There are some really interesting products being made for Halloween and I cannot believe I missed this one. It is Hallmark's motion activated Halloween Alive and Talkin' Pumpkin'. He measures 11 inches high by 7 inches wide, features a number of different Halloween-theme faces and, when you pass him by, he'll make a comment like:
"Is that a mask? Please tell me it's a mask!"
"Have a nice fright!"
"Hope Your Halloween is Delightful."
"Ever since the carving, I just have this empty feeling inside..."
If you have seen the animated pumpkin up close and personal, be sure to let us know what you think. Meanwhile, I'm hoping I run into one out there in the real world.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Disney at Halloween? I have never had the opportunity to be at a Disney Park during Halloween though I have visited at other times of the year. However, I would really, really love the opportunity to see Walt Disney World or Disneyland when Disney waves a magic wand and casts a spell over the theme parks transforming them into not-so-scary destinations for one of the most important nights of the year!
Shown here is a Halloween-themed piece from Disney from 2014 that features Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. It is from Jim Shore's Disney Traditions Collection and it is a trick or treat themed jack-o-lantern that lights up. I love that no candle is required because it contains a light that goes on and off at the flick of a switch.
Originally, I believe that you could buy this figurine by visiting Disney Parks. However, it is retired now and to find this fun Disney-themed Halloween collectible, you will have to turn to resellers like the ones here on eBay.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween is a simple short piece of beloved folklore that immediately brings the season to life. A rhyme with author unknown. Often marked simply: Anonymous. It creates an entire scene usually presented in four short lines and conjures up pictures of witches riding on broomsticks, black cats and a personified moon. It’s playful rather than frightening. Child friendly even.
After some research, the mysterious history continues. I do not know who wrote those lines or when they were written or first appeared. That information does not seem to be documented, but nevertheless the poem has taken on a life of its own and I was delighted to find a few interesting items that you can buy today that feature this ever-so-slightly spooky poem. Follow along as I review a few of these bewitching items.
APRON
One of the simplest ways to celebrate Halloween during the month of October is to wear a Halloween-themed apron. I love this embroidered apron by Remi Louise of The Threaded Stitch Co. on Etsy. It features the poem and is available in five colors and seven sizes, including one for children. The design captures an old-fashioned feeling with a bit of whimsy. It’s perfectly seasonal and perfect for Halloween, although one pleased reviewer says she wears hers all year long.
Another practical gift that declares your love of Halloween and this poem is this fun t-shirt from Steeped in Puns on Etsy. It is made from quality cotton fabric, making it comfortable and durable. Perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. Like the poem, this t-shirt captures the essence of Halloween and is ideal for someone who loves an old-fashioned Halloween, vintage and spooky graphics and witch-and-black-cat designs. It features vintage-style typography, a witch on her broom, a black cat, a crescent moon and the verse and is available in five colors and sizes from XS to 5XL from Steeped in Puns Shop on Etsy by clicking here.
This vintage Hallmark Halloween die-cut wall decoration features a whimsical witch riding on her broomstick with her black cat. Her outfit and grin give her a cheerful demeanor. She is a fun piece of nostalgia, possibly from the 1980s, for your Halloween collection and for people who collect vintage Hallmark, die-cut Halloween decorations, witches and other Halloween ephemera.
She doesn’t feature the poem but I think she is a fun addition to this page. There aren’t many vintage items with the poem and this is a piece that has the feel of the poem. After all, witches, broomsticks and black cats are what you think of when you think of this classic Halloween verse. She’s just one of many die-cut options. Click here to discover a whole coven of witches on broomsticks and black cats on eBay. To find this exact image, you will have to add Hallmark to the search.
THE MAGIC IS JUST BEGINNING
I hope I’ve inspired you to add one of these items - the apron, the t-shirt, the artwork or a die-cut witch - to your Halloween collection. If you happen to know more about who wrote this poem or when it first appeared, be sure to let us know in the comments.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you have a child at home who loves Sesame Street and is learning his or her letters, you both will love Play-Doh’s Sesame Street Cookie Monster-themed set, Lunch Letters. It allows you to create either just individual ABCs or complete words and, eventually I suppose, short sentences. Imagination enters the play, too, when you make alphabet soup for Cookie Monster’s lunch.
