CraftyAnna

Free Crochet Pattern: Lazy Wave Hand Towel

2011-11-08T09:00:00.030-05:00

We just finished remodeling our basement and I needed a hand towel for the new bathroom. I looked everywhere but couldn't find one I liked, so I decided to make one myself. But I had no idea what to make or what colors to use. The basement is neutral in different shades of beige, brown and grey. Then it hit me - I would copy the wavy design in the throw pillows on the couch.

It had been a long time since I'd made a chevron or ripple afghan so I needed a refresher course. I found this great 5 part video tutorial that helped me come up with this pattern.

Materials:
- Crochet hook size H - 5mm
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in colors of your choice (I used Loops & Threads Cotton Club yarn from Michaels because that was the only brand that made grey cotton yarn!)

Stitches:
- chain (ch)
- double crochet (dc)
- dc decrease: Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, (there should now be 3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

I didn't write down when I changed colors, I just freehanded it.

With yarn color of your choice
Ch 51
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, [dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 3 ch, 2dc in next 2 ch, 1 dc in next 3 chs] 3 times, dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 2 ch, 2dc in last ch, ch 3, turn (45).
Row 2: dc in next 3 dc, [dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc] 3 times, dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in last dc, ch 3, turn (45).
Rows 3-41: dc in next 3 dc, [dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc] 3 times, dc decrease, dc decrease, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in the 3rd ch of the ch 3 you made at the end of the previous row, ch 3, turn (45).
Finish off and weave in ends.

My Favorite Free Crochet Patterns: Chunky Cowl

2011-11-07T09:00:00.016-05:00

Do you ever buy yarn not knowing exactly what you are going to make it into? I bought some extra bulky off-white yarn a couple of years ago. I tried making it into a drop stitch scarf, but I'm not much of a knitter and it didn't look right. So I tried to make it into a hat, but again it didn't look right. It had been so long that I lost the wrapper to the yarn and didn't even know what kind of yarn it was or what to do with it.

And then I found this free pattern. It was the perfect use for my yarn! It works up quickly and you only need to know two stitches - two stitches I had never used before so I learned something new in the process :) I've made two so far to give as Christmas presents and I'm working on a third. The third one I'm making using some grey yarn I've had sitting around for a while, but it's not bulky weight so I'm holding two strands of yarn together as I work.

I followed one of the suggestions given in the comments to the pattern. After I made the cowl, I gave it a twist before sewing the ends together. I love it!

Free Crochet Pattern: Autumn Garland

2011-11-06T12:16:00.001-05:00

As we are remodeling our basement I keep thinking of ideas for decorating my sons' playroom. I am obsessed with making garland to decorate for each season or holiday. Garland isn't just for Christmas anymore!

I made mine in shades of orange, red and yellow, but I think it would also look pretty in shades of green. Here it the free pattern for my autumn garland.

Materials:
- Size E/4 crochet hook
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in tan and brown for acorns and in colors of your choice for leaves
- Yarn needle
- Small amount of polyfil for stuffing acorns.

Stitches:
Chain (ch)
Double crochet (dc)
Double loop start or magic ring
Half double crochet (hdc)
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/decrease (sc2tog)
Slip stitch (sl st)

With brown yarn, chain 315. This will be the base chain that you sew the leaves and acorns to.

OAK LEAF
With yarn in your choice of color
Ch 5
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each chain across, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 2: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 3: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 4: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 5: sc2tog, sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 6: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 7: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 8: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 9: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 10: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 11: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 12: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 13: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 14: [sc2tog] 2 times, ch 1, turn (2).
Row 15: sc2tog, ch 1, turn (1).
Row 16: 4 sc into remaining sc.
Finish off.
Stem:
Start by leaving a 6" tail
Ch 8
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Sew one end of stem to Row 1 of leaf and the other end of the stem to the foundation chain. I counted along 15 chains on the foundation chain and then sewed my first leaf to the chain. I placed all of the leaves and acorns 15 chains apart, leaving 15 free chains at the beginning and end of the foundation chain.

MAPLE LEAF: I followed the pattern here.

SMALLER LEAF:
Ch 7
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 chs, [2hdc, ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2hdc] in last ch. Working on opposite side of foundation chain, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Join with sl st into first sc of rnd.
Stem:
Start by leaving a 6" tail
Ch 7
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Sew one end of stem to the leaf and the other end of the stem to the foundation chain.

ACORN:
With tan yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnds 4-5: sc in each sc around (12).
Switch to brown yarn
Rnd 6: sl st in each sc around (12).
Row 7: sc in the tops of Rnd 5 behind the sl st in Rnd 6 (12). Stuff with polyfil.
Row 8: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving an 18" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Insert your hook into the top center of the acorn and pull up a loop. Ch 5 to form the stem. Sew to foundation chain.

Deliciously Disgusting: Halloween Food for Kids

2011-10-27T16:11:00.004-04:00

Well, October is almost over and I have barely posted anything to my blog! But between returning to work full-time after maternity leave, my husband having surgery and my grandmother passing away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, it has been a busy and hectic month to say the least.

With my children's Halloween party around the corner I was surfing the web for great food ideas and found these. I can't wait to get started :)

Zombie Marshmallows by the decorated cookie (she has ghost, mummy and skeleton marshmallows and a ton of other Halloween goodies on her blog!)

Eyeball Truffles by GourmetMom

Monster Cake by Betty Crocker (Betty has a ton of great Halloween recipes too!)

Pumpkin Party Mix by Betty Crocker

Mummy Mia Pizza by Parents.com (I think you have register as a member to see the recipe)

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies by Betty Crocker

P.S. I have some free crochet patterns to post as soon as I find time to photograph them!

BUY 5 PATTERNS AND RECEIVE A 6TH ONE FREE!

2011-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Starting October 1st you can always receive a 6th pattern for free when you buy 5 patterns! The free pattern must be of equal or lesser value than the most expensive pattern you are buying. Please don't put the free pattern(s) in your cart, just note which free pattern(s) you want in the note to seller at checkout. Yay! Now you can stock up on patterns and get started making some Christmas gifts. I know I am going to try to make as many Christmas gifts as I can to save money this year. It seems like the Christmas spending gets more and more out of hand each year!

Yummy Crochet Giveaway Winner

2011-09-15T23:50:00.004-04:00

And the winner is... JUDY! Congrats, Judy! I will be sending you an email shortly.

I also wanted to thank everyone for entering the giveaway and the kind comments that you left. You gals have some fantastic ideas for new patterns! Unfortunately, my maternity leave ends in 2 weeks (at which point I go back to work full time), so it may be a looooooong time before I'm able to design half the patterns I have on my list :(

I had a lot of fun working on Yummy Crochet so hopefully this isn't the last book that I contribute patterns to.

New Crochet Pattern: Birthday Cake

2011-09-11T22:15:00.003-04:00

Hi, everyone! Here is a peak at my newest pattern for birthday cake, a candle, a cake server and party hats to fit a child and a doll. I'll have to have my niece over to model the party hats with her doll because I don't think I'll convince my sons to put on a pink hat :)

Free Crochet Patterns: Doctor Mask and Bandage

2011-09-08T12:00:00.007-04:00

Here are a couple of freebies to go along with my doctor kit pattern. I hope you enjoy them :)

Materials:
Size E4 / 3.5mm crochet hook
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in peach, white and turquoise
Yarn needle
Velcro

Bandage:
With peach yarn
Ch 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: 2sc in first sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (5).
Rows 3-29: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 30: sc2tog, sc in next sc, sc2tog (3).
Sl st evenly around. Finish off and weave in ends.
Pad:
With white yarn
Ch 5
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (4).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (4).
Sc evenly around putting 3sc in each corner. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew to the center of the bandage. Weave in ends.
Cut 2 small squares of velcro. Sew the hook side to one end of the right side of the bandage. Sew the loop side to the other end of the wrong side of the bandage (so that the velcro meets when the bandage is folded into a loop).

Doctor's Mask:
With turquoise yarn
Ch 23
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (22).
Rows 2-12: working in back loops only, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (22).
Continue to put 3 sc in the corner, sc down the side of the mask and put 3 sc in the corner, then working on the long side of the mask, sc in next 4 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 8 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, sc in next 3 sc, put 3 sc in the corner, sc up the side of the mask, put 3 sc in the corner, then working along Row 12, sc in next 4 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 8 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, sc in next 4 sc. Finish off and weave in ends.
Straps: make 2
Start by leaving a 6" tail for sewing
Ch 30 and finish off leaving a 6" tail for sewing.
Sew one end of the strap about 1" from the top of the mask. Sew the other end of the strap about 1/2" from the bottom of the mask. Weave in ends.

Yummy Crochet Giveaway and Free Pattern!

2011-09-07T21:30:00.009-04:00

Some of you may remember this post from last year where I announced that I had some exiciting news. The time has come to let you know what it was...

Last year Kristen Rask, owner of Schmancy Toys, contacted me and asked if I would like to contrubute crochet patterns to her newest book. The book is called Yummy Crochet and features 12 different play food crochet patterns. Of course I said yes! Some of the first crochet patterns I ever designed were for crocheted vegetables so I chose to design the turnip and corn on the cob for the book. The book and kit (it comes with the materials necessary to make 2 of the projects) will be available at Barnes & Noble later this month.

Kristen was kind enough to provide a copy of the book so that I can do a giveaway. That's right, you can win a copy of Yummy Crochet!! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post with (1) your e-mail address (so I can contact you when you win) and (2) what crochet pattern you want me to design next. The winner will be chosen on September 15th. Good luck to everyone!!

