A Collection of Crochet Flowers Tutorial

I decided that I needed some flowers in my world.  Spring is approaching, but it's just not soon enough for me!  I Made these last week and wrote down a pattern of sorts for all three flower variations.  I used cotton, but I have also used many other types of yarn!  There are instructions in the patterns to change color if you wish, they look great all pretty and colorful too!  I do have to apologize for the photos ..... it's too early and the light just isn't right . I'll try to get some better photos soon!

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Violet's Flower

rnd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring
rnd 2: ch 1, 9 sc in ring, slst to first sc (9sc)

change color here if desired

rnd 3: 1 sc in same stich you slst in.* ch 8, slst in same st you did the sc in, 1 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, repeat from * until you come to the beginning of your rnd.  slst to first st from rnd.
rnd 4: *6 hdc, 1 dc, 6 hdc in 8 ch spacing, 1 slst in next 2 sts, repeat from * until you reach the end of your round.

change color here if desired

rnd 5: *1 sc in each of the first 6 hdc from previous rnd, picot in the dc from previous rnd. (slst, ch3, slst), 1 sc in next 6 hdc, 1 slst in next 2 sts (slst from your previous rnd).  Repeat from * until you reach the end of your rnd, slst to first st and tie off.  Weave in ends and pinch up the base between each petal and form the ends of the flower up so it's like a little dish!

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Isabelle's Flower

rnd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring

rnd 2: ch 1, 9 sc in ring, slst to FRONT LOOP ONLY of first sc (9sc)

change color here if desired

rnd 3: *ch 8, slst into same st, in the FRONT LOOP ONLY, slst into the FRONT LOOP ONLY of the next st, repeat from * 8 more times, until you reach the beginning of your rnd.

change color here if desired

rnd 4: *slst into the BACK LOOP ONLY of the next st, ch 8, slst into the 3rd ch from your hook (picot formed) ch 5, slst into the same BACK LOOP ONLY of the st. Repeat from * 8 more times, tie off and weave in ends.

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Abigail's Flower

nd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring

rnd 2: ch 1, 10 sc in ring, slst to of first sc (10sc)

rnd 3: *ch 11, slst into first ch from hook, and each remaining ch (11 slst) slst into original st and the  2 sts. repeat from * 4 more times.

change colors here if desired

rnd 4: *slst in each of the sts up to the top of your petal, ch 4, slst to last slst made.  2 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 hdc in the 3 next sts,  3 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in the last 2 sts, sk 1 slst, and slst into the next slst from previous rnd,  repeat from * four more times

Guest Post

Oh~ I totally forgot!  I just wanted to let everyone know that I have done a guest post on a fantastic blog, one of my favorites, Pamplemousse!

This is the link for my Lino Tutorial!  Jack helped with the photos!  Stop by and leave a comment!

New Mason Jar Cozies

I did a little crochet work this week.  I've been doing a lot of work for my etsy shop(though haven't listed a thing yet!) and wanted to take a break.  During the day these pretty, simple cozies pretty up a plain jar to be filled with random things laying around the house.

At night they can be transformed into lovely tealight holders.  they glow nicely and make a pretty pattern on the wall!  I just love these new additions to out little home!  A cozy treat for a cold, winter's night!

I used three different stitches, one for each jar.  Here are the tutorials for them all:

Spider Stitch:

ch 29, attach last ch to first one without twisting.
Rnd 1: ch 1 skip first ch, *(1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) in next st, sk i ch* Repeat to end of rnd, slst to beginning of rnd, ch1 and turn
Rnd 2:skip first sc,  *(1sc, 1ch, 1sc) in first ch spacing from previous rnd, skip to next ch spacing and continue around from * slst to beginning of rnd, ch 1, turn work.
Repeat until it's tall enough for your jar!

Woven Stitch:

ch 30, attach last ch to first ch without twisting.
Rnd 1: ch 1, *sc in the first st, ch 1, sk 1 ch. Repeat from * to end of rnd, slst to beginning of rnd. ch1, turn.
Rnd 2: 1sc in first ch spacing from previous rnd, ch 1, sk sc from previous rnd, *1 sc in next ch spacing, ch 1, sk next sc.  Repeat from * to end of rnd.  slst to beginning of rnd. ch1 and turn work.
Repeat rnd 2 until piece is as tall as your jar!

