Giraffe inspired dress*

Ta Da!! It is finally here!  The dress to complete my giraffe-themed baby set I have promised. This dress was so much fun to design and create. Lily is coming some time at the end of May, maybe June and I am so excited to meet her.  The anticipation for the baby shower is consuming me.  Even more exciting, the mama-to-be is an awesome photographer.  So, I am sure to get lots of great pics!  

  

Giraffe Dress 

Measurements, lying flat: newborn size, shoulder to bottom-12 ½”, Chest- 8 ¾”

Materials needed: Vanna’s Choice Mustard and Baby Bee Hushabye Chocolate worsted weight yarns, 5mm/H8 hook, 3 buttons

Starting with mustard chain 8 and place a stitch marker, ch12/mark, ch16/mark, ch12/mark, ch9.

Row1: hdc in second st from hook and in each stitch to marked st, hdc ch2 hdc in same stitch, hdc to next marked st, hdc ch2  hdc in ss, repeat across. Ch2 turn. (59hdc)

Rows2-8:* hdc in each hdc, (hdc,ch2,hdc) in each ch2 space, ch2 and turn at end *repeat across. (63hdc after row 2)

Row9: *hdc in ea hdc to ch2 sp. Fold top in halk lengthwise matching the ch2 spaces. Hdc in first ch sp, hdc in next ch sp, slip st to join tofirst hdc made on this row, ch 2 Do Not turn.  (64hdc) I don’t turn here to  create more texture. At this point you are looking at the inside of the dress top. We will flip it later.

Rows10-14: hdc in ea st,  slst to join to first hdc, ch, ch2.  On the last row (14), switch to Chocolate in last two loops for an invisible color change and ch1.

Row15: sc in joining st and ea st around, slst to first sc and ch4.

Row16: skip first st and *dc in next, ch1, skip a st, dc in next, repeat around, slst to top of ch4, ch1.  I had 30 ch1 spaces.

Row17:  sc in joining st and ea st around, switch back to Mustard in last two loops,  slst to first sc, and ch1

Row18: sc in joining st and ea st around, slst to first sc and ch 3.

Row19: (dc, ch1, 2dc)same stitch, two sc, *(2dc, ch1 2dc)ss,  skip two sc, repeat around, slst to top of ch3, sl in dc, slst in ch1 sp, and ch3.  I had 20 shells.

Rows20-28: repeat row 19. At end, fasten off yellow after only slst into top of ch3.

Row 29: attach Chocolate to ch1 sp, ch3, (dc, ch1, 2dc)ss, skip two sc, *(2dc, ch1 2dc)ss,  skip two sc, repeat around, slst to top of ch3, fasten off.

Chocolate Trim: neckline

Attach yarn to back left of top (where the botton loops start). Make sure you have the right side facing.

Row1: slst to attach, sc, (sc, ch2(or how long you need to fit around your button), sc) in same stitch, sc 2x, (sc, ch2, sc)ss, sc 2x, (sc, ch2, sc)ss,  2sc ss (this is at the corner), sc in each st to inside of ch2 space of row 2, sc2tog. Repeat around sc and sc2tog at inside corners. Ch1, turn.

Row2: repeat row 1, still sc2tog at inside corners. End with a slst and fasten off. Weave in ends.

Chocolate  Trim: armholes

Attach yarn to bottom of armhole in the front.

Row1: slst, sc around, slst to first sc, ch1. (26sc) Make sure not to sc onto any stitches from row 9. This does give you a slight hole, it’s supposed to be there from the ch2 spaces. If you sc into it, your sleeves will be too big.

Row2: sc into next sc (not joining), sc5x, hdc 3x, dc 6x, hdc 3x, sc 8x, slst. Fasten off. Repeat on the other armhole. Weave in ends.

Chocolate Circles:   Make 6 pieces working all 3 rounds. Make 5 pieces stopping after round 2. Make 7 pieces stopping after round 1.  Leave tails long for sewing onto the dress.

 6sc in a magic ring. Do NOT join or slst. Marking your first stitch helps.

