The Blue Crab Stitches At Midnight

Flower Fairy & Mushroom Amigurumi (Free)

2011-04-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and as my birthday present to you, here is Flower Fairy. I made the little basket with Easter in mind. I just love the look of the jelly beans. Yum! Of course, thank you Lotte for the idea!

Difficulty: This is an intermediate pattern, but the hair is difficult. I have been wanting to do this technique for a while, because I hate doing fringed hair. I am of course not the first, nor the last person to use this method of making hair. MyGurumi has an excellent tutorial for making hair. If you scroll down, you will see a method similar to the one I used. Her "troll with a short haired curly wig" has been made with the same concept. Please refer to that if you have trouble. http://mygurumi.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-amigurumi-hair.html

Also, like I have said before, if you are unfamiliar with the adjustable loop, it is also known as the Magic Ring. June Gilbank has an excellent tutorial. http://www.planetjune.com/blog/magic-ring-for-amigurumi/ If you are uncomfortable, please use the "ch 2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook method instead through rnd 1.

Materials:
F hook
small amounts of Cream, Hot Pink, Hot Blue, Hot Green, Hot Orange, and White worsted weight yarn (I use Sugar'n Cream)
Stitch Markers
tapestry needle
2-6mm black amimal eyes

Notes: Parts are worked in continuous rounds without joining unless otherwise specified. Mark stitches to keep track of rows.

Hair:
Note: Hair is worked as a traditional sc circle, but with hair strands every 2 sts. Hair strands do not count as a st, so ignore them when working in "next sc." Work around hair strands, pulling them forward toward you.
With Hot Pink, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: [2 sc in loop, {ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs} hair strand made] 3 times (6sc, 3 hair strands)
Rnd 2: [2 sc in next sc of rnd 1, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs] repeat around (12sc, 6 hair strands)
Rnd 3: [sc in next 2 sc of rnd 2, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs, continuing rnd 3, sc in same st of rnd 2, sc in next sc, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs, 2 sc in next sc of rnd 2, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs] repeat around (18sc, 9 hair strands)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc of rnd 3, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs, continuing rnd 4, 2 sc in next st of rnd 3, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs] repeat around (24sc, 12 hair strands)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 2 sc of rnd 4, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 8 chs] 8 times, [sc in next 2 sc of rnd 4, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc remaining 5 chs] 4 times, sl st in beg sc, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing (24sc, 8 long strands, 4 short strands)

Head & Body:
With Cream, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24sc)
Rnd 5-8: sc around (24 sts each rnd)
Rnd 9: [sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 10: [sc in next st, sc2tog] repeat around (12sc)
**Put safety eyes in between rnds 6 and 7 now if desired**
Rnd 11-12: sc around
Rnd 13: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 14: sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts (20sc)
Rnd 15: sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts (22sc)
Rnd 16: sc in next 10 sts, [sc2tog] 4 times, sc in next 4 sts (18sc)
Rnd 17-24: sc around (18 sts each rnd)
**STUFF**
Rnd 25: [sc2tog] repeat around (9sc)
Rnd 26: [sc2tog] repeat around, sc in last st, sl st into next st, fasten off. Weave tail through each st of rnd 26, pull taut, knot to secure and weave in end (5sc)

Dress:
With Hot Green, Ch 24, join with sl st in 1st ch to create a ring, being careful not to twist ch.
Dress Skirt
Note: Beg ch 3 counts as dc.
Rnd 1-4: ch 3 (mark bottom of ch 3 where ring was formed), dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3 (24 sts each rnd)
Rnd 5: [{ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, sk next st of rnd 4, sl st in next st} point made] repeat around, make last sl st in sl st in top of ch 3 of rnd 4 (12 points)
Dress Bodice
Rnd 1: Working on other side of foundation ch, join with sl st in marked st, sc in same st, sc in each remaining st around (24sc)
Rnd 2: sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts (26sc)
Rnd 3: sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts (28sc)
Rnd 4: sc in next 11 sts, [sc2tog] 4 times, sc in next 9 sts (24sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) twice, ch 5, sk next st, sc in next st, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, sc in next st, ch 5, sk next st, sc2tog in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog (13 sc, 2-ch5 spcs)

Wings:
With White, Ch 25, 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 8 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next st, 6 dc in next st, working on other side of foundation ch, dc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 8 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Arms (Make 2):
With Cream, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2-12: sc around, sl st into next st and fasten off leaving long tail for sewing at end of rnd 12 (6 sts each rnd)

Legs (Make 2):
With Cream, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in loop, pull loop taut (8sc)
Rnd 2-15: sc around, sl st into next st and fasten off leaving long tail for sewing at end of rnd 15 (8 sts each rnd)

Finishing: Weave tail in and out of sts of rnd 26 of body, pull taut and knot to secure. Sew hair to top of head, lining up 4 shorter hair strands in front for bangs, centered with bust, and tack down on all sides of head. Sew legs to bottom of body. Place dress on body, lining bust of body up with bust of dress. Weave tail through sts of rnd 12 of arms. Sew sides of arms to body through arm holes (straps) made in dress. Sew wings to back of body, sewing through dress and body to secure. Sew mouth to rnd 9 of face, using 2 strands of 4ply yarn or embroidery thread.

Mushroom:
With Hot Blue, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24sc)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (30sc)
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (36sc)
Rnd 7: [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (42sc)
Rnd 8-14: sc around (42 sts each rnd)
Rnd 15: [sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (36sc)
Rnd 16: [sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog] repeat around, sl st into next st, fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing (30sc)
Large Spot (Make 2):
With White, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around, sl st into next st, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing (18sc)
Small Spot (Make 2):
With White, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing (12sc
**Sew Spots to Mushroom, alternating between large and small.**
Bottom of Mushroom:
With White, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24sc)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (30sc)
Rnd 6-8 sc around, sl st into next st and fasten off at end of rnd 8 (30 sts each rnd)
**Begin sewing bottom of mushroom to top, leaving an opening for stuffing. Place pennies in bottom of mushroom before closing up to give it some weight and stability if desired.**

Basket:
With Hot Orange, Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18sc)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24sc)
Rnd 5-7: sc around, sl st into next st (24sc)
Rnd 8 (handle): ch 15, sk next 12 sts, sl st in next st being careful not to twist ch, sl st in next st, ch 1, sc in each of the next 15 chs, sl st in next st of rnd 7, fasten off.

Looking For Ideas...

2011-03-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

I want to design a new ami for Easter and/or Spring. I am going to post it as a free pattern here, so please let me know what you would like to see. I am trying to stay away from the traditional rabbit or egg, because there are so many out there already. :)

What I've Been Making

2010-12-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Though I haven't been busy making up new patterns lately, I've been quite busy stitching. Here's some of what I've made recently! :)

Featured Blog

2010-11-16T14:56:00.001-08:00

Every now and then you just have to give it up for the creative people out there! This is one of those moments. It's a good thing I didn't have liquid in my mouth when I saw this picture. I really had a good laugh from this one!

Copyright: Spindles and Spices on Blogspot

Check out her blog: http://spindlesandspices.blogspot.com/

Carrot Cake TP Cosy

2010-11-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Materials:
small amount of aran/off white worsted weight yarn
small amount of tan, reddish brown, or other appropriate color worsted weight yarn
scrap amounts of green and orange worsted weight yarn for carrots
g hook
tapestry needle
washable fabric glue if desired

Stitches and abbreviations:
beg=beginning
flo=front loop only
blo=back loop only
hdc=half double crochet
fpdc=front post double crochet
beg popcorn=ch 3, 4 dc in same st, remove hook from loop and insert from front to back through 1st dc, with 1st dc on hook insert hook back through loop, pull loop through first dc, ch 1.
popcorn=5 dc in indicated st, remove hook from loop and insert from front to back through 1st dc, with 1st dc on hook insert hook back through loop, pull loop through first dc, ch 1.

