Crochet Lariat necklace- FREE PATTERN!!

I crocheted a couple of Rose Lariat Necklaces, with a detachable rose brooch, listed here and here, inspired by a photo from http://pinkrosecrochet.blogspot.com/.

Since they did not provide a pattern, and I foresee myself making more of these, I decided to write down what I did to make my first one. And then, of course, I decided to share the goodness with the crafty interwebs! So here you go!

NECKLACE COLLAR

Ch 6, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, 2 dc in next 2 ch, sc in last (leaf made),

Ch 130, sc in 31^st ch from hook, ch 8, skip 8 st, sc in 9^th one ( repeat 9 more times),

Ch 25, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, hdc in next st, 2 dc in next 2 st, sc in next 20 sts (2^nd leaf made),

Ch 28, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, hdc in next st, 2 dc in next 2 st, sc in next 23 sts (3^rd leaf made),

Ch 28, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, hdc in next st, 2 dc in next 2 st, sc in next 23 sts (4^th leaf made),

Working back on the long part of the necklace on the “O”-shaped loops (shown below), we will be working sc-in to the loops, not individual ch.

5 Sc , ch3 picot, 5 sc in 1^st “O”, move to next “O” loop, repeat 5 sc, ch 3 picot, 5 sc, 9 more times,

44 sc in 30 ch end loop,

Working back on the other side of the  long part of the necklace on the “O”-shaped loops,

5 Sc , ch3 picot, 5 sc in 1^st “O”, move to next “O” loop, repeat 5 sc, ch 3 picot, 5 sc, 9 nore times, sl st into O-loop, fasten off, weave in the end.

I used a rose pattern (free one, of course) that I found online, but unfortunately did not pin, so I cannot share with you. 

If you do try out my pattern, I would love to hear from you, or you could even leave a comment with a link to your blog! As always, please keep in mind that I am not a professional crochet pattern writer, so if you do find mistakes, please just check with me, and I will try my best to help you out!!
If you would like to purchase one that I made, you can do so here! (Thank U :))

Wishing you all crafty times always!!

Sharing a wonderful coffee cozy pattern!

Just a quick post to share a new, and SUPER cute :) FREE pattern for Tulip coffee cup cozies that I found here! I got "hooked", pun definitely intended :D, and have made 9 of these in 2 days....I hope to list them in my Ebay store eventually! Till then, check out the free pattern, and enjoy the unusually warm weather (in my part of the world here, at least).....

Pusheen amigurumi!

I'm always posting Pusheen emojis on my FB responses, so when I saw Pusheen stuffies at Claire's, I was struck by a severe case of "crafter's syndrome"...."Oh, I can make this myself ". And so, I did. My Pusheen is adventurous and silly..... He sits in the pot, thinks he is a lily, and knows Mommy has a severe case of "OCD" :D

I hope to list one on my EBay, but this one is mine mine mine 

Another sea theme blanket, and a refashion!

 Here are my new (and almost new) finishes. The sea theme blanket is made off of a picture I found on Pinterest- no pattern for the appliques, I just made them along by looking at the photo, plus I used a basic ripple blanket base. The blanket is listed here in my Ebay store RetirementFunned.

 My next project is a refashion, because!!! Refashioning is the thing to do!! So I had this sheer skirt from Christopher & Banks that I wore maybe once...Inspired by so much refashion on the Internets, I decided to use this brand new tank top (I would've never worn it), and join the two together to make a cute shift dress. Awesome!! Now, I have a wearable piece of clothing that I love! I wish I had taken the time to show you a picture of me wearing it, but you just have to take my word for it I guess. It looks great! And all it took was about 20 minutes!

Here's another cute thing to look at...Pinterest-inspired of course! My crochet goldfish!

I just winged the goldfish. Realized it was getting too big for my tiny jar, had to make the fins quickly, so yeah, the fins are not anatomically correct, but shh shhh, we won't tell the biology teachers that :D
Take care, world! Enjoy the warmer weather, if you are in a cold place like Minnesota (like me!), and keep on crafting!

LA Fashio District haul video, and a couple more finished projects.

