Welcome to the Jungle

Here is a cute collection of critters from Leisure Arts Inc. The book titled "Easy Crochet Critters" does not lie, these animals are an easy afternoon project. The book is inexpensive and good for beginner crocheters looking to expand their crocheting resume. Find the book here on Amazon.

The animals are made in multiple segments sewn together. I hate reading patterns, but these are easy to follow. If I can do it, so can you.

The animals are made with soft yarn, button eyes, and snuggleability. Use Crochet hook size "G" and yarn weight 4, or use baby yarn.

Make sure the toys you make are safe for small children by attaching safety eyes or no eyes at all.


I used Poly-Fil stuffing to fill the animals, and since they are not very big, a 12 oz bag of fill will get you a long way!

These animals may be small, but they do take 1-3 hours to crochet and sew together.

Here is a design you won't find in the book! This pig is my own design complete will curly pig tail.

The Dahlia Throw

The Dahlia Throw comes from "Crochet Today" magazine Mach/April  2012 edition.

This afghan features the popcorn stitch, a stitch for intermediate level crocheters. This stitch makes the flowers stick out giving the afghan a beautiful 3D look and delightful texture.

The blanket is 5 squares x8 squares, and is made with hook size K, and use yarn weight 4. The magazine suggests using coral and pink for the dahlias.

Crochet each square together by placing the wrong sides together, crocheting together, and opening so the right side faces hiding the seam. If crocheting together proves too difficult, you can also use yarn to sew them together.

The afghan will brighten any room just in time to welcome in spring! I plan to put this afghan on the patio.

Christmas Stockings

Here are some stockings Santa will never put coal in, guaranteed! Crochet stockings are a bit tricky since there are so many parts, but there are many patterns out there ranging from easy to more difficult.

This pattern I made up myself. The tow is the beginning of the top of a hat. The heal is made by adding stitches on one side, and neglecting stitches on the other. The cuff is the end of a hat pattern. (Actual pattern available on request)

The wooden tags add a focal point and extra holiday charm! These were picked up at the craft store for about $3.00. I used Red Heart yarn weight 4 for the stocking and cuff.

No matter what pattern you choose, now is the time to begin making a set of new stockings! Christmas is just around the corner. These stockings take about 6-7 hours each, so get crocheting!

Fingerless Gloves

Introducing the easiest crocheting project EVER! All you do is half double crochet a strip of cloth and sew it together leaving an open space for your thumb.

Depending on the size you choose, these could be finished in less than an hour! These particular gloves are 22 stitches wide and 23 rows long.

These are perfect for winter. (I like to wear them while I drink hot chocolate.) Fingerless gloves are great for craft fairs since they come together quickly, and make amazing stocking stuffers too!

I have more patterns to share, but for sure, this is the easiest design to work with. Good luck beginners; this is the craft for you!

A Texture in Neon

Color is everything. I talk a lot about patterns, but never underestimate the power of a good color combination. Although combining many colors into one afghan can be fun to look at, simple color patterns can be just as impressive too.

This pattern requires three colors (AB&C). I suggest two of the colors be white, grey, or black  (A&B). The third color should be bright (C). To complete a similar look to this one, crochet two rows with A, two rows with B, one row with C, two rows with B, then repeat.

The afghan has a timeless look and will brighten up any room in the house. Grab a good book, a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and snuggle up in what is guaranteed to be the best fall day blanket.  

Oceans and Lakes: A Reflection of the Summer

This afghan is a beautiful tribute to a fabulous summer. The colors of the afghan are the same colors I saw reflected in the waters. (tan, pink, blue, green, and grey/purple)

This is a queen sized afghan made from the Devin Square in "The Granny Square Book" by Margaret Hubert.

Since it is tightly stitched with soft yarn, this granny square makes an incredibly snuggly blanket. Personally, it is my favorite pattern for blankets.

The colors are randomized, and the yarn is Big Twist, weight 4. You can find this yarn in Joanne Fabrics stores, or you can look online. The afghan took 10 skeins of yarn. I used a crochet hook size I, but the yarn company recommends using size H.

I started this afghan while vacationing in Canada, and I finished a month later. Attempting an afghan this size takes a lot of time and commitment. By the end, each row took an hour and a half to complete. Nothing helps you relax more in the fall and winter than an afghan you made while relaxing in the summer.

The Test Square

 

The test square is vital for testing the yarn, needle, and pattern. If you are crocheting many squares to sew together or one large individual square, a tester square helps you get a feel for the process. You may try out a square and discover you dislike it, or you may find that the pattern needs adjusting. There is no need to use the matching colors of the pattern unless you want to see how they come together, but it is important to use the same weight of yarn. Once the test square is complete, make adjustments accordingly and continue happily crocheting!

 

The squares shown above are the beginnings of my Poppy Field blanket. The pattern and colors are taken from the "Crochet Today" March/April 2012 magazine. It is titled the Dahlia Throw. They consider this pattern to be intermediate level, and after working through these two squares, I suggest only attempting this pattern if you have crocheted for a while.

 

Full blanket coming soon!