To further celebrate the book's release (and because I love to crochet veggies!), I designed a free crochet pattern for bok choy. I hope you enjoy it :)

Materials:
- Crochet hook size E4 - 3.5mm
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in white, light green and dark green
- Stuffing
- Yarn needle
- 2 black safety eyes
- Small amount of black yarn or thread for mouth
- Stitch markers - the pattern is worked in continuous rounds with the stitch marker moved up to the first stitch of each round.

With white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnds 8-11: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 12: sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 11 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc (36).
Rnd 13: switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc (36).
Rnd 14: sc in next 9 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 8 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 7 sc (36).
Rnd 15: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (33).
Rnd 16: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 8 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 9 sc (33).
Rnd 17: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc (33).
Rnd 18: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn, sc2tog and then sc in next in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn, sc2tog and then sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc2tog (30).
Rnd 19: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 7 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 6 sc (30).
Rnd 20: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 21: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 22: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times.
Pause crocheting. Attach the safety eyes. Using a needle and a length of black yarn split down to 2 ply, stitch on the mouth.
Stuff the bok choy firmly with stuffing.
Cut out a piece of cardboard that is the diameter of the opening of the top of the bok choy and insert it into the bok choy on top of the stuffing.
Rnd 23: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 24: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 25: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Leaves: make 9
With dark green yarn
Start by leaving a 12” tail
Ch 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 3: 2sc in first sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 4: 2sc in frist sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 5: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (9).
Rows 6-12: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (9).
Row 13: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 14: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 15: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 16: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 17: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 18: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 19: sc2tog, sc in next sc, ch 1, turn (2).
Row 20: sc2tog (1).
Sc evenly around.
Three of the leaves are sewn to the top center of the bok choy (i.e., around Rnds 23-25) using the tail that you started with. The remaining 6 leaves are sewn to the free loops on Rnd 21 along 5 loops. In order to keep the leaves standing up, tack one leaf to the leaf next to it, overlapping them here and there, using a needle and a length of dark green yarn.
Weave in all ends.

New Crochet Pattern: Fast Food Breakfast

2011-08-31T21:50:00.002-04:00

Well, I seem to be on a breakfast kick these days. My newest crochet pattern is for a fast food breakfast -- egg McMuffin (or sausage McMuffin or sausauge & egg McMuffin), hash brown, coffee and orange juice. One more breakfast pattern is in the works :)

New Crochet Pattern: Waffles, Pancakes & Syrup

2011-08-30T21:15:00.003-04:00

As promised, here is a new crochet pattern for belgian waffles, pancakes, and the syrup, butter, banana slices, whipped cream and strawberries to top them with. If you purchased the breakfast pattern from me and want the updated pattern for free just send me a Convo through Etsy and I will email it to you. If you could please include the date that you purchased the breakfast pattern from me that will help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Plum

2011-08-27T13:30:00.001-04:00

Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 - 3.5mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in purple and brown
Stuffing
Yarn needle

With purple yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 4: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (20).
Rnd 6: [sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (22).
Rnd 7: [sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (24).
Rnds 8-11: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 12: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 13: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12) Stuff.
Rnd 14: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a long (12” or so) tail. Weave long end through remaining 6 sc and draw up firmly to close the hole.
Using a yarn needle, run the tail along the outside of the plum, insert it through the bottom of the plum and come out of the top of the plum to create the “crease” in the side. Repeat this step again. Secure end.

Stem:
With brown yarn, ch 6.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Finish off, leaving long end for sewing. Sew stem to plum.

Free Crochet Pattern: Peach

2011-08-26T13:30:00.001-04:00

Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 - 3.5mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in orange, green and brown
Stuffing
Yarn needle

With orange yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 4: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 6: [sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (26).
Rnd 7: [sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (28).
Rnd 8: [sc in next 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (30).
Rnd 9: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 10: [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 11: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 12: [sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 13: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 14: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 15: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12) Stuff.
Rnd 16: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a long (12” or so) tail. Weave long end through remaining 6 sc and draw up firmly to close the hole.
Using a yarn needle, run the tail along the outside of the peach, insert it through the bottom of the peach and come out of the top of peach to create the “crease” in
the side. Repeat this step again.

Stem:
With brown yarn, ch 6.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Finish off, leaving long end.

Leaf:
With green yarn, ch 7.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 chs, ch 2, dc in next 2
chs, 4 dc in last ch, working on opposite side of the foundation chain, dc in next 2 chs, hdc in next ch, sl st in remaining ch. Finish off.
Sew stem to peach and sew leaf to stem. Weave in ends.

New Crochet Pattern: Bacon, Eggs, Toast & Orange Juice

2011-08-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

Here is my newest pattern for play food -- bacon, eggs, toast and orange juice. I am also working on one for pancakes, waffles and syrup that I hope to finish next week :)

New Crochet Pattern: Baby Doll Carrier & Portable Bassinet

2011-08-23T12:21:00.008-04:00

Here is my newest crochet pattern that my niece was kind enough to model for me -- a Baby Bjorn and a portable bassinet for baby dolls! My niece doesn't know it yet but she's going to receive the baby doll, diaper bag, baby bjorn carrier and portable bassinet for Christmas :)

Now your little girl can take her baby doll with her everywhere! The baby carrier can be used with the doll facing forward or facing your child. And this pattern only involves knowledge of a few basic stitches and is suitable for a newbie crocheter.

My favorite free crochet patterns: Pillow Pets

2011-08-17T15:20:00.002-04:00

Everytime my sons see Pillow Pets on TV or in the store they want all of them! We have the tricerotops Pillow Pet but we would go broke buying the dolphin, frog and all of the other ones LOL! Here are some free patterns so that you can make affordable Pillow Pets. I haven't had time to try any of these yet but they look adorable :)

Sock monkey

Turtle

Unicorn

UPDATE: unfortunately the puppy and giraffe pillow pals patterns were taken down by the creator of those patterns. A few of you have written to me to ask if I have copies of those patterns and I just wanted to let you know that I do not.

UPDATE: Finished Items may be Sold!

2011-08-14T10:53:00.033-04:00

Hi, everyone! Now that I've had my third child I just don't have time to make finished items to sell on Etsy. So I've decided to allow finished items made from some of my patterns to be sold. I've noted in each listing which patterns can be used to make finished items for sale, but for your convenience here is a list. This new policy applies if you've purchased these patterns from me in the past as well as future purchases. I may add more patterns to this list in the future. I get a few requests every week (that I can't accomodate) from customers wanting finished items and I've had customers ask me if they can sell the finished items fom my patterns, so hopefully this is a win win situation for everyone!

Baby Doll
Baby Doll Feeding Set
Baby Doll with Diaper Bag
Bacon, Eggs & Toast
Bake & Decorate a Cake
Bake an Italian Meal
Bake a Pie
Baking Dishes
Baking Utensils
Baby Doll Carrier & Portable Bassinet
BBQ
Bird house
Breakfast
Brown Bag Lunch
Campfire
Canned Goods
Coffee & Donuts
Cosmetic Bag
Cotton Coasters
Counting Cookies
Diaper Bag
Dino Bath Mat
Doctor Kit
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Fruit
Gardening Play Set
Green Eggs & Ham
Gourmet Smores Kit
Grocery Shopping
Halloween Candy in Treat Bag
Happy Meal
House Pillow
Ice Cream Parlor
Ice Cream Treats
Just Desserts
Learning Colors
Lunch Play Set
Mailbox & Mail Bag
Mama & Baby Owl
Mexican Food
Monkey
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Peppermint Bark & Hot Cocoa
Pet Cat
Pet Dog
Picnic Basket
Pirate play set
Pizza
Pots & Pans
Shaving Kit
Steering Wheels
Sushi
Sweetpea baby doll
Sweets & Treats
Swiffer Cover
Tea Sandwiches
Tiger
Turkey Dinner
Turkey with Roasting Pan
Vegetables
Vegetable Garden
Venus Fly Trap
Waffles, Panckes & Syrup
Woodland Creatures

Pattern Update: Cosmetic Bag

2011-08-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

I updated my cosmetic bag pattern to add a cap to the hairspray, redesign the lipstick and hair dryer and add some flower embelishments. If you purchased this pattern from be before today and want the updated pattern for free just send me a Convo through Etsy and I will email it to you. If you could please include the date that you purchased the pattern from me that will help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

New Crochet Pattern: Ultimate Baking Set

2011-07-28T22:00:00.001-04:00

Here is my newest pattern -- the ultimate baking set! It includes everything your little one will need to bake up some goodies. The pattern includes measuring spoons, dry measuring cups, liquid measuing cup, nesting mixing bowls, a rolling pin, a hand mixer, an oven mit, a whisk, a wooden spoon and a spatula. Now that I've designed this pattern, I am going to retire the baking cookies pattern.

Free Crochet Pattern: Pomegranate

2011-07-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a pattern for a pomegranate that works up in minutes. You could put a cute little face on him too if you wanted :)

Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 - 3.5mm
Red worsted weight acrylic yarn
Polyester stuffing

With red yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnds 7-12: Sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 13: [Sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 14: Sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 15: [Sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 16: [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 17: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12). Stuff
Rnd 18: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Rnd 19: sc in each sc around (6).
Rnd 20: sl st into next sc, [ch 3, sl st in 2nd and 3rd chs, sl st in next sc] repeat around.
Finish off leaving a 6” tail. Weave tail through the 6 sc in Rnd 18 and draw up firmly, closing the hole. Weave in ends.

Free Crochet Pattern: Avocado

2011-07-22T17:00:00.002-04:00

Here is a quick and easy pattern for either a whole avocado or avocado slices.

Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 - 3.mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in green, lime green, tan and yellow
Polyester stuffing
Yarn needle

Whole Avocado:
With green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed(6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnds 7-8: sc in each sc around (36)
Rnd 9: [sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnds 10-11: sc in each sc around(30).
Rnd 12: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnds 13-14: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 15: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnds 16-18: sc in each sc around (18). Stuff.
Rnd 19: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 20: sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 21: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.

Avocado Halves:
Bottom of halves: make 2
with green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: sc in each sc around (36).
Sl st in next 2 sc, ch 1, turn
Row 1: sc in next 10 sc, ch 1, turn leaving remaining sc unworked (10).
Row 2: sc2tog, sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 3: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 4: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn(6).
Row 5: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn(4).
Row 7: [sc2tog] 2 times (2).
Sc evenly around. Finish off and weave in ends.

Top half without pit:
with yellow yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: sc in each sc around(18).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around(24).
Rnd 7: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 8: [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Sl st in next 2 sc, ch 1, turn
Row 1: sc in next 8 sc, ch 1, turn leaving remaining sc unworked (8).
Row 2: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 3: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn(6).
Row 4: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 5: [sc2tog] 2 times (2).
Switch to lime green yarn and sc evenly around. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Place the top half over the bottom half and sew the 3rd rounds together using an 8” length of green yarn. Using the lime green yarn tail you finished off with, sew the top half to a bottom half about ¾ of the way around. Stuff with polyfil and continue to sew together. Weave in ends.

Top half with pit:
with yellow yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Sl st in next 2 sc, ch 1, turn
Row 1: sc in next 8 sc, ch 1, turn leaving remaining sc unworked (8).
Row 2: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 3: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn(6).
Row 4: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 5: [sc2tog] 2 times (2).
Switch to lime green yarn and sc evenly around. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the top half to a bottom half about ¾ of the way around. Stuff with polyfil and continue to sew together. Weave in ends.
Pit:
with tan yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach the pit to the middle of the top half.

Pattern Update: Baby Doll with Diaper Bag

2011-07-12T22:46:00.003-04:00

I wasn't 100% happy with the baby doll included in this pattern so I revised the pattern for the doll, added a headband with a bow, changed how the shirt and diaper fasten and redesigned the wipes container so that it is easier to make. If you previously purchased this pattern from my shop and would like the update for free, just send me a Conversation through etsy. If you could please include the date that you purchased the baby doll with diaper bag pattern that would help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

New Crochet Pattern: Halloween Treat Bag

2011-07-11T16:07:00.004-04:00

Okay, so this pattern isn't really new; it's actually one of the first patterns I ever created. But I usually stop listing it after Halloween and then relist it when fall approaches. I can't believe I am already starting to think about autumn! So sad that the summer seems to be half over :(

Free Crochet Pattern: Colored Pencils

2011-07-02T23:30:00.001-04:00

Here is a quick and easy pattern for a cute little amigurumi pencil. Enjoy!

Materials:
- crochet hook size E/4 - 3.5 mm
- worsted weight acrylic yarn in pink, light grey, hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple and beige
- black embroidery floss or black yarn split down to 2 ply
- stuffing
- needle
- 6mm black safety eyes

With pink yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed(6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (18).
Rnds 5-7: sc in each sc around (18).
Switch to light grey yarn
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 9: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (18).
Switch to hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue or purple yarn
Rnd 10: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (18).
Rnds 11-18: sc in each sc around (18).
Pause crocheting to attach safety eyes and stitch on mouth using black yarn.
Switch to beige yarn
Rnd 19: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 20: [sc in next sc, s2ctog] 6 times (12). Stuff pencil and continue to stuff as you work from now on.
Rnd 21: sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 22: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 3 times(9).
Switch to hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue or purple yarn
Rnd 23: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 3 times (6).
Rnd 24: [sc2tog] 3 times (3).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.

Pattern Update: Happy Meal

2011-06-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

I've updated my happy meal pattern to redesign the cup and chicken nugget box. If you previously purchased this pattern from my shop and would like the update for free, just send me a Conversation through etsy. If you could please include the date that you purchased the happy meal pattern that would help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Wood Grain Cup Sleeve

2011-06-27T15:00:00.003-04:00

After I made these tree stump coasters I thought the design would look cute as a cup sleeve too. Here is the pattern:

Materials:
Size F5 - 3.75 mm crochet hook
Worsted weight cotton yarn in green, tan and brown

With tan yarn
Ch 11
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 2: hdc in next 7 sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 3: sc in next 4 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 4: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 5: working in back loops only, hdc in next 7 sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 6: sc in next 4 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 7: sc in next 6 sts, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 8: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 9: hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 5 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 10: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 11: sc in next 4 sts, working in back rows only sc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 12: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 13: hdc in next 7 sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 14: sc in next 4 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 15: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 16: working in front loops only, hdc in next 7 sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 17: sc in next 4 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 18: sc in next 6 sts, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 19: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 20: hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 5 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 21: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 22: sc in each st across, ch 2, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 23: dc in next 6 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Row 24: sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 25: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to tan yarn
Row 26: sc in next 6 sts, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 2, turn (10).
Row 27: dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, ch 1, turn (10).
Switch to brown yarn
Row 28: sc in each st across (10).
Finish off leaving a 12” tail for sewing and sew Row 1 to Row 28. Weave in ends.

Leaves:
Ch 9
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in next 2 ch, working in the free loops on the other side of the chain, sl st in next ch, sc in next 2 ch, dc in next 3 ch, sc in last ch. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew to cup sleeve.

Ch 7
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in next ch, working in the free loops on the other side of the chain, sc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, sc in last ch. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew to cup sleeve.

SUMMER SALE

2011-06-21T23:06:00.005-04:00

During the entire summer save 15% on everything in my shop -- patterns and finished items. On the Etsy checkout page, click on the link that says "Apply shop coupon code" and then enter the coupon code SUMMER15 in the coupon code box that appears. Entering the coupon code in the notes to seller will not apply the discount (and therefore not reduce the fees that Etsy charges me). As a result, I can not honor the coupon code unless it is redeemed correctly. Thank you :)

Pattern Update: Doctor Kit

2011-06-17T16:22:00.004-04:00

I've updated my doctor kit pattern to make the bag bigger and redesign the blood pressure cuff, syringe and stethescope. If you previously purchased this pattern from my shop and would like the update for free, just send me a Conversation through etsy. If you could please include the date that you purchased the doctor kit pattern that would help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

New Crochet Pattern: Home Tweet Home

2011-06-06T16:11:00.004-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of a new crochet pattern that I will be adding to my shop this week -- it's a birdhouse with 3 sweet little birds. It has been finished for a long time but it finally stopped raining enough for me to photograph it in good lighting. I have some other free patterns and new pattern that I need to find time to post. The baby came a couple of weeks earlier than I was planning so it is a little hectic around my house lately. I'll post the new stuff as soon as I can :)

New Crochet Pattern: Sweet Pea Baby Doll

2011-05-02T21:00:00.000-04:00

Here is another new pattern that I added to my shop last night. I finished this a while ago but had to find time during the daylight to photograph it. It is a baby doll that fits into a peapod bunting. I have a ton of ideas for more new patterns, but we'll see how many I can finish before the baby arrives. Only 30 more days to go!

New Crochet Pattern: Mama and Baby Owl

2011-05-02T20:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a new pattern that I added to my shop last night -- a mama and a baby owl. The baby fits into a pocket on the front of the mama and is removable. The mama owl's feet are rings that are easy for baby to grasp. You could add some crinkly material to the inside of the wings, a rattle to the mama owl's feet, or a squeaker to the baby owl to make them more interactive for baby. I think they turned out cute :)

New Crochet Pattern: Cotton Coasters

2011-04-10T12:34:00.003-04:00

The newest pattern in my shop is for 5 different types of cotton coasters: apple, pear, orange, acorn and tree stump. The pattern also includes directions for making the apple and pear look like a slice and for how to make the coasters double thickness.

These patterns make great teacher's gifts and housewarming presents! And I've also decided to allow the coasters made from this pattern to be sold as long as a link back to my Etsy shop is mentioned in the listing.

New Crochet Pattern: Swiffer Mop Cover

2011-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year to start spring cleaning! I don't really enjoy spring cleaning (who does??) but it is a necessary evil. To get into the mood, I crocheted up some reversible Swiffer mop covers in bright spring colors. They are smooth on one side for the Swiffer wet mop and textured on the other side for dry mopping. The pattern will be available in my shop soon :)

New Crochet Pattern: Venus Fly Trap

2011-04-02T13:25:00.000-04:00

My sons are fascinated by Venus fly traps and have been asking for one for months. But after reading the care instructions, I decided that this plant is a little too high maintenance for our house. Which led me to crochet a Venus fly trap for them, complete with a tiny fly :) They absolutely love it! The pattern will be available in my shop in a day or two if you are interested.

My favorite free crochet patterns: Easter Chicks

2011-03-28T13:15:00.002-04:00

I found this free pattern a couple of years ago and finally got around to making some for Easter decorations. I think they turned out cute!

I didn't have some of the recommended materials on hand so I used regular cotton yarn, a size E4 - 3.5mm crochet hook, 6mm black plastic safety eyes and I didn't make the feet out of pipe cleaners. I made the beak from orange cotton yarn as follows:

Rnd 1: 4 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (4).
Rnd 2: 2sc in each sc around, sc in next 2 sc (8).
Finish off leaving a tail for sewing. Fold beak in half and sew to chick between the eyes.

