Crafting is fun for all ages and interests. This blog evolved from researching resources for friends and articles I write as a freelance writer. It is a place to share the information I discovered. Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am always looking at new projects ideas for family and friends in areas of my own abilities and theirs. As a notice to my readers this blog does contain Amazon links and Google Adsense. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Patriotic Baby Blocks
As I mentioned in an early post about my Granny Square Ball I have wanted to make Granny Square Baby Blocks for a while. I just needed to work on getting my squares more square and my joining techniques. My blocks would benefit from "blocking" techniques prior to joining so the blocks would be flatter, but patience is not a virtue I possess when I want to see how things go together. The next batch I make I will force myself to take the time to block prior to joining. I think they will benefit from the effort. However, I am pleased that these are not balls, but squares this time and they even stack which is progress.
They will achieve the goal of providing soft fun toys.
I used an out of print pattern for the basic block, Chrocheted Favorites of Rita Weiss American School of Needlework, No. 19. However, I suspect any basic granny pattern would do the trick. This book provided three sizes, changing the size of the granny, changes the size of the resulting blocks. The turning point for moving from balls to squares was the directions I read in several different postings about the importance of sewing inner loops ONLY together. I had missed this in my previous attempts. The difference is dramatic.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Earrings Free Patterns
Crochet:
Beaded Earrings
Beginner Circle Earrings
Birthday Earrings
Bonny Blue
Cherry Earrings
Compass Rose
Crochet Pattern Central
Dainty Earrings
Daisy
Hat
Kuchi Earrings
Lacy Crochet Earrings
Medallion Earrings
Panther Paws
Pineapple or Strawberry Beaded
Poppy
Seashore
Simply Hoops
Skull Earrings
Snowflake
Sweetheart
Toast
Turtles
Knit:
Berry Trapezoid Earrings
Plastic Canvas:
Snowman Earrings Scroll Down
Picture Credit: toadstool ring flicker.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
Hello Kitty Patriotic
I was looking for some Patriotic patterns to make some toys to send off for the July 4th holiday and remembered Armina Ami-Nal’s free Hello Kitty Patterns that have multiple themes including holidays. Since one of the children is a huge Hello Kitty fan, this seemed like a good choice. For those looking for this pattern the link can be found on the Hello Kitty Page under Armina Ami-Nal.
This was the first Ami I have made that required changing colors in stripes. I have changed colors for different body parts, but changing colors as this pattern called for was more challenging. I need to work on that skill. I have since read a few a few suggestions for improving the method for handling the color change.
Since I expect Hello Kitty will be traveling over the summer I decided to include a bag for the summer trips. I have been experimenting with granny squares and decided to crochet two together using half double crochets for a different effect. Then I created a handle using half double crochets in red white and blue to keep the color scheme going.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Pumpkin Dishcloth
I bought an out of print book of potholders a while back. I had made dishcloths, but had little experience with pot holders. This leaflet was Leisure Arts Holiday Pot Holders, 2560. Whether I am making dolls clothes or other new patterns I find I experiment with making part of the pattern, then go back, and make the whole pattern later. That was the birth of this dishcloth. The pot holder will require two of these pumpkins crocheted together. However, after I was done, DH claimed the dishcloth for our holiday collection and the pumpkin dishcloth was born. I do intend to go back and actually make the complete pot holder before Halloween comes. However, it could be a project for next year as more projects seem to be crossing into the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas time period.
For those interested in free Halloween patterns please visit the Halloween Crochet and Knitting Free Pattern Page.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Pincushion Free Patterns
Sewing seems to be making a come back. Pincushions can be a quick stocking stuffer or package topper for a friend or family member that loves to sew. Choose a free pattern that fits their style and get started.
