Angry bird hat

for sizes child, small adult, large adult

ch 3 counts as dc

With H hook and red,
1. ch 3. 12 DC in last ch from hook, join to first dc. (12 dc)
2. Ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 dc)
3. Ch 3, (2 dc, dc in next) 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (36 dc)
4. Ch 3, dc in next st, (2 dc, dc in next 2) 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (48 dc)
(if making child size hat, proceed to step 7)
5. Ch 3, dc in next 2 st, (2 dc, dc in next 3)( 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (60)
(if making small adult hat, proceed to step 7)
6. Ch 3, dc in next 3 st (2 dc, dc in next 4) 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (72)
7-14. Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join.
fasten off at end of row 14

Ear Flaps:
1. keeping seam on top, center as you flatten hat. At crease, count 8 stitches to the right. Join red and ch 3. dc in next 14 st (15 dc)
2. Ch 3, decrease, dc in next 9, dec, dc in last (13 dc)
3. Ch 3, dec, dc in next 7, dec, dc in last (11 dc)
4. Ch 3, dec, dc in next 5, dec, dc in last (9 dc)
5. Ch 3, dec, dc in next 3, dec, dc in last (7) fasten off

Edging:

attach black yarn with sc between 2 dc stitches (ch 1, sc between dc's) around, putting 2 sc in corners of ear flaps, join, fasten off.

Eyes (make 2)

1. With black ch 3, 6 sc in 3rd ch from hook, join, fasten off.
2. Join white with dc, dc in same st. 2 dc in each st around,(12 dc) join, fasten off. 3. join black with sc, sc in same st, 2 sc in each dc around ( 24 sc)

Eyebrows: (Make 2)

1. Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook & each st across (8 sc)
2. Ch 1, sc in each st to end (8 sc) fasten off.

Beak top
1. with Yellow, ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across.(11 sc)
2. Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5, dec, sc in last st.
3. Ch 1, dec, sc in next 3, dec, sc in last st.
4. Ch 1, dec, sc in next, dec, sc in last st.
5. Ch 1 dec, dec
6. Ch 1, dec, fasten off

Beak bottom:

ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. repeat rows 3-6

Feathers:

1. With red, ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join (4 sc)
2. sc in each st around (4 sc)
3. 2 sc, sc in next, repeat (6 sc)
4. sc in each sc around (6 sc)
5. (2 sc, sc in next 2) repeat (8 sc)
6. sc in each sc around, sl st in next sc, fasten off.

repeat 1st 4 rows for 2nd feather

Sew feathers to top of hat. Arrange facial features on front of hat and sew in place.

Tie 1 red and 1 black 12 inch length of yarn to each ear flap in center. Twist each strand clockwise and wrap together counterclockwise. Tie at ends.

Mythbusters

I was looking for something to crochet for my husband just for fun and decided on a Jamie Hyneman Mythbusters "action figure." Of course, when he was completed, our 6 year old decided it was his and my husband never got to touch it. Such is life. A friend saw a photo on my Facebook Page and asked me to make her one, and make an Adam Savage to go along with it. I mentioned offhand that it made me want to make the Mythbusters logo as well so she asked me to go for it! Here they are in their completion. I'm tempted to do a whole series of Mythbusters characters; Kari, Tory,and Grant.

I started each doll with a "magic circle" of 6 sc, increased over a couple rows, then decreased for the neck and rapidly increased for the body, leaving holes for the arms. The hardest part for me was the feet. I went back and forth across the top of the doot for a few rows, then around the whole thing again for the sided if the shoes, inserted a pipe cleaner  around the inside of the shoe, then decreased every stitch around and sewed closed. I added the arms at the armholes, but didn't stuff them so I could cross them when they were finished. Then I embroidered the facial features. I sure hope she likes the finished product!