This Hasbro playset includes the Cookie Monster figure that you can feed as well as a bowl, lid, knife, spoon, fork, roller, presser tool, playmat, four small cans of Play-Doh modeling compound and 45 molds. It is recommended for individuals aged 3 and up and is marked set number 25255 with the UPC code 5010994543181.
Here's the original television commercial for the set from Youtube so that you can see the toy in action:
It is a set from 2010, which means that it is retired, a bit hard-to-find and therefore often expensive. What is it worth today? The three years prior to writing this post, I can see that a set has sold for as much as $299 but also as low as $30, depending on condition and other factors.
This set would make a great addition to your child’s learning tools or to your Play-doh or Sesame Street collection.
Image at the top of the page was made with some assistance from Chat GPT.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When you get to a certain age (I refuse to state what that age is), you might find yourself in a quandary when it comes to a gift for a birthday, anniversary, retirement or some other BIG occasion.
It's happened to me and I know it's happened to you too!
Well, I found something that we are currently enjoying because it looks nice, has an appeal that will fit just about any lifestyle and it's always changing.
I purchased this for my other half to help celebrate a birthday (I won't say which one) and he had no idea what it was even after opening it and taking a really hard look at it. But I could see that he was amused and interested.
We took this gift one step further and added a base that lights up. Not only does it change the way it looks, but I think it makes it even more interesting.
Our base is just perfect to add that little touch of brightness in a dark corner. Inexpensive and it really does make this Weather Storm Glass stand out. We love turning off our lights in the evenings and this just emits enough light that you can easily make your way around the room.
Here is a picture of it and the box that it comes in. It was well packaged because it's delicate, we had no problem with breakage. The light base is not as delicate.
This is what the Storm Glass looks like when it is on the light base and you are looking down at it. I think it's pretty amazing and unusual.
I think this looks like a storm waiting to happen, but the light playing within the Storm Glass is just mesmerizing.
So if you know someone who has just about everything they need and you still want to get them a little gift that is sure to please, add this one to your list of unique and fun items
Does it work as a weather predictor? Apparently it should! If the liquid is clear, there will be fair weather. Small dots or flakes means humid weather. Crystals forming fern like or tree like leaves means frosty or cold conditions. If the liquid is cloudy there could be stormy weather on it's way. And if the crystals are sinking or shapeless there could be southerly or warm winds on the way.
My eyes are not so well trained to see all these subtle differences, but I find it fascinating just to look at it and that is good enough for me.
One thing is certain, it will be a gift that will make everyone take notice, because, it is rather different and leaves room for some unpredictable enjoyment.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The phrase, I teach tiny humans, seems to have become quite popular. It seems to have come about from the description of teachers teaching young children. You can find this phrase on a variety of products, in a variety of styles, on Zazzle.
Some products will specify what subject is being taught, others just have the general statement.
I decided to go with my pointillism apple as the background, and chose to go with the general statement. The statement, though, can be customized.
I liked going with the pointillism apple; not only is it artistic, but I remember being taught about pointillism in school. It was a special kind of art.
The first product that I added this statement to is window clings. As of the date of my writing this post, window clings has received on review on Zazzle, a 5 out of 5 stars. The customer said it sticks well and there was no bleed in the printing.
On this product, I added two rows of text, with a shadow text in light green, behind the top highlight text in yellow. The text can be customized; be sure to customize both text fields, and to make them the same. One can also be deleted if you don't want a shadow text.
The window cling comes in a choice of five sizes ranging from 4 x 4 inches to 24 x 24 inches. You can also choose from an opaque look to various levels of transparency.
Tshirts seem to be a popular gift for teachers as well. On the tshirt, I chose to make the letters white without any shadow look. I think it looks cute on white tshirts, though any color can be chosen, as well as different tshirt styles and or fabric type. Sizes to choose from for this tshirt style are Small, Medium, Large, XL, and 2XL. Different tshirt styles can come in different size options.
Mugs are also real popular for teacher gifts. The teacher can used it for their coffee or to store pencils, markers, and such on their desk. It has the same artistic design as the tshirt, with the white on the pointillism apple. As far as mug styles to choose from, there are a variety of styles and color options, and sizes to choose from too.
