Shamrock Crochet Dishcloth

It is wonderful to see my own holiday creations hanging in my kitchen. This pattern comes from an out of print pattern from Leisure Arts, Holiday Pot Holders, 2560. I have found the pot holders often make great dishcloths. If you do not make the second half, you have your dishcloth. While there are many free patterns on the Internet, I find lots of out of print books that provide me with creative patterns.

My suggestion is to shop around, but do not wait too long if you have your heart set on a specific vintage book. As I have mentioned before prices can range widely. However, kitchen items are popular and they can disappear quickly. Check the prices and then buy if you want the pattern.

Free Holiday Patterns Available on the Following Blog Pages:

St. Patrick's Day

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Valentines


Pictures may not be used without written permission.

St. Patrick's Day Projects

With more time than I had previously thought, I am working on some home projects for St. Patrick's Day. I posted earlier about a Granny Square Shamrock Dishcloth. Now I almost have one crocheted in the shape of a Shamrock finished. It is fun having your own hand made decorations to put up. Perhaps I will even finish some Easter ones this year.

The second Hello Kitty is just about completed and ready for her photograph. This one looks completely different from the first. I have to check on a Barbie pattern I downloaded, as I believe I am missing a page. I started reading it yesterday and it looks like half a pattern. I am going to have to go back and check it out. That set me back as I was ready to get that started.

I still have some bears to make. This will be a busy crocheting season.

Thank Your Favorite Pattern Writers

I am constantly updating my blog with new free patterns I find and I try to leave thank you notes on their blogs. I also go back and thank people after I have made something and the pattern was the great gift item I needed.

Far too often I get complaints that X pattern did not work out or I do not have patterns to make X item. I read on another blog recently a theory that part of the problem is people are so used to getting things for free that they fail to appreciate the wonderful gifts people give them by sharing their gift for writing free patterns with those of us who are constantly looking for them and using them to create new projects.

Recently one of my favorite doll pattern writers wrote that she was burnt out and stopping her work for a while. It was wonderful to see how many people wrote beautiful notes of encouragement and thank you's for all the work she had shared.

People have a right to charge for their hard work in designing. I buy patterns all the time new and used. There is no expectation that because we want something others should give up their hard work with no expectation of payment in return.

However, we can and should stop to say thank you for the MANY generous designers who do share their hard work with us at no cost. Leave a positive comment the next time you stop on a blog and download a free pattern. Say thank you. It is not hard to do, but it does demonstrate that people appreciate the hard work and are grateful for the gifts that are shared.

Vintage Pattern Shopping

There is always a timing issue when I buy patterns from my vintage suppliers. One supplier has free shipping when you purchase more than $50 of items. The other gets new items in on a regular basis so I try to wait to see which items I want to buy most. The challenge of waiting is that others take the plunge while you are waiting.

It can take a while to get to $50 worth of used patterns. The savings on shipping is generally worth the loss of a few patterns. I was slightly frustrated that I waited too long and missed a set of doll patterns I wanted. I do hope one of the vendors will find them again and they will become available again.

St. Patrick's Day Crochet Dishcloth

I hope everyone had a nice President's Day. Yesterday was a beautiful day off to spend with my husband. One of the wonderful things about working from home is deciding that I can take a day off. I had a long weekend and did not post ahead.

Last week I wrote about being glad Easter came late and this was one of the reasons. I visited my St. Patrick's Day page and downloaded some additional free patterns to make. This dishcloth was made from a free Granny Square pattern. Most of the times, I find a wonderful pattern like this I put the link on the appropriate blog page and print a copy for myself. However, the last year or so I have had problems periodically with my printer. Therefore, I add the link with the promise that I will go back to the page and download when the printer is back up again. I looked through my stored patterns and knew I had located more St. Patrick's Day patterns then were in my book. After realizing I had more time to play I went back to the page and found some wonderful goodies.

This pattern was the first I finished. I was thrilled I managed to complete the shamrock. The granny square has become a standard in my crocheting, but the shamrock was a challenge. For those who may want to make the pattern, the square ends with a traditional single crochet edge. I continued with a sc, chain 3, sc around ending with a slip stitch to complete. When I finished the dishcloth with just the single crochet it looked liked it needed something more.

Along with this pattern, I am almost finished with the free Hello Kitty pattern. I plan to start the free Barbie pattern I have listed on the St. Patrick's Day page.

Free Holiday Patterns Available on the Following Blog Pages:

St. Patrick's Day

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Valentines


Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Easter Comes Late

I have been working on creating holiday packages and most have fixed dates. Easter is always an interesting challenge as it floats between March and April making planning a challenge. An additional challenge is there are two birthdays that fall around the Easter date in April and May that I have to work around the Easter package that is mailed. Over the last few weeks, I have been working on Easter and St. Patrick's Day projects. Yesterday I checked the calendar and was pleasantly surprised to discover that Easter does not fall until April 24th this year.

