Toddler Summer/Patriotic Apron & Hat

Summer/Patriotic Apron & Hat

Summer/Patriotic Apron & Hat Pattern

Size:
Apron:  2T - 4T (approx. 18" long; 14" in width across the bottom and 8" in width across the top)
Hat:  will comfortably fit a 20-21" head circumference

Gauge:  I did not gauge pattern

Materials:
--4.0mm & 6.0mm hooks
--Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Red, White & Blue
--tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch:  chain
Sl st:  slip stitch
St:  stitch(es)
SC:  single crochet
HDC:  half double crochet
HDC2tog:  half double crochet 2 stitches together (creates a decrease)
DC:  double crochet
DC2tog:  double crochet 2 stitches together  (creates a decrease)
FPDC:  front post double crochet
BPDC:  back post double crochet
Sk:  skip
Rep:  repeat
YO:  yarn over
FO:  fasten off

Stitch Definitions:
1.  SC:  Insert hook into next st; YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull 2 loops on the hook through.
2.  HDC:  YO and insert hook into next st; YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull all 3 loops on the hook through.  
3.  HDC2tog:   YO and insert hook into next st; YO and pull back through the st.   
YO and insert hook into the next st; YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull all 5 loops on the hook through.  A half double crochet decrease st is made.
4.  DC:  YO and insert hook into next st; YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull 2 loops on the hook through.  YO and pull remaining 2 loops on the hook through.  
5.  DC2tog:  YO and insert hook into next st; YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull 2 loops on the hook through.  YO and insert hook into next st.  YO and pull back through the st.  YO and pull all 4 loops on the hook through.  A double crochet decrease st is made.

Special Stitch:
1.  FPDC/BPDC:  Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet stitches are made around the post of the stitch from the previous round.  This is easier done than you may think.  If you haven't tackled post stitches, then you can just make double crochet stitches for the rounds requiring post stitches.  There are also great video tutorials on post stitches on the Internet.  

Directions:
Apron:

(I dropped my yarn as necessary instead of fastening off and continuing to rejoin.  I didn't want to have so many ends to weave.  I carried up the yarn.  Since you will be completing a border, the carrying up of the yarn is covered up in the end.)

1.  With 6.0mm hook and Red yarn, Ch41.  HDC in 2nd ch from hook, *SC in next st.  HDC in next st.*  Rep across.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)
2.  HDC in first st.  SC in next st.  Rep across.  Drop red yarn and join white yarn.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)
3-4.  With White yarn, HDC in first st.  SC in next st.  Rep across.  At the end of Row 4, drop white yarn and join back red yarn.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)
5-6.  With Red yarn, HDC in first st.  SC in next st.  Rep across.  At the end of Row 6, drop red yarn and join back white yarn.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)

You will continue this pattern (Rows 3-6) until you have completed 28 Rows.  At the end of Row 28, FO white yarn and join Navy yarn.  Ch1 and turn.

29.  With Navy yarn, HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)
30.  HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)

Now you will start your decrease rows...
31.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 36 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (38)
32.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 34 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (36)
33.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 32 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (34)
34.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 30 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (32)
35.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 28 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (30)
36.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 26 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (28)
37.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 24 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (26)
38.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 22 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (24)
39.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 20 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (22)
40.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 18 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (20)
41.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 16 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (18)
42.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 14 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)
43.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in each of the next 12 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)
44-50.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

Border:
1.  1 SC in each st around the apron, placing 2 SC in each corner.  Sl st join to the first st.
2.  *Ch4, Sk 4 st, SC in next st,* rep from * to * down each side of the Navy to Row 28.  (you may to chain/skip an extra stitch in making the loops for the strap - this is okay).  Once you reach Row 28, FO and weave ends.  Rep again on the opposite side.

Strap:
(For this apron, I made the neck/waist strap all in one piece.)
1.  With a 4.0mm hook and Navy yarn, Ch4.  HDC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)
2.  HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)
3-192.  Rep #2.  At the end of Row 192, FO and weave ends.

Attaching Strap:
1.  I left approximately 18" of the strap for one side of the waist.
2.  I then weaved the strap in and out of the loops up the side.
3.  I then left approximately 15" of the strap for the neck.
4.  I then weaved the strap in and out of the loops down the opposite side. 


