Uncle's Cable Crochet Hat

Reference:
Crochet Me link

Crochet Slippers Pattern

This project is a suitable project for the cooling weather and carpeted flooring. Customized instructions for a woman's foot size 6 (from the original pattern) below:

Materials:

4-ply yarn (used brown and pink)
5mm crochet hook

Directions:

Round 1: 5 ch (chain stitch);  join into ring with sl st (slip stitch)

Round 2: 3 2 ch;  7 dc (double crochet stitch) into the center of the ring;  join with sl st

Round 3: 3 2 ch;  *(1 dc into next stitch;  2 dc into next stitch); repeat * pattern. join with sl st

Round 4: 3 2 ch;  *(1 dc into next 4 stitches;  2 dc into next stitch); repeat * pattern. join with sl st

Round 5 – 6: (continue crocheting in spiral);  1 dc into each dc. join with sl st

Row 14 7: 3 2 ch;  1 dc into second stitch from hook;  make 20 15 dc (1 dc into each next dc)

Row 8 – 13: turn;  3 2 ch;  1 dc into second stitch from hook;  continue 20 15 dc (1 dc into each next dc)

Row 14: turn;  3 2 ch;  1 dc into first stitch from hook;  continue 22 17 dc (1 dc into each next dc); another 1 dc into last stitch

Row 15: turn;  3 2 ch;  1 dc into first stitch from hook;  continue 22 18 dc (1 dc into each next dc); another 1 dc into last stitch

Finish off. Cut off yarn long enough to sew in back using whip stitch. Weave in the ends.

Edging:

1. Tie a yarn of the same or different color to the edge of the slipper using a sl st.
2. Make 2 chain stitches.
3. Then make 1 single crochet into the next bigger (as I call it) ‘hole’.
4. Then make 1 chain stitch.
5. Continue this pattern (1 single crochet stitch; 1 chain stitch) along the edge of your slipper. When you get to the front part, 1 sc each, no chain. Finally, make 1 slip stitch to join with the first stitch.
6. Finish off end weave in the ends.

Crochet Swirls

1. Row: 43 30 ch (ch = chain stitch).
2. Row: 1 dc (dc = double crochet stitch) into the fourth chain stitch from the hook, 1 dc into each remaining chain stitch.
3. Row: 1 ch, 1 sc into the first stitch from the hook, 1 sc in next stitch, 2 sc into next stitch, *1 sc in next stitch, 2 sc in following stitch*, repeat *…* till the end of the row.
4. Row: with a changed yarn color, 2 ch, 1 sc (sc = single crochet stitch) in the first stitch, 1 ch, *1 sc in next stitch, 1 ch*, repeat *…*.
Finish off. Leave enough yarn to sew the flower to shape and attach it to the slipper.

Now twist the strip into a nice shape.
Using a needle and some yarn, sew some stitches in the middle and along the edges only to fixate the whole swirl.

  

My new pair of slippers:

References:
Crochet Slippers pattern from zoomyummy - link
Crochet Swirls from  zoomyummy - link

Curl your hair using Rags

Was blog hopping and found this neat trick to curl hair naturally: diy-curls-how-to-rag-roll-your-hair

My hair is naturally straight and it was so nice to have a different look with the curls. Step-by-step instruction is included in the link above.

Materials:
All you need is water, a comb and strips of cloth

Procedure:
1. Dampen using water the part of hair to be curled
2. Roll and secure small sections of hair using the strips of cloth
3. Sleep on it
4. Unroll the next morning for gorgeous curls!

Kohls Great Finds for Cheap

Bought all these and a $2 gym shorts (not pictured) for $60 with a savings of $519.80 since these were on clearance. That's 1 gym shorts, a pair of pants, a cool jacket, 4 tops and 4 dresses. Not bad eh?! It's even cheaper than Ross!

Here's the breakdown of the fab finds pictured above starting on the upper left image:

Elle Capri at 90% off = $4.40
Simply Vera jacket at 90% off = $7.80
Elle Atlantic Dip top at 90% off = $3.60
Candie's Deep Orchid Top at 80% off = $4.80 (charged us $5.40!, saw it just now)
Candie's Calypso Breeze Top at 90% off = $3.80
Elle Black Tie Dress at 90% off = $5.40
Elle Black Dress at 90% off = $5.40
Lauren Conrad Beachdaze Racerback dress at 90% off = $6.00
212 Collection Dress at 80% off = $9.60 (this one is big but I'll adjust it to fit me)
Candie's Pagoda Blue top at 80% off = $6.80

Aside from the $0.60 overcharge for one of the tops, I feel quite good about the nice clothes we bought from clearance. BTW, we used Kohl's cash back from a mixer purchased last Black Friday.