Notes: ch 2 counts as hdc, ch 3 counts as dc.

TOP
With aran, ch 3.
Rnd 1: 8 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (9 hdc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each remaining st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (18 hdc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (27 hdc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (36 hdc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (45 hdc).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (54 hdc).
Rnd 7: beg popcorn in flo of first st, sc in flo of next st, (popcorn in flo of next st, sc in flo of next st) repeat around, join with sl st in beg popcorn, fasten off (27 popcorn, 27 sc).

CAKE/SIDES:
With tan/brown, join with sl st in any back loop of rnd 7 of top.
Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in blo of each remaining st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (54 dc).
Rnd 9-19: Ch 3, (fpdc around next st, dc in next st) repeat around, ending with a fpdc, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3 (27 dc, 27 fpdc).
Rnd 20: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st in 1st sc, fasten off (54 sc).

WHIP CREAM:
With aran, ch 15. hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 2hdc in each remaining st, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Arrange whip cream in a spiral and sew across bottom to hold shape. Sew whip cream to center of top.

CARROTS (make 8):
With orange, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, fasten off. For stem, attach a 3" piece of green yarn to one loop in the side of the last hdc made as you would when attaching fringe (fold the yarn in half, pull the loop through, insert the loose ends through, then pull tight). Trim stem and fray/separate strands with a tapestry needle. Sew or use fabric glue too attach carrots as shown in picture. To make it easier, arrange carrots as they will lay once attached, then pin them if sewing or pick them up one by one and glue them into place.

What I've Been Up To

2010-09-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

I love to crochet, but who doesn't need a small break now and then? I've done a little bit of sewing and most recently, made some soap.

Here is a Halloween ragdoll I desperately need to finish! Her name is Gorgona, inspired by Greek Mythology (check out this if you want to know more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon). It's almost October now! EEk. The fabric she is laying on will be her dress. I have had a lot of fun making her and will actually keep her. Me, keep something I made? Wow.

And some dragonfly soap. It's unscented, except for the dried lavender I added, but it DOES have a bit of a soap smell. I am giving away these two on Crochetville, one each to two different people. If you are interested, please go to the Giveaway thread under "A Little Something Different" to express your interest.

Settling In

2010-08-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

It was a long drive! We had to make a few stops along the way, but I don't think my son Ben minded at all. We found an awesome rest stop in Illinois!

Now that we're here Ben can play outside, in weather not nearly as hot as Missouri. Ohio is about 20 degrees cooler. Just not looking forward to the winters. Ben says, "Bye, going to Wal-Mart to get milk!" (I kid you not.)

One good thing about the nice weather here, I don't mind getting down on the pavement to do a little bit of "art." Ben likes Sponge Bob, though we never watch the show, so I drew him a little something.

Chalk-Eater Max (our pup)!

Moving is...

2010-08-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

I hate moving. I hate packing. I hate unpacking. We just moved over 800 miles from Missouri to Ohio. However, I am glad we moved, because things will be better for us in the long run (better already in fact). We just have a lot of job searching to do. >.< But it won't take long. :)

Just A Note...

2010-07-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

I recently put the comments on my blog on moderation, because I was receiving a lot of spam... some of which apparently contained links to innappropriate websites. So, I'm sorry. I will try to remember to come in and approve messages promptly. :)

Monkey Soda Can Cozy

2010-06-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Note: Many people have asked me what an adjustable loop is. It is a method used to eliminate the gap in the center of your work that is sometimes created when working in the round. It is also known as the magic ring. June Gilbank of Planet June has an excellent tutorial. http://www.planetjune.com/blog/magic-ring-for-amigurumi/ If you are not comfortable with the method, please feel free to replace adjustable loop with: ch 2, sc # specified in 2nd ch from hook for single crochet in the round OR ch 4, dc # specified in 4th ch from hook for double crochet in the round (the beginning ch 3 would count as your 1st dc).

Materials:
1.5 oz brown worsted weight cotton
small amount tan worsted weight cotton
small amount black embroidery floss or yarn
H hook
F hook
2 buttons
tapestry needle

Cozy:
With H hook and brown cotton, make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30sc)
Rnds 6-24: sc in each st around, sl st in next st at end of rnd 24 (30sc each rnd).
Rnd 25: rev sc around, fasten off and weave in ends.

Ears (make 2):
With F hook and brown cotton, ch 2.
Row 1: 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn. (6sc)
Row 2: 2 sc in each st across, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. (12sc)

Eyes (make 2):
With F hook and tan cotton, make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around, sl st in next st, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. (18sc)

Mouth:With F hook and tan cotton, ch 9.
Rnd 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, working on opposite side of foundation ch sc across. (18sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, sl st in next st, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. (24sc)

Finishing: Sew buttons on centers of eyes. Sew mouth and nose on mouth piece. Sew on ears on either side of cozy on rnds 14-17 (if you lay it flat it is easier to determine where to sew ears). Sew mouth centered between ears on rnds 10-13. Sew eyes on rnds 15-21.

Your Navel Is Showing!

2010-06-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't fully understand the obsession with apple cozies, but they are kind of cute I admit. Orange you glad I didn't make one? Nope, it's an orange cozy instead.

Materials:
H hook
small amounts worsted weight cotton in color a and color b
2 stitch markers (scrap yarn or what you have on hand is fine)
button
tapestry needle

Abbreviations:
blo=back loop only

Note: Do not turn unless otherwise noted. When working stitches to marked st in row 9, make last st in the marked st. In row 9 you will join with a dc instead of a sl st and ch 3. This is also called invisible joining/beginning. Please view this tutorial for more information.

With color A, ch 24, join with sl st in 1st ch to form a ring.
Row 1: sc in 1st ch and around, join with sl st in 1st sc, ch 1 (24 sc).
Row 2: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st sc, ch 1 (30 sc).
Row 3: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st sc, ch 1 (36 sc).
Row 4: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st sc, fasten off color A (42 sc).
Row 5: join with sl st in next st with color B, ch 3, dc in next st and around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3 (42 dc).
Row 6-7: ch 3, dc in next st in blo and around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fastening off color B at end of row 7 (42 dc).
Row 8: join in previous st with color A, ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with sl st in 1st sc, ch 1 (42 sc).
Row 8: sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts (place marker 1 in last st just made), sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts, (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) twice, place marker 2 in st just made, (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) twice, join with sl st in 1st sc, fasten off (36 sc).
Row 9: Join with dc in color A in st where marker 2 was placed, dc in each st to marker 1, **begin strap** ch 13, dc in 4th ch from and across, join with sl st at bottom of last dc made before beginning strap (where it meets row 8), fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in all ends. Attach button to opposite side of strap, in the 1st and 2nd st of row 9.

Cookie Monster Pillow

2010-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Cookie Monster Pillow

Materials:
H hook
F hook
fun fur/eyelash yarn in blue
worsted weight yarn in blue
worsted weight yarn in white
worsted weight yarn in black
Two 18mm black animal eyes
Small amount of stuffing
tapestry needle

Front/Back (Make 2):
Holding strands of worsted weight yarn and fun fur together and using H hook, ch 4.
Rnd 1: 11dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, ch 3 (12 dc).
Rnd 2: dc in same st, 2 dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, ch 3 (24 dc).
Rnd 3: 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, ch 3 (36 dc).
Rnd 4: dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, ch 3 (48 dc).
Rnd 5: dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next, (dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, end off and weave in ends (60 dc).

Mouth:
With black worsted weight yarn and using f hook, ch 4.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in same st, 2 sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, turn (6 sc).
Row 2: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat across, ch 1, turn (9 sc).
Row 3: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat across, ch 1, turn (12 sc).
Row 4: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat across, ch 1, turn (15 sc).
Row 5: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat across, ch 1, turn (18 sc).
Row 6: 2 sc in 1st st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, ch 1, turn (22 sc).
Row 7: 2 sc in 1st st, sc in next 7sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, ch 1, turn (26 sc).
Row 8: sc across, 2sc in corner, sc in each row across top of mouth, join with sl st in 1st sc of row 8, end off leaving long tail for sewing.

