Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Technicolor Dream Coat

I'm still super busy with family but I go crazy without crochet so I have been slipping in some here and there.
 I used this pattern. I made it from acrylic yarn (caron and red heart) single strand with a J hook. I promise the purple is more purple in real life. I had to work from pictures of the finished jackets because when I started it the website with the pattern was down.
To see more pics of my jacket- Technicolor Dream Coat

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Derby Hat


Oh man, I knew this month was going to be busy but I didn't know how busy. My poor little mind is doing back-flips and because of this it just hasn't been up to full creative power.
I did manage to find time to finish my hat for a Kentucky Derby party.

 

I got the hat in Colonial Williamsburg when I was a teenager. It had pink ribbon roses but I cut those off to make my derby hat. 


The red flowers are Crochet Geek's Slinky Crochet Flowers
The white flowers are Crochet Geek's Small Crochet Flowers
and the leaves are from my own Sakuramochi
 
The flowers were worked with size 3 crochet thread and a C hook. The leaves were worked with cheap embroidery floss and a size 0 steel hook.




Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Sunny


It's bright a sunny here and hovering in the mid to high eighties. (Sorry to rub this in Omaha) This lovely weather has made me train harder than normal. 5k is just not enough to suck in springtime so I have been doing up to 10k. My soul has been happy but my feet have not. I had to take a break to heal. 
Anyway, I made some suns. This are a little bigger than your palm and would make a cute accent on a fridge or a silly hat.

What you need:
Scrap yarn, I used assorted acrylic
Size F (3.75mm) hook
Polyester fiber fill
Clip to keep place
Yarn needle
Scissors
Pin back or magnet 

Sun front:
Worked in continuous rounds, do not join rows

  • Chain 2
  • Round 1: work 6 sc in first chain
  • Round 2: work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 st
  • Round 3: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around - 18 st
  • Round 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around - 24 st
  • Round 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around - 30 st
  • Round 6: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around - 36 st
  • Round 7-9: sc in each sc around
  • Finish off and break yarn
Sun back:
Worked in continuous rounds, do not join rows

  • Chain 2
  • Round 1: work 6 sc in first chain
  • Round 2: work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 st
  • Round 3: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around - 18 st
  • Round 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around - 24 st
  • Round 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around - 30 st
  • Round 6: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around - 36 st
  • Finish off and break yarn
 Sun rays or petals (border):

Work through both layers to join, make sure the right sides are facing outwards.
Edging- *sc, skip one, dc2 trc1 dc2 (in one stitch), skip one
Before last point loosely stuff the sun.





This pattern is for private use only. Do not distribute or publish this pattern in any other form. If you like this pattern and would like to share please link to this blog.
Thank you.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Wedding Potholders

It's spring time and that means wedding time. This time the happy bride loves cookbooks and cooking. We bought her some baking items from her registry and we are going to embellish the gift with a lovely cookbook and a stack of handmade potholders.
I'm making two stacks of potholders, one for the bride and one for my sister in law. Sorry ladies, it's a surprise which color you get. Also, the cookbook pictured is not the one going with the gifts. 

What you need:
Worsted weight cotton or bamboo yarn
Size I (5.5 mm) hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Cotton batting (optional)
I like the twist cotton, it's pretty

My potholder was inspired by this potholder. I wanted one a little smaller and thicker.

Potholder:
Make 2

Chain 2 at beginning of each round, slip stitch to join rows


  • Round 1: 12 dc in a magic loop, pull loop tight and sl st to first dc to close round
  • Round 2: Work 2 dc in each dc around
  • Round 3:  *2 dc in next st, dc in next st, rep from * around 
  • Round 4:  *2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 5:  *2 dc in next st,  in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around 

Finish off and break yarn on first side. On second side do not break yarn (yet).
Stack sides on top of each other with right sides facing out.
Work through both layers to join
Edging- *sc, skip one, dc 5 (in one stitch), skip one

If you want an even thicker potholder add a circle of cotton batting before closing up fully.

In last stitch- sc, chain 10,  sc back in same stitch. This makes a loop for hanging.
Tie knot and weave in end.




Oh, here are some pics from my mini vacation last week.
Yes, he does have his tongue out


 
It was such a pretty day

Party boat





Friday, March 29, 2013

BA Octopus

I'm finally back! I bet you all thought I drowned in my yarn box. 

Well, I'm back and I have a BA octo for you. (BAO- Big Ass Octopus, the nick name while working on it stuck)

What you need:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in main color and scrap black for eyes
Size G (4.0 mm) or 7 (4.5 mm) AND a L (8.0 mm) hook
Polyester fiber fill
Clip to keep place
Yarn Needle
Scissors

Please note this amigurumi uses a lot of yarn and fluff. I didn't count yardage needed but I was working from a Caron one pound. If anyone brave person can let me know the yardage I would love you for ever!

