Van the Cat *crochet pattern

Van the Cat

Van the Cat is dear to my heart and a labor of love.  My kittles are always watching me work.  As I sat around trying to decide on my next pattern I looked at Mr Bigglesworth and thought a cat would be nice!
***Pattern is untested as I type, if you find any errors I would greatly appreciate a heads up!***

Mr Bigglesworth (Bigs) and Van the Cat

My sweet kittles Alice was started awake by the flash :3

Materials:

F hook (or hook needed to obtain a tight fabric)
0 steel hook (for nose)
ww yarn in your choice of colors (I used Red Heart Super Saver in White, red & black )
Small amt of black (for mouth)
pink embroidery floss for nose
24mm safety eyes  (You can always embroider this!)
20mm doll joints (you can use safety eyes, or sew in place!)
tapestry needle (to attach limbs etc)
fiberfill


Abbreviations:

MR: magic ring
sl: slip
st: stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 together
sc3tog: single crochet 3 stitches together
hdc: half double crochet
5 dc bobble: insert hook into st draw up a loop, pull through 2 loops, repeat 4 more times in same st, yo draw through all loops on hook
f.o.: finish off
BPSC: back post sc
FPSC: front post sc

Note:
I use American terminology.  Be sure to read through the pattern before you begin.  If the pattern reads, "sc, 2sc, sc2tog" it would be read as "single crochet, 2 single crochet in next stitch, single crochet the next 2 stitches together".   Unless a specific repeat amount is written (ex: x3) you will repeat instructions given until end of each round. I like to use "invisible decreases"- use FLO, it helps the fabric lie smoother.  Stuff your project as you progress.  Unless noted otherwise Van the Cat is worked in amigurumi style in the round without joining. Make sure you mark your rounds, a scrap piece of contrasting yarn works great!
 Any Van the Cat's you make from my pattern are yours to do with as you please.  I ask that you please not distribute or represent my pattern as your own.  If you feel like sharing, please direct people to my blog :)  I like visitors!

Arms: x2

using F hook & color of your choice, change colors whenever you want, make your Van the Cat to your liking!  Stuff firmly as you work, I stuff a little lighter towards top of arm.

1: Mr 6 (6)

2: 2sc (12)

3: sc, 2sc (18)

4: sc2, 2sc (24)

5-7: sc (24)

8: sc12, 5dc bobble, sc11 (24)

9: sc (24)

10: sc2, sc2tog (18)

11: sc, sc2tog (12)

12-14: sc (12)

15: sc3, 2sc (15)

16-18: sc (15)

19: sc4, 2sc (18)

20-22: sc (18)

23: sc8, 2sc (20)

24-28: sc (20)

29: sc3, sc2tog (16)

30: sc (16) I placed the joint between rows 29/30 of arms they will attach to body between rows 65/66

31: sc2, sc2tog (12)

32: sc, sc2tog (8) f.o. leave a long tail, you may find you can't manipulate the joints well if you finish last round, if this is the case leave a a small amt of yarn extra and f.o. at round 31, after you have joint in place finish crochet rnd 32 :) leave open end until later on

Feet: x 2

Toes: make 3 per foot do NOT f.o. 3rd toe

1: Mr 6 (6)

2: sc, 2sc (9)

3: sc (9) f.o. toes 1 & 2

Begin foot/leg- see photos below if you need help with rnd 4

4: sc4, sk last 5 sts, sc4 in next toe, sk last 5 sts, sc9 in last toe, (I pick up a loop in 1st sc space of this toe as if doing a decrease to avoid sewing areas between toes closed) sc5 in next toe, (pick up loop in 1st sc space of the toe) sc 5 to marker. (27) you will have created a single round from 3 toes

5-6: sc (27)

7: *sc6, sc2tog* x3, sc3 (24)

8-9: sc (24) be sure to stuff as you work!

10: sc4, sc2tog (20)

11-13: sc (20)

14: sc3, sc2tog (16)

15-16: sc (16)

17: sc8, BPSC 8 (16)

18: FPSC 8, sc 8 (16)

19: sc9, hdc6, sc (16)

20-21: sc (16)

22: sc3, 2sc (20)

23-24: sc (20)

25: sc4, 2sc (24)

26-30: sc (24)

31: sc5, 2sc (28)

32-34: sc (28)  f.o. leg one continue with leg 2

Look at your cat feet, add a stitch or two to keep feet flat or you can leave loose, they will naturally bend a bit on their own.  Find the sides of the legs and line up the inner thigh center stitches, a count of mine may not help you as tension can have us in different places.  I place a piece of yarn as a marker to indicate these sts.

35: sc to first marker, sk remaining sts of this leg and begin to crochet in first leg, sc28, (pick up a loop in 1st st of this leg and continue to next leg) sc in sk sts of leg 2 to marker. (56)

36: sc6, sc2 (64)

37: sc (64)

38: sc7, 2sc (72)

39-49: sc (72)

50: sc7, sc2tog (64)  make sure you're stuffing firmly!

