Free Pattern Friday! Dr. Suess’ Sneetch

We have shelves and shelves of kids’ books. I’m kind of a hoarder in that regard. I love going to Goodwill or the Salvation Army store and picking up armloads for 50 cents each. If you looked through our books about 75% would have a thrift store price tag on them. I try to get my kids to pick a different book every night, but you can only read a Spongebob beginning reader book so many times before you want to put it through a shredder. Dora the Explorer books and books based on kids’ movies, the same. When you read a really good children’s book, however, you don’t mind when your kid asks for it for the 5th time that week. Take the Sneetches, for example. Does my five year old understand that its a story about non-conformity and prejudice? Probably not. But he does think that Sylvester McMonkey McBean is pretty kooky. He likes to see them all pay “ten dollars eaches” and have those stars disappear and come back again in his amazing machine. But I have a feeling that when he’s reading the story about bellies with stars and others with “none upon thars”, he’ll grow up with a little more of an open mind. Its what Dr. Suess would have wanted.

Before you get started, some inspiration. If you haven’t watched this before, I encourage you to take a minute now, because it is just plain awesome. The catchy 70s music will eat you up!

This crocheted amigurumi sneetch is easy to make and fun to play with. His belly star is attached with velcro so he can take it off and put it back on again. He’ll be invited to all the marshmallow toasts and frankfurter roasts that way.

Sneetch:

You will need:

Materials:
Yellow worsted weight yarn
Gray worsted weight yarn
White fuzzy yarn (baby or “cloud” yarn)
White felt
Green felt
6mm black safety eyes
Black embroidery floss
Small piece of velcro, just the “hook” side, sew-on type

Tools:
Size E crochet hook
Yarn needle
Embroidery needle

Body:
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom of the body with yellow yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring. Pull tail tightly to close hole. (6)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into each st (12)
Rnd 3: (2 sc into next st, sc into next st)* repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep around (24)
Rnd 5: (2 sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep around (30)
Rnd 6-9: Sc into each st (30)
Rnd 10: (Sc2tog, sc into next 8 st)* rep around (27)
Rnd 11: Sc into each st (27)
Rnd 12: (Sc2tog, sc into next 7 st)* rep around (24)
Rnd 13: Sc into each st (24)
Rnd 14: (Sc2tog, sc into next 6 st)* rep around (21)
Rnd 15: (Sc2tog, sc into next 5 st)* rep around (18)
Rnd 16: (Sc2tog, sc into next 4 st)* rep around (15)
Rnd 17: (Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st)* rep around (12)
Rnd 18: (Sc2tog, sc into next 4 st)* rep around (10)
Rnd 19-21: Sc into each st (10)
* Insert stuffing into the larger bottom part of the body before you proceed with the neck (or you’ll be sorry)!
Rnd 22: Sc2tog, sc into next 8 (9)
Rnd 23: Sc into each st (9)
*Change to gray yarn at last st of Rnd 23.
Rnd 24: Sc into each st (9)
*Change to yellow yarn at last st of Rnd 24.
Rnd 25-26: Sc into each st (9)
*Change to gray yarn at last st of Rnd 26.
Rnd 27: Sc into each st (9)
*Change to yellow yarn at last st of Rnd 27. You can cut the gray yarn. Work the next few stitches over the end to secure.
Rnd 28: Sc into each st (9)
Fasten off and cut tail short. Stuff the neck and set aside.

Head:
Rnd 1: Starting at the nose end of the head with yellow yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 4 into the ring. Pull tail tightly to close hole. (4)
Rnd 2: Sc into each st (4)
Rnd 3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end (6)
Rnd 4: Sc into each st (6)
Rnd 5: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end (8)
Rnd 6: Sc into each st (8)
Rnd 7: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end (12)
Rnd 8: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end (15)
Rnd 9-10: Sc into next 5 st, hdc into next 5 st, sc into next 5 st (15)
Rnd 11: Sc into next 5 st, hdc into next st, dc into next 3 st, hdc into next st, sc into next 5 st (15)
Rnd 12: (Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end (12)
*Cut tiny ovals from white felt. Cut a slit in each oval and insert the eye, then insert the eye into the face as shown, and attach washer on the inside. Stuff the head.
Rnd 13: Sc2tog around (6)
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave tail through last row of stitches to close hole, then down through bottom of head. Sew onto body and weave in ends.

