Showing posts with label Pattern. Show all posts

Crochet Dream Catcher

Dream catchers are from the Native American culture made from a woven net or web on a handmade hollow hoop. Often they will include sacred items such as feathers or beads. Traditionally they were hung over cribs or cradles for protection. The webbing is suppose to replicate a spider web.

Today I want to show you this cute little dream catcher I made by crocheting a lacy web around a tiny plastic hoop. The plastic hoop is actually the rim cut off of a plastic cup. I started crocheting in the center and worked my way out, then attached it to the hoop. I have the link to the pattern at the end of my post. 


Did you know I have never owned a dream catcher? I never cared to own one.

Being from a Christian home, we always associated dream catchers with witchcraft or paganism because people use dream catchers as a spiritual tool. It was believed to bring good dreams to those that sleep under them. Dreams from the spirits would pass through. Only the good dreams can pass through and the bad dreams are caught in the webbing and fade away by the morning. 



Now that I am older, I see these cute little things as no more than a native craft item. I let prayers to God handle my bad dreams. 
This dream catcher was fun and easy to make. I like some boho styles and this is a little charmer. 

Now about that boogie man under my bed. 


Want to make your own dream catcher? 
I used this pattern found HERE 


Scrunchies

I was a teenager in the 80's and one of the big fashion statements of the time was hair scrunchies. I mean, the bigger the better. So was the hair but I'm not going back there.

I had all sizes and colors. They finally went out of style and you could not find them in the stores anymore. Now they have made a come back. [eye roll]. Does this mean the big hair and jelly shoes will come back too? Oh wait, It could get worst. They could bring back the banana clips.

I have been there and done that so I'm still not sure about the scrunchies.....Ok, yes, I admit I'm actually wearing one in my hair today. I sorta like it [again]. I refused to go out and buy a scrunchy when I knew I could make one myself. It was quiet simple. Just kidding.

I picked up some cute fabric at Walmart for .50 cent.
Then went by the DIY video HERE.

After almost tossing the machine out the window and saying a few cuss words, 4 scrunchies were born.


My sister wanted one and I took one. Then I gave the other two to my daughter. I might make more, but I might want to find me a new sewing machine first. I just want a small simple machine for crafts. Mom gave me her old one and it is really nice but I get in a fight with it every time I use it. I mean really, and I can't see myself making any clothes in the future anyway. 


It seems like this time around, with the scrunchies fad, I see more girls wearing them on their wrist as a fashion statement for an emergency hair tie. I guess it does look more cute than the rubber hair bands around their wrist. 


These little hair accessories are actually great for your hair and help prevent against breakage.

Can you think of other fashion that's making a come back?

Crochet Halters

Today your getting another crochet post. In case your wondering what I have been working on lately,....Com on, I know you have...

Well, I wanted to make some socks....and I did but, Oh my gawsh! While they are cute, they are not something I enjoy walking around on hardwood floors in. Talk about rough on the feet. I felt like I was turning my heels into waffles.

Needless to say, my crochet socks were a fail. Knitted socks are way more comfortable so if anyone would like to make me a homemade pair I would love you forever.....I'm serious.....I'll send you my mailing info, just ask.

So, I decided to crochet these cute little Simple Summer halter tops.


No, silly, not for me.
At 49 (almost 50) years old, I do not think I can rock a halter top.....Ok maybe I'll try this summer who knows. But for now, I just hope to sell them in my Etsy shop so I can have some beach money.


They are simple to make (says the fiber artist). I found a basic pattern and added a few of my own special touches. I also played around with a different stitch..

I made a granny square halter a while back. It still sits in my shop waiting for an owner. Again, I can't pull the look off, but some cute little beach babe or boho chic could.


I think they all turned out adorable and were fun to make. I would pair them with a pair of shorts or boyfriend jeans.



Handmade halters and more at LiLiDi on Etsy

Distressed shorts- Rue21.
Earrings- Sashka Co.
 Fedora- Ebay

Free Pattern to the Original Simple Summer Halter can be found at






Woven Slip Knot Bracelet

Holy cow! I just made this slip knot bracelet using a cracker box. Seriously! Just wait for it....


I have been seeing these cute weaved or braided slip knot bracelets online and in stores. During the 80's and 90's, we called them friendship bracelets. They are making a come back and the market is flooded with them.

I knew I could make my own if I could just figure out how to make the slip knot. I used to know how to make all kinds of knots when I was younger. It seems like every kid was taught this in school. Maybe it is some kind of survival technique we will need in the future. But now, I just want a cute little bracelet, so I freshened up on my knot course.

