Creating A Simpler Life Blog

COZY CROCHET AFGHAN - FREE Pattern

3/16/2019

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This super simple crochet afghan throw only uses two stitches: chains and single crochet, AND can be completed in under 8 hours!

This crochet afghan is super simple to make and super soft and cozy!
The finished size is 40" x 60"

Supplies Needed:

3 Skeins of Bernat Blanket Yarn in Vintage White
1 Skein of Bernat Blanket Yarn in Purple Plum
1 Skein of Bernat Blanket Yarn in Taupe
9 mm Crochet Hook
Scissors
Yarn Needle

Directions - SEE THE VIDEO BELOW!

Chain 93
Row 1: Single crochet into third chain from hook, chain 1, skip a stitch, and sc in next, chain 1, and reapeat to end of row (a set is one single crochet, and one chain). You will have 45 sets and your last stitch at the end of every row will always be a single crochet.
Row 2: Chain 2 and single crochet into the gap created in the first row (every where you had a single chain created a gap so you will be single crocheting into the gaps). Again, at the end of the row you will have a single crochet.
Rows 3 - 105 - You will repeat the directions for row 2 in the color pattern as described below the video or in any color pattern of your choosing.
Border - Using brown (or color of your choosing) simply repeat the same stitch all the way around the edge but doing two sets (one sc, one ch) in each corner to make the turn.
Finish by weaving all loose strings and snipping.
SEE THE VIDEO BELOW!

Color Pattern used for this afghan (each number refers to the number of rows in that color):

3 vintage white
1 purple plum
2 vintage white
1 taupe
1 vintage white
3 taupe
2 vintage white
3 purple plum
1 vintage white
1 purple plum
2 vintage white
1 taupe
2 vintage white
3 purple plum
2 vintage white
1 taupe
47 vintage white (this is the center - the bottom colors are just the top reversed)
1 taupe
2 vintage white
3 purple plum
2 vintage white
1 taupe
2 vintage white
1 purple plum
1 vintage white
3 purple plum
2 vintage white
3 taupe
1 vintage white
1 taupe
2 vintage white
1 purple plum
3 vintage white

Thanks so much for visiting! Hope you liked this simple pattern :-)
Sincerely,

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CROCHET ADIRONDACK WINTER HAT

1/6/2019

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FREE PATTERN!

This hat is super soft and warm....especially on those cold Adirondack winter days!
Beginner Level Pattern!
Finish in under an hour!
Easily modified for larger or smaller ADULT sizes OR more or less slouch!
Machine wash and dry with a removable pom pom!
VIDEO TUTORIAL & WRITTEN DIRECTIONS!
NOTE: directions for leather tags will be coming soon!

Supplies Needed for hat without Leather Tag (affiliate Links)

Bernat Blanket Yarn in Vintage White (makes 2) https://amzn.to/2VwJABi
9 mm crochet hook https://amzn.to/2SFbgBV
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Genuine Raccoon Fur Pom Pom 5" 2 pcs with snaps https://amzn.to/2Astu2A
Waxed Thread (optional) https://amzn.to/2LQbSlT
Leather Tag/Label (check out our video here)

Stitches Used:

Chain (ch)
Single Crochet (sc)
Single Crochet Back Loop Only (scblo)

Video Tutorial (written directions below):

It is strongly suggested that you watch the full video and/or read the full directions before beginning!
(video for children's size hat below!)
Please reach out if you have any questions. I am here to help! Thank you so much for your support :-)

Directions:

Chain 25 (chain 23 for less slouch, or 27 for more slouch) (leave a 4-5" tail)
Row 1 - Turn work and single crochet 24 across
Row 2 - Turn work, ch 1, scblo 24 (back loops only - see video below)
Rows 3 to 28 - Repeat Row 2 (adjust the number of rows by 2 for larger or smaller adult head size but you must end with an EVEN number of rows).
When you finish your last row, cut a 2 foot long tail and pull it through your last loop to create a knot.

Thread the end of the 2 foot tail onto your yarn needle and holding the two sides together, overhand stitch the two sides together so that you end where your beginning 4-5" tail was.
Tie the two ends together in a knot. DO NOT CUT ANYTHING YET
Once again using the long tail with the yarn needle, you will now cinch the top of the hat closed by using a very long overhand stitch every other row around and pulling it tightly closed. You may still have a small opening in the center when you are done that you can do an "X" stitch across to close. Then pull the both the long and short tail inside the top of the hot and tie into a knot together.