We visited our daughters over my Spring break, and I had recently learned about LA's Fashio District, so of course, I had to make the trip. I did not do sufficient research, and ended up going on a Sunday, when it seems the stores with ready-made dresses are not open to the public. The fabric ones, however, were open, and so I had a great time shopping for fabric. I have posted my haul on youtube. Check it out!
Some recent finishes-

A carrot scarf and a zippered pouch looking like a candy bar! Both are inspired by Twinkie Chan's work- She is just so amazing!
It is finally beginning to warm up here in my part of the world- Minnesota- and I can't wait for it to be summer vacation- 8 more weeks to go!
Till next time, keeping on crafting, world :)

Going Lovey crazy!!!.....and FREE ladybug lovie pattern :)

 I have been making a ton of crochet lovie/ security blankets lately. What a fun quick project! The ones above, Hello Kitty and the owl one are from here! I got the free pattern for a basic granny square from here. If you would like to purchase a ready made item, my creations are listed here.

I wrote up my own pattern for this ladybug one, and I'm happy to share that here. As always, my disclaimer still applies: I am not a professional crochet pattern writer!

LADY BUG LOVEY BLANKIE PATTERN:

Cascade yarns 60% acrylic, 40% merino (you can use any worsted weight yarn)

1 SKEIN RED, SCRAPS OF BLACK, SCRAP OF WHITE.

Sz H/ 5.5 hook

Ch 5, sl st to form ring,

Rd 1: ch 3, 15 dc in ring

Rd 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc after, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 3: ch 3, 1 dc in same st, *1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 4: ch 3, 1 dc in same st,  *1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 5: ch 3, *1 dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 6: ch 3, *1 dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 7: ch 3, *1 dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 8: ch 3, *1 dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 9: ch 3, *1 dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 10: ch 3, *1 dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 11: ch 3, *1 dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 12: ch 3, *1 dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 13: ch 3, *1 dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 14: (Do in black) ch 3, *1 dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to top of ch 3.

Rd 15: 3 ch, sl st in 2^nd dc, repeat till done around entire edge. FO.

Lady bug (Black):

 Rd 1: ch 2, 6 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sl st to form a circle.

Rd 2: ch1, 2 sc in each sc (12 sc), sl st.

Rd 3: ch1, *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in each sc*, to end, sl st (18 sc).

Rd 4: ch1, *1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in each sc*, to end, sl st  (24 sc).

Rd 5: ch1, *1 sc in next 3  sc, 2 sc in each sc*, to end, sl st (30 sc).

Rd 6: ch1, *1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in each sc*, to end (36 sc).

Rd 7: ch1, sc in each sc (blo), sl st.

Rd 8: ch 1, *1 sc in next 3 sc, sc 2 tog* to end, sl st

Rd 9: ch 1, *1 sc in next 2 sc, sc 2 tog, 1 sc in next sc, sc 2 tog* to end, sl st

Rd 10: ch 1, *1 sc in next sc, sc 2 tog* to end, sl st

Rd 11: ch 1, sc 2 tog  each 2 st , sl st

Sew on eyes, and stuff at this time (do not overstuff). Then sew opening shut and sew ladybug in the middle of the lovie. Attach optional red chenille stem antenna or crochet ch antenna.

EYES: (white) : ch 2 , 6sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sl st to 1^st sc.

Ch1, 2 sc in each sc, sl st (12 sc).

Sew black button in the middle of each. (MAKE 2).

SPOTS (black): MAKE 6: ch 3, in 3^rd ch from hook- 12 dc, sl st to top of 1^st dc,

Rd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each dc, sl st to top of 1^st dc, FO leaving tail to sew.

Space out your 6 spots symmetrically around ladybuy body and sew on. Weave in your ends , take cute pics and SHARE ON FB, INSTAGRAM, YOUR BLOG, PIN IT, PLEASE REMEMBER TO LINK BACK, LEAVE ME A COMMENT :) KEEP ON CRAFTING, WORLD!!

A horse scarf, another owl and a couple patterns tested :)

Still on a Zooty owl kick, so I decided to make a couple of them into pillows. I figure they will make good gifts for little girls! So here's one that I finished. I backed it with 2 layers of random gray colored fabric from my stash (Yay for stash-busting :))

 

 The Crochet Crowd folks posted on FB that these horse scarves were selling like hot cakes, so of course, I had to jump on the band wagon and make some! I was my true cheapo self (and of course, super talented self too), and decided to figure out the pattern just by looking at photos of this scarf. I am happy to report that the outcome was not too shabby, especially given that this particular scarf sold within 3-4 days! So yes, now I am making another one. I did write down a pattern of sorts, so I would not have to do all the figuring out every time, but my pattern is currently such that it would probably make sense only to me. :(

 Lastly, I tested 2 patterns - the Ode to Winter scarf and the Bohemian Hat from Sheri Ann Weber of thecountrywillow.com......Turned out beautiful, if I might say so...love the fringe along the long side of the scarf.....Listed here on Ebay in my store RetirementFunned!!!

