♥ Waffles Stitch Crochet ♥

photo from Suburban Jubilee

I found this lovely pattern over at Suburban Jubilee! I love this waffle stitch and it would be perfect for a winter time afghan. Many afghans are made with an open stitch that allows cold air to seep in when you're trying to take a nap! :( Not very good! But this is a nice closed stitch and looks like..well...a waffle! Find the how to on how to make an afghan or dish cloths with this stitch HERE.

Hope you're having a wonderful Friday!

SHERI :)

♥ CROCHET: Lotus Flower Cuff ♥

If you saw my post on Friday, I featured handmade wrist cuffs which I have come to love. Yes, I must try making these. I like the embroidery with beads, but I found a pattern for one that you can crochet. You know how I love crochet patterns! This is from CreativeYarn. Let's try it out! :)

photo from: Creative Yarn

CROCHET HOW-TO: Easy Vintage-style towel hanger

How about a super easy-peasy Christmas gift? These are easy to whip up in no time and I love to hang one or two on my oven handle--perfect for those quick clean-up for messes or to wipe your hands on. You can do holiday towels or maybe your special person has a "theme" kitchen like gingerbread men, birds, sunflowers, teapots, etc. It's so easy to find those theme-printed towels and do a few for a Christmas gift! :) I'll be making some of these soon--next on my "to do" list. Enjoy!!

photo and directions from crochetspot.com:

DIRECTIONS:

You may either start by crocheting on the towel using a very small crochet hook or you can sew the finished topper onto your towel when you are finished making it.

Skill Level: Finished Size: 5 1/2″ (14 cm) tall, 5 1/2″ (14 cm) wide when flat

Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (small amount) Crochet Hook J (6.00 mm) Crochet Hook US 7 (1.5 mm) – only if crocheting topper onto towel Sewing needle and thread – only if sewing topper onto towel

Crochet Pattern: Towel Topper
Row 1 (sew topper on towel method): with crochet hook J (6.00 mm), ch 36, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across: 35 sc
Row 1 (crochet topper on towel method): using US 7 (1.5 mm) crochet hook, 35 sc evenly across top of towel: 35 sc
Row 2: with crochet hook J (6.00 mm), ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 35 sc
Row 3: ch 2 (counts as 1 dc now and throughout), turn, (dc in next sc, skip 1 sc) across, 2 dc in last sc: 20 dc
Row 4: ch 2, turn, (dc in next dc, skip 1 dc) across, 2 dc in last dc: 12 dc
Row 5: ch 2, turn, (dc in next dc, skip 1 dc) across, 2 dc in last dc: 8 dc
Row 6 – 17: ch 2, turn, dc in each dc across: 8 dc
Finish off.
Border
Attach yarn to lower corner of towel topper. Sc around side to top to other side of towel topper. Then finish off. Do not sc across bottom of towel topper since towel is (or will be) attached there.
Finishing
Sew button to towel, aligning it at the lower center of the handle such that the center of the last row can be used as a button hole. If you did not crochet the topper directly onto the towel, use thread and a sewing needle to sew the topper onto the top of the towel.

Stitchery Freebies (Alphabet)

I am always on the lookout for stitching...whether motifs or alphabets. I have collected these freebies online from various sources and thought I'd share them. You can right-click on them to enlarge and then I always open with Microsoft Office Picture Manager...and print away in any size you like!

CROCHET: Daisy Apron

**this post is courtesy of Country Living Magazine**

Fashionable and functional, this Daisy Apron in easy-care cotton can be crocheted with or without a bib. The apron skirt, waist and ties are crocheted as one piece and soft pleats are incorporated at the waistline. The bib is crocheted separately then sewn to the skirt. Crocheted edging around each piece gives the apron an attractive finished look, as do the crocheted flowers, which are optional.

MATERIALS:
Lily Sugar 'n Cream (70.9 g/2.5 oz)
Main color (MC) (46 Rose Pink) 4 balls
Contrast Color A (01 White) 1 ball
Contrast Color B (10 Yellow) 1 ball

Size 4.5 mm (U.S. 7) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarn or tapestry needle for finishing

GAUGE:
13 half double crochets and 8 rows = 4 inches [10 cm]

INSTRUCTIONS:
Note: To change color, work to last 3 loops on hook. Draw loop in next color through 3 loops on hook to complete stitch and proceed in next color.
Chain 2 does not count as half double crochet.

ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS
MC - Main Color
WS - Wrong side of fabric
RS - Right side of fabric
in(s) - inch(es)
cm - centimeter
* * -- repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a give set of instructions

STRIPE PATTERN
With MC, work 5 rows.
With Color B, work 1 row.
With MC, work 2 rows.
With Color B, work 2 rows.
With MC, work 2 rows.
With Color B, work 1 row.
With MC, work 5 rows.
These 18 rows form Stripe Pattern.

With MC, chain 87.

Foundation Row: (WS). 1 half double crochet in 3rd chain from hook. 1 half double crochet in each chain to end of ch. 85 half double crochet. Turn.

Next row: Chain 2. 1 half double crochet in 1st half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. *1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through front loop only. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. Repeat from * to last half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in last half double crochet. Turn.
Repeat last row until work from beginning measures 15 ins [38 cm].

Next row: Chain 2. Working through both loops, 1 half double crochet in each half double crochet to end of row. Fasten off.

Pleats: With RS of Apron facing, place marker along top edge 6 ins [15 cm] from either side. Fold a 1 ins [2.5 cm] pleat and pin in position. The upper edge of Apron is now 22 ins [56 cm] long.

Ties and Waistband: 1st row: With Color B, chain 42. With RS facing, join with slip stitch to upper left corner of Apron. Working through all thicknesses of pleats, work 1 single crochet in each stitch across top of apron to end of row. Chain 43. Turn. 2nd row: 1 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook. 1 single crochet in each of next 41 ch. 1 single crochet in each single crochet across. 1 single crochet in each of next 42 ch. Turn. 3rd row: Chain 1. 1 single crochet in each single crochet to end of row. Repeat last row once. Fasten off.

With RS of work facing, join Color A with slip stitch to any corner of Tie. Work one row single crochet around Tie and outer edge of Apron, having 3 single crochet in each outside corner and single crochet two together in inner corners as follows: (Draw up a loop in next st) twice. Yarn over hook and draw through all 3 loops on hook . You have just single crocheted two stitches together. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Next round: Working from left to right instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off.

Pocket: With MC, chain 41. 1st row: (WS). 1 half double crochet in 3rd chain from hook. *1 half double crochet in each chain to end of chain 39 half double crochet. Turn. 1st row of Stripe pattern is complete.

Keeping continuity of Stripe pattern, proceed as follows: 1st row: Chain 2. 1 half double crochet in 1st half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. *1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through front loop only. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. Repeat from * to last half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in last half double crochet. Turn. Repeat last row until 18 rows of Stripe pattern are complete. Fasten off.

With RS facing, join Color A with slip stitch to lower right corner of Pocket. Work 18 single crochet up right side, 3 single crochet in corner, 37 single crochet across top, 3 single crochet in corner, 18 single crochet down left side, 3 single crochet in corner, 37 single crochet across bottom and 3 single crochet in corner. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Next round: Working from left to right instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse single crochet in each single crochet around. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off.

Bib: With MC, chain 35. 1st row: (WS). 1 half double crochet in 3rd chain from hook. *1 half double crochet in each chain to end of ch. 33 half double crochet. Turn. 2nd row: Chain 2. 1 half double crochet in 1st half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. *1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through front loop only. 1 half double crochet in next half double crochet through back loop only. Repeat from * to last half double crochet. 1 half double crochet in last half double crochet. Turn. Repeat last row until work from beginning measures 9 ins [23 cm]. Fasten off.

With RS facing and Color A, join with slip stitch to bottom right corner of Bib. Work 18 single crochet up right side, 3 single crochet in corner, 31 single crochet across top, 3 single crochet in corner and 18 single crochet down left side of Bib. Leave bottom edge unworked. Do not turn. Next row: Working from left to right instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse single crochet in each single crochet along 3 sides of Bib. Fasten off.

Sew bottom edge of Bib to Waistband, centering Bib with Apron Skirt.

Ties for Bib: (make 2). With Color B, chain 82. 1 half double crochet in 3rd chain from hook. 1 half double crochet in each chain to end of ch. 80 half double crochet. Fasten off.

