Rambles from a tired artist

It's raining in my town and I'm still in my pajamas, though its after noon. I've been away from blogging, crocheting, and designing for a while and I've missed all 3! We moved into a new home recently and are finally settled in with a place for everything and everything in its place.

I've crocheted a few hats since we moved, but they were from someone else's pattern. I love headhuggers.org! Designed a gift for a friend that can't be posted till after Christmas. Made a rug for my niece. Working on a rug for my son, but need more yarn to finish it. Imagine that, needing more yarn! I'm thinking about designing some framable pieces, but I've never framed crochet before. Do you have any framed pieces?

Christmas is only 4 months away, so pick up those hooks and get working! Quality takes time and effort.

Featured: Momma's JAM Pack Crochet Creations

The Facebook Page for Momma's JAM Pack Crochet Creations is chock full of photos of her crocheted items, including hats, blankets, bags, toys, and more. The owner, Sara, lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 children so is sensitive to the attributes of yarn such as softness and warmth of finished product. Her items are not only functional, but adorable. Sara not only creates her own designs, but supports other crafters by purchasing patterns online. She has a very loyal fan base because of her quality handmade products and personal touches. I highly recommend her!

Thigh high leg warmers

I got this yarn from Walmart the other day. I've been wanting to try it out since I first saw it, but it's a bit more pricey than I'm used to and couldn't justify spending money on myself (I always have a hard time with that). But, since my niece gave me money to take her to work (at Walmart) and I had the time to look, and I needed stuff anyway, and I was right there...well, I justified it. I bought my first skein of Lion Brand Tweed Stripes yarn in Lakeside. What to do, what to do? My husband suggsted I make myself a pair of socks with it. I thought "why not?" so off to find a pattern. I found one here, at the Lion Brand website. I worked up one side, modifying the pattern slightly, in about 2 days. Well, it took my till 1:00 this morning so does that still count as 2 days? Anyway, I slipped it on and it's still a bit baggy in places, but I showed my husband what I made. He looked horrified! I disappointedly sighed "you hate them!" to which he replied "I don't 'hate' them...I just won't go out in public with you when you're wearing them." *Ouch* So I wonder if I should make the other sock or not! Maybe I should unravel enough to make it a knee high? Maybe I should wear it anyway? What do you think?

Bosnian crochet hat

Child size hat.

Bosnian crochet is very tight and stiff so we need to use a larger hook so we don't hurt our wrists while making our hats too small! :-)

With worsted weight and K hook, chain 72. join. 1-6. sl st in each back loop around 7-12.sl st in front loop around 13-14. sl st in back loop around 15-20. sl st in front loop around

I'm going to explain the next few rows 2 different ways; one with numbers and specific counting per row, and this way, with a general guideline for the next several rows.

*general guideline: 5 sl st in back loop, 5 sl st in front loop, repeat for rows

specific instructions: 21. (5 sl st in back loop, 5sl st in front loop)repeat 7 times, 2 sl st in back loop 22. 3 sl st in back loop, (5 sl st in front loop, 5 sl st in back loop)repeat 6 times, 5 sl st in front loop, 4 sl st in back loop 23. sl st in front loop, (5 sl st in back loop, 5 sl st in front loop) repeat 7 times. sl st in back loop 24. 4 sl st in back loop (5 sl st in front loop, 5 sl st in back loop) 6 times. 5 sl st in front loop, 3 sl st in back loop. 25. 2 sl st in back loop (5 sl st in front loop, 5 sl st in back loop) 7 times 26-36 repeat rows 21-25 twice more 37. sl st front loop only (flo)(72) decrease: 38. sl st flo 8x, skip next st around (64) 39. sl st flo 7x, sk next st around (56) 40. sl st flo 6x, skip next st around (48) 41. sl st flo 5x, skip next st around (40) 42. sl st flo 4x, sk next st around (32) 43. sl st flo 3x, sk next st around (24) 44. sl st flo 2x, sk next st around (16) 45 sl st flo ever other stitch (8) fasten off, leaving enough yarn to weave through last 8 stitches. pull tight, tie off.

Bosnian crochet potholder

I only recently heard of the method of crochet called Bosnian, or slip-stitch crochet. It's created by using only the slip stitch. It's texture is created by using front or back loops only. This pot holder I made out of cotton using an I hook was first chained 40 stitches, then turned to sl st in each (minus the first stitch. Then, turn the work to sl st in each chain on the opposite side without adding any stitches at the end. When I got to the first chain made, I then alternated front and back loops (5 each) to create the striped pattern. Bosnian crochet tends to snug up when worked, so even though the starting chain was about 9 inches long, the ending pot holder is about half that size! The fabric is dense and stiff and I have a bit of a curl on two corners for some reason, but I love how it looks and plan on playing more with this method now that I've familiarized myself with it :D.