Crochet:
Chenille Rose
Crochet Pattern Central
Cupcake
Cupcake 2
Floral Cushion
Flower
Granny Square
Mushroom
Nicole the French Maid
Octupus
Pumpkin
Pumpkin 2
Teacup
Thimble Scroll Down
Tomato Scroll Down
Turtle
Wrist Pincushion
Knit:
Cupcake
Elda's Scroll Down for Pattern
Frangipani Pin Cushion
Simple
Crochet Hook Holders:
Kitten Hook Holder
Picture Credits: Sammy4586 flickr.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wolf Amigurumi
After choosing her graduation project, I decided to ask my niece what she wanted me to crochet for her birthday. The date was close to her graduation party so it seemed like a good time to deliver the birthday gift. I was figuring she would choose one of the scary creatures she had been looking at during a recent visit. Instead, out of the blue she asks me for a wolf. I knew I had not seen one in my books. I head to the toy page, pretty sure I have never seen a wolf there either and sure enough, no wolf. I finally located one and there are now two on the toy page for those who are looking for free patterns. The one featured here is the Lion Brand pattern.
The Toy Blog Page has many free pattern links for anyone looking for new patterns to try.
Wolf was a hit although his still lacks a name. He was known as "Pocket Wolf" during the graduation party as he hung out in her pocket for the duration of the party. I suspect he will soon become a car wolf.
Picture may not be used without written permission.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Crochet and Knit Doll Free Patterns
Dolls are getting squeezed off the toy pages. There was no room on the doll clothing pages to add them there. Therefore, it is was time for knit and crochet dolls to get their own page. If you are looking for free doll clothes patterns you will find those listed on the right side bar by doll or doll type. Please feel free to browse. There are additional toy amigurumi patterns in the Toy Blog Pattern Page.
Crochet:
All in One Doll Small
Artistic Annie
Baby Love
Bethany Ballerina
Bryan
Denim Doll
Fairy
Fashionista Farrah
Fuji Dolls
Free Spirit Amigurumi Doll
Fun in the Sun
Hula Hula Lula
Kokeshi Dolls
Leena
Little Dolls
Little Emo
Little Fairy
Lola
Lovely Lucy
Magdalena
Mary Mermaid
Ogilvy Dolls
Pink Little Lady
Pioneer Becky
Playtime Baby Doll
Rose
Sam the Skateboarder
Scuba Diver
Shelly
Sleepy Sarah
Victorian Doll
TV or Book Characters:
Abby NCIS
Dr. Who Number 9
Dr. Who Number 10
Goldilocks
Harry Potter
Max Where the Wild Things Are
Princess and Frog Coats and Clark
Red Riding Hood and Grandma Topsy Turvy Dolls
Soldier
Career:
Nurse
Knit:
Berry Baby
Blank Slate Doll
Bliss's Doll
Dolly
Knitting Pattern Central
Rag Doll
Sports:
Hockey
TV or Book Characters:
Fairy Tale Topsy Turvy Dolls Several Patterns
Little Red Riding Hood, Granny, and Wolf
Stewie
Loom Knitting:
Best Friend Doll
Kiss Doll for the Kiss Loom
Lulu the Loomed Dolly
Check out the holiday blogs for additional patterns.
Patriotic
Picture Credit: Pinien flickr.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
Frankenstein Amigurumi
Frankenstein is another project from from Gourmet Crochet's, Monster Mash Amigurumi. As I mentioned when I wrote about Dracula, Frankie's head was much easier to crochet because it was made all in one piece. I was confused about Frankie's color. The picture looked like the color in this picture so I decided to copy it. However, the book calls for a more traditional green. So I think I will make a couple and give the kids a chance to have multiple colors. Perhaps Frankie wears color on Halloween as his costume?
Frankie will soon be joining Dracula and one of the pumpkins in preparing for a trip out of state. One pumpkin and Dracula have already left with their transport. Now that Frankie is finished and has posed for pictures he will likely be off soon as well. The second batch will make a trip across country by mail closer to Halloween. I have promised my husband their will be a set for the house, too. The ghost will be up on the blog soon.
For those interested in free Halloween patterns please visit the Halloween Crochet and Knitting Free Pattern Page.