I also made them each a nest using some left over faux suede yarn that I had, but any worsted weight yarn would work. Here is the pattern for the nest. Use a size H8 hook and work with 2 strands of yarn throughout.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [sc in the next 3 sc, 2 sc in the next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [sc in the next 4 sc, 2 sc in the next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnds 7-9: sc in each sc around (36).
Finish off. To make the nest look more natural, I didn't weave in the ends.

New Crochet Pattern: Dino Bath Mat

2011-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

As part of redecorating my sons' bathroom in a dinosaur theme I couldn't find a bath mat that I liked. So I got the idea to crochet a bath mat out of cotton yarn in the shape of a dinosaur. It was a bit daunting and at times I thought I was going to have to scrap the whole project, but here is the finished product. I love it! The pattern will be available for sale in my shop in a day or two if you are interested :)

Number Towel Hooks

2011-03-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

Now that we are expecting our third child I needed to add another towel hook in the bathroom. Okay, so I know that is not the first thing you think of when expecting a new baby but we're in the process of redecorating the boys' bathroom anyway :)

I really wanted these cute towel hooks from Pottery Barn Kids but I couldn't bring myself to spend $30 plus tax plus shipping on hooks (and they've since sold out anyway). So instead I bought some wood numbers from my local craft store and some wood pegs. My husband attached the pegs to the bottom center of each number and then I painted them. In hindsight, it would have been better to spray paint them, but it is freezing here and I can't spray paint in the house! The wood isn't very good quality so I had to sand some rough areas and you have to be very careful drilling into it or you will split the wood. For a few bucks I think the towel hooks turned out kinda cute :)

My favorite free crochet patterns: Cotton Hand Towel

2011-03-15T23:00:00.001-04:00

I am in the process of redecorating my sons' bathroom so that it is a little more grown up. I found this fantanstic shower curtain at Target. It doesn't come with coordinating towels or bathmats so I decided to make mine own.

Because of all the bright colors in the shower curtain I chose neutral accessories. I had some brown cotton yarn left over from another project and decided to make a hand towel using this super easy pattern (it's the one for the striped cotton dishtowel but I made mine all one color so it doesn't have a stripe). I was worried that a crocheted towel would be too bulky, but this one isn't. I don't know if I did something wrong, but my towel was already 24" long by the time I got to Row 88, so I went back and ripped out 11 rows (i.e., I only made Rows 13-77) then followed the rest of the pattern from Row 89 on. I also didn't do Round 2 of the edging.

And I have an awesome idea for a bath mat ... more on that to follow soon!

Free Crochet Pattern: Mug Cozy

2011-03-13T21:30:00.005-04:00

Here is a pattern for a mug cozy that has a bottom too, so it also works as a coaster! It will fit an average size mug that is 3" in diameter and 4" tall. See below for instructions on how to easily adjust the size of the cozy to fit other mugs :)

Materials:
- Cotton yarn
- Size H8 - 5 mm crochet hook
- Button that is 1" in diameter
- Needle

Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (36).
Now you are going to work in rows.
Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc in next 32 sc, ch 1, turn (32).
Rows 10-19: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (32).
Continue to sc evenly along the opening for the handle until to reach the top of Row 19 on the other side of the opening. Ch 18 (this forms the loop that goes around the button).
Row 20: Continue to sc in first sc on Row 19 and sc in each sc across (32).
Finish off and weave in ends.
Sew on button.

If your mug is a different diameter, you can easily make it smaller or larger by comparing the size of your work to the bottom of the mug after each round. After Rnd 4, place your work against the bottom of the mug to see if you will have the right size after Rnd 5. Or if your mug is larger, you may need to make a new Rnd 7 that is six stitches more than Rnd 6 (i.e., [sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc] 6 times (42)). The bottom of the mug cozy will lay flat if you continue to make each round 6 stitches more than the previous round. Then, when you start making the rows up the sides of the mug, just leave 4 open stitches for the handle. For example, in my pattern Rnd 8 was 36 stitches so Row 9 was only 32 stitches.

If your mug is shorter or taller just adjust the number of rows that you make, fitting the cozy around the mug every so often as you work.

Enjoy!

Free Crochet Pattern: Apple Cozy

2011-03-07T08:30:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that before Etsy I had never seen nor heard of an apple cozy! But I think they are so cute and very easy to make. Here is a simple pattern that works up in minutes:

Materials:
- Small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn in colors of your choice for cozy and leaf.
- Crochet hook sizes E and H
- Button that is at least 1/2" in diameter
- Thread and needle to sew button on.

With color yarn of your choice and a size H hook,
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around (24), ch 1, turn.
Now you are going to work in rows
Row 6: sc in next 22 sc, ch 1, turn (22).
Row 7: sc2tog, sc in next 18 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (20).
Row 8: sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 4 sc, ch 1, turn (24).
Rows 9-14: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (24).
Continue to sc evenly around the opening on the side of the apple cozy until you reach the top of Row 14 on the other side of the opening.
Ch 20 (this will create the loop that goes around the button to close the cozy).
Row 15: Continue to sc in next stitch on Row 14, sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in next 4 sc, sl st in next sc.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Leaf: with green yarn and size E hook
Ch 9; sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, sc in next 2 ch, sl st in 2 next ch, working the free loops on the other side of the chain, sl st in next loop, sc in next 2 loops, dc in next 3 loops, sc in next loop. Finish off leaving a long end. Sew leaf to apple cozy. Weave in ends.

Sew on button.

My favorite free crochet patterns: Baby grab ball

2011-03-03T13:10:00.002-05:00

Here is another one of my favorite free patterns. I have only made a couple of these but everytime someone sees one they ask me where I found the pattern. I made mine using a size D hook and Patons Grace yarn, following the instructions for the sport weight yarn rather than thread.

They are super easy to crochet but the assembly is a little time consuming. Here are some tips that may make assembly easier. When you finish each oval, leave a tail for sewing that is 12" long or so. You will use this tail to sew the oval to the cone and then join the cones together. Also, it may be a little easier to assemble if you delete rows 3 and 5 of the triangles. I'm going to try that next time because the triangles seemed a little too long and when you assemble the ball the points of the triangles all bunch together in the center. Finally, you have to be careful not to stuff the pieces too much or it makes it hard to sew it all together.

New Crochet Pattern: Chinese Takeout

2011-02-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at a pattern I have been working on for almost one year! I'm so happy with the way that it turned out :) The pattern includes a take out box, bowl of stir fry that includes shrimp, broccoli and mushrooms, an egg roll and a fortune cookie! Yum!

The pattern will be available in my shop in a couple of days.

Free Crochet Pattern: Jellyfish

2011-02-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

From Finding Nemo to SpongeBob, my sons love jellyfish. Here is a pattern for jellyfish that works up in no time at all :)

Materials:
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in pink (or other color of your choice)
- Crochet hook size E/4 - 3.5 mm
- Stuffing
- 6 mm black safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Small amount of black yarn for mouth

Jellyfish body:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 9: [sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnds 10-13: sc in each sc around (48).
Rnd 14: [5 dc in next sc, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc, skip next 2 sc] repeat around.
Finish off.

Insert eyes between Rnds 8 and 9. Sew mouth on.

Bottom:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: [sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tenticles:
ch 20, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 25, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 30, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 20, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.

Sew Rnd 8 of bottom to Rnd 13 of body about 3/4 of the way around, stuff body with polyfil and continue to sew together. Weave in ends.

My favorite free crochet patterns: Foamies!

2011-02-08T22:40:00.006-05:00

Just last week I was cleaning out my stash of yarn and other crafting supplies. I came across some Patons Grace yarn and thought about giving it away because I hadn't used it in almost 3 years. I'm so glad I didn't! I came across this free pattern. I can not get over how cute these guys are! They remind me of the scrubbing bubbles from the bathtub cleaner commercials.

At first I was hesitant to use a bath scrubbie that had polyester fiberfil in it and safety eyes. But they work great and my sons love them :) My sons never showed any interest in learning to wash themselves but they do now! And I am so addicted to making these and trying out new color combinations and faces.

I also love trying different patterns because I always learn something new. This pattern taught me a new way to make a bobble stitch.

Pattern Update: Fairground Food

2011-02-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

I just finished updating the Fairground Food pattern to change the shape of the snow cones and add containers for the snow cones and caramel apples. If you've purchased my Fairground Food pattern and want the updated pattern for free, just send me a convo through Etsy and I will email it to you. If you could please mention the date that you bought the patterns from me that will help me find you in my records. Thank you, Anna :)

S A L E !

2011-02-05T00:00:00.006-05:00

To celebrate my third Etsy-versary, I am having a sale! I can't believe I have had my Etsy shop for three years now -- time flies when you are having fun :)

The sale begins at 12:00 a.m. on February 5th and ends at 11:59 p.m. on February 11th. If you buy 2 patterns you can choose a 3rd pattern of equal or lesser value for free! Please do not "buy" the 3rd pattern, just note which pattern you want for free in the notes to seller at checkout. All patterns must be purchased in the same Paypal transaction to qualify for the sale. Happy shopping and crocheting :)

New Crochet Pattern: Turkey with Roasting Pan

2011-02-03T23:30:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peak at a pattern that will be available in my shop soon. I started it well in advance of Thanksgiving but just finished it recently. I thought about holding onto it until next fall but with my luck I would get super busy and forget to post it! The pattern includes instructions for a turkey, oval roasting pan and a turkey baster.

