Thursday, February 26, 2015

Meet Hob


Hob Goblin Wilson is a special treat just for me!  I had a few dollars to spend on myself and I knew exactly what I wanted... an April Draven (Folts) pattern!

I love her patterns and have made many of her free patterns available on her blog so I wanted to show a little love for her work and buy her Goblin pattern .  

I made a few changes as I tend to do...
I didn't add the toe curls; after making them and slipping them on my husband said he preferred him without them.  I added pvc pellets in a nylon (cheap 'egg' knee highs work great and you can usually tie and cut for multiple projects) with a total weight of 47 grams per nylon, I then used some patience and tucked those pellets firmly into Hob's feet so he could stand unassisted. I usually use the cheapest acrylic yarn but I had some nice yarn left over from a hat I made for my husband and the colors looked perfect for Hob.  I added a wooden dowel in his neck to be sure we never have a slumping Hob.   The hands in the pattern wouldn't suit my needs so I used the hand pattern I made for my Frog Brothers and added a finger.  Then to test my limits I wired the hands and arms...he can now "grasp" things :)

I think that is all I changed. And now I will explain why..

Hob is a Goblin.  He is now H.G. Wilson

My husband and I love photography.  Especially nature and wildlife, a great way to let go.  We spend many hours in our beautiful Florida State Parks and I sometimes wish I would see a magical little creature because when you are deep in nature it feels magical.

Sooo while out about a week ago I told my husband of this great plan:

Bring a goblin to the parks and document his adventures...to my surprise he was just as excited as me!

So Hob will be coming along with us now!  I will be using #AdventuresofHob on Instagram and facebook :)
Hob loves shiny things...weakness of the goblins ;)

Side view with his satchel

Back view

top of head


I hope we have many adventures together!


By the way...He reminds me of a combination of Marty Feldman and Hoggle (Labyrinth)

Friday, February 6, 2015

Red Hot Chili Pupper! *small dog sweater*


Chili Pepper Miller


Meet Chili.  He is a young adopted Chihuahua son of friends Jim & Michelle Miller of J & M Herbs.   Michelle asked for a sweater for this handsome young fella and nothing I found sufficed.  I found some super patterns but I wanted something that shouted "Chili Pepper Miller" so I am pleased to present the Red Hot Chili Pupper small dog sweater!

I know this only about his size;  neck to tail 12", neck to privates 5", "width" (I assumed girth of chest) 9". 
Requests of no arm holes as they can be difficult and stressful, buttons as opposed to pullover and to be mindful of young Chili's ability to sprinkle his clothing if too close to waterworks.

(I do not have a pic of Chili in his sweater but I will add as soon as I receive one along with any alterations that may be necessary.)

Completed Red Hot Chili Pupper Sweater

Unstretched lengths:

neck band: 9" (7/ 7.5/ 8" at button holes from center of button)
Chili body (red): 12"
girth strap 12" (10/10.5/11" at buttonholes from center of button)
space between neck & girth strap 2"
neckband width: 1.5"
total length 13.5"

Supplies:
I used a small amount of Red Heart with Love yarns (I forgot the names, bright red and jade-ish) *Update: colors are Holly Berry & Jadeite*
H hook
tapestry needle
2   7/8" buttons
a sharper needle to attach buttons


Notes: Red is MC, green is CC.  If pattern reads "sc2, 14sc, sc2tog" it is read as  " two single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 14 stitches, single crochet 2 stitches together"    Parentheses with a number at end of row indicates st count, ex: (6).  BLO = back loop only



Neck Band

With CC
Ch7

1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, Ch 1 turn (at end of every row unless stated otherwise here and throughout) (6)

2: sc (6)

3: sc2, ch2, sk 2 sts, sc2   (creating button holes)

4: sc2, 2sc in ch sp, sc2    (6)

5-10: repeat rows 2-4 twice

11: sc  (6)

12-36: sc in BLO  ch 1 and turn to work down the side


Body

1: sc16 change to MC in last st  *you should be 8 "bumps/ridges" across with 4 ridges remaining on neck band* (16)

2: hdc across (16)

3: 2hdc, hdc14, 2hdc (18)

4: hdc (18)

5: 2hdc, hdc16, 2hdc (20)

6: 2hdc, hd18, 2hdc (22)

7-17: hdc (22)

18: hdc2tog, hdc20 (21)

19: hdc2tog, hdc17, hdc2tog (19)

20: hdc2tog, hdc17 (18)

21: hdc2tog, hdc14, hdc2tog (16)

22: hdc 2tog, hdc14 (15)

23: hdc2tog, hdc11, hdc2tog (13)

24: hdc2tog, hdc9, hdc2tog (11)

25: hdc2tog, hdc7, hdc2tog (9)

26: hdc2tog, hdc5, hdc2tog (7)

27: hdc2tog, hdc3, hdc2tog (5)

28: hdc2tog, hdc3  (4)

29: hdc2, hdc2tog (3)

30: hdc (3)

31: hdc, hdc2tog (2)

32: hdc (2)

33: hdc2tog f.o.

