Scrubby Spa Mitts

These mitts have be a huge hit with friends and family, and once someone started asking for the pattern, I figured I had better write it down! As always, please feel free to make this as gifts or for charity, but do NOT sell items made from this pattern.

US terms: ch (chain), sc (single crochet), hdc (half-double crochet), dc (double crochet), tr (treble/triple crochet), st/sts (stitch/stitches), sk (skip), sl st (slip stitch)

Worsted weight cotton yarn

F hook

Ch 30

Row 1: Tr in 3rd ch from hook, sc, *tr, sc* to end, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: sc across, ch 1, turn.

Repeat rows 1 & 2 for a total of 16 rows (Add one additional repeat of rows 1&2 for extra-broad hands).

Row 17: sc 2, ch 6 and sk 6sts, sc (reattach) and sc across, ch1, turn. (Note: to make thumb hold larger, simply  ch more sts and skip an equal number of sts.)

Row 18: hdc across, ch1, turn.

Repeat row 18 until flat hdc portion matches scrubby portion and end of row is at “top” of mitt (opposite end from thumb hole).

Fold piece inside out.

Sc across short end through both sides, then sl st back to long end.

Sl st long end edges together down length until thumb opening height is reached;

sc along bumpy edge only for opening, then sl st edges together last 2 st. Ch 1.

CUFF

Evenly place sc along bottom edge in continuous rounds for a total of 2 rounds.

Rnd 3: sk 1 st, dc 5 times in next st, *sk 1 st, sc, sk 1 st, 5dc in next st* around as space allows, ending round with sl st. Fasten off. Turn right-side out.

Missing Persons Report!

I realize that I haven't updated in forever! (Over a year!)

I'm still around, and am happy to answer comments and questions. I haven't been able to crochet as much for the past nine months or so, much to my dismay. Nevertheless, I love these projects, and love working with yarn, so hopefully I'll be back soon!

Take good care. <3

Amigurumi Candy Bear

AMIGURUMI CANDY BEAR

I've been looking for a bear pattern to make for my stepmom, Susan, but hadn't found quite the right pattern. I was messing around with basic amigurumi styles, and came up with this. I'm pleased... Nothin' fancy, here, but it turns out cute. <3

YOU WILL NEED

WW yarn in a bright color

WW yarn in a light color, such as white (only a little of this yarn)

Size F hook

Stuffing

Yarn Needle

Optional: buttons, beads, or googley-eyes for the face. Ribbon for the neck.

HEAD

Start with main color.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1) 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)
Rnd 2) 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3) *2 sc in first st, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4) *2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Rnd 5) *2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sc)
Rnds 6-9) Sc in each st around. (30 sc)
Rnd 10) *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Rnd 11) *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Rnd 12) *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Stuff head firmly.
Rnd 13) Sc2tog around. (6 sc)

DO NOT fasten off!

BODY
Rnd 14) *2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 15) *2 sc in first st, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Rnds 16-19) Sc around. (18 sc)
Rnd 20) *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Stuff body firmly.
Rnd 21) Sc2tog around. (6 sc)
Sl st bottom closed, fasten off, and weave in ends.

ARMS/LEGS (make 4)

Start with color B.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1) 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (8sc)

Change to main color.

Rnd 2) Sc around. (8 sc)

Rnd 3) *Sc2tog, sc 2. Repeat from * around. (6 sc)

Rnds 4-7) Sc around. (6 sc)

Sl st closed, and fasten off, weaving in ends.

EARS (make 2)

Start with color B.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1) 8sc in 2nd ch from hook. (8 sc)

Rnd 2) 2 sc in each st around. (16 sc)

Change to main color.

Sl st to join round, and so that yarn on hook is main color. Fold ear in half and sc the round edge through sts, leaving the flat edge. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY

Sew ears to head, squishing them lengthwise slightly so that they are very round.

Sew arms and legs to sides of body. Embroider a face if desired. =)

And that's it! Have fun with your new little bear!

Little Venus / Little Goddess

Little Venus / Little Goddess

This is the "Venus of Willendorf" which is an ancient sculpture, speculated to be a fertility goddess figurine. I've seen some patterns online for crochet versions, but they're either  pay-to-crochet or not what I was looking for. So I threw one together. I hope you like it!

This is the doll:

FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. 

NEITHER THIS PATTERN NOR ITEMS MADE FROM IT MAY BE SOLD.

YOU WILL NEED:

WW Yarn

One size F hook

Some sort of stuffing (I used poly-fil, but I think cotton would have worked better.)

A yarn needle

HEAD/BODY

Rnd 1) Ch 2. 6 sc in 1st ch. (6 sc)

Rnd 2) 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3) *2 sc in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Rnds 4-5) Sc around. (18 sc)

Rnd 6) *sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Piece is now turned inside out and worked so that the "wrong" side forms the "braids" of the head.

Rnd 7) Ch 1. TURN. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY, Sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Continue working through both loops, normally.

Rnd 8) Sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 9) 2 sc in each st around. (24 sc)

Stuff Head.

Rnd 10) Sc in first 5 sc, 2 sc in each next 2 sts, sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts. (28 sc)

Rnd 11-12) Sc around. (28 sc)

Rnd 13) Sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog twice, sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog. (24 sc)

Rnd 14) *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Rnd 15) 2 sc in each st around. (36 sc)

Rnds 16-18) Sc in each st around.

Rnd 19) Sc2tog around. (18 sc)

DO NOT fasten off.

LEGS

Rnd 20) IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: Sc around. (18 sc)

Continue working through both loops, normally.

Rnds 21-23) Sc around. (18 sc)

Stuff Body.

Rnd 24) *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Rnds 25-26) Sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 27) Sc2tog arond. (6 sc)

Stuff Legs.

Sl st bottom of legs closed (flat). Sl st tightly through the middle to just below the belly, to define the legs. Draw yarn through at final sl st, fasten off, and weave in ends. Alternatively, sew a tight line from toes to belly.

BREASTS (make 2)

Rnd 1) Ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)

Rnd 2) 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3) Ch 1. 3 hdc in next 3 sts. Sc remaining 9 sts. (12 sts)

Fasten Off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew breasts partially on (with the hdc sts on top), stuff lightly, finish sewing on.

ARMS (do this twice)

Attach yarn at shoulder. Sc along body to halfway down breast, then over to middle. Ch1, turn, sc along first line of sc, back to shoulder. Fasten off and weave in ends.

<3

Funky Horned Owl Thing

Funky Horned Owl-Thing

I started out making a teddy bear. I really did. Much to my surprise, it didn't want to be a teddy bear. And now, I present for your crocheting pleasure, the pattern for your very own Funky Horned Owl Thing.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 skein Red Heart Super Saver yarn in any color you desire!

Scraps of white and dark (brown or black) yarn.

Size F crochet hook

Soft stuffing, cotton or polyester.

Something heavy, such as 1/2 cup rice sealed in a heavy-duty sandwich-size freezer bag (with all the air pressed out).

(I think there are commercial stuffing pellets you can buy, but why? Rice is cheap, and so are freezer baggies. XD )

BODY/HEAD PANEL (make 2)

Ch 31

Row 1) sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each st across. (30 sts)

Row 2) ch 1, turn. In back loops only, sc across.

Rows 3-17) repeat row 2.

Fasten off.

WINGS (make 2)

Ch 25

Row 1) sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each st across. (24 sts)

Row 2) ch 1, turn. In back loops only, sc across.

Rows 3-5) repeat row 2.

Fasten off. Fold in half lengthwise and sew or sc long edges shut. Stuff lightly.

ASSEMBLY

Place the two Head/Body panels flat together. Starting at the bottom right corner, join yarn and sc evenly just under half the length up. Put the first wing INSIDE the piece (as pictured), with the end against where you will make the seam, and sc through all four layers of fabric to secure the wing. Continue to sc up the side, across the top, and down as far as the top of the first wing. As with the first wing, place the second wing INSIDE and sc through all four layers of fabric. Sc down the rest of the side, and turn owl right-side-out. Do not fasten off. Evenly sc 36 around edge of bottom. Piece is now worked in-the-round.

BOTTOM

Rnd 1) sc2tog around. (18 sts)

Stuff toy firmly, adding the double-baggie of rice or sand last (so that it rests on the bottom).

Rnd 2) Sc2tog around. (9 sts)

Rnd 3) Sc2tog 4 times.

Sl st hole closed, fasten off.

Using main color, two strands together, knot under one wing, draw through to underneath other wing, and tighten until wings point downward. Knot, then thread back to beneath other wing. Knot again and weave in ends.

EARS/HORNS (make 2)

Ch7

Row 1) sc in 2nd ch from hook, and across (6 sts)

Row 2) ch 1, turn. In back loops only, sc 5. (5 sts)

Row 3) turn. Sl st in first st. In back loops only, sc 4. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew an ear/horn on each corner of the head, with curls pointing out.

EYES (make two)

With dark yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.

Change to white yarn. 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).

Fasten off.

Sew to face.

Using white yarn, embroider beak.

That's it! You now have a funky horned owl-thing. I hope you enjoy it!

Quirky Granny Sun Hat

This is a quirky take on the granny square hat. Isn't Teddy modeling it splendidly? I wanted something unique, with a brim that would protect my face from the sun. I ran out of yarn, so it wasn't quite as wide as I wanted, but I've included instructions on how to make it larger, if you wish. =)

YOU WILL NEED:

WW Cotton Yarn (in two colors), about 240 yards main color and 240 yards contrast color.

Size H hook

Size F hook

GRANNY SQUARE

These are just basic two-color granny squares. Make five (5) of them. These are worked in rounds.

With H hook and contrast color, ch 4, slipstitch in first ch to form ring.
1) Ch 3, 2 dc in the ring. *Ch 2, 3 dc in the ring, repeat from * twice. Ch 2, sl st into top of ch3.
2) Change to main color. Sl st into corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the next corner. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st in top of first ch3.

3) Change to contrast color. Sl st into corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. *3 dc between the two 3dc groups. 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next corner. Repeat from * around. 3dc next space between 3dc groups. Join with sl st in top of first ch3.
4) Change to main color. Sl st into corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. *3 dc in the next space between 3dc groups, twice. 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. Repeat from * around. Finish round with 3 dc in the next space between 3dc groups, twice. Join with sl st in top of first ch3. Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY OF MAIN HAT

Using all five pieces, form an even-sided cross. Sl st or sew pieces in cross formation. Once fastened, fold each piece up to form a box with one side missing. Sl st or sew into place. This should fit on your head. If it's too small, make your granny squares with a larger hook, or increase each square by one round.

BRIM

This is worked in continuous rounds.

With H hook and main color.

1) Fasten yarn at one square's corner. Sc around entire edge of hat in the following manner: 1sc in each dc, 2sc in each space. (IE: starting from the corner of one square: 2sc in space, sc in each of next 3 dc, 2sc in space, repeat.)

The exact number of stitches you produce is not essential to this project; what matters is that it is not too tight for your head. Try it on after this round. If it is too tight, work 3 sc in each space instead of 2.

2) Place marker. 2 sc in each st around.

With F hook (work tightly)

3-6) Sc in each st around.

Change to contrast color.

7-12) Sc in each st around.

Change to main color.

13-14) Sc in each st around.

15) *Sc in next 6 sts, ch 6, skip next two sts, sc in each of next 6 sts. Repeat from * around.

16) Sc in each st around. Fasten off.

Congratulations! You now have a Quirky Granny Sun Hat! If you'd like a wider brim, just repeat row 14 until it is as large as you'd like, then proceed with 15-16. Let me know how this works for you, in the comments!

Have fun, and stay cool!

Pocket Dolly

This is my first attempt at actually writing a pattern;  a cute little dolly that is easy to alter and improve upon. The design is basic enough for a beginner, but versatile enough to be modified by an experienced crochet enthusiast. (It is important to note that I am not terribly skilled at wigs/hair, so you will probably only improve upon this technique. Feel free to improvise!) This pattern uses basic American crochet terms. Sc is single crochet, hdc is half-double crochet, dc is double crochet, SC2TOG is single crochet two together (a decrease stitch), sl st is slip stitch, etc. You may make this as a gift or for charity, but please do NOT sell this pattern or any dolls made from it.

YOU WILL NEED:

Three colors of yarn (I used Red Heart Super Saver), in quantities less than 100 yards each. This is a gross overestimate, but I am not certain of the exact quantities needed per yarn. You will want a skin-tone (or pastel) yarn for the skin portions, a bright solid for the dress, and a variegated yarn for the skirt trim and hair.

One size F hook

Some sort of stuffing

A yarn needle

The head, body, and skirt are all made in one piece in continuous rounds, NO JOINING REQUIRED. The arms and legs are made separately, as well as a bottom piece to hold in the stuffing! The hair is tricky, so we'll get to that at the end. LET'S BEGIN!

Do NOT join rounds; pieces are worked in continuous rounds!

HEAD/BODY/SKIRT

Starting with the skin/pastel color yarn.

1) Ch 2. 6 sc in 1st ch. (6 sc)

2) 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

3) *2 sc in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)

4) *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st. Repeat from * around. (24 sc)

5) *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 st. Repeat from * around. (30 sc)

6-11) Sc in each st around. (30 sc)

12) *SC2TOG, sc in next 3 st. Repeat from * around. (24 sc)

13) *SC2TOG, sc in next 2 st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)

14) *SC2TOG, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sc)

15) Sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Stuff head. Change to the solid color yarn.

16-23) Sc in each st around. (12 sc)

24) Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st around. (24 hdc)

25) Ch 1, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st. Repeat from * around. (36 dc)

26) *2 dc in next st, dc in next st. Repeat from * around. (54 dc)

27-28) Dc in each st around. (54 dc)

Change to the variegated color yarn.

29) Sc in each st around. (54 sc)

30) *Ch 5, skip next st, sl st. Repeat from * around.

Fasten off.

BOTTOM PANEL

Starting with solid color yarn.

1) Ch 2. 6sc in 1st ch. (6 sc)

2) 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

LEGS (make two)

Starting with the skin/pastel color yarn.

Ch 2. 6 sc in 1st ch. Continue sc around until piece measures 4 1/2 inches long.

Do not stuff.

ARMS (make two)

Starting with the skin/pastel color yarn.

Ch 2. 6 sc in 1st ch. Continue sc around until piece measures 3 inches long.

Do not stuff.

ASSEMBLY:

Stuff body. Evenly space legs on either side of bottom panel, and sl st bottom panel w/legs to body underneath the skirt, at the last 12 sts round. Sew with needle if you are not comfortable with sl st. Evenly space arms on either side of body above the skirt near the neck, and sew to body.

HAIR (using the variegated yarn)

(This is the technique I used in the above picture, and it is very simple.  Feel free to look up wig/hair tutorials online if you are ambitious, as this technique is not the prettiest, but it is sturdy.)

1) Measure and cut a bunch of strands of yarn, about 14 inches long.

2) Starting at center of forehead, draw four strands of yarn through two stitches. Knot the two sides together tight against the head, twice.

3) One row up, draw four strands of yarn through two stitches. Knot the two sides together tight against the head, twice.

4) Repeat to nape of neck. You should have a bushy head of hair from a middle part.

5) Pull hair into two pigtails and fasten with yarn.

That's it!  You're done! Now you have a pocket dolly to keep with you, or give away.