Free Crochet Pattern: Buzzy Bee

2011-01-25T12:00:00.014-05:00

My sons asked me to make them a bee so here is what I came up with:

Materials:
- Crochet hook E4 / 3.5 mm
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in yellow, black and white
- Polyester fiberfill
- 6mm black safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Sewing needle
- Black pipe cleaner

Bee:
With yellow yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (15).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (18).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (21).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (24).
Switch to black yarn
Rnds 7-8: sc in each sc around (24).
Pause to attach eyes between Rnds 3 and 4.
Using a length of black yarn split down to 2 ply and a sewing needle, stitch mouth onto Rnd 1.
To make antennea, cut a black pipe cleaner in half. Cut a length of black yarn and tie and knot it around the center of a piece of black pipe cleaner a few times. This will create a little ball at the tip of the antennea. Bend the pipe cleaner in half and insert the ends into the bee's head between Rnds 5 and 6. Leave about 1"-1.5" of the antennea sticking out of the bee's head. With the pipe cleaner that is inside the bee's body, bend the two pieces at a 90 degree angle to anchor the antennea in place. For added strength, you may want to stitch the pipe cleaner "tails" to the bee's body using a length of yellow yarn. Repeat with other half of the pipe cleaner for the other antennea.
Switch to yellow yarn
Rnds 9-10: sc in each sc around (24).
Switch to black yarn
Rnd 11: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 12: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Switch to yellow yarn
Rnd 13: sc in each sc around (18). Stuff.
Rnd 14: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Switch to black yarn
Rnd 15: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (9).
Rnd 16: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 3 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.

Wings:
With white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in next sc, 2 hdc in next sc, 2dc in next 2 sc, 2 hdc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times, hdc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, dc and hdc in next st, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times (18).
Finish off leaving a tail for sewing. Sew wings to bee. Weave in ends.

My favorite free patterns: Love Bunnies

2011-01-24T12:00:00.005-05:00

Okay, so lately it seems like I'm more than a little obsessed with Valentine's Day and bunny rabbits. But this free pattern that I found was so darned cute that I had to make it. I modified the pattern a bit to make the bunnies a tad smaller as follows:

Head:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnds 6-10: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 11: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 12: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Pause to attach safety eyes (I used 6 mm) and sew an "x" for a nose.
Rnd 13: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Stuff head
Rnd 14: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole.

Body:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop
closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnds 5-8: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 9: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Sew felt heart on.
Rnd 10: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail. Stuff body. Sew body to Rnd 13 of head. Weave in ends.

Ears:
Rnd 1: 4 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (4).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8).
Rnd 3: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (10).
Rnds 4-8: sc in each sc around (10).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail. Pinch ears at base and sew to head. Weave in ends.

My favorite free patterns: Patches the Carrot Loving Bunny

2011-01-23T12:30:00.001-05:00

These little guys are too adorable, especially their tiny little carrots! I made a couple using this pattern, organic cotton yarn and cotton stuffing that I had left over from another project.

I made the following modifications because I had these materials on hand rather than the materials recommended by the pattern:
- size E/4 crochet hook;
- black 8mm safety eyes;
- stitched an "x" for the nose using pink embroidery thread; and
- I left off the patches because I ran out of yarn.

My sons loved them and begged me to make more. Our house is quickly being filled with too many crocheted toys :)

New Crochet Pattern: Fruit

2011-01-17T18:44:00.006-05:00

I decided to combine the fruit patterns from my Fruit & Veggie and Learning Colors patterns into one pattern. I also added apple, orange and pear slices, the watermellon from my Picnic pattern and peeled and unpeeled bananas. The result is my new pattern for fruit! If you previously purchased the Fruit & Veggie pattern from my shop and want the updated pattern for free, just send me a convo through Etsy. And if you could please reference in your convo the date you purchased the pattern that would help me find it in my records. Thank you :)

My favorite free patterns: Farmyard Finger Puppets

2011-01-17T11:20:00.000-05:00

I found this free pattern almost 3 years ago -- adorable rooster, cow, pig and duck finger puppets. The pattern includes instructions for a dog finger puppet as well. Making items as small as finger puppets is a little tedious but they turned out so cute :) I've had it on my list to make a pattern for hand puppets for years. Maybe this will be the year that I actually get around to it!

My favorite free patterns: Loop baby rattle

2011-01-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

I found this pattern for a baby rattle about a year ago. Even though I didn't have a baby to make it for I had to make a few anyway!!

And I loved the color combination that the designer used :) None of the other color combinations that I made were nearly as attractive.

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Shaped Baby Doll

2011-01-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

I am having so much fun with this 3D heart pattern!! One of my sons just loves carrying small toys around so I decided to turn it into a miniature doll.

Materials:
Crochet hook size E/4, 3.50mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in red (or pink or purple) and peach
Polyester fiberfill
Embroidery floss in dark brown and dark pink
Sewing needle
Yarn needle

Heart Body:
To make the heart I followed the pattern in the link above, but I didn't use the tail of Top A to sew the hole closed between Top A and Top B. I left the hole open because this is where the doll's head will be.
I followed the pattern up to Rnd 7.
Rnds 8-9: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 10: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 11: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 12: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 13: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (9).
Rnd 14: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 3 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole.
Stuff the heart through the hole in the top of the heart.

Head:
With peach yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a magic ring (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnds 4-6: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 7: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Pause to embroider eyes and mouth onto face.
Rnd 8: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (9).
Rnd 9: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 3 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail. Stuff head. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Sew head to opening at top of heart.

Cap:
With red yarn
Rnd 1: 4 sc into a magic ring (4).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times (6).
Rnd 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 5: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 7: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (24).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail. Sew cap to head. Weave in ends.

I planned to stop after making the red doll, but they were so much fun that I made the pink and purple ones too :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Valentine Garland

2011-01-13T22:18:00.010-05:00

I found this adorable pattern for 3D hearts and decided to modify it a bit and make it into garland. Here is how I did it:

Materials:
Crochet hook size E/4
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in red, dark pink and light pink
Polyester fiberfill

First I made a chain for the hearts to hang from that was about 6 feet long. Then I alternated big hearts and smaller hearts in shades of red, dark pink and light pink.

I made the big hearts using the pattern I found here, which has a lot of useful photos. After I sewed the two tops together using the tail from Top A, I left that tail hanging on the outside of the heart until the heart was finished. Then I chained 5 with that tail and used it to sew the heart to the 6' long chain.

I made the smaller hearts by modifying that pattern as follows:
Top A:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Sl st in next st. Finish off leaving 10” long tail.
Top B:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3 : Sc in next 6 scs, continue to merge Top A and Top B together by inserting your hook into first stitch after sl st made on Top A and continue to make 1 sc in all 12 stitches. Insert hook back into Top B and work 1 sc in next 6 sc (24).
Using a yarn needle and the tail from Top A close the gap between Top A and Top B. Leave the tail from Top A hanging outside of the heart and continue to crochet the heart.
Rnd 4 : Sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 5 : [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12). Stuff the heart.
Rnd 7: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail and weave through remaining 6 sc. Pull up firmly to close the hole and weave in ends.
Using the tail from Top A, chain 5 and then sew that chain to the 6' long chain.

I sewed the hearts to the chain about every 15 chains. Enjoy :)

My favorite free patterns: Lavender bunny

2011-01-07T15:33:00.007-05:00

I have been so busy at work lately that I haven't had time to crochet or blog for the past few months. So I thought in the meantime I will share some of the free patterns I have found (and love) over the years.

I found this free pattern a few years ago and just had to make it. I think this little guy is so cute and there is plenty of time before Easter for you to make one too!

Exciting News!

2010-12-29T21:30:00.000-05:00

I have some exciting news about these two little guys but I think I'm going to wait a little bit longer to reveal what it is so that I don't jinx it! More to come soon :)

New Crochet Pattern: Peppermint Bark and Hot Cocoa

2010-09-25T15:38:00.003-04:00

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to give you a sneak peek of my latest pattern -- a box of 4 peppermint bark and two steaming mugs of cocoa. One hot cocoa has mini marshmallows and the other has a dollop of whipped cream!

I started this pattern last November and after 3 redesigns of the box, 2 redesigns of the mugs and 2 redesigns of the peppermint bark I am finally happy with the way it turned out :)

Pattern Giveaway!

2010-09-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hi! I just wanted to announce that Marie's Cozy Corner is running a giveaway of my Vegetable pattern. The giveaway runs from September 16th to September 23rd so please click here if you are interested in entering :)

New Pattern: Grocery Shopping

2010-09-15T10:00:00.005-04:00

I was looking through all of the patterns I've designed and decided that the grocery shopping pattern needed to be freshened up. I kept the market tote the same, but all of the contents are new! I had made a half dozen eggs in a carton for my sons a couple of years ago and finally got around to typing up the pattern. I also made patterns for a milk carton, baguette, swiss cheese and celery bunch. I hope you enjoy it :)

And for now I think I am done updating patterns. I have a ton of ideas for new patterns and need to find time to roll them out prior to the holidays!

Pattern Update: PB&J

2010-09-13T14:21:00.004-04:00

I just finished updating my peanut butter & jelly pattern to redesign the bread and knife and to add "pieces" of peanut butter and jelly so that you can make the sandwich. If you previously purchased this pattern from my shop and would like the update for free, just send me a Conversation through etsy. If you could please include the date that you purchased the PB&J pattern that would help me find you in my records. Thank you :)

New Crochet Pattern: Mexican Food

2010-08-15T12:13:00.003-04:00

By popular demand, I've designed a pattern for mexican food. A taco, fajita, quesadilla and corn chips with salsa, guacamole and chilli con queso. I hope you all enjoy it :)

Pattern Update: Vegetables

2010-08-14T16:12:00.006-04:00

I decided to combine the vegetable patterns from my Vegetable Garden, Fruit & Veggie, Learning Colors and Grocery Shopping patterns into one pattern. I also added cauliflower and made some of the vegetables a little smaller. The result is my new pattern for vegetables. If you previously purchased the Fruit & Veggie pattern from my shop and want the updated pattern for free, just send me a convo through Etsy. And if you could please reference in your convo the date you purchased the pattern that would help me find it in my records. Thank you :)

Summer Special

2010-06-24T00:45:00.001-04:00

Yay! Summer is here and to celebrate I'm having a sale in my shop. Buy 3 patterns and get a 4th pattern of equal or lesser value for free! Just note which free pattern you want in the notes to seller at checkout :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Honey Pot

2010-06-07T10:25:00.013-04:00

This honey pot was originally requested by a customer. I liked the way that it came out so I decided to share the pattern. Enjoy!

