Showing posts with label free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Free Crochet Pattern: Doodleberry Pie

Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 / 3.5mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in beige and pink
Tapestry/ yarn needle
Polyester stuffing

You’ll need to know how to do these stitches:
Double loop start
Half double crochet (hdc)
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/ decrease (sc2tog)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Pie Crust Bottom:
With beige yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed(6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (54).
Rnd 10: [Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (60).
Rnd 11: working in back loops only, [Sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (54).
Rnd 12: [Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (60).
Rnd 13: sc in each sc around (60).
Rnd 14: [Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (66).
Rnd 15: sc in each sc around (66).
Rnd 16: [Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (72).
Rnd 17: working in front loops only, [3hdc in next sc, skip next sc, sl st in next sc] repeat around.
Finish off and secure ends.

Doodleberry: make 3
With pink yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnds 3-4: sc in each sc around (12). Stuff with polyfil.
Rnd 5: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Weave tail through remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole.

Pie Top:
With beige yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnd 10: [Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (54).
Rnd 11: [Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (60).
Rnd 12: [Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (66).
Rnd 13: sc in each sc around (66).
Rnd 14: [Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (72).
Finish off leaving a 24” tail for sewing. Sew doodleberries to the top of the pie.
Sew Rnd 14 of pie top to the free loops on Rnd 17 of pie crust about ¾ of the way around, stuff the pie with polyfil and continue to sew together.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Free Crochet Pattern: Hippo


Materials:
Crochet hook size E4 / 3.5mm
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in baby blue and white (or two other colors of your choice)
Small amount of brown felt for eyes
Small amount of brown and white embroidery floss for eyes and nostrils
Sewing needle
Tapestry/ yarn needle
Polyester stuffing

You’ll need to know how to do these stitches:
Chain (ch)
Double loop start
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/ decrease (sc2tog)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Head:
With baby blue yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (54).
Rnd 10: sc in each sc around (54).
Rnd 11: [Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (60).
Rnds 12-13: sc in each sc around (60).
Rnd 14: [Sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (54).
Rnd 15: sc in each sc around (54).
Rnd 16: [Sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (48).
Rnd 17: [Sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (42).
Rnd 18: [Sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (36).
Rnd 19: [Sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 20: [Sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 21: [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Finish off, leaving a 12” tail for sewing.

Body:
With baby blue yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnds 9-10: sc in each sc around (48).
Rnd 11: [Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (54).
Rnds 12-16: sc in each sc around (54).
Rnd 17: [sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (48).
Rnd 18: sc in each sc around (48).
Rnd 19: [sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (42).
Rnd 20: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 21: [sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (36).
Rnd 22: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 23: [sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 24: [sc in the next 13, sc2tog] 2 times (28).
Rnd 25: [sc in the next 12, sc2tog] 2 times (26).
Rnd 26: [sc in the next 11, sc2tog] 2 times (24).
Rnd 27: [sc in the next 10, sc2tog] 2 times (22).
Rnd 28: sc in each sc around (22).
Rnd 29: [sc in the next 9, sc2tog] 2 times (20).
Rnd 30: [sc in the next 8, sc2tog] 2 times (18).
Finish off and secure end. Stuff head and body firmly with polyfil and sew head to body.

Arms: make 2
With white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (22).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (20).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (18).
Switch to baby blue yarn
Rnd 9: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 10: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnds 11-25: sc in each sc around (12).
Finish off and secure end, leaving a 10” tail for sewing. Stuff with polyfil and sew an arm to each side of the hippo at neck level.

Legs: make 2
With white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 13 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (28).
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 12 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (26).
Rnd 9: [Sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog] 2 times (24).
Switch to baby blue yarn
Rnd 10: [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnds 11-30: sc in each sc around (18).
Finish off and secure end, leaving a 10” tail for sewing. Stuff with polyfil and sew a leg to each side of the hippo at Rnd 10 of the body.

Ears:
Inner Ear: make 2
With white yarn, ch 2.
Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times, ch 1, turn (9)
Change to baby blue yarn
Row 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Finish off, leaving 8 " tail for sewing.
Outer Ear: make 2
With baby blue yarn, ch 2.
Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 3: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times, ch 1, turn (9).
Row 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Finish off but do not break yarn. Using yarn tail from inner ear and with right sides facing, sew inner ear and outer ear together around the outside edge of ears (but not the bottom).
Turn ear right side out. Ears are not stuffed. Sl st bottom of inner ear and outer ear
together and finish off leaving an 8’ tail for sewing. Making ear into a curved shape as you sew it on, sew each ear to top sides of head about 2” away from the top center of head.

Nose/Muzzle:
With baby blue yarn
Ch 9
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch, 2 sc in next
ch, working on the other side of the chain sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc
in next ch (18).
Rnd 2: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnds 7-10: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 11: [Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Finish off leaving an 18” tail for sewing.
Using a sewing needle and dark brown embroidery floss, make nostrils on the muzzle as
shown in the picture. Sew the muzzle onto the head between Rnd 13 of head and the neck
about ¾ of the way around, stuff lightly with polyfil and continue to sew. Weave in ends.

Eyes:
Cut out 2 circles from dark brown felt about the size of a dime. Using a 6” strand of white embroidery floss, sew a “pupil” onto each felt circle. Using dark brown embroidery floss, sew the eyes onto the head as shown in the picture right above the muzzle.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Free Crochet Patterns: Doctor Mask and Bandage



Here are a couple of freebies to go along with my doctor kit pattern. I hope you enjoy them :)

Materials:
Size E4 / 3.5mm crochet hook
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in peach, white and turquoise
Yarn needle
Velcro

Bandage:
With peach yarn
Ch 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: 2sc in first sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (5).
Rows 3-29: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 30: sc2tog, sc in next sc, sc2tog (3).
Sl st evenly around. Finish off and weave in ends.
Pad:
With white yarn
Ch 5
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (4).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (4).
Sc evenly around putting 3sc in each corner. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew to the center of the bandage. Weave in ends.
Cut 2 small squares of velcro. Sew the hook side to one end of the right side of the bandage. Sew the loop side to the other end of the wrong side of the bandage (so that the velcro meets when the bandage is folded into a loop).

Doctor's Mask:
With turquoise yarn
Ch 23
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (22).
Rows 2-12: working in back loops only, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (22).
Continue to put 3 sc in the corner, sc down the side of the mask and put 3 sc in the corner, then working on the long side of the mask, sc in next 4 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 8 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, sc in next 3 sc, put 3 sc in the corner, sc up the side of the mask, put 3 sc in the corner, then working along Row 12, sc in next 4 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, dc in next 8 sc, hdc in next 3 sc, sc in next 4 sc. Finish off and weave in ends.
Straps: make 2
Start by leaving a 6" tail for sewing
Ch 30 and finish off leaving a 6" tail for sewing.
Sew one end of the strap about 1" from the top of the mask. Sew the other end of the strap about 1/2" from the bottom of the mask. Weave in ends.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Yummy Crochet Giveaway and Free Pattern!

Some of you may remember this post from last year where I announced that I had some exiciting news. The time has come to let you know what it was...

Last year Kristen Rask, owner of Schmancy Toys, contacted me and asked if I would like to contrubute crochet patterns to her newest book. The book is called Yummy Crochet and features 12 different play food crochet patterns. Of course I said yes! Some of the first crochet patterns I ever designed were for crocheted vegetables so I chose to design the turnip and corn on the cob for the book. The book and kit (it comes with the materials necessary to make 2 of the projects) will be available at Barnes & Noble later this month.

Kristen was kind enough to provide a copy of the book so that I can do a giveaway. That's right, you can win a copy of Yummy Crochet!! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post with (1) your e-mail address (so I can contact you when you win) and (2) what crochet pattern you want me to design next. The winner will be chosen on September 15th. Good luck to everyone!!

To further celebrate the book's release (and because I love to crochet veggies!), I designed a free crochet pattern for bok choy. I hope you enjoy it :)


Materials:
- Crochet hook size E4 - 3.5mm
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in white, light green and dark green
- Stuffing
- Yarn needle
- 2 black safety eyes
- Small amount of black yarn or thread for mouth
- Stitch markers - the pattern is worked in continuous rounds with the stitch marker moved up to the first stitch of each round.

With white yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnds 8-11: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 12: sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 11 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc (36).
Rnd 13: switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc (36).
Rnd 14: sc in next 9 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 8 sc, switch to white yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 7 sc (36).
Rnd 15: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog] 3 times (33).
Rnd 16: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 8 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 6 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 9 sc (33).
Rnd 17: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 5 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc (33).
Rnd 18: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn, sc2tog and then sc in next in next sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to dark green yarn, sc2tog and then sc in next 2 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc2tog (30).
Rnd 19: switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 3 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 7 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 4 sc, switch to light green yarn and sc in next 2 sc, switch to dark green yarn and sc in next 6 sc (30).
Rnd 20: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 21: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 22: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times.
Pause crocheting. Attach the safety eyes. Using a needle and a length of black yarn split down to 2 ply, stitch on the mouth.
Stuff the bok choy firmly with stuffing.
Cut out a piece of cardboard that is the diameter of the opening of the top of the bok choy and insert it into the bok choy on top of the stuffing.
Rnd 23: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 24: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 25: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6" tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 sc and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.
Leaves: make 9
With dark green yarn
Start by leaving a 12” tail
Ch 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 3: 2sc in first sc, sc in next sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 4: 2sc in frist sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 5: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in last sc, ch 1, turn (9).
Rows 6-12: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (9).
Row 13: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 14: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 15: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 16: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 17: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 18: sc2tog, sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 19: sc2tog, sc in next sc, ch 1, turn (2).
Row 20: sc2tog (1).
Sc evenly around.
Three of the leaves are sewn to the top center of the bok choy (i.e., around Rnds 23-25) using the tail that you started with. The remaining 6 leaves are sewn to the free loops on Rnd 21 along 5 loops. In order to keep the leaves standing up, tack one leaf to the leaf next to it, overlapping them here and there, using a needle and a length of dark green yarn.
Weave in all ends.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Free Crochet Pattern: Jellyfish


From Finding Nemo to SpongeBob, my sons love jellyfish. Here is a pattern for jellyfish that works up in no time at all :)

Materials:
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in pink (or other color of your choice)
- Crochet hook size E/4 - 3.5 mm
- Stuffing
- 6 mm black safety eyes
- Yarn needle
- Small amount of black yarn for mouth

Jellyfish body:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: sc in each sc around (42).
Rnd 9: [sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Rnds 10-13: sc in each sc around (48).
Rnd 14: [5 dc in next sc, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc, skip next 2 sc] repeat around.
Finish off.

Insert eyes between Rnds 8 and 9. Sew mouth on.

Bottom:
Rnd 1: 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull the ring closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: [sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (48).
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tenticles:
ch 20, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 25, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 30, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.
ch 20, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Finish off and sew to bottom.

Sew Rnd 8 of bottom to Rnd 13 of body about 3/4 of the way around, stuff body with polyfil and continue to sew together. Weave in ends.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Free Crochet Pattern: Hot Potato

Here's a quick pattern for a potato to add to your child's play food collection or use it for a game of hot potato!

Materials:
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown or taupe and off-white
- Size E4 crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill
* Optional: bean bag filler or polypellets (to give the potato a little more weight)
- Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
single crochet (sc)
single crochet together/decrease (sc2tog)

The potato is worked in continuous rounds without joining.
With brown or taupe yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnds 7-19: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 20: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 21: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 22: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 23: sc in each sc around (18).
Rnd 24: [sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12). Stuff.
Rnd 25: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Finish off leaving a 6” tail. Weave tail through rem 6 sc and pull up firmly to close hole. Weave in ends.

To make an “eye” on the potato:
Cut a 12” length of off-white yarn
Using a tapestry needle, insert the off-white yarn into the potato, leaving about 4” sticking out of the potato, pick up a stitch on the opposite side of the potato and pull the needle back out near the insertion point. Tie the loose ends into a knot and trim. Repeat in random spots around the potato.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Free Crochet Pattern: Polly Wants a Cracker


The moment I presented the finished pirate set to my sons, they informed me that "Polly needs a cracker." So here it is:

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in off-white
Size E4 crochet hook

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Side 1:
Ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (6).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Sc evenly around. Finish off.
Side 2:
Ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (6).
Rows 2-6: sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn (6).
Sc evenly around. Do NOT finish off. With wrong sides facing, continue to slip stitch Sides 1 and 2 together by [sl st, ch 1, sl st in the same stitch] around.
Finish off and weave in ends.

I also thought the parrot could look more pirate-y so I gave him a bandana and eye patch.

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn in red and black
Size E4 crochet hook

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Eye Patch:
with black yarn
Ch 2.
3 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sew over one of the parrot's eyes. Weave in ends.

Bandana:
With red yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Ch 8 and sl st back down the ch and in the sc you started in. Sc in next 2 sc. Ch 8 and sl st back down the ch and in the sc you started in.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Tie the two chains you just made into a knot. Sew the bandana to the parrot's head. Weave in ends.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Crocheting for Charity: Cat Toys

My sister-in-law volunteers at a local cat shelter. I wanted to get some cat toys for them, but the shelter doesn't allow toys with cat nip. Could you imagine 166 cats going wild on cat nip? Otherwise, I definitely would have bought quite a few of these. They are so cute and look extrememly well made.
So, I decided to make some cat toys using this pattern and this pattern. I just used some yarn I had around the house, some jingle bells for the mouse's tail and some mylar windows from junk mail envelopes to make the sardines crinkly.

The mouse was super easy and worked up quickly. I wanted to make sure that the jingle ball was secured to the tail very well, so instead of following the instructions, I chained 15 stitches, then switched to a tiny hook (1.9 mm) to insert through the loop at the top of the bell, pull the yarn through and slip stitch. I then switched back to the size G hook and slip stitched back up the remaining chains and sewed the tail to the mouse.

