Furry Baby Booties Pattern - Now Available!

I am super excited about these new booties!  These are my Furry Baby Booties (I know, the name is kind of funny).

This pattern includes both styles in a single pattern.

There's the full furry boot:

And the half furry boot:

One pattern, twice the fuzzy cuteness!

This pattern is available in any of my shops:

Craftsy

Ravelry

Etsy Shop

***Please remember to leave a comment.  I love hearing from you!***

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please    Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Christmas Baby Santa Booties Pattern - Now Available!

I couldn't resist creating something to celebrate the Christmas spirit.  So here are my new Christmas Baby Santa Booties:

They are easy to make and absolutely adorable when you're finished.  They take about 2-3 hours to make.  So, if you want a cute photo prop for you Christmas pictures or if you just want some festive baby booties, these are for you.  You could also try a variety of colors to create some fun winter baby booties!

This pattern is available in any of my shops:

Craftsy

Ravelry

Etsy Shop

***Please remember to leave a comment.  I love hearing from you!***

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please    Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Crocodile Stitch Help

It was brought to my attention by one of my wonderful pattern testers that there is a little detail in the crocodile stitch that if done incorrectly can ruin the look of the piece.

The crocodile stitch is basically a two row repeating stitch where the 2nd row is worked in front of the 1st row (instead of above).  The 1st row is a simple v-stitch row.  The 2nd row is the "scale" row.  When working the 3rd row (2nd v-stitch row), the v-stitches that land between scales should catch the scale to secure it in place.

Here is my little help photo explaining this part of the stitch:

Hope that helps!

New Pattern - Simply Sweet Car Seat / Stroller Blanket

New pattern released today!

This is the Simply Sweet Car Seat / Stroller Blanket:

No more falling blankets from your car seat or stroller, the straps go right through!

This car seat blanket is simple and cute. It works up easily and includes instructions for 2 optional stripe patterns.  Perfect for a girl or boy. Works with any standard infant car seat and most strollers and toddler car seats.

I came up with this blanket because I have, on more than one occasion, had blankets fall from my stroller as I was walking without noticing it.  When I have noticed it (blocks later), I found it very frustrating and irritating to have to retrace my steps looking for it.  Not to mention when your baby is in the back seat and cries because she/he has kicked off their blanket and can't find it.  

Problems solved!

This pattern is available in any of my shops:

Craftsy

Ravelry

Etsy Shop

***Please remember to leave a comment.  I love hearing from you!***

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Crocodile Stitch Car Seat Canopy Pattern

Finally!  It's here!

Some of you may know that I have been working on some super secret crochet patterns over the last month.  Here is the first one to be released.  (More will come!)

Introducing the Crocodile Stitch Car Seat Canopy!

Don't you just love this stitch?

The crocodile stitch is one of the top trending stitches in crochet.

I'm pretty sure you can tell why.  It's gorgeous and really not that difficult once you figure it out.

This pattern is available in any of my shops:

Craftsy

Ravelry

Etsy Shop

***Please remember to leave a comment.  I love hearing from you!***

You may also like this post:
Crocodile Stitch Help

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Designer Spotlight - Crochet 'N Play Designs

I love seeing what creative designers are coming up with.  Today I'm spotlighting crochet designer Anna of Crochet 'N Play Designs.  Anna has mastered the art of designing great amigurumi works of art.  She is extremely talented.  You can find her work in her Etsy Shop: Crochet 'N Play Designs.

Here are some examples of her work:

Cosmetic Bag

Dr Kit

Green Eggs and Ham

Vegetables

*All photos are copyrighted and used with permission.

Sporty Baby Sandals Pattern

My new pattern is now available:

On Ravelry.com

On Craftsy.com

or in my Etsy Shop

Isn't a fun little sandal?  

I'm just finishing some in other colors and I will put them up as soon as I can.  

Let me know what you think!

On Ravelry.com

On Craftsy.com

or in my Etsy Shop

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Don't forget to leave a comment!  

I love hearing from you!

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Sneak peek! New Baby Sandals

Here's a sneak peek at my latest creation.  I'm hoping to have the pattern available soon.  I have to work out all the sizes and finish testing out the pattern, but here it is:

1st draft

2nd draft

What do you think?

UPDATE: Expected release date is June 8th!
UPDATE (06/08/2012): Pattern is Now Available:

On Ravelry.com

On Craftsy.com

or in my Etsy Shop

Baby Pocket Bib

Here is another addition to my baby series I've been running with.  Can you tell I really love this texture?  Anyway, this bib is made to coordinate with the Diaper Soaker and Baby Sunhat I've previously made.

Introducing the Baby Pocket Bib!

The pocket is designed to mimic the pockets on the Diaper Soaker.

Aren't they cute?

The pattern is available on Ravelry.com 

and my Etsy Shop.

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

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Don't forget to leave a comment!  

I love hearing from you!

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Water Bottle Bag

If you're like me, you often find yourself carrying an armful of stuff.  Without fail, if I'm going to drop something, it will be my water bottle.  So, here's a solution!

I made this water bottle bag based off of a pattern for a gift bag by K&J Dolls.  I made it as part of a birthday gift.  I did make some modifications to fit my needs:

I used a 3.25 mm hook (D) instead of a 3 mm as the pattern suggests.  There was no real reason to it except that I knew where my 3.25mm hook was and didn't want to look for my 3mm hook.

I only increased out to 60 sts rather than to the full 84 sts because that's all it took to make the size I was looking for.

With the decorative stitching, I only did 15 rounds instead of the 23 in the pattern because that's all I needed to get the height I wanted.

I also didn't do the little ball ties as in the pattern.  Instead, I used a double strand of yarn and a 6mm (J) hook to chain 200 so the drawstring can be used as a shoulder strap.

My bag ended up being 3 1/2" in diameter and 8 3/4" tall.  (Pattern makes 4" diameter & 10" tall)

Because this bag uses a small crochet hook, it actually took HOURS to complete (small stitches and inevitable snagging!).  In the end, it turned out really well.  It's durable.  The bottom is made of very dense single crochet stitching, so it can easily support the weight of a bottle.

Would I make this bag again?  I'm not sure, it was very time consuming for what I made.  That being said, it made a very good bag.  This particular bag was made as a gift, however, so I may have to make one more!

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Baby Barefoot Sandals

I've noticed an obvious trend for barefoot sandals.  If you haven't seen these, they are basically a decoration for your feet when you want to be barefoot but still cute.  Most fit around the 2nd toe (next to the big one) with a loop and tie around the ankle.  The styles are numerous and they're actually really cute.

Of course, being a mom, I never think to make things for myself because, let's face it, baby feet are cuter than mine!  So I made some Baby Barefoot Sandals.  These particular ones are very easy to make (minus the flower which is a little more tricky & time consuming).

As much as I would love to claim this pattern as my own design, it is not.  I found a free pattern on Living the Craft Life if you would like to try making them yourself.  The flower I used was also a free pattern from Crochet and Other Stuff.  I decided to make the flower removable and had made these flowers months ago and have been trying to find something to add them to.  Here's the end result:

And, like I said, everything is cuter on baby feet:

Don't forget to leave some love...  

I love comments!

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Baby Sun Hat Pattern

Pattern is NOW AVAILABLE!

Baby Sun Hat

(can be made for girls or boys)

This cute hat can be made for girls or boys (just leave off ribbon for boys & use boy colors).  It has a neat textured stitch that starts at the crown.  I had fun creating it and I hope you enjoy making it too!

Available on Ravelry.com

Or in my Etsy Shop!

Diaper Soaker / Diaper Cover with Pockets

Aren't these diaper covers adorable?  The pattern I used is actually intended for a boy diaper soaker, but I have girls.  More importantly, my baby is a girl.  So, I made these in pink and purple.  They are incredibly soft and make her baby bum look so cute!

The texture of this crocheted fabric is what initially caught my eye.  I love it.  So much that I have started creating matching items to go with it.  (See the hat below)

Don't you just love the pockets on the back?  I LOVE THEM!  They look so adorable on.

Here they are in pink.  I created a hat using this texture to match these diaper covers.  I'm currently working on a bib and will be making a burp cloth as well.

Isn't it cute?  I'm a little proud of it.  This hat pattern will be available in my Etsy Shop soon, hopefully followed by the bib and burp cloth pattern.  I'm also thinking about a little tank or halter to go with it for the little ladies. ***UPDATE: Hat pattern is now available!***

Leave some love!  I'd love to hear your comments!

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.
Credits:
Baby soaker was made using "Baby Boy Soaker" pattern by Sharon Mann.  Available at www.coatsandclark.com

Fun Purse for Kids or You!

I just finished making a play purse for my daughter.  It actually turned out cute enough that I was tempted to add a lining and a zipper and keep it for myself!  But, I didn't.

I'm feeling generous today, so I decided I'd make this available to all of you for FREE!!!  

(Crazy cheering in the background)

Ok, calm down.

If you'd like to show your thanks, please support my site by sending a donation via the Donation button.

If you'd like to see some of my other patterns, they are available on Etsy and Ravelry.

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Severe comment drought!

Please remember to leave a comment,

I'd love to hear from you.

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Here is the purse pattern:

I used an H/5mm hook and Red Heart Super Saver yarn (Warm Brown & Coffee)

Purse Panel (Make 2)

Ch 32.
Row 1: Starting 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (31 sts)
Ch 1. Turn.
Row 2: (Sc in next. Dc in next.) 15 times. Sc in last st. (31 sts)
Ch 1. Turn.
Row 3: Sc across. (31 sts)
Ch 1. Turn
Rows 4-15: Repeat rows 2 & 3.
Row 16: Ch 4. (Counts as dc & ch1) (Skip next st. Dc in next. Ch 1.)  across. (31 sts)
Row 17: Repeat row 3.
Row 18: Repeat row 2.
Row 19: Repeat row 3.
Row 20: Sl stitch across.
Fasten off.

Sl st panels together with right sides facing (bumpy sides together).

Draw String

Take 3 strands of contrasting color that are 7-8 times as long as the width of the purse.
Tie a knot at one end.  Weave through the double chains of row 16.  Tie a bow and trim ends as desired (cut knot off or knot other end as well).  Secure bow knot with thread & needle. (It only needs a stitch or two, just so it won't come undone)
*I tightened the draw string to narrow the opening a little bit to help keep things inside.

Strap

Sl st in 3rd stitch from side seam of purse into sl sts on the back of the panel. 4 sc in next 4 sts (will go over the seam). Sl st in next.
Ch 1. Turn.
Work 2 sc together over sl st & 1st sc of previous row. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Work 2 sc together in next sc & sl st of previous row.
Ch 1. Turn.
Sc across. (4 sts)
Ch 1. Turn.
Repeat (4 sc. Ch 1. Turn.) Until strap is desired length. (4 sts ea row)
Work 2 sc into first sc of previous row. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Work 2 sc into next st. (6 sts)
Sl st across to join purse & strap (through previous row's sts & sl sts on back of purse panel) (6 sts)

Fasten off & weave in ends.

If you want to use this for yourself, you can sew a lining and even add a zipper!  :)

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Crochet Technique - Weaving in Ends

As I have previously said, I want this blog to help with even the most basic steps in crafting.  In crochet, one of these basic steps is weaving in ends of your work.  No one ever explains this.  I have done my best to figure it out on my own, but here is a link to a tutorial that I found very helpful:

Aesthetic Nest

Hopefully you find this as helpful as I did!

Pattern Sneak Peek!

Here is a sneak peek of the Baby Sun Hat Pattern that I just finished:

It will be available soon!  Keep watching!

UPDATE: Pattern is now available at the following sites:
Craftsy
Ravelry
My Etsy Shop

Beard Beanie II

Another beard beanie!!!  What could be better?

This is my husband:

Yea, I know, but I love him anyway.  My husband's head is, how can I put this...larger-than-average.  Because of this, I had to make him a custom fit beanie & beard.  I think it turned out ok!

The beanie is a simple double crochet beanie.  I started with a magic adjustable ring with 12 dc into it.  Increase each round by 12 dc until you get to the desired size.  Usually I see this at 60 dc.  I find this a little snug, but maybe my gauge is tighter than average. (This particular beanie is 84 dc in the largest round)

For the ribbing around the base of the beanie, I did front-post double crochet stitches.  3-5 rounds will probably get the look you want.  The cool thing about ending the beanie this way is you have vertical ribbing on the front and horizontal ribbing on the back.  The horizontal ribbing on the inside of the beanie will actually help keep the beanie in place.

For striping, I just winged it.  There are two thin stripes, one medium, and then the larger band at the bottom (the front-post dc).

See?  He really is cute.  :)

The beard is a modified version of Jen Spears' that I have previously linked reference to.  I had to change it a bit, but it's the same concept.

To attach the beard, I just sewed the beard to the first row of ribbing on the inside of the beanie.  It ends with a clean finish and the seam is hidden by the edge of the beanie.

Crochet Hook Used:

     Size G (4.25mm)

Yarn Used:

     Red Heart Super Saver - Medium Thyme

     Red Heart Super Saver - Cafe Latte

     Red Heart Super Saver - Black

**If you would like me to make any of my projects for you, please   Or you can contact me through my Etsy Shop.

Spring Flapper Hat w/ Carnation Flower

New Crochet Pattern NOW AVAILABLE!

Spring Flapper Hat with Carnation Flower

Available on Ravelry.com

Also Available in my Etsy Shop!

New Hat Pattern - Coming soon!

My Latest Pattern

*sneak peek*

Pattern for Hat and Flower.

Available soon!

UPDATE: Pattern is now available at the following sites:
Craftsy
Ravelry
My Etsy Shop

My First Crochet Pattern For Sale!

Baby Criss-Cross Strap Sandals

I have finally finished my first crochet pattern!  Hooray!  

This pattern includes instructions for 4 sizes as well as for the flower applique.

UPDATE: Pattern is now available at the following sites:
Craftsy
Ravelry
My Etsy Shop