I have purchased both tshirts and mugs from Zazzle at various times, and have been pleased with the print quality from both. I would recommend both.
Do you have a favorite? Do you teach young children, or know any teachers that do?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing this with anyone who would be interested in these.
Cheryl Paton
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Mattel's Sing-a-ma-jigs are a small stuffed or plush toy that is battery-operated and designed to entertain. Once engaged, they chatter and they sing. Put them in a group and they even harmonize. They are, as I believe the company said, a hoot! If you haven't seen them, make sure you take a moment to watch this short introductory video to see them in action.
Buy one or collect them all but the more you have, the more fun for all! Build your collection one by one or in multiples; in small groups or in whole choruses.
REVIEW
Sing-a-ma-jigs are a small but surprisingly cute and addictive musical plush toy. (Mattel calls them dolls.) Their ability to harmonize with other characters is fun and, as I said a moment ago, the more you have, the more fun you will have. They are designed for children aged three and up but they are highly entertaining for adults, too. They feature three ways to play: song, harmony and chatter and those functions are activated when you press their hands and tummies.
They were first released in 2010 and I believe they were discontinued as early as 2012. With the exception of some keychains, I believe they were all the same size, measuring 12 inches in height and they require two AA batteries.
Not everyone thinks the Sing-a-ma-jigs are cute. Personally, I think they are at least when you consider their hidden talents but I am definitely not a fan of the Mickey and Minnie Mouse versions. I do find them creepy. How about you?
MODELS
There were numerous models released on various themes with each character having a unique song. Themes including Basic, Halloween, Christmas, Birthday, Easter, Valentine's Day, Independence Day, The Hits, Japanese Exclusives, Duets and mini Sing-a-ma-jigs on keychains.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SING-A-MA-JIGS?
Anyway, this next video takes a deep dive into Sing-a-ma-jigs in which vlogger lulaloopsey shares her extensive knowledge and research on the toy line. She actually questions why Sing-a-ma-jigs were so quickly discontinued despite that fact that they achieved such huge popularity but was unable to find any discussion online about what happened to them. That is definitely something that would be interesting to learn more about.
CURRENT VALUE
This page was originally written in 2010, when Sing-a-ma-jigs were released. Since then, as mentioned above, these dolls have gone out of production and I cannot find any of them on Amazon. However, when I turn to eBay, I find a host of new and used Sing-a-ma-jigs. A bit of value research on my part reveals that in the last three years, the prices on eBay have ranged from $15 to $350. The listings that command the higher prices are either a group of Sing-a-ma-jigs or a particularly rare one. New ones, of course, will always command a higher price than a used one.
WHERE TO BUY SING-A-MA-JIGS?
There are definitely still enough Sing-a-ma-jigs available on eBay to allow you to create your own chorus or to simply expand your collection. Click here to see which ones are available todayon eBay.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Here's a super simple, super affordable gift idea for mom on Mother's Day or any day of the year. It is a small Play-Doh set by Hasbro called Tulips and Daffodils.
Recommended for individuals aged 3 and up, it is perfect for gifting to mom who will be able to use the floral-scented play dough as fun crafting activity with her child. The set includes molds for creating two flowers, a tulip and a daffodil, plastic stems and leaves and a small flower-pot style planter. Find your Tulip and Daffodil Play-Doh set here, on Amazon.
In my opinion, the most valuable and interesting retired floral set is the Magic Bloom Flower Garden, which is shown above. When it appears, it sells fairly quickly on reselling sites like eBay with a new set selling from $50 to $100. See for yourself the Magic Bloom Flower Garden sets available on eBay right now by clicking here.
Note, if you buy a retired Play-Doh set you may have to replace the dough though given the availability of that product in single or multiple can sets, that will not be an onerous or expensive challenge.
See you at the toy store! Brenda Treasures By Brenda
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Crochet is such a fun yarn craft that makes beautiful items. I've crocheted for decades but have always had trouble joining panels of crochet or granny square blocks. I recently started a small Tunisian crochet project that was less of an actual project and more to give me something small and easy to do on days that I don't physically feel like doing much else. By chance, my little crochet project that looked like a small scarf is turning into a beautiful lap blanket because of a wonderful tutorial from TL Yarn Crafts. I am exceedingly pleased with how this project is shaping up. It will make a beautiful gift.
