Throwback Thursday - A Teddy Bear for a Friend

One of my husband's long term friends enjoys the things I make with crochet. When I asked her what her favorite color was, she didn't seem surprised that I asked. What did surprise her was that I decided to crochet her a teddy bear in that color. It wasn't planned. I wasn't expecting anything in return, as I hardly do.

What it gave me is the happiness and joy at seeing someone else enjoy something I gave to them. It could be food. It could be a hobby project. It could be something I made. It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is that I took time, effort, and love creating something that someone else will love through time.

Although I have many instances of this in my arsenal, I chose this teddy bear because it is an adorable teddy and because it shows no planning. It was a spur of the moment decision. And like that, a Random Act of Kindness was born. Here's the finished product:

Isn't he a cutie? You can find the pattern at these links:
PDF - http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/ePDF/1004/amicomo3-34_Amigurumi_Bear.pdf
Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-bear-2
Gosyo - http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/toy_ornament.html

Please note that this pattern does seem like it is just a diagram, but there is numbers in a table that provide the stitch count. This is not a beginner pattern unless you want to jump feet first into learning things like this. It is relatively easy to understand if you know about stitches, increases, and decreases.

What is one of your RAK?

Sarah

Throwback Thursday -

I realized early in my crochet pattern designing that I wanted to focus on something I rarely saw - Barbie patterns using larger yarn. The patterns that have been developed by thread crocheters are simply fantastic. If you have not seen any, I suggest you google it. My absolute favorite is Scarlett O'Hara's Green Curtain dress. (Okay, I admit. I am a HUGE Gone With the Wind fan. Sue me.)

I don't own this photo! I found it here.

I thought I would give thread crocheting a try. How hard could it be using the same stitches as normal crochet? Well...apparently MUCH harder than I anticipated. What really bothered me was the smallness of the hook and the slippage of the thread. It was hard to control. I continued to mess up. My hand and wrist was hurting. And I just couldn't take it. I knew after that first try that without some serious intervention I would never be a thread crocheter. So I stuck with what I knew.

A size G hook and Red Heart.

Who needed the end product to be super soft and not itchy? I was absolutely sure that plastic Barbie would have no issue with a scratchy dress. So, I began designing patterns. The first ones were a little horrible. Even my first purses...Well, they could use some updating.

I suggest keeping tuned for that!

Anyway, here is my first Throwback Thursday photo.

My first Barbie purse design

It isn't TOO bad, but it could use some work. You can find it on my blog by searching Barbie Purse with Flap or clicking here.

Make it Monday - A Pillowy Project

Make it Monday was a very popular event in 2014, so I decided to bring it back. It fits SO well with the weekly theme idea I am presenting for 2015 here at Dande Creations. Not only does it provide a central concept, but it provides me with multiple ways to craft in the coming year. I am very much looking forward to it. And I hope you are too.

I announced yesterday that the weekly theme is Barbie. I am sorry for those of you who have boys! I know I tend to create curly, girly, and frilly things here at Dande Creations. I am working to expand my patterns to more types of things. I promise!

To start our week, I am providing a new free pattern to my blog and my pattern stores. The first of many that I plan on releasing in 2015. Like all of my other Barbie patterns, I have not tested them on other 12 inch fashion dolls. I am pretty sure they will not fit on any Monster High dolls. What they do fit on is the belly button Barbies and the old fashioned Barbies. If there is any change or restrictions to the pattern, it will be presented at the start in the notes.

Thankfully, there is NO need to measure Barbie or worry about which one this pattern will fit. It is not even for "dressing" her. It is for her bedroom.

It's..............a pillow!

Yep! In the coming weeks, a full bedroom suite pattern book will be released with this pillow pattern, the pillow slip/case, some accent pillows, a ruffle blanket, and more. I will also include a post with a description of some of the ways to create cheap Barbie beds without having to purchase a set from the store.

*Note* In the future, this pattern will be posted on an individual page that can be accessed by the right navigation panel under the Free Patterns section.

Now, on to the pattern.


Materials
Size G hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Fiberfil
Small amount of yarn
Stitch marker (optional)

Abbreviation List
st = stitch
sts = stitches
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Notes
This is in U.S. terminology.

Pattern

Pillow

(make 2)

Ch 11

Row 1: In 2^nd st, sc. Sc across, ch 1, turn (10)

Row 2-7: sc in each st, ch 1, turn (10)

Fasten off

Finishing

Holding two together, sc in each st. Each corner receives (sc, ch 1, sc). When close to finishing, fill with fiberfil. Finish sc. Sl st to beginning sc. Weave in ends. 

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12

This final week was one I struggled over. I wanted to offer a free pattern as a gift to my blog readers and followers. It seemed like a great idea, yet I had no clue what I was going to do. When I saw a rash of ball ornaments transformed into animated characters, I wanted to jump head first in crocheting similar things. BUT, it goes against trademark and copyright to use a character's image in that way. So, I settled with just crocheting some simple Christmas balls for your tree. It isn't a hard project or a fancy one; however, appliques can be added to make it fancier.

For now, this pattern will only be available on my blog. At a future time I will be adding it to my Ravelry shop and perhaps Craftsy. It is available in two sizes. In the future, there may be a third size added. It will remain free for the entire time my patterns are up.

Christmas Ball Ornament

Notes:

U.S. Terminology

This pattern will contain a stitch count at the end of the round.

This pattern does not have rows. It is completed continuously. 

The "*" symbol indicates a repeating trend.

If you are a beginning crocheter, use Youtube to learn any stitch you do not know. It is a great resource.

Materials:

Size G or H hook

Scissors

Stitch marker

Fiberfil

Yarn needle

Abbreviations:

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sc2tog = single crochet 2 togther

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

Small Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

 4-6: sc in each st around (18)

Stuff ball.

7: sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

8. sctog around (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Using long tail and yarn needle, close the remaining 6 sts.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.

Large Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

4. *2 sc, sc in next 2 sts (24)

5. *2 sc, sc in next 3 sts (30)

6. *2 sc, sc in next 4 sts (36)

7-12: sc around (36)

13: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts (30)

14. sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts (24)

15. sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts (18)

Stuff ball.

16. sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

17. sc2tog (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Close remaining stitches with yarn needle and tail.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.


I will reveal the pictures on Monday.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

This wonderful week is inspired by my newest free pattern. You can find them by clicking the following logos:

  

Like all the previous weeks, this is a quick and simple pattern for those who wish to have more time pursuing other things. I have already provided a picture of this project in the blog post, so it won't be much of a surprise for the reveal. I plan on making this pattern in multiple colors though, since they are going to charity.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: I/9 5.50mm hook
    Recommended - For smaller beanie, use a smaller hook

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Medium Thyme.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Please join me in this Week's project. 5 more weeks until our countdown is done!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4 Reveal

This week's pattern was super fun for me. I absolutely LOVE snowmen and chose my colors to match the majority of my ornaments - cherry red and white.

Additional Notes about Pattern:

• Some suggestions if you have come here and not followed the pattern. Be sure to stuff your snowman as you go. It is difficult to maintain shape. I was able to stuff more into the head after Rnd 7.
• Overfill each section so you do not regret the shape after you have finished.
• The project lasts about 30 minutes from start to finish for me. That time will vary depending on your crochet speed.

Now, I personally did some changes to the pattern to suit what I wanted. First, I did not put a face on my snowman. I like the just plain look, and I don't have to worry about small beads falling off and my cats eating them! Secondly, I put a hanger on the top of mine with a ch 16. Instead of weaving in the ends, I added a bow that seems to suit it. Lastly, I did only one row on my scarf so that it was a thinner scarf. I like it better.

Here's the photo:

As you can see, it is cute as a button without the face and hat as well.

I want to suggest that you change the pattern to suit what you want. If you don't want a face, don't do one. If you want a smaller snowman, do so! Make the pattern fit what you need.

Looking forward to Week 5,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4

Week 4

Lion Brand Snowman

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-snowman-ornament)

(http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80967AD.html)

Please note: Before starting this pattern, it requires an account with Lion Brand's website. It is a free website and takes less than 2 minutes to register. 

What I love about this pattern is that it is another adorable pattern. I LOVE snowmen, so this one just fits the bill. The first time I made it was for my mother a few years ago. It is pretty simple to follow. It does work up a little bit slower than the first two simply because of the added steps.