Star Appliqué (make 3):

1.  With 4.0mm hook and White yarn, 6 SC into MR.  Sl st join to first st and Ch1.  (6)
2.  2 SC in each st around.  Sl st join to first st and Ch1.  (12)
3.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 3 st.  Rep around.  (15)
4.  *Ch4.  SC in 2nd ch from hook, HDC in next ch and DC in last ch.  Sl st into 3rd st of Round 3 (first point is made).  Sl st into next st.*  Rep 4 more times.  Sl st to first st and FO.  Leave a long enough tail for attaching star.

Please see pics for star placement.   

Hat:
(The hat is made from the bottom up; the border is made using FPDC and BPDC stitches)

 1.  With 6.0mm hook and Red yarn, Ch60.  Without twisting chain, sl st join to the first ch.  DC in each ch around.  Sl st join to first ch.  (60)
2.  Ch2 counts as the first FPDC stitch.  *BPDC around next post.  FPDC around next post.*  Rep from * to * around.  Sl st join to the 2nd ch of the Ch2.  (60)
3.  Rep #2.  (60)
4.  Ch2 counts as the first DC.  DC in each st around.  Sl st join to the 2nd ch of the Ch2.  (60)
5.  Ch2 counts as the first DC.  *2 DC in the next st.  DC in next st.*  Rep from * to * around.  Sl st join to the 2nd ch of the Ch2.  (90)
6.  Ch2 counts as the first DC, DC in the next st, *2 DC in the next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 st.*  Rep from * to * around.  Sl st join to the 2nd ch of the Ch2.  (120)
7-9.  1 DC in each st around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (120)
10.  *DC2tog, 1 DC in the next 2 st,* rep from * to * around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (90)
11.  *DC2tog, 1 DC in the next st,* rep from * to * around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (60)
12.  *DC2tog, 1 DC in the next 3 st,* rep from * to * around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (48)
13.  *DC2tog, 1 DC in the next 2 st,* rep from * to * around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (36)
14.  *DC2tog, 1 DC in the next st,* rep from * to * around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (24)
15.  DC2tog.  Rep 11 more times.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (12)
16.  DC2tog.  Rep 5 more times.  Sl st join and FO.  Leave a long enough tail to weave in and out of the last 6 st to close up the hole opening.  Weave ends.  (6)

Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

--don't use/claim my design as your own

--don't use/claim my pics as your own

--okay to make and sale your finished work

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without prior consent) but provide a link to my blog

Unicorn Softie...

I designed this Unicorn Softie many months ago and my granddaughter immediately loved and scooped it up to take home.  This cutie is made from my basic Softie pattern and then the features added....

Unicorn Softie

Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

--don't use/claim my design as your own

--don't use/claim my pics as your own

--okay to make and sale your finished work

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without prior consent) but provide a link to my blog

Up-cycled Flip-Flops

Up-cycled Flip-Flops

I found these super cheap flip-flops for Arielle today and decided to add a touch of yarn to them.  I used a 4.0mm hook and Crafter's Secret Cotton Yarn.

I simply made single crochet stitches around the front and top thong portion.  I then used white yarn to make an embellishment to cover the center top - that has a small gap.

For the embellishment, here's what I did:
1.  6 SC into MR.  Sl st join to first stitch and chain 1.  (6)
2.  *Into the first stitch, add the following stitches:  [SC, HDC, DC, HDC and SC], slip stitch into next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times.  Slip stitch join to first stitch and FO.  Leave a tail for attaching.

Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

--don't use/claim my design as your own

--don't use/claim my pics as your own

--okay to make and sale your finished work

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without prior consent) but provide a link to my blog

Desert Sunset Shawl...

I've had my Caron Big Cakes in Cherry Compote for over 6 months now - waiting, meditating and trying to decide what I wanted to make with it.  There was something about the mixture of colors in this cake that just reminded me more of a Desert Sunset than anything "cherry" related.

And, finally, a couple weeks ago I settled on making a Shawl.  I designed a simple pattern that even a beginner crocheter could tackle and complete with ease.  The pattern doesn't require a lot of focus once you get started.  The Shawl, itself, is made with 1 stitch and then the border.

The final size of the Shawl is approximately 50" (at the widest) x 27" in length.  I'm really happy with the outcome of this project.

I welcome your questions and/or comments and would love to see pictures of your finished Shawl.