Materials:
Crochet hook size E/4
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in tan, yellow and black
Tapestry / yarn needle
Polyester stuffing
White felt
DMC/embroidery floss in black and white
Sewing needle
* Optional – pinking shears for crinkled edge around label.

You’ll need to know how to do these stitches:
Chain (ch)
Double loop start
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/ decrease

Honey Pot
Outer shell:
with yellow yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: working in back loops only, [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnds 8-16: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 17: [Sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (36).
Rnd 18: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 19: sl st in each sc around (36).
Finish off.
Inner shell:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 10 times (40).
Rnds 7-13: sc in each sc around (40).
Rnd 14: [1 sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 10 times (30).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

Label:
Cut a piece of white felt that is approximately 3” by 2” (I used pinking shears to get the crinkled edge). Using black DMC/embroidery floss and a sewing needle, stitch the word “Honey” onto the felt as shown in the picture. Stitch the label onto the outer shell using a 12” length of white DMC/embroidery floss and a sewing needle.

Insert inner shell into outer shell. Using a length of yellow yarn and a yarn/tapestry needle, tack the bottom center of the inner shell to the bottom center of the outer shell. Using the tail you finished the inner shell with and a tapestry needle, sew Rnd 14 of inner shell to Rnd 17 of outer shell. Weave in ends.

Lid:
With black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: sl st in each sc around (42).
Knob:
With black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next sc, sc2tog] 3 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sts and pull up firmly to close hole. Sew to top center of lid. Weave in ends.
Lip:
With black yarn
ch 30, join to first ch with a sl st to form a loop.
Sc in each ch around.
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing.
Sew top edge of lip around the underside of lid at Rnd 5. This will create a “lip” that will extend approx ½” from the bottom of the lid that will fit inside the honey pot when the lid is put on the pot.
End cap:
With black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Sew cap to lip about 3/4 of the way around, stuff lightly with polyfil and continue to sew closed. Weave in ends.

Dripper
With tan yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: Sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (21).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (18).
Rnd 7: Sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 9: Sc in each sc around (12). Stuff.
Rnd 10: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Rnds 11-22: Sc in each sc around (6).
Finish off leaving a 6” tail. Stuff handle. Weave tail through remaining 6 sts and pull up firmly to close hole. Weave in ends.

Spring in a Can

2010-05-07T14:25:00.000-04:00

My sons have been asking me lately if they can plant some seeds so they can watch them grow. While I would love to have a garden, we have so much wildlife in our yard that anything we planted would be eaten in no time.

It is still too cold here to plant flowers outside, so I bought the following materials so that they could plant cat grass in recycled cans. It was a quick project that was just long enough for their 3-year-old attention spans. And the grass started growing in about 7 days so they didn't have to be too patient to see results.

Materials:
1 can (I used a 14.5 oz. can from canned corn)
pea gravel or small rocks
potting soil
seeds
trowel
1 brown paper lunch bag
rubber cement

First, I rinsed out a can and dryed it. I didn't use soap to wash it because I was afraid any soap residue would hurt the plants. And here is a tip: the cans with the pop off tops (similar to soda cans) leave sharper edges than the cans that you have to open with a can opener. I learned that the hard way by slicing the side of my hand while drying a can. Needless to say that I threw that can out and opted for a can without sharp edges.

Next, my sons filled the bottom of the can with pea gravel to provide some drainage. My sons then filled the cans with potting soil, sprinkled in the seeds, topped it with more soil and watered it.

Now that their part of the project was done I decided to decorate the cans a little. I wanted to label each can with their name on kraft paper, but I didn't have any kraft paper on hand. Instead, I cut out a piece of brown paper lunch bag that was 8.5" long and about 4" wide. On my computer, I set up a document in Word, chose a font I liked and typed my sons' name. I printed it on the lunch bag and then used rubber cement to glue the label to the can. I'll admit that the lunch bag did get stuck in the printer once but thankfully it wasn't a horrible paper jam. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the results, especially since it only cost me a couple of bucks for the seeds.

New Crochet Pattern: Coffee and Donuts

2010-05-05T10:24:00.004-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of a pattern that will be available in my shop either later today or tomorrow morning. It includes instructions for a coffee cup with a removable lid and drink sleeve and 3 donuts.

Whew! I have been so busy lately finishing all of the projects that I put on hold when I was crazy busy at my day job. I think I'm almost caught up :)

Pattern Update: Lunch Play Set

2010-05-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been revising some of my previous patterns and improving them. For the lunch play set pattern, I made the sandwich a little smaller and redesigned the milk carton. If you previously purchased this pattern from my shop and want the updated pattern for free, just send me a convo through Etsy. And if you could please reference in your convo the date you purchased the lunch play set pattern that would help me find it in my records. Thank you :)

Wow Wow Wubbzy!

2010-05-03T10:18:00.000-04:00

Here are some more characters from one of my sons' favorite shows on Nick Jr. -- Wow Wow Wubbzy. The pattern is by Leisure Arts and you can find it at your local craft store (such as Hobby Lobby) or on-line.

If you are going to buy this pattern be forewarned that the suggested yarn was difficult for me to find. I couldn't find it at Hobby Lobby, Michaels or JoAnns. I ended up ordering the yellow, pink and purple yarn online at Roberts Crafts. I have to say that the shipping for 5 skeins of yarn was a little ridiculous, but I knew that if I used the yellow, pink and purple yarn that I could find locally that I wouldn't be happy with the finished product. And another tip: you will probably need 3 skeins of yellow to finish Wubbzy rather than the 2 skeins they recommend. I did, and I got to pay shipping for another skein of yarn. Oh well, my sons love the finished dolls so I guess it was worth it :)

As I don't usually make dolls, I enjoyed the challenge that these patterns presented. And I learned some new techniques in the process.

New Crochet Pattern: Woodland Creatures

2010-04-30T09:08:00.003-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at a new pattern soon to be available in my shop. It's a hollowed out log with four forest friends -- a skunk, a squirrel, a raccoon and an owl. All of the creatures fit inside the log so that you can easily store and carry them.

Free Crochet Pattern: Pierogies

2010-04-29T21:41:00.012-04:00

My sons recently discovered potato pierogies and boy do they love them. So tonight I whipped some up for their play food collection.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in off-white
Crochet hook size E/4
Polyester stuffing
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Top:
With off-white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Finish off.

Bottom:
With off-white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Do not finish off. With wrong sides facing, continue to slip stitch Rnd 6 of top to Rnd 5 of bottom about 3/4 of the way around. Put a ball of stuffing in the center of the pierogi and continue to slip stitch it closed. Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Sew through both layers of the pierogi about 1/4" away from the edge all the way around. Secure end. Weave in ends.

If you want to make half moon shaped pierogies, follow this pattern instead:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Fold the circle you just made in half and sew it closed, leaving a 1" opening so that you can put a ball of stuffing in the center of the pierogi. Finish sewing it closed, then continue to sew through both layers of the pierogi about 1/4" away from the edge along the curved edge of the pierogi. Secure end. Weave in ends.

Crocheting for Charity: Project Linus

2010-04-28T19:25:00.002-04:00

I recently learned about Project Linus, a wonderful charity that provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. I contacted my local chapter to see what size blankets they needed and they told me that they would appreciate any size blanket.

I used the patterns on Project Linus' web site and Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn to make 3 baby blankets. I think that they turned out beautifully! I have a couple of ideas for blankets for older children and teens once I find some spare time to work on them. Spare time is in short supply these days :)

Making these blankets was really fun for me, too. The repetitve nature of making a blanket was so relaxing compared to the crocheting I usually do, surrounded by several different colors of yarn and counting stitches in my head.

New Pattern: Gourmet S'mores

2010-04-23T18:29:00.003-04:00

This one was a customer request. For those sophisticated little ladies that do not want to make their s'mores by campfire, I have designed a pattern for a mini indoor hibachi grill to toast your marshmallows on. The pattern also includes instructions for sticks, marshmallows with holes in them, graham crackers, chocolate bars and a divided tray to hold it all.

New Crochet Pattern: Picnic

2010-04-07T21:52:00.005-04:00

Here is sneak peek of the newest pattern soon to hit my shop -- a picnic basket with a blanket, chicken drumsticks, potato salad, baked beans and watermellon. Yum! My sons love to pretend they are having a picnic so they could barely wait for this set to be finished.

UPDATE: as of 4/13/10 this item is now available. Thank you to everyone who commented! I have been busier than usual at work so it took me longer than I expected to get this listing up :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Hot Potato

2010-03-26T15:00:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick pattern for a potato to add to your child's play food collection or use it for a game of hot potato!

Materials:
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown or taupe and off-white
- Size E4 crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill
* Optional: bean bag filler or polypellets (to give the potato a little more weight)
- Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
single crochet (sc)
single crochet together/decrease (sc2tog)

The potato is worked in continuous rounds without joining.
With brown or taupe yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnds 7-19: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 20: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 21: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 22: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 23: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 24: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12). Stuff.
Rnd 25: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6” tail. Weave tail through rem 6 sc and pull up firmly to close hole. Weave in ends.