Eyes:
With white worsted weight yarn and using F hook, make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop (6 sc).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc).
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing (24 sc).

Finishing:
Position eyes to top of pillow, allowing them to hang over the top edge a bit. Place animal eyes between rounds 2 and 3 of eyes, one toward the top and one toward the bottom to give him that goofy cookie monster look (use picture as a guide), pushing the animal eye through both the eye and pillow front, attach washer to back to secure (OPTIONAL CROCHET EYE PUPIL BELOW). Sew eye securely by weaving in and out around edge, except at top of eye where it hangs over, where you will weave in and out a row lower, being sure to not sew too tightly giving it a misshapen appearance. Pulling on yarn slowly when attaching eye allows less fun fur to poke through. Sew mouth below eyes as picture using same method. With right sides together, sew front and back 3/4 of the way and flip. Stuff pillow and finish sewing.

Alternative Eye Pupils:
With black worsted weight yarn and using F hook, make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop (6 sc).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around, sl st in next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing (12 sc).

Pig In the City

2010-06-18T00:23:00.000-07:00

Materials:
small amounts of worsted weight yarn in pink or peach (color A)
darker sweater color (color B)
lighter sweater color (color C)
2- 9mm black ami eyes (optional)
F hook
tapestry needle
stuffing
small amount of black yarn or embroidery floss

Notes: If you are not comfortable with making an adjustable loop, you can ch 2 and make sc's in 2nd ch from hook. At the end of each color you can sl st into next st and end off and join with the new color near the last st, or make a color change (depending on your crocheting ability). If you wish, you can use one darker color for color B and color C.

Body (working from top of head to bottom of body):
Starting at top of body, with color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30sc)
Rnds 6-12: sc in each st around, ending color A at end of rnd 12. (30sc each rnd)
Rnd 13: change to color B, sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 14: change to color C, sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 15: sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 16: change to color B, sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 17: change to color C, sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 18: sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 19: change to color B, sc around, sl st into next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing. (30sc)

Bottom of body:
Starting at bottom of body, with color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30sc)
Rnds 6-8: sc in each st around, sl st into next st and end off at end of rnd 8. (30sc)

Ears (make 2):
With color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 4 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (4sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (8sc)
Rnd 3: sc around. (8sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (12sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 6: dec around, sl st into next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing. (9sc)

Snout:
With color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around, sl st in next st, end off leaving tail for sewing. (12sc)

Arms (make 2):
With color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2-3: sc around. (6sc each rnd)
Rnd 4: change to color B, sc around. (6sc)
Rnd 5: change to color C, sc around. (6sc)
Rnd 6: sc around. (6sc)
Rnd 7: change to color B, sc around, sl st into next st and end off leaving tail for sewing. (6sc)

Legs (make 2):
With color A make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2-8: sc around, sl st into next st and end off leaving tail for sewing later at end of rnd 8. (6sc each rnd)

Tail:
With color A ch 5, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch, end off leaving tail for sewing.

Assembly: Place ami eyes between rnds 6 and 7 on front of body (opposite side of ends/beginnings of rows), with 5 visible sts in between them. Sew snout in center of eyes on rnds 7-10. With black yarn or embroidery floss sew mouth below snout and then two verticle straight sts on either side of rnd 1 of snout. Sew ears level with eyes on either side of head. Sew arms to either side of top of body between rnds 12 and 13. Sew bottom of body to top of body halfway, stuff, and then finish sewing around. Attach legs between rnds 6 and 7 of bottom of body. Attach tail to back of bottom of body just below sweater.

2010 HFA Fiber Fair

2010-05-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we went to a fiber fair in Marshfield, MO. It was the first that I had ever been to and it was a ton of fun. They had animals for the children to enjoy, food, and crafts and yarn for sale. There was a crochet and knit speed contest, but I didn't bring a hook for the crochet contest and didn't want to stay that late. Hopefully next year I can participate! :D Here are a few pictures. (Please forgive the dreary, rainy atmosphere.)\

http://www.hfafiberfair.com/fairarchives.htm

New addition to stash (my mother bought it from a private vendor)!

A lady spinning straight from an angora on her lap!

Little Lambs

Alpaca

Alpacas

Wipes Sweat From Forehead

2010-05-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Recently I took on the arduous task of raising a puppy. We got him from my SIL about 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, it's been a ride. It was just not a good time for me, but she wanted to get the puppies out of her house (can't say I blame her, there were several). While potty training my new pup, I've been struggling to get my last bit of school work done for this college semester and I've been trying to clean the house. It was really stressful at first, but I've started to relax. Puppies are very stinky little creatures though. It takes a lot of cleaning to ensure your house doesn't smell like a kennel. I also have to take great measures to keep my yarn away from him, he has cat blood in him I believe! ;) Overall, it's just like having a new baby that sheds and you can't put diapers on. LOL

Chunky Bunny

2010-04-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

Materials:
One 200g ball of Marble Chunky yarn (bulky yarn)
J hook
tapestry needle
black yarn or other embellishments desired for face

Note: Pieces are worked in the round, mark your stitches and do not join unless otherwise noted.

HEAD
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnd 3 : (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnds 11-15: sc around.
Rnd:16: (sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 17: (sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 18: (sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 19: (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 20: (sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 21: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 22: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
**Stuff Here, or sooner if needed.**
Rnd 23: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnd 24: (sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around, join with sl st in next st, fasten off leaving long tail. Weave tail through each st of rnd 24 and pull taut to close hole, knot and weave in tail.

BODY
Ch2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnd 3 : (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnds 9-12: sc around.
Rnd13: (sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnds 14-17: sc around.
Rnd 18: (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnds 19-22: sc around.
Rnd 23: (sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around.
Rnds 24-26: sc around
Rnd 27: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around, join with sl st in next st and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

ARMS (Make 2)
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnds 3-24: sc around, join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 24 and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

LEGS (Make 2)
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnds 3-24: sc around, join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 24 and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

EARS (Make 2)
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnd 3 : (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around.
Rnds 4-20: sc around.
Rnd 21:(sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around, join with sl st in next st and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

TAIL
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.
Rnds 3-6: sc around.
Rnd 7: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around, join with sl st n next st and fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY: Stuff body tightly enough to support head and sew to bottom of head (sew partially and continue to stuff or head might flop). Stuff arms, legs, and tail lightly and sew to body. Do not stuff ears, sew to top of head. Stitch face if desired.

"Baby Tomato" Newborn Cap

2010-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Materials:
2oz red worsted weight cotton
small amount green worsted weight cotton
G hook

Gauge: rnds 1-3 measure 2"

Finished size: 5" from top center to bottom edge when laying flat, not including brim. 6 3/4" from side to side of bottom edge, not including brim.

Abbreviations:
flo=front loop only
hdc2tog (hdc dec)=yarn over, insert hook in specified stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, insert in next st, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all loops.

With Red, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 9 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st in 1st hdc (9).
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st around (18).
Rnd 3: (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (27).
Rnd 4: (hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (36).
Rnd 5: (hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (45).
Rnd 6: (hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (54).
Rnd 7-?: hdc around, join with sl st in 1st hdc, fasten off, weave in ends (54 each rnd).

Brim:
Row 1: Join with a sl st in flo several sts away from last st so that beg and ends of previous rows are not directly in front. ch 1, hdc in flo of same st and next 21 sts.
Row 2: ch 1, hdc2tog over next 2 sts, hdc in next 18 sts, hdc2tog over next 2 sts, do not fasten off.

