Ready for the Summer Backpack

Free Crochet Pattern.

Well the summer is about to start here in New Zealand and if you're an enthusiastic yarn shopper like me, you'll have plenty left over. This backpack is easy to make and you can have fun choosing and combining different colour yarns. 

Now I won't lie to you, I didn't exactly invent anything new here, in fact I borrowed the shoulder straps from this pattern. They are also used to tighten the opening on the backpack. And I was inspired by the amazing colours of this one. 

The bottom measures 21 cm across and the bag is 40 cm tall. That's big enough to carry a beach towel, but you can make yours smaller or even bigger. Simply change the number of rows on the bottom and/or on the entire backpack.

That's the beauty of this pattern, any yarn will do and you can make it any size you like.

Let's get started

You'll need a 4 mm crochet hook, about 200 g of 8 ply yarn, 100 g 12 ply yarn, 2 buttons and a yarn needle.

I've used a 12 ply yarn for the bottom because I wanted it to be thick and keep it's shape. Normally you'd use a 5.5 mm hook with that yarn. If you're using a different weight yarn, just make sure to use a slightly smaller hook size for the same effect. Ch 1 and 2 do not count as first sc/dc, so you'll be putting the first sc/dc into the same stitch as the ch 1 or 2.

The backpack is worked into rounds, so no turning.

Aberrations: ch - chain, sc - single crochet, st - stitch, sl st - slip stitch, MR - magic ring, dc - double crochet, dc2tog - double crochet 2 together.

Bottom

Beginning: MR, 6 sc, tighten off, sl st into the 1st sc and ch 1 (6 sc) 

Row 1: 2 sc in each st around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (12 sc)

Row 2: 2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in the next, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (18 sc)

Row 3: 2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in the next 2 st, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (24 sc)

Row 4: 2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in the next 3 st, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (30 sc)

Row 5: 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 4 st, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (36 sc)

Row 6: 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 5 st, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (42 sc)

Row 7: 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 6 st, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (48 sc)

See the pattern here? I'm sure you do. Keep doing this until you get to row 20.

Row 20: 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 19, repeat the form around, sl st into the 1st st and ch 1 (126 sc)

Backpack

I have changed colours  in every 2 rows.

Row 1: ch 2, (back loops only) 1 dc in each stitch around, sl st into the 1st st (126 dc)

Row 2 - 36: ch 2, 1 dc in each stitch around (126 dc)

Row 37: ch 2, 1 dc in the next 6 st, ch 2, skip next 2 st, *dc in the next 13 st, ch 2, skip next 2 st* repeat * * form 7 times, dc in the next 6 st, sl st into the 1st st (103 dc and 8 ch 2 spaces) This is where the shoulder straps will go.

Row 38: ch 2, 1 dc in each st around and 1 dc into the each ch 2 space (111 dc)

Row 39: ch 1, 1 sc in each st around. (111 sc) Fasten off.

Flap

With the back side of the bag facing you join yarn in the 96th st of the row 39.

Row 1 - 13: ch 2, dc in the next 30 st, turn (30 dc)

Row 14: ch 2, dc in the next 14 st, ch 2 skip next 2 st, dc in the next 14 st, turn. (28 dc, 1 ch 2 space)

Row 15: ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 12 st, 1 dc in the ch 2 space, dc in the next 12 st, dc2tog. Fasten off.  (27 dc)

Edging: sc around the flap.

Shoulder straps

Make 4

Beginning: ch 101
Row 1: (colour 1) 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (100 sc)
Row 2: (change colour) ch 2, turn, 1 dc in each st across (100 dc)
Row 3: (change back to colour 1) ch 1, turn 1 sc in each st across (100 sc)

Sow 2 straps together to make them firm. Attach the flaps to the lower part of the backpack and pull them through the ch 2 spaces in the 37th row.