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Friday, June 18, 2010
My Holiday Projects
I love decorating for the holidays and sending packages of toys to my younger relatives to celebrate the many holidays during the year. I have been blogging about those projects and decided to create a page so I could find those projects quickly when I wanted to show them to friends and family.
Birthday:
Birthday Candle
Birthday Candle with Dishcloth Yarn
Valentine's Day:
American Girl Doll:
American Girl Doll
Barbie:
Barbie Valentine Ball Gown
Barbie Pink Valentine Gown
Other Decorations and Toys:
Bear
Chocolate Valentine Kiss
Dishcloth
Heart Cookies
Hello Kitty
Hugging Hearts
Mouse Finger Puppet
St. Patrick's Day:
Barbie 2012
Barbie Dress
Barbie Irish Lass
Free Shamrock Dishcloth Pattern
Hello Kitty Free Pattern
Leprechaun Ami
Leprechaun Toilet Paper Cover
Leprechaun with Pot of Gold
Lucky Clover Dishcloth
Shamrock Dishcloth
St. Patrick's Day Crochet Dishcloth
St. Patrick's Day Hello Kitty
Easter:
Carrot Rattle
Easter Ducks and Chicks
Easter Eggs
Granny Square Dishcloth
Patriotic Projects:
American Girl Patriotic Outfit
Barbie Patriotic Outfit
Kelly Colonial Outfit
Ken Colonial Outfit
Parade Car
Patriotic Baby Blocks
Patriotic Hello Kitty
Skipper Colonial Outfit
Halloween:
American Girl Doll Witch Costume
Barbie Ghost Costume
Bat Bell
Bride of Frankenstein
Candy Corn Afghan
Candy Corn Man
Cat Bell
Count Dracula Ami
Female Vampire
Frankenstein
Frankenstein Ami
Ghost Ami
Ghost Dishcloth
Halloween Lovey Doll
Hello Kitty Witch
Kelly Cat Costume
Ken Ghost Costume
Mummy Amigurumi
Pumpkin Amigurumi
Pumpkin Bell
Pumpkin Dishcloth
Scarecrow
Seahorse Witch
Skipper Witch Costume
Witch Ami
Mom's Contributions:
Barbie Witch
Thanksgiving:
American Girl Doll:
Blue Pilgrim
Pilgrim
Pilgrim Version 1 2011
Barbie:
Barbie Fashion Doll Pilgrim
Barbie Pilgrim Free Pattern
Barbie Pilgrim Shady Lane
Kelly Pilgrim
Ken Pilgrim
Other Decorations and Toys:
Chester the Turkey Boy
Cornucopia Bell
Hello Kitty Pilgrim
Mr.Pilgrim Bear
Mrs. Pilgrim Bear
Pilgrim Ami Female
Pilgrim Ami Male
Pilgrim Female Finger Puppet
Pilgrim Hat Bell
Pilgrim Man Finger Puppet
Pilgrim Turkey
Pilgrim Weeble
Turkey Amigurumi
Turkey Bell
Turkey Dishcloth Knitted
Thanksgiving Lovey
Turkey Finger Puppet
Christmas:
Alphabet Block Ornament
American Girl Doll:
American Girl Doll Santa
American Girl Doll Santa with Holiday Yarn
American Girl Doll Christmas Dress
Barbie:
Barbie Santa
Barbie Santa One Piece
Barbie Christmas Caroler
Barbie Christmas Caroler Black Jacket
Kelly Santa
Ken Santa
Decorations, Toys, and Ornaments:
Christmas Bell Ornament
Christmas Toy Ball
Gingerbread Dishcloth
Gingerbread Girl
Gingerbread Scarf
Gingerbread Tissue Box
Hello Kitty Christmas Caroler
Hello Kitty Santa
House Ornament
Reindeer Ami
Reindeer Ornament
Rocking Horse Ornament
Santa Bear Ornament
Seahorse Pilgrim
Seahorse Santa
Seahorse Witch
Snowmen
Boy
Colonial Lady
Female
Green Hat Lady
Victorian Boy Christmas Caroler
Victorian Christmas Caroler Girl
Victorian Christmas Caroler Lady
Victorian Christmas Caroler Man
Victorian Lady
Victorian Man
Graduation:
Graduation Bear
Check the Holiday Posts for Free Patterns:
Valentine's
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Patriotic
Graduation
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ghost Dishcloth
I bought a pattern book called Seasonal Cotton Dishcloths from Crochet Village and made the bunny for Easter. These are quick to make and are fun to use at home or give as gifts. I had a very long college graduation to attend and brought my crochet bag with the small pattern book and a supply of white cotton yarn into the ceremony. People gave me some strange looks until the ceremony dragged on and on and then many of them looked like they wished I had some supplies to share. I had the ghost almost completed by the time the final speaker was finished and I put my crochet away to watch the main event. Never underestimate the value of uninterrupted crochet time.
