Pattern testers needed!!!

I have three new patterns that need to be checked!

You get the pattern sent via email from me, you make the project of your choosing (or all three is fine too!) and you give me feedback.  Check for errors etc Do I need a photo somewhere to explain more? Is the count wrong? Anything at all :)

Available to test now:

Melody the Mermaid

Materials needed for Melody:

F hook (or hook needed to obtain a tight enough fabric that stuffing doesn't show through)
#7 steel crochet hook (for fishnet)
tapestry/yarn needle (weaving, attaching, embroidering etc)
9mm safety eyes (you can embroider)
3/16" wooden dowel to provide neck support (you can use chopsticks)
fiberfill
ww acrylic yarn in color choices for tail, skin, hair, starfish
#5 crochet thread for fishnet
a healthy imagination!

Noko the Troll

 Materials needed for Noko:

F hook (or hook needed to obtain a tight enough fabric that stuffing doesn't show through)
H hook (short pants)
K hook (vest)
1 1/4 " shank style toggle button (vest)
tapestry/yarn needle (weaving, attaching, embroidering etc)
9mm safety eyes (you can embroider)
3/16" wooden dowel to provide neck support (you can use chopsticks)
fiberfill
ww acrylic yarn in color choices for skin, short pants
#6 super bulky yarn of choice (vest)
Fun Fur in color for hair
a healthy imagination!

Garden Fae

Materials needed for Garden Fae:

E hook (wings)

F hook (or hook needed to obtain a tight enough fabric that stuffing doesn't show through)
tapestry/yarn needle (weaving, attaching, embroidering etc)
6mm safety eyes (you can embroider)
3/16" wooden dowel to provide neck support (you can use chopsticks)
fiberfill
ww acrylic yarn in color choices for skin
sport weight yarn in color choice (dress) (instructions provided for ww as well)
Fun Fur in color for hair  (or use acrylic yarn- your imagination is your only limit!)
Floral stem wire (wings, arms)
a healthy imagination!



So if you are interested in trying a Mommy Made Crochet pattern for free before anyone can purchase it... Email me!


Thank you all for stopping by!

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)

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.

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

Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer Crochet Pattern

I truly love the season change and cooler weather... so of course I have more patterns for this beautiful time of year!

Here is my newest pattern for a cute crochet headwrap/earwarmer:

Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer

Materials:

ww yarn - I used  Redheart Super Saver in medium thyme for example

I hook

3/4" button

tapestry/sewing needle for weaving in yarn ends and attaching button

Abbreviations:

Ch: chain

Sl  st: slip stitch

sk: skip

sc: single crochet

hdc: half double crochet

sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)

f.o.: finish off

Notes: if pattern reads- sc4, 2sc x2  it would be read as- single crochet in next 4 stitches, 2single crochet in each of the next two stitches (increases)  * (asterisks) show areas of pattern to be repeated.

Guage: 4sts approx. 1" (not terribly important, you can change hook up or down in size to suit your needs)

Pattern:

ch3

1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in next ch (2) ch1 turn at end of every row

2: sc (2)

3: 2sc (4)

4: sc (4)

5: 2sc, sc2, 2sc (6)

6: sc (6)

7: 2sc, sc4, 2sc (8)

8: sc (8)

9: 2sc, sc6, 2sc (10)

10: sc (10)

11: 2sc, sc8, 2sc (12)

12:  sc (12)

13: 2sc, sc10, 2sc (14)  Now we begin the pattern rows

14: hdc, *sk st, hdc, hdc in sk st* hdc in last st (14)

15: hdc (14)

16-46: repeat rows 14/15 finishing pattern with a row 14.  If you find this is too large or too small you can add or subtract pattern rows :) Note: we will be adding a tapered end that mimics our beginning

47: sc2tog, sc10, sc2tog (12)

48: sc (12)

49: sc2tog, sc8, sc2tog (10)

50: sc (10)

51: sc2tog, sc6, sc2tog (8)

52: sc (8)

53: sc2tog, sc4, sc2tog (6)

54: sc (6)

55: sc2tog, sc2, sc2tog (4)

56: sc (4)

57: sc2tog x2 (2) do not f.o.!!

Finishing:

sc evenly around entire piece.  When you get to beginning end of headwrap ( 1st 2 sts) sl st in first st, ch 3 (or more if you need, this is button loop) sl st in next st, continue to sc around evenly to row 57.  f.o. weave in ends.  Position button and sew in place (opposite from ch 3 end).

I hope you enjoy making and wearing your new Patterned Headwrap/Earwarmer! 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!

You can sell any items you create using my pattern but please do not claim my pattern as your own :)  (a link back would be cool too!)

Happy Hooking!