Stay warm, if you are in a sub-zero Tundra zone like me :) Drink lots of masala chai :)

Turtle crochet applique- FREE PATTERN!!

My daughter wanted to make the turtle blanket from here (you might have to scroll down quite a bit). Very cute- shows baby turtles making their way from the beach sand into the water. The blogger used a generic ripple blanket pattern for the base, and paid for the turtle pattern on Ravelry. Me being me (aka cheep cheep), I decided to try my hand at making a turtle myself. It turned out fairly OK, at which point, my daughter said she needed me to write down the instructions, so she could make the rest of the batch.
AND, this led to the evolution of a FREE pattern for you :)

Turtle crochet appliqué pattern

Sz 5 hook

Worsted weight yarn- 2 shades of green- need scraps

With darker green, ch2.

6 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, join round with sl st.

Attach lighter green. 3 ch (works as 1^st dc), 2 dc in same sc, 3 dc in each sc (18 dc), join with sl st to top of 3 ch.  Cut off light yarn.

With darker yarn, sc on top of 3 ch, *do spike st (pick up st from sc row), 2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc* repeat 5 times. Sl st at end of row.

Making feet and head- 4 ch, sc in 2ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in base sc row (1 leg made). Sl st to next sc, 6 ch, 1 dc in 3^rd ch from hook, 3 more dc in eac ch to end, sl st to base sc row (head made), sl st to next sc, 4 ch, sc in 2ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in base sc row (2nd leg made). Tie off leaving a tail long enough for sewing your appliqué on.

Skip 6 sc from leg made on left side, attach dark yarn, 4 ch, sc in 2ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in base sc row (3rd leg made). Sl st to next sc, 2 ch, 1 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sl st to base row, sl st in next sc, 4 ch, sc in 2ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in base sc row (4th leg made).

My daughter tried it out once, so I'm hoping that you are able to follow and get the same results. But again, I am by no means a professional pattern writer, so this is my amateur attempt- Try it at your own risk :D

Do leave a comment if you are successful!

Some finishes, and learning a new craft.....

I had been meaning to learn beading for a long time, but never got around to it, so when an opportunity presented itself for me to learn it at my school, I was not one to let it go :) So here is what my bead loom looks like

This will hopefully be a completed bracelet soon. But the amount of strain it is putting on my eyes....., I feel that I am starting this hobby at a wrong age. I need younger eyes.

Among the finishes, here's one I have to share...It is the "Call the Midwife" blanket, inspired by a British TV show. It is listed here for a very reasonable price. I was also able to finish up a couple of felt candle mats, but still need to take pictures of them. Plus I started working on my Yoshi graph afghan, which looks like it will turn out to be huge....I'm trying to do about 4 rows every day, so with 160 rows on the graph, just getting through that will take me 40 DAYS!! Then add the border....What did I get myself into :)
Keep on crafting....

Tardis bag tag/ amigurumi/ key chain...

 

Just a quick post today to show my Tardis police box bag tag/ keychain! Made this as a gift for my daughter's friend, but couldn't stop at just one, so I made 2 more! The pattern is posted free here....I figured out that it better to first sew the windows on when your Tardis has not been stitched up into a box yet, and then do the final seam...You might want to try that, if you attempt this pattern. So much easier to do it this way...
I am still trudging my way through graph crochet, I'll keep you (yes you!!) posted...What are you working on this fine Monday night?

Almost barefoot sandal season :)

Lots of activity going on in life....my girls planning their move to California, finishing their last college courses, my older one traveling to Vietnam etc, and also the end of the school year looming around the corner. However, I keep crocheting through it all :) since that is what helps me keep it together!! So here are some of my finished projects...

Pattern courtsey 365crochet !

 

These are fun and quick projects. I am on a roll, and will probably try out all the barefoot sandal patterns I can find trolling the interwebs :)

I had some more finishes....one was a request from my younger one, a gift for her friend, a Tardis amigurumi..and this blanket. I found a picture diagram of this one online, but it was so blurry, it was impossible to follow, so I just winged it. Also modified the number of flowers attached...decided to do them only on one side.

Hope you are in good cheer, and using crafts to keep in good cheer :) If not, give something a shot. You may like it :)

Name doily is done! ....and a Batman hat!

So I finished the name doily for my daughter, and matted it into an existing frame. The other name doily for my younger daughter is also done, but now I have to find just the perfect frame for it :)

Also made a Batman hat, the applique pattern is awesome! Super easy to follow....I just ended up sewing it a bit crooked :( Oh well, that's how you know it's handmade!

Things are definitely looking up weather-wise, and Spring break will be here soon :) More crocheting, I guess, and hopefully organizing my stash......
Keep on crafting, I would love to hear from you :)

Felt candle mat, and a Lego blocks scarf!

It's finally warming up here in Minnesota :) It was such a crazy winter....I felt like it just couldn't make up it's mind. November was unusually cold, December and January were warm (Brown Christmas!) by Minnesota standards, and then February brought back sub-zero January-like temperatures...so, I'm thankful for the Sun coming out, and am not going to miss the March snow even one bit.
Here's what I've been crafting....I made this felt candle mat in preparation for a Community Education class I will be teaching over the summer. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this quick project and have a large bag of felt that I now plan to put to good use! So be prepared to see more of my felt creations here in the future :)

Also finished up a couple of Lego block scarves:

The scarves will be listed in my Ebay store, and eventually I plan to have some felt creations listed up as well.

Till then, take care, and start using up some more of that yarn from that humungous stash :D

More felt creations in the works!...and a "name doily"!

So, I have been busy teaching some Basic Crochet classes, and working on some felt embroidery squares. I hope to sew up these squares into pin keeps/ pin cushions.

I just free hand embroidered these pieces, which was stressful but somehow liberating at the same time. I would say that I am quite pleased with the results! I like the randomness of some of these pieces.......I also added some seed beads.

In addition, I started working on thread "Name doilies" for my daughters! I had been meaning to try out name doilies for a long time, and then I got the bright idea to make these as graduation gifts for my daughters :) My older one will be graduating from Medical school this year, and my younger one is finishing up high school. Big year in terms of changes!!

Here is the tutorial I am using...and you can pick an alphabet chart from here! So far, I am pleased with the results and am happy to report that it is much simpler than I thought. My daughter wants a block edge with no border for a more "modern" look :)
I hope everyone is keeping warm if you are in cold climes like me! Have fun crafting, and spread/ share what gives you happiness :)

c2c blanket completed!....and don't take crochet hooks when flying to Mexico :(

We had a nice family vacation, flying from Minnesota (USA Midwest) to Cozumel, Mexico for 6 days. Sun, sand and scuba diving :) It was great. Before leaving, my husband warned me to pack enough yarn so I wouldn't run out!! (Last time, we took a road trip to Yellowstone Park and ran out of yarn. Had to drive 22 miles to find a Walmart in Montana!) 25 years of marriage, and he's finally starting to get it. "You won't be able to find a Walmart in Mexico", he says. So yes, I packed a LOT of yarn (3 crocheters worth- both my girls crochet as well)..I almost finished a c2c Corner to Corner or diagonal stripes blanket, but on our flight back, the Mexican airport authorities wouldn't allow me to bring my hooks back on the flight!! My options were either to give them up or pay $25 to get my bag (with the hooks) checked in. Either way, I wouldn't be able to crochet on the flight... I ended up giving them my hooks :( How much harm could I inflict with a Sz 6 hook, I wonder? So PSA here....Don't take hooks or knitting needles to Mexico, because US TSA rules don't hold.
Here is my c2c blanket, with a nice wide lacy border, and 3 flowers sewn on....

And finally, I leave you with a peek into an intertidal pool from one of the beaches at Cozumel...sea urchins!

Happy 2015, everyone! I go back to school tomorrow in frigid sub-zero temps, to look forward to Spring break now :) Hope all of you enjoyed time with family, regardless of whether you got an extended break or not....I would love to hear about it!

What a fun guys hat pattern!

Moogly had this pattern for a hat for a very long time, and yes, I had seen it earlier. But what made me try it out right away was Stitch11's color combination and version. The pattern is the Leaping Stripes beanie by Tamara Kelly. Her video tutorial was super helpful. I just made one change, and that was to do the brim in all sc's instead of doing the sideways rows. My husband loved how the hat fits, and offered to pay me cash :D for one right away!

I guess the camo combination didn't really show the pattern very well :( Oh, no more of those then!
I also made an Infinity shells cowl (Pattern from The Crochet Crowd)....here is a photo...

Enjoying my 16 day winter break right now, so will definitely have more completed projects to share :) I'll be delighted if you leave me a comment about your projects.