Merry Christmas!!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  :) 

See ya in 2012!  :)



Santa Eli



A New Member of the Family and Some Christmas Ornaments

First of all, let me introduce Olivia, the newest member of our family! Olivia is about 6 months old, and was a stray kitten in our neighborhood. She actually adopted us, instead of the other way around. She decided she wanted to live here, and since the first time she walked in the front door, she has made herself completely at home and she acts like she owns the place. That hasn't exactly endeared her to Gus and Grace, however, and it's been a big adjustment for them. Things are finally starting to smooth out and although I wouldn't exactly call them BFF's yet, the growls and hisses are minimal now, and just yesterday I saw them all sleeping on our bed. So hopefully one day soon, they will all be best buds. :)


                                  
 
Besides being a kitty referee, I have also been busy making a few Christmas ornaments.  My nephew Eli was born in March, and since this is his first Christmas, I wanted to make him a special ornament.  I found the idea for this onsie ornament on Pinterest, but put my own spin on it.


Eli's First Christmas Ornament

I also tried my hand at modpodge for the first time and made some ornaments for our niece's new baby, Alex, and also for my godchildren, Sarah and RJ.  I used this tutorial that I found on Brown Paper Packages, and put their names on the front and the year on the back.  I loved doing modpodge and can't wait to do another project!  :)

My ring ornament series came to an end last week, but Barbara from Made in K-town designed a really adorable ring ornament called Bobble Wheel Ornament, and I just had to give it a try.  It was easy and fun to make, and I love how it turned out.

This next ornament isn't one I made, but one that was made for me!  I got a wonderful suprise in the mail yesterday from my Dutch blogging friend Annette.  She hand-stitched this adorable little heart ornament.
Thank you Annette, I love it!  :)

I have lots of Christmas projects to share (some I'm still working on!), and I'll show those after Christmas.

Christmas Ball Ring Ornament

Christmas Ball Ring Ornament is the 7th and last ornament in my "Ringing In Christmas" Ornament Series.  Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.

I've had a lot of fun doing this series, and I hope you all have had fun as well!  I still have some more ideas that I would love to try, so maybe I'll do another ornament series next year, and you may even see some for other holidays show up throughout the year.   But for now, I have to stop designing ring ornaments and get busy finishing up all my Christmas projects.  :)

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
beg = beginning

Materials:
Caron's Simply Soft Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn:
  - Red
  - White
2" Plastic Ring
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle

Christmas Ball Ring Ornament:

Round 1) With Red, join with a sl st around plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn.  (36 sc)

Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st and sc in each st around, join with a sl st to beg sc.  (36 sc)
End off, weave in ends.

Top of Ball:
Row 1) With white, join with a sl st in any st, ch 1, sc in same st and sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, turn. (4 sc)

Row 2) sc in each st across (4 sc).  End off, weave in ends.

Stripes:
1) Center Stripe: Thread a long piece of white yarn onto a yarn needle and bring needle up midway on the right side of the ball, then take needle across ring to the left side and insert, as shown in photo below.

2) Top Stripe: Next, bring needle up right above the stitch you just made, then bring across ring and insert needle back down into the right side just above the center stripe, as shown in photo below.

3) Bottom Stripe:  Bring needle up on the right side just below the center stripe, and bring across ring, and insert into the left side just below the center stripe.  Weave in ends.

Also See:

Week 1: Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament

Week 2: Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament

Week 3: Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament

Week 4: Snowman Ring Ornament

Week 5: Rudolph The Red Nose Ring Ornament

Week 6: Six Point Snowflake Ring Ornament





Six Point Snowflake Ring Ornament

Six Point Snowflake Ring Ornament is the 6th in my "Ringing In Christmas" ornament series.  Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring. 

A few have left comments saying they are having a hard time finding these 2" plastic rings.  I usually get mine at Joann's or Hobby Lobby, and they are usually in the same area as the crochet hooks and knitting needles, although I have also found them in the sewing dept.  They are also called "cabone rings". 

And Cathy left this helpful comment:  "Instead of buying 2" rings, I use drapery rings. They already have a hole on them in which to add an ornament hook, ribbon or other type of hanger. Plus, if you go to the thrift store, they are really cheap! I just purchased a bag of 25 for a quarter!"

And thank you for all the nice comments, I love hearing from you!  Many of the comments are coming thru as a "no reply-comment", which means I can't reply to you.  So even if I haven't been able to reply, please know I appreciate your comments very much.  But if you have a question or comment that you would like a response to, please make sure to change your user profile to show your email address, or include an email address in your comment.  :)

Stitches Used/Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stitch
sk = skip
beg = beginning
mp = make picot (see instructions below)
mst = make snowflake tip (see instructions below)

Pattern Notes:
Make Picot (mp) = ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook
Make Snowflake Tip (mst) = ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in next ch st.