:-)

Sock Monkey Hat Crochet Pattern

Copied the pattern so I can make my adjustments for a 1 year old boy (about 19 inches). Approximate size chart here.

Materials:

yarn in grey, cream, red and a black
Black buttons (2) crocheted circles
g hook - H / 5mm hook


Beanie

Use instructions below for beanie OR follow this other link for a flatter beanie top.


Start with cream color by ch 4, join to first ch to form ring (or use magic ring).

1.ch2 6dc in ring. Join to top of ch 2 (UPDATE: OMIT THIS ROUND, THIS SEEMS TO MAKE THE HAT TOO POINTY. START INSTEAD ON ROW 2 WITH 12 sc FOR THE FIRST ROUND AFTER THE MAGIC RING. NOTE THAT CH2 COUNTS AS FIRST SC.)

2.ch2 2dc in each dc (12 st) join every round unless otherwise noted

3.ch 2 (2dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 6 times (18 sts)

4.ch2 (2dc in next st, dc in next two sts) 6 times (24 sts)

5.ch2 (2dc in next st, dc in next three sts) 6 times (30 sts)

6.ch2 (2dc in next st, dc in next four sts) 6 times (36 sts)

7.ch2 (2dc in next st, dc in next five sts) 6 times. (42 sts)
cut, secure and sew ends. switch to red yarn.

8.ch 1 (sc in each st around) 2 times ( you will have 2 rows of red in sc)
cut, secure and sew ends.

9.change color to grey ch 2. I used a 4mm hook since I only have a 3-ply yarn available. dc in same st. dc all the way around (1dc in next 5 st, 2dc in next st). Continue in pattern in 1st row. do 1 dc each on next 5 rows. total of 6 gray rows.

do not break off yarn

Earflap (make 2):

Using grey yarn

1.ch2, dc 11, ch 2 turn

2.dc2tog, dc in next 7 st dc2tog ch 2 turn

3.dc2tog, dc in next 5 st, dc2 tog ch 2 turn

4.dc2tog, dc in nex 3 st, dc2tog ch 2 turn

5.dc2tog,  dc in nex st, dc2tog ch 2 turn

6.dc2tog twice. break off yarn.

Monkey ear (make 2):

Use grey. ch 2

1. 6sc in second ch from hook
do not join

2. 2sc in each of the 6 previous sc. (12 sts)

3. (2sc in next st, sc in next two sts) 6 times (18 sts)

4. 18 sc around (2 times). Break yarn leaving 12" at least for sewing on. attach using darning needle.

Monkey mouth:

With red ch 15
1. sc in second ch from hook, and in each stitch across. sc a second time in last st.

2. working on the under side of initial chain sc all the way sc twice in last st.

3. change to cream yarn. sc all the way around twice, doing two sc in each of the "corner" stitches. Leave a long tail for sewing to hat.

Eye (make 2):

Use medium thickness black yarn using 6mm crochet hook. Magic circle. Chain 1, work 6 single crochet. Join with the beginning stitch. Cut off a long length of tail for attaching to face. Align and sew the eyes to the face. Sew in X's at the center of the eyes.

Crocheted Flower Pattern (link)

Using a size H hook, chain 4. Join the end to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.

R1: (single crochet in the ring, chain 3) 6 times. Again, join the last stitch to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

R2: (single crochet, chain 1, 3 double crochets, chain 1, single crochet) in each space created by the chain 3.

R3: Now you begin working in the back of the flower you have started creating. (single crochet around the first spoke, then chain 4) 6 times. Join last stitch to first stitch with a slip stitch.

R4: (single crochet, chain 1, 5 double crochets, chain 1, single crochet) in each space created by the chain 4.

R5: Repeat round 3, but chain 5 instead of 4. Join last stitch to first with a slip stitch and weave in ends.

If you want to add another layer of petals, repeat Round 3, increasing the number of stitches in the chain by one, and Round 4, increasing the double crochets by two.
Earflap braided tails:

I used four strands of each color to attach tie strings on to the earflaps and braided them, then trimmed the ends.

References:

Original Sock Monkey Hat Crochet Pattern from Knotty Knotty Crochet: here
Eye: here
Crocheted Flower Pattern from Action Hero: link

Toddler (Converse) Booties Crochet Pattern

I was looking for a neat crochet project that would be great for a baby nearing a year old and I stumbled on this design which is perfect for the cooler months to come. Next thing I know I was working on this: "Baby High Top Booties - Toddler/Child Size" pattern from Crochet Geek. I'm not sure about the sizes though and this size chart recommended 13" for a 6 month to 1 year old child. I worked on the original pattern and customized it to reach the target foot size.

