Crocodile Clutch

Hunting for the perfect last-minute Mother's Day gift? Or maybe just looking for something pretty to make over the weekend? Look no further! The Crocodile Clutch is designed to be both a bit of a challenge and a fun gift! (For those of you who sew, this bag looks great lined and with a zipper!) This pattern makes use of the crocodile stitch, but if you are not familiar with it, no worries! This pattern works you through it step by step. It also includes a chart for the front design and pattern for removable strap.



Big hugs and lots of thanks to my testers, Sandra, Brook, and Deanna, and to my model, Rachel! ;-)

Spring Cleaning Maxi-Absorbent Rag

The ultimate dish rag of all dish rags! This great, multi-purpose rag, crocheted with double strands for maximum absorbency, is perfect for your spring cleaning needs. Save the earth (and your wallet!) by keeping a couple of these rags in your kitchen or with your cleaning supplies. You'll never use paper towels again! This is a fun and easy beginner project, using the half-double crochet stitch.

Medium Weight (cotton) yarn
crochet hook size G (4.25 MM)
Row 1: Using two strands from both ends of your skein, ch 24. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across.
Row 2: Turn, ch 1. Hdc in each hdc across.
Row 3-14: Repeat Row 2
Row 15: Turn, ch 1. Hdc in each hdc across. Without turning, sc down around the perimeter of the entire square for an even, finished look.

Finish with sl st and cut off. Weave in loose ends.


Natural Earth-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Common household cleaning products are expensive, and they are full of chemicals that are bad for the earth as well as your family. Make your own earth friendly cleaners for a healthier, happier, cheaper life-style.

Vinegar is an excellent deodorizer and disinfectant. Mix an equal amount vinegar with water, pour into plastic spray cans, and you can use it for just about anything! Counters, cabinets, windows (yes, its streak free!) and floors. And don't worry about the smell...it disappears as soon as the vinegar dries!

To get rid of stubborn grime in nooks and crannys, add baking soda to your vinegar mixture. Try adding baking soda to your next load of laundry to help naturally deodorize your clothes! It also works as a great deodorizer to soak up odors if you sprinkle a little on your carpet just before you vacuum.

Any questions? Please comment!

Gobble-Gobble Turkey Applique

Where has the year gone? It feels like just yesterday I was at the beach in flip flops enjoying the summer breeze, but now the colorful leaves on the tree are falling, and its time to think about Thanksgiving! Heres a great pattern for a this cute turkey applique to get you in the mood!

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Elegant Wrist Warmers

Its been a bit nippy outside lately, and my hands easily get cold when I'm typing or playing the piano (or crocheting!). So I made these elegant little wrist warmers to keep out the chill! These are easy and fast and are great for unpredictable fall weather.

Apple Cozy

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! This is a cute little gift for any occasion. Leave one of these on a teachers desk, or suprise a family member by slipping it into their lunch box. You can enjoy your daily apple bruise-free with this cute little cozy. And its easy to make too!

Use medium worsted weight yarn and a size G (4.25 MM) hook.

Round 1: ch 3, sc 8 into first ch. Sl st into first sc. 2 sc into each sc around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 2: *2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in next. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 3: *2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in next two sc. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 4- 8: Sc into each sc around.
Round 9: Continue as before (sc into each sc around) but about halfway around, stop, ch 1, and turn.
Row 10: Sc into each sc across. Stop right before the beginning of the row, leaving 3 st between the beginning and the end of the row. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc in each sc across. Do not break off. Fold rows 9-11 (about 1 inch) over to make a collar. Ch 3 to make a button hole, and end with a sl st.

Sew on a cute button, and slip in an apple. Have fun!

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.


Thank you!

The Cats Meeeow! Crocheted Cat Toy

My fat cat loooooooves this cute little cat toy! Make it for your own kitty cat, or make a couple as a gift for your cat-lovin' friend!

Use any medium worsted weight yarn and a size G hook. I would suggest sturdier yarn as opposed to softer, satiny yarn, since your cat will be less likely to tear it.

Row 1: Ch 7, turn, sc in second ch from hook and in each across. Turn, ch 1.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Turn, ch 1.
Row 3- 15: Repeat Row 2.
Sew up the sides, leaving one side open. Stuff with catnip (I used cat mint, but its basically the same thing) and sew up the remaining side.

For ears (repeat on both ends of "head"): Sc 3, ch 1, turn, sc 1, sl st in one. Break off and weave in ends. Repeat on other side.