Flush side with buttons

Attach CC along flush side and...

Sc6, change to MC in 6th st, sc to end of pepper: ch4, sl st in 2nd ch, sc in 3rd, hdc in 4th ch from hook.  Continue to sc down other side of pepper to neck band, put on sc in CC of neck band do NOT f.o.



Turn do not chain

Girth strap:

1: sl st 7, sc6  (6)

2-8: hdc BLO (6)

9: sc2, ch2, sk 2 sts, sc2  (creating button holes)

10: sc2, 2sc in ch sp, sc2 (6)

11: sc (6)

12-17: repeat rows 9-12 twice f.o.

Finishing:

Weave in ends of yarn.  Attach button on body of Chili Pupper opposite Girth Strap and a button on collar opposite button holes.


I hope you enjoy making this Red Hot Chili Pupper sweater as much as I did!  Sell as many as you like, you made it!  But please do not sell or distribute my pattern as your own or for profit.  Any links back would be greatly appreciated as well!  If you want to share any of your projects from my patterns I would love to see them!  If you want to brag to everyone please post on my Facebook page!


Happy Hooking!

Sunday, January 18, 2015

DeSoto County Fair Blue Ribbon Winner!

I couldn't be any more proud of my crochet than I am right now!  Edgar & Alan (The Frog Brothers) have won Blue Ribbons at our county fair!

A friend has an amazing daughter in 4-H and she was showing rabbits...she won Grand Champion and more with her rabbits.  (I have not been to the fair yet, so this is Facebook Fair stuff lol) I commented congratulations and my friend responded with a photo of my green giants with BLUE RIBBONS!!!!!  I was so excited I cried lol

Yes, I am proud

After the fair is over Edgar & Alan will be available in my Etsy shop :)

Well, I guess that means that when I get the chance to type I will need pattern testers! I currently have a special bear pattern in the works that will need more eyes on it and the Frogs will be coming soon.  I need crocheters to check my patterns for errors before I offer them to the public.  I would like a turn around time of a week with any corrections you find :)  If you are interested please contact me and I will put you on a list.  Pattern will be free for testers on the bear and frog.  After The patterns have been tested they will be available on Etsy.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Happy New Year!

Sorry that is a bit late lol

I have been busy with a new gift my mom got me for Christmas: A crochet pattern calendar!  Yes, It was one of my favorite gifts of all time!
Light and Airy Afghan
(Patons-  and my calendar!)
My version is obviously not one color


In other news...

Pay it Forward 2015 is in full swing!  Custom Hats , custom headwraps and some rtg (ready to go)!

Remember for every hat or headwrap sold I am donating one hat to a person in need :)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnd....

Edgar & Alan are at the Desoto County fair this year!  This is my first time entering any of my crochet work in any event!  I am super excited!  I hope I win the Blue Ribbon!

Edgar & Alan- The Frog Brothers at the Desoto County Fair 2015!


And now for something completely different...

I love to garden.  Like,  I really love it.  I find it helps me therapeutically to deal with my pain.  My second big hobby :)  I did a bit too much and pulled a few too many plants and I am paying for that still...however my kids and husband stepped in, helping me when I needed it most! 
We have had some odd winter weather here in SW FL this year so when my 16...almost 17yo daughter asked to spread some wildflower seed early I figured it couldn't hurt. Today I went to check on her seed bed and voila! Babies!!!!  I tossed a few dozen marigold seedheads in the bed 2 days ago, that is what the brown pod like things are.
Emilie's Flowers


That has been the beginning of 2015.  I couldn't be any happier than I am here today and for that I am thankful :)  Thank you friends for looking in on the crazy life of this old hookin' yaya.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer

As I promised in my last post Pay it Forward here is my first Tunisian Crochet pattern.

What is Tunisian crochet?  Well according to the Wikipedia article it is:
                    "Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of crochet that uses an elongated hook, often with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook. It is sometimes considered to be a mixture of crocheting and knitting."

Obviously I HAD to try!  I have learned a couple of stitches and I feel confident enough to share a pattern with you!  It will be using some of your crochet basics and is built upon my Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer crochet pattern.

Don't have an afghan hook? That's ok, this pattern uses 14 stitches so you can experiment using a regular crochet hook!

Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer

Supplies:

Size I afghan hook (or regular crochet hook for this project)
I am using RedHeart Super Saver yarn in white for this tutorial.
tapestry needle (weaving in ends)
1-1.5" button
patience!