TL Yarn Crafts. I found TL Yarn Crafts quite by accident. It was perfect timing since I was refreshing my memory with Tunisian Crochet. The TL Yarn Crafts channel and websites were created by Toni. On her YouTube channel, she shares over 200 crochet patterns. She has tutorials for crocheter's of every skill level: beginning, medium and advanced. I found her tutorial to be very well-filmed, with every motion easy to see. Her instructions are easy to understand.
The TL Yarn Crafts crochet YouTube channel includes:
crochet patterns - hats, sweaters, granny squares, and blankets
crochet tips and hacks - blocking, twisted tassel, keyhole tassel, edging, and more
Tunisian crochet tutorials - Tunisian hooks, the absolute basics, and patterns such as tunisian crochet in the round.
yarn and accessories reviews
yarn craft business tips and advice
My Project - Tunisian Swatch to Striped Lapghan (happy accident)
I had a pretty green gradient yarn by Lion Brand in my yarn hoard. Since I didn't feel up to working on larger projects, I decided to practice my Tunisian crochet skills. Basic Tunisian crochet consists of using one long crochet hook, picking up loops in one direction, and pulling the yarn through each of those loops in the opposite direction. Easy-peasy. No counting. Just row after row of "yarn on" in one direction and "yarn off" in the other direction. I hadn't Tunisian crocheted in quite awhile and wanted to practice the technique for making even edges that I had recently seen in a video.
Once I had a scarf-length piece, had come across a video in which TL Yarn Crafts was making little Tunisian crochet squares. Rather than making the squares separately and joining them later (usually using a simple sewing stitch with yarn and a needle) she was joining as she went.
TL Yarn Craft's project was beautiful and her tutorial was clear. I realized that I could use the same technique to join my scarf-shaped swatch with other scarf shaped pieces and make a striped lapghan. The result is easy and turning out beautifully. The seams are even -something I wasn't able to do when trying to sew blocks together.
I am using the green and the blue skeins of Lion Brand Gradient yarn cakes. This yarn is easy to work with, soft, and offers beautiful colorways. This yarn is soft and easy to work with. It is a great choice for a large variety of crafts: blankets, sweaters, hats, and stuffed animals.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I brought myself a stainless steel cage crystal holder necklace (try saying that fast!) a couple of years ago and I couldn't be happier with it.
You can get these in stainless steel or gold. I opted for stainless steel because I thought it complemented the crystals I already had better than the gold one did.
I love being able to change out the crystals every day. For some people, this could be a fashion choice (and I'll admit I have changed them out a couple of times to complement my outfit).
I usually choose what crystal speaks to me on the day or what I feel I need for the day - crystals have different properties, such as protection and clarity.
I purchased my cage necklace at a market and it came with a crystal of my choice. It wasn't until I got home and decided to change the crystal out that the fun began!
It looks so simple to take a crystal out and add one in, but I found it was very fiddly to start with. This is the only downside to this necklace as you don't get any instructions with it! There is definitely a knack, but once you master it you have a very versatile piece of jewelry. I am glad I persevered with it as it's one of my favourite pieces of jewelry and I wear it most days.
I have noticed on Amazon that you can buy these necklaces as a set with crystals to get you started on your journey. If you're already a crystal lover like I am, then you will be happy with just the necklace on its own.
Do you like the idea of this versatile cage necklace? Another thing I love about this necklace is that you can use different crystal shapes as well. I have several polished oval and teardrop-shaped crystals that sit perfectly in the 'cage'. I also have a lot more irregularly shaped, unpolished crystals, and these fit nicely in the necklace cage.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Everyone needs to know the hour, minute or second sometime or other, making
clocks a necessity. So why not find an interesting-looking timepiece to give
as a gift or buy for yourself when there are so many choices available? They
can be found to suit any theme or motif in any room in your house, and the
interests of many family members or friends on your shopping list.