Border:
Rnd 17: ch 1, sc in the side of the next 2 rows, sl st in corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 14 meet, sl st in next 3 sts, sc in next st, hdc in next 24 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next 3 sts, sl st in corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 14 meet, sc in the side of next two rows, 2 hdc in next corner, hdc in next 20 sts of edge of brim, 2 hdc in next st, join with sl st in 1st sc, end off, weave in ends.

Stem:
With Green, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 9 sc in 2nd ch from hook (9).
Rnd 2-4: sc around, join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 4 (9 each rnd)
Rnd 5: (ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next st, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st, sl st in flo of next st of rnd 4) repeat around, fasten off, weave in ends. Sew stem to hat between rnds 1 and 2 of hat, sewing through back loops of stem. Tack down leaves.

Cotton Newborn Cap

2010-04-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Materials:
2oz worsted weight cotton
G hook

Gauge: rnds 1-3 measure 2"

Finished size: 5" from top center to bottom edge when laying flat, not including brim. 6 3/4" from side to side of bottom edge, not including brim.

Abbreviations:
flo=front loop only
hdc2tog (hdc dec)=yarn over, insert hook in specified stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, insert in next st, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all loops.

Note: If desired (for effect pictured), make color changes at rnds 10, and 13.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1: 9 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st in 1st hdc (9).
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (18).
Rnd 3: (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (27).
Rnd 4: (hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (36).
Rnd 5: (hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (45).
Rnd 6: (hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (54).
Rnd 7-14: hdc around, join with sl st in 1st hdc, fasten off at end of rnd 14, weave in ends (54 each rnd).

Brim:
Row 1: Join with a sl st in flo several sts away from last st so that beg and ends of previous rows are not directly in front. ch 1, hdc in flo of same st and next 21 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: hdc2tog over next 2 sts, hdc in next 18 sts, hdc2tog over next 2 sts, do not fasten off.

Border:
Rnd 17: ch 1, sc in the side of the next 2 rows, sl st in corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 14 meet, sl st in next 3 sts, sc in next st, hdc in next 24 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next 3 sts, sl st in corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 14 meet, sc in the side of next two rows, 2 hdc in next corner, hdc in next 20 sts of edge of brim, 2 hdc in next st, join with sl st in 1st sc, end off, weave in ends.

In a "Jiffy" Newborn Cap

2010-04-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Materials:
2oz jiffy yarn (bulky no. 5)
J hook

G hook

Gauge: rnds 1-4 measures 2 1/4"

Finished size: 5" from top center to bottom edge when laying flat, not including brim. 6 5/8" from side to side of bottom edge, not including brim.

Abbreviations:
flo=front loop only
sc2tog (sc dec)=insert hook in specified st, yarn over, pull loop through, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull loop through, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

Note:

This hat is worked in the rnd, mark your stitches and do not join unless otherwise noted.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12).
Rnd 3 : (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (18).
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (24).
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (30).
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (36).
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (42).
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around (48).
Rnds 9-19: sc around, sl st in next st at the end of rnd 19 and fasten off, weave in ends (48 each rnd).

Brim:
Row 1: Join with a sl st in flo several sts away from last st so that beg and ends of previous rows are not directly in front. ch 1, sc in flo of same st and in next 17 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: sc2tog over next 2 sts, sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: sc2tog over next 2 sts, sc in next 12 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts, do not fasten off, do not turn.

Border:
Row 23: Continuing from row 3 of brim, ch 1, sc in side of next 2 rows of brim, sc in corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 19 meet, sc in next 30 sts of rnd 19, sc in next corner where row 1 of brim and rnd 19 meet, sc in side of next 2 rows of brim, 2 sc in next corner, sc in next 16 sts of edge of brim, 2 sc in next st, sl st in 1st sc, fasten off, weave in all ends.

Flower:
With worsted weight yarn of choice and G hook, ch 2, beginning with long tail for sewing (if desired).
Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, (ch 3, sc in same st) repeat 5 times, ch 3, join with sl st in 1st sc.
Rnd 2: sl st in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in same sp, *(sc hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next sp**. Repeat * to ** 5 times, sl st in 1st sc, fasten off.
Center of flower:
Rnd 1: Join with sc around any sc on rnd 1, (ch 1, sc around next sc) repeat 5 times, ch 1, join with sl st in 1st sc.
Rnd 2: sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, sc) in same sp, *(sc, hdc, sc) in next sp**. Repeat * to ** 5 times, sl st in 1st sc, fasten off, weave in all ends and sew flower to hat as desired.

COMING SOON!!!

2010-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here are two newborn hats I will be posting soon (hopefully by the end of this weekend). I am tired of not being able to find a pattern like this for free, so I made up two! ;)

Okay, okay. Here's a third, named Baby Tomato. Ha!

A Tisket, A Tasket...

2010-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

A Beadies Crochet Basket!

Aunt Lydia's Beadies Crochet by Coats & Clark might have you scratching your head in wonder, but this super strong yarn is perfect for a spring basket. The colors are cheerful and with the right hook, all you need is one strand.

***Please Note: Aunt Lydia's Beadies Crochet works up very stiff. You might not have the same success with other yarn types.***

Finished size: 5"or 12.5cm high with handles, bottom measures 5" or 12.5cm in diameter.

Materials:
One 1.76 oz ball of Aunt Lydia's Beadies Crochet in Aquarius
H hook or appropriate size for gauge
2 buttons
needle and thread

**Important** Gauge: Rnds 1-4 of bottom = 1.75" or 4.5cm. If gauge is looser switch to smaller hook or you might run out of yarn before basket is finished.

Note: Bottom of basket and handle is worked in unjoined rounds, use a stitch marker to keep your place.

BOTTOM
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around (18)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (24)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (30)
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (36)
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (42)
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (48)
Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (54)
Rnd 10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (60)
Rnd 11: (sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (72)
Rnd 12: sc around, join with sl st in next st, do not end off (72)

SIDES:
Rnd 13: Continuning from bottom, ch 1, sc in same stitch. sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 14: ch 3, 4 dc in same st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 15: sl st in next 2 sts. ch 1, sc in same sp, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnds 16-17: Repeat rnds 14-15, fasten off after round 17 and weave in ends.

HANDLE
Ch 45.
Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 42, 3 sc in next st. Working on opposite side of foundation ch, sc in next 42 sts, 2 sc in next st.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in next st, sc in next 42 sts, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in next 42 sts, 2 sc in next 2 sts, join with sl st in next st and fasten off, weave in ends.

Finishing: Sew handles to basket evenly, as shown in picture. Attach buttons if desired.

Echo.. Echo... Echo....

2010-03-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Just thought I would update, since it has been a very, very long time. I am currently finishing out the school year driving the school bus and taking 2 classes at college. I am a little swamped and have been for a while, but I plan to get some leisurely things accomplished this summer, including at least a few new free patterns. I can't promise what they will be, because when I give myself a quota I just can't meet it. ;) I might even work on a few things to submit for publication for magazines. We'll see though... too much pressure there. LOL

Sweet and Simple Newborn Hat

2009-08-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Materials:
1oz soft worsed weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Pound of Love)
G hook

Note: Many people have asked me what an adjustable loop is. It is a method used to eliminate the gap in the center of your work that is sometimes created when working in the round. It is also known as the magic ring. June Gilbank of Planet June has an excellent tutorial. http://www.planetjune.com/blog/magic-ring-for-amigurumi/ If you are not comfortable with the method, please feel free to replace adjustable loop with: ch 2, sc # specified in 2nd ch from hook for single crochet in the round OR ch 4, dc # specified in 4th ch from hook for double crochet in the round (the beginning ch 3 would count as your 1st dc).

Measurements: Rnds 1-4 measure 3.5" in diameter. From the top of the hat at rnd 1 to the bottom of the scallops on rnd 12, the hat measures 5 3/8".

Notes: Ch 3 counts as dc. Adjustable loop and first ch 3 can be substituted for ch 4, with dc's made in 4th ch from hook.