Pocket

Beginning: ch 19

Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn (18 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 16 st, 2 sc in the last st, turn. (20 sc)

Row 3: ch 1, 2 sc in the 1st st, 1 sc in the next 16 st, 2 sc in the last st, turn. (22 sc)

Row 4 - 24: ch 1, sc across, turn. (22 sc)

Fasten off at the end of row 24.

Edging: sc around the pocket.

Sow the pocket onto the backpack according to photo.

Pocket Flap

Beginning: ch 19

Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn (18 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, 2 sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 7 st, ch 2 skip next 2 st, sc in the next 7 st, 2 sc in the last st, turn. (19 sc, 1 ch 2 space) 

Row 3: ch 1, 2 sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 8, 1 sc in the ch 2 space, sc in the next 8 st, 2 sc in the last, turn. (21 sc)

Row 4 - 10: ch 1, sc across. (21 sc)

Fasten off at the end of row 10.

Edging: sc around the pocket flap.

Sow the pocket flap above the pocket leaving some space between them.

I have never written a crochet pattern before, so please let me know if there is anything that could be explained better or if you spot any mistakes. Hopefully everything is written clearly and you'll be able to follow. Any feedback is most appreciated! 

Coconut Oil for Body and Hair Care

Out of body lotion or body scrub? No problem, everything you need is in your kitchen! 

Our skin is the biggest organ with many pores, so it's good to keep in mind that what ever you put on it will get into your body. My mum always used to say: "If you wouldn't eat it, why would you put it on your skin?" 

Coconut oil has may benefits for our skin. The fatty acids it contains have anti-microbial and disinfectant properties, what that means is that it will clean your pores and let your skin breathe. It also contains vitamin E and saturated fats which will keep your skin moisturized and protected from the weather elements. 

This oil is hard at room temperature, but it will melt when it gets in touch with your skin. If you prefer it to be more liquid you can add olive oil, hemp seed oil, avocado or sweet almond oil.

You will need:

• Coconut Oil
• Essential Oils
• Spices
• Hemp Seed or Olive Oil
• Sugar

Winter Body Scrub

This body scrub smells so good you'll want to eat it and guess what? You actually can! All the ingredients are 100% natural, edible and most likely are already in your kitchen. If you are in need of some pure grade Essential Oils, you can get them here. The ones that work best for this body scrub are On Guard, Wild Orange, Tangerine or Cinnamon. Now I've only made a half measure because there are so many different combinations out there and I'm a bit impatient and can't wait to try all of them. 

For this body scrub you will need:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 drops On guard essential oil (or the oil of your choosing)

The procedure is super simple, mix the spices and sugar in a separate bowl, add coconut oil and essential oil. Stir until combined and store in an air tight container. 

You might not have to melt the coconut oil (I didn't), depending on the room temperature and how easy it is to mix it. However if you find that the oil is too hard, heat it up slowly and make sure that the temperature doesn't go over 47 degrees. If you warm the coconut oil too much, the high temperature will destroy the nutrients and the sugar will melt completely. 

Use this scrub 2 - 3 times a week. The best thing about it is that it will leave a layer of coconut oil on your skin, so there will be no need for body lotion. Just tap your skin dry with the towel and you're ready to go!

Nourishing body oil and deep conditioner

This is so simple to make and I guarantee you'll love what it will do to your skin and your hair. 

Sounds crazy to be using the same product for both? Why? Your scalp has pores, just as your skin, they both need to be kept clean and moisturized. This oil will do just that and it smells amazing! I've used hemp seed oil, but if you don't have any you can use olive oil. You can find lots of useful information about Melaleuca (or Tea Tree) Essential oil here and if you're looking to buy some you can do it here.

All you need to do is mix 1 cup of coconut oil with 2 table spoons on hemp seed oil and add 3 drops of Tea Tree and 3 drops of Lemongrass essential oils. Scoop it up into an air tight container and that's it!

You can use it as body oil or as a deep conditioning hair mask. If your using it for your hair, massage it onto your scalp and put some on your ends. Leave it in for a few hours or over night. Wrap your hair into a towel or an old T-shirt because the oils will leave a stain on your pillow or on the furniture. Wash your hair as usual.