For whiskers: In the center, towards the top, pull two 3" strands of contrasting yarn through one of your sc, and tie securely in a knot. Trim to taste.

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!

Mask- Free Form Crochet

I've fallen in love with some of the beautiful free form crochet things out there! So I timidly made my first attempt at beauty with this mask. Its both gorgeous, hideous, and kinda cool all at the same time! Whaddya think? Please comment!

Mushroom Applique

This is the pattern for making the mushroom applique I used on the Mushroom Festival Doll Dress. Its simple, easy, and cute!

Use medium weight yarn in beige and white, and a crochet hook size F 3.75.

Mushroom Cap

Row 1: With beige yarn, Ch 4, sl st into first ch to make a ring. Ch3, dc 8 into ring. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: 2 dc in each dc across. Sl st and break off. Weave in ends.

Stem

Row 1: With white yarn, ch 8. Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in each sc across. Sl st, break off, weave in ends.

Sew the cap and the stem together and use as an applique for anything. So adorable, and I hope you enjoy!

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!

Mushroom Festival Doll Dress

Every year, in Kennett Square, there is an annual Mushroom Festival! In honor, I made this Mushroom Festival doll dress. Its going for sale in the shop. Click here for the mushroom applique pattern.

Circular Dishcloth

A crocheted dishcloth is one of the handiest things to give as a gift for any occasion. Its great for the kitchen (if you can bear to use it in that dirty dishwater) and in the shower, or, in fun colors, they can make great gifts for kids and new moms at baby showers. Whatever the occasion, enjoy this homemade pattern for a circular dishcloth!

This pattern uses medium weight yarn (use cotton for better absorbency) and an F hook.

Row 1: ch 8, sl st in first chain to form ring, sc 8 into ring
Row 2: Sl st into first sc, 2hdc in each sc around. Sl st into first hdc.
Row 3: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 4: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 2. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 5: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 3. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 6: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 4. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 7: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 5. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 8: *3 sc in first hdc, 1 in next. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Any questions? Please comment!


Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.


Thank you!

Sunflower Coasters

Last night while watching a movie I wanted to keep my hands busy, so I came up with these sweet little sunflower coasters. I decided to give them to my mom; her kitchen is sunflower-themed and she loves yellow and blue.

Note: this pattern uses treble crochet (tr) and double treble crochet (dtr). If you are unfamiliar with these stitches, you can find great tutorials here: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=53. But don't be intimidated; these stitches are fairly easy, and you will be surprised how similar they are to a double crochet stitch!


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Autumn Celebration Dress

Its starting to feel like Autumn! Summer is coming to a close, school is starting, the leaves are beginning to change. Autumn is my favorite season of the year, and I felt it deserved a celebration, so I made the Autumn Celebration dress! This is a great pattern that I like to use as a base for lots of differnt kinds of dresses (see the August Bliss dress) so feel free to use it for whatever you like, whatever the season!

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August Bliss Fishnet Dress

This dress follows the pattern for the Autumn Celebration Dress. View the pattern here. With hot pink and bright yellow, this is my last taste of August. ;-)
For the fishnet look, follow the below pattern.

Row 1: once the finished product of the dress is complete, start on the 7th row down, and sc in each st around.
Row 2: *Ch 5 and sl st in third sc. Repeat from * all the way around.
Row 3-12 (or to desired length): *Ch 5, sl st into ch 5 sp. Repeat from * all the way around
End with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Any questions? Please comment.

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.



Thank you!

iPod Nano Cozy

You'll love these cute little iPod Nano cozies...and once you see how easy it is, you'll want to make several! Good for protecting your Nano from getting battered and scratched in your purse or on the go.

Row 1: Ch 17, sl st into first chain to form a loop. Be careful not to twist.
Row 2- 15: Sc in each ch around.
End with sl st. Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Note: Work in back loops only for a nice touch.

Feel free to add ruffles to the end, or change colors in any row for stripes or patterns!

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.




Thank you!

iPod Nano Sweater

I thought you would enjoy the sweater I made for Tony, my new iPod Nano. I have already started making similar ones for my friends! Look for a pattern soon. ;-)

White Doll Dress: the pattern at last!

New and improved, I have tested and perfected the pattern used for the white doll dress. I am posting it here, as well as under the original post. Enjoy, and if you have any questions, please comment and I'll do my best to help!

Row 1: Ch 26. Dc in 4th chain from hook. *Dc in 1, 2 dc in next repeat from * to end of row
Row 2: Dc 4, 2 dc in next 2 dc, dc 4, 2 dc in next 2 dc, dc 10, 2 dc in next 2 dc, dc 4, 2 dc in next 2 dc, dc 5. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: Sc in 7, ch 1, sc in 8, ch 1, sc in 14, ch 1, sc in 8, ch 1, sc in 7. Ch 3, turn.
Row 4: Dc in 7, 3 dc in ch 1 sp, dc in 8, 3 dc in ch 1 sp, dc in 14, 3 dc in ch 1 sp, dc in 8, 3 dc in ch 1 sp, dc in 7. Ch 3 turn.
Row 5: Sc in 8, 2 sc in next, sc in 10, 2 sc in next, sc in 16, 2 sc in next, sc in 10, 2 sc in next, sc in 8. Ch 3 turn.
Row 6:  Dc in 10, sk 10, dc in 20, sk 10, dc in 10. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: *Dc in 3, 3 dc in next. Repeat from * to end. Ch 3, turn.
Row 8: *Dc in 3, 3 dc in center dc of 3dc group. Repeat from * to end. Ch 3, turn.
Row 9: Dc in dc to 3dc group, work 4 dc group in center dc of 3dc group. Ch 3, turn.
Row 10:  Dc in each dc up to 4 dc group, (work 2 dc in 2nd dc of group, ch 1, 2 dc, in next dc of 4 dc group. This makes a shell. ) dc in each plain dc. Repeat to end. Ch 3, turn.
Row 11:  *Dc in each dc up to shell, 5 dc in ch 1 sp of shell. Repeat from * to end of row. Ch 3, turn.
Row 12-16 : *Dc in middle 3 of each shell and 5 dc in third regular dc. Repeat from * to end of row. Ch 3, turn. Fasten off.

With needle and thread, sew up the back up to the waist. Fasten one or two buttons to the back to hold the dress shut.
For the sash, take three strands of yarn of a contrasting color and appropriate length and knot them together. Weave them in and out every other stitch somewhere at the waist (your choice). Tie in pretty bow  in the center.

Any questions, please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!

Kitty Cat Pencil Pouch

Its that time of year! School starts in a few weeks for most kids, and I wanted to design a couple of fun projects to take to school with me. This is my favorite...the kitty cat pencil pouch! Its big enough to fit pencils and pens as well as calculators, scissors, sticky notes, or whatever else you may need! The pencil pouch has two rings so it can easily fit inside a three ring binder. It even has a mini pocket on the front with a kitty cat applique. I designed it to look like the fat cat.;-)

I'm working on finishing the pattern right now. It should be up in a couple of days. Until then, enjoy the pictures! ;-)

Ear Warmers...confessions of an avid crocheter

I made these gorgeously soft, to-die-for earwarmers tonight. Okay, I'll admit it. I CHEATED. I knitted them. I confess, though not very good at knitting, I like to take a break from crochet and knit every once in a while, just as a change of pace. I adore these ear warmers I made. They are so soft and comfy,  that even though it is the middle of August, I am still wearing them.
I guess the moral of the story is, though crochet is my passion, I enjoy knitting on the side too. I hope to perfect both someday. ;P

Doll Dress- Christmas verison

At last! The Christmas version of the doll dress, as promised! This was hard work, and is my own pattern. I will post the pattern later...but I am in love with this dress! I love the sleeves and the collar. Let me know what you think. Hopefully I will get the pattern up here soon, once I get it cleaned up.

Enjoy these pictures! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Halter Top- American Girl Dolls

You can't run out of cute summer clothing ideas for dolls. ;-) Heres a quick and easy halter top.

Ch 32.
Row 1: Hdc in each ch across. turn, ch 1
Row 2-9: Hdc in each dc across. ch 1 and turn at the end of each row.
Row 8: slip stitch in first 9 hdc. In 9th hdc, work 1 hdc. Hdc in the next 13 hdc. Do not go to the end of the row. Turn and ch 1.
Row 9-11: hdc in each hdc. ch 1 and turn at the end of each row.
Row 12: sc in each hdc across. Fasten off.

For straps: ch 46. Fasten off and securely knot both ends. Weave strap through the two center hdc in top row of halter top.
And there you have it! Lovely halter top thats both cute and summery. Vannah is my model.

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!