Make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 11 dc in loop. Pull loop taut and join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st. (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) X11, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) X11, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)
Rnds 5-11: Ch 3, dc in each st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc each rnd)

Edging:
Rnd 12: (sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sl st in next st) X8, end off and
weave in ends. (8 scallops)

Alternative to edging (simple, no scallops):
Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in each st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around, end off and weave in ends. (48 sc)

Small Newborn/Large Preemie Size

Materials:
1oz soft worsed weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Pound of Love)
G hook

Measurements:

Notes: Ch 3 counts and dc. Adjustable loop and first ch 3 can be substituted for ch 4, with dc's made in 4th ch from hook.
Make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 13 dc in loop. Pull loop taut and join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (14 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (28 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st. (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) X13, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (42 dc)
Rnds 4-9: Ch 3, dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (42 dc each rnd)

Edging:
Rnd 10: (sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sl st in next st) X7, end off and
weave in ends. (7 scallops)

Alternative to edging (simple, no scallops):
Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in each st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (42 dc)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around, end off and weave in ends. (42 sc)

Preemie Size

Materials:
1oz soft worsed weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Pound of Love)
G hook

Measurements:

Notes: Ch 3 counts and dc. Adjustable loop and first ch 3 can be substituted for ch 4, with dc's made in 4th ch from hook.
Make an adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 11 dc in loop. Pull loop taut and join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st. (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) X11, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)
Rnds 4-8: Ch 3, dc in each st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc each rnd)

Edging:
Rnd 9: (sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sl st in next st) X6, end off and
weave in ends. (6 scallops)

Alternative to edging (simple, no scallops):
Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in each st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around, end off and weave in ends. (36 sc)

Baby Bottle Amigurumi

2009-07-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Materials:
f hook
small amounts of white, gold, and pink worsted weight yarn
tapestry needle
piece of plastic from the flat side of a milk jug or what you have available

Abbreviations:
blo-back loop only
flo-front loop only

Note: Many people have asked me what an adjustable loop is. It is a method used to eliminate the gap in the center of your work that is sometimes created when working in the round. It is also known as the magic ring. June Gilbank of Planet June has an excellent tutorial.http://www.planetjune.com/blog/magic-ring-for-amigurumi/ If you are not comfortable with the method, please feel free to replace adjustable loop with: ch 2, sc # specified in 2nd ch from hook for single crochet in the round OR ch 4, dc # specified in 4th ch from hook for double crochet in the round (the beginning ch 3 would count as your 1st dc).

Pattern Note: Mark stitches when working in round.

With white, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5: sc blo around. (24sc)
Rnds 6-19: sc around, joining with sl st in next st at end of rnd 19 and ending off. (24sc each rnd)
Rnd 20: with pink (or color of choice) join with sl st in flo of next st, ch 3. dc in each remaining st in flo around. join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24dc)

***Cut plastic circle to fit in bottom of bottle and stuff most of the way.***

Rnd 21: ch 1, sc in same st and next st in blo, sc2tog over next 2 sts in blo. (sc in next 2 sts in blo, sc2tog over next 2 sts in blo) repeat to end of round. (18sc)
Rnd 22: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) repeat around, join with sl st in next st, end off, weave in ends. (12sc)

Teat:
With gold, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnds 2-3: sc around. (6 each rnd)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 6: sc around, join with sl st in next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing.

Assembly:
Using long tail left for sewing, sew through both loops of rnd 6 of teat and attach by sewing around each stitch between rnds 21 and 22 of the top of the bottle. Sew halfway, finish stuffing, then finish sewing.

Little Scallop Tote

2009-05-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Materials:
3oz worsted weight cotton yarn
h hook
tapestry needle

Note: Do not join unless otherwise stated, mark rows when needed. Bottom of tote has a diameter of 6"

Make adjustable loop, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around (18)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (24)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (30)
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (36)
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (42)
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (48)
Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (54)
Rnd 10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (60)
Rnd 11: (sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (66)
Rnd 12: (sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (72)
Rnd 13: (sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (78)
Rnd 14: sc around, join with sl st at end of rnd (78)
Rnd 15: ch 1, sc in same stitch. sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 16: ch 3, 4 dc in same st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 17: sl st in next 2 sts. ch 1, sc in same sp, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnds 18-22: repeat rnds 16 and 17, ending with a repeat of rnd 16
Rnd 23: ch 1, sc in same st and around (78)
Rnd 24: (sc in next 11sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around (72)
Rnd 25: sc in next st, ch 13, sk next 13 sts of rnd 24, sc in next 23 sts, ch 13, sk next 13 sts of rnd 24, sc to end of rnd
Rnd 26: sc around in each sc and ch (72)
Rnd 27: sc around, join with sl st at end of rnd, end off, weave in ends (72)

Featured Blog!

2009-05-09T07:39:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have a slightly darker sense of humor I have come across a great blog! The writer of 8 BIT WIT is a self proclaimed "rebel without applause," so let's give him some love. He offers free patterns on his blog as well as an affordable Stewie from Family Guy pattern in his Etsy shop. I am strongly considering buying his finished item, Brian from Family Guy!!

Sponge Guy Flat Pants

2009-05-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

Materials:
small amounts of brown, yellow, white, red ww yarn
f hook
tapestry needle

Body (mark rows):
With brown, ch 10.
Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Working on other side of foundation ch, sc in next 9 sts. do not join. (18sts)
Rnd 2-3: sc around, sl st in next st at end of rnd 3, end off brown.
Rnd 4-5: Join with white, sc around, sl st in next st at end of rnd 5, end off white.
Rnd 6-13: Join with yellow, sc around, sl st in next st at end of rnd 13, end off yellow leaving long tail for sewing later.

Eyes (make 2):
With white, ch 2. 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, end off leaving long tail
**Apply eyes between rnds 10-12. Make a french knot with black in center of each eye.**

Tie:
With red, ch5. sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 2 sts, sc in next st, end off leaving long tail.
**Attach top of tie between rnds 5 and 6, centering over one st and securing with a knot inside of body.**

Nose:
With yellow, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch and across, end off.
**Attach nose between rnds 9 and 10, centering over one st and securing with a knot inside of body.**

Other Finishing Notes:
Sew teeth on row 7. Sew mouth on row 8. Sew on eyelashes with black as shown in picture. Sew top of body closed to lay flat (do not stuff) and attach keychain if desired.

Itsy Bitsy Baby

2009-04-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Materials:
small amounts of flesh, sleeper color, bib color, hair color
f hook
tapestry needle
embellishments (optional)

Note: Many people have asked me what an adjustable loop is. It is a method used to eliminate the gap in the center of your work that is sometimes created when working in the round. It is also known as the magic ring. June Gilbank of Planet June has an excellent tutorial. http://www.planetjune.com/blog/magic-ring-for-amigurumi/ If you are not comfortable with the method, please feel free to replace adjustable loop with: ch 2, sc # specified in 2nd ch from hook for single crochet in the round OR ch 4, dc # specified in 4th ch from hook for double crochet in the round (the beginning ch 3 would count as your 1st dc).

Ears (make 2)
With flesh, ch 2, sc in 2nd ch, end off.

Nose
With flesh, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch, end off.