Arm (Make 2):

Rnd 1: Starting at the shoulder with yellow yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 5 into the ring. Pull tail tightly to close hole. (5)

Rnd 2-8: Sc into each st (5)

Rnd 9: 2 Sc into next st, sc into each st (6)

Rnd 10: Sc into each st (6)

Row 11: Ch 1, and fold the arm flat. Working through both layers of the arm, sc across the end 3. This closes the arm. It does not need to be stuffed. Turn and work the next row across the top. (3)

Row 12: (Ch 3, sc into 2nd ch from hook and next ch, then sl st into next st)* rep across for three fingers.

Fasten off with a sl st and sew arms to body.

Leg (Make 2)

Rnd 1: Starting at the toe end of the foot with yellow yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 3 into the ring. Pull tail tightly to close hole. (3)

Rnd 2: 2 Sc into next st, sc into each st (4)

Rnd 3: 2 Sc into next st, sc into each st (5)

Rnd 4: Sc into each st (5)

Rnd 5: 2 Sc into next st, sc into each st (6)

Rnd 6: Sc into each st (6)

Rnd 7-8: Dc into next 3 st, sl st into next 3 st (6)

*This forms the heel.

Rnd 9-13: Sc into each st (6)

Rnd 14: Sc into next 4 st, sc2tog (5)

Fasten off and sew to bottom of body as shown. No stuffing is necessary.

Finishing:

White mane:

Cut four inch long strands of white fuzzy yarn. Insert hook into a stitch around the neck just above where the arms are attached, and pull up a loop of the white yarn. Pull ends through loop to fasten to neck. Do this all the way around the neck twice. Try to keep strands close together. When you’re finished, trim the strands as shown.

Face:

Using black embroidery floss, embroider a straight vertical stitch for the smile on one cheek, then a line all the way across (using three even horizontal straight stitches), then another short vertical line on the other cheek. Do not cut floss. On last stitch, insert the needle back into the head, and come out at the very top of the head through the yarn (do not come up through a “hole” in the stitches or the floss will not be secured). Knot the embroidery floss close to the surface and cut it about 1/2″ long for the Sneetch’s hair.

Star:

Cut a star from two layers of green felt. On one of the pieces, sew a tiny patch of velcro with the rough hook side. Using the same green thread, sew the layers together with a whipstitch close to the edge. The rough velcro will stick to your Sneetch’s belly. You may need to periodically trim the fuzz that may come up from removing and applying the star.

Hope you have fun making your own little Sneetch. What a great baby shower or birthday gift it would be to give Dr. Suess’ amazing book with your own handmade little Sneetch! If you make one, I’d love to see a picture of him! Post him to the Ravelry page or on CraftyisCool on Facebook.

Happy birthday, Dr. Suess!

Free Pattern Friday! Austin Owl Amigurumi

Last year I participated in the Renegade Craft Fair here in Austin. It was so much fun and I hope I have time to do it again next year. (This year is definitely OUT–ahem…book….!) I wanted to design something with an owl since everything Renegade is represented by an owl. I put together about 150 kits each containing materials and tools to make a tiny Austin Owl amigurumi. I designed the pattern to be accessible to beginners and seasoned crocheters. They are fun and customizable since they can be made in any color imaginable and with teeny tiny fabric scraps. When I’m not crocheting I also like to sew (mostly Halloween costumes and the like) so I’m no stranger to leftover bits of fabric that I hate to throw away. It’s fun to put colors together in unexpected ways to make these cute little guys. I’ve had this pattern in my Ravelry shop for a while now but I wanted to set the owls free! Get it?

Austin Owl Amigurumi

Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn (any color)
Polyester fiberfill
Fabric
Felt
Two small (~ 3/8″) buttons

Tools:
Crochet hook (I used size E, 3.5mm)
Yarn needle
Craft glue OR matching thread

Body:

Rnd 1: Starting at bottom of body, with yarn and Hook, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring.  Pull closed.

Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into each st (12)

Rnd 3:  Working in back loops of each stitch only (BLO), sc into each st (12)

Rnds 4-7: Sc into each st (12)

Rnd 8: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 5 st)* rep to end of round (14)

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff the owl. Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tail. Flatten the top edge so that you have one long seam of 7 st to sew through. Whipstitch the seam closed, knot the yarn tail and hide within the body of the owl, clipping the tail close to the surface.

Finishing:

Cut a small egg shape from the fabric for the owl’s tummy. Glue or sew the patch onto the owl. Cut a small triangle from felt and glue to owl for the beak. Glue or sew two button eyes to the owl’s face.

Pick your colors!

Whooooo is making a whole nest full of these?

These would be cute little Valentine’s day gifts! Once you get going on them, they are quick and fun to make. If you’re not ready to commit to Valentine’s, how adorable would these be in your Easter basket?
Hope you enjoy these little guys!