This means I have extra time to work on Easter, two kids birthdays, and even put time into planning my husband's Easter and birthday gifts.

Sometimes the small things provide us with gratitude and relief.

St. Patrick's Day Hello Kitty

I decided to try a new Kitty pattern and settled on the pattern from Super-Cute Crochet: Over 35 Adorable Animals and Friends to Make. This pattern had some interesting differences. Like the bunny I discussed earlier, the front of the head is what I normally use as the bottom. It creates an interesting pattern. Next time I would stuff the head a bit fuller. The Kitty pattern does come with a dress pattern, but I ended up altering it, as it did not fit the animal I created. The ears will also be altered on my next effort. I followed the pattern as written for them, but next time will play with them to get them shaped better.

The hat comes from the American School of Needlework's Crochet Pairs of Bears pattern number 1182. As I expected, that book will prove to be very useful on many projects, not just the bears.

I am working on St. Patrick's Day and Easter projects hoping to finish them in time.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Organizing Your Patterns

I subscribe to Crochet World and Crochet Today!. When I find patterns I want to make, I photocopy the patterns and put them in plastic three-hole punched sleeves. I have binders sorted by topic that I keep these patterns in that make it easy to find the patterns I want.

My binder collection currently consists of one for American Girl Patterns, one for Barbie, and others for Holidays, Home Items, and Toys. I have found copying frequently used patterns and storing them in a protective sleeve protects the magazines and books from future harm and makes the patterns easier to work with when I am crocheting. I can also add individual patterns I purchase through vintage sites, e-patterns I buy, and free patterns I download.

My binders are getting larger. They have expanded as my collection of vintage magazines and books have grown. For patterns, I have chosen not to copy, I am starting to make notes or put pictures in the binders to remind me where to find the patterns I make frequently holidays and as gifts for other occasions. Recently I realized I do forget about the patterns I own when I do not do this when I stumbled across patterns in a book I had purchased to make for a holiday and then forgotten about. I realize even if I do not make the copies, the notes or pictures are important to stay organized.

I know other people use electronic means to organize their patterns. I still like paper copies. Even when my computer is down, I still have access to my pattern stash.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Blue Bunny

My husband bought Super-Cute Crochet: Over 35 Adorable Animals and Friends to Make. He recently picked out this bunny to decorate his office this spring.

The faces of these characters are different from previous ami's I have made. What I have traditionally used as the bottom of the head is used as the front and back of the character's head. These animals work up quickly and I plan to make several of them for Easter baskets this year. I also am planning to experiment with the Kitty pattern that has the look of a Hello Kitty pattern. There is a dress pattern for the kitten and I am thinking about experimenting with it for St. Patrick’s Day.

I am currently working on the chicken pattern. These patterns are cute, but much simpler than the ami's found in Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet. This would actually be a great book for those looking for patterns to learn amigurumi. The patterns are more attractive than many of the beginning patterns I have seen. The directions are clear and easy to follow. The details are not too challenging to follow.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day.

My Valentine's Day Crochet gifts were a hit. I got an email about the package I mailed and my weekend visitor loved the doll dresses I made. Barbie's dress was the bigger hit of the two. Of course, Barbie's dress was pink so I guess that made the difference.




My husband surprised me with flowers yesterday and my Valentine's gifts at breakfast. His are still in the closet upstairs waiting until he gets home. I planned for a dinner exchange of gifts. I was thrilled as he once again fed my crochet habit. He had asked me about patterns I was interested in and got me a cool gadget. While I have overcome my fear of downloading patterns, I still leave him with lists of those for these occasions. It is hard to hide my love for holiday patterns and I got two more Halloween patterns to use for next year.

I had been eying Fun and Fang's Dracula's Castle pattern for a while now. She had a sale after Halloween, but I had just purchased a bunch of vintage patterns and my home printer was not working. Therefore, I passed on the opportunity. I love the castle along with the mini Dracula. I am sure my younger relatives will enjoy it, too. The other pattern he bought me was Frankenstein and His Bride from Crafty Deb Designs. I believe I orginally saw this pattern on Annie's Attic but again missed the opportunity to purchase it. When looking for Fun and Fang's pattern, I came across the Frankenstein pattern and put it on my list of patterns I would love to own. I love making the Halloween ami's to send and I noticed they are becoming popular with the adults in my family, not just the kids.

Lastly, he found a better chart holder than the embroidery one I purchased ages ago. The Knitting Chart Holder from Knit Picks stands up and it is portable. I am looking forward to using it on my side table as I work on crochet projects.


