Hooded Cowl

Hooded Cowl

Materials:

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn in Barley

N Hook

*Note on adjustments:  This pattern was created for my 3 year old daughter.  It is easily adaptable, though!  1) Simply begin with more chains to make larger (or less chains to make smaller), 2) when beginning the hood you'll need to figure out how big to make the opening for the size you're looking for (you'll begin in the same stitch, but will end in a different stitch than is written), and 3) add more (or less) rows to the hood.

Keep all stitches slightly loose to allow the hood to move easier while wearing.  Thick yarn like this can easily be pulled too tight and just be stiff.

Ch 35, loosely.  Join with sl st in first ch made.

R1-R5: Ch 2.  DC in each st around.  Join in top of first DC made.

R6: Ch 2.  DC in each of the next 25 st.

R7-R16: Ch 2, turn.  Skip first st.  DC in each st to end of last row, placing final DC in top of turning chain.

 At the end of R16, you have a couple of options.  You can tie off the ends here, then use a yarn needle and a long piece of yarn and sew along the top edge of R16 to create the hood.  OR, you can do what I did:  Ch 1, turn.  Put ends of top of hood together and either sl st or SC across the entire work.  Then, tie off you yarn.  Turn the entire project inside out to hide that seam and you're done.  :)

Big Bow Headband

Big Bow Headband

This is going to be a fun hair accessory for girls to wear to all of those holiday gatherings!

Materials:

Caron Simply Soft yarn in your choice of color (I used Autumn Red)

H Hook

*Note: This pattern was written to fit my petite 3 year old.  The pattern is adjustable, though!  To make larger or smaller, just begin the band with enough chains to fit your child's head snugly.  Once you start to stitch into the chains, they will stretch slightly-plus, as the headband is worn, it is likely that it will stretch out a bit and you want it to stay fairly snug on the child's head.  You can also consider purchasing some elastic (as in the elastic used for waistbands in sewing) and sew that inside the headband. 

Band:

Option 1:

Ch 68 (or to fit circumference of head).  Join with sl st in 1st ch made. Ch 2.  DC in each stitch around.  Join in top of 1st DC made.

Option 2-a little more snug:

Ch 68 (or to fit circumference of head).  DC in 3rd ch from hook, and each ch across.  Tie off yarn.  With this option, you should attach a button or some elastic to hold it in place on the head.

Bow:

Ch 30. Join with sl st in first ch made.  

R1-R4:  Ch 2.  DC in each st around.  Join with sl st in top of first st.

 At the end of R4, tie off yarn.

Center of Bow:

Ch 10.  DC in 2nd ch from hook and each st across.  

Putting it all together:

Lay "Bow" on top of band where you would like to attach it.  Take "Center" and wrap it around the bow and the band, then sew the ends together on the inside (where it will lay against the head).  I recommend using a few stitches to attach the bow directly to the band as well, otherwise the bow will slide freely along the band.

Autumn Scarf

Autumn Scarf

Materials:

H Hook

Vanna's Choice Yarn in Autumn Print

Ch a multiple of 4.

R1: [2 TC, ch2, 1 DC] in 6th ch from hook.  *Skip next 3 ch.  [2 TC, ch2, 1 DC] in next ch.*  Repeat to last 2 st.  Skip next ch.  1 TC in final ch.  Turn.

R2: Ch 3 (counts as first DC).  *[2 TC, ch2, 1 DC] in next ch 2 sp.*  Repeat across.  1 TC in top of turning chain.

Repeat R2 for pattern.

Consider adding a fringe or a fun border to this scarf!

Sweet Hat with Bow

New pattern for sale on Etsy & Craftsy!  This pattern is easy to follow and produces SUCH a cute result!  Check it out!

Easy Fingerless Gloves

 Easy Fingerless Gloves

Materials:

I Hook

Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Heather Grey)

Ch 32.
R1: DC in 3rd ch from hook and each st across. 
R2-R14: Ch 3, turn.  Skip 1st st.  DC in each st across and in top of turning ch.  Tie off at the end of the final row (R14).

To assemble:
Use a yarn needle and yarn.  Sew up the first 5 stitches.  Skip next 4-5 stitches (depending on how big you want your thumb hole to be), then continue to sew to end of glove. 