Free Pattern Friday! Valentine’s Day Yarn Wreath

Valentine’s Day Yarn Wreath

As soon as the Christmas decorations come down in my house, I like to get things moving on to the next holiday. Sure I could try to decorate for “Winter” but I really love red and pink and hearts and all that stuff, so I go straight for Valentine’s Day!
I’m sure some people would wait until February to decorate (if they decorate at all) but then what do you have? Two weeks? No way! I say decorate in January and revel in the awesomeness longer. (That is the reason I decorate for Halloween at the beginning of September, after all!)

I have a spot in my kitchen where I always hang a wreath. My front door is a craftsman-type, with windows at the top and a little ledge, so I can never quite figure out hanging a wreath there. I always look for a cute wreath for Valentine’s day at the usual places: Target, Hobby Lobby, etc, but I never find the right one. So with all these awesome yarn wreaths I love to drool over on Pinterest, I thought I’d make my own! This one is super easy and the heart pattern is fun and quick.

Valentine’s Yarn Wreath

Materials:
12″ Styrofoam wreath form 
Bulky variegated yarn (I used Hobby Lobby’s First Love Yarn in “Kisses”)
Any color worsted weight yarn (I used hot pink, pale pink, aqua, light blue, lilac, and purple)

Yarn, 16 gauge wire, 12 foam wreath

E Hook (or your favorite)
Yarn needle
Polyester stuffing 
16 gauge wire (optional)
Decorative ribbon or trim
Stick pins


Key:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
st: stitch
sc2tog: single crochet 2 st together (decrease)

*     *     *
Begin by tying the yarn around the wreath in one spot. Don’t worry about hiding the knot, as it will be covered. Wrap the yarn all the way around the wreath, trying to not overlap the strands. This makes the yarn’s color changes more even. When you reach the end, cut the yarn leaving a few inches and wrap the tail to the back. Use a crochet hook and pull the tail under a few strands to hide it.


Heart A (smallest–make 2):
R1: Starting at point of heart, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 3 into the ring. Pull closed.
R2: Work 2sc into each st (6)
R3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* repeat to end of round (9)
R4: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* repeat to end of round (12)
R5: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* repeat to end of round (15)
R6: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 4 st)* repeat to end of round (18)
R7: Sc into the next 9 st, skip next 9 st.
*You have now started the right side of the top of the heart.
R8: Starting at the first stitch of R6, sc into each st (9)
R9: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* repeat to end of round (6)
Fasten off by slip stitching into the next stitch. Leave a tail. Using the yarn needle, weave tail through last row of stitches and pull tightly to close the hole. Use a stuffing tool or the eraser end of the pencil to stuff the heart lightly. Attach yarn back onto the open side of the yarn, starting on the inside and you will work around the opening. You can either tie a knot to attach the new yarn or you can insert the hook on the outside into the first stitch and pull the yarn up through the work, and sc for your first stitch. Repeat R7-9 on the other side to create the second top bump. Weave in ends and set aside.


Heart B (medium–make 1):
R1-R6: Work as for Heart A
R7: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 5 st)* repeat to end of round (21)
R8: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 6 st)* repeat to end of round (24)
R9: Sc into next 12 st, skip next 12 st.
*You have now started the right side of the top of the heart.
R10: Starting at the first st of R9, sc into each st (12)
R11: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* repeat to end of round (9)
R12: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* repeat to end of round (6)

Fasten off by slip stitching into the next stitch. Leave a tail. Using the yarn needle, weave tail through last row of stitches and pull tightly to close the hole. Use a stuffing tool or the eraser end of the pencil to stuff the heart lightly. Attach yarn back onto the open side of the yarn, starting on the inside and you will work around the opening. You can either tie a knot to attach the new yarn or you can insert the hook on the outside into the first stitch and pull the yarn up through the work, and sc for your first stitch. Repeat R9-12 on the other side to create the second top bump. Weave in ends and set aside.

Heart C (large–make 2):

R1-R8: Work as for Heart B

R9: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 7 st)* repeat to end of round (27)

R10: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 8 st)* repeat to end of round (30)

R11: Sc into next 15 st, skip next 15 st.

*You have now started the right side of the top of the heart.

R12: Starting at the first st of R11, sc into each st (15)

R13: (Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st)* repeat to end of round (12)

R14: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* repeat to end of round (9)

R15: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* repeat to end of round (6)

Fasten off by slip stitching into the next stitch. Leave a tail. Using the yarn needle, weave tail through last row of stitches and pull tightly to close the hole. Use a stuffing tool or the eraser end of the pencil to stuff the heart lightly. Attach yarn back onto the open side of the yarn, starting on the inside and you will work around the opening. You can either tie a knot to attach the new yarn or you can insert the hook on the outside into the first stitch and pull the yarn up through the work, and sc for your first stitch. Repeat R11-15 on the other side to create the second top bump. Weave in ends and set aside.