Daisy (optional): With Color B, chain 5. Join in round. 1st round: Chain 1. 10 single crochet in round. With Color B, join with slip stitch to first single crochet.. 2nd round: With Color A, chain 1. 1 single crochet in first single crochet. *Chain 5. Slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook. 1 single crochet in next ch. 1 half double crochet in next ch. 1 dc in next ch. Miss next single crochet. 1 single crochet in next single crochet. Repeat from * to end of round. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. 5 petals. 3rd round: Chain 1. 1 single crochet in missed single crochet in last round. *Chain 5. Slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook. 1 single crochet in next chain. 1 half double crochet in next ch. 1 dc next chain. 1 single crochet in missed single crochet in last round. Repeat from * to end of round. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. 5 petals. Note: 5 petals from 2nd round should alternate with 5 petals from 3rd round. Fasten off. Sew one Daisy to upper right corner of Bib as illustrated.

Sew Ties and Pocket to Apron as illustrated. Stitch middle of Pocket at center of Apron through all thicknesses.

Lily® Sugar’n Cream® Crochet Reusable Grocery Bag

photo and directions courtesy of Lily

MATERIALS:

* Lily® Sugar’n Cream® Confectionary Colors (Ombres 340 g / 12 oz)- MC: Fruit Cake - 1 Ball
* Lily® Sugar’n Cream® Confectionary Colors (Solids 400 g / 14 oz)- A: Pistachio - 1 Ball
* Size 5 mm (U.S. H or 8) Crochet Hook or Size Needed to Obtain Gauge

INSTRUCTIONS:

**Bag measures approx 13 x 11 x 7 ins [33 x 28 x 18 cm].


**GAUGE: 12 sc and 13 rows = 4 ins [10 cm].


Front and Back: (make 2 pieces alike).

Note: Ch 3 at beg of rnd or row counts as dc.

With MC, ch 4. Join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

1st rnd: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in ring. (Ch 3. 3 dc in ring) 3 times. Ch 3. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

2nd rnd: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.** 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

3rd rnd: Ch 3. 2 dc in same sp as sl st. *1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc.** Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

4th rnd: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.** (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) twice. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

5th rnd: Ch 3. 2 dc in same sp as sl st. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in nextch-3 sp.** (1 dc in center dc of next3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc)3 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

6th rnd: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3. (Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc) twice. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.** (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 4 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) twice. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

7th rnd: Ch 3. 2 dc in same sp as sl st. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) twice. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.** (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 5 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) twice. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Join with sl st in top of ch 3.

8th rnd: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3. (Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc) 3 times. *(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.** (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 6 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 3 times. Join with sl st in top of ch 3. Fasten off.

Top Edging: ***1st row: With RS facing, join MC with sl st in top right corner. Ch 3. 2 dc in same sp as sl st. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 7 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. 3 dc in next ch-3 sp. Fasten off.

2nd row: With RS facing, join MC with sl st in top of beg ch 3 of 1st row. Ch 3. 1 dc in next dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc. (1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. Miss next dc. 3 dc in next dc) 7 times. 1 dc in center dc of next 3 dc. 1 dc in last dc. Fasten off.***


Bottom Edging: Work from *** to *** as given for Top Edging across bottom of Motif.


Outer Edging: Join MC with sl st in any corner. Ch 1. Work 1 rnd of sc around outer edge of Front and Back, having 3 sc in each corner. Join in first sc. Fasten off.


Gusset and Base: With A, ch 27.

1st row: 1 dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as dc, ch 1, dc). *Ch 1. Miss next ch. 1 dc in next ch. Rep from * to end of ch. 25 sts. Turn.

2nd row: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1). *1 dc in next dc. Ch 1. Miss next ch-1 sp. Rep from *, ending with 1 dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn.

Rep last row until work from beg measures 37 ins [94 cm]. Fasten off. Place markers on side edges 13 ins [33 cm] and 24 ins [61 cm] down from foundation row.


Handles (make 2).

With A, ch 13.

1st row: 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc). 1 dc in each of next 9 ch. 11 dc. Turn.

2nd row: Ch 3. 1 dc in each dc to end of row. Turn.

Rep last row until Handle measures 20 ins [51 cm]. Do not fasten off. Fold Handle in half lengthwise and work 1 row of sc through both thicknesses down length of Handle to join sides. Fasten off.


FINISHING:

Pin Front and Back pieces to Gusset and Base matching markers to corners. With WS tog and A, work 1 rnd of sc around Front and Back to join Gusset and Base. Sew Handles in position.