I am really looking forward to making the rest of the set and then trying for multiple colors in the set as the pattern shows. I can think of a few people who will be receiving these as gifts when I finish my home supply.
For those interested in free Halloween patterns please visit the Halloween Crochet and Knitting Free Pattern Page.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Barbie Fashion Doll Shortalls
This shortalls project started as an attempt to make the Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club out of print Overalls Outfit pattern, FC35-03. I have been trying to adapt thread patterns to 1-2 weight yarns that are easier for me to work with. Unfortunatly, I lacked a small enough hook and decided to proceed forward with the experiment anyways.
The upside is one of the kids I make Barbie clothes for now has an original pair of shortalls that I have not seen a pattern for in other venues. The downside is I need to rework my attempts to adapt the pattern for the overalls. I did manage to acquire the hooks I was looking for so I am sure I will take another shot at this project before Christmas.
For those seeking free Barbie Fashion Doll Patterns please see the Barbie pages.
Barbie Crochet and Sewing
Barbie Fashion Doll Knitting
Ken Patterns
Kelly and Skipper
Check out the Holiday Blogs for more free Barbie Patterns
Valentine's Day Knit and Crochet
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Halloween
Patriotic
Graduation
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pumpkin Amigurumi
This is the second pattern I used from Gourmet Crochet's, Monster Mash Amigurumi. Before I knew it a Pumpkin Patch was emerging in my living room. I have several more to make, but these work up very quickly and are so cute when finished. The first one I made had balance issues as the bottom was not flat when completed. However, after the first the rest were great. I love the fact they are small and do not take up too much room. Kids can use these are part of their fall playsets or they make great decorations. For people with small kids they have the benefit of being adorable decorations that can fall to the ground multiple times without breaking.
This pattern book does not have a scarecrow, but I am think with some color changes the patterns for Frankenstein and Dracula would adapt easily enough to put a scarecrow in my pumpkin patch. It may not be this year, but by next year the kids will find one in their Halloween packages.
For those interested in free Halloween patterns please visit the Halloween Crochet and Knitting Free Pattern Page.
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Barbie Christmas Sweater Knit
This was another one of Mom's contributions. She knitted this sweater for a relative on my husband's side of the family and I now have it put aside for Christmas. For those interested in the pattern it comes from Nicky Epstein's Knits for Barbie Doll which I believe has recently gone out of print. Check your local library as I borrowed it prior to purchasing for Mom.
I crocheted the pants. The pattern came from a 1986 Annie's Pattern Club book, Fashion Doll Quick and Easy. Joyce Bishop was the designer.
For those looking for free Barbie patterns please see the Barbie Fashion Doll Page for links to free patterns.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Tablecloth Patterns
I have not found lots of free patterns for Tablecloths. However I will continue to add patterns as I locate them. It seems a shame not to share what I have found until I locate more.
Crochet:
Buffet Runner
Crochet Pattern Central
Eyelet Accent
Filet
Free Crochet
Free Patterns.com
Knot Stitch
Pineapple Round
Queen of the Garden Runner
Rose Window
Square a Day
Sunshine Runner
Swirl
Table Runner
Picture Credit: Carlootch Flickr.com
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Count Dracula Ami
As I have mentioned before I love to send out packages for all the holidays to the nieces and nephews. I have been splitting my time preparing my Christmas projects and finding Halloween items that are in my project range.