Heart D (extra large–make 1):

R1-10: Work as for Heart C

R11: (2 Sc into next st, sc into 9 st)* repeat to end of round (33)

R12: (2 Sc into next st, sc into 10 st)* repeat to end of round (36)

R13: Sc into next 18 st, skip next 18 st.

*You have now started the right side of the top of the heart.

R14: Starting at the first st of R13, sc into each st (18)

R15: (Sc2tog, sc into next 4 st)* repeat to end of round (15)

R16: (Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st)* repeat to end of round (12)

R17: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* repeat to end of round (9)

R18: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* repeat to end of round (6)

Fasten off by slip stitching into the next stitch. Leave a tail. Using the yarn needle, weave tail through last row of stitches and pull tightly to close the hole. Use a stuffing tool or the eraser end of the pencil to stuff the heart lightly. Attach yarn back onto the open side of the yarn, starting on the inside and you will work around the opening. You can either tie a knot to attach the new yarn or you can insert the hook on the outside into the first stitch and pull the yarn up through the work, and sc for your first stitch. Repeat R13-18 on the other side to create the second top bump. Weave in ends and set aside.

You may now begin sewing your hearts together. Arrange them as you would like and stitch them in a line. It’s easier to use one color and stitch through all of them across, keeping your stitches hidden, rather than changing yarn colors.

The next step is completely optional but I found that it really helped the hearts on my wreath stand up and stay in line. Once you’ve stitched the hearts together, start at the back on one side and feed a long piece of wire all the way through to the other side. After making it all the way through, insert both ends into the wreath form.

In a word processing program, print “Happy Valentine’s Day” and trim into a banner. Curl edges and pin to wreath.

Cut a length of trim 24″ in half, so you have two 12″ pieces. Loop them around the top of the wreath and tie at the top. Hang her up! Easy right? Happy Valentine’s Day! (or as my little boys say, Happy Valentimes!)

Free Pattern Friday! Crafty Christmas Cottage

Crafty Christmas Cottage Village

A few years ago I found a set of tiny cardboard glittery houses at the Salvation Army. Since then I’ve collected a few others, mostly new ones and not the vintage treasures with the little cellophane windows. I love those things! They give an instant retro vibe to our Christmas decor and a magical glow when they’re lined up on a bed of plastic snow.

Working with yarn to make these little houses, you get to pick any color you want, embellish the outside with soft felt doors and windows, and trim them with icicles. I made three in my favorite retro Christmas color combo. They are crocheted in one long piece for the house, another piece for the roof, and the bottom is left open so that you can get fancy and put in one of those adorable little electric tea lights. I wish my camera would have captured the glow these little houses were giving off! Finish off with a good sprinkling of plastic snow and a dusting of fine iridescent glitter: magic!

Crafty Christmas Cottage

You will need…

Yarn (all worsted weight):

  Your favorite color (for the house)

  White (for the roof)

Hook:
  Size E/3.5 mm (or your favorite! The larger the hook, the larger the house!)

Notions:
  White felt

  Craft glue

  Electric tealight (optional)

  Plastic snowflakes (optional)

  Glitter (optional, but not really!)

Key: 
BLO: crochet into back loops only

ch: chain 

rep: repeat

sc: single crochet 

sl st: slip stitch

st: stitch 

House:

With your favorite color yarn and an E hook, ch 9.

R1: Sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 7 ch (8)

R2-8: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (8)

R9: Ch 1, turn. Sc into BLO of each st (8)

R10: Ch 2, turn. Sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 8 st (9)

R11: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (9)

R12: Ch 2, turn. Sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 9 st (10)

R13: Ch 1, turn. Sc into next 9 st (skip the last st) (9)

R14: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (9)

R15: Ch 1, turn. Sc into next 8 st (skip the last st) (8)

R16: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (8)

R17: Ch 1 , turn. Sc into BLO of each st (8)

R18-32: Repeat R2-16.

R33: Turn. Fold the piece into a house shape so that R1 and R32 meet. Sl st the edges together. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Roof:

With white yarn and an E hook, ch 12.

R1: Sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 10 st (11)

R2-6: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (11)

R7: Ch 1, turn. Sc into BLO of each st (11)

R8-12: Ch 1, turn. Sc into each st (11)

**If you’d like, you can sc around the edge of the roof to make a smooth edge, as I did with the pink and the red houses. 