Pattern:

with I hook and cotton yarn, chain 40
1.sl st in each chain, turn to opposite side of chain and work 39 more sl st.
2. turn work without adding any stitches in end loops. sl st in front loops only 5 times, then in back loops only 5 times. repeat all the way around, being careful at ends for the first few rounds as the stitches are close together and easily confused.
3.Keep repeating until the work is about half as tall as it is wide at the starting chain.
4.Fold ends together so that the starting chain is diagonal across the corners. Sew closed using the front loop of one side and the back loop of the other. using leftover yarn from sewing, chain 6, join in corner with sl st. turn, sl st in each chain, secure and hide ends.

summer crochet

Here in Michigan, winter is coming to a close and spring is starting to show through. I don't despair for my crocheting, though, because there are plenty of warm weather crochet projects out there!

Using a lighter yarn works well for warmer weather wearables. Switching to a cotton or sock yarn to do a project is a simple way to transfer a winter wearable into a spring/summer item (but always check your gauge! Lighter yarns don't work up the same way heavier yarns do). Try making a lacy sun hat instead of a bulky, warm hat, or make a beach cover up instead of a sweater.

Another warm weather project is embellishments. Creating appliques for summer or winter wearables is always fun. Adding a flower to a hat makes a personal statement and changes the look at the same time. Crocheting a lacy edging around the collar of a favorite tee or blouse adds a feminine touch. Creating your own jewelry with crochet is stylish and whimsical. All these projects can be put into a purse or bag and brought with you on vacation as well.

You may want to try different projects altogether. Sitting under a pile of yarn can often become too warm and uncomfortable if the air conditioning isn't strong enough, or if you like to sit outside and crochet, like me. So why not try napkin rings, placemats, or dishcloths to name a few? They work up quickly and don't cover your lap with heavy, hot fabric. Another idea is stuffed animals or dolls. I've become quite enraptured by these, myself. I've made stuffed sheep, cartoon characters, people, and other toys.

So don't put down those crochet hooks for summer! Try something new and small, or practice your stitches on a favorite take-along project. But don't stop crocheting!

Awareness ribbon bags free pattern

2 colors WW yarn (background color (A) and ribbon color (B))

Size G hook

cloth for lining, sewing needle, and matching thread (Optional)

1. with color A, 6 sc in magic circle (do not join)

2. 2 sc in each sc (12 sc) (make sure to crochet over your tail so you won't have to hide it later!)

3. (sc, 2 sc) x 6 (18 sc)

4. (sc in 2, 2 sc) x 6 (24 sc)

5. (sc in 3, 2 sc ) x 6 (30 sc)

6. (sc in 4, 2 sc) x 6 (36 sc)

7. (sc in 5, 2 sc) x 6 (42 sc)
8. (sc i 6, 2 sc) x 6 (48 sc)

9. (begin sides) in back loop only, hdc in next sc, dc in next 47.

10. dc in ea (48 dc)

11 rep row 10. (48 dc)

12. Using color B to start the ribbon, dc 1, change to A, dc in next 5, change to B, dc 1, change to A, dc in next 41.

13. 2B, 3A, 2B, 41A

14. 1A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 42A

15. 1A, 3B, 43A, 1B

16. 1B, 1A, 2B, 41A, 2B, 1A

17. 2A, 2B, 44A

18: 1A, 2B, 1A,  2B, 42A

19. 1A, 3B, 44A

20. 1A, 3B, 44A

21-23. dc in next 48

24. dc in next 45, hdc, sc, sl st

25 ch 3, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2, (dc in next 2, ch 1, sk 2 dc) 11 times, join with a sl st to top of beginning chain 3.

26. ch 3, dc in each dc and ch, join, fasten off.

Strap:

Join A on one side of bag with ribbon facing  forward. (ch 3, dc in next 2) turn.  Repeat till strap is desired length. Join to opposite side of bag.

Drawstring:

With color B, ch 100. sc in 2nd ch from hook and each chain to end. Fasten off.  Weave through holes made by ch 2 spaces on bag.

*I have to turn my bag inside out to have the best side showing. You should see the ridge made on your back loop only row on the outside.

