Itty Bitty Crochet Kitty

One of the first things we did when I retired in July of 2021 was drive to Boulder, Colorado. We had not been to visit our grandchildren in almost two years due to COVID travel restrictions and ongoing border closures. 

In July of 2021 the Canada/US border was still closed to non-essential travel. We hoped to get through because we were visiting our daughter who was pregnant with her fourth and in need of help with the other three while her husband was working. Luckily our reason for travel worked with sympathetic US border guards. I remember it was such a huge relief that I cried tears of joy when they let us go.

Our drive to Boulder was uneventful, but our reunion with our grandchildren was awesome. We are always happy to see them and they us. This visit was different though. After more than a year of COVID restrictions including on-line schooling, limited activities and very little socializing, they were super excited to spend time with us. Our week together flew by and we enjoyed every minute of it. 

Our granddaughter was sad to see us leave this time. She gave me a note the night before we left with a picture of a kitten she had drawn. She wanted me to crochet a kitten and she wanted it to be little like her drawing. 

I didn't follow a pattern for this one ... just crocheted parts to match the drawing and sewed them together to make an Itty Bitty Crochet Kitty. Check out the photos below. Although it's a little bigger than her drawing, I think I nailed it!

 

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Crochet Baby Elephant and Blanket

When I heard our niece was expecting a baby in April of 2021, I was excited. Baby gifts are my absolute favourite things to crochet. As soon as I finished the sweater for our daughter, I started on a baby blanket and elephant ... such fun.

I was happy to finish this elephant on the very day our niece's son was born - April 23, 2021.

I took a few photos to show you this Crochet Baby Elephant and Blanket. I especially love the last photo showing our niece's baby posed with his gift. This photo was a perfect birthday gift for me!

I picked a new-to-me pattern called "Crochet Modern Moss Stitch Blanket" by Daisy Farm Crafts. I used worsted weight 100% acrylic yarn in white and arctic (blue) Craft Smart Value yarn to make this blanket. With a 6 mm hook plus a starting chain of 150 and a two row border, the baby blanket measured 40"x53".

I made the baby elephant in arctic (blue) to match the blanket with a bit of contrasting red on its frilly white bonnet. If you'd like to make one too, you can find the free pattern here.

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Crocheting Sweaters

My next crochet challenge back in March of 2021 involved making a sweater for my daughter. I searched online for an easy and free crochet sweater pattern that looked comfy and wearable. I think I found the perfect one. It's called Bead Stitch Pullover by blogger Wan at KNITCROADDICT.

I love my first "practice" sweater made using yarn from my stash. I actually made a mistake working the bead stitch, but loved how it looked so carried on to produce a fun colourful version of the bead stitch pullover that suits my style perfectly.

Once I finished my colourful sweater, I made a trip to Michaels Craft Store to buy enough yarn to make a sweater for our daughter. I bought five balls of Lion Brand Heartland Yarn in a colour called "Carlsbad Caverns". This time I worked the bead stitch pattern properly making the sweater with one extra pattern repeat on the sleeves. Overall, I like how it turned out. 

I really love the colour and softness of this crochet sweater. The sleeves are perhaps a little long. I'm not really sure how it fits though because our daughter announced she was pregnant with baby #4 soon after I finished. Oh well, no worries she may wear it eventually. And if not, at least I enjoyed doing something productive to take my mind off COVID.

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Crochet Granny Sweater

In March of 2021 a year into COVID with ongoing travel restrictions and gym closures, I was looking for a new crochet challenge. I love crochet toys, blankets, mandalas and such but had never considered crocheting sweaters. 

I had a box of granny squares sitting in my craft closet from an unfinished afghan. It was a kit I bought way back in 2012. I remember crocheting all those colourful squares. It was fun. I loved crocheting granny squares. I even loved laying out those squares on our dining room table arranging and rearranging until I was happy with the overall look. I was excited to be nearing the end of my afghan journey. All was going well until I left it out overnight and our cat puked all over those lovely squares. Ugh!!

I had to wash a bunch of those squares then pack up the rest to host a family dinner. It wasn't the worst but for some reason, even years later I still didn't feel the urge to make that afghan. 

I looked at that box of crochet squares and decided to challenge myself to make a Crochet Granny Sweater. Challenge accepted!!

Without a pattern, I joined the squares approximating the shape of a sweater. At first it was too wide so I removed an extra row of squares down both sides. To make it fit I added a few rows of double crochet down the sides and under the arms. Amazingly it worked out well enough to wear in public. 

I wore it to work. I love that my boss bought me a matching cupcake to applaud my efforts. He was so generous and fun.

Of course I also made a matching sweater for our sweet Sadie.

For the crocheters out there, the pattern for the squares is from Crochet Bumble Berry Pie Afghan by Michael Sellick from The Crochet Crowd. For the record, I selected a different colourway called Calypso but the yarn has since been discontinued.

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When Mary Met Elfin

When Mary Met Elfin, I took some photos. 

Mary and Elfin demonstrate how the same pattern worked with different weight yarns ends up making two totally unique dolls.

For the crocheters out there who might like to make similar looking dolls, check out Mary's Introduction here and Elfin's here.

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Introducing Elfin

I made yet another doll. This time using chunky yarn from my stash. Chunky yarn makes for a bigger, sturdier doll. Our granddaughter took one look and immediately named her Elfin. 

I wondered if Elfin really suited this doll. Just to be sure, I looked it up. "Meaning of Elfin: Name Elfin in the Anglo Saxon origin, means One who is the ruler of the Elves. Name Elfin is of Anglo Saxon origin and is a Girl name." 

"Elfin" it is then and perfectly suitable too.

Introducing Elfin with the pretty purple hair modeling her yellow sundress with silver grey detailing and matching pantaloons. 

For the crocheters out there who might like to make a similar looking doll, Elfin was made following a Simply Amis crochet doll pattern designed by blogger Beth at By Hook, By Hand. 

I followed the pattern for Ami Mignonette using chunky beige yarn from my stash instead of worsted weight as suggested.

I followed patterns for dresses and pantaloons at By Hook, By Hand to make Elfin's dress and pantaloons.

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Introducing Mary

Introducing Mary another crocheted doll made by me and named by our granddaughter. I think 'Mary' suits her perfectly.

Mary posed for photos modeling her blue romper dress and pretty nightie. Notice the special button detail on the back of each outfit.

Sending smiles today with photos of Mary by meo my crochet. 

For the crocheters out there who might like to make a similar looking doll, Mary was made following a Simply Amis crochet doll pattern designed by blogger Beth at By Hook, By Hand. 

I followed the pattern for Ami Violette which is a little taller and a little slimmer than the Ami Mignonette pattern I used to make PP. If you missed it, you can read more about PP here.

I loosely followed patterns for dresses and pantaloons at By Hook, By Hand to make Mary's romper dress and nightie.

Crochet dolls are fun to make. Watch for more coming soon.

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