Fasten off and leave a long tail. Thread a yarn needle with the tail and sew the roof to the house. The roof will have about 1/4″ overhang all the way around. Weave in ends.

**If you have a problem with the roof curling up, spray it with spray starch and let dry flat or iron with a warm iron before you sew it to the house. DON’T use a hot iron on acrylic yarn!

Embellishing:

Cut door and window shapes from white felt and attach to house with craft glue. 

Cut long narrow strips from white felt. “Fringe” the edges by snipping in two directions along one edge to make a zig-zag pattern. Glue the strips to the edges of the roof as desired for icicles.

Hope you like these! I’ve been looking forward to this pattern for a long time!

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Holidays! God Bless!

Free Pattern Friday! Squeeze n’ Sniff Pumpkin Pie

Squeeze n’ Sniff Pumpkin Pie

November is here! And finally we are getting some cooler weather down here in Texas! It’s not a snowstorm or anything but when we’re below 70 it’s fall!

I love Thanksgiving: the food, the singing (yes, my mother has us all sing Thanksgiving songs together!), the naps, and oh yeah, football, if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s also a good day for planning some Black Friday shopping (and oh yeah, I AM into THAT sort of thing)! 

This year make dessert weeks in advance (and you don’t have to clear out any room in your freezer).

I made a pumpkin pie! It is absolutely void of calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The whipped cream is optional (but how could you eat pumpkin pie without whipped cream?!).

This pumpkin pie has a secret. Tucked inside is an easy to make sachet filled with pumpkin pie spice so that your Squeeze n’ Sniff Punkin Pie smells like the real deal!

You will need…

Yarn (all worsted weight):

  Gray

  Burnt orange

  Tan

  White

Hook:
  Size E/3.5 mm (or your favorite!)

Notions:
  Black safety eyes (10mm)
  Polyester stuffing  
  Yarn needle

  Plastic canvas circle measuring 2 3/4″ (or cardboard)  Embroidery needle
  Black embroidery floss
  Scrap of fabric

  Thread

  Pumpkin pie spice

Key: 
BLO: crochet into back loops only

ch: chain 

hdc: half double crochet
inc: increase within the round the number of times indicated

rep: repeat

sc: single crochet 

sl st: slip stitch

st: stitch 

Pan:

Rnd 1: With gray yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into ring. Pull closed. (6)

Rnd 2: 2 Sc into each st (12)

Rnd 3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end of rnd (18)

Rnd 4: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of rnd (24)

Rnd 5: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end of rnd (30)

Rnd 6: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 9 st)* rep to end of rnd (33)

Rnd 7: Sc into the BLO (back loops only) of each st (33)

Rnd 8: Sc into each st, inc 1 (34)

Rnd 9: Sc into each st, inc 1 (35)

Rnd 10: Sc into each st, inc 1 (36)

Fasten off. Cut yarn tail short (will be tucked inside upon assembly).

Top of Pie:

Rnd 1: With orange yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into ring. Pull closed. (6)

Rnd 2: 2 Sc into each st (12)

Rnd 3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end of rnd (18)

Rnd 4: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of rnd (24)

Rnd 5: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end of rnd (30)

Rnd 6: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 4 st)* rep to end of rnd (36)

Change color to tan at the last stitch of Rnd 6.

Rnd 7: Sc into each st around (36)

Rnd 8: Sl st into next st, (5 hdc into next st, sl st into next st)* repeat to end of round.

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Whipped Cream:

Row 1: With white yarn, ch 7, leaving a long (10″) beginning tail. Work 2 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, sc into the next 3 ch, sc2tog (6)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st, 2 sc into last st (6)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 Sc into first st, sc into next 3 st, sc2tog (6)

Row 4-9: Alternate Rows 2 and 3.

Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Line up Row 10 and Row 1. It will be on a diagonal. Sl st the rows together. You will form a tube. 

Fasten off and leave a long (18″) tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave the tail through the row ends at the top of the tube you’ve just created. Pull the tail tightly to close up the top of the tube. Insert your hook into a nearby stitch and pull up a loop of the tail. Ch 3, then sc into 2nd ch from hook and next ch. Sl st back into where you started. This has created the “peak” of the whipped cream. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Use the beginning yarn tail to sew the whipped cream to the top of the pie in the center. Stuff sparingly as you go.

Sachet:

Create a tiny sachet to make your pie smell sweet! Fold the rectangular scrap of fabric in half and seam two edges either by hand or machine sewing. Fill the sachet with pumpkin pie spice (I used almost a teaspoon) and stitch closed. 

Assembly:

Insert the safety eyes into the top of the pie as shown. Embroider mouth using two loose straight stitches in a “v” shape.

