This was a great, one evening, crochet project.  I made this little fuzzy teddy bear for my cousin, Christian, for Ukrainian Christmas. It wasn't hard to make but the yarn I chose definitely made the pattern a little more difficult because I could barely see my stitches.  With patience, good lighting and a few cups of tea I easily put together this bear.



I followed the pattern outlined for Rainbow Bear from Caron International Yarns, but as you can see, I didn't switch colours. Instead of using the suggested yarn I used what I had, which was Red Heart Foxy yarn, which has unfortunately been discontinued. Below is a picture of what the yarn looks like if you're interested in finding something similar.



Give it a try!

Tags: Crochet Projects

Simple, sophisticated and a great gift!

This is the same hat pattern I crocheted back in November, I liked it so I made another, this time with a matching scarf.  You can see the first one I made on my November 20th, 2009 posting. I found Sarah Margaret Crittenden's pattern at http://www.allcrafts.net/f.php?url=crochetme.com/patterns/simple-cable-hat.

I made the scarf to match the hat by using the same front-post treble stitch as described in the hat pattern. I think it worked out great and I hope Lauren likes them :)

I think it's about time I make myself something :)

Tags: Crochet Projects

I'm beginning to see another side of crocheting.  There's a whole world of stuffed animals that are simple to make, cute, cuddly and gift appropriate. I had lots of fun making this Giraffe for Lukas' first birthday and although it was intended for him, I think his big sister has grown attached to the little amigurumi.  Either way, I was overwhelmingly happy to witness one of my home-made gifts adored by a child.  I hope my giraffe lives for a long time in the loving arms of Lukas or Lilly :)

This pattern was offered free with sign-up to Lion Brand Yarn's website.  You can find the pattern here. I decided to make the neck a little longer than the pattern recommended.

I wanted to gift more to Lukas than just one stuffed animal so I searched the internet for more ideas.  I repeatedly found information, blogs and reviews on making knotted fleece blankets. It sounded simple so I decided to give it a try.  I visited my nearest fabric store, purchased appropriate fleece and got started.  You can find very detailed instructions here. I decided I wanted a thicker blanket so I used two layers of fleece and tied the two layers together. This is what my knots looked like.

I was impressed by the finished project.

       

Lukas was a tired, little, one year old at his birthday party and I was honoured that he picked me to take a little nap with.  What a sweetheart! Lukas is a wonderful boy.

Tags: Other Crafts, Crochet Projects

My friend Holly helped to organize the creation of a blanket for Annie and her family.  She asked that I create three 12" x 12" squares for the blanket and then she proposed the idea of Canadian maple leafs!  I was initially skeptical of my abilities to fulfill such a request, but to my surprise, as you can see below, the squares turned out great.  If I ever get my hands on a picture of the finished project I'll be sure to post it. I hope Annie and her husband and kids enjoy it.  What a great idea Holly!

I found the maple leaf pattern here.  Through the leaf I crocheted with both red & white yarn, hiding the colour I wasn't using. I dropped the red yarn and just left it while I crocheted the white border, on the way back across I would pick up the red again for the leaf.  Play with it a bit, you'll find a way that works for you.

Tags: Other Crafts, Crochet Projects

I always love it when my friends wear the gifts I make them :) Kristiina seems to really like the hat and fingerless gloves I made for her Birthday. 

She removed the pom-pom from the hat, but I knew that she probably would prefer it without, so I made it removable! She calls the gloves her "driving gloves" and finds them comfortable for long drives.  With Kristiina's reaction to these gifts, I will have to make more for other friends! 

This hat was fairly simple to make. I had to research a new stitch, but once I practiced the stitch a couple times it was straightforward.  I found the pattern here: http://www.allcrafts.net/f.php?url=crochetme.com/patterns/simple-cable-hat
and I thank Sarah Margaret Crittenden for her pattern!

I didn't use a pattern for these gloves. I started with a tube that was the right width for my hand and wrist. I worked in rounds in front loops only and when I decided I was ready for the thumb hole I just created a string of 4 or 5 single crochets and attached it appropriately to the other side of the glove. This cut the glove into two sections, thumb and hand.  I continued working in rounds, first I finished the thumb hole and then slip stitched back to the crease spot between the finger and thumb to continue working in rounds to finish the main finger section. I made the second one to match. 

This is really the first thing I've made without a pattern. I enjoyed it, but it was simple.  I can't imagine trying this on something more detailed... Eek!

I spend hours searching the internet for crochet projects that are at least somewhat in style right now.  Most of the hat, scarf, glove and mitten patterns out there are very old looking.  If you have a crochet project that is funky, send it my way please!  I'd like to see what you're making right now.

Tags: Crochet Projects