Mini-Christmas Baskets

I made these "Mini-Christmas Baskets" with leftover Bernat Blanket Yarn.  These super cute little baskets make are great for gift giving - fill with candy, ponytail holders, hand sanitizer, trio of Bath & Body products or a candle.

Give to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, teachers - the list goes on and on.  Each basket only takes about 10-15 minutes to make, with or without a strap.

Mini-Christmas Baskets Pattern

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Gauge:  This isn't too important for this project

Size:  3" x 3"

Materials:
--10mm hook
--11 yds Bernat Blanket Yarn in color of choice; 2 1/2-3 yds Bernat Blanket Yarn in white
--tapestry needle to weave

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch:  chain
Sl st: slip stitch
St: stitch(es)
SC: single crochet
MR: magic ring
FO: fasten off

Directions:
1.  With yarn, 6 SC into MR.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (6)
2.  2 SC in each st around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (12)
3.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in next st.  Repeat around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (18)
4-5.  1 SC in each st around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  At end of Round 5, FO and weave ends.  (18)
6.  Join white yarn in any st and Ch1.  SC in each st around.  Sl st join and Ch1.  (18)
7.  1 SC in each st around.  Sl st join and FO.  Weave ends.

Strap (optional):
1.  With yarn, Ch45 and FO.  With tapestry needle, weave in and out of Round 6.  Tie a double knot on each end of strap.  Trim, if needed.

Happy Crocheting

Legal:
--don't claim my pattern design as your own
--don't use my pics as your own
--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format (without my consent) but provide a link to my blog

Pistachio Trio - Cowl, Hat & Gloves

Using Yarn Bee's Sugarwheel, in Pistachio Chip, from Hobby Lobby, I made this Cowl, Ponytail Hat and Fingerless Gloves.  I accessorized the Cowl with a gorgeous owl pin (also picked up from Hobby Lobby).  I actually came across the owl pin before I got to the yarn aisle and just immediately fell in love with the pin.  I'm a sucker for pins...lol.  I added pine cone buttons to the gloves.

Pistachio Trio

Happy Crocheting 

Legal:

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

--don't use my pics as your own

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format but provide a link to my blog

Memorial Blanket....

I designed this Memorial Blanket and appliqué Dove in memory of my first cousin, Freddie Joe, who passed on September 8.  This blanket is a gift for his brother, George.

Once I get back home, I will share the pattern for those who may be interested in making one for someone.  I think this makes a special memorial in lieu of flowers for someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Memorial Blankets have grown in popularity, in lieu of flowers, for funeral services.  This is a great way to acknowledge, remember and honor someone's life.  It is a wonderful keepsake for the family to cherish for generations (unlike flowers...)

I used a variety of shades in blue of Bernat Blanket Yarn and my 10mm Clover hook.  It measures approximately 44" x 60".

Memorial Blanket

 

Memorial Blanket Pattern

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Gauge:  7 HDC stitches x 6 rows = 4"

Size:  Approximately 44" wide x 60" long (blanket)

          Approximately 20" long from beak to tail (dove) 

Materials:

--10mm hook 

--Bernat Blanket Yarn in shades of blue - approximately 1,200 yds 

--stitch markers 

--tapestry needle for weaving 

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

Sl st:  slip stitch

St:  stitch(es)

SC:  Single Crochet 

HDC:  Half Double Crochet

SC2tog:  Single Crochet 2 stitches together 

SC3tog:  Single Crochet 3 stitches together 

MR:  magic ring 

FO:  fasten off

Directions: 

Blanket: 

For the blanket portion, I started with a Ch103.  Then, 1 HDC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (102) 

For the remainder of the blanket, I just continued with 1 HDC in each st acros until I reached my desired size of approximately 44" x 60".  I completed this in less than 2 day's time so I wanted a simple stitch pattern in varying shades of blue.  

I then designed and attached a white dove to the center, vertically, with my cousin's name embroidered on it.  

To finish, I used blue burlap ribbon - the whole roll that I purchased at Wal-Mart, to gather the blanket, center, vertically, under the dove, and tied in a bow fashion.  I attached a personalized Sympathy tag to the ribbon, with a note reserving it for someone special to take home.  The funeral home director was kind enough to let me use one of their stands to display the Memorial Blanket at the Visitation and Funeral Services.  

Below, you will find the directions for the dove appliqué.  

I truly hope sharing my journey, hurt and sorrow in creating this blanket will inspire others to make a memorable keepsake to give to someone who has lost a loved one.  