When you need to shop for a gift, think CLOCKS
Shopping for a Unique Clock
This page compiles a group of unusual and unique Clocks - and websites
where they can be found - to save you shopping time. The ones featured here
will fit into your space and budget easier than London's BIG BEN pictured
here! :-)
The Coby digital photo frame displays JPEG photo files and plays MP3 and
WMA music files. It has a photo slideshow mode. It is also digital with an
alarm, a calendar and displays the current temperature.
This would make a perfect gift for a student away at college, a soldier
stationed overseas, or the grandparents. A practical clock, plus a digital
photo viewer filled with your favorite photo images for that special
someone. .
"We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!"
Being a teenager in the 1950s, Bill Haley & His Comets sang to us about
'clocks' in a way we'll never forget. Dancing to this tune was a time we
loved. Listen to this favorite 'clock' song while you browse through the
clocks on this page.
"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley
Songs About Time…
Singers and song writers have given us the time in many ways
through song titles. A few are listed below. I'll bet you have some favorites
too.
Two favorite themes kids relate to these days -- Star Wars and Legos. My
grandson is crazy about both.... and his favorite is R2D2!
Decorate your child's room in a fun favorite and help them keep track of
time in this delightful way!
Lego Star Wars from Darth Vader to a Storm Trooper to R2D2 and more....
Star Wars Lego figures make fun clocks for kids!
Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day.
~Polish Proverb
Movies, Books & TV Shows with Clock Titles
Clocks and time itself play a major role in life, so it isn't surprising
that book authors and producers of movies and television shows base their
stories around the passage of time. Some of the most famous movies and books
of the past reflect this. See how many you recognize in the list
below:
If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your
craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft,
like this 'crafty' one! You can also search Amazon for a clock with the
design of your favorite hobby!
Time to Vote
What's Your Favorite Way to Track the Passage of Time?
I look at the clock on the wall.
I use my computer.
My cell phone is the handiest way.
I wear a watch.
I'm retired! Who cares what time it is? :-)
*Leave me your favorite choice (by number) in the
comments.
Whether you like modern or old-fashioned, funny or funky, streamlined,
ornate or simple, there is a special CLOCK made just for you and your
interests. I hope you have enjoyed browsing the choices I've presented
here.
*This Clocks Gift Guide was originally written on November 12, 2014.
While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the
best of that content here for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
A Gift Guide for Choosing Wall Clocks Your Kids Will Like
Children need clocks as much as grownups! School age children need to check a clock to know when the important segments of their day are happening -- time for breakfast, dinnertime, school time, homework time, bedtime. And what about 'playtime'... a most important part of a child's day!
Since kids need clocks, why not pick one that fits the theme of their bedroom or represents their favorite cartoon character, playtime buddy, hobby or animal. They will be more likely to 'keep track of time' if their clock represents something they can relate to.
This page has a selection of clocks that kids will really like. Browse through and find your child's favorite theme.
Superhero Wall Clocks
Superhero Spider Man... - A Clock for Kids Who Like SuperHeros!
This Spiderman Disney Marvel Red Wall Clock features a printed Spiderman face with two hand dial and a red casing. Your youngsters who like Superheros will enjoy having a clock on their bedroom wall that reminds them of their favorite superhero.
Cute Clocks for Girly Girls...
For your budding ballerina...
What little girl wouldn't love a cute wall clock featuring ballerina designs. This will look so sweet on a bedroom wall of your future ballerina!
This decorative “Ballerina Girl” wall clock has a wood-like colorful design of a ballerina girl. It measures 10 inches in diameter with easy-to-read large black Arabic numerals and hands.
Wall Clocks Boys Like
Football Wall Clock for your Sports Fan
This is an America Football Themed Wall Clock with a 12” black dial and a sporty football motif. The clock has bold white printed numbers and a crystal-clear clock cover. In addition to being perfect for a young lad who likes football, this clock would also go well in that ‘man cave’ for the football fanatic dad!
If your boy loves a different sport....
Football is a favorite, but there's a Wall Clock to be found on Amazon for lots of Sports. Just do a search for sports wall clocks and you'll find lots of choices in a multitude of sports.
Sports clocks are available for fans of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf and more. Individual favorite NFL and MLB team clocks are listed. There are even clocks with the theme of particular college teams.