Desert Sunset Shawl

The border:

Gorgeous color combo: 

Desert Sunset Shawl Pattern

Size:  approximately 50" x 27"

Gauge:  7 stitches x 6 rows = 2"

Materials:
--5.0mm hook
--1 Caron Big Cakes in Cherry Compote (or your color of choice) - 603 yds
--tapestry needle for weaving

U. S. Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch:  chain
Sl st:  slip stitch
St:  stitch(es)
SC:  single crochet
HDC:  half double crochet
YO:  yarn over
FO:  fasten off
Rep:  repeat

Special Stitch(es):
1.  Picot Stitch:  chain 3, slip stitch into first chain
2.  HDC Stitch:  YO hook, insert hook into next stitch or chain, YO hook, pull back through, YO hook and pull all 3 loops on hook through
3.  SC Stitch:  insert hook into next stitch or chain, YO hook, pull back through, YO hook and pull 2 loops on hook through

Directions:
1.  Make a slip knot on your hook.  Ch 2.  1 HDC st into the first ch made.  Ch1 and turn.  (1)
2.  2 HDC st into your st.  Ch1 and turn.  (2)
3.  2 HDC st in first st.  1 HDC in next st.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)
4.  2 HDC st in first st, 1 HDC st in next st, 2 HDC st in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (5)
5.  2 HDC st in first st, 1 HDC st in next 3 st, 2 HDC st in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)
6.- desired number of rows.  2 HDC st in the first st, 1 HDC st in the remaining st and 2 HDC st in the last st.  I made mine until I had a row of 140 HDC st across.  In short, you will be adding 2 HDC stitches to each completed Row (1 extra in the first st and 1 extra in the last st).  So, if you want to make this for a child or small adult, then you would make less rows.

At the end of your last row, Ch1 and turn.

Note:  I did not use all of my Cake; I could've gotten another 2-3 rows but chose not to...

Border:
1.  For the border, I placed *1 SC st in each of the the first 5 st of the last row.  Then, sl st into the next st.  Ch3.  Sl st into first ch.  Ch3.  Sl st into first ch.  Ch3.  Sl st into first ch.  (This creates a cluster of 3 picot stitches).  Sl st back into the 6th st of the last row.*  Rep from * to * around the Shawl.  For each corner, I rep from * to * 2 (two) times.

Happy Crocheting 

I purchased my Caron Big Cake at Michaels.  If you don't have a Michaels nearby, then the Big Cakes can be purchased on Amazon.com.  Check out the LINK on the left side of my page...

Legal:

--don't use/claim my design as your own

--don't use/claim my pics as your own

--okay to make and sale your finished work

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without prior consent) but provide a link to my blog

Policeman Photo Prop Outfit - Newborn...

My friend's, Joy, son is a policeman.  And, what better gift to make for his Fraternal Twins - a boy and a girl - soon to arrive - than a cute "Policeman Outfit" for a photo prop....

I made the Diaper Cover with Handcuffs and the Hat in Newborn Size.  I used #4 worsted weight yarn - navy, yellow, gray and black for the boy and pink, yellow, gray and black for the girl.

Aren't these super cute?

Here is the LINK to each of the Simple Baby Blankets I made used #4 worsted weight yarn...

Happy Crocheting...

What's Been Going On? MIA?

Hello, Fellow Bloggers!!!  I know for the past few weeks, I haven't been blogging much - not that I haven't been busy working on projects, but that I have been really busy working on so many things.  Have you ever found yourself so busy that it seems like you're getting nothing accomplished?  Well, I experience that feeling at times, too.

So, I wanted to give you all a glimpse into my past few weeks...

First up, we relocated our church to a new facility.  This required us packing up everything at our old church, which I loved, to our new church, and then all the cleaning, organizing and preparations needed to have everything in order.  Plus, phone calls getting all the utilities transferred from one address to the next.  This was well spent time with my hubby and members of our church.  Here's a couple of pics of our new church - the outside and the sanctuary.  Isn't it so pretty?  We still need to do some touch-up painting to the trim work and re-do the floor in the fellowship hall but overall we are very pleased and thrilled with what lies ahead for us...

Next, I had been planning my niece's, Megan Ann, baby shower for the last Sunday afternoon in March.  And, by planning - I was making the decorations, planning the games/prizes and making sure to have plenty of food for everyone to munch on.  And, of course, I had to make a few crochet items for the baby...below, is a collage of the baby shower.  Megan and Derrick were thrilled with how it turned out and all of the beautiful gifts they received from everyone.

All 4 of my grandchildren have been spending time with us at our house lately, so, we have to get creative to keep them busy, to wear them down, so they will sleep soundly through the night...lol.  So, we've had fun days/bubble days outside.  Now, I didn't upload the pics of the kids in their bounce house, Arielle learning to ride her bicycle, Jacob climbing a tree for the first time, Luke on his little 3-wheeler and Gabriel trying to use the weed-eater to trim my bushes.  But, here's a few pics of them playing and having fun. 

