Donna's Crochet Designs Blog of Free Patterns

Bobble Hooded Collar Crochet Pattern

2012-01-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Bobble Hooded Collar Crochet Pattern is my latest pattern.

It's on Donna's Crochet Designs.

I designed it after I saw the movie "Meet Me In St Louis" with Judy Garland. It's a Christmas movie we love to watch at our house. I don't know why, but this time when Judy Garland began singing in her beautiful gown I noticed the little hooded scarf she had been wearing.

It intrigued me and I wanted to make my own.

The Bobble Hooded Collar pattern is one of my first attempts (I have 4 total and plan to designing more--its just a great idea!) It features a bobble stitch pattern, which I will let you know when I post the how to on utube, that forms the collar and hood. A cute little flower covers the snap that secures the collar together.

I think it a great addition to a coat or jacket when dressing up or just when its breezy in the spring and you don't want to mess up your hair!

I hope you like them as much as I do!

Super Simple Camisole Free Crochet Pattern

Vintage Crochet Patterns

2011-11-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

I've only recently discovered vintage crochet patterns.

I had never really looked at them before thinking they were all doilies and pillow cases, you know old lady/grandma stuff, but I was wrong!

There are a lot of great purse patterns out there that work very well for today.

Here is my first attempt. I got the pattern out of a really old book I had. I had always liked the texture or look of the stitches on the purse and intended on using it for inspiration. (I've got book cases and folders full of inspiration photos)

I used an all cotton yarn I got on clearance and never really found a use for. (Sound familiar?) It's a sugar 'n cream yarn in off white.

The crochet is done in continuous crochet where you don't stop and start each round but just keep going around and around..

It's basically you are making at large rectangle that you then fold in at the sides and then fold over at the corners.

You need to line the purse, but if using a magnetic fastener you would have to do that anyway.

I like how it came out and plan on doing more.

The only real disadvantage to vintage purse patterns that I have ran into is the lack of gauge and size of the finished item. But that can work to your advantage. Basically you just substitute any yarn you'd like to work with and then use a hook you're comfortable with and go! Yarn weight is really what your size is dependant on.

Happy Crocheting!
Donna
www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com

Now on All Free Holiday Crafts

2011-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

All Free Holiday Crafts
Is this great site for everything holiday and the crafts are all free!
I don't know about you, but I love it when its free!
I just found out they have one of my crochet patterns there.
It's Peppermint Candy Ornaments.
Very fast and east project to crochet!
Check It Out!
You may find your next project there!

Super Simple Camisole Free Crochet Pattern

2011-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

I just posted the pattern for this simple to make camisole!

Hope you all enjoy it!

Toy Organizer Link Fixed

2011-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Link Fixed!

Toy Organizer

Child's Jumper Crochet Pattern

2011-09-21T18:48:00.001-07:00

Child's Jumper Crochet Pattern!

Just added at Donna's Crochet Designs.

In 3 sizes: 2T, 4T & 6T.
Crochet using Red Heart Super Saver yarn and K hook--the large hook keeps the jumper light in weight.
Snaps at each shoulder and a lovely box pleat at the bottom.
Photo tutorial on how to make the box pleat is included with the pattern.

All for only 3.99!

Stop by and take a look!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Free Crochet Pattern Ice Blue Hat & Scarf

2011-08-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Just posted this Free Crochet Pattern:
Ice Blue Hat
&
Ice Blue Scarf
They go great with last week's
Ice Blue Purse!

If you ever have a problem with a pattern of mine or you'd like to suggest something you'd like to see in a pattern, email me!
contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com

Can't wait to hear from you!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Evening Star Most Popular Pattern For July!

2011-08-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just found out my free crochet pattern Evening Star was one of All Free Crochet's most popular patterns!

Check it out!

While you're there check out the other free crochet patterns they list! It's a great site!

3 Halloween Inspired Purses Crochet Pattern by Donna's Crochet Designs

2011-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

3 Halloween Inspired Purses!

Boo with Ghost made with sport weight yarn and is 8" X 8"

EEk with Spider also made with sport weight yarn and is 8" X 8"

Kitty Kat is 7" X 13" and is made with worsted weight yarn.

All 3 purses use eyelash yarn to edge them.

Instructions also include how to make each purses unique handles out of craft wire, beads, bells, etc!

Come check them out!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Puppet Scarf Crochet Pattern

2011-08-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

New at Donna's Crochet Designs!

Puppet Scarves Crochet Patterns!

Only 3.99 each!

Alien Puppet Scarf

Alice & Her White Rabbit Puppet Scarf

Red Riding Hood & Wolf Puppet Scarf

Boy Puppet Scarf

Girl Puppet Scarf

Ice Blue Purse Free Crochet Pattern

2011-08-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

This weeks free pattern is: Ice Blue Purse
It has silver flower accents and silver handles.
The flowers and handles are made from size 5 DMC Metallic thread. You can find this in the needlework isle of most craft stores. Its usually close to where the embroidery floss is kept.
Easy to work with once you get it rolled into a ball. I found if you try to work from the skein you end up with a lot of knots to un-knot!

Next week I will post the instructions on how to make a matching scarf and hat!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

What To Do?

2011-07-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I was told that they loved my patterns but never used one because they are on many pages and could I change this.
I rely on the ad revnue generated on my free pattern site to keep it up and running.
With that said I have tried putting a pdf option on the site, but when I did my ad revnue crashed to less than 10 cents a day.
If there is another option I'd love to hear it!
Did I yank the pdfs too soon?
Donna

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Evolution Of A Design

2011-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'm always being asked where do I get my ideas and how to design.

Recently I was asked to make a Pansy Hot Pad crochet pattern and I thought this would be a good project to show just how my design process works.

How I went from this

To This

To This

To finally this.
The article is here.

The pattern for the finished Pansy Pot Pad is here.

Keep those hooks busy!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Magnet Bugs Free Crochet Pattern

2011-07-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Magnet Bugs Free Crochet Pattern!

This week's free pattern are these cute little bugs. They range in size from 4-3\4" for the tallest. 4" for the medium bug and 3" for that smallest bug.

The bug's heads are interchangeable!

Take the head from one bug and place it on another bug's body!

All done with the use of magnets!

Every magnet is safely sewn inside the head or body so no accidents can happen!

This is a great project to use all those odds and ends left from other projects!

Make an entire bug city!

Go crazy and have a little fun with the guys!

Just keep those hooks going!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

New Free E-Book: Crochet Flower Rugs

2011-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

New Free E-Book from Donna's Crochet Designs!

Crochet Flower Rugs!

Just posted a new free E-book!

6 crochet rug patterns (two are pictured here), each rug features a flower in its design.

Bonus tutorial on how to do the chain loop stitch needed to make Loop Flower rug.

Also a bonus pattern: Flower Bath Pillow-Pad!

You can see the patterns on the web before downloading the book which is in PDF format!

I hope you enjoy the patterns!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Free Pansy Doily Patterns

2011-07-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

I recently asked if any one had any suggestions on what I should design next.
Truvely L. asked for a Pansy Doily.
Doilies aren't my thing, but I did a quick search and found theses.

This one is from Maggie Weldon
I guess it's apropreiate for me to find her free pattern first considering I do some design work for her.

This one is very much like Maggie's but the flowers are fuller.

Still on the traditional side, but with a center I like better than the other two is this doily.

Here is a pansy doily that is very different from the above.

Now this doily I really like. It's very different from any I've found and I really like the addition of lace around the outer edges of the pansies.

Vintage patterns have been a passion of mine of late so I just had to include an antique one from a site that has older pattern.

Like I said, I'm not very into doilies, but if you are this is a site for you. They boost 300 doily patterns! But if you are looking for a pansy doily here you'll be disappointed. The only one I found here was the second on my list. But they have enough doily patterns to keep anyone entertained for a very long time.

I hope this helps a few of you out there in need of doily patterns.

Keep Crocheting!
Donna

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Blue Button Necklace Free Crochet Pattern

2011-07-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my latest:
Blue Button Necklace.

I was playing around with some left over gold DMC and regular size 10 crochet thread. I wanted to do something that looked like a bead, but had more to it. I added the blue background and then layered all the finished "buttons" for this necklace.

What I really like about this necklace is that you don't have to purchase anything. Any size 10 thread you have on had will work, plus a crochet loop acts as the fastener so you don't need to take a trip to the craft store to get the fastener.

I love projects like this one. You can sit down with some odds and ends and create this beautiful necklace in one sitting!

I hope you enjoy it.
The pattern can be found here.

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Missy Kissy Slinky Stair Walking Toy

2011-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Missy Kissy: I've no real reason for naming this creation Missy Kissy. It's just that the lips are in the shape of a heart which make me think of puckering up for a kiss and with the wiggle eyes and ring on her feet...well, it just has to me a miss and not a Mr doesn't it?

Anyway, as you can see I took a jumbo plastic Slinky and crochet around it with fun fur eyelash yarn. It's not as hard as it sounds. Once you get started it goes fairly fast.

I only used one skein of yarn and then stretched it out to cover as much of the Slinky as possible and removed the remaining Slinky spring. I was able to cut it with scissors, but don't use your best pair!

Next I added felt feet, eyes and mouth and even a ring for one of her toes!

Wiggle eyes made the look complete. There is a slit from the bottom of the eyes to about the wiggle eye. When split apart it is glued to either side of a spring.

And you are done.

Best of all, if you stretched your yarn out enough and only ended up clipping off a few of the springs it will still walk down the stairs much like a Slinky of old, but funnier!

I made two, this jumbo one and a smaller one. You can find the pattern on my site along with the patterns for the felt.

Oh yea, about what I did with the left over springs.

Now you know I couldn't leave them alone, right?

I made this belt. It reminds me of a 1960's brass ring belt. I cut the rings apart so that I had continuous circles and then crochet the connectors.

Each connector was then sewn around a ring until I had enough for a belt.

I haven't had the nerve to wear it though!

www.donnascroche td esigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

I Love Slinkies!

2011-07-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

I Love Slinkies!

I love the way they feel in your hands.

I love the way they make noise when you let them slink (slink?) from hand to hand.

I especially love how when I was a kid they would drive my brother nuts from the noise they made.

Sure, I didn't HAVE to slink my Slinky constantly, but what else could I do? It's addicting!

At least to me anyway.

Anyone else feel that way?

Two-Sided Elephant Tote Free Crochet Pattern

2011-04-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

This two-side (one side is pink and the other is lavender with the sides and bottom split between the two colors) Elephant tote has applique ear, eyelid complete with eyelashes, "painted" toe nails and flowers to give it this great 3-d look!

Only one skein of pink and one skein of lavender yarn is needed to make this bag!

You can find the free pattern here!

I hope you enjoy it!

