Baby Bonnet

Found this absolutely precious (free!) pattern from crochetlatte.com for a baby bonnet. It was way too cute to resist.

I tried the pattern last night and it came out fairly small (I mucked something up) but did get a really cute preemie/brandnewborn size. I crochet really tight and I often times have to adjust my tension, size of yarn or hook.

So today I adjusted all three (fought with myself to crochet a bit more loosely, went with three strands of a 3 ply yarn, and went up to a 5mm hook as opposed to a 4.5mm)...and here's what I got:

This crochets up really really quickly and would make a perfect baby gift. I am now thoroughly addicted!

Here's the pattern!

Collar? Cute!

In my quest for the new and unusual crochet, I found THIS precious pattern from lululoves:

...and I have to say, I love it. Super cute pattern, very easy, and versatile...worn alone, stitched to a sweater, easy to change sizes...

I'll  be honest, I don't think I am quite cool enough to wear it the way she does. But in concept it would be ridiculously cute with one of my black dresses.

I made a big girl size...can't wait to play with smaller yarn and a smaller size for a baby or toddler.

Project: Doily

My precious husband inspired me to start working on some heirloom quality projects. Not that all of my finished creations aren't of high quality, but to begin to focus on pieces that can decorate our home for years to come and be passed down or given as cherished gifts. So as I have on stock some seriously fabulous vintage yarn and I tend to be a pretty "instant gratification" crafter, a smaller project - like a doily- seemed like a good place to start.

I began with a white yarn that was fairly chunky (for a doily at least) and did a variation of this pattern:

Then after building my crochet confidence, I went for a smaller, more intricately designed pattern with a thinner yarn (still not as thin as traditional doilies would be normally crocheted with, but a step in the right direction). For the peach doily, I used this pattern:

A pleasure to crochet and a pleasure to photograph.

Long Lost Gifts

My kiddo cousins just got back from Japan (!!!) and are trying on their crochet and loom knit presents in the middle of summer. They are such sports!

Love you Evan and Riley!!!

Sock Monkey Hat

When a coworker who is due in October (it's a girl!!!!) asked me to make a pink sock monkey hat ... I struggled to find a pattern I loved, so I went to work - flying by the seat of my pants. And I am extremely pleased with the results. Maybe when I make another I will take the time to write a pattern up and post it...until then, enjoy!

Ankle Bells!!!

Here is my new crochet obsession: Baby Ankle Bells! They are basically simple cuffs that easily slip over baby's foot with bells attached. They crochet up quickly and can pretty much be made using any crochet stitch. I made mine in the round but you could also crochet the cuff straight and then join it by sewing or a crocheted join. Honestly, they hardly warrant a pattern...but for kicks and giggles:

Crocheted Baby Ankle Bells Pattern
.........
Ch = chain
Sl st = slip stitch
Dc = double crochet
.........
Ch a length that will easily slip over baby's foot.

(To measure: gently wrap a piece of yarn around baby's ankle and then measure the length of that yarn, make your starting chain about that long)

Sl st to first ch to join, ch 2, turn.

DC into each ch around, *sl st to top ch from ch 2.

Ch 2, turn, DC into each DC around*

Repeat between * * until the cuff is desired width, sl st to top ch from ch 2 and fasten off.

Then as securely as possible sew bells to the cuff (I have made sets that have one bell per cuff and sets that have 7 bells per cuff...so just play with it!)

I have also added flowers or other motifs to jazz them up if that tickles your fancy.

These would be super fun for that day they discover their feet, new crawlers or walkers, dance time, and for keeping tabs on little explorers. Heck! I want a pair for myself! I think they are just so darn fun!

***PLEASE MONITOR LITTLE ONES THE ENTIRE TIME THEY WEAR OR HANDLE THESE PRODUCTS AS SMALL PARTS MAY BECOME DETACHED AND POSE A CHOKING HAZARD!***

Just a little crochet love!

I wanted to share a few photos of some crochet love...I will post links to patterns and shout outs to my inspirations as soon as I have a chance. But for now - enjoy!