Self Sufficiency
How to Crochet an Infinity Scarf With No Pattern

Want to know how to crochet an infinity scarf? This wonderful tutorial will have you crocheting your scarf in no time. The best part is you don’t even have to follow a pattern! No pattern required.
How to Crochet
My mother taught me how to crochet. She was a master. She made beautiful lacy doilies and tablecloths and mittens and scarves and over a hundred crocheted throws and blankets and gave them all away as gifts.
I am not a master. She tried to pass on her skills to me, but became frustrated because I am a lefty and therefore do everything backwards! Also, I didn’t have to patience to perfect my crocheting skills, and to this day, single and double crochet are about as fancy as I get.
However, I do have a skill, which is serving me well in my new homesteading endeavor. I don’t need a pattern to crochet. Actually, to be truthful, patterns don’t serve me well. With my limited skills they are either hard for me to figure out, or else I’m not neat enough to get the correct result, OR, the created objects just don’t fit me right. For instance, I have huge piano-playing hands, which do not lend themselves well to fitting into the pretty girly mittens and gloves I would like to be able to make or buy.
So, I don’t use a pattern, and frankly, NOTHING BAD HAPPENS! In fact, it’s a really freeing experience, because I know I can be totally off the grid, and I can still make items that fit every member of our household. Knowing that I can make warm mittens and scarves and hats and cowls without any pattern is a useful skill for any homesteader.
I’d like to demonstrate how easy it can be to make items like this without a pattern by showing How To Crochet a Cowl, aka an Infinity Scarf:
I am going to assume that you have a little crocheting experience. If not, there are lots of videos online to show you the basics and let you practice. If you think you can do the following: slip knot, chain, slip stitch, single and double crochet, you are ready for this first project. Let’s make a beautiful custom-made-for-you-cowl.
If you don’t know what a cowl is, it’s like a tube top for your head ???? . It’s A scarf with no end, that can be used as a hoodie.
To start, all you need is a crochet hook and some yarn, and a yarn needle. I used a size J hook and 7 ounces of medium weight yarn. You can go bigger or smaller, and nothing bad will happen. In fact, if crocheting scares you because of all these numbers, just buy whatever the store sells, the standard sizes work great!
I love this yarn! It is 70% acrylic, 30% wool. Very soft and drapey and warm. I am also a fan or variegated yarn, because it’s always a surprise how it’s going to look when it is done! Use whatever yarn makes you happy!
When you are deciding how to make your cowl, think about whether you want it to be able to go around your neck once or twice. I like to make it long enough to double, so I can wear it either way.
How to Crochet an Infinity Scarf – Without a Pattern:
Step 1 – Slip Knot
Start by making a slip knot on your hook.
Step 2 – Chain Stitch
Then you are going to make a chain. Remember, to make a chain, you loop the yarn once, then pull it through. Repeat this step to make a chain.
Need some help? Watch this quick video for the details:
Step 3 – Make a Long Enough Chain For Your Circle Scarf
Since you don’t have a pattern, you need to make a decision here. Make your chain long enough so that it wraps around you neck as loosely as you would want it to fit, either once or twice. I chained 150 to go around loosely twice. It all depends on the size of your yarn and hook. 80 stitches or so would work if I just wanted to go around a single time.
Step 4 – Straighten Your Chain
Now you will want to straighten out your chain so your project isn’t twisted. Run your fingers down the length of the chain, looking for little hearts, like this:
Step 5 – Loop It
This is the front side. Once you have your chain untwisted, slip stitch in the back of the first chain to make your chain stitches into an endless loop. Remember, slip stitch is where you have the two stitches on your hook, yarn over, and pull through both of the loops.
Now you can stop counting! That’s something I like about this project, because I can crochet while I’m watching TV or riding with my husband in the car, and I don’t have to think so hard!
Step 6 – Crochet Over Entire Loop
For the first row, you can single crochet in all of your chain stitches. Single crochet is where you go through the chain stitch, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over, pull through two loops. If you would rather use double crochet, that is good, too. Double crochet is yarn over first, then go through the chain stitch, yarn over, go through one loop, yarn over, go through two, yarn over, go through two. Keep going until you have made a whole row of either single or double.
Step 7 – Keep Crocheting
When you get done with the first row, your stitches will look like those little hearts of your chain again. You will insert your hook in the middle of the heart for each stitch. You can also insert it under the heart. It works either way. You will want to decide when you start each new row whether to use a single or double crochet. Then just go around again. And again. And again. Just make as many rows of single or double crochet as you think you need. You will know you can be done if you can slip the cowl over your head and it looks the way you want it to. I like to wear mine as a hoodie in cold weather, so I think it has to be at least a foot wide to pull up that way. This one is 13 inches and I used a mixture of stitches: 6 rows of double crochet and 18 rows of single crochet.
Step 8 – How To Finish the Yarn
When you get to the end of the last row, make a loop with your yarn. Cut off the yarn and pull it through the loop tightly. This photo is just an example on a scrap of yarn.
Step 9 – TIP To Thread Yarn Needle
Then take a yarn needle and thread it. I use a piece of paper folded around the end of the yarn to easily get the yarn through the eye of the needle.
Step 10 – Hide The Ends
Then weave the ends in and cut off whatever remains of the loose end.
So, here is the end result.
It is soft and drapey in colors that make me happy.
Anyway, I hope this idea give you a starting off point to be creative and make your own unique cowl. Find some yarn that makes you happy, and have fun!
What do you think of this tutorial on how to crochet? Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are on how to crochet a cowl scarf. Which one will you try? Let us know how it went and share your experience with us in the comment section below.
Have any homesteading projects you’d like to share? Share it with us an we’ll give it a try. We’d love to know what you think!
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Originally posted on October 27, 2015 @ 2:00 AM
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NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
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Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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