to get the pattern at Berroco

One size – Skill Level: Easy

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 4” wide x 98” long (or desired length)

MATERIALS
1 Hank BERROCO LINK (200 grs), #3272 Safari
1 Hank BERROCO VINTAGE COLORS (100 grs), #5218 Terra Cotta
Crochet hook, size 5.00 mm (H-8)
8” ruler or cardboard (we used an 8” wide book) for measuring loops

GAUGE

There are no gauge requirements for this project

NOTE

You will be crocheting with Vintage Colors only, using Link as a carrying thread.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Hearty mushroom soup recipe - Recipes - BBC Good Food

I made this soup recently and it was so delicious I thought I would share the recipe here.

 

Hearty mushroom soup<br />

Hearty mushroom soup

A satisfying and low-fat vegetarian soup that's a good source of folic acid

Recipe uploaded by

member_thumbGood Food

4<br /> stars41 ratings 4

Recipe by Good Food

Difficulty and servings

Moderately easy

Serves 4 - 6

Preparation and cooking times
Preparation time

Prep 30 mins

Cook time

Cook 30 mins

VegetarianFreezable

Vegetarian, Low-fat, Super healthy

Can be frozen

Method
  1. Put the porcini in a bowl with 250ml boiling water and leave to soak for 25 mins. Heat the oil in a pan and add the onion, carrot, garlic, rosemary and seasoning. Fry for 5 mins on a medium heat until softened. Drain the porcini, saving the liquid, and finely chop. Tip into the pan with the fresh mushrooms. Fry for another 5 mins, then add the stock, marsala or sherry, tomato purée, barley and strained porcini liquid.
  2. Cook for 30 mins or until barley is soft, adding more liquid if it becomes too thick. Serve in bowls with parmesan sprinkled over, if desired.
Per serving

245 kcalories, protein 8g, carbohydrate 35g, fat 7 g, saturated fat 1g, fibre 3g, sugar 10g, salt 1.13 g

Recipe from Good Food magazine, February 2006.

For more great recipes please visit the bbcgoodfood site here.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Free Crochet Pattern - Grace - Staggered Shells Wrap

Crochet a beautiful lace shawl with scalloped edges by working into the front or back loops of stitches. Crocheted in Patons Grace.

Click here to get the pattern

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Wednesday 12 September 2012

Thigh High Leg Warmers Crochet Pattern - Red Heart

Thigh High Leg Warmers

Wear these colorful leg warmers for their practical cozy warmth or just for the fun of it. This is an easy project that won’t take long to crochet.

Project Number:
LW2526

Designed By:
Double Stitch Twins

Skill Level:

  • Easy

Category:

  • Crochet

Project Type:

  • Accessories
  • Mitts / Socks

Click here to get the free pattern

Sunday 9 September 2012

Taxi! Taxi! Throw Free Crochet Pattern - Red Heart

Taxi! Taxi! Throw

 

Here’s a throw for kids that are into cars! This graphic crochet design can set the tone for a great bedroom décor or kept at grandma’s for a homey touch away from home.

Project Number:
LW3121

Designed By:
Michele Maks

Skill Level:

  • Intermediate

Category:

  • Crochet
  • Crochet

Project Type:

  • Afghans / Throws

Click here to get the free pattern