Whatever kind of sports fan you are, a clock can be found to show your team spirit.
Trains & Planes, Cars & Trucks
Little boys especially love 'Things that Go' - trains and planes, cars and trucks. Anything with wheels and an engine is of interest in the rough and tumble world of boys. A wall clock in a favorite transportation theme, will keep their attention long enough to see what 'time' it is. :)
Kid time is fun time... as far as children are concerned. So when it comes time to teach them to "Tell Time", making it a fun game works best. The website page "Learn to Tell Time" helps children to learn to tell time in a fun, interactive learning experience.
This Learning Resources Teaching Clock is a great way to help kids grasp time-telling skills. The clock has hidden gears to maintain the correct hour and minute relationships. It has easy-to-read hour and minute markings.
Wall Clocks Safety Notes:
These featured wall clocks for kids are all 'cordless'. One AA battery required (not included, unless otherwise stated).
*This guide to the best wall clocks for kids was originally published on November 9, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The Rivers Shawl crochet pattern is a beautiful and versatile pattern with interesting texture and pretty drape. Whether you crochet for yourself or as gifts for others, this is an excellent pattern to choose.
My Rivers Shawl with Mandala Gradient yarn colorways
While focused on making items for my first donation to a local care home, I have tried to focus on shawls, lap blankets, and other items that the residents would find functional and enjoyable. I am thrilled about this pattern and highly recommend it.
Rivers Shawl Crochet Pattern by Rich Textures Crochet
As soon as I saw the photo of this pretty shawl pattern, I hoped that it wouldn't be too difficult for me to complete. Wonderful news! I've completed several projects with this pattern using different yarns. I am very happy with each of the projects and plan to continue with this pattern.
Pattern information:
listed at the skill level - Easy
finished size is 18 x 64 inches
worked in rows - a 6 row repeat
written pattern uses American English crochet terms
pattern is worked in rows
stitches used: chain, double chain, half double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch and triple stitch
available in a video tutorial and written pattern (see links below)
I consider this size as a wrap shape, due to the long rectangular shape, rather than a triangular shape which is what I consider a shawl. Due to the original rectangular shape, this wrap is easily reduced in size to lap blanket size and would easily be increased in size to a sofa throw size.
My Personal Thoughts About the Rivers Shawl Pattern
While I've crocheted for decades, I crochet slowly so it takes a very long time to finish projects. Since I'm attempting to make over 20 blankets for gift, I was very happy that this pattern works up quickly. I also have trouble with multi-row repeats or patterns that require counting and keeping track of rows. I almost did not try this pattern since it is a 6 row repeat. How fun when I realized, after completing about 18 rows, that there are 2 rows of single crochet followed by a 3rd (and 6th) row of the single, half double, double, and triple crochet pattern. That 3rd and 6th row is the same stitch combination. However, it begins on a different stitch, making it seem like a different pattern. That is what causes the "waves" to alternate; row 3 starting with a single chain and row 6 starting with the triple. After these rows have repeated into the blanket it is fairly easy to make sure you are on the right track by checking to see if your current stitch pattern row lines up with pattern two rows below.
Yarns I've Chosen Thus Far.
Puzzle Premiere. To begin, I chose Puzzle Premiere yarn because it is size 5 weight and works up quickly. It is also a self-striping (although, I wouldn't call it stripes exactly). Which means few tails to work in from yarn color changes. Because the yarn is slightly thicker than the pattern creator used, I used a smaller crochet hook to make up for the size difference.
Puzzle Premiere
Mandala Gradient. Then I used Mandala Gradient cakes for the next project. It is a size 4, worsted weight yarn. That is the size the pattern creator used for her Rivers Shawl. Mandala Gradient yarn created a beautiful color pattern and a soft piece.
Other Yarns. This pattern has enough texture that it would look pretty with both smaller weight yarns and with solid color yarns. I think this pattern would make wonderful baby blankets in DK or Sport weight yarns. Yes. A baby blanket is next on my list for this pattern.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
.png "When Witches Go Riding and Black Cats Are Seen T-Shirt")
.jpg "Play-Doh Magic Bloom Flower Garden Set")