Does anyone else have a multi-task personality? I sure do! I can't watch tv without feeling like I'm missing out on doing something. In times like these, I turn to yarn. My usual yarn of choice is Red Heart because it's the most frugal way to feed my yarn addiction. I recently received a generous donation from a friend that included a lot of yarn brands I can't find in my local Walmart. Most of these were cotton yarns. Now, my Walmart sells cotton yarn like Sugar and Cream, but the hanks, balls, skeins, or whatever they're supposed to be called, are very small and I like to work on larger projects. I'd hate to buy out a single color every week till my project is done. My friend, however, has connections to stores I can't normally visit. So when she cleaned out her yarn stash, I received just enough cotton yarn for a big shawl. I adore shawls. I love to make them, wear them, design them. This is what I was working on during my tv shows for the past few weeks. I took a knit pattern that I was struggling with (not because it's difficult, but because I'm still trying to control my needles!) and converted it to crochet...sort of.  It doesn't look anything at all like the knit shawl, but I love it! What do you think? The next time I'm stressed because I'm watching tv with nothing else to do, I'll bring out my design ideas and see what cones out next! I hope you do, too.

A smile, a hug, and a warm fuzzy

<p>I asked a question on Facebook: what do you collect? The first answer I got was "smiles, may I have one from you?" And I thought that was a great answer! The friend who gave that reply went to the same church as my family when I was a kid. She has 2 girls, both younger than I. She is upbeat, caring, and inspirational. So for this dear woman, I created Alice, the smile; Allison, the hug; and Alissa, the warm fuzzy. Everyone needs smiles, hugs, and warm fuzzies!

Captain Teemo

My nephew sent me a pic of Captain Teemo (from League of Legends) and begged me to crochet one for him. It was difficult, at first, to see the detail that I needed in order to tell whether I could and how hard it would be. I surfed around and found more pictures and decided to try it. I think he came out pretty good. The backpack, hat, and telescope are all removable.

Unicorn hat

My sil's idea again, a unicorn hat for her daughter (my niece). Basic hat done in double crochet, then thin tube for horn that widens just a bit at the base, and ears made a bit differently than the horse's ears from last post. They may look a bit more like cat's ears than horse's ears, but I still think they're cute! Using pink, I double crocheted the base and decreased each side of eery row to the tip, then fastened off. Lastly, I single crocheted around the ear with a picot at the tip.

Horse hat

For my sil's niece, another hat! The basic hat was done in two colors to look like a horse's nose. Then I added the ears, created with double crochet and shaped as I went, and applied the mane using a latch-hook method.

Dragon hat

My sil, one of my best customers, wants to start her Christmas shopping. She said she wanted a dragon hat for her niece so I came up with a simple design.

I used a shell stitch for the hat using the method of the simple shell cloche and then made the spikes. Then I crocheted a simple tube that increases every few rows for the tail.

I'm still trying to think of ways to make it look more dragon-y and less dinosaur-y. Wings were suggested, but I don't know how to create wings that won't flop and look ridiculous (anyone wearing a dinosaur hat would NOT want to look ridiculous, right?).

Lock and key purse

My son was playing with a skeleton key the other day and inspired this design. 

And what is a key without a lock?

And what is a purse without a lining?

I told my niece about my idea and she excitedly asked if she could have it if it worked out. I can't seem to say "no" to that Li'l nutball so here you are, Abi-Kadabi.

Tawashi!

I love this little scrubby pad! Double sided, pocketed, textured...what's not to love? I'm going to go scrub my kitchen now!

with WW and H hook, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook do not join. 2. through both loops through entire project(2 sc in each sc) (12 sc) 3. (sc, 2 sc in next) around (18 sc) 4. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) around (24 sc) 5. (sc in next 3, 2 sc) around (30 sc) 6. (sc in next 4, 2 sc) around (36 sc) 7. ch 12, sk 12 sc, sc in next 4, 2 sc tog(dec made)4 times. *sc in next 3 ch, dec* twice (30 sc) 8. (sc in next 3, dec) around (24 sc) 9. (sc in next 2, dec) around (18 sc) 10. (sc in next, dec) around (12 sc) 11. dec around (6 sc) fasten off, weave end around last 6 sc, pull tight, tie off

If using acrylic yarn, know that it is not absorbent, but for scrubbing baked on food et cet., it doesn't need to be!

