Sweet Unicorn

I hope you've all seen the movie "Despicable Me" because it's probably one of the best family movies I have seen!  The youngest sister in the movie is Agnes, and she reminds me of my little girl.  It just so happens that my little girl is having a birthday this weekend (she'll be a big 4 years old!) and the only thing she wants is a unicorn.  :)  She sings this cute little song to me from the video just to remind me that she is wanting a unicorn!  So, I decided it would be more special to make her a stuffed unicorn than to go out and buy one. 

Stuffed Unicorn Toy

Materials:

*I Hook

*Lion Brand yarn in Antique White and Caron Simply Soft yarn in Lilac

*Polyfill or other filler material.  I actually used a small bag of quilting batting because I figured it would be more difficult for her to pull apart.

*Yarn needle

BODY

-Magic Circle (or ch 4 and join w/ sl st

R1: 6 sc in center.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R2: Ch1. 2 sc in each stitch around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R3: Ch1. 2 sc in 1st st.  1 sc in next.  *2 sc, 1 sc* Repeat *-* to end.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R4: Ch1. 2 sc in 1st st.  1 sc in next 2 st's.  *2 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc*  Repeat to end.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R5: Ch1. 2 sc in 1st st.  1 sc in next 3 st's.  *2 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc, 1 sc* Repeat to end.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R6-R20: Ch1. Sc in each st around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R21: Ch1.*1 scdec, 1 sc* Repeat for a total of 10 times.

R22-R25:  Ch 1, turn.  *1 scdec, 1 sc* Repeat to firs stitch of previous row. 

R26: Ch 1, turn.  3 scdec, ch 1, turn.

R27: Skip 1 st.  Sl st.  Should now have a hole for the neck.  Stuff body at this point, and then continue with neck. in next rounds.

R28-R32: Ch1. Sc around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

HEAD

-Magic Circle

R1: 8 sc in circle.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R2: Ch 1.  2 sc in each st around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R3: Ch 1. *2 sc, 1 sc* Repeat around.    Sl st in top of first stitch.

R4: Ch 2.  2 dc.  12 sc.  3 dc.  SC to end of round.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R5-R11: Ch 1.  Sc in ea st around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.  Stuff this part of the head.

R12: Ch 1.  *1 sc, 1 scdec*  Repeat 5 times, sc to end of round.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R13: Ch 1.  *1 sc, 1 scdec*  Repeat 4 times, sc to end of round.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R14: Ch 1.  *1 sc, 1 scdec*  Repeat 3 times, sc to end of round.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R15-R17: Ch 1.  Sc around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R18: Ch 1.  Scdec, 1 sc, 2 scdec, 1 sc, 1 scdec, 1 sc, 2scdec, 1 sc, 1 scdec.    *1 sc, 1 scdec*    Sl st in top of first stitch.  Tie off and leave long tail to sew with. 

Sew hole closed with tail of yarn.  Finish stuffing.  Attach head to body by stitching to neck.

LEGS (Make 4)

Begin with Lilac Yarn.

-Magic Circle

R1: Ch 1.  8 sc in circle.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R2: Ch 1.  2 sc in each st around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R3-R5: Ch 1.  Sc around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

Switch to Antique White

R6: Ch 1.  *Scdec, 2 sc*  Repeat to end.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R7-R13: Ch 1.  Sc around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.

R14-R17: Ch 1.  Scdec.  Sc around.  Sl st in top of first stitch.  Attach legs to body.

HORN

Ch 10.  Sl st in first stitch.

Ch 1.  Working in a spiral fashion: 10 sc, sk 1 st, 9 sc, sk 1 st, 8 sc, sk 1 st, 7 sc, sk 1 st, 6 sc, sk 1 st, 5 sc, sk 1 st, 4 sc, sk 1 st, 3 sc, sk 1 st, 2 sc, sk 1 st, sl st and tie off.  Hide end in center.  Attach horn to head.

Now you can create a mane and tail in whatever fashion you'd like.  I just tied on long strands on yarn for both.  To create the face, I stitched the nostrils and I crocheted small circles (Magic circle, then 6 sc in center and tie off with long tail to attach to face) for the eyes.  You could opt for toy eyes, but I could just picture my daughter ripping them off to play with them.  

Then, give this sweet little toy to a sweet little girl and enjoy her smile!