I had ordered a book through Gourmet Crochet, Monster Mash Amigurumi, a while back and had not had the chance to make any of the patterns. While it is only June, I have several packages to prepare for shipping. I need to start early. Normally I would have started with the ghost, but I have worked with lots of white lately and was looking for relief from all white projects. Since I had the required colors on hand, I started with the Count.
I did struggle with his head and his wig. The head is not crocheted as one piece. I think my gauge was off because even using a smaller hook for the hair, the wig was larger than it should have been. I think his head was just small. I have been working on the Frankenstein pattern that creates the head as one piece and have not had any problems with sizing which leads me to believe that I just crocheted the head too small. I have several more to experiment with so I will have a better idea how to adjust. The other thing I will change is I will make the chain for his cape shorter. I thought that might be the case at the time, but decided to finish the pattern and adjust on the second attempt.
He is already receiving rave reviews and will be one of the first off to a new home.
For those who are looking for free Halloween crochet and knitting patterns please check out the Halloween Crochet and Knitting Free Pattern Page.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Dragon and Dinosaur Knit and Crochet Free Patterns
I started this blog by collecting patterns into general categories. Some of those categories have gotten very large. The toy blog page is overflowing. Dragons and dinosaurs seem to be popular searches so I thought I would start by giving them their own page. As always when I find more, you can expect to see them added to this page.
Dragons and dinosaurs have been some of my favorite finds in my pattern hunts.
Crochet:
Dragons:
Aapeli
Applique Thread
Baby Asian Dragon
Baby Dragons
Baby Grifin/Gryphon
Baby Snow Dragon
Charizard
Doorstop
Dragon
Dragon Stargazer
Dragon with Wings
Dudley
Fierce Little Dragon
Mighty & Ferocious Dragon
Grr
Hannah's Red Dragon
Hat
Kawaii
Lucky Dragon Symbol Pattern
Puff
Small Dragon
Smaug from the Hobbit
Soren the Baby Dragon
Spike
Tiny Dragon
Toy Dragon
Dinosaurs:
Baby Triceratops
Brontosaurus
Dino with Heart
Dudley
Hadrosaur
Jobaria looks like brontosaurus
Microceratus
Plesiosaur
Raptor
Stegosaurus
T-Rex
T-Rex 2
T-Rex 3
Yoshi from Nintendo
Venomhide Ravasaur from World of Warcraft
Knit:
Dragons:
Dragon
Dragon Bookends
Puppet: Scroll Down and Click on Dragon Puppet Link on Right
Seamless Baby Dragon
Dinosaurs:
Amigurumi:
Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops
Dino (T-Rex like Dinosaur)
Diplocaulus
Grumpasaurus
Jellybean
Pterodactyl
Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus 2
Stegosaurus 3
T-Rex
T-Rex 2
Clothing:
Baby Bib
Baby Bib Stegosaurus
Cardigan Sweater Steggie Child's Size
Dino Hood
Stegosaurus Hat
Stefan's Dino Sweater
Other Items:
Blanket
Christmas Stocking
Dishcloth
Dishcloth 2
Dishcloth T-Rex
Knitting Chart for Brontosaurus
Knitting Chart for Brontosaurus and Triceratops
Knitting Chart for Guitar Playing Dinosaurs
Knitting Chart for Pterodactyl
Knitting Chart for T-Rex
Knitting Chart for Triceratops
Sewing:
Three Cuddly Dragon Patterns
Loom Knitting:
Dino Hat
Dragon Puppets on the Puppet blog Page.
Visit the Toy Blog Page for more free patterns for Ami's, Stuffed Animals, and other Knit, Crochet, and Knitting Loom toys.