First purse lining

I've made bags before. Small clutch purses, large hobo bags, and many in between. But I've never lined them before. I decided to make my cousin's puzzle piece bag (which is an Autism awareness bag in earth tones instead of bright primary colors) with a lining and a snap. I have minimal sewing skills, so what would take a seasoned seamstress 5 meaningless minutes, took me 4 adventurous hours. And think I still made the lining larger than the bag! I measured 3  times at least. I got out the sewing machine (ok, so an hour of my adventure was trying to get the uncooperative piece of machinery set up and ready to go) and flew through seaming together the perfectly cut *ahem* pieces and inserted the finished lining into the bag. I then painstakingly (and painfully-have you ever stabbed yourself in the tongue with a needle?) hand stitched a snap into the lining and the lining into the bag. Not bad for a first attempt, eh?

bag lining

I'm working on another tote bag at this time, and as I finished up the last few rows I thought how much sturdier the bag would be if I could line it. I'm not much of a seamstress, but I think I'll try it.

Simple shell cloche pattern

I thought for once I'd try a regular hat, rather than a novelty hat. This simple shell cloche is perfect for early spring or late fall in Michigan. The stretchy fabric makes this a one-size hat  that's very comfortable.

The shells are increased in size rather than number. The first shells were made of only 3 double crochets, but as I needed to expand the circumference of the hat, I made the shells themselves bigger by using 4 double crochets, then 5, etc. If you find any problems or need clarification, please let me know!

With Buff yarn and G hook, ch 3.
1. 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join to first dc. (12 dc)
2. ch2 (counts as 1st dc), do not turn. dc in same sp as ch 2. 2 dc in each dc around, join.(24 dc)
3. ch 2, 2 dc in next st. (sc, 3dc in next) 11 times, sc in last. Join to top of ch 2.
4. *sc in next dc (center of 3 dc cluster), skip next dc, 3 dc in next sc, skip next dc* around, (12 3dc clusters) do not join.
5. skip beginning sc and 1st dc, *sc in 2nd dc of cluster. (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc.* 12 times, ending with (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in first sc of round, do not join.
6-11. repeat row 5.
12. *sc in center dc of cluster, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc) in next sc.* repeat around, ending with (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc) in first sc of row.
13. repeat row 12, placing sc between 2nd and 3rd dc of cluster.
14. *sc in between 2nd and 3rd dc of cluster, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1 dc) in next sc.* around, ending with (dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1 dc) in first sc of row.
15. *sc in 3rd dc of cluster, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch 1 dc)* around, ending with (dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1 dc) in first sc of round.
16. *sc in center dc of cluster, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc) in sc* around
17. *sc in between 3rd and 4th dc of cluster, (dc, ch1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1 dc)(7 dc cluster)* around, ending with cluster in first sc of round, join with sl st to 4th dc of next cluster, fasten off.

Rooster hat with ear flaps

Due to a tragedy of an idea to make a hat that looked like a rubber glove pulled over a head, the rooster hat was born. A friend mentioned the glove hat looked like a rooster hat to a co-worker and he decided he liked the idea! Here you are, coworker in-law.

Penguin earflap hat

Who doesn't think penguins are adorable? This warm earflap hat will keep you warm and stylish! Replace the bow with a rose, or leave off the eyelashes and bow for a more masculine penguin. I even attached a fish to the beak of one hat I made, but have no idea how I managed to make a fish! If you have any questions, need clarification, or find a problem with the pattern, please contact me.

With G hook and black yarn, ch 2
row 1. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join, ch 1, turn
row 2. 1 sc in same sp as ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 3.(2 sc, sc in next) around (18 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 4. sc, 2 sc in next,(sc in next 2 sc, 2sc) around (24 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 5. sc in next 2, 2 sc (sc in next 3, 2 sc)around (30 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 6. sc in next 3, 2 sc (sc in next 4, 2 sc) around (36 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 7. sc in next 4, 2 sc (sc in next 5,2 sc) around (42 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 8. sc in next 5, 2 sc (sc in next 6, 2 sc) around (48 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 9. sc in next 6, 2 sc (sc in next 7, 2 sc) around (54 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 10. sc in next 7, 2 sc (sc in next 8, 2 sc) around (60 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 11. sc in next 8, 2 sc (sc in next 9, 2 sc) around (66 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 12. sc in next 9, 2 sc (sc in next 10, 2 sc) around (72 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 13. sc in next 10, 2 sc (sc in next 11, 2 sc) around (78 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 14. sc in ea sc around (78 sc) join, ch 1, turn
row 15-19. repeat row 14
row 20. sc in next 30, changing to white in top of st 31, sc in next 4, changing to black in last st. sc in next 9, changing to white in last st. sc in next 4, changing to black in last st. sc in next 30. join (78 st) ch 1 turn.
row 21. sc in next 29, changing to white in to of last st. sc in next 6, change to black, sc in next 7, change to white, sc in next 6, change to black, sc in last 29. join (78 sc) ch 1 turn
row 22. sc in next 28, changing to white in top of st 28, sc in next 3, change to black, sc in next 2, change to white, sc in next 3, change to black, sc in next 5, change to white, sc in next 3 change to black, sc in next 2, change to white, sc in next 3, change to black, sc in next 28, join (78 sc) ch 1, turn
row 23. sc in next 28, change to white. sc in next 9, change to black. sc in next 3, change to white. sc in next 9, change to black. sc in last 28. join, (78 sc) ch 1 turn
row 24. sc in next 27, change to white. sc in next 23, change to black. sc in next 27 (78 sc) join. ch 1 turn
row 25. repeat row 24
row 26. sc in next 28, change to white. sc in next 21, change to black. sc in next 28 (78 sc) join. ch 1 turn
row 27and 28. repeat row 26
fasten off.

Ear flaps (if desired)
lay hat flat with face up. starting at crease on right side, count 8 stitches to the right and attach yarn with sc. sc in next 14 sc, (15 sc) ch 1, turn
row 2. sc in each sc across (15 st)ch 1, turn
row 3. dec by pulling up a loop in next 2 st, yo and pull through all 3 loops. sc in next 9, dec, sc in last st.(13 sc) ch 1 turn
row 4. sc in each sc across (13 sc) ch 1 turn
row 5. dec, sc in next 7, dec, sc in last st (11 sc) ch 1 turn
row 6. sc in each sc across (11 sc) ch 1 turn
row 7. dec, sc in next 5, dec, sc in last st (9 sc) ch 1 turn
row 8. sc in each sc across (9 sc) ch 1, turn
row 9. dec, sc in next 3, dec, sc in last st (7 sc) ch 1 turn
row 10. sc in each sc across (7 sc)ch 1 turn
row 11. dec, sc in next, dec, sc in next (5 sc) ch 1 turn
row 12. sc in each sc across (5 sc) ch 1 turn
row 13. dec, dec, ch 1, turn
row 14. dec, ch 30. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 28. sl st in unworked st of earflap, fasten off.

repeat for left side ear flap.

feet (if desired)
attach orange to bottom of earflap string. work 3 sc over end of string.
row 1. 2 sc in first sc, sc in next, 2 sc in last (5 sc)turn
row 2. )ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 sc. sc in next st from previous row)repeat 2 times, fasten off. repeat for other earflap

Beak:
with orange, ch2. 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook.do not join
row 2. (2 sc in first st, sc in next) repeat (6 sc)
row 3. (2 sc in first st, sc in next 2) repeat (8 sc)
row 4. (2 sc in first st, sc in next 4) repeat (10 sc)
row 5. ( 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5) repeat (12 sc)
row 6. sc in each sc around (12 sc) sl st in next sc, fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.

Attach beak to white part of penguin face with yarn needle.

With black, if desired, embroider eyelashes above black part of eyes.

The pattern for the rose I found at Planet June

Turtle Hat

I had a lot of fun designing this little friend. One of my childhood friends loves turtles so I had her in mind when I made this up. I simply made a hat that stretched over my ears, added a head, 4 legs and a little tail, and stitched a shell design in the hat body. Isn't he cute?