Below is the original instructions written by Teresa Richardson. Embedded text in red font are my comments.

Video Tutorial: Crochet Baby High Top Booties

Skill Level - Intermediate

Size Estimate
Hook H/5 mm - Size 6"/15.2cm Sole - I used 4mm hook to make it tighter

Abbreviations
FHDC - Foundation Half Double Crochet
SL ST - Slip Stitch
HDC - Half Double Crochet
EA - Each
CH- Chain
MC - Magic Circle
HDC DEC - Half Double Crochet Decrease
( ) - Parenthesis - The parenthesis are used to include how many stitches are made on each round or other information of relevance.

Half Double Crochet Decrease - The HDC DEC is worked over 2 stitches to join and reduce it down to 1 stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook in the first stitch, pull the yarn through the stitch. Leave all 3 loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook in the next stitch, Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through. There are 5 loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through all 5 loops to complete the half double crochet decrease.

SOLE

Round 1 - Side 1: 16 12 Foundation Half Double Crochet, Work 4 HDC in the same space as the last stitch.
Round 1 - Side 2: Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 14 10 HDC, Work 4 HDC in the last HDC, join with beginning HDC. (38 30 Half Double Crochet Total)
Round 2: Ch 1, pull up, this chain will not count as a stitch, only a step up to make the rest of the stitches. 2 HDC in the same ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 14 10 St's. (Increase Section) (This next section has increase stitches to form the rounded shaping of the booty) 2 HDC in the next ST, 1 HDC in the next St, 2 HDC in the next ST, 1 HDC in the next ST, 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 14 10 St's, (Increase Section) 2 HDC in the next ST, 1 HDC in the next ST, 2 HDC in the next ST, 1 HDC in the next St, join. (44 36 Half Double Crochet Total)
Round 3: Ch 1, pull up, this chain will not count as a stitch, only a step up to make the rest of the stitches. 2 HDC in the same ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 14 10 St's.
(Increase Section) 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 2 St's, 2 HDC in the next ST. 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 2 St's. 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 14 10 St's.
(Increase Section) 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 2 St's, 2 HDC in the next ST. 2 HDC in the next ST. 1 HDC in ea of the next 2 St's. Join with the beginning HDC. Do not cut the yarn, you will be able to join it on round 5. (52 44 Half Double Crochet Total)

Sole measured 12cm. which is close to what I was aiming for (13cm).

Round 4: Ch1. Create a 90-degree angle by doing 1 HDC in ea "back" (see image below, notice how the finished stitches in round 4 are "standing up") ST around. Join at the beginning of the round. Cut and change color. (52 44 Half Double Crochet Total)

Round 5: Ch1. 1 HDC in ea ST around. Join at the beginning of the round. Do not cut the yarn. Leave color for round 7. (52 44 Half Double Crochet Total)

Round 6: Contrasting color of your choice. Attach the new color with a SL ST. CH 1, Work 1 SC in ea ST around, join. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail. (52 44 Single Crochet Total)


Round 7: Pull the loop from Round 5 up through the top of the closest single crochet on Round 5. Ch 1, pull up, this chain will not count as a stitch, only a step up to make the rest of the stitches. Work 1 HDC in ea ST around, join. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail. (52 44 Half Double Crochet Total)

Toe Top
Magic circle, CH 1. Work 6 HDC in the loop, pull shut, CH 1, turn, Work 2 HDC in EA ST around for a total of 12HDC. CH 1, turn. Work 2 HDC in each stitch around for a total of 24. Knot to magic circle so it will not come apart.

Cut off a long length of tail for either technique. It will be used to sew the toe top to the sole of the bootie.

Attaching Toe top to Sole

Find the front center of the sole. Mark with a yarn marker. Count back 12 stitches. Whip stitch (tutorial, if needed) the each individual stitch of the top, top to the matching stitch of the sole.