Twists DC Stitch:

ch 30, attach last ch to first without twisting.
Rnd 1: ch 1, 1 sc in each st around.  stsl to first st in rnd.  ch 3, turn work.
Rnd 2: sk first st, 1 dc in next st.  Go back to the st you skipped and do 1 dc in that st. *sk 1 st, 1 dc in next st, go back to skipped st and 1 dc in it.  Repeat from * to end of rnd.  You may have just 1 un crossed dc at the end ... i can't remember! slst to first st n rnd. ch 1 and turn work.
Rnd 3: 1 sc in each st from previous rnd. ch 3, turn work.
Repeat rnds 2 and 3 until your piece is as tall as your jar!

Valentine's Hat with Smocking

I decided to try crochet smocking.  I didn't think to google it first, so not sure if i got it right.  I do, however, love the way this hat turned out!  I'm going to share the pattern with you today!  A little Valentine's gift for you!

close up of smocking

Valentine's Hat with Smocking

ch 15

row 1: 1 dc in fourth ch from hook.  dc in each ch.   Turn work.  First three ch's count as a stitch. (13 dc)

row 2: ch 3, front raised double (FRDC) in each of the previous sts. Turn work

Continue repeating row 2 until you get to 60 rows.  

Slip stitch the ends of the band together.  Where your hook ends is where you will continue the hat up.

Row 1:  ch 2, work 63 hdc evenly around top of band.  sl st to beginning ch. (ch2 at beginning counts as 1 hdc) (64 hdc) turn work.

Row 2 -6: Work evenly, turning after each row.

Row 7: ch 2, hdc 5 times then dec over the next two sts. *hdc 6 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (56 hdc) turn work.

Row 8: ch 2, hdc 4 times then dec over the next two sts. *hdc 5 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (48 hdc) turn work.

Row 9: ch 2, hdc 3 times then dec over the next two sts. *hdc 4 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (48 hdc) turn work.

Row 10: ch 2, hdc 2 times then dec over the next two sts. *hdc 3 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (40 hdc) turn work.

Row 11: ch 2, hdc 1 times then dec over the next two sts. *hdc 2 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (32 hdc) turn work.

Row 12: ch 2,  dec over the next two sts. *hdc 1 times, then dec over the next 2 sts* repeat from * until you reach the end of row, sl st to beginning ch. (24 hdc) turn work. tie off leaving a long tail

Weave around each stitch from previous row and pull tight, then tie off and weave in ends.

before tying top and before smocking so you can clearly see the ridges.

To make smocking:

With a tapestry needle and a long piece of yarn, whip stitch around two ridges that are side by side. Continue tying ridges together by twos around the brim of hat.  For this first row or gathers i sewed three DC up from the bottom of brim.

Now just below the middle of the ridges whip stitch the opposite ridges together, so it pulls then apart from the previous row.

For the last row group the same ridges together as you did in the first row.  I placed this row two DC before the end of the brim.

Happy crochetting!!  It's not really a pattern but a tutorial.  I am sure there are mistakes as I'm doing this while my kids are in the bath!  Please let me know if you find any mistakes and I'll correct asap!  

Thanks!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Dino Play Mat Tutorial

Here is the tutorial for the dinosaur play mat that I've made for DD's xmas gift!  I had made  one previously for our trip to Scotland, but it was sadly lost :(

Here we go!!

MATERIALS:

two sheets of green felt(for the base)
one sheet of tan or brown felt(for the cave and rocks)
one sheet of blue felt(for the river)
scraps of dark brown felt(for the tree trunks)
scraps of dark green felt(for the leaves)
scraps of bright coloured felt(for the fish)
bias tape or ribbon (for securing your rolled mat)
a straw or pencil
sewing machine
thread

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1:  Cut out a large circle (doesn't have to be perfect!) from your tan felt.  Cut a small "U" shape for the entrance of the cave.  Cut a few small circles for rocks.

 Step 2:  Pin the larger circle (cave) onto your base.  Just use one sheet of green for the base.  The other one will be used near the end!  As you are pinning, pinch the circle so that it stands up to form a cave, see photo below.  Do the same with the rock circles.

Step 3: Using tan thread, sew around the edge of your cave.  Start and one side of the entrance, and end at the other!   For the rocks, sew most of the way around, then stuff with a tiny piece of scrap felt so they keep their shape, then sew the rest of the way around the rock.

Step 4: Cut out your river so that it bends here and there.  Make sure it reaches from one end of your base to the other (see second photo below for placement).  next cut your pond out in any shape you desire!  Also cut out a few small fish to be added to your river and pond.

Step 5: Sew on your river using white or blue thread.  Start by sewing down one side, then turn and make rows until you come the the other side.  Hold the fish in place as your machine can push and bunch them as they are tiny!  As long as there is one good row of stitches over a fish, it will stay put.

Next sew the pond.  You can start at the outer edge and turn your work in a circle to form a pattern.   End in the centre.