51-55: sc (64)

56; sc6, sc2tog (56)

57-58: sc (56)

59: sc5, sc2tog (48)

60-61: sc (48)

62: sc4, sc2tog (38)

63-64: sc (38)

65: sc3, sc2tog (30) joint will go between 65/66

66-69: sc (30)

70: sc3, sc2tog (25)

71: sc (25)

72: sc6, sc2tog, sc17 (24)

73-74: sc (24)

75: sc, 2sc (36)

76: sc5, 2sc (42)

Find side of head, place a marker in the center side sts (3 markers- inc/dec markers x2 and rnd marker)

77: sc to st before first marker, 2sc x3 (place marker in first sc of 1st 2sc, you will use this marker to indicate where increases and decreases are-continue to mark rounds!) sc to st before next marker, (move marker as with first increase) 2sc x3, sc to beginning of round (rnd marker)  (48)

78: sc (48)

79: sc to fist inc/dec marker: 2sc, sc x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc, 2sc x3, sc to rnd marker (54)

80: sc (54)

81: sc to inc/dec marker: 2sc, sc2 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc2, 2sc x3, sc to rnd marker (60)

82: sc (60)

83: sc to inc/dec marker: 2sc, sc3 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc3, 2sc x3, sc to rnd marker (66)

84: sc (66)

85: sc to inc/dec marker: 2sc, sc4 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc4, 2sc x3, sc to rnd marker (72)

86: sc (72)

87: sc to inc/dec marker: 2sc, sc5 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc5, 2sc x3, sc to rnd marker (78)

88-90: sc (78)

91: sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, sc5 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc5, sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (72)

92: sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, sc4 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc4, sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (66)

93: sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, sc3 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc3, sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (60)

94:sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, sc2 x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc2, sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (54) 

95: sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, sc x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc, sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (48)

96: sc to inc/dec marker: sc2tog, x3, sc to next inc/dec marker: sc2tog x3, sc to rnd marker (42)

97-98: sc (42)

99: sc5, sc2tog (36) Place eyes now if using safety eyes between rnds 92/93 (I think) look for best spot!

100: sc4, sc2tog (30) keep stuffing!  Stuff the neck firmly to help hold shape

101: sc3, sc2tog (24)

102: sc2tog (12)

103: sc, sk 1 st (6) f.o.

Nose: with embroidery thread and size 0 steel hook

ch6

1: in 2nd ch from hook sc and in the next 4 ch (5) ch1 turn

2: sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (3) ch1 turn

3: sc3tog, ch1 f.o. leaving a tail to attach nose to face

Tail

with F hook and color of choice  stuff tail lightly as you progress

1: Mr4 (4)

2: 2sc (8)

3-42: sc (8) f.o. leaving a long tail for attaching to body  

Ears x2

with F hook and color choice Do NOT stuff

1: MR 4 (4)

2: 2sc (8)

3: sc (8)

4: 2sc, sc (12)

5: sc (12)

6: 2sc, sc2 (16)

7: sc (16)

8: 2sc, sc3 (20)

9: sc (20)

10: 2sc, sc4 (24)

11: sc (24) f.o. leaving a long tail for attaching ears to head

Collar

with F hook in color choice

ch35

1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (34) f.o. leaving a tail to sew collar to cat

Finishing

Cut 12 pieces of yarn approximately 6 inches long for hair tufts in ears and cheeks (3 per location) I used my tapestry needle to separate the yarn and trimmed to desired length after on Van.  I used a latch hook style knot to attach the hair.  

Sew tail to back of cat in location you like best.  

Attach the collar around neck of Van with a a few stitches.  

Sew smile on Van using black embroidery floss or yarn.  

Go nuts, give him whiskers or a mustache or anything you like!

Rnd 4 photo help:

Rnd 4: sc4

Rnd 4: sc 4 in next toe

Rnd 4: sc 9 in last toe

Rnd 4: pick a loop in first sc space

Rnd 4: continue to sc 5 in next toe 

Rnd 4: completed 1st st on 2nd toe

The black yarn in my "marker".  I place it before the first st of rnd 2 and carry back and forth as I complete each rnd, an easy way to quickly count rnds!

End of rnd 7

As I said above this pattern was written as I made Van and may have errors, if you need help or find an error please contact me I will be glad to help and fix any problems!

As always Happy Hooking!

Change colors whenever you like or not at all!

Thanks for visiting!