The sardines were easy to make too, although there weren't many instructions for the tail. The instructions tell you to make a circle by crocheting in the round and then attach it to the sardine, but the photo didn't look like there was a circle hanging off of the sardine. So I finished off the circle leaving a long tail, folded the circle in half and sewed it along the edge so that I had a semi-circle. I then sewed the round edge of the semi-circle to the last round of the sardine. I hope the kitties like them :)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Shaped Cookies

This adorable little pattern was available in my Etsy shop prior to Valentines Day. Now that Valentines Day has past, I decided to save $.20 and not relist this pattern on Etsy but share it on my blog instead.

These cookies work up quickly. I hope you enjoy them :)

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in beige, pink, white and red
Crochet hook size E
Crochet hook size H
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Double crochet (dc)
Half double crochet (hdc)
Single crochet (sc)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Triple crochet (tc)

Cookie:
Side 1:
With beige yarn and a size H hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off. Decorate Side 1 with frosting using the pattern below.
Side 2:
With beige yarn and a size H hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. With wrong sides facing, Sew Rnd 3 of Side 1 to Rnd 3 of Side 2. Weave in ends.

Icing:
With red, pink or white yarn and a size E hook
Rnd 1: 7 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (7).
Rnd 2: sc/hdc/dc in next sc, 2tc/dc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/2tc in next sc, hdc/2sc in next sc, hdc/dc/tc in next sc, tc/dc/hdc in next sc (21).
Rnd 3: sc in next two stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 14 stitches, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, sl st in last stitch.
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Sew icing to Side 1. Weave in ends.

Free Crochet Pattern: Rocket Ship

I haven't blogged in a long time, but I decided to add a free pattern that has been available in my etsy shop for some time now. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in light grey, white, blue, lime green, black, red and orange
Crochet hook size E/4
Polyester stuffing
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Single crochet together/ decrease (sc2tog)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Rocket ship is worked in the round starting at the bottom and working up to the nose.
With light grey yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30).
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (36).
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (42).
Rnd 8: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around (42).
Rnds 9-13: sc in each sc around (42).
Switch to white yarn
Rnds 14-28: sc in each sc around (42).
Switch to light grey yarn
Rnd 29: [Sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (36).
Rnd 30: sc in each sc around (36).
Rnd 31: [Sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (30).
Rnd 32: sc in each sc around (30).
Rnd 33: [Sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24).
Rnd 34: sc in each sc around (24).
Rnd 35: [Sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18).
Rnd 36: sc in each sc around (18). Stuff rocket with polyfil. From this point on continue to stuff as you go.
Rnd 37: [Sc in next sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12).
Rnd 38: [sc2tog] 6 times (6).
Rnd 39: [sc2tog] 3 times (3).
Finish off leaving an 8" tail. Weave tail through remaining 3 stitches and pull up firmly to close the hole. Weave in ends.

Wings: make 3
Side 1:
With blue yarn
ch 9
Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn (8).
Row 2: sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (7).
Row 3: sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, ch 1, turn (6).
Row 4: sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (5).
Row 5: sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc, ch 1, turn (4).
Row 6: sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn (3).
Row 7: sc2tog, sc in next sc, ch 1, turn (2).
Row 8: sc2tog (1).
Finish off.
Side 2:
With blue yarn follow the pattern above for Side 1 but do not finish off at the end. With wrong sides facing, continue to sl st Side 1 to Side 2 leaving a small opening to lightly stuff the wing with a small amount of stuffing. Continue to sl st together. Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Using the tail you finished with and a yarn needle, sew the flat edge of the wing to the rocket between Rnds 8 and 16. Repeat for the other two wings.

Windows: make 2
With lime green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12).
Finish off leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Using a yarn needle, sew a window to the rocket between Rnds 19 and 23 and lined up with the center wing. Sew the other window to the rocket between Rnds 26-30 and lined up with the first window.

Blasters: make 3
With black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc into a double loop start and pull the loop closed (6).
Rnd 2: [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (9).
Rnd 3: sc in each sc around (9).
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times (12).
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around (12).
Using a yarn needle and a length of red yarn, insert the red yarn into the blaster leaving a 2" tail, secure to Rnd 1 of the blaster and bring red yarn back out the blaster leaving a 2" tail. Repeat with red and orange yarn to give the appearance of flames.
Sew blasters to bottom of the rocket.

** By using this pattern you agree to the following:
This pattern may not be sold in full or in part, and products made using this pattern may not be sold on-line. The completed rocket ship may be sold off-line (i.e., at craft fairs). All reproduction, publication, or distribution of this pattern without permission of the copyright owner is prohibited.