Insert the plastic canvas (or cardboard) circle into the bottom of the pie. 

Place the top of the pie onto the pan and stitch into place using the tan yarn tail. Before you close it up, stuff with polyester fiberfil and insert the sachet. Continue stitching and fasten off, hiding yarn tail inside pie.

Free Pattern Friday! Spooky String of Sheep(ish) Spiders

Happy Fall! My favorite time of the year starts in September at my house. I know the calendar says that it’s still summer, but as soon as August is over, my kids are begging me to get out our big Rubbermaid container of Halloween decorations. Lots of the decorations are handmade, from paper plate Jack-o-lanterns to dried glue ghosts, and even though they’re not store-bought, they are the ones worth the most to us.

When Vickie Howell asked me to do a guest blog post for Caron using her Sheep(ish) yarn, I knew I had to take advantage of the amazing color palette she chose for her brand. Usually Halloween is all orange and black, and more recently purple, but I decided to have some fun and take a few liberties. This is where you get to use your imagination (and your stash of Sheep(ish)!) to make as many brightly colored spiders you want. Mix and match pipe cleaners to give them creepy crawly legs of all sorts. Of course if you want your decoration a little scarier and a lot more traditional, you can make them all black.
You might be “spooked” to find out how quickly this decoration comes together! If you’re a beginner, check out my Baby Monster pattern to learn how to do an adjustable ring.

Sheep(ish) Spiders!

You will need…

Yarn: 
 Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) by Caron
  Red(ish)
  Lime(ish)
  Hot Pink(ish)
  Magenta(ish)
  Lime(ish)
  Black(ish)


Hook:
  Size E/3.5 mm
  Size G/4.0 mm 

Notions:
  Black safety eyes (6mm)
  Polyester stuffing  
  Yarn needle
  Embroidery needle
  Black embroidery floss
  Pipe cleaners (I used silver)

Key: 
ch: chain 
sc: single crochet 
st: stitch 

Spider body

SPIDER:
Starting at top of head, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring. Pull closed.
Rnd 1: Work 2 sc into each st (12)
Rnd 2: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end of round (18)
Rnd 3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (24)
Rnds 4-5: sc into each st (24)
Rnd 6: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (18)
Rnd 7: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* rep to end of round (12)
*Insert safety eyes and stuff spider firmly.
Rnd 8: Sc2tog around (6)
Fasten off. Use yarn tail to sew opening closed.
Using embroidery needle and black embroidery floss, embroider a “v” shape with loose stitches where the mouth belongs. Loose stitches will make the smile curve. Knot the floss and hide within the body.

Insert pipe cleaners through last rows of body.

Cut pipe cleaners in half. The standard length of a pipe cleaner is 12″, so just make sure you have four 6″ lengths (two pipe cleaners) for each spider. Insert each half pipe cleaner through the bottom of the spider’s body and out through the other side. Bend the pipe cleaners as shown above.


WEB
With Black(ish) yarn and a G hook, crochet a chain long enough to drape across the area you wish to hang your String of Spiders. I hung mine on the mantle and chained 275 stitches. Fasten off and set aside.


ASSEMBLY
With Black(ish) and a yarn needle, thread varying lengths of yarn into the tops of the Spiders’ bodies. Knot close to the surface and pull tail to pull knot inside. Tie the other end of the yarn to the Web. Space the spiders evenly across its length. Hang as desired.


*If the spiders are to be given to children as toys, please omit the safety eyes and embroider them, and use strands of yarn for the legs instead of pipe cleaners.

Happy Halloween!

Free Pattern Friday! Ms. Pac-man

Happy Friday! I love Friday before a long weekend! Labor Day is Monday, everyone can sleep in, there’s lots going on and I should be getting a lot of crochet time in too!

This month’s free pattern is inspired by the recent SUPER iam8bit show in LA. When I was little, the arcade on the square (yes, I’m from a really small town) had Ms. Pac-man. I always wished the in-game Ms. Pac-man more closely resembled the voluptuous technicolor creature painted on the side of the game console. The round yellow ball with a red bow on one side was just a tiny bit less realistic.

Ms. Pac-Man
Here’s what you’ll need:


Materials:
Worsted weight yarn (yellow, red and black)
Black felt
Polyester fiberfill


Tools:
Size E crochet hook (or your favorite size)
Yarn needle
Embroidery needle
Craft glue

Key: 
ch: chain 
sc: single crochet 
sl st: slip stitch 


Body: 
R1: With E hook and yellow yarn, make and adjustable ring. Ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring. Pull ring closed.
R2: Work 2 sc into each st around (12)
R3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end of the round (18)
R4: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (24)
R5: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end of round (30)
R6: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 4 st)* rep to end of round (36)
R7-8: Sc into each st around (36)
R9: Sc into next 18 st, sl st into remaining 18 st (36)
R10: Repeat R9
R11: Ch 18, skip next 18 st, sc into next 18 st (18)
R12: Sc into next 18 ch, sc into next 18 st (36)
R13: Sc into each st (36)
R14: (Sc2tog, sc into next 4 st)* rep to end of round (30)
R15: (Sc2tog, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end of round (24)R16: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (18)
R17: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* rep to end of round (12)
R18: Sc2tog around (6)
Fasten off yarn with a slip stitch. Cut yarn tail and weave into last row of stitches, pulling tightly. Set the body aside.


Mouth (Make 2)
R1: With black yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, sc 3 into the ring, and pull closed (3)
R2: Ch 1, turn. 2 Sc into each st (6)
R3: Ch 1, turn. (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep across row (9)
R4: Ch 1, turn. (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep across row (12)
R5: Ch 1, turn. (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep across row (15)
R6: Ch 1, turn. (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 4 st)* rep across row (18)


After making the two mouth pieces, you will have two semicircles. Seam them together to make one larger circle. 
Sew the seamed black mouth insert into the opening of the body. Stuff as you close up the last few stitches. 
Cut two small circles (about the size of a pencil eraser) from black felt. Cut two eyelash pieces from black felt. They should be shaped as shown in the photo. Glue the eyelash pieces to the back of each eye, then glue the assembled eye to each side of the body. 
Embroider lips onto the body. Starting in the middle of the mouth opening, make several long stitches going to the left and the right. Repeat for the bottom lip.
Use black yarn to embroider a beauty mark on one side of the body. A French knot will make quick work of this.

Red Bow Tie:
With red yarn, ch 4.
R1: Sc into 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn (3)
R2: Sc2tog, sc into next st, ch 1, turn (2)
R3: Sc into each st, ch 1, turn (2)
R4: Sc2tog, ch 1, turn (1)
R5: 2 Sc into next st, ch 1, turn (2)
R6: 2 Sc into next st, sc into next st, ch 1, turn (3)
R7: Sc into each st, fasten off, leaving a long tail (3)
Weave long tail through to middle of bowtie. Wrap center of bowtie with yarn tail and then weave tail back into bowtie. Use the yarn tail to sew the bowtie to body. Weave starting tail through bowtie and hide within body. 

Cute, right? You want to PLAY Ms. Pac-man? Here you go!

First Friday Free Pattern and BIG surprise!

Happy birthday to my husband! It’s a milestone birthday, and a big deal, so this post is dedicated to him. Did you know it was his idea to start writing my patterns? He’s the one that suggested I make a Conan! I owe him a lot, and he’s given me a precious little family along the way. So happy birthday, Paul! I love you and you are an amazing husband and father.

In other news, it’s Free Pattern Friday again! I’ll tell you the truth: I’ve had this pattern and little book made for weeks, just itching to post it, but I want to stick to my schedule, so here she is!

This is no ordinary little crocheted book. She has a face, super cute lining, and even  little pages inside. You can personalize your little stitch-a-book however you want. Is it someone’s birthday? Stitch, “Happy Birthday, Paul!” Someone get a new job? “Congratulations, Kendra! You’re awesome!” Tired of waiting on your boyfriend to pop the question? “Marry me already, won’t ya?!”

Whatever you make and whatever message you put inside, could you PUH-LEEEEZE post it on the CraftyisCool facebook page? I’d love to see them and I’m sure others would too!

My own? My Stitch-a-book has a special message for you all…

Yes, I’m writing a book! Since I started writing patterns it has been my long term goal, and now it’s happening! I can’t give you too many details, but it is going to be amigurumi (duh), it is being published by Lark Crafts (hi Thom!) and it won’t be out until Fall of 2013. That seems so far away, huh? That’s the way things work in this business, apparently, and I can’t complain. I will have plenty of time to make sure it’s the best book we (Kate and Thom and I) can come up with! I’ll still be putting out new stuff all the time, free patterns and tutorials, designing and blogging. I can’t wait! Thank you all for your support and helping me get where I am now. Totes ‘preciate it. 😉

Now here’s that pattern…

Stitch-a-Book

Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Baby in Aqua
White, black and red felt
Coordinating fabric for lining and matching thread
Black embroidery floss

Tools:
Size E crochet hook (or your favorite size)
Yarn needle
Embroidery needle
Craft glue

Key:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
FLO: crochet into front loops only
BLO: crochet into back loops only