(excuse the blown out tattoo)

I didn't have any wax string needed to get the original look so I turned to some crochet thread instead.
The thread was too thin. I looked to see how I could crochet in some thickness. That's when I came across an idea of using a piece of cardboard cut in a circle with a hole in the center and 8 slots around. The way the string is moved around the board creates a weave that magically comes out of the hole in the center.

Ok, I had to try it, so I put down the crochet hook and ran into the kitchen where I knew there was an empty cracker box that Nick just finished off. I cut and slotted it then headed back to the instructions.


By golly it worked. It was sort of a long process, but it actually created a tight weave using 7 strings of thread. It was so easy a kid can do it. I just suggest thicker string for a quicker process.

After I had the length I needed, I tied if off. I made it adjustable by adding a slip knot and decorated it with a couple beads. I like how it turned out. I also like how it looks paired with my Alex and Ani string bracelet.


Instructions I used for the woven bracelet can be found HERE.
Alex and Ani Bracelet can be purchased HERE.

Crochet Chapstick Cozy

I took a break from big crochet projects to do some small things. I have been busy Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts and tidying up the house for Christmas.

Speaking of wrapping gifts, every year I wrap up some little gifts for the girls.
“The girls” are my daughters friends. One is her roommate and one is her best friend from college. The three are inseparable. Every year they pick a night during Christmas to set out a little tree , pull out the Christmas movies and bake cookies. I make sure they have some little gifts under their tree to have fun opening. They are addressed "from Santa". 

This year I got each one of them a planner, some beauty accessories then added a chapstick to top it off. My daughter is always looking for her lost chapstick, so an idea hit me. I decide to crochet each of their chapsticks a little chapstick cozy (aka holder). 

I told Nick my plan and he gave me a funny look. “You just watch me” I said as I flipped open my iPad and searched for a pattern.

Bingo! I found several different patterns, so I had to decide which worked best for me.
After fiddling around with my yarn and crochet needle, three tiny chapstick cozies were born. 


I showed them to Nick and he was surprised. He thought they were rather cool.
I finished the cozies off by adding a key ring to the top and packed them neatly with each gift. 


My daughter texted me once they opened their gifts. They giggled and thought the crochet cozies were the best. 

It was just a little something fun to add to the mix. Now maybe my daughter can keep up with her chapstick and leave mine alone. 


Crochet Chapstick Cozy (free) pattern can be found HERE.

Yellow Gingham

I finally finished the crochet blanket I started back in March. I fell in love with the gingham print over the Winter and was inspired to create this yellow Gingham check baby blanket.


I could have gotten this blanket finished in about three weeks if I would have put more effort into it. Spring came. The warmer it got, the less interest I had in making it. This was an easy crochet as it only consist of a single stitch and double stitch throughout, rotating the colors every ten stitches. I worked on it a little each week and sometimes I would let two or three weeks go by before I would pick it up again. I get bored and often loose my patience with long projects.


This blanket was crocheted using the griddle stitch. It turned out to be 38 x 38 inches. I really started making this blanket for myself just to see if I could do it. It came out smaller than I expected so I added it to my Etsy shop. I do not know what I was thinking. 


My daughter called it a popcorn blanket as is had all the colors of hot buttery popcorn. I thought it looked like a sunny day.

I'm pleased with how well it turned out. It is soft and warm and would be perfect for a baby. Though I think it has the perfect Spring look, It would be great for any season.


This Pattern can be found at: daisy farm crafts.
Completed Blanket can be found at: lilidi on Etsy




Crochet Bath Pouf

Some call it a bath puff. Some call it a bath pouf,  and some call it a loofah. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a washy thing.


I usually purchase a two dollar nylon bath puff at Walmart. I love them. They are easy to use. When I'm finished washing, I rinse it out and hang it to dry until the next wash. After a few weeks, I can toss it out and get a new one. 

I had a request the other day. After seeing one I made in my Etsy shop, a customer asked if I could make another color? “Sure!” I said. 
Then she responded, “Great, I will need four plus 4 matching washcloths by March 16th”. I did a face plant in my hand and looked over at my husband. ‘I have a crochet request for a batch’. He smiled and said “thats a good thing “right?” Well, yes and no. Yes I'm thrilled by the request, but there is no way I can get the order filled in a week. Heck, I don't even remember how I made the bath puff that’s been sitting in my shop for months. I thought she just wanted one. Working full time only leaves me with a couple hours at night to get any crocheting done. I had to decline the request. 