Hood Hat

This hat is SO easy, and produces a really cute result!  The girls absolutely love them!  In fact, I made one for Lili and Meili fell in love with it, so I had to make another right away!  Check out those pretty girls!  ;)

Super Duper Easy Hood Hat

Materials:
I Hook

Caron Simply Soft Yarn in your choice of colors (I used Strawberry for one hat, and Passion for another)

and/or

Red Heart Soft Yarn (not shown, but could be used)

and/or

Red Heart Shimmer (I used Pewter in both hats)

Hold 2 strands of yarn together throughout pattern.
Ch 72
R1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook.  Sc in next st.  *1 dc.  1 sc*  Repeat to end of row.  Turn.
R2-20: Ch 2.  *1 dc.  1 sc*  Repeat to end of row.

Stop here to fit a toddler.  Continue to 24 rows for child sizes, 26-28 rows for teen or adult sizes.

At the end of your last row, do not cut your yarn!  Fold your work in half, putting the shorter ends together.  Using your yarn, sc through both sides to attach the sides together, making the hood.

For the braids:

Measure out about 20 strands of yarn to be TWICE the length you want your braids to be.  Using a large crochet hook (or your fingers if you are well coordinated!) and pull the strands through the corner stitch at the bottom of the hood.  The middle of all the strands should be where the crochet stitch is, and you should half equal amounts of yarn on either side.  Put the ends together and braid.  Wrap yarn around the bottom of your braid and tie a knot to hold together.  Trim the ends to make them even if needed.  Repeat on the other side. 

Back To School: Apple Covers for Lunchboxes

These are great for lunchboxes and backpacks!  I have homeschooled my kids for about 4 years now, but I am sending them to a charter school this year.  Uniforms and sack lunches!  Yay!  (Haha)  Since kids tend to be rough with their backpacks, they often end up with bruised fruit at lunch.  This cuts down on that significantly!  Plus, it's cute!  ;)  I made these up in about 15 minutes - and that includes writing the pattern and getting my daughter a drink.  SUPER fast!

Materials:

Cotton Yarn

H Hook

Yarn Needle

Magic Circle (or ch 3 and join to make circle)
R1: Ch 2 (counts as first sc).  7 sc in center (total of 8 sc). Join with sl st.
R2: Ch 2 (counts as first sc).  1 sc in same st.  2 sc in each st around.  Join with sl st.
R3: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1).  Dc in same st.  *Sk 1 st.  Dc, ch1, dc in next st.*  Repeat to end.  Join with sl st in 3rd ch of ch 4.
R4: Sl st in next sp.  Ch 3.  2 dc in same sp.  3 dc in each space around (3dc cluster).  Join with sl st in top of ch 3.
R5: Sl st in next st (center st of a 3dc cluster).  Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1).  Dc in same st. *Sk 2 st.  Dc, ch 1, dc in next st.*  Repeat to end.  Join with sl st in 3rd ch of ch 4.
R6-R7:  Repeat R4 & R5.
R8:  Ch 2.  Sc in each st.  Do not join.  Tie off and hide ends.

Using blunt yarn needle and long piece of yarn, weave yarn under both loops of sc stitches, beginning with needle going from outside to inside of apple cover on first stitch, then inside to outside on next stitch.  Repeat this all the way around.  Leave a long tail to use to tie up when an apple is inside. 

Fall Lace Hat

I apologize up front for not having a video for the Anthro hat.  Please understand that I am a homeschooling mother of 5 kids, with a full time working/student husband and sometimes it takes up to a week for me to get through a single Etsy order.  So, extra time just doesn't come easily to me!   I also don't have a working digital camera anymore, so I am struggling with figuring out how to get someone to sit still long enough with me to record it with something else.  I tell ya, it's been an eventful few weeks!

Anyway, let's get on to the fun stuff!

Remember the Fall Lace Scarf I posted back in September?  It was a big hit!  It works up quickly and easily and is made with a beautiful yarn!  I sold a few in the Etsy Shop and have received a special request order for a hat to go with the scarf.  Of course, I obliged, and here is what I've come up with! 

I know it's winter now (the snow we had this weekend proves it!), but I kept the names similar so that you easily find the matching set.  