Step 6: Cut out three rectangles approx. 2" wide and 4" tall of the dark brown felt for your tree trunks.  Then using your dark green cut out different leaf shapes .... you can get creative here!  Place the leaves at the top of the tree trunks and sew along top with a dark thread to secure leaves in place.

Step 7: Fold tree trunks, with attached leaves, in half and sew from top to bottom, leaving a 1/2" un-sewn bit at the end.  On the opposite side of the seam, clip 1/2"  up to match un-sewn part of seam.  At this point you can turn your trees so the seam is on the inside, or just leave it as is.

Step 8: Pull the two tabs that you have created at the bottom of the tree to form a base.  Pin in place.  using a straw or pencil poke down the tree trunk so that it's smooth and rounded.  When you pin make sure to pull the tabs forming the base as far apart as possible so that the tree stands freely.  You may need to re pin after sticking your straw or pencil in the trunk.  Sew around the base of each tree using a dark thread.

If your trees still don't stand cut a straw to the hieght of your tree and place in in the trunk.  You may want to hand sew the top shut so the straw does not get pulled out fall out!

Step 9: Using your second sheet of green sew on a length of bias tape or ribbon right in the centre of the sheet of felt.  Sew another piece of ribbon or bias tape onto one end (the narrower end), centring it.  Now  pin your cave/river/ tree piece to your ribbon/bias tap piece.  Make sure the ribbon in the centre is facing out and that all your cave/trees/river are also facing out as you won't be turning your work.  Sew a topstitch seam all around the perimeter.  Your done!

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Well you're done the work part of this project, now comes the playing part!!  I picked up some mini dinosaur figures at a local toy shop (the inspiration for this project)  and added them in!  Once you are finished playing, simply place all your dino's in the cave, roll up the mat, tie and stick in your purse!

This is a GREAT travel companion as it's so small and light weight!  We lost a number of dino's along the way, so I always had a few extras stashed in my pocket!

 I think I finished the whole thing in and hour!

jack and a friend playing while DD naps ..... shhhhh!

rwarrrrr!!!  fish!

all rolled up!

Yoda Love

This is what I've been working on for the past two days. Jackson decided to be Yoda for Halloween! So I've completed part of it! Weird or cool? I can't decide!

I just wanted to let you know that I posted a FREE tutorial/pattern for this hat!  It's here on Craftster! Enjoy!  If you do make one, please share it either with me or on the craftster thread!

Hand Dyed Paper

Each week we host a small children's art club. This week our project turned out so well, I just had to share it with you! We made hand dyed paper. I had hoped to find nice big sheets of rice paper, but didn't have a chance to run out to Chinatown. We decided to use paper towel, recycled Seventh Generation Paper towel at least! I'm not sure what we will use the paper for, but it certainly looks pretty. The kids had so much fun folding and dipping. If we'd had rice paper we could have used the paper for wrapping paper. Below are the instructions:

In small bowls combine a few drops of food coloring with water. Do not dilute coloring too much. Maybe a few tbsp of water to two drops of food coloring.

Next, fold some paper or paper towel (coffee filters work well too)

Above is a couple of ways to fold. You can experiment with different foldings. I folded the triangular one more more time, see photo below.

The paper all folded and ready to dip!

Next dip the corners, or sides of the folded towel into the food coloring mix. You don't need to hold the paper in for too long, it will spread up the towel quickly. After dipping, squeeze out the excess into the bowl (i just press is against the side of the bowl). You don't have to squeeze, it'll just take longer to dry.

Once you've finished dipping your paper, sandwich it between an old towel to get out excess water. Unfold and hang to dry!

End result with the square fold.

End result with the triangular fold.

If you decide to use rice paper you can use it as wrapping paper, or lighting brush with cooking oil and use as easy stained glass hangings!

Snack Pack Pattern

****I am hosting a contest and the prize is three of these lovely handmade snack packs!****

Here is the PDF file for the Snack Pack Pattern! Let me know if there are any problems with it, or if any of it is not clear! Happy sewing and snacking!

Snack Pack PDF Pattern

Lino Printing Instructions

Printing Instructions

Materials Required:

Speedball Water Soluble Ink

Speedball Roller

Paper

Lino Carving

Shiny Cardboard (such as a cereal box) or plate of flat glass (from a picture frame)

Before you start make sure that your lino carving is clean and dry.

Step One:

Place a small amount of ink on the center of your cardboard or glass

Step Two:

Place the roller on the ink and roll vertically as well as horizontally, spreading the ink so it is as wide as the roller is. Continue rolling until the ink on your cardboard/glass looks like an orange peel

Step Three:

Immediately roll the ink onto your block (ink can dry fast depending on temperature).so that all the raised areas are thoroughly coated with ink.

Step Four:

There are two ways of pulling a print now. The first one is as follows- Place paper on table and flip lino carving over so ink side is facing down. Place the lino carving on the paper and press down evenly without shifting the carving (otherwise it causes smudging). To remove lino carving from paper. Hold the edges of the paper with one hand and pull lino carving up without shifting.

The second is as follows – Leave you lino carving with the ink facing you. Place your paper on the lino carving and press down, evenly and firmly without shifting the paper or bending the edges over the lino carving. I use the back of a large spoon for this method. Carefully peel the paper off the lino carving, without shifting.

You may need to do a few pulls before you get the right amount of ink and pressure when printing. Re ink your lino carving for each pull. When adding more ink to your cardboard/glass add a very small amount, so you maintain that orange peel texture.

Happy Printing!

"My First Amigurumi" Pattern

I decided to write up and document a very easy pattern for people who would like to try making a cute critter. Once you getthe hang of things you can make up different shapes for the head, body and apendages. Also you can make other animals pretty easily by just changing the face, or ears! Let me know how the pattern is as I just kind of wrote as I crochetted!



I used worest weight yarn and a 3.5mm hook, but start out with a bigger hook if you find it too small. Never turn work, this is done is a spiral. once you get the hang of it, you don't really needthe marker, just count as you go!

Pattern:

HEAD:

ch 2

Round 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sc)

Round 2: insert hook in the first sc you did and sc 1 in it. mark this stitch (grey yarn).

1 sc in the marked st and 2 sc in each st until you are back at the marked st. (12 sc)

Round 3: 1 sc in next st (move marker up to this st), 2 sc in the next st, *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next sc- repeat until you reach the marked st (18 sc)

Round 4: move marker up to the next "row" when started. *1 sc in first st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st- repeat from * until you reach marked st (24 sc)

Round 5: move marker up, 1 sc in each st (24 sc)

Rounds 6-8: repeat round 5, moving marker up to first st in row each row.



Round 9: move marker up, * 1 sc in first st, 1 sc in next st, sk next st, 1 sc in next st (decrease made) - repeat from * until you reach marked stitch (18)

add eyes ( i use plastic toy ones) and stuff your head.

Round 10: move marker up, * 1sc in first st, sk next st, 1 sc in next st (decrease made) -repeat from * until you reach marked stitch (12 sc)

Round 11: move marker up, * sk first st, 1 sc in next- repeat from * until you reach marked stitch (6 sc).

Slipstitch to first st, Fasten off leaving a long tail ( 8 ")


BODY:

ch 2

Follow instructions from round 1 to 3 in head (18sc)

Rounds 4-11: 1 sc in each st until you reach marked st (18 sc)

Stuff body.

Round 12: move marker up, * 1sc in first st, sk next st, 1 sc in next st (decrease made) -repeat from * until you reach marked stitch (12 sc)

Round 13: move marker up, * sk first st, 1 sc in next- repeat from * until you reach marked stitch (6 sc).

Fasten off.

LEGS (make 2)

ch 2

Round 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook (6sc)
Round 2: Insert hook in first st you did, 1 sc, then 1 sc in each of the st (6sc)
Rounds 3 to 10: repeat Round 2

I don't bother to stuff legs, but you can if you want to.

slipstitch to first st, Fasten off.

ARMS (make 2)

Start with a long beginning tail, ch 4

Round 1: Slpstitch to first ch to form a ring. 1 sc in each st, including the one you slipstitched in. (4 sc)

Round 2: 1 sc in each st around

Rounds 3-10: repeat round 2

I don't stuff arms either... it's almost impossible!

Slipstitch to first st, sk next st, sipstitch to next st, fasten off.

EARS (make 2)

ch 2

Round 1: 8 sc in second ch from hook (8 sc)

Slipstitch to first sc and fasten off leaving a tail, making sure to pull BEGINNING tail tightly.

TAIL

ch 2

Round 1: 4 sc in second ch from hook

Round 2: insert hook in the first sc you did and sc 1 in it. then do one more sc in same st. Contine around with 2 sc in each st done (8 sc)

Slipstitch to first st and fasten off, leave a tail.

ASSEMBLY

Weave in all BEGINNING tails for head, legs, ears and tail, but leave the END tail to secure to body/head. For body, weave in both tails. For arms weave n END tail only.

Sew head, arms, leg and tail to body. Sew ears to head. Weave in all tails. Sew or glue on a little nose and mouth using embroidery thread or felt. Don't forget to make it cute! It has to be cute!

Now pose your little bear and do a little photo shoot!