Kawaiis...

For the past 4-6 weeks, I’ve been on a Kawaii kick. These have all been fun and enjoyable projects for me.  I think creating the faces are my favorite part.  It seems to give each of them their own character; their own identity.  

I know I’m really behind on updating my blog with the patterns for each of them.  My apologies. In-between the Kawaiis, I have completed a baby shower gift project consisting of a blanket, hat and an elephant lovey (all new designs); 10 washcloths; 8 mini-character eggs; an Easter Bunny Cover; a 3-piece Pokemon set consisting of a mini-basket, a Pokemon ball and Pikachu; a “Very Hungry Caterpillar” headband; painting and bow making; and last I’ve added new video tutorials to YouTube.  So, I have been a little busy the past few months and I’m finding that I can’t do everything at one time.  I absolutely LOVE the creative side of crafting.  I’m lax when it comes to typing up the pattern and sharing.  

My focus this week has been on crosses with it being Easter week.  I have made about 40 so far.  Each takes me about 10 minutes...

For now, I’m creating and jotting down the patterns on paper (and one pattern on a cardboard box).  I will get them added.  

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards 
• Instagram:  Rilla2u 

Swimming Pool Kawaii

Swimming Pool Kawaii

Here’s my newest design, a “Swimming Pool” Kawaii. This is a fun and cute project!!!

I used Mainstays yarn from Wal-Mart in yellow, blue, teal, white and pink, a 5.0mm hook, Polyfil, black embroidery thread, (2) 15mm safety eyes and a tapestry needle to complete this project...

The completed project measures 13” x 9”. This doesn’t include the top wave. 

I made two of the same pieces - the front and back:

I made one bottom wave with blue yarn. I left a long tail for attaching it. 

I added the eyes at Row 12 with 8 spaces between them:

For the mouth, I used black thread and embroidered it. I added tiny pink cheeks under the eyes by chaining 4 and then making 3 single crochet stitches. 

I started at the halfway point at top with my white yarn and worked a single crochet stitch to join the front and back pieces together. I worked across, down, across, up and then stop.  Place a stitch marker to hold the stitch open for later...

I added the bottom wave being careful to only stitch through the front piece only.

I then made the top wave two times and whip stitched them together.  (Sorry I didn’t snap a picture of it)

Now, you are ready to stuff with Polyfil.  I then placed the top wave into the opening. I whip stitch attached the wave.  

And, last, join the needle back to the corner top of white yarn and continue to single crochet around the wave and slip stitch join to the first stitch and fasten off. 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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards 
• Instagram:  Rilla2u

Flower Pot Kawaii

Flower Pot Kawaii

With spring’s arrival, I wanted to make a flower pot.  Originally, I was going to make Sunflowers for the pot but ultimately ended up with making a cactus!!!  I’m happy with the overall outcome of this project  

I used Mainstays Yarn from Wal-Mart and a 5.0mm hook to complete this project.  You will need a few extra items:  Polyfil, black embroidery thread for the mouth, (2) safety eyes and a small amount of pink and white yarn for the cheeks, bow and outline around the eyes.

My focal point was the flower pot itself, and so, I decided to add the facial features to the pot and not the cactus. 

And, here he is with his pal, my. “Baby Chick” Kawaii!!!

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards 
• Instagram:  Rilla2u 

Baby Chick Kawaii

“Baby Chick” Kawaii

Blessings this Sunday evening.  I spent most of today making this super cute “Baby Chick” Kawaii for Easter and/or Spring seasonal decor. Once again, I used Main Stays yarn. I have really gotten the bang for my buck on this yarn. I bought each available color my local Wal-Mart had at $2.44 per skein and I have thus far completed multiple projects. 

I know I need to set aside time to update my blog with the patterns from recent weeks, as well as, go back through my posts from 2016 backward and re-add the pictures. I’m not sure what has happened but somehow my older blog posts have lost their photos.  I do want to get all of my patterns moved to my own domain website. My problem is:  I love crafting; I just hate the electronics side that goes with it to be able to share with you all. 

Please be patient and I will get everything added and updated. If you want a pattern before then, just message me.  