 Easter just came so fast this year!!!  Or, maybe, that's just me.  I'm not used to Easter falling on the first day of April.  Nonetheless, we had our Sunrise Service at church, followed by the women preparing a fresh, hot breakfast afterwards in the fellowship hall and a successful Egg Hunt for the kids.  But, getting up early, made for a very unproductive remainder of the day.  Here's my family collage (minus me) on Easter Sunday...

Of course, with North Carolina weather warming up, we had to plan a Zoo Day with the kids...lol!!!  And, they sure do get excited and exhausted since our zoo is the largest zoo in the U.S.

 And, with everything that has been going on on the home front, I have managed to complete 3 baby blankets, a super-soft scarf for Miss Arielle and an in-progress triangle shawl.

 

And, last, hubby and I, did manage to squeeze in a date day for the movies to see, "I Can Only Imagine."  Oh my, if you haven't watched this yet.  I  encourage you to go and see this.  It is a wonderful, powerful, inspiring movie.  It held my attention from start to finish.  GO and watch this before it leaves your theaters....

So, this has been my life for the past few weeks - hectic, busy, memorable and fun!!!  I hope each of you manage to take time out in your busy lives to embrace and enjoy special moments with your family and friends...

Happy Crocheting...

Simple Baby Blankets -- Fraternal Twins!!!

My best friend, Joy, is about to become a grandma to a set of Fraternal Twins in a couple months - a boy and a girl.  She asked me if I could make a baby blanket for each to have as a keepsake.  And, of course, I was more than glad to make these blankets for her.

I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a 6.0mm hook.  For the pink blanket border, I used Bernat Happy yarn in Freesia.  The pink blanket measures approximately 26" x 39".  The blue one measures approximately 30" x 35".

So, for each blanket, I wanted to make something special but also easy enough for a beginner crocheter to tackle and complete.  Each blanket is repetitive in the stitch work.

Simple Baby Blankets - Fraternal Twins...

Size:

Simple Blue Blanket:  Approximately 30" x 35"

Simple Pink Blanket:  Approximately 26" x 39"

Gauge:

Simple Blue Blanket:  4 clusters x 10 rows = 4"

Simple Pink Blanket:  10 stitches x 10 rows = 4"

Materials:

--6.0mm hook

--RHSS yarn in light blue, white and pink

--Bernat Happy yarn in Freesia

--tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

Sl st:  slip stitch

St:  stitch(es)

SC:  single crochet

HDC:  half double crochet

DC:  double crochet

Sk:  skip

Rep:  repeat

FO:  fasten off 

Directions:

1.  With the Simple Blue Blanket, you will be working a SC, HDC and DC into the same stitch.  If you want your blanket to be bigger, just make sure your foundation chain is a multiple of 3 (make sure 3 will divide evenly into the number of chains).  This technique creates a beautiful textured blanket.

2.  With the Simple Pink Blanket, you will only be working with HDC stitches for the blanket portion and then SC stitches for the border.

A.  Simple Blue Blanket:
1.  With blue yarn, Ch99.  HDC & DC into the 3rd ch from the hook.  *Sk 2 ch, [SC, HDC & DC] into the next st,* rep across.  SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.
2.  *[SC, HDC & DC] into the first st, sk 2 st,* rep to the end.  SC in last st.
3-66.  Rep #2.  At the end of Row 66 (or your desired number of rows), FO blue yarn and join white yarn.  Ch1 and turn.

Border:
1.  With white yarn, SC evenly around the blanket, placing 3 SC st in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and Ch1. 
2.  Rep #1.
3.  *SC in first st, Ch2, Sk 2,* rep from * to * around, placing 3 SC in each corner. Sl st join to first st and FO.  Join blue yarn.
4.  In this round, you are going to create Spike Stitches.  *SC in the previous round's SC stitch, then HDC into each of the 2 skipped stitches of Round 2,* rep from * to * around, placing 3 HDC in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and Ch1.
5.  DC in each st around, placing 3 DC in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and FO.  Weave ends.

B.  Simple Pink Blanket:
1.  With pink yarn, Ch101.  HDC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.
2.  HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.
3-62.  Rep #2.  At the end of Row 62, FO and weave ends.

Border:
1.  Join Bernat Happy yarn in any st and Ch1.  Into same st, SC.  SC in each st around, placing 3 SC in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and FO.  Weave ends. 

 Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

--don't use/claim my design as your own

--don't use/claim my pics as your own

--okay to make and sale your finished work

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without prior consent) but provide a link to my blog