Materials:
Caron Simply Soft Worsted Yarn:
  - White
2" Plastic Ring
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle

Six Pointed Snowflake Ring Ornament:
Round 1) With white, join with a sl st around 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)

Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, *ch 5, sk next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts*, repeat from * to * 4 more times, ch 5, sk next 3 sts, sc in last st. Join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (18 sc, 6 ch-5 loops)

Round 3) Ch 1, (sc, mp, sc) in same st as the beg ch 1, sk next sc st, and in 1st ch-5 loop work (sc, hdc, dc, mst, dc, hdc, sc), *sk next sc st, (sc, mp, sc) in next sc st, sk next sc st, and in next ch-5 loop work (sc, hdc, dc, mst, dc, hdc, sc)*, repeat from * to * around, sk last st, join with a sl st to beg sc. End off, weave in ends.


Ringing In Christmas Ornament Series:
Week 1: Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament
Week 2: Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament
Week 3: Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament
Week 4: Snowman Ring Ornament
Week 5: Rudolph The Red Nose Ring Ornament

Rudolph the Red Nose Ring Ornament

Rudolph is the 5th in my "Ringing in Christmas" Ornament Series.  Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.

Materials Needed (for white reindeer shown above):

Caron Simply Soft Worsted Weight Yarn:
- White
- Limelight
2" Plastic Ring
1/2" Red Pom Pom
Glue
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stitch
beg = beginning

Rudolph The Red Nose Ring Ornament:
Round 1) With white, join with a sl st around a 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)

Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st and sc in next 10 sts, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st (1st ear made), sc in next 12 sts, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st (2nd ear made), sc in last 11 sts, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (34 sc, 4 hdc, 2 dc)  End off white, weave in ends.

Right Antler:

Row 1) With Limelight, join with a sl st in the 2nd sc st to the left of the right ear, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, turn. (2 sc)

Row 2) Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in last st, turn. (3 sc)

Row 3)  Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in each of the remaining 4 ch sts, then sc in the first sc st on row (1st antler point made), ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in each of the remaining 3 ch sts, then sc in next sc st on row (2nd antler point made), ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in each of the remaining 2 ch sts, then sc in last sc st. End off, weave in ends.

Left Antler:

Row 1) Skip the next 6 sts on ring that follow the right antler, and with Limelight, join with a sl st in the next st, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, turn. (2 sc)

Row 2) Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, turn. (3 sc)

Row 3) Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of the remaining 2 ch sts, then sc in first sc st on row (1st antler point made), ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in each of the remaining 3 ch sts, then sc in next sc st on row (2nd antler point made), ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and sl st in each of the remaining 4 ch sts, then sc in last sc st on row. End off, weave in ends.

Finishing:  Glue red pom pom at the bottom for the nose.

Also see:
Week 1: Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament
Week 2: Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament
Week 3: Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament
Week 4:  Snowman Ring Ornament

Snowman Ring Ornamant

Snowman Ring Ornament is the 4th in my "Ringing In Christmas" Ring Ornament Series.

Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.

Materials Needed:
Caron Simply Soft Worsted Weight Yarn:
- White
- Limelight
- Red
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
2" Plastic Ring
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
st = stitch
beg = beginning

Snowman Ring Ornament:
Round 1) With white, join with a sl st around a 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)

Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st and sc in each remaining st around, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do Not turn. (36 sc) End off white, weave in ends.

Ear Muffs) With Limelight, join with a sl st in any st, ch 2, (hdc, dc) in same st, (dc, hdc, ch 2, sl st) in next st (first earmuff made), ch 18 (earmuff headband made), and sk the next 16 white sts on the ring, and in the next white st (17th st) work: (sl st, ch 2, hdc, dc), then (dc, hdc, ch 2, sl st) in next st (second earmuff made). End off, weave in ends. (NOTE:  The chain sts that make the headband between the earmuffs lays along the top edge of the ring, it is not stitched into the stitches on the ring)

To Finish) Cut small piece of red yarn, and weave thru stitches at the bottom and tie into a bow.

Other ornaments in this series:
Week 1) Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament
Week 2) Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament
Week 3) Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament

Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament

Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament is the 3rd in my "Ringing In Christmas" ornament series.

Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.

Materials Needed:
Caron Simply Soft Worsted Weight Yarn:
- Limelight
- Red
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
2" Plastic Ring
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
st = stitch
beg = beginning


Christmas Wreath Ring Christmas Ornament:

Round 1) With Limelight, join with a sl st around 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)


Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2,* sk next st, sc in next st, ch 2*, repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (18 sc, 18 ch-2 spaces)

Round 3) 5 dc in first ch-2 space, sk next sc,* sl st in next ch-2 sp, sk next sc, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sk next sc*, repeat from * to * around, ending with a sl st in last ch-2 sp. End off, weave in ends.

To Finish: Cut a strand of red yarn, weave through the ch-2 openings, and tie into a bow.

Week 1: Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament
Week 2: Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament

Snow! Potholder Pattern - New in Shop

I haven't done a potholder in a while, and this is one that's been on the back burner for a bit, so I finished it up just in time for the real snow to start flying.  I actually hate don't care for snow at all, but I can never resist a Snowman, they're just so darn cute.  :)

Pattern is available in my etsy shop, 

Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament

Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament is the 2nd in my "Ringing In Christmas" ornament series.  Each ornament is made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.

Materials Needed:
Caron Simply Soft Worsted Weight Yarn:
  - small amounts Red and White
Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook
2" Plastic Ring
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
beg = beginning
chg = change

Pattern Notes:
Changing Colors: To change colors: when completing the stitch prior to the start of a new color, insert hook and pull up loop (this completes the first part of the sc st), drop the old color, pick up the new color and yarn over and draw the new color thru the two loops on the hook. This completes the sc stitch and you will now have the new color on the hook and are ready to continue stitching.

For more information on changing colors, see my "Changing Colors Tutorial" : http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/2010/07/changing-colors-tutorial-some-helpful.html


Peppermint Candy Ring Ornament:
Round 1) With White, join with a sl st around 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)


Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, chg to red, sc in next 2 sts, *chg to white, sc in next 2 sts, chg to red, sc in next 2 sts*, repeat from * to * around. Change back to white after completing the last red st, and join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (18 white sc, 18 red sc) Cut red yarn, but do not cut white yarn, continue with white for round 3.

Round 3) Ch 11, sl st in same sc st as the beg ch 11, (ch 11, sl st) 2 times in next sc st (3 loops made to create first “wrapper”). End off white.

To make wrapper on the other side of the candy: Skip the next 16 sts, and in the 17th st, using white, join with a sl st, ch 11, sl st in same st as beg ch 11, (ch 11, sl st) 2 times in next sc st.
End off, weave in all ends.
 
To finish, use small strands of red yarn to tie a bow around each of the wrappers.
 
 

 
 
 
Also see Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament - 1st in my "Ringing in Christmas" Ornament Series:
http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/2011/11/lacy-snowflake-ring-ornament-ringing-in.html

Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament

Lacy Snowflake is the first up in my "Ringing in Christmas" Ornament Series.  All the ornaments in the series will be worked by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring, and I will be releasing one pattern each week.  As of now, I'm not sure how many there will be as I'm still working on some of them. So I'll keep it going until my inspiration dries up, or Christmas gets here, whichever comes first.  :)



Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament

Materials Needed:

Caron Simply Soft Worsted Weight Yarn - White

Size G (4.25mm) Crochet Hook

2" Plastic Ring

Yarn Needle

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

mp = make picot

sk = skip

st = stitch

beg = beginning

Lacy Snowflake Ring Ornament

Round 1) With White, join with a sl st around 2” plastic ring, ch 1, 36 sc around ring, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do not turn. (36 sc)

Round 2) Ch 1, sc in same st and sc in each remaining st around, join with a sl st to beg sc. Do Not turn. (36 sc)

Pattern Note for Round 3: To make picot (mp): Ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook.
Round 3) Ch 1, sc in same st, sk next 2 sts, (dc, mp, dc, mp, dc, mp, dc, mp, dc) in next st (1st snowflake point made), sk next 2 sts, *sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, (dc, mp, dc, mp, dc, mp, dc, mp, dc) in next st, sk next 2 sts*, repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st to beg sc. End off, weave in ends. Each snowflake point will contain 5 dc's and 4 picots.  (6 snowflake points, 6 sc)



It looks pretty in blue too!








Coming Soon! - "Ringing In Christmas" Ornament Series

Christmas will be upon us before we know it, so I thought it would be fun do a Christmas ornament series. I have designed a set of Christmas ornaments that are made by crocheting around a 2" plastic ring.  Below is a photo of the package of the type of ring I'm talking about.  The kind I usually use are by either Susan Bates or Boye.  And if you want to get your other supplies around and ready beforehand, I'm also using a size G (4.25mm) crochet hook and Caron's Simply Soft yarn in regular Christmas colors, like white, red and green, but there might be a little yellow and blue thrown in there too. 

My plan is to release one pattern each week, beginning on Nov 1st.  I've had a lot of fun designing these and I hope you'll join in on the fun!  :)

2" Plastic Rings

Cupcake Pincushion Ring

I recently saw a cupcake pincushion ring online somewhere (can't remember where), and it got me to wondering if I could make a crochet one using my "Cupcakes To Crochet" Pattern.  This pattern can be made using either worsted weight yarn, sport weight yarn, or size 10 crochet cotton thread to make different sizes of cupcakes.