Octopus Body:
Worked with G or 7 hook

  • Chain 2
  • Round 1: Work 6 sc in first chain
  • Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 st
  • Round 3: *2 sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around - 18 st
  • Round 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around - 24 st
  • Round 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around - 30 st
  • Round 6: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around - 36 st
  • Round 7: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 5 sts, rep from * around - 42 st
  • Round 8: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 6 sts, rep from * around - 48 st
  • Round 9: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 7 sts, rep from * around - 54 st
  • Round 10: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 8 sts, rep from * around - 60 st
  • Round 11: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 9 sts, rep from * around - 66 st
  • Round 12: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 10 sts, rep from * around - 72 st
  • Round 13-24: sc in each sc around - 72 st
  • Round 25:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 10 sts, rep from * around - 66 st 
  • Round 26:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 9 sts, rep from * around - 60 st 
  • Round 27:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 8 sts, rep from * around - 54 st 
  • Round 28:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 7 sts, rep from * around - 48 st 
  • Round 29:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 6 sts, rep from * around - 42 st 
  • Round 30:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 5 sts, rep from * around - 36 st 
  • Stuff lightly
  • Round 31:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around - 30 st 
  • Round 32:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around - 24 st 
  • Round 33:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around - 18 st 
  • Finish stuffing (firmly)
  • Round 34:*sc2tog, sc in each of next 1 sts, rep from * around - 12 st 
  • Round 36:*sc2tog around - 6 st 
  • Finish off and weave in ends
Tentacles:
Worked using double yarn and L hook

The tentacles are worked just like the tentacles of my other octo creations.
Check out the link above and familiarize yourself with the process if you haven't made one before.

  • Chain 9
  • sl st into first ch to create ring
  • * ch 14
  • 3 dc in third chain from hook
  • 3 dc in each chain
  • sc around center ring
  • repeat from * till you have 8 tentacles, you may need to scrunch tentacles closer together to fit all on the ring
  • Weave in ends


Finishing Touches:

Sew tentacles to bottom of body ball.

Using a doubled scrap of black scrap yarn stitch two eyes. I did 4 stitches per eye.

Weave in all left over ends and you are ready to play with your new cutie.




This pattern is for private use only. Do not distribute or publish this pattern in any other form. If you like this pattern and would like to share please link to this blog. Please do not make and sell this item on Etsy or other online store/auction. You may make and sell items for local craft fairs and offline fund raisers.
Thank you.



Friday, March 8, 2013

Loonette

I'm a puppeteer. Or, I was most of my life. I always have fun watching children's shows with puppets. One show I used to watch was The Big Comfy Couch. Loonette the clown had an amazing hat, I have always wanted one. Last night I was in a quirky mood so I sat down and crocheted one.

What you need:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn (purple if you want to be color correct)
Size I (5.5 mm) hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Photo from Big Comfy Couch Wiki
Hat:
Chain 2 at beginning of each round, slip stitch to join rows

  • Round 1: Chain 3, dc 12 into chain farthest from hook
  • Round 2: Work 2 dc in each dc around
  • Round 3:  *2 dc in next st, dc in next st, rep from * around 
  • Round 4:  *2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 5:  *2 dc in next st,  in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 6:  *2 dc in next st,  in each of next 4 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 7: dc 32,  slip stitch in next 4 sts, dc 32, slip stitch in next 4 sts
  • Round 8: dc 32, chain 4, skip next 4 slip stitches, dc  32, chain 4, skip next 4 slip stitches
  • Round 9: dc 32, dc 4 in chain space, dc 32, dc 4 in chain space
  • Round 10-14: dc
  • Round 15: Front loops only *2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 16: *2 dc in next st,  in each of next 3 sts, rep from * around 
  • Round 17: (chain 1 instead of 2 this round) sc 
  • Finish off and weave in ends
 

Have fun :)
This pattern is for private use only. Do not distribute or publish this pattern in any other form. If you like this pattern and would like to share please link to this blog. 
Thank you.







Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sugar Pie Scoodie Recipe

The sun came out! The storms have passed us by early, I'm so excited. I guess I don't have to chew off my arm from boredom anymore ;) Plus, the rain passing will bring us cool weather to replace it.

This sweet scoodie (hooded scarf) recipe is highly customizable. The one shown is going to a tween-ager so it is a little smaller than one you would make for yourself but no worries, it is super easy to adjust in size.

What you need:
Worsted weight yarn (364-600 yards, but closer to to 400)
Any sized hook that works with your yarn, I used a J (6.00 mm)
Scissors
Yarn needle
Basic knowledge of granny squares



Scarf:

Your scarf part of you scoodie should reach from fingertip to fingertip. You might need a friend to help you measure. Decide how wide you would like your scarf, mine is 4 inches wide since it is for a 12 year old. 4-6 inches would be a good width. 

Chain the required length making sure it is in a multiple of three. First row is sc, each row after is worked in 3dc shells. The last row will be worked in sc. The scarf is worked just like a Granny Stripe, if you are unsure how to do this check out the link. (Note: it is in UK terms so a dc is a sc in US terms)



Hood:

Make 2 matching granny squares. My squares were 8 inches but you may wish to do 9, 10, or even 11 inch ones. (great Granny Square tutorial). These squares would look amazing in a super fancy granny with a beautiful center like a flower.

Join squares along one edge. Open up work and work several rows of sc along one of the long edges, I did 5.

Fold and join edge opposite to sc. Now it looks a lot like a hood.

Pockets:

If you want pockets make two granny squares the same width as your scarf.  If you want the pockets taller, add a few rows of sc along one edge just like you did on the hood. Hold on to these, we will sew them on last.

 Assembly:

Fold scarf and find the center and mark.  Sew/crochet hood to scarf.
Choose if you would like your pockets on the inside or outside of your scarf. Sew/ crochet on pockets.
Have fun!



Did you know I have an Etsy store to sell sample items from the posts? All the money goes back into yarn and upkeep of the website.

Check it out : NyanPon's Sample Shop



This pattern is for private use only. Do not distribute or publish this pattern in any other form. If you like this pattern and would like to share please link to this blog. 
Thank you.