Rockstar Mic - Free Crochet Pattern

My granddaughter Anna, a.k.a Noo Noo, came by and we had a sleepover last night.  We watched our usual favorite movies/tv on Netflix/Vudu,  Courage the Cowardly Dog, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost etc.
Well for those who don't know, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost has The Hex Girls (Eco-Goth girl band) and Anna is a huge fan!  She NEEDED a microphone.  "Really Yaya, I NEED one.  Will you make me one?" she asked in her sweet little Noo Noo way...how could I say no?  I love make believe and exploring with our imaginations!

Anna picked Grape Fizz (Red Heart Super Saver) for the microphone, "and a black singing part"
I used a sport weight white yarn to stitch her name and a couple stars

Materials

small amount of  yarn (size 4) of your choice in black and main color.  I used Red Heart Super Saver, cheap and durable with lots of color choices!

stuffing (fiberfill)

G hook (whatever you need to make a tight enough fabric that stuffing won't show, stuffed hard)

blunt needle (yarn needle) to weave in ends securely

Abbreviations

mr: magic ring

sl st : slip stitch

sc : single crochet

sc2tog ; decrease- single crochet 2 stitches together (I use invisible decrease- flo (front loop only) to perform st)

Note

All terms American.  If pattern reads: "sc2, sc2tog, 2sc", it would be read: "single crochet in next two stitches, single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease), 2 single crochet in the next stitch". repeat between **  Be sure to read through any pattern before beginning.  You may do whatever you like with your completed microphone, lip sync with your favorite music, impress your friends with your awesome vocal stylings, give it to your favorite little person, make a couple and sing along to the Hex Girls, or even sell them!  I do ask that you do not represent my pattern as your own, reproduce or distribute my pattern in any fashion; sharing a link to my blog is appreciated!   :)  If you have any questions please message me , I would be happy to help you!

Directions

with black (or "singing part" color of your choice)

1: mr 6sc (6)

2: 2sc (12)

3: sc, 2sc (18)

4-5: sc (18)

6: sc, sc2tog (12)

7: sc  (12)

8: sc, sc2tog (8)

9: sc (change to main color in last st)  stuff tight;y to maintain shape

10-29- sc (8) stuff tightly to maintain shape

30: *sc, sc2tog* twice, sc2 (6)

31: sc (6)

32: sc, sc2tog (4) f.o.  stuff to the end. weave in ends and secure.

Optional:  you can stitch designs on your microphone or use as is!  Share your creations on MMC Facebook page !

My little Rockstar

Anna's favorite is Thorn, she calls me Sister Luna and I am to call her Sister Thorn when she is in Hex Girl mode :)
She has a Lost Souls Skull Shawl in a deep red by Caron Simply Soft that she dances in too <3
Lost Souls Skull Shawl

Khaleesi Beaded Dragon Scale Barefoot Sandal crochet pattern

Rejoice Game of Thrones fans, the Khaleesi Beaded Dragon Scale Barefoot Sandal crochet pattern is here!  

I hemmed and hawed about how to offer this pattern for a while and I finally decided that the blog is where it's at ;)

Beaded "dragon scales" (crocodile stitch) size 5 thread

Khaleesi Beaded Dragon Scale barefoot sandal in size 3 thread

Materials:

size 3/5/10 crochet thread in color choice (avoid metallics as they can be scratchy)

size 0 steel crochet hook

seed beads in color choice (I like E beads because they are easier to thread)

Abbreviations:

ch : chain

sl st : slip stitch

dc : double crochet

Notes:

All terms American.  If pattern reads: "sc2, sc2tog, 2sc", it would be read: "single crochet in next two stitches, single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease), 2 single crochet in the next stitch". repeat between **  Be sure to read through any pattern before beginning.  You may do whatever you like with your completed Khaleesi sandals, run a marathon, lounge around the pool, take up belly/exotic dancing, marry your true love in them in your dream beach wedding, or even sell them!  I do ask that you do not represent my pattern as your own, reproduce or distribute my pattern in any fashion; sharing a link to my blog is appreciated!   :)  If you have any questions please message me , I would be happy to help you!

Directions:  

*directions given for size 3 thread, 5/10 thread in (  )

String 12 (20) beads onto your thread

Ch 26 (30)

1: Sl st into the 22nd (25th) ch from hook and next 4 (5)

2: ch3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in same stitch (photo 1)

***TURN YOUR WORK SO LOOP POINTS UPWARDS*** (photo 2)

3: Ch2, around post of dc from row 2 work 5dc, slide bead up, ch1, (turn your work to easily accomplish)  5dc up ch3 from row 2. (completed crocodile stitch) (photos 3-7)


4: Ch3, dc in last dc made, ch2, dc in center of scale, ch2, 2dc in end of last scale (1st dc row 3) (photos 8-10)

***TURN YOUR WORK SO LOOP POINTS UPWARDS***

5: begin scale: *5dc around post of dc from previous row, slide bead up to work, ch1, 5dc up next dc post* repeat to end of row (2 scales made) (photos 11,12)

6: ch3 , dc in last dc made, ch2, dc over center of scale, *ch2, 2dc over scale round into dc from 2 rows back in center of scale (photo 13), ch2, dc in center of scale* until last scale, end with ch2, 2dc in end of last scale.