Later the next evening I grabbed a ball of yarn and began making a bath puff. I figured I needed to refresh my memory on how to make one and how long it will take. It took me three evenings to complete this bath puff! It is super easy to make but time consuming. I thought I was never going to get to the end of the last row and ran out of brown yarn half way through and had to add another color I had on hand. Now not only do I remember how to make one, I also remember why I never made any more. Ha!



These are better than the store bought kind as they hold up longer, suds up better and can be thrown in the washing machine instead of the trash. This saves money. But then again, what’s two dollars right?  I’ll stick to buying the cheep kind and put this one in my shop. Maybe it will sell. I might make more if I get bored or have some time on my hands, but I am currently working on a blanket.  



For the fun of it, I’ll share the pattern for this puff. 
I consider this a large one as it is approx 17 inches around.

You can use cotton yarn which is my favorite because I love all things cotton, 
but I used Acrylic for this one. Acrylic will not mildew, dries faster and is light weight. 

If you can read crochet,
Here goes:

Crochet Bath puff
Size I crochet hook.

Make a magic circle then chain 40 ( this will be your hanger). Sl stitch into the magic circle.
20 SC in the magic circle. (20).
Ch3, 3DC in same stitch, 4DC in each stitch around, Join. (80)
Ch3, 3DC in same stitch, 4DC in each stitch around, join. (320) 
Ch3, 3DC in same stitch, 4DC in each stitch around, join. (1280)
Tie off, weave ends.

Do you like the one I made here? If so, you can purchase it from my Etsy shop
I can make other colors.....Maybe.


I have shared this at 



Crochet Nunchucks

I had the strangest request from a customer the other day. She is a photographer and asked if I could make her a set of crochet nunchucks for a photo shoot. A little surprised, I told her I'd take a stab at it (no pun intended). I didn't even need to find a pattern to make me a set of these. After I looked at a few online, I figured it out.


They were pretty simple to make. The hardest part was making them exactly the same on each side. I'd loose count and have to start over. That happens when I watch Law and order and try to crochet at the same time.

I do not plan to make anymore of these  but I will share my pattern with you.

Crochet Nunchucks.
This is will be crocheted in rounds (no joining). you may need a stitch marker.
I used a hook size I (5.0mm)
Make two.

1st Color
Round 1: Start with a magic circle (or chain 3 and join in 1st chain to create a circle).
6sc in the circle. (6).
Round 2: 2sc in each sc (12).
Round 3: *2sc in next, 1sc in next* repeat around (18)
Round 4:  Back loops only,  sc around (18) (this makes your bottom edge of handles)
Round 5: sc around (18)
Round 6: sc around (18)
Round 7: sc around (18)
2nd Color
Round 8-27 sc around (18)
1st Color
Round 28: sc around (18)
Round 29: sc around (18)
Round 30: sc around (18)
Time to add the stuffing!!!
Round 31: back loops only, *2sc together, 1sc* around.
Round 32: *2sc together* around.
Fasten off leaving enough yarn tail to stitch the center hole together.

Chain
I did four I-cords about 5 inches long, sewed and linked them together, then sewed them to the handles. Here is a link on how to crochet an I-cord.

I'm not good at writing out patterns, but I hope you get the idea. Basically I did 5 rounds of end colors and 20 rounds of center color.


I think they turned out really cute and I may crochet another pair one day just for the fun of it but currently I have other projects I need to be working on.

Funny Fact about me: I really do know a couple tricks with real nunchucks.

"I guess you can now call me a "Crochet Ninja"
 I've shared this at:

Crochet Gaiter

It has been so cold the past couple days here in North Carolina. Our average temperature in the Winter is in the 40's. This week however, It's been in the teens! That's just too cold for me. I want to crawl under blankets and hibernate!

My Husband walks every morning around the neighborhood. This is what he does for daily exercise. If its raining, he will stay in and take a break. No matter how cold it is he will just bundle himself up and go.
He likes to wear a beanie on his head and something around his neck but hates long scarfs, they get in the way. He wanted something he could wear around his neck in a manly fashion and be able to pull it up over his face to protect it from wind when needed.

So, I made him a Gaiter. AKA neck warmer.

The first one I made him, I crocheted using a half double rib stitch. After wearing it and washing it a few times, it became big. It just kept growing. I even took out some inches but it continued to grow.

I wanted to make him another one but using a more durable stitch that want stretch out too much. I found this pattern for a cable stitch. It was the easiest one I found so far. I even made the hat for my friend.




I used gray because black over the face would make him look like a robber. ha ha.
OK, and it matches his gray coat. He wore it today and said it did great keeping his face, neck and ears warm. I actually thought it looked really good around his neck like a snug cowl to wear out somewhere.