Happy Crocheting...

Leprechaun Handbag Kawaii

Leprechaun Handbag Kawaii 

Pattern details coming SOON!!!

So, check back frequently....

Happy Crocheting...

Shamrock Kawaii Pillow

 Here’s another one of my newest designs, a “Shamrock Kawaii Pillow.”  I think it’s super cute, especially with the hair (optional).  

I used Main Stays Acrylic yarn from Wal-Mart for this project. 

Shamrock Kawaii Pillow

With a little hat on...

If you would like to purchase the Ad-free, PDF version, here is the link to my Etsy Shop:

Shamrock Kawaii

Size:  14 1/2" x 13"

Materials:
--5.0mm hook

--#4 worsted weight yarn in green (1 skein), pink (2-3 yds) and orange (2-3 yds); I used Mainstays Yarn (Wal-Mart)

--2 (15mm) black eyes

--small amount of black embroidery thread 

--Polyfil

 --tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

St:  stitch(es)

Sl st:  slip stitch

SC:  single crochet

HDC:  half double crochet

HDC2tog:  half double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease stitch)

TC:  triple crochet

Rep:  repeat

FO:  fasten off

MR:  magic ring

Directions:

     Special Note:  if making for a child, you may want to crochet the eyes for safety reasons.

For this project, you will be making a front and back identical piece and then single crocheting the two pieces together.  You can slip stitch or whipstitch the two pieces together, if so desired.  The hair is optional.  I used black safety eyes, but you can opt to make crocheted eyes instead.  As you can see, at the bottom of this post, I decided after I completed this project to add a small yellow bow.  This is optional, as well.  

To start we will be making the stem first:

1.  Ch10.  HDC in the second ch from the hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (9)

2-7.  HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (9)

8.  HDC in each st across.  FO and set aside.  (9)

Now, we are going to start on the lower right lobe:

1.  Ch9.  HDC in second ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)

2.  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 st, 2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)

3.  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 8 st, 2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)

4.  2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 10 st, 2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

5.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

6.  1 HDC in the first 13 st.  2 HDC in the last st.  Now, pick up stem and sl st join to stem.  1 HDC in the same st as the sl st.  Then 1 HDC in each st across.  (24)

Now, we are going to be adding the lower left lobe to the piece:

7.  Ch16.  HDC in second ch from hook and across.  Turn.  (15)

You are going to turn your piece and work the next row in the base chains.  This way your 15 HDC stitches will stay even with Row 8 of your stem.

8.  Sl st into each of the first four ch.  Ch1.  HDC in each of the remaining 11 ch.  Ch1 and turn.  (11)

9.  HDC in the first 9 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1.  Turn.  (10)

10.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 8 st.  FO and weave ends.  (9)

Now, you have your right lower lobe of 15 stitches, your stem of 9 stitches and your left lower lobe of 15 stitches for a total of 39 stitches.  Join yarn in the last stitch on the right side with a sl st and ch1.

The Body:

1.  HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (39)

2.  HDC in each st across.  Ch 1 and turn.  (39)

3.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 35 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (37)

4.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 35 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (36)

5.  Ch3.  HDC in the second ch from the hook and the next ch.  HDC in the next 35 st.  2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (39)

6.  2 HDC in the first st, HDC in the next 37 st, 2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (41)

7.  2 HDC in first st, HDC in the next 40 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (42)

8-10.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (42)

11.  HDC in the first 40 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (41)

12.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 39 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)

13.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 33 st.  Leave remaining unworked.  Ch1 and turn.  (34)

14.  2 HDC in first st, HDC in the next 25.  Ch1 and turn.  (27)

15.  2 HDC in first st, HDC in the next 26 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (28)

16.  HDC in the first 27 st, 2 HDC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (29)

17.  2 HDC in first st, HDC in the remaining st.  Ch1 and turn.  (30)

18-19.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (30)

20.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 13 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

21.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 10 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)

22.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 7 st.  FO and weave ends.  (8)

Now, join yarn on opposite side of last stitch of Row 19 with a sl st and ch1.  