Now you can either use the yarn needle to weave the ends into the inside of the hat and then clip them off, or you can use the long tail to sew on the snap for the pom pom. I use waxed cotton thread to sew the snap on, however the yarn would most likely work too.

Here is how I made the leather label:

Thanks so much for visiting!
Please check us out on our other social media platforms :-)
Sincerely,

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Crochet Plastic Bag Holder - Extra Large Size!

3/12/2018

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This crochet plastic bag dispenser doesn't appear jumbo to start with, but the stitch it is made with will stretch to accommodate hundreds of plastic bags! Well, maybe not hundreds, but definitely tons more than any other plastic bag holder I've ever seen. Look no further for an awesome FREE pattern!

I would consider this pattern to be of medium difficulty due to the fact that you will need to have some basic skills and knowledge to work your way through following the directions for the handle. However, to make it simpler, you could just add the handle completely separately!

Supplies (affiliate links):

Size 4.5 mm crochet hook
Red Heart Super Saver Aren Fleck Yarn
Red Heart in Hunter Green or Marroon (optional)
Yarn Needle
Scunci Hair Band

Written Directions for Main body:
(pictorial directions and video below)

Chain 50
Connect into a loop with a slip stitch
Single crochet 2 and double crochet 49 times around connecting with a slip stitch
Sc 2. DC in front post, dc back post, and repeat all the way around. Slip stitch to connect (view video tutorial below).
Repeat above for 29 more rows (30 total rows) and finish off with slip stitch know.

Finishing the top & Making the Handle:

Switch to alternate color yarn and connect with slip stitch.
Sc 2 and dc in front post, dc in back post. Continue all the way around. Slip stitch to connect.
Sc 1 and sc in each stitch all the way around. Slip stitch to connect.
Chain 35 and connect on the opposite side with a slip stitch (this is the handle).
Sc along the top until you reach the handle on the other side (where you started)
Sc in each chain of the handle (widening the handle width) to the other side.
Single crochet on the top portion that you have not single crocheted into yet (you will have to pull the yarn through the bottom part of the handle to get there or you can knot off and start fresh depending upon how experienced you are).
When you get to the handle again you will sc up the other side (the bottom of every chain) until you reach the other side where you will slip stitch to connect and knot off.

Finishing the Bottom:

Repeat Steps 11 and 12 above for one row.
Chain 1, and holding the hair band, single crochet around it - put hook through hair band, then put the yarn over the hair band and pull through with the hook. This will incorporate the hair band into the row of single crochet. Skip every other stitch all the way around. Then slip stitch to connect and knot off.

Finishing:

Use the yarn needle to weave all loose ends and fill with plastic bags!

Click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Pictorial Directions:

Chain 50

Connect with slip stitch to create a loop.

Chain 2

Triple crochet in each chain around the loop (50 total) and slip stitch to connect.

All the rows that follow (29) will be completed doing a double crochet front post, then a double crochet back post. The dc front and dc back will be repeated all the way around. Please refer to the video link above for a quick tutorial if necessary. NOTE: A front post is shown in the picture.

As rows are completed you will begin to see the ridges that are created.

Complete 30 total rows (one regular dc and 29 post dc's) and slip stitch knot at the end.

Connect the green to the top of the holder with a slip stitch and complete one full row of dc front post, back post. Slip stitch to connect.

Chain 1 and sc in each stitch around. Slip stitch to connect.

Chain 35 and slip stitch to connect on the opposite side (25 stitches away).

Turn your work so that it is facing you and sc along the top of the holder until you reach the handle on the other side (note you are only doing half of the top right now)

Single crochet in each stitch along the entire handle to the other side

Then you will single crochet along the other side of the top until you reach the handle again.

When you reach the handle on the other side, you will now single crochet in each stitch along the handle again, however this time you will work along the bottom of each original chain.

When you get to the other side of the handle connect with a slip stitch and knot off.

Top is done!

Connect with green to the bottom of the holder. Chain 2 and double crochet in the front and back posts (alternating) all the way around. Slip stitch to connect.

Use one hair band....

Chain 1 and begin using the single crochet stitches to incorporate the hair band. Place hook through the band, put yarn over the band, and pull through to complete the single crochet. Skip every other stitch all the way around for a total of 25 stitches.

Slip stitch to connect and knot off to finish.

Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends.

Done!

A similar holder I made with maroon trim. Note, it is not exactly the same as I only did sc trim in maroon - the last row of post stitch at the top and bottom was done in the same color as the rest of the holder.

It will hold a lot of bags!!