As you can see, the stitch pattern is the same, but now we're working in rounds to create a beanie style hat.  I tried to get a couple of different angles so you can see how the lace looks with the hat on.  Have you ever taken a picture of the top of your head?  Awkward!  :)

My pattern testers (an awesome group of ladies who devoted some time to this pattern last week!) have all come back saying that the hat turned out a little small for them.  It seems like some people said the hat fit for an adult, some said it fit their teens/preteens and one person even said it barely fit her 5 year old!  My apologies for not measuring the gauge as I made the hat.  I'm new to writing patterns for the public and have never paid much attention to gauge before.  I just created what came to mind.  So, I will have to look into that and implement it in the future!  Also, I think that I may stitch a bit looser than some others.  So, for my petite adult head, this pattern worked just fine, but you may want to adjust depending on how tightly you stitch.  I'd recommend adding additional rounds to enlarge the hat.  I will point out where to do that in the pattern.  With that said, here's the pattern.

Fall Lace Hat

Materials:

* H Hook

* Caron Simply Soft yarn in Garnet or Autumn Red (both are beautiful reds, and I've seen that most stores either carry one or the other but rarely both.)

Please Note:
Where the joins occur changes in this pattern!  In some rounds it is in the middle of a chain 3 and in some rounds it is at the top of a stitch.  Pay close attention to the join instructions because this makes up the lace pattern!

Begin with Magic Circle or Ch 4 and join with sl st.

R1: Ch 3. 8 DC in circle.  Join with sl st in top of first DC.

R2: Ch 4 (counts as DC, ch1).  1 DC in same space.  *1 DC, ch 1, 1 DC* in each space around.  Join with sl st in 3rd chain of chain 4.

R3: Sl st and ch 4 (counts as DC, ch 1). 1 DC in same space.  *1 DC, ch1, 1 DC* in each space around.  Join with sl st in 3rd chain of ch 4.

R4: Ch 3 (counts as DC).  1 DC in same space.  2 DC in each ch 1 space around.  Join with sl st in top of ch 3.
If you need to increase the size of the hat, you'll need to repeat rounds 3 and 4 to the appropriate size for the person you are creating the hat for.

R5: Sl st in next stitch.  Sl st in space between the posts of the next 2 DC's of previous round.  Ch 4 (counts as DC, ch 1).  1 DC in same space.  *Skip 1 space.  1 DC, ch 1, 1 DC in next space.*  Repeat around.  Join with sl st in 3rd chain of ch 4.

R6: Sl st in ch 1 space.  Ch 3 (counts as DC).  2 DC in same space.  Ch 1.  *3 DC, ch 1* in each ch 1 space around.  Join with sl st in top of ch 3. 

R7: Sl st to the first ch 1 sp.  Ch 4 (counts as DC, ch 1).  DC in same space.  Ch 1.  *Skip 3 st, DC ch1, DC in same stitch.  Ch 1*  Repeat around.  Join with sl st in 3rd chain of ch 4. 

R8: Sl st in 1st ch1 space.  Ch 3 (counts as DC).  2 DC in same space.  *Skip 1 ch space.  3 DC in ch 1.* Repeat around.  Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

R9: Skip first 2 stitches.  Sl st in next stitch (middle DC of 3 DC cluster of previous row).  Ch 4 (counts as DC, ch 1).  1 DC in same stitch.  Skip 2 stitches.  *1 DC, ch 1, 1 DC in next stitch (middle DC of next 3 DC cluster)*.  Repeat to end.  Join with sl st in 3rd chain of ch 4.

R10-R17: Repeat rounds 8 & 9.  Tie off to finish and hide ends.

Leg Warmers

Super cute legwarmers with shell edging detail!  These are so fun to wear and they are WARM!  Ha ha!  The weather has been a little kooky lately.  Just 2 weeks ago we were running the A/C and then one morning we just woke up and needed the heater on!  No in-between (otherwise known as "autumn" or "fall"), straight from hot to cold.  Now, YOU need a pair of legwarmers!!

This project didn't take me long at all.  You could easily whip these up while watching a movie... like I did.  ;)

Check it out! We've been featured on Social Salutations: Friday, I'm in Love!

Super Cute, Fun & Easy Leg Warmers

Materials needed:

*H hook

*Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Coffee

*Coordinating buttons - I used 6, 3 on each legwarmer.  This could be cute with one button in each shell, going all the way down...  or even without buttons!  It's up to you!

Stitches Used:

ch=chain

DC=double crochet

SC=single crochet

Sl st=slip stitch

Ch 47

R1: DC in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across.  Ch 2, turn.