If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Knit Picks Fingering Yarn

Just a quick note of business, I have not received compensation for this review. I am just thrilled to have found a source of fingering yarn that is not in baby colors. At first, I was even excited to find the baby fingering yarn. If you have followed this blog, you know my journey to find the lightweight yarn for my doll clothes. I have not been able to find a regular local source for fingering yarn. Posts to various sites had not proved helpful. I guess most people use thread or sport weight for their projects or they are just holding out on their sources for fingering yarn. I can occasionally find Paton's and Bernat Baby Fingering yarn at local JoAnn's and AC Moore's but neither carries the products with any predictability. I had taken to ordering my baby fingering yarn online when JoAnn's had it on sale. I was disappointed to find Knitting Warehouse had little to offer in price difference or selection. When I find something I have spent time looking for, I share it with others who might also not know where to look.

Mom came through when she referred me to Knit Picks. She has been knitting the small outfits and was ahead of me in locating a source. I was a bit intimidated with the yarn selection process. I am a simple yarn buyer. I just want basic simple yarn that will make doll clothes and toys. While I understand the benefits of more expensive yarns for other projects, there is little value added in buying the more expensive yarns for my projects. It means I can make fewer projects.

I can now move beyond pastel colors. I found some beautiful primary colors and blends that I cannot wait to try. Barbie and Barbie's dressers will also be pleased to move beyond the basic pinks, blues, yellows, and pale purples of baby yarn as well.

What was most pleasing was the cost. I found Palette Yarn 50g balls are priced from $1.99-$2.19 a skein. The baby skeins are no larger and that is less than I pay for them on sale. They are also acrylic, not wool. Knit Picks also offers free shipping if you order more than $50. Not surprising I had no trouble meeting that requirement. Stay tuned, I will be discussing my experience with this yarn soon and hopefully have some projects to show.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas


Pictures may not be used without written permission

Barbie St. Patrick's Day Dress

I have been working on adapting Skipper and Barbie patterns to fit each other. This is the Sun Dress pattern from Annie's Attic Fashion Doll Little Sister, pattern book number 87D22. When I looked at the finished Skipper pattern, it seemed like it would make an interesting St. Patrick's Day outfit. I still want to do some work on making the bodice fit better. However, I am pleased with my first effort.

This adaptation started with a four-inch elastic circle. I looked at similar patterns to see what the starting chains were and began the pattern using the same number of stitches. Then I followed the pattern for the Skipper skirt.

My next project is an Easter outfit for the American Girl Doll. I finished the top, skirt yesterday, and am working on the arms and details. I have not decided on a St. Patrick’s Day pattern for the American Girl Doll yet.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

American Girl Valentine Dress

This dressed is based on the Valentine's dress pattern found in PatternsByJeannine SIGNATURE SERIES: All American Girls - 36 Crochet Patterns for 18 inch Dolls. The hat is based on a free pattern found here.

I now have my second Valentine's package completed. I filled a Valentine's bag for my weekend visitor with the two dresses and a puzzle book. I am pleased I finished the challenge on time.

This was my first experiment with ribbon and it was a fun challenge. A saftey pin proved highly useful in threading the ribbon through the crocheted hat.

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and I have already started on my projects. I am converting a Skipper dress for Barbie with St. Patrick's Day colors. The skirt is almost finished. It remains to see how the top will fit.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Barbie Pink Valentine Ball Gown

As I mentioned before I have a guest coming for Valentine's weekend to visit and instead of mailing her presents I will use them to keep her entertained during her visit. Pink is one of her favorite colors so Barbie got a pink formal ball outfit. This is the Annie's Attic Winter Formal Pattern from Annie's Fashion Doll Quick and Easy book number 87D20. Solid red seemed overwhelming, but the solid pink seemed fine so I made the dress from pink sports yarn. The cape benefited from some pink yarn I picked up at a Church sale prior to Christmas and used for the trim.

I finally finished her American Girl Doll dress, too. I combined separate patterns and experimented with ribbon for the first time when making a hat. I think I will be making another hat to add to my charity projects this month. I liked the way it came out.





Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Ana Paula Rimoli Patterns in Crochet Today

Anyone who reads this blog knows I am a huge fan of Ana Paula Rimoli. One of my first crochet pattern books was Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet. Last year's Easter projects were based on her small bunnies and chicks. I quickly followed with a purchase of Amigurumi Two!: Crocheted Toys for Me and You and Baby Too. I made several birthday presents, including the candle from the cake for my FIL. I hinted strongly to my husband that a great item for my Easter basket this year would her yet unreleased book, Amigurumi Toy Box: Cute Crocheted Friends. My loyalty to her published work is pretty strong.

So you can imagine my pleasure when I opened my copy of Crochet Today March/April 2011 to discover that she has two patterns featured in the issue. There is a Alice in Wonderland theme and her contributions are a amigurumi version of the White Rabbit and a Drink Me Tea Set. There is a child's dress, a baby afghan, and croquet balls designed by other contributors to round out the theme.