Check out all of our other
FREE crochet patterns here!
and
check out our YouTube channel too!
Sincerely,

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"Colored Spots" Crochet Placemat

7/13/2017

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This is a great way to use up those leftover pieces of yarn that aren't big enough to do anything else with!

The beauty of this pattern is that the second row is basically the connecting row. There is no special connecting stitch to be done later on!

I got the idea for this project from Atty's Blog Spot. She does it a little differently and she makes a blanket instead, but there are pictures that can help you get the idea if you are having any trouble. I kind of simplified the basic pattern, but it is generally the same only I make a placemat and add a border. Enjoy!

Supplies Needed:

100% cotton yarn scraps (you could really use any yarn you want but then you would need to buy many colors)
100% cotton yarn background color (approximately two 2.5 oz skeins per placemat)
4.5 mm crochet hook
yarn needle
scissors

Make the Spots:
You need a total of 29 spots for each placemat
Using scrap yarn...

chain 3 and connect to form loop
chain 2 (counts as one), and do 11 double crochets into the center of loop (total 12 dc)
connect to first chain and knot off.

**HINT: I just make 6 of every color this is enough to make 2 placemats with a couple left over.

One spot completed.

Enough spots to make two placemats!

Complete First Spot:
Using your background yarn....

Connect with slip stitch and chain two.
dc into same stitch, then dc two times into next stitch (so two dc's per stitch)
chain one, and do two dc into each of the next two stitches.
repeat the chain one, two dc in each of next two stitches around.
end with a chain and connect to first dc
knot off (see finished picture below)

*NOTE: this is where my pattern differs a little from Atty's.

The second row creates a hexagon shape!

Add Second Spot:
Using background colored yarn...

Connect to a different colored spot with slip stitch and chain two.
dc into same stitch, then dc two times into next stitch (so two dc's per stitch - total of 4 stitches)
Pull the loop so it is a little bigger than usual and remove hook (see picture 1 below)
Insert hook into one of the hexagon corner spaces and pull the loop through
chain 1 and then dc into next stitch on spot
make a bigger loop, remove hook, insert the hook through the next stitch on the hexagon, and pull the loop through
dc into same stitch a second time on spot
make a bigger loop, remove hook, insert hook through next stitch on hexagon, pull loop through, and dc into next stitch on spot
make a bigger loop, remove hook, insert hook through next stitch on hexagon, pull loop through, and dc into the same stitch on spot
make a bigger loop, remove hook, insert hook through the corner space of the hexagon, chain one, and dc into next stitch on the spot.
dc again into same stitch, dc 2x in next stitch, chain one and continue that pattern around to complete the second spots hexagon.

Remove hook from loop.

Insert hook into corner space and pull the loop through. Chain one after pulling loop through. This chain 1 is done in the CORNERS ONLY.

You will continue to remove hook and pull the loop through for three more stitches. After pulling loop through regular stitches simply dc into the correct stitch and continue on for a total of 4 stitches. There are no chains for these stitches.

Only one side of the hexagon is connected.

Add Third Spot:

It will be the same as the second spot, however you will connect two sides of the hexagon
After step 10 for the second spot you will go back and repeat numbers 6 through 11

Two sides of the hexagon were connected. Sometimes you may have to connect 4 sides! Just follow the same technique.

After every three hexagons I weave all ends (double weave) and clip remaining yarn.

Continue to connect more spots..

Add spots keeping like colors far away from each other.

All spots are done! There are 5 rows of spots as follows from top to bottom: 5 spots, 6 spots, 7 spots, then 6 spots, then 5 spots.

Crochet the border. In each space between spots (where there is a triangular space) there are 1 half double, 2 double, then 1 half double. These work to fill that space. Then you just continue with regular sc everywhere else.

Crochet the Border:

Round 1: single crochet in each stitch until you get to the space between each spot. In each space do 1 half double crochet, then 2 double crochet, then 1 half double crochet. Then proceed with regular single crochet until you get to the next space.n Repeat this all the way around adding an extra single crochet at each corner turn.
Round 2: single crochet in each stitch all the way around adding an extra stitch at each corner turn.
Round 3: Double crochet, chain 1, skip 1, then double crochet, chain 1, skip 1 etc. all the way around. At the corners do not skip one so the turn goes smoothly.
Round 4: single crochet all the way around adding an extra stitch at the turns as needed to keep it flat. Knot off and weave all loose ends.

Add the border!

It's beautiful! And it is for me...yes, I have finally made something for myself. Well, it is made with leftover scraps of yarn after all :-) How could I possibly give it away?

