What To Make?

Every October we take a trip to a beach somewhere on the east coast. Last year it was Panama City beach, the best beach ever (but that's not really the east coast)... Anyway, this year we only had three days so we chose a beach closer to home. So we decided to go southeast to SC. We had a great time...not much sun, but still ok. The weather was only 60-65 degrees...not my kind of beach weather, but at least not crowded. (We hate fighting the summer crowd)

We spent half of the time relaxing in our rental. It was pretty comfortable.

Ireland is a pool baby and did not care about the weather. Good thing the pools felt like a very warm bath.

On Friday we went to Ripley's Aquarium. In season it is so hard to get in there without waiting in a crazy long line. Not this time of year...we just walked right in

I brought a whole bag of yarn with me and wanted to crochet at night...but I had a problem. I could not figure out what to make. I know...weird, huh? Usually I have 3 or 4 projects going at once and can't seem to get all finished. But for once I have nothing going (except a new pattern... coming soon). I'm talking about something for myself to use, wear, or gift.

So each night I would look at my yarn and think to myself... what to make? what to make?

I went on Ravelry and a few blogs that I love to find some inspiration.

Maybe I should participate in a ripple along. I have been wanting to make a ripple like this one ... or a maybe participate in a One a Day.

What do you think?

I'm thinking maybe I should come up with a new pattern.

Help me out...what are you wanting to make right now? Mittens...cowl...hat...something else. I need some inspiration. I need an idea.

I think I will check out more blogs or Ravelry again... we'll see....

And the Winner Is......

Ok everybody. I have just picked a winner for the free pattern giveaway. I wrote everyone's name down on a piece of paper, folded them up, and my daughter, Ireland, picked one

and the Winner is....

Flores.... YAaAY!!!!

So Flores please send me your contact info and I'll send the pattern to you today.

Everyone else that commented...please send me your contact info and I'll also send you something special ;>

Thanks to all who were so nice and kind. I really appreciate all of your comments.

Right now I am on a mini vacation and getting another post ready...so I'll be back soon

Soft Stitch Cowl Pattern

I am finally writing this pattern down and have decided to offer it for free. Last winter...I think it was January or February... I made this cowl and put it on Etsy. I sold four to one buyer. She was so nice and requested the pattern so she could learn to make a few for gifts. Well... I never wrote the pattern out...I know that's bad... I really intended to offer it for free but got really busy.

Well here it is now...better late than never i guess. The great thing about this cowl is the stitch. It is pretty and also allows for the perfect drape. Once you get used to the stitch pattern, it is quick to make. (I think I made about six last winter... all in a week or two)

If you are familiar with a double crochet decrease (dc2tog) you will be just fine with this pattern. If not... I would recommend practicing the stitch a little first.

Materials

3 skeins worsted weight yarn

I used Vanna's Choice in Taupe

Size J crochet hook

Yarn needle

Measurements

10in (25cm) wide

56 in (142cm) in circumference

Stitches Used (US terms)

Ch Chain

Dc Double Crochet

Dc2tog Double crochet 2 together or a double crochet decrease

Sl St Slip Stitch

Dc2tog: [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook

Note: Crochet the beginning chain really loosely. When working into the chain I always work into the back ridge loop (not the same as the back loop). It is a little more time consuming, but it is worth it, because this will give your bottom edge a finished look.

Pattern

Ch 120

Edit ch 119 or 121...you will need an odd number of stitches if not...you will end up with an extra chain

Note: I like working into the chain before joining. It prevents you from twisting the chain. Later you can take the starting tail and join with bottom edge.

Round 1: Dc2tog into the 4th and 5th ch from the hook, dc in last ch worked which is the 5th ch)... this is the pattern stitch. The first 3 chains count as a dc.

(Dc2tog into the next 2 chains, Dc in last ch worked) Repeat this across the beginning ch. Join the round with a sl st into the top of the first dc.

If you feel more comfortable with joining the chain from the get go then use this method.

Traditional Rnd 1: Join ch with sl st (careful not to twist ch). Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc2tog in next 2 chs, dc in last ch worked, repeat the pattern stitch around. Join with sl st to first st.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc2tog next 2 sts, dc in last st worked) repeat around. Join with sl st to first dc.

Rnd 3-14: Repeat Rnd 2. Finish off.

Don't worry... once you get used to the pattern stitch... you'll be fine.

If I have totally confused you, please leave a comment and I'll try to explain myself a little better.

My First Give Away

Here is my latest creation. I will be putting this pattern for sale in my etsy shop...I know... Uuuuggghh. I wish I could give it away for free to everyone, but I have to pay my etsy bill somehow...right?

I would love to hear what you think about it. Just leave me a comment and you will be entered into the drawing to win the pattern for free. I will randomly select a winner in one week. Next Saturday I will post who the winner is.

The design for these mitts are different than any I have crocheted before. I like a snug fit around my wrist and I have searched for patterns with that in mind. I didn't want the typical crocheted ribbing so I came up with something else where I could open it at the wrist and close with buttons.

Anyway, tell me what you think, and I may be emailing you with a PDF pattern in one week.

In the meantime, I am getting a new post ready that will include a FREE pattern... Hopefully, I will post today or tomorrow. So don't forget to leave a comment about these mitts and check back for my new FREE pattern!!!

Colorful Stripey Fingerless Mitts

Here are my most favorite fingerless mitts. They are just so awesome...with the awesomest color combination. I just love these. I think I am going to start another pair in shades of pink. Yeah... for October... that's fitting for this month.

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn – I used light worsted weight. If you use something like Red Heart or similar then check gauge. They may be larger than mine.

Size G (4mm) crochet hook

Yarn needle

Abbreviations used (US terms):

Ch Chain

St Stitch

Hdc half double crochet

Dc double crochet

Sl st slip stitch

Rnd Round

Dc2tog: Double crochet decrease

Size: One size fits most

Edit: I am adding the gauge. I guess I forgot this when writing the pattern out.

8 sts and 5 rounds = 2 inches (5cm)

I crocheted these pretty tightly, so keep this in mind concerning gauge. If you crochet loosely, you will need less stitches and rows.

Tip: I always start and finish a new color leaving at least 4 inches of tail. The more you weave, the more secure the ends will be.

I know many of you (me included) like to crochet over the ends as you go...it is sooooo much easier and faster. However, I choose to weave them in after I am done...I know.. I know...that is absolute, pure torture. I always leave 4 inch tails and weave in a zig zag pattern... instead of tucking them in a straight line. This method will prevent the ends from slipping out from stretching with wear.

These mitts are worked from the top down (from fingers down to the arm). The great thing about working from the fingers down…you can custom fit them to your hand and arm. Increase or decrease the number of stitches in each round for a better fit.

Again, I crocheted these pretty tightly

Pattern

You will change colors for each round

Ch 30 (leaving at least 4 inch tail)

When working round 1, place stitches in the back ridge(not the same as the back loop) of the chain. This will give the top edge a finished look.

Round 1: Hdc in 3^rd stitch from hook. (first 2 chains will count as the first stitch of the rnd) Hdc in each ch. Join with a sl st in top of first hdc (which is the first ch 2). Finish off. This joins the rnd and creates the circle. (29 Hdc)

Rnd 2-5: Ch 3 (this counts as the first Dc of the rnd). Dc in each st around. Sl st to top of first dc. Finish off.

Right Mitt (thumb opening)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, Dc in next st. Ch 9, skip next 3 sts . Dc in next st and in each st around. Join with sl st. Finish off.

Left Mitt (thumb opening)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, Dc around to the last 3 sts. Ch 9. Skip last 3 sts and join to first dc of round. Fiinish off.

Both mitts

Rnd 7-9: Ch 3, Dc in each st around. Join with sl st. Finish off.

Rnd 10-12: These rnds are almost the same as rnds 7-9. However, you will decrease these rows by 2 stitches. I did this by trying the mitt on and marking 2 stitches on each side of the hand. Dc2tog these stitches. (If you want a less fitted mitt, leave out the decreases, and dc in each st).

Dc2tog explained: [Yarn over, iinsert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook- 1 stitch decreased

Rnd 13-19: Ch 3, Dc in each st around. Join with sl st. Finish off.

Rnd 20: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to first st. Finish off.

Thumb edging: Join with sl st to one of stitches in a corner of the thumb opening. Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around. I ended with 13 or 14 sc.

Sc 2 more rounds. Finish off.

Now it is time to weave in all of those wonderful ends.

In Love...With Turquoise & Red

I'm lovin turquoise right now. Especially with red and orange and green....and any other color. Here is a sneak peek of my latest project. It is not quite ready yet...but it will be very soon. and I will post the pattern for FREE...Probably in a day

or two.

Until then, I wanted to share a few more of my colorful likes and loves...especially with turquoise and red.

This is one of my favorites on Etsy. Surfs Up...Look at the colors...I definitely want this.

This beautiful poppy painting is hanging on my wall above my kitchen table and is from the same talented artist here on Etsy. The colors are soooo vibrant...just my style.

These pictures just do not do the painting justice.

Another Fave are these gorgeous earrings. Crochet and beads...together... I really want these too.

How awesome are these...

And these dishes...

I could go on and on with the turquoise and red

Another Finished Project...YAaY!!

I love crocheting for babies... and I just finished this blankie, owl hat, and little shoes set. It is soooo colorful and bright...maybe too bright. I just hope the parents like these as much as I do. Ripple blankets are so cool to make and I got the inspiration for this one from Attic 24. Here is the link for the instructions. I used Lucy's instructions for the ripple and my own color scheme.

3 rows pink

2 rows orange

1 row white

3 rows green

2 rows pink

1 row orange

3 rows white

2 rows green

1 row pink ....you get the idea.

The owl hat is my own design. They are really popular on Etsy...and all of the great crocheters there inspired me to make one to go with the blankie. If you are interested in the pattern for one like mine...just let me know and I'll write it all down and post it here.

And of course I had to finish the set with a pair of shoes. These shoes are so precious. This pattern is from a wonderful crochet designer Sylvia. She can be found here on Etsy. All of her patterns are precise, meticulous, and pretty darned perfect. I have bought several from her...and I can honestly say that her designs are the best when it comes to shoes.

Soooo cute....I have made dozens of pairs to give for gifts. Did I tell you how much I love this pattern?

Just a little note about the materials... I used Caron Simply Soft Brites in Orange, Pink, Green, and White. I chose this yarn for the great colors and softness, but after some use, the yarn does fuzz up a bit.

Edit: I am adding the pattern for the owl hat here. Please comment with any questions... I had to write it up blind... without the actual hat. I am currently crocheting another one of these and editing the pattern as I find mistakes. If you find any that have not been corrected...please let me know

Additional Edit: Please do not take this pattern and reprint or repost on Ravelry, blog, or anywhere else as your own. This has become an issue. Even if slight modifications are made, it is still my own design. Slight modifications or alterations to an existing pattern does not produce a new or original design.... so remember to give credit where credit is due... and not call it your own. Most crocheters, knitters, and crafters are very considerate and understanding about designs, which I really appreciate.

Owl Hat

Materials

Size G (4mm) crochet hook

Worsted weight yarn

Yarn needle

Sizing

3-6 months (closer to 6 months)

To increase the size of the hat add an increase row and then an even row for each size up. For ex: 12 months I used 68 sts and 17 rows…I hope this is clear…if not just comment and I’ll try to explain it a little better.

Click here to see how I increased the eyes and nose for a child's size hat.

Edit: I have recently crocheted this pattern with a regular worsted (Loops and Threads, Red Heart, Vanna's Choice) and it is larger than 3 months. So the yarn has a lot to do with size. I am not a loose crocheter when I make hats...that also will make a huge difference in number of stitches around... keep this in mind when trying to achieve a certain size. If you're in doubt, or trying to achieve a larger size, you can try another pattern for the body of the hat and use these instructions for the face of the owl. I am working on increasing the size and I'll edit the pattern here as I go.

The owl hat in the first photo is made to fit a 4/5 year old. I increased to 72 sts and stopped after 19 rounds. Then started the earflaps. I worked 14 sc for the first row and then decreased every row by sc2tog in the first 2 sts of each row. I ended with one stitch. There are 3 rounds of edging. (yellow, pink, and blue)

Here is a chart to help with increasing the size of the hat. It will not tell you how many rounds or stitches to use, but it will give you the measurements that you should use for different ages/sizes. I hope it helps.

Note: This hat is worked in the round. The beginning ch 2 of each round counts as the first hdc. Join each round with sl st in top of beginning ch 2.

Pattern

Ch 4, join with sl st in first ch forming circle.

Round 1: Ch 2, 9 hdc in circle. (10 hdc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 Hdc in each st around. (20 hdc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 Hdc in next st, (Hdc in next st, 2hdc in next) around. (30 hdc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, Hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st)around. (40 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)around. (50 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)around. (60 hdc).

Rnd 7-8: Ch 2, Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st and finish off.

Rnd 9: With contrasting color attach with sl st. Ch 2, Hdc in each st around.

Rnd 10-13: Ch 2, Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st, but do not finish off.

First Earflap

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 12 sts. Ch 1 and turn. (13 sts)

Row 2: Sc2tog, sc in each st to the last 2 sts, sc2tog, ch 1 and turn. (11 sts)

Row 3: Sc in each st , ch 1 and turn.

Repeat rows 2-3 until you have 1 st, finish off.

Second Earflap

Center for this earflap by lying flat. I just counted out 13 sts and then counted on each side of them to see if they were centered. I am writing this pattern without the hat (referring to my photos) so you get the general idea.

With right side facing, attach with sl st. Sc in same st and in next 12 sts.

Repeat instructions for first earflap, but this time DO NOT Finish off.

Begin working a sc edge around the earflap. Place a sc in the end of each row then continue with sc around the bottom edge of the hat until you reach the other earflap, work up the side and then work 3 sc in the point of the earflap. Continue down the other side of the earflap and around the bottom edge. Work the edge of the other earflap, remembering to work 3 sc in the point and finish off, leaving a long enough tail to use in your braid. (This will decrease the number of ends that you have to weave in… I really hate weaving ends)

With contrasting color, sc around the edge again (leaving long starting and finishing tails to use in your braid)

Eyes

Ch 4, join with sl st in first ch to form circle. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 9 dc in circle, join with sl st in top of ch 3. Finish off. (10dc)

Rnd 2: With contrasting color place 2 sc in each st, join with sl st, finish off. (20 sc)

Rnd 3: With 3^rd color, attach with sl st and ch 4 (counts as first treble crochet), 2 tr in next st, (tr in next st, 2 tr in next st)around. Join with sl st to top of first st. (30 tr)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Nose

Ch 7

Row 1: Sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each ch across (6 sc)

Row 2: Sc2tog, sc in remaining sts. (5 sc)

Repeat row 2 until 1 st remains, finish off leaving a tail long enough for sewing.

Use enlarged photo for placement when sewing onto the hat. When sewing I used top layer of stitch on the hat (not going all the way through the stitch). This will make the inside of the hat neat and the stitches will not be seen. Weave ends.

Tassels (Ears)

Cut four 8” strips for each color. Using crochet hook pull under 4^th row of hat and twist together making it easier to tie into a knot. Trim to approximately 1 ½ in”

Braids

Cut long strips of each color. I used 4 of each color and pulled each color through a different stitch of the bottom of the earflap. Then begin braiding to desired length. Tie end and trim.

Eyebrows

Look at enlarged photo and work 7 sc around inner edge of eye. Sc under sts on hat in a diagonal line. I used about 6 sc for this. Finish off. Weave ends.

If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them for you…just leave me a comment.

Pink Girly Mitts

I know...I know... this is supposed to be a crochet blog right... well I just couldn't resist. I love to knit and had to share this pattern. My daughter, Ireland, is 3 yrs old (almost 4) and she loves fingerless mitts. I made her a pair last year and she wanted another pair in a brighter pink color.

These can also work for boys as well with a different color of course.

This pattern is so easy... and only takes minutes if you are a real knitter. If you are like me... a wanna-be... it might take a little longer.

These are worked from the wrist up with no ribbing

Materials

4 Size 6 dpns

worsted weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft Brites)

Size

Fits a child ages 3-5

If you would like a smaller or larger size just go up or down in needle size

Pattern

Cast on 20

K in the round for 10 rnds

Rnd 11: Make 1, K 10, Make 1, K 10 (22 sts)

Rnd 12: Make 1, K 11, Make 1, K 11 (24 sts)

K in the rnd for 2 more rnds

Now you will create the thumb opening working in rows

1st row: Turn, K 2, P 20, K 2

2nd row: Turn, P 2, K 20, P 2

Repeat last 2 rows 2 times more

Resume working in the round, K each st

Bind off in K

You can add an edging to the thumb holes with a knitted edge or round of single crochet ... or leave as is.

I had to add a crocheted edge (size E hook and 18 sc) because my opening was kinda sloppy...and I'm somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to my projects.

Please let me know if you find any issues or problems with the instructions... I am not very experienced with writing knitting patterns

Enjoy!!!

Lime Green Cowl

I'm so excited for my first post.... and of course I am including a pattern to celebrate. It's a new season for cowls and gloves and all kinds of cool weather wear and this cowl is so simple and quick to make. I'm not one to say that fall and cold weather is the time for only muted and dark colors. Obviously I love brights and bold colors and I believe that any color can be worn at any time. Don't get me wrong...I do love and wear black, but bold colors just make me happier. So here is my first pattern post for the Lime Green Cowl.

Materials

2 skeins 6 weight super chunky yarn (I used Lion Brand Hometown)

Size N crochet hook

Stitches used

sl st slip stitch

hdc half double crochet

Gauge

4 rows 3.5 inches (9cm)

5 stitches

Measurements

13 inches (33.5cm ) in height from top to bottom

23 inches (58cm) around

(11.5 inches folded in half)

Pattern

Ch 32

You will be working in a continuous round.

Rnd 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to the end.

When you finish working into the beginning ch do not attach with sl st.

Rnd 2: Hdc in first hdc worked...this will form the circle. You are now basically working hdc in a continuous spiral.

If needed, mark the first stitch of each row as you work it.

Your cowl will be complete with approximately 15 rounds.

Finish off and weave ends.

(Note) I never use knots and always weave at least 4 inches of ends to make sure that they are very secure .

Upcoming posts will include fingerless mitts..... more free patterns!!!!!