Anna

CCC Festival - Highlands Hammock State Park

I will be at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring FL for it's annual CCC Festival November 8th, 2014 from 10a-4p 

There will be live entertainment, food, living history presentations, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, tram tours, hay rides and much more.

Come on out and have a great time!  The weather is looking particularly nice for this event!

Last year was a great success and I am so pleased to have been asked to come back this year!  I have friend coming along for the first time to this event to sell her homemade quilts, jellies and jewelry and even some crocheted items!
 
Park admission fees are just $6.00 per vehicle (up to eight people per carload)

The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was arguably the most popular part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal".  During the Great Depression moral was at an all time low in our country and many Americans were without food or proper  shelter.  The CCC gave young unmarried men the opportunity to learn a skill and earn some money ($30 a month, $25 had to be sent home). 
The CCC planted nearly 3 billion trees in an effort to reforest America,  helped create more than 800 parks nationwide, improved forest fire fighting methods, built roads and helped upgrade our state parks.
Without the CCC it is likely America would have spiraled deeper into the Great Depression, many families would have lost hope, and we may not have our beautiful parks today.
 I am happy to say I was informed that some former members of the CCC are expected to be at the event and I can't wait to shake their hands and thank them for preserving a bit of nature for future generations.

Come out and enjoy the park!  This also happens to be one of my favorite state parks in Florida...I get some great pics when I visit this park!  I always feel as if I have stepped back in time to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth...silly perhaps but that is the feel of the swamp! Panoramio- my photos

Murky Waters of the swamp (one of my pics on Google Earth- nondaywalker)

Red Shouldered Hawk

(this fella sat on that branch for about 10 minutes...I inched closer to be within feet of him!)

I hope to see  you there!  BTW- I will have all my inventory with me that day some come on out and see what I've been up to!

~Anna

Super Bulky Hat (Crochet pattern)

My super awesome husband bought me a skein of Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Monarch because he knows I love orange and I like to use different yarns from time to time.  The skein has 5oz (87yards) and is size 6 super bulky.
After searching for a nice pattern for a super bulky yarn skull cap and I came up wanting more.  So here is my contribution for those like me- a small amount of yarn and a need for the perfect skull cap!

Materials:
Skein of super bulky (size 6 yarn)
N hook
Tapestry needle (to weave in ends)

Abbreviations:
MR : magic ring
dc : double crochet
ch : chain
FPDC :front post double crochet
BPDC : back post double crochet
sl st : slip stitch

Notes:
*******  Ch 2 does not count as a st at any point in the pattern. "2dc, dc2" reads as "2 double crochet in next stitch, double crochet in next 2 sts"*******
 All crochet terms American.  You may use your completed hats any way you wish; you can sell them or keep them or give them away, I only ask that you please do not publish this pattern in any way as your own.   A link back to this blog would also be appreciated :) 

1: MR 8dc, join with sl st, ch2 (8)
2: 2dc around, join with sl st, ch2  (16)
3: *2dc, dc*  join with sl st, ch2  (24)
4: *2dc, dc2*  join with sl st, ch2  (32)
5: *2dc, dc3*  join with sl st, ch2  (40)
6: dc around,  join with sl st, ch2  (40)
7: *2dc, dc19*  join with sl st, ch2  (42)
8-9: dc around,  join with sl st, ch2  (42)
10:  *FPDC, BPDC*  join with sl st, ch2  (42)
11: *FPDC, BPDC*  join with sl st, f.o. (42)

Weave in ends and enjoy!

I have about a 18" of my skein left! 

I hope you enjoy making this Super Bulky Hat!  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!
~Anna

Free Turband Crochet Pattern

Turband....turban/headband. Also referred to as ear warmer, headwrap, headband,  I'm sure there are many more names!


I live in Florida and it is just too warm for hats some winters. But I crochet and need something! I figured a nice ear warmer would be nice so I came up with this stylish pattern for my friends who prefer a little less head coverage.  I also have a few friends who wear these simply to keep their hair back and look super cute as they do it!

Thin and wide options in pattern

Materials

I hook
worsted weight yarn of your choice
tapestry needle
scissors

Abbreviations (all terms American)

Ch - chain
hdc: half double crochet
dc - double crochet
camel stitch (third loop, back) Moogly Blog tutorial
chainless dc foundation- you can also start with a chain foundation but a chainless looks neater and has more stretch) Video tutorial that  will help
sl st: slip stitch
FLO: front loop only

Notes: ch sts at beginning of round do not count as a stitch

Turband:

1: chainless dc foundation 60, connect without twisting with a sl st (if starting with a chain, chain 62 loosely, dc in 3rd chain from hook and across for 60 st)
2: ch2, dc x1, camel stitch dc (back 3rd loop) around, join (60)
3: ch2, dc FLO around,  join (60)
4: repeat round 2 (f.o. for thinner band, leave a tail for sewing)
5: repeat round 3
6: repeat round 2 f.o. leave a tail for sewing

Use tails of yarn to finish edges together; this area will be hidden by 'knot".  If making a wider band I like to cinch this area with a stitch or two through, think accordion.