Lily® Sugar’n Cream® Crochet Granny Square Dishcloth

photo and directions courtesy of Lily

MATERIALS:

* Lily® Sugar’n Cream® Confectionary- Colors (Solids 400 g / 14 oz): MC: Nougat - 1 Ball and A: Cinnamon - 1 Ball

* Size 5 mm (U.S. H or 8) Crochet Hook or Size Needed to Obtain Gauge

INSTRUCTIONS:

**Dishcloth measures approx 101/2 ins [26.5 cm] square

**GAUGE: 14 sc and 15 rows = 4 ins [10 cm].


With MC, ch 6. Join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.


1st rnd: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in ring. (Ch 3. 3 dc in ring) 3 times. Ch 3. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break MC.

2nd rnd: Join A with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more. Ch 1. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break A.

3rd rnd: Join MC with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break MC.

4th rnd: Join A with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break A.

5th rnd: Join MC with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 3 times. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break MC.

6th rnd: Join A with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 4 times. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Break A.

7th rnd: Join MC with sl st in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (2 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp. *(Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 5 times. Ch 1.** (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Fasten off.

Crochet: Forget-me-not-edging

Pattern and photo originally published by Clark's O.N.T. in Floral Insertions and Floral Edgings, Book 263, in 1949.

Materials:

J. & P. Coats Tatting-Crochet, Size 70, Blue (No. 8), and Hunter's Green (No. 48), and
J. & P. Coats or Clark's O.N.T. Six Strand Embroidery Floss, 2 Skeins of Yellow (No. 9).
Steel Crochet Hook No. 14.

Edging--Forget-Me-Not . . .Starting at center of Flower with Blue, ch 1 loosely, ch 4 more in the usual manner. * Holding back on hook the last loop of each tr make 2 tr in 5th ch from hook, thread over and draw through all loops on hook (cluster), ch 4, sl st in same place as last tr was made (petal); ch 4, make a 2 tr cluster in same place as last cluster was made, ch 4, sl st in same place (another petal). Make 2 more petals (Forget-Me-Not completed). Ch 20. Repeat from * until piece measures 1 1/4 times the length desired. With 3 strands of Six Strand make a French knot (5 times over needle) in center of each Forget-Me-Not.

Heading . . . 1st row: With Green make 10 sc, ch 3 and 10 sc over each ch 15 across. Turn.

2nd row: Sl st in next 5 sc, * ch 9, sc in next ch 3 loop, ch 9, skip 5 sc, tr in next sc, skip 4 sc on next loop, tr in next sc. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 5, skip 5 sc, tr in next sc. Ch 4, turn.

3rd row: In next sp make (dc, ch 1) twice, ** dc in next sc, ch 1, * in next sp make (dc, ch 1) 4 times. Repeat from * once more. Repeat from ** across. Break off.

Insertion . . . Work as for this Edging No. until the necessary number of flowers is completed. Attach Blue to center of last flower, * ch 15, sc in center of next flower. Repeat from * across. Break off.

Now with Green, work Heading as for Edging working on both sides of flowers. Make more flowers as necessary and tack them in place as illustrated with French knots.

Crochet: Rose Edging Pattern

This edging pattern and photo originally published by Clark's O.N.T. in Floral Insertions and Floral Edgings, Book 263, in 1949.

Materials:

J. & P. Coats Tatting-Crochet, Size 70, Rose (No. 46) and Bright Nile Green (No. 26-B) . . . Steel Crochet Hook No. 14.

Edging--Rose . . . Starting at center with Rose, ch 8. Join with sl st to form ring.

1st rnd: 20 sc in ring. Sl st in first sc.

2nd rnd: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, * ch 5, skip 3 sc, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around, ending with sl st in first sc.

3rd rnd: In each loop around make sc, half dc, 5 dc, half dc and sc. Sl st in next sc on previous rnd.

4th rnd: * Ch 7, sc in next sc on 2nd rnd. Repeat from * around.

5th rnd: In each loop around make sc, half dc, 7 dc, half dc and sc. Join and break off.

Leaf . . . Starting at tip with Green, ch 15.

1st row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across to within last ch, 3 sc in last ch (this is tip of Leaf), sc in each ch along opposite side of starting chain, sc in same place as last sc. Mark last sc for base of Leaf. Hereafter pick up only the back loop of each sc. Do not turn but work sc in each sc to within 3 sc from center sc at tip of Leaf. Ch 1, turn.

2nd Row: Sc in each sc to within marked sc, 3 sc in marked sc, sc in each sc on other side to within 3 sc from center sc at tip of Leaf. Ch 1, turn.

3rd and 4th Rows: Sc in each sc to within center sc of 3 sc group, 3 sc in next sc, sc in each sc on other side to within last 3 sts. Ch 1, turn.

