smooth hooking

[source]

I can't remember exactly how or where I came across this tip...  But if you find your steel/aluminum crochet hooks starting to stick/squeak against your yarn, lube them up!  Squirt some unscented hand lotion into your palm, then dip and twist the tip of your hook until it's thoroughly coated.  Wipe hook clean with a paper towel.  The residue from the lotion leaves your hook smooth and makes crocheting a breeze!  *B

birthday girl

Made this sweet little hat from this pattern.  It was turning out smaller than I had hoped, so I modified it a bit at the end...  And then I followed the directions from this tutorial on the cardstock insert (except I used a 12x12 sheet).  This was my first Amigurumi project, and I think it turned out absolutely adorable!  So very happy with it :)  The plan is to make one for each kid to wear every year as they celebrate their birthday.  One (girly) hat down, two more (boyish) hats to go!  *B

basic chunky beanie pattern

Most of my baby hats in the shop are based off of this pattern.  Again, this might not make much sense as I'm no pro pattern writer (gauge? what gauge?), but I'll share it anyway.  A simple pattern that works up fast and makes for a great starting point for all your headpiece needs ;)

With N/10 hook - chunky yarn OR double strand

NEWBORN SIZE

• R1: Ch4 to form ring; Ch1, 9 hdc and join to first hdc. 
• R2: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into each previous hdc, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R3: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into stitches at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 points. Hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first hdc. 
• R4-R9: Ch1 and hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join to Ch1. 
• R10: Ch1 and sc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first sc and fasten off.

0-3 MONTH SIZE

• R1: Ch4 to form ring; Ch1, 9 hdc and join to first hdc. 
• R2: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into each previous hdc, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R3: Ch1 and hdc in same space; 2hdc into stitches at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 points. Hdc into each hdc from previous round. 2hdc into base of Ch1; join to first hdc. 
• R4: Ch1 and hdc into next hdc and each hdc from previous round, including base of Ch1. Join to first hdc. 
• R5-R9: Ch1 and hdc into each hdc from previous round. Join at Ch1. 
• R10: Ch1 and sc into each hdc from previous round. Join to first sc and fasten off.

For larger sizes, work as many increase rounds as necessary.  Add a flower or two (or three), a pom-pom (or two), a brim or even earflaps.

Happy stitching!  *B

Leaf & Petal Motif (scarf)

[work in progress]

I don’t know if this will make sense to anyone else but me, but here’s the pattern for the “Leaf & Petal” motif. I was inspired by several motifs out there, but the pattern is of my own making. I haven’t seen another pattern exactly like this out there, so if I have unwittingly copied someone then please know it was by mere coincidence and that we share great taste ;)

With G/6 - 4.25MM hook

• R1: Ch4, join to form circle. Ch2 (counts as dc) and 11 dc into center. Join with sl st to top of ch2 (12 dc).
• R2: Ch4 (counts as dc + ch2); dc + ch2 in each dc around. Join at ch2 of beginning ch4 (12 dc and 12 ch2 spaces).
• R3: Ch2 (counts as dc) and 2 dc + ch1 in same space. 3 dc + ch1 in each ch2 space of previous round; join with sl st to top of ch2 (36 dc and 12 ch1 spaces).
• R4: Ch4 and sl st in next ch1 space of previous round. Continue to ch4 and sl st in each ch1 space; join with sl st to ch1 of first ch4.
• R5: Sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc in ch4 space of previous round. Sl st into next ch4 space and 4 dc. Ch3 and sl st into top of dc (picot made). 3 dc, sl st in same ch4 space. Continue around, alternating petals and leaves. Join with sl st to first sc (6 petals + 6 leaves made).

Motifs joined at picots on last round. Join picot by ch1, sl st into other motif’s picot, ch1 and sl st into top of dc. Hiding yarn + joining as you go = minimum time/yarn waste!

Happy stitching!  *B

love has no bounds

Loved how these turned out!  I used this printable, and instead of using ribbon I used some cotton yarn I had lying around.  Heaven knows I have enough to spare; I'm always looking for ways to use it up!  Honestly, I should show you my stash sometime...

Happy Valentine's Day!  *B

tangled

 

And that's what happens when you play with mommy's yarn.  *B