V-Puff Hat with Easy Rolled Flower

Materials:

*Red Heart Yarn in Navy and Gold (This hat took about 1/2 skein of navy and just enough Gold to make the flower as big as you want it-I use Red Heart Yarn often for hats and blankets because it's pretty much the only yarn available in my small town.  One thing I don't really like about this yarn is that while working with it, it's really stiff!  However, once you wash it, it becomes soft.    This hat came out just a little big on me, but after a wash, it was fine and became really soft.)

*H Hook

*Yarn Needle

Special Stitches Used:

PS=Puff Stitch (Insert hook, YO and pull up yarn to the same height as a DC or a ch 2.  YO, insert hook again, YO, pull up length of yarn.  YO, insert hook a third time, YO, pull up length of yarn.  YO and pull through all loops on the hook.  Chain 1 to secure.)

Vpuff=PS, ch1, PS

Magic Circle
R1:  *PS, ch 1* Repeat 7 times around.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R2:  Sl st in next 2 stitches, taking you to the chain 1 space.  Sl st in chain sp.  Vpuff in each ch sp around.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R3:  Sl st in next 2 stitches, taking you to the chain 1 space.  Sl st in chain sp.  *Vpuff, PS.* Repeat *-* to end of round.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R4:  Sl st in next 2 stitches, taking you to the chain 1 space.  Sl st in chain sp.  *PS, PS, Vpuff.*  Repeat *-* to end of round.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R5:  Sl st in next 2 stitches, taking you to the chain 1 space.  Sl st in chain sp.  *Skip ch sp, Vpuff*  Repeat to end of round.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R6-R11:  Sl st in chain sp.  Vpuff, *Skip ch sp, Vpuff* Repeat to end of round.  Attach to the top of first PS with sl st.
R12:  Ch 2.  DC in each st around.  Join with sl st in top of first stitch.
R13-14:  Sl st around next DC of previous row.  Ch 3.  FPTC around to end of row.  Join with sl st in top of first stitch.

Easy Rolled Flower

Using Gold Yarn

Chain 60

In every other stitch: SC, DC, TC, DC, SC.

Continue to end of chains.  Sl st in last stitch to finish and then leave a long tail to sew up the flower.  

Roll up the petals, using yarn needle and tail to sew up the flower as you roll up.  If you leave a long enough tail, you can also use that yarn to attach flower to hat.

Mustard Colored Ruffled Scarf

Ruffled Scarf

*The pattern instructions are for a toddler scarf, but this could easily be converted to a woman's scarf-which I plan to do shortly!

Materials Needed:

*H Hook

*Red Heart Yarn in Gold

Ch 12
R1: DC in 3rd chain from the hook, and in each chain across.  Ch 3, turn.
R2-R60: DC in front loop only of each stitch across.  Ch 3, turn. 

Crocheting only in the front loops creates "Free Loops" in which you will create ruffles later on.

 R61: 3DC in each stitch across (under both loops).  This is the first row of ruffled.  Now, we begin to work back over the scarf, adding the ruffles. 

3 DC around the last DC of previous row, as shown in picture. 

3 DC on the edge of the scarf, crocheted over the last DC of that row

Now you will begin to work in the free loops (abbreviated FL for the remainder of pattern).  3 DC in each FL across.  3 DC around last DC to move on to next row.  This requires turning the work, as the next row of FL is on the opposite side.  Continue spiraling around the scarf to in like manner to it's end. 

Happy Crocheting!

How-To Tuesday: Magic Circle

This is one of my favorite techniques for starting any project that I will be working in the round!  When I began crocheting, one of the first projects I made was a beanie for my son.  The pattern said to chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to create the top of the hat, which of course creates a tiny hole.  This drove me BONKERS!  I know, it really isn't that big of a deal, but why couldn't I close up that hole?  I figured with enough stitches in the hole it would be sealed up, but it was never quite to my satisfaction.  So, I went searching for a better way...  And along came the Magic Circle!

This technique allows you to pull the end of your yarn and close up that little hole that bothers me so much occurs when you simply chain and join.

Chevron Baby Blanket (and a headache)

I loved these colors together and immediately thought "Chevron!"

I love the texture of this blanket!  :)

Materials:

* H Hook

*Lion Brand "Pound of Love" in Pastel Green and Antique White (1 of each)

Stitches Used:

Ch-Chain

DC-Double Crochet

DCdec-Double Crochet Decrease

Notes:

*DCdec = YO insert hook in stitch, YO and draw up a loop, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook, YO insert hook in next stitch, YO and draw up a loop, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook, YO and draw through all 3 lps on hook.

*Doing a ripple pattern can get tricky!  Here's a tip: Don't stress!  This blanket frustrated me for HOURS!  I swore I did my math wrong and rewrote it about a dozen times!  I wanted a Chevron Blanket and I could see it in my head!  I knew it could be done and I was going to do it!  

***BIG TIP: If you find that things aren't lining up for whatever reason (or for NO reason) then here's how to get yourself back on track without having to rip everything out and start over again.  At the beginning, you should have to make 3 DC's before making the valley.  This may mean putting 2 DC's in a stitch that maybe didn't require it.  I don't know why, but I've talked to other crocheters and they have all said the same thing: sometimes, that wavy pattern just gets messed up without rhyme or reason.  Also, The DCdec should start in the stitch just before the top of the first DC dec from the previous row.  The 2 DC dec's should go over the 2 DC dec from the previous row.  Here's some pictures of what I mean:

See the 2 DCdec's?  They create the valley.

The first DCdec of the working row is being worked right on top of the DCdec from the previous row.

***Another BIG TIP:  To make the peaks, the 2 DC's in the same stitch should be made in the 2nd stitch of the first set of 2 DC's from the previous row.  This means the total 4 DC's are made in the 2 center DC's of the previous 4 DC's.  Make sense?  Here's a picture:

2 DC's in the top of the peak

In between the peaks and valleys, there should be 3 DC's made.  Example: 1 DC in each of the next 3 stitches, make peak, 1 DC in each of the next 3 stitches, make valley (how to make peaks and valleys are explained in the instructions)

 Chevron Baby Blanket

(Worked in multiples of 12 + 3)

Ch 111.

R1: Work 1 DC in 4th ch from hook, 1 DC in next 3 ch, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 ch, 2 DC in next ch, *2 DC in next ch, 1 DC in each of next 3 ch, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 ch, 2 DC in next ch; rep from * to end. Turn.

R2: Ch 3, 2 DC in first dc, 1 DC in next 3 DC, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 DC, 2 DC in next DC, *2 DC in next DC, 1 DC in next 3 DC, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 DC, 2 DC in next DC; rep from *, end last rep with 2 DC in top of turning chain. Turn.

R3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 DC), 1 DC in first DC, 1 DC in next 3 DC, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 DC, 2 DC in next DC, *2 DC in next DC, 1 DC in next 3 DC, DCdec twice, 1 DC in next 3 DC, 2 DC in next DC; rep from * to end. Turn.

R4-R80: Rep rows 2 and 3, creating 10 rows of each color

How-To Tuesday: Treble Crochet

Treble Crochet (TC) stitches create height.  I've used them in the Batman-Inspired Costume to create height and fill in space on the mask.  Treble Crochet stitches are a basis for some decorative stitches as well, so they're definitely worth knowing, even though they may not be the most widely used stitches!

Picture Tutorial

I've already made one TC.  Now, to make another!

Yarn over twice

Pull up two loops

Yarn over again

Pull up two loops again

Yarn over again

Pull up last two loops

Treble Crochet (TC) made!

How-To Tuesday: Double Crochet & Slip stitch + Bonus Pattern!

Ah, another Tuesday!  I hope you're all sharing the blog with your friends and thinking about what you're going to do with your cute legwarmers!  ;)  Ready for another lesson in the art of crochet?

Double Crochet - DC

You're going to start crocheting into the 3rd chain from the hook.

Insert hook in the 3rd chain from the hook

Yarn over

Pull up one loop (leaving 3 loops on the hook)

Yarn over again

Pull up 2 loops (leaving 2 loops on the hook)

Yarn over again

Pull up 2 loops (leaving one loop on the hook) Double crochet is finished!

Slip Stitch - Sl st

A slip stitch is very easy.  I made a video tutorial, but I can explain it very easily as well.  Insert your hook where the stitch is to be made.  Yarn over and pull through both loops, leaving only 1 loop on hook.  Slip stitch done.  :)

How about a super-duper easy pattern for the little girl in your life?

Toddler Girl's Striped Legwarmers

Materials:

*H Hook

*Red Heart Yarn in Black and Orange (or whatever colors you'd like to stripe!)

*scissors

Begin with color 1 (For me, that was black)

Ch 25.  Join with sl st in first ch.

R1: Ch 2.  DC in each ch around.  Join with sl st in top of first DC.  Tie off, snip end.

R2-R13: Change colors.  Ch 2.  DC in each ch around.  Join with sl st in top of first DC. Tie off, snip end.

**TIP** When changing colors, you get a lot of little loose ends that can be super annoying to weave in at the end.  I have an easy fix for that.  You can cover them up as you go along by crocheting over them!  Make your first round of DC and join, as directed.   After you snip off the end, lay that end on top of your row.  As you crochet, you'll stitch right over the end, hiding it and holding it in place.  :)

Silly Spider Earflap Hat

Super fun hat for Halloween!

Materials:

*Red Heart Yarn in white and black

*I Hook

*Yarn needle

*Scissors

Magic Circle (Or ch 4, sl st into first chain to make ring)
R1: 8 DC in ring, ch 2.
R2: 2 DC in each stitch around, ch 2.
R3: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R4: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 2 stitches.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R5: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 3 stitches.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R6: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 4 stitches.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R7: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 5 stitches.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R8: *2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next 6 stitches.  Repeat around.  Ch 2.
R9-R10: DC in each stitch around.  Ch 2.
R11: DC in each stitch around.  Tie off, weave in ends.

Earflaps (Will make on both sides)
Lay hat flat.  Find center stitch at the bottom of the hat.  This will be the center point of your earflap.  Sometimes I get a little bit of a "seam" at the point of a new round on my hats, so I choose to put this in the back if it bothers me.  This means, when you lay the hat flat, you'll want to have the "seam" to one side.

Count 4 stitches to the right.  This is where you will begin stitching.

Attach yarn to hat with sl st.  Ch 2.
R1: 8 DC.  Ch 2.
R2: DC dec in next 2 stitches.  DC in next 2 stitches.  DC dec in last 2 stitches.  Ch 2.
R3: DC dec in next 2 stitches.  DC in next stitch.  DC dec in last 2 stitches.  Tie off, weave in ends.

Make earflap on opposite side in same fashion.

Switch to black.  SC around the bottom of the hat and earflaps.

Using yarn needle and black yarn, create spiderweb effect.  I used an embroidery stitch, but there are lots of ways to stitch onto the hat!  If you'd like to use the embroidery stitch, here is what I did:

Cut a long length of yarn.  I had to do this several times throughout the process, so don't be nervous about running out because you can just get more.  Insert needle and yarn through the back side of the work, at the top center of the hat and pull through.  Leave a tail on the back side of the yarn to tie off.  Now, insert hook in the same place you just pulled the yarn through.  Begin to pull yarn through, but only enough that you leave a loop on the right side.  Before pulling yarn all the way through, insert hook from back side to where you'd like your next stitch to be, being sure that the needle comes through the loop made in the previous stitch.  Pull up your yarn and the previous stitch will now be anchored, and the next stitch is now begun!

Spider Tassles:
Make Magic Circle (Or ch 3, join with sl st)
8 SC in center of circle.  Join with sl st at top of first SC.  Chain 25 and join to hat with a sl st.  Tie off and weave in ends.

How-To Tuesday: Single Crochet (SC)

A single crochet is the very basic of crochet stitches.  Learning to single crochet will make it easier to learn other crochet stitches and is, in fact, a basis for many designer stitches.  Single crochet stitches are abbreviated as SC.

 First, a video tutorial and then a picture tutorial.

Picture Tutorial

I've begun by making a slipknot to attach my yarn to my hook, then made a series of chains.  I started with about 10 chains, just for the sake of practice.

Single crochet stitches are 1 stitch high.  To create that height for the row, skip the first chain from the hook and insert your hook in the middle of the second chain.  There should be 2 loops on your hook.

Yarn over the hook.

Draw yarn through 1 loop.  There are 2 loops on the hook again.

Yarn over the hook again.

Draw the yarn through both loops on your hook  This finishes your single crochet stitch.

Continue crocheting across in each chain.  When you get to the end of the row, there will be no more chains to crochet into.  Now you can begin work on the next row.

Since single crochets are 1 stitch in height, we need to create that height for the next row.  To do this, we make 1 chain stitch.

Now, turn your work over so that you can begin crocheting the next row. 

Skip the chain stitch (it is there to create height) and insert your hook under both loops of the next stitch.

Yarn over the hook and draw up the yarn under the two loops that you inserted the hook under.  There are now 2 loops on the hook.  *Note: Sometimes you will work in only the front loop or only the back loop.  If working with a pattern, the pattern should specify this as it applies to the work.  If the pattern says only to single crochet, then you will work in both loops.

Yarn over the hook again.

Draw yarn through both loops.  One loop on hook, single crochet completed.

Continue to end of row. 

A small block of single crochet stitches.  Happy Crocheting!