Modest Mommies: 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

I had a Crocheting Christmas

A sampling of my new hobby… the personal, hand-made gifts were a hit!

Granny Square hat with chained swag edge and contrasting flower. We were thrilled with this cheapo yarn (Red Heart Super Saver) that turned out this beautiful pattern of color!

Honey-Buns Girls Hat (my own creation)
I started with a chain of 20, ch1, turn, 20 sc, ch3, dc to end of row. Then I began a pattern of 3 dc in one, ch2, skip 2, 3 dc in one…. increasing each row. I then somehow went around the edge of the project with dc in every sc. Connected the top with 6 rows of dc's. Added the braided neck ties and pom poms at the top points. Maybe someday I'll count it out accurately for you all!

BOYS QUICK CAP (my own creation)
Cowl made into a hat with pompom top.
Ch 45. Taking care not to twist the ch; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around; join with sl st in first sc - 45 sts at the end of this rnd.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), turn, dc in each sc around; join with sl st in top of turning ch.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc around; join with sl st in first sc.
Repeat Rnds 2 and 3 until piece measures about 4 rows of double crochets.
Next: Ch 1, turn, dc in every other sc; join with sl st. Ch 3, dc in every other sc. Finally stitch closed, leaving 4" tail of yarn.
FINISHING
Make a pom pom with a 4" yarn tail to tie to hat.
Take hat and pompom tail through top of hat to inside of hat. Tie tails together until secure. Clip off excess.
(Similar "Easy Beanie" pattern here.)

This is my 7 hour mistake turned favorite. It was my first project. It seems to be a Beret Cap with brim similar to the one in this tutorial. Lion Brand has a pattern for a newsboy cap that would look similar.

Beret hat I made with matching mittens. Rose ring on left glove.
Family of Mittens Pattern by Lion Brand Yarn

Double Crocheted Scarf with chained swag/lacy edges and contrasting flowers.

My favorite free crochet patterns website:
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

Monday, November 28, 2011

Crochet a Nativity

Free Nativity Dolls Pattern by Red Heart Yarn

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Crocheting Success

Here's an update on my crocheting successes!

While attempting to make a basic hat for my husband's birthday, I ended up with a Rastafarian style cap, or what looked like a 1970s throw pillow. After 5 hours of half-double crocheting, I gave in. I shrunk it down, made a brim and gave it to my son who looked adorable in it!

I used the leftover yarn to make my first attempt at a granny square. I handed it over to my neighbor as an hotpad with a freshly baked zucchini bread loaf! This is good to teach beginners their stitches, as I will teach my oldest daughter soon. You tube how to videos are my saving grace!

After making this simple pattern, I finally figured it all out. Wish I began with this! The Double Crochet and a larger hook makes it go so much faster! I've since then made a hat for my baby on its way.

Friday Fellowship: Disney Family Costumes

This All Hallows Eve brings my family 3 opportunities to get dressed up in costume. One of those is a Disney musical, where we are asked to attend in costume of our favorite character. Here are our family's costumes to spark ideas for your pretending adventures!

The Belle of the Ball
Mommy wants to be peasant Belle from Beauty and the Beast. This one allows her pregnant belly to be better adored!

Shirt Patterns in this style include: McCalls #5884, Simplicity #2807

Dress Patterns: New Look 6457, 6020. Simplicity 3673, PLUS 2539, Misses 2176. They may need to be modified to allow for undershirt or neckline.

And the apron is a simple rectangle, gathered to size and stitched onto a ribbon tie. Easy Tutorial Here.

I don't think my husband will go for it, but I'd like him to be Gaston (who has a crush on Belle) or Flynn Ryder (from Tangled). Shirt from Simplicity pattern #3519 or 3758. Pants could just be jeans or sweats. And the boots and belt of course.
GASTON & FLYNN RYDER

Mikayla will be POCAHONTAS, which will covert to Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha for All Saints Day!

Her costume is a khaki tie-dye fleece, sewn to size skirt and shirt. Instead of two sleeves, one is cut into fringes at an angle. Fringed at the bottom of skirt. She wears a brown shirt underneath as it should be a cold one! I used fake leather and cut fringes, adding a bead here and there. Don't forget the blue necklace, feathers and moccasins!

Sabrina is Princess ARIEL, the little mermaid. Similar to the costume you can purchase.

For this I sewed a tube top to size, gathered slightly in the front. Sequin stretchy straps. The skirt is a simple mermaid shape, gathered to waist size. Can be made as one or two pieces. I also added a ocean shawl! My daughter didn't think this was quite right, so I took green netting and sewed it as a ruffle on the bottom of the skirt - and she loved it!

My boys are simple this year, as the costumes are in the closet. High King Peter of Narnia and Mater from Cars. Bought at Target on clearance a few years ago.