Notes:
ch1 and turn at end of rows 1-12 at end of row 13 just turn...no ch, here we will begin Tunisian crochet ;)
If pattern reads "sc2, 2sc, sc2tog" it would be read "single crochet in next two stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet 2 stitches together"  if a row says "sc" then you single crochet across the row.

Ch3

1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc, ch1 turn (2)
2: sc, ch1 turn (2)
3: 2sc, ch1 turn (4)
4: sc, ch1 turn (4)
5: 2sc, sc2, 2sc, ch1 turn (6)
6: sc, ch1 turn (6)
7: 2sc, sc4, 2sc, ch1 turn (8)
8: sc, ch1 turn (8)
9: 2sc, sc6, 2sc, ch1 turn (10)
10: sc, ch1 turn (10)
11:  2sc, sc8, 2sc, ch1 turn (12)
12: sc, ch1 turn (12)
13: 2sc. sc10, 2sc, do NOT ch 1, just turn. (14)
Approximately 3 1/2" through row 13

End of row 14 before the return pass


here is where we begin Tunisian

14: with loop on hook, sk first st, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, continue across to the end of row, you will have 14 loops on your hook.  Now we begin the return pass- yo hook and pull through 1 loop (ch 1) yo hook and pull through two loops, continue with yo and pull through 2 loops until one loop remains.  All rows will be finished with a return pass.  HINT- The right side of your work will always face you as you work Tunisian rows.
Tunisian simple stitch (tss) insert hook into front bar, yo, pull up a loop, continue across.

15-?: insert hook into front bar, pull up a loop, continue across until you reach the end and have 14 loops on your hook. Complete round with return pass. (I make approximately 48 Tunisian rows or 15")
61 (or there about) working in front bars: sc across, ch1 turn (14)
Row "61" sc across in front loops

62: (regular crochet!) sc2tog, sc10, sc2tog, ch1 turn (12)
63: sc, ch1 turn (12)
64: sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog, ch1 turn (10)
65: sc, ch1 turn (10)
66: sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog, ch1 turn (8)
67: sc, ch1 turn (8)
68: sc2tog, sc, ch2, sk 2 st, sc, sc2tog, ch1 turn (4sc, 2ch) buttonhole made
69: sc2, 2sc in ch space, sc2, ch1 turn (6)
70:  sc2tog, ch2 sk 2 sts, sc2tog, ch1 turn (2sc, 2ch) second buttonhole made
71: sc, 2sc in ch space, sc, ch1 turn (4)
72: sc2tog x2 (2)
73: sc (2) do not turn, continue to sc around entire headwrap putting 2 sts in each corner for a squared off look or don't add extra sts to corners and have a more rounded look. F.O. weave in ends.  Place a 1-1.5" button on opposite end from button holes.
Tunisian Headwrap/Earwarmer (this is one I made using Caron Simply Soft Yarn)

Back of headwrap


I hope you have fun making this headwrap and playing around with Tunisian crochet!  If you want to share any of your projects from my patterns I would love to see them!  If you want to brag to everyone please post on my Facebook page!



~Anna

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Pay it forward

I really want to run a promotion for the month of January but I have to work out the kinks a bit.  I want to help people in need this winter and I think I know how to do it...

Here is my idea:

For every hat purchased (from a set list of hat designs) I will donate one hat to someone in need.    I will have hats priced at $13 (includes shipping in USA; local fans pay $10).  What do you think?  I also need a good title for my project, Helping Hats and Lids of Love are in use...

Available choices in hat style:  Beanie, Slouch, Fisherman, Headwrap/Turband, (not pictured:  Earflap, Country Rocks  Beanie (Zac Brown inspired stripes/interest rounds on a basic style beanie), Special order.)

Done in choice of colors for Fisherman, and solid or variegated for slouch. Slouch can be 'extra' slouchy as pictured or less. 


Choice of color(s) or variegated.

Choice of colors or variegated.  Pom Pom can be added if desired.

Crochet Headwrap, choice of solid color or variegated. Stitch pattern may vary.
(Patterned Headwrap pictured : free crochet pattern )

 
 
Tunisian Headwrap.  My newest creation.  I am learning the art of Tunisian crochet which feels similar to knitting and can give a "knit look" to my work :)  Very warm.
* Pattern coming soon!


Any thoughts? I want to be successful with this promotion...any input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

Anna

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Holiday Giveaway!

That's right...FREE.

I am doing a raffle on Mommy Made Crochet FB to thank all of my wonderful fans!

Click here to enter!  Share my pinned post on Facebook and be sure to come back and enter daily to increase your odds of winning!



May the odds be ever in your favor ;)

And while you are on my Facebook page be sure to check out the album Christmas Specials to find big savings!