Head (working top to bottom)
With flesh, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around (18)
Rnd 4-6: sc around (18 each rnd)
Attach nose and ears as pictured, by centering each tail around either side of a stitch and tying in a tight knot, weave in ends. Sew on eyes. Attach hair with a short piece of yarn, pulling it through a small part of sts on top of head and securing with a tight knot. Cut to length and fray.
Rnd 7: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around (12)
Stuff.
Rnd 8: sc2tog around, join with sl st in next st, end off. Weave end through each st, pull taut and secure with knot to close. Weave in ends. (6)

Body
With sleeper color, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around (18)
Rnd 4-5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around (12)
Rnd 7-8: sc around
Stuff.
Rnd 9: sc2tog around, join with sl st in next st, end off leaving long tail for sewing. (6)

Bib
With bib color, make adjustable loop allowing for long tail.
Row 1: 4 sc in loop, pull taut. (4)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in each st across. End off, leaving long tail for one end of bib tie. Weave beg tail through to opposite corner for ties for bib. (8)

Legs (make 2)
With sleeper color, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 5 sc in loop, pull loop taut.(5)
Rnd 2-4: sc around, join with sl st at end of rnd 4, ending off leaving a long tail for sewing. (5 each rnd)

Arms (make 2)
With flesh, make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 5 sc in loop, pull loop taut. Join with sl st in next st, end off. (5)
Rnd 2-4: Join with sleeper color with sc in any st at beg of rnd 2, sc around. Sl st in next st at end of rnd 4 and end off leaving long tail for sewing. (5 each rnd)

Assembly:
Attach body to bottom of head to hide ending decreases. Sew arms and legs on as shown in picture. Tie ends of bib snugly around neck and tie in knot or bow in back. Add other embellishments as desired.

***NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3. NEVER GLUE ON OR SEW ON SMALL EMBELLISHMENTS WHEN USING A DOLL AS A TOY FOR A SMALL CHILD.***

Scallop Purse Pattern

2009-04-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

Materials:
6oz worsted weight cotton yarn
h hook
tapestry needle
5" wooden purse handles (not needed for tote option)

Note: Adjustable loop may be replaced with ch 2. Sc would then be made in 2nd ch from hook.

Make adjustable loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around (18)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (24)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (30)
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (36)
Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (42)
Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (48)
Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (54)
Rnd 10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (60)
Rnd 11: (sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (66)
Rnd 12: (sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (72)
Rnd 13: (sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (78)
Rnd 14: (sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (84)
Rnd 15: (sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (90)
Rnd 16: (sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (96)
Rnd 17: (sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (102)
Rnd 18: (sc in next 16 sts, 2 sc in next st) around (108)
Rnd 19-21: sc around, join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 21 (108 each rnd)
Rnd 22: ch 1, sc in same stitch. sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 23: ch 3, 4 dc in same st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 24: sl st in next 2 sts. ch 1, sc in same sp, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts. (sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc.
Rnds 25-29: repeat rnds 23 and 24, ending with a repeat of rnd 23
Rnd 30: (sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around (102)
Rnd 31: sc around (102)
Rnd 32: (sc in next 15 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around (96)
Rnd 33: sc around (96)
Rnd 34: repeat row 22
Rnd 35-37: repeat rows 23 and 24 ending with a repeat of rnd 23
Rnd 38-39: sc around (96 each rnd)

(***see below for tote option***)

First Handle Flap:
Row 40: ch 1, sc in the same st and in the next 20 sts
Row 41-44: ch 1, turn. sc across. End off at end of row 44.

Second Handle Flap:
Repeat rows 40-44 of handle flap for second handle flap, joining in the 28th st from first st of row 40 of first handle. Do not end off at end of row 44.

Finishing Border:
With right side facing out, ch 1 and sc around handle flaps and main part of purse, with 2 sc in the corner of each handle flap on row 44. End off, weave in all ends.

Finishing assembly:
On each side, place purse handle in between handle flap and purse, with handle flap turned to the inside of purse as pictured. Sew top edge of handle flap to inside of rnd 38 of purse. Tie sewing yarn in tight knot to secure and weave in ends. Line and attach closures if desired.

Tote Option:
Rnd 40: sc around. Join with sl st in next st, end off, weave in ends.

Handles:
ch 4.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across.
Row 2-60: ch 1, sc across.
Finishing border: ch 1, sc around with 2 sc in each corner. End off weave in ends.

Assembly:
Place handles evenly on tote, with approximately 20 stitches in between each side of each handle. Sew into place on the inside of tote.

Arachnophobic Scarf

2009-03-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Materials:

7oz worsted weight yarn

I hook, J hook (for beginning chain)

ch 185.

Note: ch 4 counts as dc and ch 1. Sometimes when you skip dc's you will also be skipping the ch 1 sps. When skipping 3 chains and sc into next ch, you will be making your st closest to the sc from the previous row.

Row 1: Dc in fourth ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as first dc) and in each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as first dc plus ch 1, now and throughout), turn; skip next dc, dc in next dc, * ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across.
Row 3: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 4 times, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, * (ch 1, dc in next dc) 7 times, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc; repeat from * across to last 5 dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 5 times.
Row 4: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 3 times, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 5, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, * (ch 1, dc in next dc) 5 times, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 5, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp an in next dc; repeat from * across to last 4 dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 4 times.
Row 5: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, * dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 4, sc in next ch-5 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 3 times; repeat from * across.
Row 6: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, * ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 4, skip next 2 dc and next 3 chs, sc in next ch, sc in next sc and in next ch, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc; repeat from *across to last 2 dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice.
Row 7: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, * ch 4, skip next 2 dc and next 3 chs, sc in next ch, sc in next 3 sc and in next ch, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc; repeat from *across to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc.
Row 8: Ch 4, turn; dc in next dc, ch 1, * skip next dc, dc in next dc and in next 2 chs, ch 4 skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc and next 2 chs, dc in next 2 chs and in next dc, ch 1; repeat from * across to last 3 dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last dc.
Row 9: Ch 4, turn; (dc in next dc, ch 1) twice, * skip next dc, dc in next dc and in next 2 chs, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc and next 2 chs, dc in next 2 chs and in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1) twice; repeat from *across to last dc, dc in last dc.
Row 10: Ch 4, turn; (dc in next dc, ch 1) 3 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc and in next 2 chs, ch 1, skip next sc and next 2 chs, dc in next 2 chs and in next dc, ch 1, * skip next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1) 4 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc and in next 2 chs, ch 1, skip next sc and next 2 chs, dc in next 2 chs and in next dc, ch 1; repeat from * across to last 5 dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 3 times.
Row 11: Ch 4, turn; (dc in next dc, ch 1) 4 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 1, * skip next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1) 6 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp and in next dc, ch 1; repeat from * across to last 6 dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 4 times.
Row 12: Ch 4, turn; (dc in next dc, ch 1) 5 times, * skip next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1) 8 times; repeat from * across to last 7 dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 5 times.
Row 13: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn; dc in next ch-1 sp and in each dc and each ch-1 sp across.

EDGING

picot cluster- ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook. ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

First Edge:
Row 1: continuing from row 13, 2 sc at the end of each row across, join with sl st in beg ch.
Row 2: ch 3, turn, (sk next 2 sts, sl st in next st, ch 3) 7 times. sk next st, sl st in next st.
Row 3: do not ch, turn. (2sc in next ch 3 sp, picot cluster, 2 sc in same ch 3 sp) across. join with sl st in next st of foundation ch. End off, weave in all ends.

Second Edge:
Repeat first edge on opposite side of scarf with right side up, beginning with a sl st in bottom of beg ch 3 and replacing "foundation ch" with "dc" in row 3.

Little Bird's Holiday Amigurumi

2009-03-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Materials:
f hook
small amounts of- pink, yellow, green, blue, purple, lt. blue, and brown.
black thread (size 10 cotton recommended-for eyes) OR 9mm black ami eyes
tapestry needle
fiberfill

Note: When working in the round do not join unless otherwise stated. Mark stitches at the end of each row.

Basket:
With brown, make adjustable loop. Ch1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24sc)
Rnd 9: (sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts) twice. Join with sl st in next st. Ch 25, join with sl st in 11th st from last sc being careful not to twist ch. End off, weave in ends.