Tongue

Row 1: Attach the yarn with a slip stitch to the toe top, CH 1, Evenly work 12 HDC across toe top.(12 Half Double Crochet Total)
Row 2-7: CH 1, 1 HDC in ea HDC across. Cut the Yarn. ( 12 Half Double Crochet Total)

Ankle Side

Row 1: Attach color of choice to the first HDC on the right side of sole. Overlap with the last stitch from sewing the toe top in. CH 1, pull up, work 1 HDC same stitch, 2HDC in next stitch, 1HDC each around, 2HDC in last 2 stitches and 1HDC in same stitch as where you sewed the toe top in. I included extra stitches to make the ankle space larger. ( 28 25 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 2: CH 1, pull up, this will not count as a stitch, Work 1 HDC in ea HDC around. ( 28 25 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 3: CH 1, SK the first HDC, Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 25 22 St's. Work a HDC DEC for the last ST. ( 26 23 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 4: CH 1, SK the first HDC, Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 23 20 St's. Work a HDC DEC for the last ST. ( 24 21 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 5: CH 1, SK the first HDC, Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 21 18 St's. Work a HDC DEC for the last ST. ( 22 19 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 6: CH 1, SK the first HDC, Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 19 16 St's. Work a HDC DEC for the last ST. ( 20 17 Half Double Crochet total)
Row 7: CH 1, Work 1 HDC in ea of the next 20 17 St's. Do not cut the yarn. Use it for the next step. ( 20 17 Half Double Crochet total)

Eyelet Edging and Tongue Edging

Attach same color yarn, as side or color of your choice to the top left of bootie. Work the next stitches evenly along the lace edge. CH 1, *SC, CH 2, 2 SC, CH 2, 2 SC, CH 2, 2 SC, CH 2, 2 SC, CH 2, 2 SC.* There wil be 5 eyelet loops. Work single crochet evenly along the 3 sides of the tongue. Repeat between the two asterisks * one time for the opposite eyelet edging. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail.

Ankle Edging Top

With a contrasting color or color of your choice, work 1 row of single crochet across to top. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail.

Lace 

Chain 100 150, SL ST back across the lace. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail. Weave the lace through the eyelets once all the tails are sewn in and everything is attached.

Star Emblem

Circle behind star - Chain 7, join. CH 1, pull up loop. Work 12 HDC in the loop. Join with the beginning HDC

Star

Technique 1 - Magic Circle , *CH 3, SL ST in loop, repeate 5 times total from *.
Technique 2 - Chain 3, join, *CH 3, SL ST in loop, repeate 5 times total from *.

Align the star on top of the circle using the best blending color of yarn, to attach the emblem, sewing all pieces at once. Knot and sew in all the tails.

Finished booties:

NES Controller Birthday Card

Needed to make a birthday card tonight to be given tomorrow since we'll be traveling for the holidays. Did a quick google search for inspiration (had no idea what to make) and came across this neat NES controller - link. This works well with the Wii motion gift for the birthday celebrant. hehehe...

Here's what I made for a 4x6 envelope.

Used white, black and red card stock paper. Didn't have gray card stock so settled for some grayish paper. Sticky Doos glued the buttons in place to have a "floating" look. A black yarn served as the wire that I looped inside the card and secured at the back with a tape.

For the "happy birthday" message inside the card, I used the Cricut. I used the midnight blue card stock for this with the tag pattern. You can see the "controller wire" snaking through at the bottom right.

Cricut cartridge "Plantin Schoolbook" was used for the "happy birthday" message.

The card needs improvement but not bad for a rush project. :-)

Oreo Cookie Coaster Crochet Pattern

Crochet Oreo Cookie Coaster:
pattern based on Thrifty Fun Pattern

The original pattern was edited to create a coaster:

Materials and Tools:
Black 4 ply yarn
Cream 4 ply yarn
Yarn Needle
Crochet Hook Size J / 6mm

Instructions:
Using the following directions, make two black disks and 1 white disk for each cookie.

To begin, create a magic circle then ch2. Here is a clear video tutorial for the magic circle from Crochet Geek:



1st Rnd: Make 13 DC in a circle and sl st to top of ch2 (14st) Pull end of yarn to draw the circle up tight.
2nd Rnd: ch2, 1 DC in first st, 2 DC in each st around, join with sl st (26st)
3rd Rnd: ch2, *(1 DC in next st, 2 DC in next st), do * around, join with sl st, secure yarn, cut and sew in excess (38st)

Here are the layers before sewing in the ends.

 And here's the final product in action:

You can also use green filling (mint) or pink (strawberry ice cream).
Simple and perfect. Makes me want to grab some real Oreo's and glass of milk.

Darling Toddler Hat

Made one as a Christmas gift for a friend's baby.

References:

Hat pattern from here
Flower crochet pattern from this blog

Slouchy Hat for the Winter

Pattern used was loose for my head so I adjusted it as needed. Here's what I made:

Reference: 

Galaxy Stitch Scarf Project

Scarf I made!

Reference: scarf pattern from Crochet Geek: