Monday, September 18, 2017

Blue Dreams Toddler Blanket/Pillow

I whipped up this "Blue Dreams Toddler Blanket/Pillow" for my grandsons to share and nestle under while at my house in the coming fall and winter months.

This blanket easily converts to a pillow.  It measures approximately 31" x 42".  I used varying shades of blue Bernat Blanket Yarn I had leftover from another project.

Blue Dreams Toddler Blanket/Pillow

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Gauge:  7 HDC stitches x 6 rows = 4"

Size:  Approximately 31" x 42"

Materials:
--10mm hook
--Approx 425-475 yds of Bernat Blanket Yarn (I used Baby Blue, Blue Dreams, Navy and Country Blue for the blanket; I used Dark Grey for the border; I used Navy and white for the pillow top.) 
--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 
FO: fasten off 

Directions:
If you want a bigger blanket, adjust your starting chain and work more rows.  
1.  Ch67.  1 HDC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (66)
2-40.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (66)

Border:
(Dark Grey yarn)
41.  Join yarn in any st and ch2.  DC in same st as Ch1 and around blanket.  Place 3 DC st in each corner.  Sl st to join to first st and Ch1.  
42.  SC around.  Place 3 SC st in each corner.  Sl st to join to first st and FO.  Weave ends.  

Pillow Top:
1.  With Navy Yarn, Ch16.  1 HDC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (15) 
2-15.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (15)
At the end of Row 15 FO and weave ends.  

Border: 
1.  Join white yarn in any st and Ch1.  SC in same st as Ch1 and around.  Place 3 SC in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and FO.  Weave ends.  
2.  Re-join Navy Yarn in any st and Ch2.  DC in same st as Ch1 and around.  Place 3 DC in each corner.  Sl st join to first st and FO.  Leave long tail for attaching. 

Assembly:
1.  Turn blanket vertically and place pillow top center top.  (See pics)
2.  Whipstitch the sides and the top of the pillow top; leave the bottom of pillow top open.  

To Convert to pillow:  
1.  Turn blanket over to wrong side and fold each side inward; see pic.
2.  Fold 3 times.
3.  Turn blanket over to right side and fold the pillow top up and over to nestle the wrong side under pillow top; wrong side of pillow top will be facing out.  

Happy Crocheting...
Legal: 
--don't claim my pattern 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 
--okay to make and sale your finished work 

Super-Soft Christmas Stocking...

Here's another seasonal decor item - a Christmas Stocking.  I used Bernat Blanket Yarn.  This was quick to make, super soft and measures approximately 12" long.  This looks good as is or you could add an appliqué to it.  Hang from your mantel, on a door/Wreath or fill with goodies and give as a gift.

Super-Soft Christmas Stocking
Super-Soft Christmas Stocking
Difficulty Level:  Easy

Size:  12" long x 6" wide (approximate)

Materials:
--8mm & 10mm hooks
--Bernat Blanket Yarn (approx 55 yds red; approx 15-20 yds white)
--tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch:  chain
Sl st:  slip stitch
St:  stitch(es)
SC:  single crochet
SC2tog:  single crochet 2 stitches together (creates a decrease)
FO:  fasten off

Special Stitch:
Shell Stitch:  *Yarn over insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook* (into the same stitch repeat 2 more times).  Then, yarn over and pull through remaining 4 loops on hook and Ch1.

Directions:
The stocking is made in 2 pieces (front and back).  Each piece is made the same.

Stocking (make 2):
1.  With 8mm hook and red yarn, Ch12.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (11)
2.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 9 st and 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (13)
3.  2 SC in first st, 1 SC in the next 11 st and 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (15)
4.  1 SC in the first 14 st and 2 SC in the last st.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)
5.  2 SC in the first st and 1 SC in the next 15 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (17)
6.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (17)
7.  1 SC in the first 15 st; SC2tog.  Ch1 and turn.  (16)
8.  SC2tog; 1 SC in the next 14 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (15)
9.  1 SC in the first 12 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (12)
10.  SC2tog; 1 SC in the next 10 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (11)
11-20.  1 SC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (11)
At the end of Row 20, FO red yarn.  Leave a long tail for attaching 2 pieces together.  

Special Note:
For the stocking top, I used a 10mm hook to make mine a little bigger than the red portion; however, I think it would look just fine (and maybe, even better, if I would've just stayed with the 8mm hook)

21.  With 10mm hook (or 8mm hook, if you want), join white yarn with a sl st and Ch1 in the last st of Row 20.  *Shell stitch into the first st, SC in the next st...*repeat across.  Ch1 and turn.
22.  You will work *a SC st into the top of the previous row shell stitch; then a Shell stitch into the previous row SC st* repeat across.  Ch1 and turn.
23.  *Shell stitch into the first st, SC in the next st...*repeat across.  FO and leave a tail for attaching.

Assembly:
Place the right sides facing each other and work a whipstitch around the stocking to join together; I left a long red tail for the red portion and a long white tail for the white portion.  Once joined, turn right side out.  

For hanging loop:
1.  With white yarn, Ch12.  SC in 2nd ch and across.  FO, leaving a long enough tail for attaching to the side of the top.  
Happy Crocheting...
Legal: 
--don't claim my pattern 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 
--okay to make and sale your finished work 

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Sweet Roll Cardigan With Hood

My cousin had a beautiful baby girl on August 30 and has relocated from Florida to West Virginia.  So, this super cute Cardigan with hood is sure to keep McKenna toasty warm this fall and winter.

I used a 5.0mm hook and approximately 260 yds of #4 worsted weight yarn.  It is the Sweet Roll yarn by Premier Yarns (245 yds/roll) in Birthday Cake Pop.

Sweet Roll Cardigan with Hood


Saturday, September 16, 2017

Umpire Belt Bag....

I whipped up this Umpire Belt Bag for hubby.  This bag can also double as a Yarn Belt Bag for me.  I used "I Love This Yarn," in black, from Hobby Lobby.

This is a fairly simple pattern and only requires a knowledge of chains, single crochet and half double crochet stitches.

This bag has many uses:
--Umpire Belt Bag
--Yarn Belt Bag
--Vender Belt Bag to wear/use at craft shows/festivals
--Alternative/variation:  omit the belt tabs and make straps on each side to tie around your waist

Umpire Belt Bag Pattern

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Size:  12" x 8" (not including the belt tabs)

Materials:
--4.5mm hook
--#4 worsted weight yarn (I used, "I Love This Yarn," in black from Hobby Lobby); approximately 1/2 a skein
--tapestry needle for weaving

U.S. Stitch Abbreviations:
Ch:  chain
Sl st:  slip stitch
St:  stitch(es)
SC:  single crochet
HDC:  Half Double Crochet
FO:  fasten off

Directions:
Front:
1.  Ch41.  SC in 2nd ch from hook and across.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)
2-28.  "SC and HDC in st.  Skip next st."  Repeat across.  Ch1 and turn.  (40)

At the end of Row 28, FO.  Leave a long tail for attaching.

Back:
The Back panel is made the same way as the front.  At the end of Row 28, do NOT fasten off yarn.  You will now make the belt tabs.

Belt Tabs:
1.  1 HDC in the first 13 st.  Ch1 and turn.  (13)
2-15.  1 HDC in each st across.  Ch1 and turn.  (13)

At the end of Row 15, FO and leave a long tail.  Fold tab down on backside and whipstitch Row 15 to Row 1.  FO and weave ends.  This makes your belt tab opening.

Join yarn on opposite end and repeat Rows 1-15 for second tab.

Assembly:
Whipstitch the front and back panels together down the sides, across the bottom and up the other side.  Fasten off and weave ends.  
Happy Crocheting 

Legal:
--don't claim pattern 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

Friday, September 15, 2017

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

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

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