Book Cover:
R1: With E hook and yarn, ch 15. Sc into 2nd ch from hook and next 13 ch (14)
R2-13: Ch 1, turn. Sc into next 14 st (14)
R14: Ch 1, turn. Sc into FLO of each st (14)
R15: Ch 1, turn. Sc into BLO of each st (14)
R16-27: Ch 1, turn. Sc into both loops of each st (14)
* You will now crochet along the outside of the book cover to make a clean rounded edge.
R28: Work 2 more sc into the last st of 27, turning. Sc into next 26 st along edge, work 3 sc into last st, turning. Sc into next 13 st along edge, work 3 sc into last st, turning. Sc into next 26 st along edge, work 3 sc into last st, turn. Sl st into next 12 st, fastening off at last st. Weave in ends.

Lining:
Lay book cover out flat. Cut a piece of fabric a little smaller than the cover, rounding the corners. Pin to inside of cover and stitch or glue around edge.

Pages:
Cut two long rectangles slightly smaller than the book lining. These are the pages of the book. After embroidering your message you will glue or stitch them together to hide thread ends.

With a pencil or very faint pen markings, write your message on the inside pages or the outside of the bottom piece of felt. Use black embroidery floss to straight stitch your message.

Glue or stitch the layers of white felt together. Using the thread that matches your fabric, stitch the pages together at the center fold, then stitch them into the cover of the book along the inside spine.

Cut two small circles from black felt and glue to the front cover. Cut one half-circle from red felt. Glue to front cover. Ta da!

Hope you like this one! It’s very dear to my heart 😉

>First Friday Free Pattern!

>

When I first started learning how to crochet, I scavenged the internet for all the free patterns I could get. I looked through crochetpatterncentral.com daily, always checking the “What’s New” page first. I loved that all these people had worked on something and shared their knowledge for free. Then I started buying patterns from Ravelry and discovered all the work that went into both the free patterns and the pay patterns. Really I wasn’t deterred either way, and would gladly pay for a pattern I really loved.
I always love to give away free patterns or tutorials here on Crafty is Cool, and I thought if I gave myself a schedule I’d be more inclined to keep doing it! So here you have it: First Friday Free Pattern! On the first Friday of every month I’m going to post a free pattern. I hope you enjoy the first one!
This Tiny Penguin has a special place in my heart. My sweet cousin Marissa collects penguins. When she saw the pictures of the Nesting Penguins I had made for Spool magazine, she loved them! When her wedding day came, my mom and sisters and I all went to see the bride before she walked down the aisle. I took her a pair of these Tiny Penguins, one with a black bowtie and one with a little white veil. She flipped. I was so happy for her that day and was so glad I could make her so happy. I hope this little penguin makes you or someone you know that happy too!

You will need…

Yarn:
Cascade 220 — Desired color for body, yellow, and pink for bow

Hook:
Size D/3.25 mm

Notions:
White felt
Black safety eyes 6mm
White thread
Yarn needle
Embroidery needle
Polyester stuffing 

Key:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
tr: triple crochet
st: stitch
sc2tog: single crochet 2 st together (decrease) 

Tiny Penguin:

Body:
Starting at top of head, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring. Pull closed.
R1: Work 2sc into each st (12)
R2: (2sc into next st, sc into next 3 st)* rep to end of round (15)
R3-7: sc into each st (15)
R8: (sc2tog, sc into next 3st)* rep to end of round (12)
*Insert safety eyes as shown and stuff firmly.
R9: sc2tog around (6)
Fasten off. Use yarn tail to sew opening closed.

Wings (make 2):
With main color yarn, ch 6. Hdc into 3rd ch from hook, sc into next 2 ch, and sl st into last ch. Cut yarn and weave in ends. Use yarn tail to sew wings to body. The top should be at eye level.

Tummy:
Cut a small oval from white felt, using the penguin’s body to help measure the size. Sew to penguin’s body with white thread.

Beak:
With yellow yarn, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 3 into ring. Fasten off and use the yarn tail to sew beak to penguin’s face just above the tummy.

Feet:
With yellow yarn, ch 6. 2hdc into 3rd ch from hook, sl st into next ch, 2hdc into next ch, and join with a sl st to first ch. Fasten off and use yarn tail to sew to the bottom front of penguin.

Bow:
With pink yarn, ch 8. Dc into 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sl st into next ch, ch 1, skip next ch, dc into next ch, ch 1, sl st to first ch. Fasten off and use yarn tail to sew to top of penguin’s head.

If you liked making this penguin, please check out the full pattern for all the penguins that nest around this tiny one. Its now available here in my shop! Click on “Shop for Craftyiscool Patterns” above to see it and all of my other patterns!