If you ever have a question I am only an e-mail away at: Contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com

www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

White Gown with Black Trim for 12" Fashion Doll Free Crochet Pattern

2011-04-10T15:25:00.001-07:00

This free pattern was designed to fit a 12-inch fashion Bratz Doll. The gown and trim is made of size 10 crochet threads and size 7 crochet hook. You will also need a snap for the back of the dress. The gown is all white and features a train in back that is edged in black lace. Black lace also trims the front skirt as well. The pattern is free. Here is the link I'd love to see what you make! My e-mail is: contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.liv ingplastic.com

Fun & Funky Lady Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern

2011-04-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my more quirky designs. It is a lady's head with a stripe hat (tote strap is also done in stripes) and frilly brim. She has lush eyelashes and a cute heart shaped mouth! Made entirely of worsted weight yarn she works up quickly. She's also a good way to use up some of that left over yarn you've been hanging on to for that perfect little project! The pattern is free. Link I hope you like it! www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.livingplastic.com

American Girl Doll Thread Party Dress Free Crochet Pattern

2011-04-10T15:08:00.001-07:00

All ready for a party this American Girl Doll (or other like size doll) is dressed in her best dress. The dress is white size 10 crochet thread with scarlet thread sleeves and accents. I know what you're probably thinking: Thread! It'll take forever! No, it won't. I used a size E hook and the dress was fairly quick to make. With the pattern you get the instructions to make the dress, shoes, bows and tie trim that accents the front of the dress. Now all your doll needs is a party to attend. The pattern is free and found at my site: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com Pattern link! I hope one and all enjoy it! I'd love to see photos of anything made from one of my patterns! My e-mail address is: contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com Can't wait to hear from you! www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.livingplastic.com

Free Crochet Pattern Pj's Bratz Fashion Doll

2011-03-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Here is My Latest Free Pattern:
It is a shortie pajama top & bottom combo that will fit a 12-inch fashion Bratz Doll. Also included are the instructions for her teddy bear friend!
The pattern is on my free patterns site: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
I have over 300 free crochet patterns there!
I am tyring to place larger pictures on the site as asked for and am trying to replace the dreaded abbreviation sa with the word same!
Enjoy, Donna

2011-03-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

This week's free pattern is a lovely gown for a Large Baby Bratz Doll. The top is boa yarn white the striped skirt uses a sport weight yarn. There is even a bow for her pet cat!

I've always loved the look of these dolls, the big heads and big eyes, plus they can stand on their own. I just never liked what the manufacturer put on them. I guess it is the old lady in me. Dolls just should be cute!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

2011-03-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

I love to use the stitch combination of single crochet/double crochet to get a textured stitch.

I've been told it can get confusing when using that alternating stitch in rounds and also for color changing.

As you can see the cute little Penguins at the top left has color changes and the sc/dc stitch combination done in rounds.

I've come up with a photo tutorial as well as one on You Tube to help better understand the technique.

If anyone is still in the dark about it just e-mail me and I'll do my best to help you figure it out!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Free Panties Crochet Pattern For An American Girl Size Doll

2011-02-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

This week's free pattern is a pair of panties made to fit an American Girl Doll or like sized doll.

I designed these panties to actually fit the curves of the doll and as you can see by the second picture the panties didn't exactly fit around the waist.

What to do?

Add elastic of course!

I've made a photo tutorial and a video tutorial on how to add the elastic to a finished crochet item. I hope you find them helpful.

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

2011-02-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Recently I've been accused of purposely scrambling my free patterns making them unreadable and thus not really free.
I find this very up-setting. I assue everyone one of you if you go to: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com you will find completely free and readable patterns.
I've had my site checked and the only conclusion is that this person's web browser is not compatable with my site. My site works well with: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers.
I can not guarantee all web browsere will work on my site.
I apologize to any all all this may have caused problems for.
Donna Collinsworth

Free Crochet Pattern Dres & Vest For American Girl Doll

2011-02-20T20:38:00.001-08:00

Here is this week's free pattern:

Dres & Vest for American Girl dolls or like sized dolls.

It is a dress that features a ruffle coller and cuffs.

Dress snaps in back.

The vest has yarn threaded through the stitches and then tied into a bow.

The pattern was orginally done using Red Heart Luster Sheen yarns, but you can also work it in most sport weight yarns.

2011-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

I call this Decreasing Circles Necklace and I'm sure you can guess why!

all you need is some size 10 crochet thread, size 7 hook and necklace clasp and you're in business!

Click here for the pattern!

I hope you like it!

Keep those crochet hooks busy!

How To Make Raised Stitches In Crochet

2011-02-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the tutorial on how to make the raised stitches to make this heart sample.

This raised stitch heart tote is a free pattern found here.

It began life as a heart place mat, but I decided it looked too pretty to stay inside the house and I turned it into a tote by adding a bottom and handle. It still make a lovely place mat!

This is a detail photo of a baby afghan I used the stitched on.

This is a 12 month size baby dress with the raised stitches.

I'm beginning to think I need to go beyond a heart when designing. I did a word baby afghan once that was love, hugs, kisses--I'll have to find the photo for that one. I believe that design was sold to a magazine.

2011-02-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a fairly easy to make necklace.

I call it Gold Coin Necklace.

The Gold thread is DMC metallic thread in size 5. It can be found in the needlework area of most craft stores where the embroidary floss it kept.

Once you have roll into into a ball (to prevent knots) it really is easy to work with.

You can find the pattern here

I hope you like it!

I'd love to see any pictures anyone would like to share of a pattern of mine they made!

2011-02-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

I've just tried this new yarn called baby Jacquards floral. (My success at right)

On the skein it shows a small square of it crochet and it looks just like little flowers in between the color stripes.

I've been playing with it and have found I can only get the floral pattern by using a single crochet stitch and crocheting in rows and not rounds.

Has anyone else played with it?

2011-02-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Slink-A-Saurus!

My latest free pattern that features a slinky in its design.

As you can see, the dinosaur's back is the slinky. His red points are all wond onto the slinky and pushed to its center.

He also features a spiked tail, lower jaw, tiny red button eyes and red feet pads.

Made using Red Heart Super Saver yarns and size H crochet hook.

The pattern is free!

To see more picutres visit here!

www.donnascrochetdesgins.com

Torso, Head & Necklace Pillow Display Pieces Crochet Pattern

2011-02-07T11:45:00.001-08:00

I'm Back!

This week's new pattern is a set of 3 display pieces.

The torso is 13" tall and a great prop when photographing your items!

Head is 11" tall and perfect to display most hats.

Necklace Pillow is 6" tall X 9" across and is graduated to display your necklace beautifully!

The reason I designed these pieces is out of pure frustration at not being able to find the pieces I wanted to help display my crochet pieces!

You know the saying "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"?

It is especially true when selling crochet patterns!

Here is the link

Happy Crocheting Everyone!

New Web Site: Living Plastic

2010-01-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Here to announce my new web site:

Living Plastic

You'll find lots of great tips on thrift store shopping!

Lots of great ideas and crafts on what to do with all your finds!

And how to make a little money while you're at it.

So come take a look!

That's www.livingplastic.com

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

New Free Necklace Patterns

2010-01-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

I call this first necklace:
Black Rectangles on Gold Chains.

It is 20" long, made using size 10 crochet thread and Lion Metallic yarn. It is a very fast neclace to put together!
You'll find the pattern on my free pattern web site!

This free crochet pattern I call Royal Beaded Crochet Necklace with Chain Strands!

This necklace is entirely crochet. Even the closure is crochet!

I hope you enjoy them both!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

Piano Hot Pad Crochet Pattern

2009-05-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Piano Hot Pad pattern found here!
It's 8" X 8-1\2" and made from just three parts.
Quick and easy to make and put together.
Great for the piano lover in your life!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com

Toy Organizer Crochet Pattern

2009-05-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Just published on EHow: Crochet pattern for this toy organizer:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4999516_crochet-hanging-toy-organizer.html

Above this the link for the pattern!

I hope you enjoy it!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com

2009-04-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

How To Crochet Around a Pop Tab Using a Half Double Crochet

You begin with a base of half double crochet (hdc) stitches.
Yo (yarn over) as you would making another hdc.

Insert the hook through the next stitch.
Place pop tab on hook.

Yo again.

Pull though pop tab and stitch.

Yo and pull through all loops on hook to finish the stitch.

Attached pop tab.

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com

How To Make a Sewn in Lining for a Crochet Purse

2009-03-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

How To Make a Sewn in Lining for a Crochet Purse.

You begin by figuring out the size of the lining you will need. First measure from the inside top to the bottom of the purse. Then measure around the inside circumference of the purse. You will get a measurement something like: 7" X 20". Now add a 1\2" seam allowance to this: 8" X 21". Cut this from the fabric you are going to use as the lining. Sew short ends together, taking the 1\2" seam allowance, forming a tube.

Pin a 1\2" hem around one edge of the lining.

Pin this to inside edge of purse and sew in place.

Turn the purse inside-out and sew a line of basting stitched (long running stitches) to hold the bottom edge of the lining to the bottom of the purse. Turn right side out.

On a piece of cardboard out line the bottom of the purse and cut out.

Lay cardboard on a small piece of batting and trim the batting until only 1\4" extends from the edge all around.

Rep with your lining fabric.

With craft glue, glue the lining to the back of the cardboard using tape to hold it in place until dry.
Once dry, remove the tape and glue the finished bottom the the inside bottom of the purse.

How To Make a Drop In Lining For a Purse

2009-03-23T08:14:00.001-07:00

How to Make a Drop in Lining for a Crochet Purse.

I call it a drop in lining because it isn't completely sewn into the purse, top and bottom. You can pull it out.

You begin by measuring the depth of the purse (from the inside top edge to the bottom. Then you measure the circumference around the inside of the purse. You will have a measurement something like: 7" X 26".

You now add a 1\2" seem allowance to that measurement, so it's now 8" X 27". Cut that size rectangle from the fabric you will be lining the purse with.

Fold the rectangle in half so that both short end meet. Pin and sew a 1\2" seam.

Make a pattern of the bottom of the purse by drawing around it and then adding 1\2" for seam allowances. Pin the bottom to one long edge of lining. The purse I am lining has a square bottom so I had to be careful pinning around corners.

Bottom completely pinned to bottom lining.

Lining sewn together.

If you wish to add a pocket, now is the time to do it. Decide how big of a pocket you would like, cut two out of fabric, pin wrong sides together and sew leaving a space for turning. Turn pocket to right sides, sew opening closed, pin and sew to lining.

Pin under a 1\2" hem around outer edge of lining--hem is always to the wrong side of what you are making.

Drop the lining into the purse, wrong sides together. Pin in place and then sew lining to purse.

Picture of finished lining in purse.

Lining has been sewn to the purse, but can still be pulled out.

Question of the Week

2009-03-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

This week I have decided to remove all Pdf attachments of my patterns on my free web site. Like a lot of you out there I rely on my numbers and ad hits to help off set the costs of my web site. Since adding the pdf's my numbers have gone way down to the point where I need to take action.

As of right now, I do not plan on replacing the pdfs.

So the Question of the Week is more like an opportunity of you out there who would like to comment about the pdf removals.

Let me know what you think.

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How To Line an Envelope Style Purse

2009-03-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

How To Line an Envelope Style Purse

Lay the body of the bag out flat. Cut a piece of fabric about 1\2" larger than the body of the bag.

All around the outer edge of the fabric pin a 3\4" hem to wrong side of the fabric. At this point lay the pinned fabric back on the body of the bag. You want the fabric to cover the wrong side of the bag, but still leave 1\4" of less from the outer edge so when you sew the lining and fold the bag the lining does not show.

At this point you can press the hem in of the lining or if you are lazy like me, just leave the pins in and skip the pressing.

Now you are ready to make the pockets. Determine how big of pockets you want to make by how much room there will be left on the inside of the purse when finished.

In my case the purse I am lining is 7" wide, so my pocket will have to fit between that 7". I decided on a 6" wide pocket the was 4" long. Adding seam allowances the cut pocket will be 6-1\2" X 4-1\2", allowing a 1\2" seam allowance.

I want two pockets for my purse so I cut out four 6-1\2" X 4-1\2" squares.

Pin Wrong sides together.

Sew around the outer edges of the pocket leaving room along one long side for turning.

Turn the pocket right side out.

Sew the opening at the bottom closed. You will want to press the pocket at this point to make it easier to handle.

Go back the the pin hemmed lining. Lay out the pockets on the lining in the position you would like them to go. At this point it is necessary to go back to the purse so you can determine where you want the pockets to go.

I laid it side by side with my lining and folding it (the purse) into it's ultimate size to decided where the pockets should go on the lining.

Pin the pockets in place making sure mark where the opening the the pockets should be. After all you don't want an up-side-down pocket in your purse.

Sew in place.

Lay the finished lining onto the purse, wrong sides together, pin and sew in place.

Once the lining is sewn you can finish constructing the purse.

Checked Oufit for 12-inch Baby Doll Crochet Pattern

2009-03-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and Time for New Patterns at Donna's Crochet Designs!

This time it is a Green & White Check outfit for 12-inch Baby Doll!

Made using Bernat Baby Softee it is a four piece outfit. When you buy the pattern you get the instructions to make the Green and White checked shorts, Green and White checked hat and shoes as well as the top that has Green and White edging.

Pants feature an all over check pattern and snaps in the back.

Top is double breasted, with two snaps (one inside and one outer edge) to close it with.

Hat and Shoes also feature the check pattern. Outfit will fit 12=inch baby doll.

All this for 2.99 at Donna's Crochet Designs!

How To Make a TRC Stitch in Crochet

2009-03-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

How To Make a Trc (Treble) Stitch in Crochet!

A Trc stitch is a lot like a Dc (Double Crochet) stitch in that you have multiple loops on the hook and you keep yo-ing (yarn over) working 2 loops off at a time until the stitch is complete.

You begin by yarn over (yo) until there are three loops on the hook.

You then inset the hook into the stitch

Yarn over

Pull through and you have 4 loops

Pull through the first 2 loops on the hook

Pull through the next 2 loops on the hook

And finally yo

Pull through the last 2 loops on the hook finishing the stitch.

Tip For Crocheting with 2 Strands of Yarn

2009-03-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Tip for Crocheting with 2 Strands of Yarn

I just finished a rug that I made holding 2 strands of yarn and using a large hook.

This gives the rug more stiffens and allows for better wear.

This is probably only a handful of projects that I have ever done using 2 strands. My first couple of projects I carefully rolled my yarn into 2 balls and began to crochet. Problem with that is I always ran out of yarn on one ball and didn't have a free end on the left over ball to finish the rug. UGH! Highly irritating.

Now however I look for yarn that has what I fondly call a belly-button. Really it is yarn that has a center end free so that you can unravel it from the inside-out.

Then I take that yarn and the outside yarn and crochet with them!

I never run out on one ball with just a few more rows until completion!

Last photo shows me crocheting with the 2 ends of the same skein.

Hope this works for you!

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Use of Abbreviations in Crochet

2009-02-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Question of the week concerns the use of abbreviations in crochet. You can't get around them and they save wear and tear on the finger when keying in the instructions as well as the length of instructions.
The question is about one abbreviation in particular:

Sa = Same

I include a list of abbreviations I use at the end of all my patterns that I sale.
Recently I was asked what stitch it meant when I said: Ch-1, sc sa st as beg ch-1.
Written out: Chain 1, single crochet same stitch as begin chain-1.
I have also been told that the use of sa for same is confusing.

So what is the vote?

Should same be written out completely
or
is sa acceptable?

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Crochet Tutorial on Chain Loop Stitch

2009-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Crochet Tutorial on Chain Loop Stitch

I like to use the chain loop st to add texture to my crochet like in this Echoing Heart Tote.

It is a very easy stitch to master and works up quickly.

It's also great to the touch which is why I love to use it when I make bath rugs for my home!

The stitch is based on chaining and slip stitches in foundation row.

I have begun by making a base row of half double crochet.

In the first photo I have chained 12 or ch-12.

In the second photo I have slip stitched two stitches or sl st next 2.

You continue across the row: Ch-12, sl st next 2.

Here is the finished row

Here I have pushed or pressed the loops made in the previous row to the back of my work which will become the front of my piece and am now beginning to hdc in ea st across to lock the chain stitches in place and to have another row to work the Ch-12, sl st next 2.

Here is the back of the work with 1 base row hdc sts, 1 row ch lps and 1 row hdc.

Here is the front of the same piece.

This is how the next row of ch lp looks.

This is the back of a completed sample square of ch lp.

This is the front of the same piece.

In this sample is shows a much shorter ch lp st of ch-6 sl st next 2 sts.

On the top is the shorter ch lp st sample

On the bottom is the longer ch lp sample

By verying the number of chains in the loop you can get a very different texture.

Bunny in a Basket Free Crochet Pattern

2009-02-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

BUNNY IN A BASKET FREE CROCHET PATTERN

MATERIALS:

1 skein Bernat brand Boa yarn in White, Blue Bird and Toucan, H hook or hook to obtain gauge, small amount of stuffing, small amount of cardboard, needle to take yarn, 2 chenille stems, craft glue, two 1\4” white pom-poms, one 5mm pink pom-pom, two 5mm brown pom-poms and one 1\2” white pom-pom.

FINISHED SIZE: Bunny: 9” tall including ears; Basket; 3-1\2” X 5”

Gauge: 4 sc = 1”, 4 rows sc = 1”

BUNNY:

With white yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2-3: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)

RND 4-8: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 9: Sc next 2 sts, (sk next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (14 sts)

RND 10-11: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 12: Work 2 sc in ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (28 sts)

RND 13-19: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 20: (Sk next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (21 sts)

RND 21: (Sk next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (14 sts)

Stuff bunny.

RND 22: (Sk next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (7 sts)

RND 23: (Sk next st, sc next st) 3 times, sk last st, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (3 sts)

ARMS (MAKE 2):

With white and H hook rep rnd 1-2 of bunny.

RND 3-9: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. At the end of rnd 9 fasten off.

Fold rnd 9 flat and with needle and matching yarn sew to bunny at shoulders. Rep for other arm.

LEGS (MAKE 2):

With white and H hook rep rnd 1-2 of bunny.

RND 3-12: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. At the end of rnd 12 fasten off.

Fold legs flat at rnd 12, with needle and matching yarn sew legs to bottom of bunny.

EARS (MAKE 2):

Cut two 4-1\2” long piece of chenille stems. Twist stems into the shape of a circle and secure ends.

With one circle join white yarn with H hook around stem. Sc evenly around stem making certain stem does not show through, fasten off.

Rep for other circle.

Shape the circles into bunny ears and with needle and matching yarn sew to the back of the bunny’s head.

Glue two 1\4” white pom-poms to face for muzzle. Glue the 5mm pink pom-pom above this and the two 5mm brown pom-poms to the face for eyes. Glue the 1\2” white pom-pom to the backside of the bunny for a tail. Cut a length of either color of the boa yarns and tie around the bunny’s neck in a bow.

BASKET:

With Toucan and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2-4: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 5: Sc next 2 sts, (2 sc next st, sc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (32 sts)

RND 6: (2 sc next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (40 sts)

RND 7: (2 sc next st, sc next 4 sts) around, join Blue Bird, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn, fasten off Toucan. (48 sts)

RND 8-19: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. At the end of rnd 19 join toucan and fasten off blue bird.

RND 20-21: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. At the end of rnd 21 fasten off.

BASKET BOTTOM:

With toucan and H hook rep rnd 1-7 of basket, at the end of rnd 7 fasten off. Cut a piece of thick cardboard a little smaller than piece just made. With needle and matching yarn, turn basket inside out and sew bottom to the bottom of the basket inserting the cardboard as you sew.

HANDLE:

Twist both ends of one chenille stem into small loops. With Blue Bird and H hook join around stem, ch-1, evenly sc around stem to other side, fasten off. With needle and matching yarn, sew handle inside the basket.

This is a super easy and fast project to make!
Not just for Easter either!

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Crochet Clothing and Seams

2009-02-14T13:10:00.001-08:00

Here is a tip I've discovered while making crochet clothing.

I know there is debate on how to sew your seams and it the seams go to the inside of the garment like when you machine sew or to the outside.

I'm not here to take up the debate, personally whatever works for you is the right way to do it.

I personally like to hand sew with maching yarn in what my mother always called a whip stitch.

You simply place to two edges together and sew through them, taking small stitches.
As in the above photo

The problem I come across when I do this, it that the seams have a tendency to stand out, or be raised up off the garments surface.

When working with a heavier yarn it doesn't seem to show as much as it does with a light yarn like this Lacette.

My solution is to wet press the seams. I place my iron on the cotton setting, let it warm up. I then lay a damp cloth over the seam and place the hot iron on it. A count to thirty and the iron is lifted. This makes the seam lay flat, more like it is part of the crochet garment and not an obvious indicator where it was sewn together.

I don't know if you can see the results on the above photo clearly, but the center seam and bottom seam of the insert have been pressed in this manner while the top seam of the insert hasn't.

Here the skirt has been completely pressed.

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Putting a Zipper into a Crochet Skirt

2009-02-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

Putting a Zipper into a Crochet Skirt

Putting a zipper into a skirt is a little different than putting a zipper into a jacket in that the jacket zipper comes in two section and the skirt zipper is all in one.

Begin by laying out your skirt on a flat surface. Place the zipper (in this case a 12" dress zipper from my local fabric and craft store) along side the skirt's edge. Line up to the top of the zipper with the top of the skirt. Place a pin where the zipper ends.

This shows you how long the last seam in your skirt will be.

So place the two sides together, with needle and yarn, sew from this point (where you placed the pin) down to the skirt's bottom edge.

With the seam sewn, lay the skirt back onto the flat surface. Pin the zipper to each side of the skirt's opening.

Make sure when you pin the zipper that the edge of the skirt and the zipper's teeth are not close enough to touch--this will cause the zipper to get caught in the yarn of the skirt when opening and closing it.

You can either sew the zipper in by hand or machine.

Finished zipper.

Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

2009-02-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Front Post Double crochet or Fpdc is begun by working a base of double crochet (dc)

You then began the next dc st by yarn over (yo)

Then instead of inserting your hook through the top of the stitch (st) you go between - front to back- your previous rows st and the st you are working.

Then bring the hook back out the front

Yo

You now have 3 loops (lps) on your hook

Pull through two lps

Yo and pull through last two lps on the hook completing the st.

Finished stitch

Two rows of 4 regular dc, 3 Fpdc, then 4 regular dc.

Front of the work

Back of the work.

Back Post Double Crochet or Bpdc

Again you begin on a base of dc (double crochet)

Yo and instead of inserting the hook front to back like you did when making a Fpdc you insert the hook from the back of the work to the front

Then insert the hook over the dc and back to the back of the work.

Three lps on hook

Yo, pull through 2 lps on hook

Yo, pull through last 2 lps on hook to complete the stitch.

Here the st is complete

Completed row of 4 dc, 3 Bpdc and 4 dc

Why show both the Fpdc and Bpdc when basically they are the same st except with one you insert the hook front to back and the later back to front?

This is why:

This is my pattern for Lavender Heart Purse.

12 month Heart Dress

Baby Hearts Afghan

All three were working using a combination of Fpdc and Bpdc. It gives the hearts a 3-D quality and by combining it with sc (single crochet) as the background, it really enhances the 3-D effect.

Here is a sample pattern:

Row 1: With Aran and H hook ch- 12, sc 2nd ch from hook, ch-1, turn. (11 sts)

Row 2: Sc next 5 sts, join Red, drop Aran, Fpdc next st, drop Red, pick up Aran, sc last 5 sts, ch-1, turn.

Row 3: Sc next 4 sts, pick up Red, drop Aran, Bpdc next 3 sts, drop Red, pick up Aran, sc last 4 sts, ch-1, turn.

Row 4: Sc next 3 sts, pick up Red, drop Aran, fpdc next 5 sts, drop Red, pick up Aran, sc last 3 stsm, ch-1, turn.

Row 5: Sc next2 sts, pick up Red, drop Aran, Bpdc next 7 sts, drop Red, pikc up Aran, sc last 2 sts, ch-1, turn.

Row 6: Sc next 2 sts, pick up Red, drop Aran, Fpdc next 3 sts, drop Red, pick up Aran, sc next st, drop Aran, pick up Red, Fpdc next 3 sts, drop Red, pick up Aran, sc last 2 sts, ch-1, turn.

Row 7: Sc next 2 sts, pick up Red, drop Aran, Bpdc next 2 sts, pick up Aran, drop Red, sc next 3 sts, drop Aran, pick up Red, Bpdc next 2 sts, pick up Aran, fasten off Red, sc last 2 sts, ch-1, turn.

Row 8: Sc ea st across, fasten off.

Here it is in picture form:

Row 2: you have made your sc and are joining the Red

Making the Fpdc

Fpdc is finished

Row 3: Making the Bpdc

Bpdc are complete and I am now dropping the red yarn to the back of my work and picking up the Aran yarn which is also to the back of my work.

Front view of row 3 completed.

We have jumped to row 5 and show the 7 Bpdc made

This is row 6. I have made the 3 Fpdc and am now dropping the Red yarn and picking up the Aran yarn.

The 2 lps of the sc are on my hook and now I am switching from Aran to Red

The finished heart.

This is the back of the finished heart. When making Fpdc and Bpdc you are not able to carry yarn behind sts as you work them and need to drop and pick up colors as explained.

Where Should the Waist Band of a Skirt Go?

2009-02-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Question of the Week:

For some time now I have been working on a crochet top with matching skirt. The top I already put up on my site: Donna's Crochet Designs and planned on putting the skirt up this week. I had finally gotten some time with my model (my sixteen year old daughter) for deciding the placement and length of the zipper so I could put it in (and do a tutorial on it) and then do the waist band.
We ran into a problem.
I say a skirt's waist band should come up to waist level, somewhere around the belly button area.
My daughter argues that is should go below the belly button some where around the hip area.
Needless to say this causes a major problem when going to make the waist band.

So here is this weeks question:

Where do you say a skirts waist band should fit?

Waist-belly button area?
or
Hip area?

And

Should there be directions for making the skirt fit both areas?

Help would greatly be appreciated!

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Question of the Week

2009-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Question of the Week:

Do you prefer crochet clothing designed in Small, Medium and Large?
Or
Do you prefer the sizes: Large, Extra Large and Double Extra Large?
This is in women sizes.

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Putting a Zipper on a Crochet Jacket

2009-01-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

How to Put a Zipper on a Crochet Jacket
Crochet Jacket with Hood is my latest pattern at Donna's Crochet Designs and thought a tutorial on how to sew a zipper into a crochet jacket would be of interest. Begin by laying the jacket out on a flat surface with the front edge opening together. Place the zipper between both front edges. Adjust the edges so that they are not right on the zipper's teeth, but lay just to either side.

Pin the zipper to the jacket's front edges.

Open the zipper so it is now in two pieces.

Most sewing machines have a special zipper foot. Put the zipper foot onto your machine and with a neutral thread (I used a thread close to the color of the Ecru yarn in the jacket), put the foot down and sew along the edge of the zipper's teeth making sure the jacket's edge does not come in contact with (the zipper's teeth) but is still begin sewn to the cloth part of the zipper.

In this photo I am close to the end of the zipper. As you can see the zip is very large and wider than the seam I am making. At this point I stop sewing, making certain the needle is down or through both layers I am sewing, put up the presser foot and slide the zip past the presser foot and behind to where I have already sewn. I then put the foot back down and continue sewing to the end. By doing this, it helps to keep the seam constant in size.

Here is the side view with the zip pushed back out of the way.

This is a photo of the other side of the zipper being sewn into place. It is so much easier to sew a jacket zipper than a dress zipper because the jacket zipper is designed to break into two halves, while the dress zipper isn't.

Here is the zipper sewn into place.

Technique for Frogging Stubborn Yarns

2009-01-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

Technique for Frogging (unraveling) Stubborn Yarns.

We have all done it. Bought an expensive yarn for a special project only to find it almost impossible to unravel when you find your stitch count wrong or that you did row 3 twice...etc.

What to do?
You can salvage what you can and throw the rest away, kicking yourself the entire time for buying that yarn in the first place...
Or you can try this method.
As you can see, I have a skein of Patons Lacette yarn pictured. It is a lovely soft yarn that works up easily, but almost impossible to frog!
I've worked with other yarns like this, with a softness that is more like a cloud of fuzz, fuzz that gets caught over and under your stitches, knotting into an impossible mess when you pull to unravel it.
Here is what I do:
I began by lightly pulling at the yarn to release the stitches-mistake. As soon as I fill resistance I stop pulling. I open my scissors so I have one point and gently insert it between the problem (in this case the fuzz) and last stitch or chain. This frees the yarn so that you can go back to gently unraveling your work.

Above are several photos illustrating the process.
In this way I was able to frog the entire piece, saving almost a full skein of yarn.
This also works well with eyelash or fun fur types of yarns.

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Will Crochet Ever Overcome Its Reputation as Old Fashioned?

2009-01-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Will Crochet Ever Overcome Its Reputation as Old Fashioned?
That is my question of the week.

Personally, whenever I hear the worlds old fashion I think of an old lady with blue hair, her glasses half way down her nose because she never seems to be able to decide if she wants to look over them or through them. Don't forget the sensible shoes, cane and rocking chair!
Okay, overly stereotypical I know, but isn't defining Crochet as old fashioned the same thing?
Now, most grandparents are seen as vital, active people who wouldn't be caught dead in a rocking chair, because as my 77 year old mother told me" "That's for old people."
I got to Esty and see all kinds of creative, up to date crochet and still the label?
Why?

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Simple Line Embroidary on Crochet

2009-01-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Tutorial on Simple Line Embroidary on Crochet

I like to highlight or add accents to a lot of my crochet pieces. At first I tried to embroider with an acutal outline stitch, but crochet is made up of a series of stitch (bumps) with holes inbetween for my yarn to get lost in leaving me with gaps in my outlines.

So I came up with this: In this example I am using a 4 ply yarn. I have the finished piece I want to "embroider" a line on like the finished line on the left of the piece. You begin on the wrong side and secure or knot the end of the black yarn. Then with a needle big enough to take the yarn (through its eye) I insert the needle and pull it through to the point where I want to begin my line.

I them insert the needle again, this time front to back and make a very short line or stitch (st). To make the next st I then insert the needle back to front above where my first balck st ended.

Here the black yarn has been pulled through to the right side and the needle has been inserted through the top of the previous st.

I then pull thorough to the back to complete my second black st.

This time to begin the third st of my line, I insert the needle at the same (sa) point (pt) where the last st I made ended. I then repeat steps 1-3 until I have finished.

Here is a finished example of my outline st:

I have used this tecnique to add defination to my kitty bag.

Crochet Tutorial on Adding a New Color

2009-01-01T13:13:00.001-08:00

Crochet Tutorial on the Basics of Adding a New Color

I begin with a base of two rows of half double crochet (hdc). In this photo I am beginning another row and have worked 2 stitches (sts) and have begun another hdc.

In this phot I have the 3 loops (lps) of the hdc on my hook in the White. Here is where I want to add or change the color I am using. So I drop the White to the back of my piece, but still have tension on it with my finger. I pick up the Black and place it between (bet) the same (sa) finger also for tension. I then yarn over (yo)

Pull through and compete the hdc, but with Black and not the White I was previously working with.

I have fasten off the White and will be working or carring the White behind the Black hdc as I make them to seamlessly weave the cut ends into the piece. I usually carry the fastened off thread or yarn about 4 to 5 sts into the row before triming the ends and going alsog just with (in this case) the Black.

Sometimes you are asked to drop the color (in this case White). This means you comptelty stop using the White and let it

What I Did Over The Holidays

2009-01-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

What I did over the holidays

I believe insanity runs in my family

I decided that the month of December I would concentrate on making things for me instead of designing any crochet patterns, which is something I rarely do.

So I:

Made a night gown (sewing not crochet)

Painted the powder room (my husband had chose the color. I bright blue that he swore would look different after we put it up. It did, brighter. But that's not why I repainted the powder room. I got tired of hearing how I picked it out! You know, one of those things where if it got compliments WE did it and if it doesn't, I did it.)

Put up some pictures I had been meaning to hang...I discovered Velcro from 3M, it's a wonderful thing, no husband involved!

I also made 2 stockings, felt. I from a kit and the other from a craft book. They turned out well, which is probably why I decided to make a tree skirt without much serious thought.

Here is where the insanity kicks in.

I love to go to thrift stores. Mainly I look for Santa pins (I collect, again insanity. I mean who in their right mind needs 40 Santa pins and keeps looking.) and old craft books.

My latest score:

It is copyright--copy written?- 1974

I love to look\laugh at the things they deemed "stylish" and the "in" colors.

Okay, mostly laugh. The caption reads: "Wiggle Toe Stockings"

Really, toes? And for Christmas?

Maybe for Halloween.

...the severed legs were hung by the fire...

Hey, I think there might be an idea here...

Nah! Wait...maybe...no, off subject...

... back to the insanity.

I was looking through the book and saw this.

They bottom one, not the top one. Everyone I show this to always thinks I'll make the top one...

I mean I had just made two felt stockings successfully and I did have a bunch of felt left over. It turned out I only needed a couple of colors plus the background felt.

Without looking at the instructions...

Two boys, two girls, a couple of trees--how hard could it be?

...I ran to my local JoAnns, score! The felt was on sale! It was meant to be!

(Reality here. I use to work at JoAnns, practically everything in the store is on sale a week before Christmas. Oh yea, did I forget to mention it was the WEEK before Christmas and I still needed to touch-up paint, put the new floor in my daughter's bathroom--peal and stick, wonderful stuff--get my mom--she lives in TN, I live in OH, a matter of 4oo miles apart--wrap presents, totally panic clean my entire how--my mom is coming--plan Christmas dinner and get my head examined!)

I easily found the colors I needed, guest estimating how much I need--I mean I can always us it later, right?

Then I sat down to read the instructions.

These instructions. All one page of them!

Remember the picture? There were two tree skirts?

Yes, that was all there was for both tree skirts.

It didn't mention how much felt you need--so what I had already guest estimated that!

It didn't mention size...for the tree skirt I was making that is.

Of course the one that had the size of the skirt hat no patterns.

At least I had patterns...

Patterns with no grid lines, that is and No scale!

Just a photo and 1 column of WORDS!

So lets recap.

Week before Christmas...

... these are the only instructions I have..

...how hard could it be?

Turns out very hard.

I taped together some old, jumbo drawing paper I had leftover from when my daughter was five or six--okay, she's now 16--so I don't throw anything away...I'm...re...cycling?

Yeah, that's it, recycling, global warming...

Anyway, I taped some of the pages together, guest estimating the size I need and cut it into a circle. Tree skirts are round you know...logical...wrong! Then I looked at the picture again. there are scallops. How hard would it be to add scallops?

Turns out in order to cut scallops into a circle's edge you have to make it smaller...

Okay, how hard could it be to cut scallops starting over?

I taped together another set of pages for my desired size, folded, cut scallops, unfolded, I had 4 not 8 like in the photo.

I taped together another set of pages, folded, cut, unfolded, now I had 10 scallops!

So I taped together another set of pages and stopped.
There was an awful lot of waisted paper on the floor.

Then I tried to figure it out re-cutting the 10 into 8. Not a good idea. But re-cutting the 4 into 8 at least gave me a good starting point for my last giant square of paper.

I want everyone to know, I did get 8 scallops--uneven scallops, but * had 8 scallops!

Next making the pattern for the boy, girl and tree...

Which all won't fit on each scallop because the circumference was wrong!

Next day, I decided to concentrate on the boy, girl and tree patterns with the intentions of making them, laying them out on the background felt I had bought and then cutting the scallops.

How hard could it be..right?

A day or two tops!

Wrong!

The tree had 16 pieces and I needed 4 of them.

The boy had 21 piece, but I only needed 2 of those.

The girl had 18 pieces and again I only needed 2.

How hard could that be?

A day for the trees, a day for the boy and girl...no problem!

After cutting, layering and gluing (I no longer had time to sew them) my mom was here. (My dear sweet husband went and got her!)

Great! Help!

So we laid the finished pieces onto my background felt. I was feeling good, I was in the home stretch now, I had even added extras like eyelashes for the girl and a pom-pom for her hat.

They didn't fit evenly.

My mom moved some around, then I moved some around, again my mom and then me, when I was just about to give up my daughter appeared. Took one look and in less than 5 seconds had them laid out perfectly.

Thank You

I pinned them on.

Time to cut the scallops.

My mom left the room, she didn't want anymore to do with it.

It was just me, the pinned felt and a pair of scissors.

Here it is! 8 scallops, 4 trees, 2 boys and 2 girls. I was proud. It was Christmas Eve!

Down under the tree it went.

Beautiful...

Oblong, not round (I hadn't noticed before) but beautiful!

As soon as the presents were unwrapped on Christmas day, I took up the tree skirt and began sewing all those pieces, all 142 of them!

My mom was driven back to TN, the house staid a mess, but I got that tree skirt sewn.

Finished December 31st.

The same view of the finished skirt as in the only picture I had to follow.

The tree. Everyone liked those, because they looked like stain glass.

The boy. BTW, he's a caroler. My mom kept calling him a Snowman!

The girl with her pom-pom tipped hat which prompted my husband to ask if she was Cindy Lou Hoo because he thought her hat was her hair!

All that work for one day--more like half a day--under the tree.

So what have we learned?

I'm out of my mind.

Craft books from the 70's are great to look at, but not to make anything from.

I need my head examined.

Christmas is meant to be enjoyed and not on my craft room floor cutting and glue 142 pieces of felt.

Insanity must truly run in my family.

I am so ready to get back to crochet and designing patterns!

Crochet Tutorial: Dropping and Picking Up Colors

2008-12-31T05:54:00.000-08:00

Crochet Tutorial: Dropping and Picking Up of Colors.

In my patterns that require color changes I will write: Pick up Black, drop White, half double crochet (hdc) next 4 stitches (sts), pick up White, drop Black, hdc next 12 sts...
To help explain what I mean;
We will begin with the basics: Adding in another color.
Here is my base of two rows hdc in white. I have begun the next row and have three of the loops (lps) needed to complete my next hdc.

Instead of completing the hdc in White, I drop the White I was using and holding the end of my new color-Black-I yarn over (yo) and pull through completing the st.

I am now using the Black.

Here it shows me carrying the dropped White behind the sts I work with Black so that I can access the White when I need it later.

This would be: Carry White, pick up Black, hdc next # of sts.

Here I am doing the reverse and am going from Black to White or Dropping White, Pick up Black.

Here is the st completed so I am now working in White again.

This shows that instead of working the dropped Black behind the White sts as I make them, I have completely dropped the Black to the wrong side of my piece and will pick it back up in the next row.

This is: Drop Black, Pick up White, hdc next # sts.

Here shows the completed row, with the dropped Black showing on the wrong side of the piece. I am still working in White to begin the next row.

Here I am Picking up Black from the wrong side and completing the last hdc made in White with the Black.

Again this shows my progress with the piece in that I am carrying the White after Picking up the Black.

Making more sts carry the White behind.

Now I am Dropping the Black, Picking up the White I have carried to complete the st.

The st is complete and I would work the rest of the row with White.

Here is an unusual example in that the instructions tell me to Hdc next 3 sts, carry Black next 3 sts so that I can do the color change later in the row from where I had Dropped the Black previously.

You simply do 3 sts in White, pick up Black to carry it behind the next 3 sts you work.

At the end of the 3 sts you change to Black, (Pick up Black) and carry White (behind sts as you work)

Here is the piece after the row is completed. Note how the White has been carried across 3 more Black sts than the previous row and seamlessly change colors.

In the picture, the row is completed with the Black Dropped and row ending working White.

This picture shows 3 sts done in White, White carried, Black picked up, hdc next 3 sts and instead of crocheting the next sts in Black, White is picked up, Black will be carried behind sts part way and then dropped

Here the row is completed showing the Black Carried 5 sts behind the white and then dropped to wrong side of piece.

In this picture I have hdc the # of required White sts, pick up the Black from the Wrong side, and will complete that st so I will be working in Black again.

Required # of Black sts made, 3 loops of last hdc on hook...

Picking up the Carried White to complete the row.

Here is the front of the piece so far showing the White at the end of the row and Black trailing from behind.

Wrong side of piece, again with the White at the end of the row and the Black on the wrong side where is has been dropped.

I know these instructions are generalized, but I feel you can figure out my meaning when I say: Hdc next 4 sts, pick up Black, carry White, hdc next 2 sts, pick up White, drop Black, hdc last 12 sts, ch-1, turn.

If you need more of an explanation on one or more of the photos just comment the blog and I will answer you the best I can.

Also if you would like to see a tutorial on any crochet stitch or technique just let me know.

What Makes A Toy Interactive?

2008-12-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

Question of the Week:

I recently took a pole about crochet toys. The question was which you you perfer, the cuties sit around toy or one that was interactive.

Interactive won hands down.

Now here is my qestion:

What makes a crochet toy be considered as interactive? The addition of magnets so that you can mover-exchange body parts?

Bendable Arms and Legs?A play set?

Something where each leg squeeks, music plays, etc?

Wheels that actuall roll?

Something with a purpose? Like this ring stacker?

Or ring toss game?

I can wait to read your responses!

Ribbon Candy Garland Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-16T05:24:00.000-08:00

RIBBON & PEPPERMINT CANDY GARLAND FREE CROCHET PATTERN

MATERIALS:

Red Heart TLC Amore yarn in White and Red Velvet, size H hook or hook to obtain gauge, needle and invisible (clear) sewing thread.

Gauge: 4 sc = 1”, 4 rows sc = 1”

PEPERMINT CANDY (1” DIAMETER):

Carry unused yarns behind sts as you work.

With white yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, sc in ring, join red, drop white, sc in ring, (drop red, pick up white, sc in ring, drop white, pick up red, sc in ring) 3 times, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (8 sts)

RIBBON CANDY:

ROW 1: With White yarn and H hook ch-21, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch across, join red, fasten off white, ch-1, turn. (20 sts)

ROW 2: Sc ea st across, join white, fasten off red, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3: Sc ea st across, join red, fasten off white, ch-1, turn.

ROW 4: Rep row 3.

ROW 5: Sc ea st across, fasten off.

You can also vary the look of the ribbon candy piece by using red yarn for rows 1, 3 &5 and white yarn for rows 2 & 4.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

Make two of peppermint candy and 3 ribbon candy with white as row 1, 3 & 5 and 3 ribbon candy with red as row 1, 3 & 5. Fold the ribbon candy pieces into according folds and with thread and invisible thread tack to hold. Sew one circle to the tack together ribbon leaving about a 3” space between ea one. Then sew another circle to that one and a red ribbon, rep alternating ribbon colors ending with a circle.

PEPPERMINT AND RIBBON ORNAMENT:

Make a large and a small peppermint circle and one ribbon. According fold the ribbon as you did above and tack to hold. Sew large circle, ribbon, small circle tog with thread leaving 1\2” space between ea piece. Then make a loop to hang it with and sew it to the top.
Make two small peppermint circles and one ribbon. Rep as you did for the other ornament.

Pepermint Candy Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-16T05:21:00.000-08:00

PEPERMINT CANDY ORNAMENT FREE CROCHET PATTERN

MATERIALS:

Red Heart TLC Amore yarn in White and Red Velvet, size H hook or hook to obtain gauge, needle and invisible (clear) sewing thread.

Gauge: 4 sc = 1”, 4 rows sc = 1”

LARGE PEPERMINT CANDY (2” DIAMETER):

Carry unused yarns behind sts as you work.

With white yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, sc in ring, join red, drop white, sc in ring, (drop red, pick up white, sc in ring, drop white, pick up red, sc in ring) 3 times, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2: Sc next st, drop red, pick up white, sc sa st, (sc next st, drop white, pick up red, sc sa st, sc next st, drop red, pick up white, sc sa st) twice, sc next st, drop white, pick up red, sc sa st, drop red, pick up white, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (16 sts)

RND 3: Sc next 2 sts, (drop white, pick up red, sc next 2 sts, drop red, pick up white, sc next 2 sts) around ending, drop white, pick up red, sc last 2 sts, sl st top beg sc, fasten off.

MEDIUM PEPERMINT CANDY (1-1\2” DIAMETER):

Carry unused yarns behind sts as you work.

With white yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, sc in ring, join red, drop white, sc in ring, (drop red, pick up white, sc in ring, drop white, pick up red, sc in ring) 3 times, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

SMALL PEPERMINT CANDY (1” DIAMETER):

Carry unused yarns behind sts as you work.

With white yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, sc in ring, join red, drop white, sc in ring, (drop red, pick up white, sc in ring, drop white, pick up red, sc in ring) 3 times, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (8 sts)

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

Make one of each size of peppermint candy. With thread and invisible thread sew the three circles together leaving about a 1\2” space between ea one. Make a loop of thread for the hanger and attach it to the top of the ornament.

Candy Pom-Pom Ornaments Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

CANDY POM-POM ORNAMENT FREE CROCHET PATTERN

MATERIALS:

Lion Brand Fun Fur yarns in any colors, small amount of stuffing, size F hook, needle and invisible (clear) sewing thread.

GAUGE: large is 2” diameter, medium is 1-1\2” diameter and small is 1” diameter.

LARGE POM-POM:

With fun fur and F hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2-3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)

RND 4: Hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

RND 5-6: (Hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(9 sts)

RND 7: Lightly stuff, hdc 1st st, (hdc dec next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, fasten off. (5 sts)

-make one.

MEDIUM POM-POM:

With fun fur and F hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)

RND 3: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 4: (Sk next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (9 sts)

RND 5: Lightly stuff, sc 1st st, (sk next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (5 sts)

-make one

SMALL POM-POM:

With fun fur and F hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 3: Lightly stuff, sc 1st st, (sk next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (5 sts)

-make one

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

With needle and invisible sewing thread sew large pom-pom to medium pom-pom leaving 1” of thread in-between. Sew the medium pom-pom to the small pom-pom leaving 1” of thread in-between. Make a loop of thread for hanging the ornament and sew to the top of the large pom-pom. I found that they stay better if you knot the thread on each end of each pom-pom as you sew them.

Works well as a single ornament, or string together to make a garland!

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RickRack or Zig-Zag Garland Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

RickRack or Zig-Zag Garland Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

Bernat Baby Softee yarn in Baby Blue worls weel with any yarn and size F hook.

FINISHED SIZE: 1\2” wide X 68-1\2” long

RICKRACK:

ROW 1: With yarn and F hook ch-495, 2 sc 2nd ch from hook, * sc next 4 ch, sk 2 ch, sc next 4 ch, 3 sc next ch, * rep bet ** across ending with 2 sc last ch instead of 3 sc, turn.

ROW 2: Ch-1, 2 sc 1st st, * sc next 4 sts, sk 2 sts, sc next 4 sts, 3 sc next st, * rep bet ** across ending with 2 sc in last st instead of 3 sc, fasten off.

Supper Easy, very fast to make.
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6 Inch Caroler Dolls Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

6 Inch Caroler Dolls Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

1” doll head with hands for ea Caroler, Red Heart TLC yarn in Scarlet and Celery, Lion Brand Fun Fur in White, E and H hooks, small amount of stuffing, small amount of cardboard, craft glue, needle and thread.

FINISHED SIZE: 6” tall

Gauge: 4 sc sts = 1”, 4 rows sc = 1”

BODY:

With yarn and H hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 6 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (6 sts)

RND 2: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 3: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (9 sts)

RND 4: (2 sc next st, sc next st) 4 times, 2 sc last st, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (14 sts)

RND 5: Rep rnd 2.

RND 6: (Sk next st, sc next 6 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)

RND 7: (Sk next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (9 sts)

RND 8: Rep rnd 2.

RND 9: 2 sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)

RND 10: Rep rnd 3. (27 sts)

RND 11-20: Rep rnd 2. End rnd 20 fasten off.

BOTTOM:

With yarn and H hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 6 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (6 sts)

RND 2: 2 sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)

RND 3: (2 sc next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (16 sts)

RND 4: (2 sc next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (20 sts)

Using bottom as a pattern cut one of cardboard. Stuff body, sew bottom to opening inserting cardboard as you sew.

TRIM:

ROW 1: With White Fun Fur and E hook ch-3, hdc 3rd ch from hook, ch-1, turn. (1 st)

ROW 2: Hdc only st, ch-1, turn.

Rep row 2 until piece measures 17-1\2”.

Find center of trim. With needle and thread sew center of trim to back of body’s neck, over waist and then around bottom of skirt.

SLEEVES (MAKE TWO):

With yarn and H hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 6 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (6 sts)

RND 2-6: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. End rnd 6 fasten off.

Sew one sleeve to ea side of body at shoulders. Glue hand in bottom ea sleeve.

HAT:

RND 1: With yarn and H hook ch-8, sl st to form a ring, ch-1, sc in ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2: Sc next st, hdc next, 2 dc next 2, hdc next, sc next, 2 dc last 2 sts, join white fun fur, sl st top beg sc, turn, fasten off other yarn. (12 sts)

RND 3: (ch-3, sl st next st) around, fasten off.

Slide doll’s ponytail through opening in rnd 1 of hat. Slide hat onto head. Glue head onto neck of body. Cut a small piece of cardboard and fold in half to be the songbook. Glue book into hands.

Sunflower Rug Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Sunflower Rug Free Crochet Pattern

This an easy pattern, great for the beginner. Basically you are just crocheting shapes and then sewing them to the rug.

MATERIALS:

Lion Brand Homespun yarns: 4 skein Waterfall, 2 skeins Colonial, 1 skein Sunshine State and small amounts of Black and Bridge Red, needle to take yarn and size N hook or hook to obtain gauge.

FINISHED SIZE: 26” X 40-1\2”

Gauge: 2 sc = 1”, 2 rows sc = 1”

RUG:

RND 1: With two strands Waterfall and N hook ch-47, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (46 sts)

RND 2-75: Sc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End rnd 75 fasten off.

EDGING:

RND 1: With 2 strands Colonial and N hook join in any st on rug, ch-1, sc sa st as beg ch-1, even sc ea st and end of ea row around working (sc, ch-1, sc) in ea corner st, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (210 sts)

RND 2: Sc ea st around working (sc, ch-1, sc) in ea corner ch-1 sp, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (248 sts)

TRIANGLE EDGERS:

ROW 1: With 2 strands Colonial and N hook ch-5, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (4 sts)

ROW 2: Sk 1st st, sc next 3 sts, ch-1, turn. (3 sts)

ROW 3: Sk 1st st, sc next 2 sts, ch-1, turn. (2 sts)

ROW 4: Sk 1st st, sc next st, ch-1, turn. (1 st)

ROW 5: Sc next st, fasten off.

Make 43 triangles. Keeping a 2” boarder around outer edge of rug sew on triangles alternating point up with point down.

PETAL:

ROW 1: With 2 strands Sunshine State and N hook, ch-2, sc 2nd ch from hook, ch-1, turn. (1 sts)

ROW 2: Sc, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3-4: 2 sc ea st across, ch-1, turn. (2 sts)(4 sts)

ROW 5: Sc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 6: Sk 1st st, sc next 2 sts, sl st last st, ch-1, turn. (2 sts + 1 sl st)

ROW 7: Sk sl st, sc next st, sl st next st, ch-1, turn. (1 st + 1 sl st)

ROW 8: Sk 1st sl st, sc next st, ch-1, turn. (1 st)

ROW 9: Sc, fasten off.

Make 24 petals. Arrange petals in three groups of eight on rug in a circle and sew to secure.

FLOWER CENTER:

With 2 strands Black and N hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 6 sc in ring, join Bridge Red, sl st top beg sc, do not turn, fasten off black. (6 sts)

RND 2: 2 sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (12 sts)

Make three centers. Sew one in ea center of flowers on rug.

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Snowman Faces Ornaments Free Crochet Pattern

2008-12-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Snowman Faces Ornaments Free Crochet Pattern

This a super easy to make pattern. It is so verstile that I even made a gift bag with them.

There are so many possiblities. I'd love to hear from anyone that comes up with something different!

MATERIALS:

4 ply yarn in Soft White, TLC Amore yarn in Scarlet and Celery, H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge, 1\2” white pom-poms, Two 6mm gold jingle bells, craft glue, black and orange fabric paint, and various chenille stems.

Gauge: 4 ply yarn: 4 hdc sts = 1”, 3 rows hdc = 1”; TLC yarn: 4 hdc = 1”, 3 rows hdc = 1”.

SNOWMAN HEAD (2” DIAMENTER):

With White and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 10 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (10 sts)

RND 2: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, fasten off.

FLAT ROUND BACKING:

With TLC yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 10 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (10 sts)

RND 2: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (15 sts)

RND 3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (20 sts)

RND 4: Rep rnd 2. (30 sts)

RND 5: Rep rnd 3. End rnd 3 fasten off. (40 sts)

RUFFLED EDGED BACKING:

Rep rnd 1-3 of flat round backing.

RND 4: Ch-3, (2 dc next st, 3 dc next st) around, sl st top beg ch-3, turn. (50 sts)

RND 5: (Ch-3, sl st next st, ch-4, sl st next st) around, fasten off.

To make contrasting edging fasten off rnd 4. Join new color and work rnd 5.

MAKING THE ORNAMENTS:

Round backed: Glue one made snowman face in the center of the flat round backing and the ruffled round backing. Add a loop for hanging.

Tree: Sew or glue 3 snowmen faces tog in a row. On top of that sew or glue two snowmen faces. On top of that sew or glue one snowman face. If you like sew or glue a miniature star ornament to the top snowman face. Sew or glue the stem to the bottom row of faces.

To make stem you neede brown 4 ply yarn and H hook.

Row 1: Ch-5, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc next 2 ch, ch-1, turn. (3 sts) Row 2-3: 2 hdc next st, hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 3 fasten off. (4 sts)(5 sts)

Bow Tie: Cut one chenille stem in half. Twist into a bow. Add small bells to ea end and glue to front of snowman face. Add a loop for hanging.

Squiggle Star: Cut 3 chenille stems in half. Fan fold leaving a straight tail at the top and bottom. Make five of these. Glue to the back of snowman face. Glue white pom-poms to ea end. Add a loop for hanging.

Star: Cut chenille stems into five 5” pieces. Fold the cut pieces in half. Arrange into a star and glue snowman face to front. Add a loop for hanging. You can also layer the finished star onto a plain crochet round for yet another look.

Curly-Q: Fold two of 2 different colored stems in half. Wrap around a pencil to coil. Arrange on a flat surface and glue snowman face to center. Add a loop for hanging. You can also layer the finished ornament onto a plain crochet round for yet another look.

Three in a Row: Twist tog two different colored chenille stems. Loop one end for the hanger. Glue three snowman faces down the length of the twisted stems.

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday!

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Scrap Book Friend Doll Free Crochet Pattern

2008-11-19T04:52:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking Friend Doll Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1 skein TLC Amore yarn in White and Red Velvet, H hook, needle to take yarn, needle and thread, 3-1\4” tall porcelain doll head with arms, stuffing, small amount foam board, small amount illustrator’s board or thick cardboard, 12-1\2” piece of 1\4” thick dowel, craft glue, 5 round Velcro fasteners and 35-7 X 14mm teardrop pearls.

Gauge: 4 sc = 1", 4 sc rows = 1"

DRESS:
RND 1: With Red velvet and H hook ch-20, sl st to from a ring, ch-1, sc in ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (20 sts)

RND 2-3: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 4: Sk 1st st, sc next 9 sts, sk next st, sc last 9 sts, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)

RND 5: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 6: (Sk next st, sc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (15 sts)

RND 7: Rep rnd 5.

RND 8: (Sk next st, sc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)

RND 9-10: Rep rnd 5.

RND 11-12: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 13: Rep rnd 5.

RND 14: Sc next 2 sts, (2 sc next st, sc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (32 sts)

RND 15-43: Rep rnd 5. At the end of rnd 43 fasten off.

Glue top of dress around doll head at shoulders, let dry.

DRESS BOTTOM:
With white and H hook ch-4, sl st to from a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2-4: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 5: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off.

Cut a piece of illustrator’s board or thick cardboard smaller than the bottom just made. Place the dowel inside, top of doll’s head for added strength. Place stuffing inside the porcelain head to hold dowel in place. Stuff dress and sew bottom to the bottom of the dress inserting cardboard as you sew.

SLEEVES (MAKE TWO):

With Red velvet and H hook ch-4, sl st to from a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2: 2 sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (16 sts)

RND 3-6: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 7-9: (Sk next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(8 sts)(6 sts)

RND 10: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off.

Glue top of arm inside ea sleeve.

SLEEVE CAP (MAKE TWO):

ROW 1: With white and H hook ch-7, sl st 5th ch from hook, sk next ch, ch-4, sl st in last ch, turn.

ROW 2: Ch-4, sl st next lp, ch-4, sl st sa lp, ch-4, sl st next lp, turn.

ROW 3: Ch-4, sl st next lp, ch-4, sl st sa lp, (ch-4, sl st next lp) twice, turn.

RND 4: (Ch-4, sl st next lp) across, turn.

RND 5: * Ch-3, sl st next lp, (ch-3, sl st sa lp) twice, * rep bet ** across, fasten off.
With needle and thread, sew sleeve cap to sleeves. Glue ea completed sleeve to doll at shoulders and let dry. With needle and thread, sew 5 teardrop pearls evenly across the bottom of ea sleeve cap making certain to sew one pearl at ea end.

BASE (MAKE TWO):

With Red and H hook rep rnd 1-5 of dress bottom, do not fasten off.

RND 6: Sc next 2 sts, (2 sc next st, sc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (32 sts)

RND 7: (2 sc next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (40 sts)

RND 8: * Sc next 7 sts, (sc, ch-2, sc) next st, * rep bet ** around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (45 sts)

RND 9-12: Sc ea st to ch-2 sp, (sc, ch-2, sc) ea ch-2 sp, around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. At the end of rnd 12 fasten off. (55 sts)(65 sts)(75 sts)(85 sts)

Cut a piece of foam board to fit just inside base sections. With needle and yarn sew the two base piece tog, inserting foam board as you sew.

SECTIONS (MAKE 5 RED AND 5 WHITE):

ROW 1: With yarn and H hook ch-2, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (3 sts)

ROW 2: Sc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3-4: 2 sc 1st st, sc ea st across, ch-1, turn. (4 sts)(5 sts)

ROW 5-6: Rep row 2.

ROW 7-8: Rep row 3-4. (6 sts)(7 sts)

ROW 9-10: Rep row 2.

ROW 11-12: Rep row 3-4. (8 sts)(9 sts)

ROW 13-14: Rep row 2.

ROW 15-16: Rep row 3-4. (10 sts)(11 sts)

ROW 17-18: Rep row 2.

ROW 19-20: Rep row 3-4. (12 sts)(13 sts)

ROW 21-22: Rep row 2.

ROW 23-24: Rep row 3-4. (14 sts)(15 sts)

ROW 25-26: Rep row 2.

ROW 27-28: Rep row 3-4. (16 sts)(17 sts)

ROW 29: Rep row 2. At the end or row 29 fasten off.

Cut five pieces of illustrator’s board or cardboard to fit inside section. Sew a white section to a red section with needle and yarn inserting cardboard as you sew. You will make five of these. Line up the long bottom section to one side of base and sew tog, rep around base.

HOLDING TABS (MAKE 5):

ROW 1: With Red and H hook ch-4, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (3 sts)

ROW 2-10: Sc ea st across, ch-1, turn. At the end of row 10 fasten off.

With needle and yarn sew one end of the tab to inside section about 5” down from the short end. Cut 3 round Velcro fasteners in half. With needle and thread sew the soft side to the red tab and the lp side to the corresponding spot on ea section.

Cut 2 more round Velcro fasteners in half, these and the left over one from above, with needle and thread sew the soft half to the inside top of ea section.

With needle and yarn sew the doll to the center of the base. With a pin, make where ea section hit the doll. Sew lp side of the Velcro at ea point, removing pins.

DRESS\BASE TRIM (MAKE 5):

1ST FLOWER: With white and H hook, ch-8, sl st to from a ring, ch-1, sc in ring, *ch-4, 2 trc cl, ch-4, sc in ring, * 4 times, fasten off.

2ND FLOWER: Join white in sc bet 2 bottom petals of flower just made, ch-8, sl st in sa sc, ch-1, sc in ring, * Ch-4, 2 trc cl, ch-4, sc in ring, * rep bet ** 3 times, fasten off.

3RD-5TH FLOWER: Join white in bottom petal cl, ch-8, sl st sa st, ch-1, sc in ring, * ch-4, 2 trc cl, ch-4, sc in ring, * rep bet ** 3 times, fasten off.

With needle and thread sew a single teardrop pearl in ea hole of ea petal. Tack the sections tog at 1st flower, petal to petal making along row. With pins, place the trim around the doll making sure the trim covers ea open section in the base. Tack in place.

Great gift idea for the scrap book lover you know.

It looks more complicated than it really is. Mostly it is crocheting basic shapes, trims and then sewing it all together.

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Table Top Christmas Tree Free Crochet Pattern

2008-11-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Table Top Christmas Tree Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

4 skeins Caron Glimmer yarn in Willow, stuffing and K hook or hook to obtain gauge.

FINISHED SIZE: 13” tall

Gauge: 3 sc sts = 1”, 3 rows sc = 1”

TREE:
With Willow and K hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 8 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

RND 2-4: (2 sc next st, sc next st) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 5: (2 sc next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (36 sts)

RND 6: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 7: Rep rnd 5. (48 sts)

RND 8: Rep rnd 6.

RND 9: Rep rnd 5. (64 sts)

RND 10: Rep rnd 6.

RND 11: Sc ea st in back loop only, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 12-13: Rep rnd 6.

RND 14: Sc ea st in front loop only, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 15: (Sk next st, sc next 7 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (56 sts)

RND 16: Rep rnd 6.

RND 17: Rep rnd 15. (49 sts)

RND 18: Rep rnd 14.

RND 19-20: Rep rnd 6.

RND 21: (Sk next st, sc next 6 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (42 sts)

RND 22: Rep rnd 14.

RND 23-24: Rep rnd 6.

RND 25: (Sk next st, sc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (35 sts)

RND 26: Rep rnd 14.

RND 27-28: Rep rnd 6.

RND 29: Rep rnd 21. (30 sts)

RND 30: Rep rnd 14.

RND 31-32: Rep rnd 6.

RND 33: Rep rnd 25. (25 sts)

RND 34: Rep rnd 14.

RND 35-36: Rep rnd 6.

RND 37: (Sk next st, sc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (20 sts)

RND 38: Rep rnd 14.

RND 39: Rep rnd 37. (15 sts)

RND 40: Rep rnd 6.

RND 41: (Sk next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (10 sts)

RND 42: (Sk next st, sc next 2 sts) 3 times, sc last st, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (7 sts)

RND 43: (Sk next st, sc next st) 3 times, sc last st, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (4 sts)

RND 44: (Sk next st, sc next st) twice, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (2 sts)

TREE EDGING:

RND 1: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 14 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 10 times, dc next st, 2 trc next, dc next, sc last st, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (64 sts)

RND 2: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 18 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 8 times, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (49 sts)

RND 3: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 22 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 7 times, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (42 sts)

RND 4: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 26 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 5 times, sc next st, dc next st, 2 trc next, dc next, sc last st, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (35 sts)

RND 5: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 30 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 5 times, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (30 sts)

RND 6: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 34 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 4 times, sc next st, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (24 sts)

RND 7: With Willow and K hook join in any left over lp on any st of rnd 38 of tree, ch-1, (sl st next st, sc next, dc next, 2 trc next, dc next, sc next) 3 times, sc next st, dc next st, sl st beg ch-1, fasten off. (20 sts)

The tree is a good size for showing off smaller ornaments, collection of Christams pins or center piece.

Sequin Hearts Wrap Free Crochet Pattern

2008-11-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

Sequin Hearts Wrap Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

3 skeins Red Heart Luster Sheen yarn in white, 8 pkgs of 200 count 8mm crystal sequins, needle to take yarn and F hook or hook to obtain gauge.

GAUGE: 9 dc = 1-1\2”, (dc, ch-1) 3 times = 1-1\2”, 2 rows pattern = 1”

FINISHED SIZE: 11-3\4” X 42”

WRAP:

ROW 1: With white yarn and F hook ch-86, dc in 6th ch from hook, (ch-1, sk next ch, dc next ch) across, turn.

ROW 2-3: Ch-4 (1st dc + ch-1 sp), dc next dc, (ch-1, dc next dc) across, turn.

ROW 4 (1ST SEQUIN ROW): ch-4 (1st dc + ch-1), dc next st, (ch-1, dc next st), * slide sequin, dc next ch-1 sp, slide sequin, dc next dc *, rep bet ** 5 times, rep bet ()17 times, rep bet ** 5 times, rep bet () to end of piece, turn.

Continue in this manner across graph. Rep graph 3 times, do not fasten off.

EDGING:

RND 1: Ch-1. sc in ea st and ch-1 sp around working 5 sc in ea corner sp, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (750 sts)

ROW 2: With rt side face, white yarn and F hook join in 3rd st of 5 st corner group so you will be working across one short side, ch-10, dc sa st as beg ch-10, * ch-2, sk next 4 sts, (dc next st, ch-1, sk next st) twice, dc next st, ch-8, sk 8 sts, (dc next st, ch-1, sk next st) twice, dc next st, ch-2, sk 4 sts, (dc, ch-7, dc) next st *, rep bet ** across short side, long side and next short side ending with dc, ch-7, dc) 3rd st of 5 st corner group of rnd 1, ch-4, turn.

ROW 3: 5 trc next ch-7 sp, * ch-2, sc 2nd dc, ch-6, sc in ch-8 sp, ch-6, sc 2nd dc, ch-2, 11 trc next ch-7 sp *, rep bet ** around working 6 trc in last ch-7 sp, ch-4, turn.

ROW 4: Trc 1st st, ch-6, trc sa st leaving last lp on hook, trc next 2 sts leaving last lp on hook, yo through all lps (cl made), ch-6, work 3 trc cl as before, * ch-2, sc next ch-6 sp, ch-6, sc next ch-6 sp, ch-2, 3 trc cl 1st 3 trc of 11 trc group, (ch-6, 3 trc cl) 4 more times always working 1st trc of 3 trc cl in last trc of previous trc cl *, rep bet ** ending (3 trc cl, ch-6) twice, ch-6, 2 trc cl in ch-4 turn, ch-4, turn.

ROW 5: (Dc, ch-1, dc, ch-1) 1st lp, * (dc, ch-1, dc, ch-1, dc, ch-1) ea ch-6 lp, sc, ch-1, ea ch-2 sp around ending with dc in last st, fasten off.

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Tab Top Curtains Free Crochet Pattern

2008-11-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

Tab Top Curtains Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

1 skein ea color of Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn in Blue Bon-Bon, Daisy Yellow and Aqua, size H hook or hook to obtain gauge and needle to take yarn.

GAUGE: 5 hdc = 1-1\2”, 3 rows hdc = 1”

FINISHED SIZE: 45-1\2” wide and 26” long not including the tabs.

CURTAIN:

ROW 1: With Blue Bon-Bon and H hook ch-147, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc next 2 ch, * (ch-12, sl st in 1st ch of ch-12), hdc next 20 ch, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet () once, hdc last 2 ch, join Daisy Yellow, fasten off Blue Bon-Bon, ch-1, turn. (145 sts)

ROW 2: Press lps to front of work, hdc next 7 sts, * (ch-12, sl st 1st ch of ch-12) hdc next 20 sts, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet (), hdc last 18 sts, join Blue Bon-Bon, fasten off Daisy Yellow, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3: Press lps to back of work, hdc next 13 sts, * (ch-12, sl st 1st ch of ch-12) hdc next 20 sts, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet (), hdc last 12 sts, join Aqua, fasten off Blue Bon-Bon, ch-1, turn.

ROW 4: Press lps to front of work, hdc next 16 sts, * (ch-12, sl st 1st ch of ch-12), hdc next 20 sts, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet(), hdc last 9 sts, join Blue Bon-Bon, fasten off Aqua, ch-1, turn.

ROW 5: Press lps to back of work, hdc next 3 sts, * (ch-12, sl st 1st ch of ch-12), hdc next 20 sts, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet (), hdc last 2 sts, join Daisy Yellow, fasten off Blue Bon-Bon, ch-1, turn.

ROW 6-77: Rep row 2-5.

ROW 78: Press lps to back of work, hdc next 3 sts, * (ch-12, sl st 1st ch of ch-12), hdc next 20 sts, * rep bet ** 6 times, rep bet (), hdc last 2 sts, ch-1, turn.

Starting at the bottom of the curtain insert one ch lp into another until a complete row is formed. Do this for all ch lps.

ROW 79: Hdc next 2 sts, * sl st center of lp, hdc next 5 sts, * rep bet ** across ending with sl st center of lp, hdc last 3 sts, ch-1, turn.

ROW 80-81: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 81 fasten off.

FIRST TAB:

ROW 1: With Blue Bon-Bon and H hook count over 6 sts from end row 81, join next st, ch-1, hdc sa st as beg ch-1, hdc next 9 sts, leave remaining sts unworked, ch-1, turn. (10 sts)

ROW 2-8: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 8 fasten off.

NEXT TAB:

ROW 1: With Blue Bon-Bon and H hook count over 10 sts from last tab, join next st, ch-1, hdc sa st as beg ch-1, hdc next 9 sts, leave remaining sts unworked, ch-1, turn. (10 sts)

ROW 2-8: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 8 fasten off.

-Rep next tab until there are 7 tabs made.
Fold tabs in half. With needle and yarn sew closed.

I was wanting to do something with texture and not just color changes. So I went looking through my trusty crochet stitch dictionary and found this pattern that formed loops on the right side of the piece. The Loops are all slip one into another before the last row is worked connecting them in the process.

I liked how it turned out to be a kind of plaid.

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Loop Rectangle Rug Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Loop Rectangle Rug Free Crochet Pattern

Materials:

3 skeins Red Heart Kids yarn in Beach, H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge and needle to take yarn.

FINISHED SIZE: 21" X 35"

Gauge: 4 hdc sts = 1", 3 rows hdc = 1", 6 rows pattern = 1", each square is 7" X 7"

SQUARE (MAKE 15):
ROW 1: With Beach and H hook ch-30, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (28 sts)

ROW 2-6: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 7: Sl st next 6 sts, (ch-12, sl st next 2 sts) 8 times, sl st next 6 sts, ch-1, turn.

ROW 8: Hdc ea sl st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 9-28: Rep row 7 & 8 alternating.

ROW 29-32: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 32 fasten off.

With needle and yarn sew squares into 5 rows of 3 blocks each. Sew each row tog.

To the left is a close up of the blocks when they are put together.

Again, more advanced than the frame, waste basket and door curtain.

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Square Loop Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Square Loop Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

Materials:

2 skeins Red Heart Kids yarn in Beach, stuffing, needle to take yarn and H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge.

FINISHED SIZE: 12" square

Gauge: 4 hdc sts = 1", 6 rows pattern = 1"

SQUARE PILLOW FRONT:

ROW 1: With Beach & H hook ch-50, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc ea ch across, turn.(48 sts)

ROW 2: (ch-12, sl st next 2 sts) across, ch-1, turn. (24 lps)

ROW 3: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 4-72: Rep row 2 & 3 alternating. End row 72 fasten off.

SQUARE PILLOW BACK:

ROW 1: With Beach and H hook ch-50, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (48 sts)

ROW 2-36: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn. End row 36 fasten off.

With needle and yarn sew front to back stuffing as you sew.

Again, a bit more advanced then the others in the series.

Round Loop Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Round Loop Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

Materials:

2 skeins Red Heart Kids yarn in Beach, stuffing, needle to take yarn and H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge.

FINISHED SIZE: 12" diameter

Gauge: 4 hdc sts = 1", 6 rows pattern = 1"

PILLOW FRONT:

With Beach and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 12 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (12 sts)

RND 2: (Ch-12, sl st next 2 sts) around, ch-1, turn. (6 lps)

RND 3: Press lps to wrong side of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (18 sts)

RND 4: Rep rnd 2. (9 lps)

RND 5: Rep rnd 3. (27 sts)

RND 6: (Ch-12, sl st next 2 sts) around to last st, ch-12, sl st last st, ch-1, turn. (14)

RND 7: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (36 sts)

RND 8: Rep rnd 2. (18 lps)

RND 9: Rep rnd 7. (48 sts)

RND 10: Rep rnd 2. (24 lps)

RND 11: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (60 sts)

RND 12: Rep rnd 2. (30 lps)

RND 13: Press lps to back of work, hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, turn.

RND 14: Rep rnd 2.

RND 15: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (70 sts)

RND 16: Rep rnd 2. (35 lps)

RND 17: Rep rnd 13.

RND 18: Rep rnd 2.

RND 19: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 6 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (80 sts)

RND 20: Rep rnd 2. (40 lps)

RND 21: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 7 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (90 sts)

RND 22: Rep rnd 2.

RND 23: Rep rnd 13.

RND 24: Rep rnd 2.

RND 25: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 8 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (100 sts)

RND 26: Rep rnd 2. (50 lps)

RND 27: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 9 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (110 sts)

RND 28: Rep rnd 2.

RND 29: Rep rnd 13.

RND 30: Rep rnd 2.

RND 31: Press lps to back of work, (2 hdc next st, hdc next 10 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, turn. (121 sts)

RND 32: Rep rnd 6. (61 lps)

RND 33: Rep rnd 13, fasten off.

PILLOW BACK:

With Beach and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 12 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

RND 2-3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 4-5: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (36 sts)(48 sts)

RND 6: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (60 sts)

RND 7: Hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

RND 8: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (70 sts)

RND 9: Rep rnd 7.

RND 10: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 6 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.(80 sts)

RND 11: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 7 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.(90 sts)

RND 12: Rep rnd 7.

RND 13: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 8 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.(100sts)

RND 14: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 9 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.(110sts)

RND 15: Rep rnd 7.

RND 16: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 10 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.(121sts)

RND 17: Rep rnd 7, fasten off.

With needle and yarn sew front to back stuffing as you sew.

To make a smaller 7" pillow or loop circle to cover a small round of corkboard work rnd 1-19. Then using the smaller circle as a pattern, cut one of corkboard. Glue loop circle to front of corkboard and hand with 3mm removable tape. If making the 7" pillow work rnd 1-10 of pillow back and sew tog as you did for the larger pillow.

More advanced pattern than the others in the series.

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Loop Door Curtain Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Loop Door Curtain Free Crochet Pattern

Materials:

2 skeins Red Heart Kids yarn in Beach and H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge.

FINISHED SIZE: 13-1\2" X 48"

Gauge: 4 hdc sts = 1", 2 rows hdc = 3\4", 5 sc sts = 1"

HEADER:

ROW 1: With Beach and H hook ch-50, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc ea ch across, ch-1, turn. (48 sts)

ROW 2: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3: Sc 1st st, leave remaining sts unworked, ch-1, turn. (1 st)

ROW 4: Sc st, ch-1, turn.

Rep row 4 until desired length, fasten off.

NEXT STRAND:

ROW 1: With Beach and H hook join in next free st row 1 of header, ch-1, sc sa st as ch-1, leave remaining sts unworked, ch-1, turn. (1 st)

ROW 2: Sc 1st st, ch-1, turn.

Rep row 3 until desired length.

Rep next strand until ever st on header is filled.

Make as many as you need to fill a window or cover a door.

Hang by either using hooks or 3M removable tape.

It's a time consuming project, but still easy to make.

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Mobile Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hoop Mobil Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

Red Heart Kids yarn in beach, H crochet hook, one 6” wooden embroidery hoop, one 9” wooden embroidery hoop, one 12” wooden embroidery hoop and needle to take yarn.

SMALL HOOP COVERING:

ROW 1: With yarn and H hook ch-8, sl st to form a ring, ch-1, sc in ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 stitches)

ROW 2-80: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. End row 80 fasten off. Set aside.

MEDIUM HOOP:

ROW 1: With yarn and H hook ch-8, sl st to form a ring, ch-1, sc ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

ROW 2-128: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. End row 128 fasten off. Set aside.

LARGE HOOP:

ROW 1: With yarn and H hook ch-8, sl st to form a ring, ch-1, sc ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (8 sts)

ROW 2-168: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. End row 168 fasten off. Set aside.

FINISHING:

Remove the screw that holds the embroidery hoop closed. You will only be using the split ring. Remove the metal loops on each for the screw to thread into by either using a wire cutter or by bending it back and forth until it breaks off. Do this for all spit hoops.

Slide one end of the hoop into the correct sized crochet piece. With needle and matching yarn sew both ends closed. Do this for all hoops. You should have three varying sized crochet covered circles. Again with needle and matching yarn sew the circles together leaving about an inch of yarn between them. Sew a loop at the top and you’re ready to hang your mobile.

Waist Basket Cover Free Crochet Pattern

2008-10-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wasist Basket Cover Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

Red Heart Kids yarn in Beach, H crochet hook, 9 Qt\8.5 L wastebasket (measurements for the one I used: 26-1\2” around the outside top of wastebasket and 24” around the outside bottom) and craft glue.

COVER:

RND 1: With yarn and H hook ch-96, sl st to form a ring, ch-1, sc in ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (96 sts)

RND 2: Sc in 1st st, * ch-4, sk next 3 sts, sc next st, * rep bet ** around ending with ch-4, sk 3 sts, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (25 loops made)

RND 3-24: Sc 1st st ch-4 lp(loop), * ch-4, sc next lp, * rep bet ** around ending with ch-4, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (24 lps)

RND 25: Work 5 sc in ea lp around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off. (120 sts)

FINISHING:

Place crochet piece around wastebasket with rnd 1 at the bottom of the wastebasket and rnd 25 at the top. Stretch to fit wastebasket and glue to hold in place. You may want to use tape to hold the cover in place as it dries.

Another fast and easy to make crochet pattern!