Now, cut out your fabric if you choose to line it.  trace around the bottom of the bag with pencil on the wrong side of the fabric and cut it out.  Measure the distance around the bag and cut out a rectangle that length. Sew the rectangle to the circle with the right sides together. Fold down the top edge of the lining and iron it down. Now insert the lining into the bag and pin, in, pin it in, right under the drawstring holes. Sew lining into bag. Do not go all the way through the crochet stitches, just snag the needle around the yarn on the inside of the bag and back through the lining.

Frog hat pattern

With green yarn and H hook, make a magic ring and ch 3 (counts as first st). 11 more dc in ring. Tighten and join.
round 2. ch3, dc in same sp. 2 dc in each st around (24 dc)join
round 3. ch 3, dc in same sp (dc, 2 dc in next)11 times, dc in last st (36 dc)join
round 4. ch 3, dc in next sp, 2 dc, (dc in next 2, 2 dc)around (48 dc)join
round 5. ch 3, dc in next 2 sp, 2 dc, (dc in next 3, 2 dc) around (60 dc)join
round 6. ch 3, dc in next 3 sp, 2 dc, (dc in next 4, 2 dc) around (72 dc)join
round 7-8, ch 3, dc in each dc around (72 dc)join
round 9. ch 3, dc in next 24dc, 5 tr in next dc, dc in next 20 dc, 5 tr in next dc, dc in next 25, join.
round 10. ch 3, dc in next 23, ch 1, skip 5 tr, dc in next 20, ch 1 skip 5 tr, dc in next 24, join (70 dc, 2 ch1)
round 11.ch 3, dc in each dc and each ch 1 around (72 dc)
round 12-14(or desired length). ch 3, dc in each dc around (72 dc)

Ear flaps:

to find centers of sides, fold hat in half so eye holes match up. Fold in half again. From 2nd crease, count 8 stitches to the right. Join green yarn and ch 3. dc in next 14.
row 2. ch 3, (yarn over, pull up a loop in next st, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull up a loop in next stitch, yarn over pull through 3 loops)decrease made. dc in next 9, decrease, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row.
row 3. ch 3, dec, dc in next 7, dec, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row.
row 4. ch 3, dec, dc in next 5, dec, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row.
row 5. ch 3, dec, dc in next 3, dec, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row.
row 6. ch 3, dec, dc in next , dec, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row.
row 7. ch 3, dec, dec
row 8. *ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7, sl st in next dc, (repeat from *) ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7, sl st in base, fasten off.
repeat on other side

with yellow, attach with sc to 9th st. sc in same sp. 2 sc in next 2 st. fasten off.
repeat for other 2 "fingers"
repeat on other side.

eyes (make 2)

with white, make magic ring as before, ch 3, 11 dc in ring (12 dc) fasten off.
with black, make slip know insert hook through center of white circle, place knot on hook, pull through, insert hook between 2 dc, yarn over, pull up and fasten off. pull end through to secure. (I like to tie black ends together to assure the pupil doesn't come undone in the wash.)

sew eyes into eye holes from inside.

Mouth (optional)

with red, sl st into first 2 stitches on front of hat.sc in next 2 st. hdc in next 2 st. dc in next 2 st. tr in next 5. dc in next 2. hdc in next 2. sc in next 2. sl st in last 2. turn. sl st into same st from opposite side and into next sl st. sc in next 2 sc. hdc into next 2 hdc. dc into next 2 dc. tr into next 5 tr. dc into next 2 dc. hdc into next 2 hdc. sc into next 2 sc. sl st into next 2 sl st. fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. sew top of mouth to front of hat.

Alternate mouth: Insert hook 5 stitches in from ear flap 3rd row from bottom. Draw up a loop with red, insert hook between next 2 dc 1 row down draw up a loop through hat and red loop on hook. Continue in this manner in a curve across front of hat. Crown: optional With yellow, ch 31, join. Round 1: ch 1, sc in each ch, join. Round 2: repeat round 1. Round 3:00 ch 1, sc, hdc, dc, tr, dtr, ch3, sl st in first ch made, tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in next 3, *sc, hdc, dc, tr, ch 3, sl st in 1st ch made, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in next 3 repeat from *, sl st to join, fasten off. Sew onto top of hat.

Professor Severus Snape

A Christmas present for my trusty sidekick turned out pretty good! Just an amigurumi basic doll with a cape added, hair, embroidered face, and a wand! He's cute so I thought I'd share him.

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?