23.  1 HDC in same st as sl st and next 13 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

24.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 10 st, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)

25.  HDC2tog, HDC in the next 8 st, HDC2tog.  FO and weave ends.  (10)

Repeat to make the second piece.  

Now, once you have two identical pieces made, you will want to go ahead and add the facial features to one of your completed pieces before we join them together.

For the eyes,  I placed them at approximately the 13th or 14th row of the body portion, with a space of 9 stitches between them.  I then added lashes, brows and a mouth with black embroidery thread.

For the cheeks, I used pink yarn:

1.  6 SC in to MR.  Sl st join and Ch1.  

2.  *2 SC in first st, 1 SC in next st.* Complete from * to * around.  FO and leave a long tail for attaching.  (see pic for placement)

For the hair, I used orange yarn:

1.  At the top center, I joined 6 pieces of orange yarn and secured with a double knot.  This made 12 pieces.  I then used my tapestry needle to fray the yarn.  

For the bow, I used yellow yarn:

1.  I started with a MR.  Ch4.  7 TC into MR.  Sl st join to top of Ch4.  Then I sl st to center.  FO and leave a long tail.  Pull tail to tighten the center.  Then wrap yarn several times around the center and then join to the top right or left, just under the hair.  

Now, align your two pieces together.  Join yarn with a sl st and Ch1.  SC around.  Before closing piece, stuff firmly with Polyfil.  Then, complete SC.  Sl st join to first st.  FO and weave ends.  

That's it.  You're ALL DONE...

And with a little hair bow added...

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Instagram:  Rilla2u
• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards 

NC State Flag Kawaii Pillow

 NC State Flag Kawaii Pillow

Pattern coming SOON.....

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Instagram:  Rilla2u
• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards

Heart-Shaped Pillow

 I wanted a big “Heart-Shaped Pillow” to put out on display for the month of February and for personal use anytime of the year. I didn’t want a small pillow. 

I set out to design a pillow that’s quick, easy, pretty and BIG. After I stuffed my finished pillow with Polyfil, it measured 19” x 15.”  

Heart-Shaped Pillow

Materials:

—5.0mm hook

—#4 worsted weight yarn in color of choice; I used RHSS yarn

—Polyfil

—needle for weaving

Notes:

—you will be making 2 panel pieces and joining them together;

—you can make this in any color you like;

—you can include or omit the border;

—if you want to add a face or lettering then I recommend this to be done before joining the 2 panels together

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

St:  stitch

Sl st:  slip stitch

SC:  single crochet

HDC:  half double crochet

HDC2tog:  HDC 2 stitches together (decrease)

HDC Inc:  2 HDC stitches in the same stitch (increase)

FO:  fasten off 

Directions:

1.  Ch2.

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Instagram:  Rilla2u
• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards 

Happy Valentine Pillow Pal

With allergies reeking havoc on my body this week, I was slow completing my “Valentine’s” project. Seems the start of this year has been filled with more sickness than creativity.  I’m praying the remainder of this year proves better.

I wanted something easy, cute and fun. This project doesn’t use a lot of yarn and is the perfect size for kiddos, measuring approximately 7” x 7”.  I added a pocket on the backside for goodies. This would make a great little pillow to secure fallen baby teeth for the Tooth Fairy.

I used “I Love This Yarn” in red, pink and pink.  The safety eyes are 15mm.  I surfaced crocheted with a slip stitch for the red border, the eyebrows and the mouth. Of course, you could embroider this or make chain stitches and attach.

Happy Valentine Pillow Pal Pattern

Size:  7” x 7”

Materials:
—4.0mm & 5.5mm hooks
—“I Love This Yarn” in red, pink and white
—poly-fil
—1 set of 15mm safety eyes
—tapestry needle

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) 
Rep:  repeat
MR:  magic ring
FO:  fasten off

Directions:

(make 2 heart panels):
1.With Pink yarn, Ch3.  HDC in 2nd ch from hook and next ch.  Ch1 and turn.  (2)
2.  2 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (4)
3.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 2 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)
4.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 4 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)
5.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 6 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)
6.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 8 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)
7.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 10 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)
8.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 12 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)
9.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 14 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (18)
10.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 16 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (20)
11.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 18 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (22)
12.  2 HDC in first st, 1 HDC in next 20 st, 2 HDC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (24)
13-19.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (24)
Forming first lobe:
20.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in next 8, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)
21.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in next 6, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)
22.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in next 4, HDC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)
23.  HDC2tog, 1 HDC in next 2, HDC2tog.  FO and weave ends.  (4)
Forming second lobe:
Rep steps 20-23 on the opposite side of Row 19.