5th Row: Same as 3rd row, making sc, ch 7 and sc in center sc of sc group at base of Leaf.

6th Row: Sc in back loop of each sc to within ch 7 loop, in loop make (3 sc, ch 5) 3 times and 3 sc; sc in back loop of each sc across to within last 3 sts. Break off. Make necessary number of roses and leaves, and tack together in alternate order, having a rose at both ends.

Heading . . . 1st row: Attach Green to center st of 2nd free petal on Rose, ch 8, sc in center st of next free petal, * ch 5, sc in next free picot on Leaf, ch 2, sc in next free picot, ch 5, tr in center sc on side of Leaf, ch 5, dc in center of next free petal on next Rose, ch 5, sc in center of next free petal on Rose. Repeat from * across, ending with sc in center of next petal. Ch 5, turn.

2nd Row: * Dc in ch 5 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 2, dc in next tr, ch 2, dc in next ch 5 sp, ( ch 2, dc in next sc) twice; ch 2, dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2. Repeat from * across, ending with dc in last ch 5 sp, ch 2, dc in 3rd st of turning ch 8. Break off.

Insertion . . . Work as for Edging No. EI-283, making Heading on both long sides and being careful to have the same number of spaces.

Crochet: Think Spring!

photo by Lori Zeller

Floral Lapel Pins

Designs by Lori Zeller

Flower pins are back in style and with these simple patterns you can make any number of them to match your wardrobe!

Skill Level: Beginner

Size:
Pink Flower: 1 1/2 inches in diameter
White Flower: 1 3/4 inches in diameter

Materials:
* Crochet cotton size 10: 30 yds white, 20 yds pink, 5 yds each mint green and green
* Size 5 steel crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
* 2 (3/4-inch) pin backs
* 2 (5/8-inch) round flat white buttons
* Hot-glue gun
* Tapestry needle

Gauge:
Rnd 1 = 5/8 inch in diameter; 5 dc = 1/2 inch
Check gauge to save time.

Pattern Notes:
Weave in loose ends as work progresses.
Join rnds with a sl st unless otherwise stated.

Pink Flower
Rnd 1: With white, ch 6, join to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), 17 dc in ring, join in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, fasten off. (18 dc)
Rnd 2: Attach pink in any dc, ch 1, 2 sc in each dc around, join in beg sc.
(36 sc)
Rnd 3: Working in front lps only, ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sl st in next st, sc in next st, [sc, ch 4, sc] in next st, [sc in next st, sl st in next st, sc in next st, {sc, ch 4, sc} in next st] rep around, join in beg sc. (9 petals)
Rnd 4: Working in rem back lps of Rnd 2, sl st in st behind first sc of Rnd 3, sl st in next st, sk next st, 8 dc in next st, [sk next st, sl st in next st, sk next st, 8 dc in next st] rep around, ending with last sl st in 2nd sl st of rnd, fasten off. (9 petals)

Leaf
(Make 2)
Rnd 1: With green, ch 9, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each of next 2 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, [sl st, ch 1, sl st] in last ch, working on opposite side of foundation ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 4 chs, join in top of beg ch-9, leaving a length of cotton, fasten off.

White Flower
Rnd 1: With white, ch 6, join to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), 17 dc in ring, join in 3rd ch of beg ch-3. (18 dc)
Rnd 2: Working in front lps this rnd only, ch 1, sc in same st as beg ch, ch 2, [sc in next st, ch 2] rep around, join in beg sc.
Rnd 3: Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp, [3 dc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp] rep around, join in 3rd ch of beg ch-3. (9 petals)
Rnd 4: Working in rem back lps of Rnd 1, sc in first st, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3] rep around, join in beg sc.
Rnd 5: Sl st into ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-3 sp, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp, [sc in next ch-3 sp, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp] rep around, join in beg sc, fasten off.

Leaf
(Make 2)
Rnd 1: With mint green, rep Rnd 1 of leaf for pink flower.

Finishing
Sew leaves to back of each flower as desired. Glue a button to center of Rnd 1 of each flower. Glue pin to back of flower.

Free Holiday Embroidery Patterns

Hello friends,

If you go over to the PatternBee.com you will find some cute holiday patterns for embroidery. How sweet! I especially love this reindeer.

Looking for more prim-type patterns? Check out this page of Homeberries.com. I love the prim sheep!

and....I love snowmen! How about a Snowman Stitchery?

Hope you're having a grand Saturday!
SHERI

How to make a vintage CHRISTMAS CARD BASKET

Hello friends in blogland,

I used to think I was "showing my age" by my love of vintage Christmas items. Now, I will only admit to being 39.999! :) I have always had a love of vintage anything. I think it reminds me of my past growing up, not so much the actual memories of those times as much as the feelings it evokes of the time era when the world wasn't such a scary place. Back when Wal-mart employees didn't have to fear being trampled to death my a surging crowd of Black Friday shoppers. Really! What is this world coming to? The times might have been hard, but we didn't have bail-outs & reports of terrorism bombarding us from the news every day.

Vintage brings the feelings of simple times, when we were thankful for the things we had & didn't live in a credit-card debt society--a classic result of "keeping up with...(whomever )" and the need for instant gratification--got to have it NOW.

I love these old Christmas card baskets and when I found the instructions on-line, I had to share them with you! I think you will remember these, if you're still 39 like me. :) Let's start December off with a vintage craft!

Enjoy your day,


From allfreecrafts.com, "This recycled Christmas card project is one that many people remember from the past, but they are just not quite sure of how it was done - so here are the complete instructions to make a recycled card basket from old Christmas cards.

This project is more time consuming than I expected, although our free printable pattern will make it a little easier for you. I would suggest cutting out all the card pieces, then settling down to finish the rest of the project while watching your favourite Christmas movie.

The finished card basket is surprisingly sturdy and would look lovely on a hall table filled with scented pine cones or potpourri."

Christmas Card Basket

Supply list:

~ 14 used Christmas cards
~ white glue
~ yarn in Christmas colors
~ computer and printer with paper~
printable pattern
~ yarn needle
~ small but sharp-pointed scissors, sharp awl or similar item to poke holes through two cards glued together
~ optional: crochet hook

Instructions:

Print the two free printable pattern pieces and cut them out. Trace around the patterns on the back of two old Christmas cards and cut out these patterns to use as templates.

Note: If you don't have a computer printer, you could make your own paper patterns by drawing your own version - each large pencilled square equals one inch, so draw a 1" grid then copy our pattern.

Trace around your templates, then cut out 12 sides and 2 bottom pattern pieces from the front of old Christmas cards. Try to center the nicest part of the card pictures in the middle of each piece.

Glue two sides together, with the pictures facing outwards on each side; do the same for bottom pieces. Let the glue dry.

Perhaps the hardest part of this project is poking holes all around the edge of each pattern piece. These are sewing holes used to frame each piece with blanket stitch. I used a large needle to create the holes at first, but then found the sharp tip of some small steel scissors worked better for me. You could also try the tip of small awl.

Make the holes about 1/4 inch apart and about 1/4 inch from the edge.

Take your yarn and sew a blanket stitch all around each pattern piece. The illustration at right shows how to sew a blanket stitch.

When you have finished edging with blanket stitch, begin sewing all the side pieces to the bottom, then sewing all the sides together.

Your Christmas card basket is now complete. However, if you know how to crochet, you could finish off the top edge with one row of single crochet.

Sassy Cat

Calling all Cat lovers...This is a cute pattern from Doe C Doe! This inspires me to make a pillow just like this! Or wouldn't it make a cute quilt in different-colored cat blocks?

Sew some Apron Ornaments

Oh how adorable!! I have to have this pattern. Wouldn't little aprons be cute on a tree? If you're like me and have a little tree in your kitchen (I guess mine's about 18" tall), wouldn't aprons be adorable?

SIMPLICITY # 2748

How to: Elegant Party Napkins

Project and photo courtesy of
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Skill Level 2: Some sewing experience needed

Approximate Crafting Time: 1 1⁄2 hours for four





SUPPLIES & TOOLS:• Cotton fabric – 1/2 yd. makes two napkins
• Basic sewing supplies
• Rotary cutter, ruler & mat
• Sewing machine with 1 spool of matching thread
• Fray Check
• Iron
• Flowers of choice
• Trims or Ribbon of choice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut fabric into 18" squares.

2. Using sewing machine: Turn edges under 1/8" then another 1/8" and sew with a straight stitch.

3. Place a drop of Fray Check at each corner and allow to dry.

4. Trim corners.

5. Fold napkins in different styles: Fold accordion style and tie at bottom, fold with a pocket to tuck in flowers or stems, gather in center and tie. Get creative!