To make an “eye” on the potato:
Cut a 12” length of off-white yarn
Using a tapestry needle, insert the off-white yarn into the potato, leaving about 4” sticking out of the potato, pick up a stitch on the opposite side of the potato and pull the needle back out near the insertion point. Tie the loose ends into a knot and trim. Repeat in random spots around the potato.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

2010-03-20T10:15:00.003-04:00

My sons love the show Yo Gabba Gabba. So when I found these patterns I knew I had to make them. I started with Brobee and Muno because they looked the easiest. I don't usually make dolls so I was a little intimidated, but the instructions were really easy to follow. I saved Plex for last because he looked the most complicated. But it was actually pretty easy to make him and he is definitely my sons' favorite (although I used a softer yarn for him and I should have stayed with the Red Heart Super Saver so that he'd hold his shape better).

Allison at CraftyIsCool was so nice and I have to say that some of her crocheting techniques are genius. From how she formed the thumbs and feet to her pattern for Plex's ears and antenna. I just couldn't put this project down and was up until 2 a.m. almost every night last week working on these cute monsters.

Shake Your Shaker!

2010-03-19T22:30:00.001-04:00

I can't take credit for this cute little shaker. One of my sons' friends has one and I decided to make a couple for my sons.

Materials:
-empty can with a removable lid (I used a small container of Planter's peanuts)
-beads (or anything else that will make a noise when you shake it)
-1/4 yard fur fabric
-1/4 yard felt (in same color as fur fabric)
-glue gun
-glue sticks
-googly eyes

First, I washed and dried the empty peanut can, filled it with beads and hot glued the lid onto it. I didn't want to fill the shaker with rice because that seemed a little unsanitary to me. Does rice mold? I'm not sure, but I don't want to find out.

Then, I cut out 2 circles from the felt that were about 1" in diameter larger than the top of my can. I hot glued one felt circle to the top of the can, folding any excess felt over the side of the can and hot gluing it into place. I repeated this process on the bottom of the can.

Next, I cut out a piece of fur that was about 2" taller than the can and about 1" longer than I needed to wrap it around the can. Warning: the fur fabric will really shed if you have any unfinished edges. I laid the piece of fur on the table and centered the can over it. I folded over the edges about 1" on the top and bottom (so that the fur would be exactly as tall as the can) and hot glued the "hem" in place. Then I wrapped the fur around the can, hot gluing it to the can as I wrapped it around, folded over the excess fur and "hemmed" it using hot glue. I hot glued on the googly eyes and viola -- you have a shaker!

New Pattern: Doodleberry Pie & Cake

2010-03-08T23:47:00.000-05:00

If your kids love the show Wow Wow Wubbzy like mine do, then you have probably heard of doodleberries. They are Wubbzy's favorite food and are used to make pies and cakes. Here's a sneak peek at the pattern, which will be available in my shop soon :)

New Idea: Gardening Play Set + Vegetable Garden

2010-03-07T11:08:00.005-05:00

Maybe some of you crafty gals have already thought of this, but it occurred to me last night that the potted flowers from my Gardening Play Set pattern would look cute "planted" in the planter box from my Vegetable Garden pattern. So I made some of the potted flowers last night and I think I was right -- they are cute together!

Free Crochet Pattern: Polly Wants a Cracker

2010-03-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

The moment I presented the finished pirate set to my sons, they informed me that "Polly needs a cracker." So here it is:

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in off-white
Size E4 crochet hook

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Side 1:
Ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (6).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Sc evenly around. Finish off.
Side 2:
Ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (6).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Sc evenly around. Do NOT finish off. With wrong sides facing, continue to slip stitch Sides 1 and 2 together by [sl st, ch 1, sl st in the same stitch] around.
Finish off and weave in ends.

I also thought the parrot could look more pirate-y so I gave him a bandana and eye patch.

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in red and black
Size E4 crochet hook

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Eye Patch:
with black yarn
Ch 2.
3 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew over one of the parrot's eyes. Weave in ends.

Bandana:
With red yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Ch 8 and sl st back down the ch and in the sc you started in. Sc in next 2 sc. Ch 8 and sl st back down the ch and in the sc you started in.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Tie the two chains you just made into a knot. Sew the bandana to the parrot's head. Weave in ends.

Getting Organized

2010-03-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

When I first started my Etsy shop, one of the first things I purchased was a tuck and roll organizer from coyotecraft. I take my project bag with me everwhere I go and had been using *gasp* a plastic baggie to hold my hooks, etc. I absolutely love this organizer because it is compact, holds all of my hooks securely in place and is much more stylish than a plastic baggie :)

Bean was a pleasure to work with and everything was very well made. She let me pick out my fabrics and she even made me a matching needle book so that I had a place to store my sewing and yarn needles. It's probably the only thing I've bought from Etsy that I use everyday.

National Crochet Month

2010-03-03T11:17:00.012-05:00

I was surprised to learn that March is National Crochet Month. Wow, yes crochet gets its own month! I feel like such a bad crocheter that I have been enjoying this hobby for so many years and had no idea about this.

To celebrate, I've decided to have a sale in my shop. Buy one pattern and receive another pattern (of equal or lesser value) 1/2 off now through March 31st. Just put the patterns into your cart, enter the discount code NCM in the notes to seller when you checkout and pay through PayPal. I will issue a refund to you for 1/2 off the least expensive pattern(s) through PayPal.

Happy hooking, fellow crocheters!

Pattern Update: Just Desserts

2010-03-03T09:45:00.002-05:00

My Just Desserts pattern is one of my best selling patterns. But I thought that I could improve on the cake so that "stuffing" it was easier and so that the cake wasn't so tall. I also made the cupcakes a tad smaller than they were before. If you purchased this pattern from my shop prior to January 28, 2010 just send a convo to me through Etsy and I'll happily send the revised pattern to you for free. If you could please include your date of purchase in your convo that will help me locate you in my records. Thank you :)

Pattern Update: Mailbox with Mail Bag

2010-03-02T15:50:00.014-05:00

I wasn't completely happy with the flag on the mailbox so I decided to make some changes to the pattern. While I was at it, I added a pattern for a package.

If you previously purchased the mailbox pattern from my shop and want the updated pattern for free, just send me a convo through Etsy. And if you could please reference in your convo the date you purchased the mailbox pattern that would help me find it in my records. Thank you :)

Wood Grain Pillow

2010-03-02T09:41:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that I never buy Crochet Today magazine. But when I saw this pattern I ran to my nearest store to buy the Jan/Feb '09 issue. The pattern was really easy to follow and I love the way the pillow turned out. I gave it to my sister-in-law this past Christmas and she loved it, too.

The pattern says that it makes a 20x20 pillow, and this turned out to be larger than I was expecting. Maybe one of these days I will find time to convert it into a pattern for a 16x16 pillow. I think it would be really cool to make the pillow dark brown with off-white grain. Hmmm, maybe I will try that when the basement remodel is finished.

Crocheting for Charity: Cat Toys

2010-03-01T11:05:00.009-05:00

My sister-in-law volunteers at a local cat shelter. I wanted to get some cat toys for them, but the shelter doesn't allow toys with cat nip. Could you imagine 166 cats going wild on cat nip? Otherwise, I definitely would have bought quite a few of these. They are so cute and look extrememly well made.
So, I decided to make some cat toys using this pattern and this pattern. I just used some yarn I had around the house, some jingle bells for the mouse's tail and some mylar windows from junk mail envelopes to make the sardines crinkly.

The mouse was super easy and worked up quickly. I wanted to make sure that the jingle ball was secured to the tail very well, so instead of following the instructions, I chained 15 stitches, then switched to a tiny hook (1.9 mm) to insert through the loop at the top of the bell, pull the yarn through and slip stitch. I then switched back to the size G hook and slip stitched back up the remaining chains and sewed the tail to the mouse.

The sardines were easy to make too, although there weren't many instructions for the tail. The instructions tell you to make a circle by crocheting in the round and then attach it to the sardine, but the photo didn't look like there was a circle hanging off of the sardine. So I finished off the circle leaving a long tail, folded the circle in half and sewed it along the edge so that I had a semi-circle. I then sewed the round edge of the semi-circle to the last round of the sardine. I hope the kitties like them :)

New Pattern: Ahoy Mateys!

2010-02-25T23:04:00.009-05:00

Here is a new crochet pattern that will be in the shop soon! My son started talking like a pirate the moment that he put the hat on. Just too cute :) The pattern includes instructions for a pirate hat, eye patch, gold coins, a pouch to put them in, a treasure map and a parrot.

And I plan to post a free little "extra" to go along with this pattern in the near future.

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Shaped Cookies

2010-02-18T16:00:00.008-05:00

This adorable little pattern was available in my Etsy shop prior to Valentines Day. Now that Valentines Day has past, I decided to save $.20 and not relist this pattern on Etsy but share it on my blog instead.

These cookies work up quickly. I hope you enjoy them :)

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in beige, pink, white and red
Crochet hook size E
Crochet hook size H
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Double crochet (dc)
Half double crochet (hdc)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Triple crochet (tc)

Cookie:
Side 1:
With beige yarn and a size H hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off. Decorate Side 1 with frosting using the pattern below.
Side 2:
With beige yarn and a size H hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. With wrong sides facing, Sew Rnd 3 of Side 1 to Rnd 3 of Side 2. Weave in ends.

Icing:
With red, pink or white yarn and a size E hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Sew icing to Side 1. Weave in ends.