Bath Mitts
Visit my Dinosaur and Other Toy Projects here.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
American Girl and 18 Inch Doll Knitted Free Patterns
As has happened with so many of my blog pages, the American Girl page has outgrown its space and needs more room. I have moved the knitting links here and may soon need to provide crochet with its own page. This is not a bad thing for those who like the free patterns.
See the American Girl Crochet and Sewing Page for those free patterns.
Knit:
American Girl 18" Doll Pattern Sites:
ABC Knitting
Allcrafts
Bella Online
Jessica Tromp
Knitting on the Net
Knitting Pattern Central
Knitty Chick
Outfits:
Bathing Suit
Chevron Skirt
Classic Suit
Dell's Drawstring Raglan Summer Dress
Drawstring Raglan Summer Dress
Dress
Dresses Scroll Down
Empire Waist Lace Dress
Evening Dress
Eyelet Hem Skirt
Fair Skies Jumper
Fairy Tale Skirt and Blouse
Lacy Flouncy Skirt
Julie's Jeans
Julie's Smock
Lace Dress
Olivia Dress, Jacket and Hat
Pleated Jumper
Leotard Scroll Down for Knitted Directions
Night in October
Nurse Redcross Historical from Redheart
Overalls
Nannybird Blog Spot Knit Skirt Pattern
Raglan Banded Dress
Snow Princess
Southern Belle Dress
Summer Lace Dress
Summer Outfit
Suit with Godet Skirt
Sundress
Vintage Cartigan and Skirt Beret
Sweaters, Capes, Pants, Stoles:
Alma Mater Sweater Pattern
Basic Sweater
Cable Aran Sweater
Cable Waist Vest
Cape
Cape with Fun Fir Trim
Cardigan
Cardigan Cable Aran
Cardigan Skirt Beret
Cardigan and Skirt
Cardigan Boxy
Cardigan Free Download
Cardigan Knitting on the Net
Cardigan Two Color
Cardigan V-Neck
Classic Sweater and Skirt
Chevron Jacket
Dolly and Me Sweater
Easy Pullover
Edelweiss Austrian Jacket
Fairy Tale Jacket
Garter Strip Stripe Shawl
Hoodie
Kirsten's Bolero
Kirsten's Poncho
Knitting on the Net Poncho
Overcoat
Poncho
Poncho and Hat
Prayer Shawl
Raglan Top and Kerchief
Round Yoke Dress
Ruffle Shawl
Sarah's Shawl Maggie's Rags
Shawl Triangle Lace
Shawl Triangle
Shawl Triangle, Hat, and Bag
Shrug
Shrug Fun Fur
Shrug Scroll Down for 18" pattern
Sweater
Sweater and Hat
Sweater Berroco
Sweaters Pullover and Cardigan Downloads on same link
Striped Poncho
Turtleneck Dress
Western Vest and Skirt
Winter Coat
Hats, Shoes, Socks, Scarves, Mittens and Coats:
Basic Socks
Beret
Coat, Hat, and Muff with Fun Fur
Beret
Fingerless Mittens
Fingerless Mitts
Hat
Hat and Muff
Hat, Headscarf and Bag
Hat Winter
Hat Winter 2
Kirsten's Swedish Hat
Leg Warmers
Liberty Cap
Liberty Jane Winter Accessories Download
Mary Jane Shoes
Mittens 2
Mitts
Mitts Ribbed Fingerless
Mob Cap
Newsboy Cap
Shoes
Sun Visor
Undergarments and Night Clothes:
Nightgown
Panties
Petticoat
Robe
Shell Lace Nightgown/Dress
Underpants
Accessories:
Bag
Loom Knitting:
The blue knifty knitter will make hats for the American Girl doll if you follow the basic hat patterns you see for children. I've experimented with a few.
Leotard
Skating Cape
Short Sleeve Middy Sweater adapted from Teddy pattern uses KISS Loom
Check the Holiday and Special Event Posts for More Free Patterns:
Valentine's
Easter
Graduation
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas
See my American Girl/18" Doll Projects here.
Pictures may not be used without written permission.