Rnd1: 2sc in each sc around. (12sc)

Rnd2: sc in first sc, *2sc ss, sc in next, repeat around. (18sc)

Rnd3: *2sc ss, sc in next two sc, repeat around. (24sc)  

Weave in ends and sew onto the dress randomly.

Using Mustard chain until work measures “.  Weave belt through skipped stitches on row 16. Make Chocolate and Mustard tassels for the ends, attach.

 You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Baby Strap Sandals*

I am still crocheting baby shower gifts. This week I am working on a giraffe-themed set for a young couple at church expecting their first baby girl this spring. Here is a pair of strappy sandals to go with her dress. Don’t worry, it is coming soon!

Baby Strap Sandals

newborn size, 4” sole

Materials needed- a small amount of two color ww yarn, 5mm/H8 hook, 3.75mm/F hook

Starting with sole color, chain 9

Row1: 2dc in third chain from hook, dc 5x, dc 6x in last ch, working along backside of starting chain: dc 5x, dc 3x in last ch, slst to ch2,  ch2.  (21dc)

Row2: dc in joining st, 2dc in same st 2x, hdc 5x, 2dc ss 6x, hdc 5x, 2hdc ss 3x, slst to ch2, ch1. (23dc, 10hdc)

Row3: using back loops only  sc in joining, sc in ea st around, slst, fasten off. (34sc)

Strap (6): using two strands of ww yarn held together, chain 14 and fasten off. Mark each sole symmetrically using photo as guide.  Sew each strap onto sole through both loops.

Heel strap: Make sure you are facing the right side of the sole. using the middle 4 sc on the heel, attach Mustard using the F hook.  Slst, ch1 sc, in joining and ea st across. Ch1, turn.

Rows1-6: sc in ea sc, ch1, turn.

After row 6, ch2 more (3 total), sc round the front post of the middle sc two rows down.  Ch3, sc in last sc. This creates a loop for the ties. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Chocolate ties: using one strand and F hook, chain until work measures  26“.

You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

baby headband*

 I'm working on a new baby shower set.  I'm too excited to wait to post it as altogether, so here is a sneak peek and a new pattern!

Baby Headband

Materials needed-Vanna’s Choice Mustard and Baby Bee Hushabye Chocolate and a 5mm/H8 hook

Starting with Mustard, chain 5.

Row1: sc in second ch, sc in each ch, ch1, turn. (4sc)

Row2-?: sc in joining and ea sc around until it measures 13”. I counted mine, it was 62 rows. I can’t believe it, that seems like too many? When it is 13” long, slst and fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew ends together forming a loop.

With Chocolate, attach yarn and sc along both sides. Fasten off and weave in ends.

I used this link  http://ablade-ofgrass.blogspot.com/2011/12/loopy-flower-brooch-free-crochet.html  for the loopy flower.

 You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Baby Lamb Hat*

2012 will be full of new babies for my family and friends. There are already 4 lucky ladies due so far. I always get ideas from my kids, so once I again I asked my youngest daughter what I should make for my next nephew. My husband's brother and sister-in-law are expecting him right before Easter. She first described an aviator style hat, but after no luck finding a decent pattern, I decided to save that idea for Christmas. I came across this super cute little lamb hat on Etsy and I just couldn’t resist replicating it. I am happy with my finished project and the pattern could not work up any quicker.

Baby Lamb Hat    

Materials:  less than 1 skein of  Bernat Baby Blanket yarn anda small amount of worsted weight accent color9mm/M13 and 3.75mm/F5  hooks
17" circumference

Staring with super bulky yarn and 9mm hook:  6hdc in a magic ring, slst to first hdc, ch1. (6hdc+ch1)

Rnd1: 2hdc in joining st and each st around, slst to first hdc, ch1. (12hdc+ch1)

Rnd2: 2hdc in joining st, hdc in next, repeat around, slst to first hdc, ch1. (18hdc+ch1)

Rnd3:  2hdc in joining st, hdc in next 2 st, repeat around, slst to first hdc, ch1. (24hdc+ch1)

Rnd4: 2hdc in joining st, hdc in next 3st, repeat around, slst to first hdc, ch1. (30hdc+ch1)

Rnd5: 2hdc in joining st, hdc in next 4st, repeat around, slst to first hdc, ch1. (36hdc+ch1)

Rnds6-9: hdc in each st, slst to first hdc, ch1. (36hdc+ch1)

Rnd10: sc in each st around, slst to first sc. Fasten off  and weave in ends.

Ears, make 2-

Leave a long tail for sewing to the hat body.

Chain 4, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, ch1, turn. (3sc)

Row1: sc, 2sc in same stitch, sc, ch1, turn. (4sc)

Rows2-6: sc in each st, ch1, turn.

Row7: sc2tog 2 times, ch1, turn. (2sc)

Row8: sc2tog. (1sc)  Fasten off and weave in end.

Ear accent, make 2-

Using a pastel color of ww yarn and a  F hook:

Chain 4, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, ch1, turn. (3sc)

Row1: sc, 2sc in same stitch, sc, ch1, turn. (4sc)

Rows2-9: sc in each st, ch1, turn.

Row10: sc2tog 2 times, ch1, turn. (2sc)

Row11: sc2tog. (1sc)  

Sew onto the outer ear and sew ears onto hat. Weave in all ends and give to a cute baby of your choice.

You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Watermelon Bag*

I've been on a chunky yarn streak.  It's so fast and quick, how can I go back to worsted weight?  Even the price of Hometown USA is affordable at my local Wal-Mart.  All the kids were with me the last grocery trip and, of course, my always wanting daughter wants something made with some kind of yarn that is green.  I talked her into Honolulu Pink and Monterey Lime, very hot colors right now. As I was putting the yarn into the cart, she said that they looked like a watermelon and she is right! This is what I came up with, a cute and fun drawstring tote, perfect for any little girl on the go.

Watermelon Bag

Materials needed: about 80 yrds of chunky yarn: green, pink and white. a small amount of black worsted weight yarn for "seeds"       M13/9mm hook

DO NOT turn your work in this pattern.

Starting with green:

Make 8 hdc in a magic ring, tighten, slst to first hdc and ch1

Row 1: 2hdc in joining st and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1  (16hdc+ch1)

Row 2: 2hdc in joining st, hdc in next st, repeat around. slst into first hdc, ch1 (24 hdc +ch1)

Row 3: 2hdc in joining st, hdc 2x, repeat around. slst into first hdc, ch1 (32hdc+ch1)

Row 4: using BACK loops only, hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1 (32hdc+ch1)

Row 5: using both loops again, hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1  switching to white in the last loop  (32hdc+ch1) 

Row 6:  using BACK loops only, hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1 switching to pink in the last loop  (32hdc+c1)

Row 7: :  using BACK loops only, hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1  (32hdc+c1)

Rows 8 - 12: using both loops again,  hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch1  (32hdc+ch1)

Row 13: hdc in joining st, and each st around. slst into first hdc, ch4 (32hdc+ch4)

Row 14: skip joining and first hdc, * dc in next hdc, ch1 and skip one hdc, dc into next hdc. Repeat around ending with a slst into the third chain of ch4  

Row 15: sc, 2dcs, sc  into each space created from the skipped stitches.  The last sc becomes a slst into the first sc to make a nice edge. Fasten off, weave in ends.  (16 scallops)

 I used Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn for the white.  It is one-ply, super bulky.  I just simply cut a strand long enough to use as the tie. For the strap, I made a cord. I took one very long strand, tied the two loose ends together. The tied ends need to be stationary, taped down or held tight.  Put a pencil in the looped end and twist until the yarn twists back on itself. Once twisted enough, match the tied end to the looped end. It should coil and twist back on itself to form a strong cord.  My husband is very inventive, when he saw me doing this, he got out his drill and a hook to fit in the end to hold the loop.  Much faster than the traditional way.  I wasn’t sure how to attach the handles to the bag, except for hand sewing with thread. Since this is staying in my house for my daughter, I figure I can always sew again if it comes loose, but it hasn't yet.

 You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Tow Mater Hat

I had a request for a Mater hat right before Christmas. I have to say I am not a Cars fan as my children are a little older now. After investigating who this character is through several photos, costumes and toys online, this is what I came up with. I am sharing the pattern of the facial details with you since I have received so many requests, but the hat pattern I used is not mine. I use  Yarn and Musings' pattern for the body of most of my hats.  It's done in rounds and sometimes I change it for stripes, but for Mater you don't need to alter the pattern. Follow this link to the hat pattern.

For Mater's windshield:

make a single crochet foundation chain of  18. 

ch 3, dc in same stitch and across in each sc.

crochet 18 dc across for 4  rows. 

row 5:   ch 1, slip stitch  twice,  sc  twice,  hdc twice,   dc four times,  treble in one  stitch and fasten off.

For the eyeballs: 

using black,  5 sc in a magic ring,  changing to green in the last stitch. 

2 sc in each stitch,  fasten off and sew both eyeballs to the white windshield.

Mater's teeth: a single crochet foundation chain of three, extending 3 rows.   I do think he would look better with one tooth longer than the other. You can do this by making one tooth one row longer.  I hope to make another hat in the future and add headlights and a carb.

You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

My Lighthouse*

I created this for a friend from my church. I came up with the idea when she told me how she had asked for husband for one those wooden lighthouses for Mother's Day. I have seen a few people have these decorating their front lawn. I imagine it is because of our close proximity to Buckeye Lake, nautical seems to the running theme around here. I decided to crochet her a lighthouse for inside her home as well. I received an overwhelming response for the pattern after I posted a photo of my finished lighthouse in a crochet group on Facebook. Luckily I wrote down the instructions the first time with plans to make another for my dad who also collects lighthouses. Here it is. Happy crocheting!

My Lighthouse

Small amounts of white, red, black and blue  worsted weight yarn

3.75mm/F hook       Stuff as you crochet using your choice

This pattern is worked in the round with many color changes. There are tutorials on you tube for help with changing yarn colors.

Starting with red:

Rnd 1: sc 4 into a magic ring (4sc)

Rnd 2: 2sc in each st (8sc)

Rnd 3: sc around (8sc) switch to black in last loop

Rnd 4: sc around (8sc) switch to white in last loop. I kept black fastened on and went back later to sc around in the unused loops of the next round for texture.

Rnd 5: in BACK loops only sc 2x ss,  sc repeat around (12sc)

Rnds 6-8: using both loops sc around (12sc) switch to black in last loop

Rnds 9: sc 2x ss, sc in next 2 st, repeat around (16sc) switch to red in last loop

Rnd 10: sc2x ss, sc in next 3 st, repeat around (20sc)

Rnd 11: sc around (20sc) switch to black in last loop

Rnd 12: sc 2x ss, sc in next 4 st, repeat around (24sc) switch to red in last loop

Rnd 13-14: sc around (24sc) switch to white in last loop

Rnd 15-17: sc around (24sc) switch to red in last loop

Rnd 18: sc 2x ss, sc in next 5 st, repeat around (29sc) 

Rnd 19: sc around (29sc) switch to white in last loop

Rnd 20: sc 2x ss,  sc in next 6 st, repeat around (32sc)

Rnd 21-22: sc around (32sc) switching to red in last loop

Rnd 23: sc 2x ss, sc in next 7 st, repeat around (36sc)

Rnd 24: sc around (36sc) switch to white in last loop

Rnd 25-28: sc around (36sc) fasten  off and weave in ends.

Stuff completely.  I cut a round piece of cardboard to put in the bottom of mine. Don’t forget to sc around the unused loops between rnds 4 and 5. Use short stitches of black to embroider windows.