Make a 2nd panel piece.

(This STEP is optional):
Once I had the panels made.  I wanted to give them a clean look.  So, I joined Pink yarn in any stitch and SC evenly around the perimeter of each panel.  Of course, this is optional, since the 2 panel pieces will be joined together and either SC together or whipstitched.

Now, we are ready to make one panel the front side for the face.  But first:

SPECIAL NOTE:  If you don't know how to surface crochet, you can opt to just embroider the features on or you could make chain stitches and attach. 


So, let's proceed with what I did:
1.  With a 4.0mm hook and Red yarn, I surfaced sl st crocheted around the heart.  I worked mine 1 stitch in all the way around.  FO and weave ends.

2.  Eyes:  I used a set of 15mm black safety eyes.  The eyes are added at Row 13, center, with a 5 stitch gap between the 2.  (see below pic)

3.  Cheeks (make 2):  With 4.0mm hook and Red yarn, 6 SC into MR.  Pull center to tighten.  And, then for the 2nd round, place 2 SC in each st around.  Sl st join to the first st and FO.  Leave a long enough tail for attaching each cheek.  (see above pic)

4.  Eyebrows:  With 4.0mm hook and Red yarn, I surface sl st crochet 7 st for each eyebrow.  FO and weave ends.  Rep for 2nd eyebrow.  (see below pic)

5.  Mouth:  With 4.0mm hook and Red yarn, I surface sl st crochet 7 st for my slightly lopsided-grin.  FO and weave ends.  (see above pic)


Tag (make 2):
1.  With 4.0mm hook and White yarn, Ch8.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)
2-4.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)
5.  When you turn, you will be working down the short side (the end).  1 SC in each end st.  Ch1 and turn.  (4)
6.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (4)
7.  1 SC in first st.  SC2tog.  1 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)
8.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (1)
9.  SC3tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (1)
10.  1 SC in st.  FO and leave a long tail for attaching.
Rep 1 - 10 for 2nd tag.

XOX:
1.  First, you are going to use one Tag to place XOX.  I used pink embroidery thread for this.  Any lightweight yarn will work.  I freehand embroidered the XOX and tied double and triple knots on the backside to secure.

2.  Now, join the second tag to the first tag and whipstitch around to secure the 2 together, hiding the backside of your embroidering.
3.  Now use a few whipstitches to join your tag to the heart lobe.  (see below pic)

Pocket:
1.  With 5.5mm hook and Pink yarn, Ch16.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (15)
2-12.  SC across.  Ch1 and turn.  However, at the end of Row 12, FO and leave a long tail for attaching the sides and bottom to the center, back side of the heart.  Leave the top of the pocket open.

  And, that's it for this super cute, quick and easy project for Valentine's Day!!!!  I think this "Happy Valentine Pillow Pal" would also make a great accessory to use for any baby tooth that may fall out in the month of February.  The pocket is a great place to secure the baby tooth for the Tooth Fairy to retrieve and to leave a surprise...

Few ideas:
1.  This would be cute in yellow, blue, green - basically any color if you want to use it as a Tooth Fairy Pillow....
2.  Make the front panel and use as an Applique.
3.  Make the tag portion circular and then you can hang this heart on a door, in a bathroom around a knob for kids to have easy access to their toothbrushes and toothpaste in the back side pocket.
4.  I'm sure there's lots of different ways to use this cute Pillow Pal.  I'd love to see your creations and ideas from this!!!

Enjoy!!!

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

Social Media:

If you are on the following sites, let's connect and hook up...

• Instagram:  Rilla2u
• Pinterest:  Rilla2u
• Twitter:  Rilla2u
• Facebook:  /rilla.edwards