Ive shared this at:
oombawkadesigncrochet
cityofcreativedreams
pamspartyandpracticaltips
create-with-joy
dwellings-theheartofyourhome
thestitchinmommy
katherinescorner
craftsalamode

Finger Crocheted Beanie

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I did!
My favorite part was after the presents are all wrapped and all the cooking was finished, I'd curl up in my chair with a ball of yarn and watch Hallmark Christmas movies.

I have a few projects by request I could have been working on but I do not have the yarn colors handy and no way was I going fight the traffic to get some. They will have to wait a few days.

That left me itching to make something. I didn't know what to make so I just grabbed a ball of yarn I had on hand and began fidgeting with it. I have seen where crafters will crochet with fingers and knit with arms but they all say you have to use bulky yarn. My yarn was not bulky, but I attempted it anyway.


With just my fingers and and idea, I created a this cute summer beanie. "I bet bulky yarn doesn't say summer like my plain ol four ply worsted yarn" . Mine turned out soft and loose and worked up just fine.


Finger Crocheted Beanie
This is crocheted in the round, not joining at beginning stitch so grab a stitch marker.

Make a magic circle
Row 1: sc 10 into the circle (10)
Row 2: 2sc in each sc around (20)
Row 3: sc in next, 2sc in next, cont. around (30)
Row 4: sc in each sc around (30)
Repeat Row 4 approx 24 more times (depending how slouchy you want it).
(my last few rows, I did tighter so it would create a band but this is not necessary)
Tie off and weave ends.



It was a little tricky during the first couple rounds but got alot easier as I went.
Now that I have the feel for it. I may create a couple more.
I have a pair of pink glasses that match this color and I looked like a total geek, but that's ok. It was just to get picture, which is hard to do by myself. Ha.

I'm going to say it again, "Perfect for summer" with its light weight and airy feel.

And speaking of summer, I can hardly wait!!!!


Ive shared this at:
cityofcreativedreams
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks

Crochet Pet Leg Warmers

It all started when my sister texted me a photo of her dog wearing a pair of baby socks. She thought it was so funny. In return, I sent her a picture of a funny dog wearing a pair of knitted leg warmers.

After we both had a chuckle, she asked if I could crochet her dog a pair of leg warmers. "I suppose I could", I said. She gave me the approximate size of her dogs legs and I told her I'd see what I could do.

Before I knew it, I had created a pair of leg warmers. I laughed at them for a minute because I think its rather silly how people dress their pets, but Im pretty sure I'd do the same thing if I had one . All I have is a fish and I'd make him something if he'd wear it but he would just get it wet and then it would be ruined....Ok that wasn't funny but, I do love my pet.

She asked me to make her four but most pet leg warmers are just worn on the front legs because the back legs are so curvy and used for ear scratching and such.

I liked the way they turned out. Here is her Shiz Tzu modeling the pair I made for her. I think she likes them.
 

They were so fun to make that I made a pair or two for my shop. If you cant crochet and would like a pair, just let visit my Etsy shop and let me know what color and size. If you can crochet and would like to make a pair for yourself, then im sharing my pattern for you today.



DOG LEG WARMERS
(Make 2)
chain 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc next 2 (3), ch1 turn
Row 2: sc across (back loop only) (3) ch 1 turn.
Row 3-11: repeat row 2, ch 1 turn
Row 12: repeat row 2, ch 1 but don't turn.
Row 13: sc each stitch down the ribbed band. (12) ch 3 turn.
Row 14: dc in each sc (12) ch 3 turn.
Row 15-18: Repeat row 14. Finish off at end of this row and leave enough yarn to seam together.

Seam the legwarmer together and turn right side out.
That's it.
You can make them as long and wide as you need by adding more or less stitches to the ribbing and length.

You are welcome to sale what you make with my pattern but please link back to my post. Please do not sale my pattern. Id also love to read any comments from those who tried my pattern out.

I've shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy
judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
link-and-share-wednesday at oombawkadesigncrochet

Zig Zag Cowl

Finally got around to making "Me" something. I made a zig zag cowl neck warmer and im excited about it. I wonder if it will get cool enough around here in North Carolina to ever get to wear it?


I have been practicing making some zig zag, rippled or chevron crochet (psst, check out the chevron mug cozy in my shop ← (I actually created the pattern for this cozy myself).
In the process of learning, I created this cowl neck warmer. I love the colors.  I think I will make a matching hat and then Ill be set.

You can find the free pattern for this cowl here.
If you want the pattern for the cozy, leave your email in comments or something and Ill be glad to send it to you.

It took me a couple hours on and off for about three days to make it. It did not turn out as pretty as the one that inspired me. I have always struggled making zig zag stitches as well as granny squares, but that's another post, another day.

This pattern was pretty easy, however, as I was on the last row, I realized I was doing all wrong. Silly me was using half double crochet instead of double crochet. No idea what I was thinking. It caused the cowl to be little wonky but it will work for me.


I plan to make a couple more of these lovely scarves "the right way". I think I may have the hang of it now but didn't realize all the different ways you can create a stitch like this.  geez!


I think it goes with one of my new sweaters....ok, in an odd way. What do you think?


Ive shared this at:
city-of-links at cityofcreativedreams
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips
snickerdoodle-sunday 2crochethooks
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy.com
Amaze-Me-Monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome



Drawstring Beanie

I recently took a couple weeks off from crocheting. I have been suffering from Tennis Elbow something terrible and thought that crocheting could have been causing the pain. I'm not going to rule it out just yet, but It didn't help relieve it by not crocheting, so here I am, right back at it.

I made a couple things for a friends baby and then I made a couple of these cute little drawstring beanies to put in my shop. I fiddled and faddled until I come up with what I believe is now my favorite creation.





The neat thing about this cute little beanie is that it doubles as a neck warmer by just undoing the drawstring. I actually think I will make one for myself. But first I am going to share my pattern for all of you that like to crochet.


You are welcome to use my pattern and sell what you make with it. I just ask if you will link it back to me when you do so I can get credit for the pattern. But please do not sell my pattern. :(

Draw String Beanie:
H Hook (my favorite)
ch= chain
sc= single crochet
dc= double crochet

Ribbed Band
chain 10
Row 1: sc first chain from hook, across. (9) ch 1 turn.
Row 2: sc back loop only across. (9) ch 1 turn.
Repeat: sc back loop only across, ch 1 turn until you have enough to fit around the head.
Form a ring: sc two ends together. -Now your band is made.
no need to ch1. just begin crocheting the beanie in rounds ( you may need a stich marker). I used the tail of the beginning chain to mark my beginning of each row.

Beanie
Row 1: sc around once
Remaining Rows: sc, dc next stitch, skip next stitch, sc, dc next (repeat round and round to desired depth hat needs to be. finish off.

Draw String
ch 100, cut yarn and tie knot in each end.
weave in and out of last row of stitches.
There you have it!

You can alter the size by using less rows and stitches or different size crochet hooks.
You know what else is fun about this pattern? You can use any of your favorite stitches to create any texture you like best.

If you can't crochet and want one of these cute bundle of stitches, just visit my shop to see if any are available. If not, I'll be glad to make one up for ya.


Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy 
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at oombawkadesigncrochet 
tuesday-pin-spiration at thestitchinmommy
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek
link-and-share-wednesday at oombawkadesigncrochet
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
off-the-hook-monday at littlemonkeyscrochet
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

Crochet Cleaning Pad

Somewhere between resting after a days work, watching tv and looking over at the dirty dishes in the sink, I decided to make a dish sponge to try.


Its not limp like the dish rags I have made even though they are still wonderful too, this cleaning pad is just the right size to fit in my hand and since its double layered,  its sturdy and gets the job done. One side is bumpy for scrubbing and the other is smooth for wiping.
 

I used 100% cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is what I use for household items because its absorbent and washes up really well in the wash. And frankly, I like the natural, soft and clean feel of cotton.


You can make these any size you want but here is how I made mine.

I used an H hook and cotton yarn.
Special stitch is the popcorn stitch also known as the bobble stitch. Click here to learn how to make this special stitch.

Chain 15
Row 1: Starting in the next chain from hook, sc across (14), ch 1 turn.
Row 2: sc across (14)
Row 3: sc, sc, bobble stitch, sc ,sc, bobble (repeat to end), ch 1 turn
Row 4: sc across (this is the back side of a cloth or inside of the pad), ch1 turn.
Row 5-10: repeat row 3 and 4
Row 11: sc across, ch1 turn
Row 12-24:  repeat row 11
To finish off: fold in half and sc together all the way around,(including the fold side). making 2 sc in the corners.
sl stitch to beginning and tie off ends.

I have not tested the pattern since I typed it out, so let me know if it does not work for you. If it does work for you, id love to see your finished project.

This cleaning pad can be used on many different things around the house. The possibilities are useful anywhere.


Ive shared this at:
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips
anything-goes-linky at bacontimewiththehungryhypo
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie