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.

Crochet Ornaments

Need a last minute Christmas project? Ornaments are the way to go! Each of these took about 30 minutes to crochet, and they make the perfect mini gift for anyone who has a tree!

This pattern was taken from the "Crochet Today" magazine November/December 2011 issue. Although the magazine pattern has them made into a garland, I like them better as individual ornaments.

"Crochet Today" is a discontinued magazine, but luckily there are may sites online with free ornament patterns. I like this site because there is a large variety of complete patterns.

With Christmas only a few days away, these snowflakes will be ready just in time!

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!

The Brew

Here is a quick tip: if you like chai tea and apple cider, combine them! Although this isn't really a craft, it is a fun experiment just in time for Halloween!

The spices in the chai tea mix really well with the apple cider. I make mine with half apple cider, half water. I bring the mixture to a boil and then add apple slices. I let it simmer for 20, and then I add the chai tea. Leave the chai tea in as long as you want, but remember the longer it brews the stronger the taste. Then I place in jars and drink it up. This might taste good with sugar or honey mixed in too.

 

Spell Book

Need a fun Halloween craft? The idea for these books comes from Better After. When I find things like this, I worry it won't work. I want to make sure a real human being has tried to make the craft (we've all seen some awful Pinterest fails). This craft, however, is not one of them. Very easy to make, and the directions from the site are spot on.

 

Begin with an old book. The original site uses plastic Halloween directions, but I used wooden cut outs from the craft store. Otherwise, I followed the exact directions. (Note: used rub n' buff, not metallic craft paint. Both suggested on the site) 

Perfect for displaying at the Halloween party!

 

Pumpkin Bag

Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just fall!
Make this bag big enough for trick-or-treating, or use it as a decoration. You can fill it with candy and give it to friends, family, or coworkers.


This pumpkin bag is made with a size I crochet hook, medium size yarn, and can be put together in about two hours. Making it was as easy as pumpkin pie.

The original idea for this bag came from the "Repeat Crafter Me" Facebook page, but I made up my own pattern. I began using the same technique used to make beanie hats. Working in rounds:
1. Sc 4 and make a loop

2. Chain 2 (counts as 1 Hdc. Should do this at the beginning of every round.), Hdc 11. Should have 12 Hdc all together for first row.

3. 2 Hdc in each stitch of first row. Should have 24 Hdc all together for second row.

4. 2 Hdc in first stitch, 1 Hdc, 2 Hdc. Repeat all the way around. Should have 36 Hdc all together for third row.

5. 2 Hdc in first stitch, 1 Hdc, 1 Hdc, 2 Hdc. Repeat all the way around. Should have 48 Hdc all together for fourth row.

For the following rows, stop adding stitches. Crochet as tall as desired by repeating rows of 48 Hdc stitches.

When you've reached the desired size, change color to brown, double crochet 5, chain one, double crochet 5. Repeat all the way around. Then do 3 more rows of 48 Hdc stitches in brown.

Make the drawstring out of dark green. Chain drawstring to desired length and hdc one row. If you want to make the ends curly, Hdc, skip 3, and Hdc in 4th stitch.