Balloon:
With pink, make adjustable loop. Ch1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24sc)
Rnd 5: sc around. Join with sl st in next st, end off. (24sc)
Rnd 6: Join with sc in next st with yellow. sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30sc)
Rnd 7-9: sc around. Join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 9, end off. (30sc each rnd)
Rnd 10: Join with sc in previous st with green. sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 11-13: sc around. Join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 13, end off. (30sc each rnd)
Rnd 14: Join with sc in next st with blue. sc around. (30sc)
Rnd 15-16: sc around. (30sc each rnd)
Rnd 17: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around. Join with sl st in next st, end off. (24sts)
**Stuff**
Rnd 18: Join with sc in previous st with purple, sc in next st. (sc2tog over next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts) x5. sc2tog over next 2 sts. (18sts)d
Rnd 19: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around. (12sc)
Rnd 20-21: sc around. Join with sl st in next st at end of rnd 21, end off, weave in ends. (12sc each rnd)

Bottom of balloon:
With purple, make adjustable loop. Ch1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st in next st, end off leaving long end for sewing. (12sc)

Bird beak:
With yellow, ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, end off. **Once row 6 of bird is reached you will attach beak by centering over a st between rnds 5 and 6 of bird. Pull ends, one on either side of st, through to back and tie in a knot to secure. Add eyes at this time.**

Bird (working from top to bottom):
With lt. blue, make adjustable loop. Ch1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in loop, pull loop taut. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18sc)
Rnd 4-8: sc around. (18sc)
**Stuff**
Rnd 9: (sc in next st, sc2tog over next 2 sts) around. (12sc)
Rnd 10: sc2tog around. End off, leaving long tail. Weave tail through each st and pull taut. Secure with knot, weave in end.

Assembly: When assembling, be sure to keep color changes (ending and beginning rows) to the back. Begin sewing bottom of balloon to balloon opening with right side out. With one st secured, center ch from basket over bottom of ballon, so that it will hang as pictured. Sew next st, making sure to sew around ch, but not through it so that adjustments can be made later if necessary. Sew halfway to other side and secure other side of ch between sts as with the first side. When sewing is complete, secure with knot and weave in ends. Place bird in basket centering bird face to the front. Whipstitch or glue bird into place if necessary or desired. Cut a 7" piece of pink yarn and pull through each side of rnd 1 of balloon so that balloon will hang centered. Secure with a knot at end making a loop and pull knot around, tucking it into the inside of balloon.

Going Postal Scarf

2009-02-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Materials:
7oz worsted weight yarn
I hook, J hook (for beginning chain)

Abbreviations:
hdc- half double crochet
FLO- front loop only
BLO- back loop only
fpdc- front post double crochet
bpdc- back post double crochet

Notes: Ch 2 counts as first hdc, so you will skip first hdc at beginning of row. Ch 3 counts as dc. ch 4 counts as dc and ch 1. Each ch 1 sp counts as a st.

Ch 176 with J hook.
Row 1: With I hook, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: hdc in FLO across. (175hdc)
Row 3: hdc in BLO across. Ch 3, turn. (175hdc)
Row 4: (fpdc around next st, dc in next st) across. Ch 3, turn. (88dc, 87fpdc)
Row 5: (dc in next st, bpdc in next st) across until reaching last 2 sts. dc in last 2 sts. Ch 2, turn. (89, 86bpdc)
Row 6: hdc across. ch 4, turn.(175 hdc)
Row 7: (skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1) across. (88dc, 87 ch1 spaces)
Rows 8-9: ch 2, turn. hdc in each st across. Ch 3, turn at end of row 9. (175hdc)
Row 10: (fpdc around next st, dc in next st) across. Ch 3, turn. (88dc, 87fpdc)
Row 11: (dc in next st, bpdc in next st) across until reaching last 2 sts. dc in last 2 sts. Ch 2, turn. (89, 86bpdc)
Row 12: hdc in FLO across. Ch 2, turn. (175hdc)
Row 13: hdc in BLO across. End off, weave in ends.

"There's A Hole In My Heart" Scarf

2009-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Mystery CAL Name: Seeing Between The Lines

Materials:
I hook, J hook
6oz worsted weight yarn in solid color

With J hook, ch 207.
Row 1: With I hook, dc in 4th ch from hook and across. ch 3, turn.
Row 2: dc in next 10 dc. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 21 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 21 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 7 sts. Ch 3, turn
Row 3: dc in next 4 sts. *ch1, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 17 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 17 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 9 sts. Ch 3, turn.
Row 4: dc in next 6 sts. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 7 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 15 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 11 sts. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 15 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 5 sts. ch 3, turn.
Row 5: dc in next 4 sts. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 11 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 13 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 11 sts. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 13 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 5 sts. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6: dc in next 4 sts. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 11 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 15 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 7 sts. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 15 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 7 sts. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: dc in next 8 sts. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 17 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts. ch 1, sk next st** dc in next 17 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 5 sts. ch 3, turn.
Row 8: dc in next 6 sts. *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st. ch 1, sk next st, dc in next 21 sts. ch 1, sk next st,** dc in next 21 sts.*** Repeat * to *** twice. Repeat * to ** once. dc in last 11 sts. Ch 3, turn.
Row 9: dc in each st across.

BORDER: sc around, with 2 sc in each corner and 2 sc at the end of each row of short sides.

Picture Courtesy of Karen Parks

Miniature Pie

2009-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Miniature Pie
#10 thread: red, tan, silver
size 1 steel hook
very small amount stuffing
sewing needle

Measures: 1 3/8" across when finished.

Pie tin:
With silver ch 4.
Rnd 1: 12 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st in 1st dc. Ch3, do not turn. (12dc)
Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around. Join with sl st in 1st dc. Ch1, do not turn. (24dc)
Rnd 3: sc around. Join with sl st in 1st sc. End off, weave in ends. (24sc)

Pie filling (Use stitch markers to keep track of rows):
Make an adjustable loop with red and ch1.
Rnd 1: 6sc into loop. Pull end taut and do not join. (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around (12sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) x6 (18sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) x6 (24sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) x6 (30sc)
Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) x6 Join with sl st in next st. End off, weave in ends. (36sc)

Crust:
Long lattice (Make 4)- With tan ch 10. sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. End off. (9sc)
Short lattice (Make 1)- With tan ch 8. sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. End off. (7sc)
**Attach lattice as show in picture (interweaving pieces). Secure first end of each lattice by pulling ends through the edge of 2 sts and tying a knot in the back. Secure other ends while working around pie filling by inserting hook through end off lattice and stitches being worked. "Short lattice" is shown in the first picture as the top horizontal piece.**
Crust edge- With tan join with sl st into any st. Ch 3. dc in same st, sc in next st. (2 dc in next st, sc in next st) x17. Join with sl st in top of ch 3. End off, weave in ends.
**Secure lattice in place with glue or by placing one st with tan thread and needle where 2 pieces meet**

Assembly: Sew pie top and pie tin with wrong sides together, placing stitches on the wrong side of pie top between rnd 6 of pie filling and crust and wrong side of pie tin between rows 2 and 3. Before sewing completely around, place small amount of stuffing inside. Finish sewing completely around and tie thread in knot, pulling slightly taut. Weave in ends.

Scarf, Hat, & Sweater Ornaments

2009-01-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Scarf Ornament
With color a, Ch 4.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 3-26: Repeat Row 2, changing colors every 3rd row between color a and color b if desired.
Row 27: sc across. End off, weave in ends.

Finishing touches: Add fringe- With 6 short pieces of color b, attach once piece to each st on both short sides of scarf. Use a tapestry needle to fray yarn. Fold scarf and sew or glue scarf as shown in picture. Attach a 7" piece of yarn or thread to top of scarf for hanger and tie in knot.

Hat Ornament
With color a, ch 8.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-7 sc in blo across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 8: sc in blo across. End off, leaving long tail for sewing.

Finishing touches: Sew first row and last row (short sides) together to form a tube. Then, weave yarn through one each row one of the long sides and pull taut to form hat. Make a small pom-pom and attach to top of hat where gathered. Secure on the inside of hat and weave in ends.