7: repeat row 5  f.o. weave in ends

6 scales total.

for size 5/10 thread only:

repeat rows 5/6 one time for total of 10 scales

Ties:

ch 125 (175)

with right side of sandal facing you : join with a sc in top right scale, sc evenly across top of sandal (I did a sc in end of first scale, 2sc in each dc post, sc in center of scale, sc over scale row into dc across and ended with a sc in end of last scale) ch 125 (175) f.o. trim ends to look neat and repeat for second sandal!

I hope you enjoyed making a great pair of barefoot sandals!  Please visit Mommy Made Crochet on Facebook and share your creations with everyone!  

Photo Help

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Crochet Patterns

I have been flipping through my pattern notebooks and I found a couple that I may share on here soon!  I don't wanna post them all at once... gotta get you good and hooked ;)

I have a monkey, a horse, pig, bear, (all using bulky weight yarns or combinations) along with quite a few others lol

I have also been working on my own pattern for barefoot sandals that I may make available through here as well!  They use size 3/5/10 thread and a 0 (3..25mm) steel crochet hook.

Inspired by :
Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.
OR:
Game of Thrones ;)  They are dragon scales with beads to add a little shine! (crocodile stitch)

The Khaleesi barefoot sandal

I will also have a few of these priced low for Watermelon Festival this weekend, after Watermelon any that don't sell will go to my Etsy Shop !

Single Crochet Video Tutorial

Everyone always asks me to teach them to crochet...Now I plan to teach EVERYONE!

I started a local group called Hooked on Crochet and I find that I have a lot of people just starting out. I hope this video series will be able to help people :)

Happy Hooking!
Anna

Crochet video tutorials ***COMING SOON***

GOOD NEWS!  I've been working hard on a video tutorial and I even found a way to mirror the action for my southpaw friends!

BAD NEWS :( as I went to add narration to the video I discovered my microphone is broke :(

GREAT NEWS :D  Hubby said I can pic up a new microphone tonight!

Soul Crochet Pattern

Yes you heard right, Soul.

My kids & granddaughter inspire me when I create... this is what happens when you ask your teenager, "What do you think I should crochet now?"  reply: "OOOH, I want a 'Soul' mom!".  I wasn't disturbed by this odd request because my daughter is kooky like me and that one little request opened up my imagination to all kinds of possibilities!

Make some and hand them out as quick little "spirit" lifters, as trade-able commodities or do like my friend Jamie and add a couple drops of essential oil to alleviate the stress of the day!

Two little Souls

Souls

Materials:

Small amount of yarn in Soul color of choice and a bit of contrasting for facial features, I used Red Heart Super Saver for mine

F Hook 

Small amount of fiberfill or yarn scraps

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Abbreviations:

MR : magic ring

ch : chain

sl st: slip stitch

sc : single crochet

sc2tog : single crochet 2 stitches together, decrease

FLO : front loop only, crochet is only in the front loop of stitch

BLO : back loop only, crochet is only in the back loop of stitch

f.o. : finish off

Note:

All crochet terms American.  If pattern says: "2sc, sc2, sc2tog" it is read as : "2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches, single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease) in next two stitches".  Unless stated otherwise it is implied that crochet actions are repeated to round end.  Souls are worked in the amigurumi fashion (in the round without joining).  I use "invisible decreases", I crochet in the FLO for decrease stitches, this helps the fabric lie smoother. Numbers in parenthesis at end of row/round indicates stitch count.
You may do whatever you wish to do with the Souls you create, sell your Soul, trade your Soul for another, make your soul into a keychain,  or infuse with wonderful essential oils to help lift your Soul, your imagination is your only limitation...but I ask that you do not claim this pattern as your own or distribute/publish it in any form.  Sharing my blog is greatly appreciated however!

Directions:

1: MR 6sc (6)

2: 2sc (12)

3-5: sc (12)

6: FLO - sc, ch5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and remaining ch sts, sc in next st (6 chs created)

7:  working in unworked BLO sts of rnd 5 : sc2tog, ch6, sl st in 2nd from hook and remaining ch sts (6 chs created) * Begin stuffing

8: (in both loops again) sc2tog, ch8, sl st in 2nd ch and remaining ch sts (3 chs created) F.O. weave in end to secure.

Finishing:  Use a bit of contrasting color to create a little face for your soul :)  Fun twist, turn your soul the unside down and make face so "hair/tentacles" point down and you have a cute new twist on your soul or an adorable Squid with slight altering on last round :)

Bucket of Souls, I brought 50 to a local event and sold 40 of them! 

I hope you enjoy creating a Soul!  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!