Crochet Hot Cocoa

As I mentioned in the cupcake post I was looking to add some crocheted play food items to the St. Patrick's Day package. While looking at my pattern options I came across what had been a free pattern and now is available at Ravelry for $1.99 here a set called Christmas Cocoa.

The pattern set includes directions for cocoa, sugar cookies, and a candy cane. I've seen several cocoa patterns but this is the first I've seen with marshmallows.

If you like food patterns with faces this includes that too. Where mine are for little ones I tend to reduce use of saftey eyes/noses to places I really need them. I tend to avoid adding them to food items. If I was making this for an adult or older children I'd consider adding the faces as the faces were cute.

Crochet Cupcakes

I love toys that encourage creative play. So when ever possible I try to include items in the holiday packages that encourage kids to pretend, act out stories, etc. Play food has long been a favorite present. I've started adding play food to some of the packages. Last month it was Valentine cookies and candy. This month I crocheted green cupcakes to keep with the St. Patrick's Day theme.

Cupcakes are not a crochet project I have much experience with so I decided to try two different patterns to learn a little about making them.

You can find the top pictured free cupcake pattern here.

Notes for myself:
I reduced the total number of stitches for the cupcake from 36 to 30 because it fit better in the cupcake sleeve. I found it was tight when I did the full 36. I also reduced the total number of rows because I wanted it to sit on top of the cupcake sleeve. When I made the full number of rows it stuck out. I kept measuring it against the side of the sleeve to make sure it would fit.

The second free pattern can be found here. While not as obvious this cupcake is also made with a separate cupcake and cover. I learned about surface crochet for this project and I like the stitch.