This oil is also great for massage because Lemongrass is great for reducing muscle pain and it will aid your fight against cellulite.

Important

Keep all of these products away from your eyes. Some people have sensitive skin and can be allergic to one or all of the ingredients. Always patch test it first to make sure there are no skin irritations. If you're not sure about using essential oils consult you doctor, especially if you're pregnant or nursing. Make sure you're using pure grade essential oils and remember, they are highly concentrated, so a few drops will go a long way.  

There are many awesome ways of using coconut oil out there, combinations with essential oils and other products are endless. What is your favorite way of using it? Let me know in the comments.

Uses and Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil 

Lavender has been used for over 2 000 years. The Egyptians used it in embalming ceremonies and as perfume, the Romans used to add lavender flowers to their baths and to their meals as spice. The name comes form Latin Lavare, meaning "to wash". The ancient Greeks considered lavender as a holy plant and used it in many religious ceremonies.

It originates the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. 

Today Lavender is found in many cosmetic and personal hygiene products because of it's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Further more it can bring pain relief because of it's ability to eliminate nervous tension.

University of Maryland Medical Center  has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender#ixzz3jCrsFaQa 

Uses for the Lavender Essential Oil

In my household Lavender Essential Oil is one of the favorites, mostly because of it's many healthy benefits, but we also enjoy the sweet flowery smell. I have found uses for it in the bathroom, laundry and the bedroom. Here are some of the purposes I have been using it for:

• Soothing the skin (small cuts, burns and insect bites)
• Stronger Hair
• Relaxing Bath
• Reducing Headache - Massage Oil 
• Relaxation and Sleep
• Laundry Softener
• Moth Repellent

Soothing the Skin

Lavender Essential Oil is one of the rare ones that can be used undiluted when applied to the skin. However I do advise you to proceed with caution as some people are allergic or have very sensitive skin. In case of an insect bite, a small cut, burn or scratch applying one drop of Lavender Oil will sooth your skin and reduce the chance of blisters forming after a burn. If you have sensitive skin, mix  6-8 drops of Lavender Oil with a table spoon of any oil you have at hand (olive, coconut, sunflower) and apply to the skin. 

Stronger Hair

Because of it's disinfectant properties, Lavender oil can help reduce sebum on your scalp allowing your hear to breath and grow freely, further more it will help the blood circulation which is another important factor in hair growth. It will hydrate and nourish thus preventing dandruff and dry and itchy scalp. Those are quite a few benefits, aren't they? 

To help hear growth, reduce itching and dandruff and add glow to your hair, add 6 drops of Lavender essential oil to 1 cup coconut oil. Apply to your hair and scalp and leave in for a few hours or over night. Wrap your hair in a towel, old T-shirt or a shower cap to avoid oily stains on your clothes, pillow or furniture. Wash hair as usual.

You can also add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo for the same effect. 

Relaxing Bath

I just love Epsom slat baths! They are great for your skin and for body detox, add a few drops of Lavender in there and feel like a Roman queen (or king). My advice is to have this bath before you go to sleep as it is guarantied to make you feel calm and relaxed. Not only that, Lavender will regenerate and hydrate your skin.

Add 2 cups of Epsom salt and 6-8 drops of the oil to your bath, lay down, relax, you deserve it.

Don't have time for a bath? Just add a few drops of Lavender Oil to your shower gel or body lotion and apply it before bed.

Reducing Headache - Massage Oil

OK, now this one is tricky. While Lavender is known for it's pain relief properties it also can cause a headache for some people. If you're not sure how you will react to it, try exposing yourself to a small amount of the oil first. Either inhale the smell from the bottle directly or place a drop on your wrist and let it evaporate slowly. That should be a good indicator. If you feel that your headache is getting worse, avoid using the oil. If you suffer from Migraine this might indicate that Lavender is one of it's triggers.

To relive headache add 3-5 drops of the oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (or any other oil you might have) and massage affected arias.

You can also place 2 - 4 drops in 2 - 3 cups of boiling water for inhalation (depending on how strong you'd like it to be) to help with headache, insomnia and to relax. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have asthma.

Relaxation and Sleep

To promote sleep and reduce insomnia simply add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil to your oil burner or electric oil vaporizer. If you're using a candle oil burner like me, make sure you have enough water in it (it evaporates surprisingly quickly) and if you're getting sleepy put the candle out so it's not left unattended. 

I usually add 2 drops of oil to 1/4 cup of water.   

Laundry Softener

Ever since I first tried using white vinegar instead of laundry softener I never looked back. My partner is a massage therapist, so I have been adding Lavender Oil when I wash his towels. The result? The towels are really soft and they smell divine! Lavender oil also has disinfectant properties. 

You can add the oil to the rinse cycle, to your laundry detergent or directly into the washing machine. I usually put 1/4 of a cup white vinegar and 2 drops of oil instead of laundry softener. You can mix and match any essential oils you like. My favorites are Lemon or Peppermint.

Moth Repellent 

I remember watching my mom putting away our winter clothes in spring and placing an interesting looking little pillow in the wardrobe. She told me it was Lavender and that it's meant to keep the moths away. I didn't think much of it until I started living on my own and to my horror discovered that my favorite sweater had holes in it after I pulled it out in the beginning of winter. 

Well I learned my lesson the hard way, but here's what you can do so the same thing doesn't happen: Place a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil on a cotton ball and leave it in your wardrobe. If your closet is already infested, simply mix 10 drops of the oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and wipe the inside of it. You can also apply the oil to a ribbon and tie it to the clothes hanger.

Important 

Always remember to patch test the essential oil first if applying it to your skin. If you're not sure about using it, consult your doctor, especially if you have sensitive skin, if you're pregnant or you're nursing. In fact, avoid using any essential oils in the firs trimester of your pregnancy. Keep the oil away from children and avoid contact with the eyes. This oil is toxic if taken orally! Remember this oil is highly concentrated so use with caution.

Because of it's wonderful smell and many benefits there are a lot more ways to use Lavender Essential Oil. Do you have any preferences? 

If using any essential oil, make sure you've done enough research and that the oil you're using is pure grade. You can buy it here: http://www.mydoterra.com/bojanarlov/#/ 
Also, it takes many, many flowers to extract a small bottle of oil, keep that in mind and make sure you're not using too much.

I would love to hear your comments and thoughts on this subject. :) 

The Wonders of Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil

Melaleuca Essential Oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia. It was named Tea Tree by Captain James Cook who has seen the aborigines using the leaves to brew tea upon his arrival to New South Wells in 1770. They also treated wounds and cuts by crushing fresh leaves and applying them to the skin directly. Today this oil is added to many skin care and personal hygiene products all over the world. 

According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Melaleuca Essential Oil shows antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/

Uses for the Melaleuca Oil

One bottle of this oil comes a long way and if combined with things you already have in your kitchen it can replace many products for personal hygiene and cleaning. I've made many concoctions with Tea Tree Oil and chucked the nasty chemical filled products out. Not only that these are 100% natural, they are not harmful for the environment and you'll have fun making them (well at least I did). Here are some of the uses for Melaleuca:

• Disinfecting the toothbrush
• Fresh Breath and gum protection
• Boosting the shampoo
• Reducing Acne face cleanser
• Soothing the skin and helping with minor cuts, burns
• Preventing and treating athlete's foot and toenail fungus
• Removing the mildew smell from your clothes
• Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom surfaces
• Removing mold

Disinfecting the toothbrush

Changing your toothbrush regularly is very important because of all the bacteria that gathers on it over the course of time and because we use it to clean our teeth and mouth (AKA the gate way for lots of germs to get into our body). To make sure your toothbrush is squeaky clean place 2 drops of the oil on it and 2 in the cup/glass/container you keep it in, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Ta-Dah your royal toothbrush is clean!