Sweater

Body:
With color a, ch 26.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-6: sc in blo across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: sc in blo across. End off, weave in ends.

Sleeves (Make 2):
With color a, ch 11,
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1 turn.
Rows 2-4: sc in blo across. Ch1, turn.
Row 5: sc in blo across. End off, leaving ample yarn for sewing.

Collar:
With color a, ch 10.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: sc in blo across. End off, leaving ample yarn for sewing.

Sweater finishing touches: Choose right and wrong sides for body and fold in half with right sides together. On each long side, sew together through both layers through 10 sts. There should be 5 stitches remaing for arm holes on each side. Flip sweater body right side out. Sew long sides of sleeves together to form 2 long tubes. Sew the short side of each sleeve (where you left off from sewing up the side) to the arm holes of each side of the body. Secure with knot and weave in ends on inside. Sew short sides of collar together to form a tube and sew to top center of sweater as shown in picture, keeping the collar rounded.

Sugar Cookie Ornament

2009-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sugar Cookie Ornament

Contents:
1 skein of cream cotton yarn
1 skein white cotton yarn
Beads for sprinkles
F hook

Cookie (Make 2):
With cream, ch 4.
Rnd 1: 12 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 3: (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 4: (dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. End off, weave in ends.

Icing (Do not join unless otherwise stated. Use stitch marker to keep track of rows):
With white, ch 2.
Rnd 1. 6sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Rnd 2. 2 sc in each of the next 6 sts.
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 in next stitch) x6.
Rnd 4. (sc in next 2 sts, 2 in next stitch) x6.
Rnd 5. (sc in next 3 sts, 2 in next stitch) x6.
Rnd 6. (sc in next 4 sts, 2 in next stitch) x6.
Rnd 7: ***sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st. (dc, sc) in next st. hdc in next st, dc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st. (sc, hdc) in next st. dc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, sc in next st. (hdc, dc) in next st.** Repeat from *** to ** once more. Join with sl st in next st. End off, leaving ample yarn for sewing.

ASSEMBLY: Sew or glue beads on icing as shown in picture. Sewing around inner edge of icing, weaving in and out, attach icing to first cream circle with right sides up as shown in picture. Secure sewing yarn on back with a knot and weave in ends. Sew two cookie pieces with wrong sides together, weaving in and out through both layers of outer edge of circles. Secure with knot, weave in ends. Cut 6 or 7" piece of cream yarn attach to top of cookie, making a loop for hanging.

Fat Tabby Potholder/Hotpad

2009-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Fat Tabby Potholder/Hotpad
**Decorative use only. Eyes and nose will melt when exposed to heat! For a functional potholder, only use natural fibers.**

Materials:
2oz in main color (mc), worsted weight cotton yarn
small amount white worsted weight cotton yarn
2- 18mm cat eyes
1- 15mm pink animal nose
H hook

Front
Face: With mc, ch4.
Rnd 1: 12 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 3: (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 4: (dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 5: (dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 6: (dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. End off.

Ear 1:
Rnd 7: With pink, join with sc in any st of rnd 6 of face. sc in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 8: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 9: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch1, turn.
Rnd 10: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 11: sc2tog, twice. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 12: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 13: sc2tog. End off, weave in ends.

Ear 2:
Rnd 7: With pink, join with sc in 9th st from end of row 7 of first ear. sc in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 8: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 9: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch1, turn.
Rnd 10: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 11: sc2tog, twice. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 12: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 13: sc2tog. End off, weave in ends.

Muzzle:
With white, ch4,
Rnd 1: 12 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 3: (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. End off, leaving 18"+ for sewing. Weave in first end.

****Assemble Face: Apply safety 18mm cat eyes to Rnd 4 of face as shown in picture. Secure eyes with metal washers on back of face. Push nose through bottom of rnd 3 just above rnd 2 of muzzle and through center of rnd 1 of face. Secure nose with plastic washer on back of face. Sew muzzle to face by weaving in and out of edge of sts of rnd 3. Secure with knot, weave in ends. Sew on mouth as shown in picture. Sew on whiskers if desired.****

Back
Back of head: With mc, ch4.
Rnd 1: 12 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 3: (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 4: (dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 5: (dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 6: (dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st) x 12. Join with sl st in first dc. Do not end off.

Ear 1:
Rnd 7: Continuing from rnd 6 of back, ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 8: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 9: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch1, turn.
Rnd 10: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 11: sc2tog, twice. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 12: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 13: sc2tog. End off, weave in ends.

Ear 2:
Rnd 7: Join with sc in 9th st from end of row 7 of first ear. sc in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 8: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 9: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch1, turn.
Rnd 10: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 11: sc2tog, twice. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 12: sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 13: sc2tog. End off, weave in ends.

Outer Edge/Joining:
**Work through front and back of face with wrong sides together (front of face facing up), matching up coordinating stitches.**
Rnd 7: Join with sl st in corner of first ear. Ch1, sc in same st. sc around ear with sc at end of each row and 3 in top corner. sc in other corner of ear where rnd 7 of ear meets rnd 6 of face. sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts. sc in corner of ear where rnd 7 of ear meets rnd 6 of face. sc around ear with sc at end of each row and 3 in top corner. sc in other corner of ear where rnd 7 of ear meets rnd 6 of face. sc in next 5 sts. **(dc, ch1, dc) in next st, sc in next st.* Repeat from ** to * 3 more times. (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) x 4. sc in next 3 sts. Repeat ** to * 4 times. sc in next 4 sts. sl st in beg st, end off, weave in ends.

****Glue or sew picture hanger to back if desired.****

Strawberry Shortcake TP Cover (Revised)

2009-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

This pattern has been revised, please let me know if there are any problems. My email is at the top of this page. :)

Strawberry Shortcake TP Cover

Materials:
small amount red worsted weight yarn
small amount white worsted weight yarn
small amount cormeal/yellow worsted weight yarn
G hook
tapestry needle

FLO=front loop only
BLO=back loop only
HDC=half double crochet

**Do not join unless otherwise instructed. Mark stitches when working in the round.**

Strawberries (worked in round-spiral, make 5):
With red, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook (4 sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (8 sc)
Rnd 3: sc around (8 sc)
Rnd 4: sc around, join with sl st in next st, end off leaving long tail (8 sc)
**Using tail, sew shut top of strawberry so that it lays flat. Weave in ends.**

Whipped cream:
With white, ch 65. sl st in 4th ch from hook. (ch 3, sl st in next st) across. End off, leaving long tail.
** Arrange in a spiral shape to resemble whipped cream as pictured. Sew across bottom to hold shape. Weave in ends.**

Cake Top/Icing:
With white, ch 3.
Rnd 1: 8 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (9 hdc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each remaining st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (18 hdc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (27 hdc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (36 hdc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (45 hdc).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st) repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2 (54 hdc).
Rnd 7: (ch 3, sl st in FLO of same st. ch 3, sl st in FLO of next st) around. End off, weave in ends.

Cake Bottom:
With Cornmeal, join with sl st in any back loop of rnd 7.
Row 1-4: Ch 3, dc around. Join with sl st at top of beg ch 3, end off at end of rnd 4 (54 dc)
Row 5: with white, join in next st, ch 3, dc around. Join with sl st at top of beg ch 3, end off (54 dc)
Row 6-8: Join with cornmeal with sl st in next st, ch3, dc around. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, ch 1 (54 dc)
Row 9: sc in same st and around, join with sl st in 1st sc, end off (54 sc)

**Assembly: Arrange whipped cream and strawberries on cake top and glue or sew to attach as shown in picture.**

First Post

2009-01-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Well, it's about time I started a blog! But it's taken me a few hours to write this as it is, having my son interrupt me every five seconds (he loves to "help" me type). Just breaking the ice. Look out for patterns and "bitchings" by me coming soon...