Free Crochet Pattern: Rocket Ship

2010-02-18T15:45:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a long time, but I decided to add a free pattern that has been available in my etsy shop for some time now. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in light grey, white, blue, lime green, black, red and orange
Crochet hook size E/4
Polyester stuffing
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/ decrease (sc2tog)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Rocket ship is worked in the round starting at the bottom and working up to the nose.
With light grey yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (42).
Rnds 9-13: sc in each sc around (42).
Switch to white yarn
Rnds 14-28: sc in each sc around (42).
Switch to light grey yarn
Rnd 29: [Sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (36).
Rnd 30: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 31: [Sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 32: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 33: [Sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 34: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 35: [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 36: sc in each sc around (18). Stuff rocket with polyfil. From this point on continue to stuff as you go.
Rnd 37: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 38: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Rnd 39: [sc2tog] 3 times (3).
Finish off leaving an 8" tail. Weave tail through remaining 3 stitches and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.

Wings: make 3
Side 1:
With blue yarn
ch 9
Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 2: sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 3: sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 4: sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 5: sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 6: sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 7: sc2tog, sc in next sc, ch 1, turn (2).
Row 8: sc2tog (1).
Finish off.
Side 2:
With blue yarn follow the pattern above for Side 1 but do not finish off at the end. With wrong sides facing, continue to sl st Side 1 to Side 2 leaving a small opening to lightly stuff the wing with a small amount of stuffing. Continue to sl st together. Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Using the tail you finished with and a yarn needle, sew the flat edge of the wing to the rocket between Rnds 8 and 16. Repeat for the other two wings.

Windows: make 2
With lime green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Using a yarn needle, sew a window to the rocket between Rnds 19 and 23 and lined up with the center wing. Sew the other window to the rocket between Rnds 26-30 and lined up with the first window.

Blasters: make 3
With black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: sc in each sc around (9).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around (12).
Using a yarn needle and a length of red yarn, insert the red yarn into the blaster leaving a 2" tail, secure to Rnd 1 of the blaster and bring red yarn back out the blaster leaving a 2" tail. Repeat with red and orange yarn to give the appearance of flames.
Sew blasters to bottom of the rocket.

** By using this pattern you agree to the following:
This pattern may not be sold in full or in part, and products made using this pattern may not be sold on-line. The completed rocket ship may be sold off-line (i.e., at craft fairs). All reproduction, publication, or distribution of this pattern without permission of the copyright owner is prohibited.

Decorating Babies' Bathroom

2008-04-07T20:19:00.001-04:00

One delimma I faced when I was expecting my sons' was converting our guest bathroom into a bathroom for little boys. I had spent countless hours painting that bathroom one coat of grey primer and two coats of red so there was no way I was repainting it. My sons' bedroom is decorated in Alphabet Soup from Pottery Barn Kids, so I wanted the bathroom to coordinate. Unfortunately, that particular line of bedding only came with a bathmat and hand towel... no shower curtain (and no red in the bathmat either)! For the shower curtain, I bought a regular green gingham shower curtain from Pottery Barn Kids. I thought I would buy some extra window valances and put a valance over the shower curtain and get some red into the bathroom. But, of course, the window valances have every color in them other than red. My solution -- make a shower curtain valance using one of the crib sheets, line it with white fabric and trim it in red gingham. Actually, my mom did all of the sewing. I have aspirations of learning to sew but there are only so many hours in a day. For about $25 worth of fabric (most of that was the overpriced crib sheet), I had a shower curtain that I love.

To bring some more color (and red) into the room, I chose 4 of the animals that are on the quilts in my sons' bedroom and painted them on to artist canvases stretched over wood frames. The canvases and my acrylic paint set cost about $20 at my local craft store. I know they aren't perfect, but hey this is a kid's bathroom, not a museum. For my first attempt at painting, I'm pretty happy with them. And the most important thing is that I didn't have to repaint the whole bathroom...

Months of the Year Photo Frames

2008-04-07T20:03:00.004-04:00

I can not take credit for any of this project. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law did all of the hard work.

When I was expecting my boys, I asked my mother-in-law if she could paint a picture frame for each month of the year. I wanted to hang them over the changing table and then put a picture in it each month that represented a special holiday or milestone that happened that month. The first four months of the year were pictures of me and my ever-expanding belly.

My mother-in-law is a fabulous artist and can paint anything so I bought wood frames for $1 each at the craft store and she did the rest. She painted each frame a base color, then painted items that are associated with each month and also painted a wood cut-out and glued it to the top center of each frame. My sister-in-law added the name of each month in the bottom center of each frame. The frames didn't come with glass so my mother-in-law put a piece of plastic sheeting into each frame. She also added a saw tooth hanger to the back of each frame.

Overall, I would say the project cost $20-25 dollars and I'm thrilled with the results. Everyone who sees my sons' rooms comments on the picture frames. I've seen these frames in catalogs for $320 for the set and I'm glad I got mine for a fraction of that cost!

Paper Purse

2008-04-02T22:00:00.001-04:00

When I saw the wrapper purses at uncommongoods.com, I wanted to buy one for my friend for Christmas. But they were always out of stock so I was determined to learn how to make one. After looking at several pictures, I could not figure out if the rows were woven together or sewn together. There were lots of instructions on the web for making the paper chains but not for how to attach the chains.

And then I found this site! I'm so glad she was kind enough to post the instructions. I couldn't wait to save up enough candy wrappers or chip bags...but I do have a ton of catalogs around my house! And I'm glad I was able to save a couple from the landfill and turn them into something useful.

So I decided to use the colorful pages from catalogs laminated with clear contact paper to make my purse. I know... laminating each strip of paper was quite a chore, but there was no way I was going to take the time to make a purse and then have it fall apart the first time it got wet. The contact paper did make it thicker though, so sewing up the bottom of the purse wasn't that easy and didn't turn out as perfectly as I would have liked. But my friend loved the purse and that's all that matters. It took me forever to make so it ended up being a birthday present rather than a Christmas present.

Maybe next time (if I ever attempt this craft again) I will try a flat bottom purse. I've also read that some people use clear packing tape to laminate the paper strips -- now that sounds like a pain! I'm thinking that a purse made from newspaper would be pretty cool though.

Diaper Cake and Other Baby Shower Gift Ideas

2008-04-02T21:28:00.001-04:00

One of my friends from work is expecting a baby so my co-workers and I decided to put together a bunch of items that all of our kids love. We thought this would be more personal than buying one big item off of the registry.

We bought some storage containers from the Land of Nod in her nursery colors -- red and lime. What a great deal -- only $9 - $12 a piece! Then each container had a theme. One had all of the medicine cabinet items you need on hand like infant Tylenol, PediaLyte, neosporin, etc. Another container had toys, rattles, teethers and books that our kids love. Another had sippy cups, bowls, spoons, bottle brush, etc. that we had found were better than the other brands. Another had a hand crocheted afghan I made from cotton yarn, SwaddleMe blankets (these are the greatest!), a Baby Einstein lullaby CD, Nuk pacifiers, etc. This way our friend received a ton of very useful gifts and benefited from our collective knowledge as mothers.

I also made her a diaper cake, but I didn't attach anything to it as all of the other goodies were already in the storage bins. The cake was really easy to make and only cost about $40 (I used coupons to buy the diapers). Here's how I made it:

80 Size 1 Pampers Swaddlers
30 Newborn Papers Swaddlers
3 bottles (what ever kind the mom-to-be registered for)
3 cardboard cake platters
lots of small rubber bands
9 very large rubber bands
sticky tack

I started building the cake from the bottom up. For the bottom tier I didn't have a cake platter on hand that was 14" in diameter so I cut one out of cardboard. Then I put some sticky tack on the bottom of a bottle and stuck it in the middle of the cardboard circle. Next I rolled up size 1 diapers and put a rubber band around each one. When I had enough rolled up diapers to go all the way around the bottle, I put a large rubber band around the entire ring of diapers to hold it in place. I repeated this step until I could no longer see the cardboard circle, which was four rings of size 1 diapers for the bottom tier.

I then made the second tier using a 10" diameter cake circle. I traced the outline of the bottle in the center of the cardboard and cut it out so that the cardboard would slide over the bottle that was in the center of the bottom tier. Then I put some sticky tack on the bottom of another bottle and stuck it to the bottle that was already part of the bottom tier. I used three rings of rolled up size 1 diapers for the second tier.

I made the top tier using a 6" diameter cake circle. Again, I traced the outline of the bottle in the center of the cardboard and cut it out so that this top tier would slide over the bottle that was in the second tier. I put some sticky tack on the bottom of a third bottle and stuck it to the bottle that was already part of the second tier. I used two rings of rolled up newborn diapers for this tier. You can still see the top of the third bottle sticking out of the top of the cake but this didn't bother me. I suppose you could make a bow or use a cute stuffed animal to try to conceal it if you wanted to.

Once the cake was assembled, I wrapped some pretty ribbon that was 2" wide around each tier and hot glued it in place. I then took artificial gerber daisies and pulled the flower off the stem and hot glued one flower in the center of the ribbon on each tier. You do have to be careful when pulling the flower off the stem because the whole flower can start falling apart if the stem is what was holding it together. This started happening to one of my daisies, so I just hot glued the layers of petals together in an inconspicuous place so no one would ever know.

I was pretty happy with how my cake turned out! The ribbon and the daisies were so my friend's style and it was a lot less expensive to make it myself than buy an already made cake. My method for making it may be a little different than other instructions I've seen on the web, but the cake was pretty sturdy and I made it using rubber bands and sticky tack I already had on hand.