R2-22: DC in each stitch across.  Ch 2, turn.

R23: DC in each stitch across.  Turn work.

R24: 5 DC in 2nd stitch (shell).  *Skip 2 stitches, SC, Skip 1 stitch, 5 DC in stitch (shell).* Repeat *-* to end of last shell. (9 shells made).  Sl st in last stitch.  Tie off & weave in ends.

Repeat to make second leg warmer.

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.

Basic Pumpkin

I often like to use a very basic pattern to start a new project.  I think if you have a jumping off point, you can get creative from there and really make something your own.  With Fall and Halloween just around the corner, here is a basic pumpkin pattern.

Basic Pumpkin

Materials:

*I Hook

*Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Pumpkin and Spring Green

*Scissors

*Poly-Fill or grocery bags (of other filler material of your choice)

*Notes:

Special Stitches used: DCdec=Double Crochet Decrease

-Instructions for DCdec: YO and insert hook into stitch.  YO and pull through 1 loop.  YO and pull through 2 loops.  YO and insert hook into next stitch.  YO and pull through 1 loop.  YO and pull through 2 loops.  YO and pull through remaining 3 loops. 

Start with Pumpkin.

Make a Magic Circle, or Ch 4 and sl st into first chain made. Ch 2.

R1: 8 DC in center.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R2: 2 DC in each stitch.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R3: *2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC in following stitch* Continue to end of round.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R4: *2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC in next 2 stitches* Continue to end of round.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R5-10:DC in each stitch around.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R11-14: DCdec in next 2 stitches.  DC to end of round.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R15: Dcdec to last stitch.  DC in last stitch.  Sl st in first DC.  Fill with Poly-Fill or other filler material.

R16: Change color to Spring Green.  Ch 2.  DCdec around.  Sl st in first DC.  Ch 2.

R17: DC around.  Sl st in first DC.  Tie off and hide ends.

I used grocery bags to fill my pumpkin and I am able to pull a grocery bag out of the stem of the pumpkin.  If you do not want this small hole at the top, simply sl st across the stitches after DCing around in R17. 

Fall Lace Scarf

Ah, the leaves are changing!  I love this time of year.  Pumpkin, apples, cooler weather and of course, the beautiful colors!


To get us ready for the cooler weather that comes with the fall, I put together a pretty lace scarf.  I wanted the stitches to be light and airy, since fall doesn't mean freezing temperatures, only cool, crisp air.  I hope you all enjoy it!

Fall Lace Scarf

*Materials: 

*H Hook (5.50MM)

*1-2 skein(s) Caron Simply Soft Yarn in Garnet or Autumn Red

*Scissors

*A book (yes, seriously)

Main Piece:

-Chain 27

-Row 1: DC in 3rd chain from hook, and in each chain to end of row.  Ch 3, turn.

-Row 2: Skip first DC.  *[1 DC, ch 1, 1 DC] in next stitch.  Skip next 2 DC* and repeat from * to last 2 stitches.  Skip next stitch.  DC in last stitch.  Ch 3, turn. 

-Row 3: 3 DC in each ch space to to last ch space.  1 DC in last ch space.  Ch 3, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 to desired length.  

**NOTE: My scarf has the pattern repeated to 70 rows, but this is because I ran out of yarn (I used less than 1 skein of yarn, probably about 3/4 of a skein).  This is a good length for one of my daughters, but not for an adult.  I'd recommend continuing the pattern to at least 100 rows and then deciding how to proceed from there.

-When desired length has been achieved, repeat row 2. 

-DC in each stitch and chain across.  Tie off, weave in ends.  

Fringe:

Here's where you book comes in.  :)

Take your yarn and wrap it width-wise around the book.  Start at the spine: 

You need to determine how much fringe you want.  I did 1 string (2 strands when attached) per DC space.  I think it would have looked even better with 2 strings (4 strands when attached) per DC space, but alas, I ran out of yarn.  For 1 string per space, you'll need 25 strings, so wrap it around 25 times.  Double that if you'd like.  

When you have it wrapped around the amount of times desired, Cut straight across the middle of the spine.

To attach the strands, decide which end you want to begin with.  Starting from the left, insert your hook in the first stitch.  Take your first string and place the center of it on the end of your hook, then pull it up through the stitch.  Hook the remaining strands and pull through the loop.  Continue on each stitch across.