Knot:

ch6
1:hdc in second ch from hook and across (5)
2-7:ch1 hdc across  (continue through row 9 for wider turband)
8: Ch1 hdc across f.o. leaving a tail for sewing (row 10 for wider turband)

Finishing:
Attach "knot" by sewing ends together over finish area of band. Secure in place with a stitch through the back of knot that does not go through the front of knot.

Sewing knot in place

a stitch through the back of knot and the band to keep it in place

I hope you enjoy your new Turband!    Feel free to sell as many of these as you like but please do not copy or distribute this pattern as your own.  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!

Anna

P.s.: I decided to check my gauge and I came up with 15sts in foundation dc in 4".  However, the beginning stitch count isn't as important as "fit". If you find 60 is too many or too few you can easily adjust the pattern by adding or subtracting stitches. I hope that helps ♡

Birthday Etsy Discount!

Today is my Marmie's birthday... in a couple days my husband has a birthday and our wedding anniversary!

To spread the love I am offering 15% off at checkout in my etsy shop when you use the code BIRTHDAY . Hurry, this offer ends August 18, 2014!

Come visit Mommy Made Crochet on Facebook to see what's new!

 

Happy Hooking!

~Anna

Rabbit in a Waistcoat Pattern is ready!!

Do you like to crochet?  Rabbit in a Waistcoat crochet pattern is available now! 

I am always looking for pattern testers to try my patterns free before they are available to the public... extra sets of eyes ;) If being a pattern tester for Mommy Made Crochet interests you please message me and I will be sure to contact with any new patterns!

Happy hooking!

~Anna

Buddha Bears Pattern!

I am so pleased to finally be publishing my Buddha Bears pattern to the public!

I hope you enjoy crocheting these Buddha Bears as much as I do!

PDF: Buddha Bears

 

I would love to see any bears you create! Happy hooking!  Come see more of my designs on Facebook!

 

~Anna



A rabbit in a waistcoat!

Oh my goodness he is such a cutie!  I will be typing this pattern up over the next couple of days and will need crochet pattern testers to try my Wonderland inspired white rabbit pattern for free before anyone else!  Contact me for more info!

UPDATE: I am no longer looking for pattern testers for this pattern, but if you are interested in trying out my crochet patterns before they are available to the public, for FREE, please contact me

New Wonderland Pattern....in the works!

Confession: I love in Alice in Wonderland.

The pattern I am writing is an extension of that love, and definitely an little tricky so far.  I will be needing some pattern testers to try out this pattern as well.  The pattern will be free for the testers, but I will need feedback on this one! If you are interested in trying it when I am finished writing it up please contact me and I will send you a pdf copy.  (American crochet terms)

The beginning of a trip down the rabbit hole...

 

Remember to visit my Facebook page and get in on great deals I offer to my fans and stay up to date with what is on my hook!

 

Looking for an Alice in Wonderland doll? You came to the right place!

Happy hooking friends!
~Anna 

Buddha Bears

I tend to make at least one extra item from every pattern I write...this time I made two more!

Behold a pack of Buddha Bears!

Strawbeary (sold), Sherbet, and Mint (sold)







A photographer friend requested the green bear, with a green newborn hat that has bear ears.  My 16yo daughter fell in love with the green bear and asked for one in pink...sure! But of course I couldn't stop there...So today Sherbet the Buddha Bear is making a cyber trip to the Etsy shop!

I am still hoping to find volunteers to try out the pattern before I post it online.  If you love crochet and want to give a go at making one of these cute little bears please contact me for a free PDF copy!  I need more crazy crocheters to give me feedback!
Thank you!
~Anna

First Blog Post: Pattern testers wanted!

Welcome to my very first blog post for Mommy Made Crochet!

I want to welcome any and all visitors to come by often and see what is on my hook!

As the title implies I am looking for testers for a new crochet pattern.  How can you be a tester you ask?  The process is simple and painless, just send me a message saying you are interested! I need feedback when I write new patterns; an extra set of eyes to be sure I wrote everything up right.  All I require in return is some feedback, totally painless. 

Here is a picture of what you will be making

 

This little guy is advanced beginner level crochet.  The pattern is written using American crochet terms and has a few pictures to help you along the way.  The file will be in pdf format.


Be sure to like Mommy Made Crochet on Facebook, and swing by my Etsy Shop and take a look around!

Thank you!
~Anna