Fresh Breath

For a mouth rinse, place 2 drops of Tea Tree oil into half a cup of water and use as usual. Do not swallow! The antibacterial properties of the oil will keep your mouth and gums protected and odor free.

Boost your Shampoo

Antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of Melaleuca will reduce dead skin cells and kill the fungi and bacteria clogging the follicles of your hair. This will promote healthy hair growth. Further more the oil will keep your scalp moisturized thus preventing the excretion of excess oil and/or itchy, dry scalp. Add a few drops of oil to your shampoo (I've added 6 drops to a 500 ml bottle), shake well before use and wash your hair as normal. Sometimes I let the shampoo sit on my hair for a few minutes before rinsing, but this is completely up to you. Also I have found a brand of natural coconut based shampoo which is mild, if you are using regular shampoo try not to leave it in your hair for too long. 

Reducing Acne Face Cleanser

Tea Tree oil is great for greasy, acne prone skin as it kills the bacteria that causes acne and controls the skin sebum blocking your pores. Add a few drops of oil to your face cleanser/wash shake well and use as usual. If you are using a face tonic, place 1 drop to the cotton ball and pour the tonic over it. 
Adding a few drops to your shower gel will have the same effect on your skin.
This oil is very strong, so make sure you are not using too much as it might burn!

Preventing and Treating Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus

As we all know sweaty, itchy, smelly feet are not the nicest thing to live with. Because we wear shoes the sweat from out feet is not able to evaporate. This creates a warm and wet paradise for fungi and bacteria where they grow old and raise children together. All joke aside Athlete's Foot is no laughing matter, together with toenail fungi it is a reoccurring issue for many people.
Adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to your foot bath will make a world of difference. If you don't have time for that, simply mix a few drops of essential oil with any oil you have in your kitchen (olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil. . .). I have used 2 drops of Tea Tree per 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to clean feet before bed.

Removing the mildew smell from your clothes

A few weeks ago I was washing a load clothes and I missed one T-shirt when I was unloading the washing machine. It stayed there over night and to my huge surprise it didn't smell bad the next day. How is this possible? Well, I have substituted the laundry softener with white vinegar and essential oil mix: 6 cups of white vinegar and 15 drops of Melaleuca Oil. That's it! Mix well before every use and a quarter of a cup per wash will do. If you are worried about the smell of vinegar, don't be, by the time the clothes dries, the smell will disappear.
However, if your clothes does have that mildew smell, just run the rinse cycle again and add 3 to 5 drops of oil.
Tea Tree will also protect your clothes from moths when you put it away during winter/summer.

Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom surfaces

The commercial cleaners work great on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, but what is not great about them is that they are extremely toxic and even though you wear gloves, the micro particles will get in touch with your skin. AS I've mentioned before, not only that Tea Tree is good for your skin, it's great for killing bacteria and disinfecting. All you need to do is mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water and 8 drops of the essential oil into a spray bottle. Works great on all the surfaces, leaving them clean, mold and odor free. Just spray the area your cleaning, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse as usual. I spray the toilet first and leave it in while I'm washing the sink and the shower. 

Important

While Tea Tree oil is very beneficial, like everything else, it can be toxic if taken in large quantities. Keep in mind that it takes many, many leaves to make a small bottle of essential oil, so one drop will go a long way. Some people are allergic to Tea Tree! 
Always dilute the oil if applying it to the skin. To make sure you have diluted the oil enough, always apply a small amount to your skin first and wait for a few minutes. 
Because of it's high concentration Tea Tree Oil is toxic if eaten. Keep it away from your eyes and do not give it children under 6 months old.

There are many uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil. It combines well with Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon Essential Oil and the can all be added to your laundry softener, personal hygiene and cleaning products. Just remember to do some research and make sure you're not using too much. You can buy pure grade essential oils here.
Have you used Tea Tree before? How do you use it? Please share your thoughts, ideas and questions.