First I needed to find a ring that would work, and I found just the right thing at Hobby Lobby.  And it was 50% off to boot!.  Next up, I made the cupcake using size 10 crochet cotton thread and a size 7 steel crochet hook.  Then all I had to do was glue the cupcake to the ring and I had myself a Cupcake Ring Pincushion.  :) It was a fun little project.  :)

Spooky Eyes Halloween Bags - New Pattern in Shop

I have one last Halloween bag design for the season.  This one is called Spooky Eyes and the pattern is for a trick or treat bag and a matching goodie bag.

 These were made using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. The body of the bags is worked flat, in one piece, the sides are stitched closed, and the handle is then stitched to the top of the bag.

Finished Sizes:
Trick or Treat Bag: 10" wide x 11" high
Goodie Bag: 4 3/4" wide x 5" high

Pattern available in my Etsy Shop

Jack-O-Lantern Trick or Treat Bag and Goodie Bag - New Pattern in Shop

Hello all!  I'm still in a Halloween designing mode, and came up with a Jack O Lantern Trick or Treat bag with a matching goodie bag. 

These were made using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. The body of the bags is worked flat, in one piece, the sides are stitched closed, and the handle is then stitched to the top of the bag.


Finished Sizes:
Trick or Treat Bag: 9 1/4" wide x 10 3/4" high
Goodie Bag: 4 1/2" wide x 5" high

Pattern is available in my Etsy Shop

Candy Corn Halloween Bag Set - New Crochet Pattern in Shop

Fall is in the air finally, and I've been working on some Halloween projects.  This pattern set includes a Trick or Treat bag and two sizes of goodie bags.  I made them using Red Heart Super Saver yarn.  You can add a face, or just leave them plain.

Finished sizes are:
Trick or Treat Bag: 10 1/2" high x 10 3/4" wide (at top edge)
Small. Goodie Bag: 5 1/4" high x 5" wide (at top edge)
Large Goodie Bag: 6 3/4" high x 6" wide (at top edge)

Pattern is available in my etsy shop. 

And coming soon is a Jack-O-Lantern Trick or Treat bag with a matching goodie bag.  :)

Gus and Grace Update

I realized that Gus and Grace haven't made an appearance on this blog in quite some time.  And I thought I better give them a little face time so they don't get jealous of baby Eli showing up so often.  :)

It's a pretty easy update though, Grace is still sweet as can be, and Gus is still ornery as can be and still keeping us entertained on a daily basis.  And yes, he is still carrying around his pet string.  :)



Sweet, sweet Gracie!



Ornery Gus! :)

New Patterns in Shop

I've been busy working on a couple new designs for the shop.  The first is Starburst Coaster pattern, and I've had a lot of fun making these up in all sorts of fun colors.  I haven't tried making any using a varigated yarn, but that's next on my list to try.

I also finished up Pleats and Lace Scarf pattern, which I also enjoyed, but it was a bit more of a challenge given our recent heat wave.  :)  But I have to go where my ideas take me, even if it's making a scarf in 90+ temps.  :) 

Both patterns are available in my etsy shop 

Starburst Coasters are made using worsted weight cotton yarn and are 4 1/2" across.  They are made in two pieces, which are then connected when the border is stitched. 



Pleats and Lace Scarf is made using worsted weight yarn.  I used Berocco Vintage Worsted for the model.  It is made in two panels which are then stitched together at center back.  Each panel is made by first stitching the pleated edge, then turning and working the body of the scarf. 



Simple Stripes Dishcloth - Free Pattern

Simple Stripes Dishcloth has a nice texture, making it great for washing dishes.  It's also a great way to use up your leftover scraps. 

Finished size is about 8 3/4" x 8 3/4".  

Click "Download Now" link below to get pattern pdf

download now

Cute Little Backyard Visitors

I looked out the window this morning and saw this cute little turkey family come out of the woods and walk along the edge of our backyard.  The picture isn't the best because I had to take it thru the screen on our back porch.   Smart turkeys though, I noticed they made sure to have an adult turkey bring up the rear so none of the little ones could wander off.  :)

Bread Cozy - New Pattern in Shop

Hello All! I haven't been a very good blogger lately. Summer just seems to be so busy,and the time is just flying by. :) I finished a new pattern for a bread cozy to keep the bread/rolls/biscuits warm. It also works nicely to wrap a homemade loaf of bread in for gift giving. I have some other patterns in the works and hope to have a few new free ones up soon! :)

Pattern is available in my Etsy Shop



Mr. Mouse Coaster - Free Pattern

For some reason, I keep making Mr. (Mickey) Mouse stuff lately.  And since I like to make coasters too, I couldn't resist making him into a coaster.  :)  Click the "download now" link below the picture to get the pattern.  :)


download now