I have several tea set patterns, but I like the coffee cup style of these teacups. If you have seen Ms. Rimoli's cups before you will likely recognize them. The pot is taller than most of my patterns which have the traditional stout teapot. I am not sure I will be making the hot pink set, but it would stand out in a crowded playroom.

When I saw the picture of the bunny, I recognized the designer and only had my suspicions confirmed by reading the designer's name. The bunny looks like one of Ms. Rimoli's creations. The outfit is what made this a pattern I must make. I have a young relative that is fond of the Alice story. In fact, I have been looking at a complete pattern set to purchase. However, that bunny is not dressed. They say clothes make the man. Well in this case the outfit makes the bunny. From what I have read of the pattern so far, the outfit is designed in a similar fashion to a cape that drapes front and back. The pattern even includes the rabbit's watch. This may be a Christmas item before I have time to complete him. However, I am determined to get him on my list of items to finish.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Think Spring

With rumors of another impending winter storm, this seems like strange advice. However when you are crocheting presents you have to think ahead. It is not easy to do things the day they are needed. I at least need some lead time. As I am finishing the last two Valentine's doll dresses for a child that will be visiting us on Valentine's weekend, I now am thinking about spring projects. My winter duties are done.

First, there is St. Patrick's Day. I am thinking about making another Hello Kitty and the bear outfits are just too hard to resist. Those will have to be squeezed in before I mail off the package. I am thinking of converting a Skipper dress for Barbie in Irish colors. Kelly will need a matching outfit. I doubt there will be time for poor Ken. Even Easter is not looking good for Ken. I am thinking with time over the summer he will get a Halloween costume this year.

Next, I have Easter baskets to fill and two spring birthdays. The first falls in April then one in May. Therefore, my hooks have moved beyond the snow. They are focused on warmer thoughts, despite how Mother Nature would continue to remind me she is not done with winter just yet.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Valentine Mouse Finger Puppet

This mouse finger puppet was adapted from Finger Puppets 12 Designs to Crochet by Susan Pippen. Leisure Arts published the vintage Leaflet, number 435, in 1986.

I love these ami style finger puppets and have blogged about them before. I decided to make a Valentine's themed one when I found a shortage of Valentine's themed toy patterns. When I have shopped for Valentine’s toys in the store, I have found most are traditional toys created in holiday colors. Since I did not have a Valentine's finger puppet pattern, I decided to create one using the same theory. I took a regular finger puppet pattern and simply changed the color. I am thinking about doing the same for St. Patrick's Day.

The box is now full, taped, and addressed and ready to head off to its new home filled with Valentine goodies. I have one American Girl Dress almost done for my local package. I need to work on the Barbie Valentine Ball Gown, which I believe is going to be in pink this time.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Valentine Bear

My Valentine Bear is actually adapted from the Birthday Bear in Jan Hatfield's Crochet Pairs of Bears pattern number 1182. The American School of Needlework published the leaflet in 1993.

As I mentioned yesterday, I have been working on this bear as part of the Valentine's package to mail Friday, unless the snow does not stop. I have given myself until then to finish the package. The mouse finger puppet is almost complete and I think I will call and end to the making Valentine items to ship. I still have a local package to finish.

My husband says this is his favorite of all the ami's I have made yet. I will have to make him a dressed bear for his office. I love the bear pattern. The clothes were a bit more challenging. While we often discuss gauge in crochet, we rarely discuss stuffing. After working on the clothing patterns, I must guess that my bear is better stuffed than Ms. Hatfield's bears. While the pants fit, the shirt was not even close to fitting. I tried three different methods for making a bear shirt before reaching success with the fourth. The bow tie is based on the pattern, but I added a chain so it would be removable. The belt and shirt use snaps. The pattern called for buttons for the shirt. After playing with the pattern and being rushed for time, snaps were a quicker alternative.

The leaflet includes a St. Patrick's Day couple. They would make a great addition to my next package. I am not done with this pattern yet.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Skipper Sun Dress

Skipper's Sun Dress was another pattern from Annie's Attic Fashion Doll Little Sister, pattern book number 87D22. This is my favorite of Skipper's dresses so far. I love the way the skirt hangs and I learned some new techniques for constructing a dress. I pulled the skirt out several times before finishing the outfit, but I now understand how it is made and I am thinking of trying a Barbie dress using the same pattern and just adding more stitches. While the party dress used fingering yarn, this dress was made using sports yarn, a cheaper alternative considering the amount of outfits I have been making.

I am working hard to finish my Valentine's package that needed to be mailed, yesterday. I have one bear almost finished. One part of the bear is not cooperating. I am trying to make a second one, but do not know if there will be time. I still have one finger puppet to go and then the package has to be mailed, as is or it will be there by St. Patrick's Day.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without written permission.