Here's some photos from previous makes. Excuse the photo quality and background. These were not meant for blog posting.

Before scarf and hat

After scarf and hat. And you can see my kitties to the right!

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy and White.

Extra requirements:
Fiberfil
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)
Small mm beads for eyes (optional)
     -6 mm recommended

Uses for finished product

• Without the holder, this could be a cute baby rattle or toy. If you make it into a toy, do not put beads or other embellishments on the snowman.
• Ornament
• a cute gift
• An embellishment to a gift

Look forward to seeing your finished products!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3 Reveal

This is such a cute ornament. I would like to share my experience with this pattern. First, the designer of this pattern (Frayed Knots) is obviously an accomplished pattern designer. The pattern is easy to read and spaced in a nice manner making it easier to understand. There is an abbreviation list and a materials list for those who need it.

The only thing that I would desire in this pattern is a way to create a holder or hanger for the tree. Some perhaps would use the handle as a hanger, but I do not find that too desirable. If you do, YAY! I do have a way to add a hanger if you would like to continue to read.

I did choose to use a size H hook instead of the recommended G hook simply because it was near me. This gave me a bigger ornament. If you want a smaller ornament, I do suggest using a G hook or even a F hook if you crochet loosely.

I chose to use burgundy as my main color as it is a deeper red simply because the color reminds me of Christmas. The "coffee" or "hot chocolate" color I chose is Cafe Latte by Red Heart. It works with either one as the coffee that I am around (but don't drink) is usually caramel in color. The only changes I did to the pattern for my own desires is adding a hanger and creating just a chain for the handle. It still looks good!

Here's the photos!

Looking down into the cup.

From more of the side.

This years and last year's cups!

Size comparison between a H hook and a G hook.

The smaller one is a G hook.

As you can see on the first two photos, I added a hanger. What I did was attach the red yarn at the final sl st and the beginning of the cup handle. I chained up 16 and reattached it to the same spot. This will give a tipped over look on the tree as if the coffee/hot chocolate is spilling out. As you can see, I did not make the marshmallows as these are "coffee" ornaments. I also chose not to overfill the red one, but you can see the effect of overfilling on the green one.

Would you like to know where these new ornaments are heading too?

Stay tuned for an update post!

Sarah

12 Weeks Christmas - Week 2

Week 2

Crochet Mitten

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quick-mitten-ornament)

This little pattern is my own pattern that I offer free on my Ravelry page. Despite not being updated yet to the new format of my patterns, it has all the important information like materials and abbreviations. If you have any questions about how this pattern is written or if any instructions are unclear for you, please contact me at dandecreation@gmail.com. I will contact you as soon as I am able to help you!

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: H or I hook (I used H.)

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Paddy Green, Cherry Red, Medium Thyme and Burgundy. 

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament for tree
• hiding small candies
• hiding a ring

Like the stocking ornament in Week 1, this ornament has an open top that allows you to hide small objects on the tree for a "Hide and Seek" game. Not only does this add a little more fun to your holiday, but after the game is finished, you have a beautiful ornament on your tree.

There are many ways to embellish this pattern. You could sew on sequins or other beads. You could use extra yarn and sew a pattern into the main colored portion.

Look for the reveal on October 13, 2014.

Sarah

Share It Saturday: Announcing New Free Pattern

A new event has popped up on my blog: Share it Saturday. I plan on sharing some of the newest things each week and can be anything from a pattern of mine to a new item found somewhere else. Please comment and share with me! I would love to see something you have been working on.

First week of Share it is a new free pattern here at Dande Creations!

Another free pattern from my Spring Barbie Collection. You can find it at any of my stores except Etsy; however, it is also available here on my blog. Want to see what it is?

Barbie Hand Bag

This cute little pattern will help you bust your scraps and provide entertainment for your little one and a new accessory for Barbie!

You can find it here.

I would love to see the finished item if you make it!

Sarah

Announcing: New Free Pattern

Would you like to crochet a cute little Easter basket and eggs to go in your little girl's basket this year? Well, I have developed the pattern. And, I am making it free for all my viewers and fans. Here's a quick look at the pattern:

You can find the pattern by click here.

It is also available in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues or comment.

Enjoy!

Sarah