Dove:  

1. With white yarn, ch7.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Turn.  (6)

2.  Ch4.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch.  1 SC in the next 5 st.  3 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn  (11)

3.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 9 st and 3 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (14)

4.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 12 st and 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)

5.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 14 st and 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (18)

6.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 17 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (19)

7.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 17 st and 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (21)

8.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 20 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (22) 

9.  1 SC in the first 21 st.  3 SC in the last st.  Turn.  (24)

10.  Ch5.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch.  1 SC in each of the next 24 st.  Turn.  (28) 

11.  Sl st in the first 2 st.  Ch1.  1 SC in same st as the Sl st.  1 SC in next 9 st.  (Place stitch marker in the 8th st).  Then, Sl st in the next 7 st.  Then 1 SC in each of the next 10 st.  Ch4.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch.  Sl st into the last SC st and FO.  Turn.  

12.  Count over and re-join yarn in the 6th st.  Ch1 and SC in same st.  1 SC in the next 6 st.  3 SC in next st.  Ch1 and turn.  (10).  You are working on the tail end side.  

13.  2 SC in first st.  1 SC in the next 5 st.  Leave remaining st unworked.  Turn.  (7). 

14.  Sl st in first 5 st.  Ch1.  1 SC in same st as last Sl st.  1 SC in next st.  2 SC in last st.  FO.  Weave ends.  (4) 

Now, you will be working on the Head portion: 

15.  Join yarn in the stitch marker from Row 11.  Ch1.  1 SC in same st and into each of the next 8 st. Ch1 and turn.  (9) 

16.  1 SC in each of the first 8 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)

17.  1 SC in the first 7 st.  2 SC in the last.  (Place stitch marker in the last st for later use) Ch1 and turn.  (9) 

18-20.  1 SC across.  Ch1 and turn.  (9) 

21.  SC2tog, 1 SC in next 5 st and SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)

22.  SC2tog, 1 SC in next 3 st and SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (5) 

23.  SC2tog, 1 SC in next st and SC2tog.  FO.  Leave long tail for attaching.  (3)

Beak:

1.  With peach yarn, join yarn at stitch marker on the end at Row 17.  Ch1.  1 SC in same st as Ch1.  1SC in next 2 end st.  Ch1 and turn.  (3) 

2.  SC3tog.  FO.  Leave tail for attaching.  

Eye:

1.  With black yarn, 3 SC into MR.  Sl st join and FO.  Leave tail for attaching.  

Wing:

1.  With white yarn, Ch5.  1 SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (4)

2.   2 SC in first st, 1 SC in next 2 st and 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)

3.  1 SC in the first 5 st.  2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)

4-5.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)

6.  2 SC in first st and 1 SC in next 6 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)

7.  SC2tog.  1 SC in next 6 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)

8.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (7)

9.  SC2tog.  1 SC in next 5 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)

10.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)

11.  SC2tog.  1 SC in next 4 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (5)

12-13.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (5)

14.  SC2tog.  1 SC in next 3 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (4)

15.  SC2tog.  1 SC in next 2 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)

16-18.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (3)

19.  SC2tog, 1 SC in next st.  Ch1 and turn.  (2)

20.  1 SC in first st.  Ch1 and turn.  (1)

21.  1 SC in st.  FO.  Leave long tail for attaching.  (1)

See pics for eye and wing placement.  

 

'Til we meet again, you will always be in my heart....

Happy Crocheting 

Legal:

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

--don't use my pics as your own

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format but provide a link to my blog

Missing in Action - Death in my family....

I know I haven't posted any blog posts in the past few days and I wanted to give you all an update on what's going on in my life.  

I had a death in my family on Sept 8.  My first cousin, Freddie Joe, passed on.  I have been in a heartbroken state.  I'm heading out of state today to go back to my hometown in West Virginia for the funeral.  Continued prayers for my family is greatly appreciated and needed.  

I have been working on a few projects and will hopefully update the blog later this week.  I've designed a Memorial Blanket with a Dove Appliqué with my cousin's name to take to the funeral.  I've made a gorgeous Pistachio Cowl and several more cute items.

God bless.

Happy Crocheting...

Halloween C2C Blanket

I noticed when I started Working on this Halloween Blanket last year, I never put all of the Fall Pixel Graphs in one easy post, along with the directions.  You can make a blanket, pillows, tote bags -- let your imagination run wild.  So, here it is.

Halloween C2C Blanket

Halloween C2C Blanket Pattern

Difficulty Level:  Intermediate

Size:  Approximately 60" x 65"

Materials:

--6mm hook

--#4 worsted weight yarn in colors of my graphs or your own personal choice; I did not keep track of yardage for this project; I used whatever scrap colors I already had; if I were to guess an approximate yardage 800-1100 (I used a lot of different colors from scrap)

--tapestry needle for weaving

Gauge:  not too important

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

Sl st:  slip stitch

St:  stitch(es)

SC:  single crochet

HDC:  half double crochet

FO:  fasten off 

Note:  I made each block using C2C method of chain 5 with HDC stitches.  For a bigger blanket, you can chain 6 with DC stitches.  You will start each graph in the lower right corner and work your rows vertically, increasing on each end until you complete the halfway mark, then you will start decreasing on each end.  

Directions:

Pixel Graphs:

A.  Pumpkin

(Orange, Green, Yellow, Brown and Black Yarn) 

 B.  Frankenstein

 (White, Green-light and dark, Black, Gray and Blue Yarns)

 C.  Candy Corn

(Black, White, Orange and Yellow Yarn)

D.  Owl with Pumpkin

(Green, Orange, Brown, Yellow, White, shade of Red Yarn)

E.  Maple Leaf

(Yellow, Orange, Brown and shade of Red Yarn)

 F.  Ghost

(Orange, White and Black Yarn)

G.  Fall

(Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Brown and Green Yarn)

H.  Witch

(Yellow, Black, Pale Yellow, Black, Green and Purple Yarn)

I.  And, here's an extra block for ya:

(Black, Purple, Orange and Green Yarn)

J.  Black Cat

(Orange, Black and Yellow Yarn)

The Black Cat Graph is not mine.  But, here's the link for it:

http://www.sprepatterns.com/2015/10/finishing-your-halloween-block-blanket.html?m=1

Blanket Portion:

1.  Each Block is made using the C2C method (Corner-2-Corner) with Ch5 and HDC Stitches.  If you want to make your blanket bigger, then you can do Ch6 and Double Crochet (DC) Stitches.  There are some great tutorials on the internet for C2C, if you don't have a working knowledge of it.

2.  After completing each Block, I added 3 rows of SC stitches in the background color around the perimeter, with 3 SC stitches in each corner.  Now, again, if so desired, you could use HDC stitches (if using the Ch5 and HDC method) or DC stitches (if using the Ch6 and DC method) around the perimeter to make each block (therefore, your blanket) bigger.

3.  Next, I added 3 rows of SC stitches in Black around the perimeter of each Block, with 3 SC stitches in each corner.  Again, if you are going to use HDC stitches in step #2 for your perimeter, then use HDC stitches in this step as well.  If you are going to use DC stitches in steps #1 and #2, then use DC stitches in this step as well.  

4.  Once I had each Block completed, I then laid them out (see above pic) how I wanted them.  I then used my tapestry needle and black yarn and whipstitched the blocks together.

Border:

1-2.  Once the Blocks were joined, I completed 2 rounds of SC stitches around the blanket, with 3 SC stitches in each corner with black yarn

 3.  With green yarn, 1 round of SC stitches with 3 SC stitches in each corner.  

 4-6.  For the next 3 rounds, I used Cranberry yarn and granny stripes to complete with (granny stripe, ch2, granny stripe) in each corner.  

For Granny Stripe:  *3 HDC stitches into same stitch, ch3, skip 3,* repeat around

7-8.  The next 2 rows, I completed with yellow yarn and SC stitches, with 3 SC stitches in each corner. 

9.  For my final round, I used Pumpkin yarn and SC stitches with 3 SC stitches in each corner.  FO and weave ends.

Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

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

--don't use my pics as your own

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format but provide a link to my blog

Ghostly Boo Garden Stake

Good Afternoon!!!  It's dreary and raining in my neck of the woods today and is expected to continue raining through the weekend.

So, what to do -- work on projects, of course.  Now, I'm going to apologize for the projects I've posted and I've not included the patterns for yet.  I get so caught up working on ideas that I neglect to take the time to type up the patterns.  I'm going to get this done - soon, I promise!!!

Here's one I'm excited about - my "Ghostly Boo Garden Stake" to place at my front steps to welcome visitors.  Isn't this super cute?  It was a quick project using Bernat Chunky Softee Yarn and an 8mm hook. For the purple dots, I used RHSS yarn.

If you didn't want to place this on a garden stake, you could make the Ghost and "BOO" letters:

--hang on the wall - individually or together
--applique on a tote bag, pillow or blanket
--make 2 of each and stuff with polyfil for small decorative pillows or shelf-sitters

And, another alternative, if you like it on a garden stake, is to place in a decorative planter to keep it indoors!!!

Ghostly Boo Garden Stake

Ghostly Boo Garden Stake Pattern

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Gauge:  not important

Size:  Ghost (10" long); Letters (7") and the Garden Stake (3')

Materials:

--6mm & 8mm hooks

--Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn in Natural, Black, Pumpkin and Deborah Norville Chunky Yarn in Christmas Green - I used yarn from partial skeins that had already been used (total yardage approximately 100-120)

--#4 RHSS Yarn in Amethyst (for the dots; approximately 10-12 yds)

--3' garden stake (I purchased a pack of 2 at Hobby Lobby for $3.49)

--craft glue

--black acrylic paint

--paintbrush

--tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:

Ch:  chain

Sl st:  slip stitch

St:  stitch

SC:  single crochet

SC2tog:  single crochet 2 stitches together

HDC:  half double crochet

MR:  magic ring

FO:  fasten off

Directions:

Ghost:

(Natural Yarn)

1.  Ch7.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch3 and turn.  (6)

2.   SC in 2nd ch from hook and next ch.  Then SC in each of the next 6 st.  Ch3.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and next ch.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)

3.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 8 st and then 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)

4.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 10 st and then 2 SC in the last st.  Ch6 and turn.  (14)

5.  SC in the 2nd ch from the hook and the next 4 ch.  (Place a stitch marker in the 2nd base chain for later; in my pic below I just placed mine on the end of Row 5, but go ahead and place in the 2nd base chain); SC in each of the next 13 st and 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (20)

 6.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 19 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (21)

7.  SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (21)

8.  SC in each of the next 19 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (20)

9.  SC2tog, SC in each of the next 17 st and 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (20)

10.  SC in each of the next 18 st, SC2tog.  Turn; do not ch1.  (19)

11.  Sl st in the first st and the next 3 st and Ch1.  Into the same st, 1 SC.  Then, SC in each of the next 15 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)

12.  SC in each of the next 15 st, 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (17)

13.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 15 st, 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (19) 

14.  SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (19)

15.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 17 st, 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (21)

16.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 19 st, 2 SC in last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (23)

17.  SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (23)

18.  2 SC in first st, SC in each of the next 20 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (23)

19.  SC2tog, SC in each of the next 21 st.  Turn, do not ch1.  (22)

20.  Sl st in the first 4 st and Ch1.  Into same st, SC.  SC in the next 18 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (19)

21.  SC in each of the next 13 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (Before continuing to next row, place a stitch marker.  Count 3 stitches over from the 13th worked stitch and place in the unworked stitch from Row 20 for later use).  (13)   

22.  SC in each of the first 11 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (12) 

23.  SC in each st across. Ch1 and turn.  (12)

24.  SC2tog, SC in each of the next 8 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)

25.  SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (10)

26.  SC2tog, SC in each of the next 6 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (8)

27.  SC2tog, SC in each of the next 4 st, SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (6)

28.  SC in each st across.  FO and weave ends.  (6)

1.  Join yarn with a sl st and Ch1 in the stitch marker in Row 20.  SC in same st.  SC in the next 2 st.  FO.  Weave ends.

2.  Now, join yarn in the 2nd base ch of Row 5 with a sl st and Ch1.  SC in same st.  SC in the next st.  FO and weave ends.  

Eyes (make 2):

1.  With 8mm hook and black yarn, 6 SC into MR.  Sl st to join to first st and FO.  Leave long enough tail for attaching.  (6)   

Mouth:  

1.  With 8mm hook and black yarn, 8 HDC into MR.  Sl st to join to first st and FO.  Leave long enough tail for attaching.  (8)

For the letters:

Pressed for time; and already working on developing my own set of lower case alphabet letters, I used the letters "B" and "O" from Moogly.  Here's the link:

http://www.mooglyblog.com/the-moogly-crochet-alphabet/ 

I used an 8mm hook and Pumpkin, Black and Christmas Green to make the letters.  

For the dots:

I used a 6mm hook and RHSS yarn in Amethyst.  I made 6 dots for the letter "B" and 4 dots for each letter "O". 

1.  6 SC into a MR.  Sl st to join to first st and FO.  Leave long enough tail for attaching to each letter.

Garden Stake:

1.  I used black acrylic paint to paint the stake.  It dried fairly quickly.   

 Assembly:

I used a small amount of yarn and my tapestry needle to whipstitch my letters together. 

I then attached the top of "B" to the bottom of my ghost.  I then used crafter's glue to attach to the garden stake.  

And, that's it!!!  Quick, Simple - AND Cute!!!

Happy Crocheting...

Legal:

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

--don't use my pics as your own

--don't share my pattern electronically or in print format but provide a link to my blog