With blue:

Rnd 1:  sc 6 in a magic ring (6sc)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12sc)

Rnd 3: sc 2x ss, sc in next st, repeat around (18sc)

Rnd 4: sc 2x ss, sc in next 2 st, repeat around (24sc)

Rnd 5: sc 2x ss, sc in next 3 st, repeat around (30sc)

Rnd 6: sc 2x ss, sc in next 4 st, repeat around (36sc)

Rnd 7: Match up st from blue bottom and white lighthouse bottom, in both blue loops and back white loops sc around to attach together.

Rnd 8: 3 dc in each st around (108dc) fasten off, weave in ends.

  You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Fingerless Gloves*

I made these quick and easy fingerless gloves in less than 2 hours last night. I wanted to try something different and the idea for the long stitches came from reading an older crochet book on edgings. I am very happy with the look and even happier to wear my fingerless gloves. They have become my favorite article of clothing to wear throughout chilly season. I do not need to take them off to drive, shop or even crochet. hahaha! The pattern is very simple to understand even for beginners. Follow the you tube link for a video on how to add the longer detail stitches.

Chunky Yarn Fingerless Gloves

Materials needed: about 80 yrds of super bulky yarn and a US M13/ 9mm hook

I used a double crochet foundation chain of 17 dcs to start. If you prefer, you can crochet a chain of 20 and dc into 3^rd ch and each stitch across.  (17dc)

Row 1:  sl st into top of first ch3, this makes a circle. Make certain the chain is not twisted. Ch2, dc into joining st and each st around.  (17dc+ch2)

Row 2-6: sl st into first dc, ch2, dc into joining st, dc in ea st around.  (17dc+ch2)

Left glove; Row 7: sl st into first dc, ch2, dc into joining st, dc 3x, ch 2, skip two stitches (thumb hole), dc in last 12 dcs.  (15dc+ch2, ch2+2skipped st)

Right glove; Row 7: slst into first dc, ch2, dc into joining st, dc 12x, ch2, skip two stitches (thumb hole), dc in last three dcs.  (15dc+ch2,ch2+2 skipped st)

Row 8: slst into first dc, ch2, dc in joining st, dc in each st around, 2dcs in the thumb hole. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Accent color: sc around bottom of gloves. Use the video link for info on the long stitches. Fasten off and weave in ends. http://youtu.be/Z9hdHXskCno

                                                                          

                                                    

  You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them.

Chunky Visor Hat*

I have been seeing this style of hat often lately. I really don't care for head wear, but it's January and pretty cool and I need something to cover my noggin. I am too tight to pay for the pattern I liked very much and I couldn't find a pattern that did not start out with a long chain. So, one night I came up with super quick and simple pattern for my version of a military visor hat made with chunky yarn. I don't like it as well as the first one I seen but free works just fine for me.

Chunky Visor Hat

fits a 22" head

Materials needed: at least 81 yrds of super bulky yarn. I used Lion Brand Hometown USA and I did NOT have an inch to spare, cutting it very close!

M13/9mm hook

Not in round because of the ch 3, but do NOT turn work.

In a magic ring,  chain 3,  9dcs, sl st to join to top of ch3,  ch3 (9 dcs)

Row 1: dc in joining st, 2 dcs in each st around, sl st to join, ch 3  (18dcs)

Row 2: dc , 2dcs ss, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 3 (27 dcs)

Row 3:  dc, dc, 2 dcs ss, repeat around, sl st to join, ch3 (36 dcs)

Row 4-8: dc in each dc, sl st to join, ch3 (36 dcs) fasten off.

Visor

Using front post, find the middle 13 st

Row 1: attach  yarn, ch 2, hdc, dc 5x,  2dc ss,  dc 4x,  hdc 2 x, ch2 turn

Row 2: hdc, dc 4x, 2dc ss, dc 5x, hdc 2x, fasten off.

Strap: 21 dc foundation chain, sew onto hat above visor, sew a button on each end, or use a flower on one side for a playful look.

 You may enjoy my patterns for free, even sell your finished projects, but please DO NOT claim my patterns or photos as your own and DO NOT sell them..