Thanks for visiting!
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Sincerely,

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Patriotic Crochet Place Setting

6/20/2017

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Fourth of July is fast approaching so why not celebrate your love for our country by setting your table with this simple crochet patriotic place setting?

This setting was a promise made to my cousin Peggy during last years annual Family Fourth of July Barbecue up at my parents place on Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks. I made a promise I would make her a set, and I kept it! Oh yeah, they were exactly what she wanted and she loved them!

Supplies:
Makes 4 Placemats and 4 Napkin Rings
*Affiliate links

114 oz skein of Loops & Threads 100% acrylic Snuggly Wuggly Big in white
4.5 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
*Patriotic Bandanas

Directions for Placemat:

Chain 55.
Row 1: sc into the second chain from hook and all the way across (54 total).
Row 2: hdc in first chain directly next to hook, skip one, then do one sc and one hdc in next. , skip 1, and sc and hdc in next, etc. Repeat that pattern across ending with one sc in the last stitch at the end of the row.
Rows 3 - 55: chain 1 and turn, hdc into first stitch, skip 1, then sc and hdc in next stitch, skip 1, etc. At the end of the row you will end with one sc. Repeat the pattern for 53 more rows (total of 54 rows of alternating sc, dc).
Row 56: chain 1, turn and sc across. Begin border.

Placemat Border:

With the yarn still attached, sc around the entire placement (so both ends will have 2 rows of sc, sides will have one). Be sure to do three sc in each corner. When you come to your original stitch, connect, and chain 1.
Do the crab stitch, also called a reverse single crochet (see how-to video below), around the entire placemat (one crab per stitch), working to the right.
Finish off and weave all loose ends.

Directions for Napkin Rings (4):

Chain 25.
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook and all the way to end (total 24).
Row 2: Chain 1 and turn, hdc in first stitch, skip 1, sc and hdc in next, skip 1, etc. End with a sc.
Row 3: Chain 1 and turn. Do hdc, skip 1, sc and hdc, skip one and repeat the sc and hdc in every other stitch across. End with a sc in the last stitch.
Row 4: Chain 1 and turn, sc across to end.
Row 5: Chain 1 and do crab stitch across working to the right.
Finish off.
Connect to opposite side and crab stitch across - be sure you are working the same side as the other crab stitch. Finish off and leave a tail.
Thread the tail on the needle and sew the two sides together.
Weave all loose ends.

Check out our other FREE placemat and napkin ring pattern here! See picture below.

Thanks for visiting!
Check out our other FREE crochet patterns available on this site and greats ideas and patterns on our Pinterest page at Crochet Only and Crochet for the Kids and Grandkids.
Sincerely,

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Crochet Elephant Lovey

5/7/2017

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We have previously shared our FREE Elephant Lovey pattern and it has been one of our most pinned pins on Pinterest! We continue to use the same basic pattern but we are sharing it again because we have changed up the blanket a little! T's the same ole' head, ears, and arms, with two new and different blanket options! I don't know which one I love more!

Supplies Needed:

*Qty. 3 - 2.5 oz. skeins of gray Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% cotton 4 ply yarn
*Qty. 1 - 2.5 oz. skeins of black or coral (or any color of choice) Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% cotton 4 ply yarn
Black Yarn, any type (for eyes)
Crochet Hook size 7 (4.5 mm)
Cotton or Poly Stuffing for head, eyes, and arms
Yarn Needle

*Best price I can find for the Sugar'n Cream yarn is $1.99 for a 2.5 oz skein at Michaels Craft Stores. Even better if you print out and use their coupons each week - I print two coupons and bring my husband (They almost always have a 40% or 50% off one regular priced item!).

Picture of our Original elephant Lovey is a link to the FREE pattern!

Make the Head and Nose:
(I strongly suggest reading all the directions first and then watching the video tutorial if this is your first time making a ball shape).
YOU WILL BE MAKING THE NOSE FIRST:

Round 1: Start with a magic circle with 6 single crochets.
Round 2: 2 sc stitches in each stitch around.
Round 3: do 1 sc in each stitch around.
Rounds 4-9: continue 1 sc in each stitch around - you should start to see the nose forming. You can choose to make the nose longer or shorter by adding more or less rows. PLACE MARKER HERE.
Round 10: At this point you will start to make the head. Do one single crochet in the next two stitches, then two single crochets in the third, then one sc in each of the next two, then 2 sc in the next one. Repeat pattern around until you are in line with the marker.
Round 11: 3 sc, then two sc in one, 3 sc, then two sc in one (repeat around to marker).
Rounds 12-16: Basically with each round, you will increase the the number of single crochets in each stitch by one, then do two in one stitch, then repeat the same number of sc again. You can continue the pattern by adding rounds and increasing the sc by one each time until the bottom of the head is the size that you want. By the 16th round you should be doing 8 sc in a row, then 2 sc in one stitch and repeating that pattern all the way around to the marker.
Rounds 17-21: single crochet in each stitch around without increasing.
Round 22 to end: Start decreasing by one for each round as follows: sc 8 stitches, then do a double decrease stitch (see video) and continue around to marker, next round do 7 sc., then a double decrease stitch and continue pattern around to marker. You will then do a round of 6 sc 1 dd, then a round of 5 sc 1 dd, and 4 etc. Before you finish be sure to fill it with stuffing. Lastly, using the yarn needle, thread the yarn around the remaining hole and pull tightly closed. Leave a long tail hanging when you knot off.

Make the Ears:
The ears are worked from the outside of the ear toward the head in sort of a double layer that will be sewn together at the end....look at the picture to get a better idea if you do not understand. If you still need help check out the Elephant Ear Crochet Tutorial Video I made on You Tube. It's not the best but hopefully it will help!

Chain 21 (this was updated on 8/17 from 20 to 21 chains!)
Round 1: sc into 19th stitch and all the way around on both the top and bottom of the chains. Add one extra stitch at each end for a total of 42 single crochets.
Rounds 2-5: sc in each stitch decreasing twice on each side. It doesn't matter where on each side you do the decrease, but it is best if they are separated by a few stitches.
Bend into ear shape and use yarn to sew closed and sew onto head using a yarn needle.

This was my first time making a crochet video so it's not the best but I tried!

Sew on Eyes:

Using black yarn and the yarn needle, double the yarn and embroider eyes on using two stitches each.

Make the Arms (optional):

Round 1: make a magic circle and sc 6 stitches into it.
Round 2: do two single crochets in each stitch around (you could place a marker here if necessary)
Rounds 3 - 10: do one single crochet in each stitch around.
Finish with a slip knot and cut the hanging string so there is approximately 12 inches attached to the arm.
At this point stuff the arm with stuffing.
Make a second arm.
Thread the 12 hanging inches of yarn through the yarn needle and use it to sew each arm onto the head. Check out this video tutorial on how to sew the arms closed and sew them on.

Make the Blanket:
This is a basic granny square blanket. If my directions are confusing, check out this granny square video tutorial.

The final blanket is approximately 18" x 18".

Chain 5 and connect to create a loop.
Row 1: chain 3 and double crochet 2 stitches repeating this 3 more times. Connect into the loop created by the first (original) stitch around.
Row 2: chain 4 and skip the tops of the three dc (double crochet) to dc into the corner space created by the 3 single chain stitches. Double crochet 3 total stitches into that space, chain 1, then double crochet 3 more stitches into the same corner space, chain 1 and dc 3 stitches into the next corner space, chain 3, and dc 3 more times into the same corner. Continue around the same, but on the last corner, do 3 dc, 3 chains, and then only two dc (the original 4 chains will count as the last dc) and then slip stitch to connect to original 4 chains. NOTE: every other row will begin and end this way.
Row 3: chain 3 then dc two more times into space, chain 1, then do 3 dc in the corner, chain 3, then 3 dc into same corner, chain 1, 3 dc in space, chain 1, then 3 dc in corner, chain 3, then 3 more dc in same corner and continue around the same. Chain one after last corner and use a slip stitch to connect to original 3 chains. NOTE: every other row will begin and end this way.
Rows 4 - 12: (change the color any time you choose)continue repeating rows 2 and 3. Remember, all corners get 3 dc, 3 c, and 3 dc. Straight runs only get 1 c in between the 3 dc's. If you are going to switch colors, slip stitch and knot off.

Edge of the Blanket:

For the Gray and Black: Three rows of sc in black, gray, then black.
For the Gray and Coral: One row of sc in gray, then one row of picot stitch around.

Adorable!

Finishing:

Sew head onto the center of the blanket.
Finish by using yarn needle to weave in all loose ends.
Lovey blanket can be washed and dried on delicate cycle!

More FREE Lovey Blanket Patterns!
Click on each picture - they are links to patterns :-)

Little Lamb

"Monster"

Duck

Old Fashioned Bear

Camo Bear

Check out the our other FREE crochet patterns here!

Also check out the many crochet project patterns on our Pinterest Boards Crochet ONLY and Crochet for the Kids!

Thanks for visiting!
Sincerely,

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Alternative Chair Rail - Simple Crochet!

5/1/2017

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Our new chairs were ruining the walls behind them. We have a very small eating area and it was inevitable that the chairs would hit the walls no matter how careful we were. Since it is such a small and awkward area we knew it would take some effort and expense to actually put up nice matching wood chair rails so we needed something else that would work almost as good in the mean time. Hence my crochet chair rail alternative!

It is simply a crochet piece that is sewn directly onto the upper part of the chair back. Of course this won't work for all chairs, there has to be a way to secure it. For my chairs pictured I simply used the same yarn with a needle and sewed them right onto the chair. Super simple and they are working out great! Goal of protecting walls achieved :-)

Supplies:

Any color yarn to match your interior - I used cotton in the color 'Jute'
4.5 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors

Directions:

Chain 26.
Row 1: Single crochet in second chain from hook and all the way across. Total 25 sc.
Row 2: chain 1 and turn. Single crochet 25 across.
Rows 3 - 20: repeat row 2. Finish with slip stitch and knot leaving a long tail.

Finishing:

Insert the end of the long tail into the yarn needle. Wrap the crochet piece around the back of the chair and then sew the two end together using an overhand stitch. Weave loose ends and snip. If done correctly you should not even be able to find where it was sewn together. If you can see it, no worries, just move it to the bottom!

Close up view!

Super simple and serves it's purpose well.
I also really like the way they look!
Please follow us on social media!
Sincerely,

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Crochet Toaster Cover

4/21/2017

6 Comments

I was cleaning the kitchen last Sunday and noticed how yucky the toaster looked on the counter. Of course I immediately decided to put a cover on it, I just didn't know what kind. After some searching Amazon for something that I liked, I decided to just use some of my leftover yarn and make my own. I tried to find a pattern online, but I didn't find anything simple enough and you know that if it's not simple then it's not for me! I know this picture doesn't do the cover justice, but believe me it is a major improvement over simply having a toaster sitting on the counter and it absolutely looks better than the toaster alone collecting dust in the corner.

This pattern depends upon the size of your toaster, but mine is a two slice Oster (see affiliate link at bottom of post). The cover is a little larger than necessary but this is because I plant on getting a bigger toaster with 2 slide wide mouth and longer slots to fit Rye bread some day. Nothing like planning ahead!

Supplies Needed:

3 skeins of Lily Sugar n'Cream 100% cotton yarn (Jute)
4.5 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle

Directions for Center Piece

Chain 24
Row 1: single crochet into second stitch from hook, and 24 more times across. Turn and chain 1.
Rows 2 - 86: repeat row 1.
Row 87: you will complete a sc stitch around the entire outside (see photo). Complete row 87, but in the last (corner) stitch, do 3 chains instead of one and turn. Row 87 actually counts as the first of the four sides. In each corner be sure to do 3 sc. When you get back to the 87th row, make sure there are 3 sc in the corner and slip stitch to connect.
Finish off.

Directions for Sides - Make 2

Chain 34
Row 1: sc in the second stitch from the hook and all the way across. Chain 1 and turn.
Rows 2 - 19: Repeat row 1.
Row 20: Here you will be creating the curved corners. Skip the first stitch, sc 31 (the last stitch is skipped as well). Chain 1 and turn.
Rows 21 - 23: skip the first stitch, sc across and skip the last stitch as well. Repeat the pattern skipping the first and last stitch on each row.
Row 24: skip the first stitch, and continue the single crochet around the corner and down the side (one stitch per each row). Single crochet 3 stitches in the corner, continue around the bottom, sc 3 in corner, and single crochet up the side and around the curve. Just at the top of the curve, connect with slip stitch and knot off.

Joining

Join a side to the center piece using a single crochet stitch. Be sure to keep them matched up the entire time.
Join the second side to the center piece.
Single crochet around the entire bottom to finish it.
Weave all loose ends.

Is it perfect? No...but it's exactly what I wanted :-)
Simple to make and looks much better in person!
I promise :-)
Check out our other FREE crochet patterns!
We also have several boards on our Pinterest page.
Thanks for visiting.
Sincerely,

6 Comments

Crochet Bear Lovey Blanket

4/3/2017

2 Comments

Who doesn't love a lovey blanket? They make great gifts for newborns and are sure to be their absolute favorite!

This little lovey was inspired by my niece who 'was' expecting - and just recently gave birth to - my first great nephew! After making an adorable crochet camo infant bear hat (free pattern here) for her I decided to make a matching bear lovey (I had so much leftover yarn!). And then since I had some different leftover yarn from another project I decided to make one out of that too!

Supplies:

4.5 mm crochet hook
Red Heart Camouflage Yarn
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Thick black yarn for eyes and tie around neck

Make the Head:
(I strongly suggest reading all the directions first and then watching the video tutorial if this is your first time making a ball shape).

Round 1: Start with a magic circle with 6 single crochets.
Round 2: Single crochet two stitches around in each of the 6 original single crochet stitches. (at this point you should basically have a circle). Place a marker at your last stitch.
Round 3: Do one single crochet in the first stitch, then two in the next, then one in the next, and then 2. Complete the pattern around.
Round 4: Do one single crochet in the next two stitches, then two single crochets in the third, then one sc in each of the next two, then 2 sc in the next one. Repeat pattern around until you come to the marker.
Round 5: 3 sc, then two sc in one, 3 sc, then two sc in one (repeat around to marker)
Rounds 6 - 8: Basically with each round, you will increase the the number of single crochets in each stitch by one, then do two in one stitch, then repeat the same number of sc again. You can continue the pattern by adding rounds and increasing the sc by one each time until the bottom of the head is the size that you want. By the 8th round you should be doing 6 sc in a row, then 2 sc in one stitch and repeating that pattern all the way around to the marker.
Rounds 9 - 13: single crochet in each stitch around without increasing.
Round 14 to end: Start decreasing by one for each round as follows: sc 6 stitches, then do a double decrease stitch (see video) and continue around to marker, next round do 5 sc., then a double decrease stitch and continue pattern around to marker. You will then do a round of 4 sc 1 dd, then a round of 3 sc 1 dd, and 2 etc. Before you finish be sure to fill it with stuffing. Lastly, using the yarn needle, thread the yarn around the remaining hole and pull tightly closed. Finish off leaving a long tail.

Make the Nose:

Make a magic circle and sc 6 times into it.
Continuing in the round, do 2 sc in each stitch (12 total).
Continuing in the round again, do 1 sc i the first stitch, then 2 sc in second stitch, continuing all the way around. Finish off leaving a long tail.
Sew onto front of face using the yarn needle and finish by pulling the long tail through to the bottom of the head. Knot it to the head tail that is hanging through.

Make the Ears:

Row 1: Chain 9, and sc into 8th stitch and all the way down to end, continue around the opposite side with 8 more sc, and slip stitch to connect.
Row 2: 1 sc, then do a decrease sc (go into stitch and pull yarn through, then go through next stitch and pull yarn through both loops on hook). Do 2 more times for a total of three. Single crochet around the end, and do three sc decreases on the opposite side. Knot off and leave at least 12 inches of 'tail' when cutting for finishing.
Use the yarn needle and sew the ears onto the head as shown in the picture. When done going all the way around the ear pull the remaining tail through the bottom of the head and knot it with another hanging tail. Do the same for the second ear.

Make the Arms:

Round 1: make a magic circle and sc 6 stitches into it.
Round 2: do two single crochets in each stitch around (you could place a marker here if necessary)
Rounds 3 - 10: do one single crochet in each stitch around.
Finish with a slip knot and cut the hanging string so there is approximately 12 inches attached to the arm.
At this point stuff the arm with stuffing.
Make a second arm.
Then use the yarn needle to sew the arms onto the head, leaving about an inch of space between them. See the picture above. Pull the tails through the hole in the bottom of the head and knot them with other hanging tails.

Sew on Eyes:

Using black yarn and the yarn needle, go through the bottom of the head and 'embroider' the eyes in place. Do not pull too tight, then bring the yarn back down through the bottom of the head and tie the two ends into a knot. Make sure you leave the two tails long enough to use as a tie around the neck at the end.

Make the Blanket:
This is a basic granny square blanket. If my directions are confusing, check out this granny square video tutorial.
The final blanket is approximately 18" x 18".

Chain 5 and connect to create a loop.
Row 1: chain 3 and double crochet 2 stitches repeating this 3 more times. Connect into the loop created by the first (original) stitch around.
Row 2: slip stitch through two stitches and chain 3 in the corner space. Do 2 more dc, chain 3, and 3 dc (all in the corner). Then chain one, and do the same in the other 3 corners.
Row 3: slip stitch through two stitches to get to the corner. Chain 3, 2dc, chain 3, 3dc (all in corner), ch 1, then do 3 dc in middle space, then do the corner as usual and repeat around.
Rows 4 - 12: repeat adding 3 dc in every space around. Remember, all corners get 3 dc, 3 ch, and 3 dc. Straight runs only get 1 ch in between the 3 dc's.
Row 13: chain 1 and do 1 sc in each stitch all the way around. In the corners do three sc stitches. Connect to first stitch and repeat once more around and finish off, or instead of second border row, add the decorative border as shown on the pink variable bear above.
Optional Border: Called the picot stitch. Chain 1, 3 sc, chain 4 and slip stitch through the bottom chain, then do 3 sc, and make another picot. Basically there is a picot every three single crochets around. Here is avideo just note that I do three stitches between instead of two.

Finishing:

Sew head onto the center of the blanket using hanging yarn tails.
Finish by using yarn needle to weave in all loose ends.
Lovey blanket can be washed and dried on delicate cycle.

Thanks for visiting :-)
Check out the our other FREE crochet patterns here!
Also check out the many crochet project patterns on our Pinterest Boards Crochet ONLY and Crochet for the Kids!
Sincerely,

2 Comments

Crochet Camo Infant Bear Hat

3/22/2017

0 Comments

My niece is expecting! I couldn't be happier to become a great aunt! Little Bobby should be arriving this April and everyone in our family is so excited. As with most young mothers to be, my niece is already planning on having his newborn pictures taken by a professional. This is such a special event that it is planned out well in advance. In fact, the photographer has everything except the hat! And that brings us to this extra special FREE crochet pattern.

My niece texted me a picture of what she wanted the other day, asking if I could possibly make one for her. Of course I said yes and after several attempts at crocheting a cute little camo infant hat I finally settled on the pattern you see above (my other attempts are in the photo at the bottom of the page).

I liked this one the most because you can't easily see the crochet rows making it look more like camouflage. This however does make the pattern a little more difficult. You really have to pay attention and count the number of rows as you crochet because going back and figuring out where you are is too difficult. The good news though is that you can finish the whole hat pretty fast! Definitely under an hour and it looks great with or without the ears :-)

I look forward to adding a picture of my new great nephew wearing the hat after he is born!

Supplies:

6.00 mm Hook
Red Heart Camouflage Yarn (affiliate link)
Yarn Needle
Scissors

Directions for Hat:

Row 1: Make a magic circle and do 8 sc. Connect with slip stitch.
Row 2: Do 1 sc and 1 dc in each stitch around for a total of 20 stitches. Connect with slip stitch.
Rows 3 - 4 are in the round: *put a marker in* - and keep count of your rows. With this pattern you WILL NOT be able to go back and count your rows! Chain 1 and sc 1 in stitch immediately next to the chain. Do 1 dc in next stitch, 1 sc in next, and 1 dc in the next. In each of the next two stitches: do 1 sc and 1 dc (so two increases). Then 1 sc, 1dc, 1 sc, 1 dc for then next four stitches. Then repeat the increase with a 1 sc and 1 dc in each of the next two stitches. Repeat this pattern twice around.
Rows 5 - 11: Continue in the round alternating with 1 sc, then 1 dc all the way around. There will not be any more increases. Be sure to end the 11th row with a single crochet and slip stitch to connect and end the row.
Row 12: chain 1 and sc in each stitch all the way around. Slip stitch to connect.
Row 13: chain 3, and dc in the front loop only of each stitch all the way around. Slip stitch to connect.
Finishing: Turn hat inside out and working from the opposite side do a slip stitch all the way around. Be sure to do the slip stitch very loose so that the hat will be able to stretch. If you do it too tight it will not fit on a babies head.

Ears (optional):

Row 1: Chain 9, and sc into 8th stitch and all the way down to end, continue around the opposite side with 8 more sc, and slip stitch to connect.
Row 2: 1 sc, then do a decrease sc (go into stitch and pull yarn through, then go through next stitch and pull yarn through both loops on hook). Do 2 more times for a total of three decreases. Single crochet around the end, and do three sc decreases on the opposite side. Knot off and leave at least 12 inches of 'tail' when cutting for finishing.
Finishing: Turn ear inside out and thread the tail on the yarn needle. Bend the end of the ear toward the other side and sew together up the middle. Then use the remaining tail to sew the ears onto the hat. To position them correctly, lay the hat flat and lay the ears in the right spot. Then use the yarn to anchor them in place until they are sewn on.
Weave and snip all loose ends :-)