Guitar Frets Baby Leg Warmers

I wanted to make some guitar fret leg warmers for part of a guitar-shaped diaper cake that I'm working on for a baby shower. I couldn't find anything with a guitar fret pattern, so I finally decided to just create my own. I used a worsted weight yarn. I also used an H hook, but my stitches are always tight, so a G hook would probably work for most people

Chain 6 in brown or tan to begin top ribbing.
Row 1: Starting from the second chain from hook, sc across (5 stitches). Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2: In back loops only, sc across (5 stitches). Chain 1 and turn.
Row 3-29: Repeat row 2, working in back loops only, to create ribbing. You can adjust the number of rows as needed to make the leg warmers wider or narrower.
Row 30: Work the final row as the previous 29 rows, except you'll be crocheting row 30 together with row 1 (be careful not to twist). This will stitch the whole thing together in the circle.

Row 1 for leg warmer frets:
On the bottom of the circle, attach your white yarn. Chain 1, and sc in the same stitch. Sc around. Slip stitch into the first stitch and change yarn to brown (30 stitches).
Row 2: Chain 1, and sc into same stitch. SC around, and slip stitch into the first stitch (30 Stitches).
Row 3-30: Repeat row 2. On the first leg warmer, I made a white stripe on rows 1, 10, 18, and 25. On the second leg warmer, I made a white strip on rows 1, 6, 11, 15, 19, 23, 26, and 29. (30 Stitches).
Row 31: Using white yarn in the final row of the leg warmer, chain 1, sc in same stitch. SC in next 7 stitches. SC next 2 stitches together. SC in next 8 stitches. SC next 2 stitches together. SC in next 8 stitches. SC final 2 stitches together. Join with slip stitch. (27 stitches).

Attach brown yarn to one of the white loops on the bottom to begin bottom ribbing. Chain 5.
Row 1: Starting from the second chain from hook, sc across (4 stitches). Slip stitch back into the next white stitch from row 31 of the main body of the leg warmer. Slip stitch again into the next white stitch from row 31. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2: Working in back loops only, SC across the 4 stitches of row 1. Chain 1 and turn. (4 stitches).
Row 3: Working in back loops only, SC across. (4 stitches). Slip stitch into each of the next 2 white stitches from row 31. Chain 1 and turn.
Rows 4-26: Repeat rows 2-3.
Row 27: On final row, work in back loops only and SC across while also joining the last row to row 1, completing the ribbing.

Using black yarn, add knots or cross stitches to create the finger markers between the frets. Weave in ends.

When I was finished, I pulled the warmers over a piece of cardboard to create the neck of a guitar for the diaper cake.

I then attached it to the diaper cake. For the diaper cake, I watched Thom's Crafts and Treats instructions on YouTube for ideas and guidance, which you can view using this link. I made a number of changes for mine, including these frets, so I'll be sure to update my blog soon with details on how I made mine.

Crochet Plastic Grocery Bag Holder (Pattern)

I made my first pattern! I'm excited to share it here and certainly appreciate any feedback from people who test it out.

I wanted to make a grocery bag holder, but nothing I found online was my taste. So, I decided to create my own, and I decided to use a crochet stitch that I've found on Ravelry a couple times now and added to my Ravelry queue. I can't find what the stitch is called, although a French site referred to it as "chain mail."

You can see examples of the stitch in this "babala hat" by Mamachee here, as well as a Moroccan tile market tote by Moogly at this site. I love both of those projects and might use that Moroccan tile bag to make a blanket one day! If you go to the Moogly website, you'll get detailed instructions on the stitch, as well as a video. I also loved the various color combinations used by MyPicot in their tutorial of the stitch. My directions are a bit different from both of those, and the technique used by Moogly is a bit different than the one used by MyPicot. Feel free to use either of their instructions for the stitch for the main body of this grocery bag if you prefer their instructions or style. Obviously, color choices can be modified, too, and MyPicot has many examples of colorwork options for this stitch.

My pattern works from the bottom up, so it will start with the dark brown color. I used four colors in my leftover worsted weight yarn. I probably used about 50 yards (or less) of each color. You can make the grocery bag holder as long as you want, so if you make it longer, you'll obviously need more yarn!

Supplies needed:
H hook
4 colors of worsted weight yarn (approximately 50 yards of each)

yarn needle

Stitch markers (optional)

DC = double crochet

FPDC = front post double crochet

SC = single crochet

BOTTOM:
1) Start off by chaining 34 with dark brown color (or whatever color you choose for the bottom). Then DC in the third chain from the hook and every chain to the end (32 stitches).

2) Slip stitch into the first dc, joining it into a circle. Be careful not to twist your row. When you weave in your yarn ends later, you will also sew together the two dc stitches that are split from the join.

3) Chain 2. DC in same stitch. FPDC in the next stitch. *DC in the next stitch, then FPDC in the next stitch.** Repeat from * to ** to the end, then slip stitch to join (32 stitches)

4) Chain 2. DC in same stitch in back loops only. Working in back loops only, DC two times into the next stitch, creating an extra stitch. *Working in back loops only, DC in the next stitch, then 2 DC into the next stitch.** Repeat from * to ** to the end, then slip stitch to join and switch to your next color (I used white). (48 stitches).

Here is a picture of the bottom:

MAIN BODY OF THE BAG:

5) Chain 3 using your new color (white is what I used here in my bag holder). DC in same stitch. Skip two stitches. *DC, chain 1, and then DC again into the same stitch (creating a V). Skip two stitches.** Repeat from * to ** to the end, then slip stitch to join. (16 Vs)

6) Remove your hook from the white yarn, and place a stitch marker or pull out a big loop to save your white to pick up again later. Don't cut off the white yarn.

7) Find your V stitches in the previous row. Attach your next color yarn (I used pink) to the top of one of the V stitches at the chain 1.

8) Using Pink - Chain three, then DC into the same stitch. (I crochet into the gap, enclosing the entire chain 1 of the V.) *In the next V stitch, DC, chain 1, DC.** Repeat from * to ** all the way around, join with slip stitch (16 Vs).

9) Don't cut off your pink yarn. Place a stitch marker or pull out the loop a bit to save the color and pick it up again later.

10) Pick up your white yarn again. This time, you do not work into the V. You will work in the spaces between the Vs from the first white row (or the upside-down Vs, if that's how you look at it!). From now on, all of the white rows will be worked in between the Vs. I took a picture of my hook to show where you'll be starting in this next row:

11) Starting in between the white Vs from the first row of white, chain 3 using your white yarn. DC into the same stitch. *DC into the next space in between the white V stitches in the first row, chain 1, then DC into the same space.**   Repeat from * to ** all the way around, then slip stitch to join. Don't cut off the white yarn. Use a stitch marker or pull the loop out a bit so you don't loose the stitch. (16 V stitches).

12) You will be working into the V stitches of the previous row again. Attach your green yarn to the top of one of the white V stitches from the last row. Chain 3, then DC into the same V space. *DC into the next white V space, chain 1, then DC into the same space.** Repeat from * to ** all the way around, then join with a slip stitch. Don't cut your green yarn. Use a stitch marker or pull the loop out a bit to save it for later. (16 V stitches)

13) This next row is a white row. Pick up your white again. Attach your yarn in between the V of the previous white row (not the last color row). Use the picture above as a guide for where you are working if necessary. Chain 3, then DC into the same space.  *DC  into the space between the next white Vs, chain 1, then DC into the next space.**  Repeat from * to ** all the way around, then join with a slip stitch. Don't cut off the white yarn; use a stitch marker or loop to save it for later. (16 V stitches)

14) Now you will be picking up your pink yarn from before. Make sure the yarn is pulled up from the inside of the bag and not up the front. Using pink, chain into the V stitch from the white row you just made to attach the pink. Chain 3, then DC into the same V stitch space. *DC, chain 1, DC into the next V stitch space**. Repeat from * to ** around. Slip stitch to join. Don't cut off your yarn. Use a stitch marker or pull out the loop to save for later. (16 V stitches)

Repeat rows 13 and 14 until your piece is the length you want it. Please note that row 14 will alternate between pink and green (or whatever color yarns you choose). End with a white row (row 13), then you can cut off your yarns.

TOP OF BAG HOLDER

15) Join your dark brown yarn with a slip stitch. Chain 2. DC in same stitch and each stitch around. You will be DC into each DC and chain stitch from the last round. Join with a slip stitch. (48 stitches)

16) Chain 2. DC into same stitch. DC the next two stitches together. To do this, you yarn over your hook, insert it into the next stitch, pull yarn through (3 loops on hook), yarn over again, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert it into the next stitch, pull yarn through again (4 loops on hook), yarn over again, pull through two loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over again, then pull through all 3 remaining loops loops on the hook. *DC into next stitch, then DC the next two stitches together.**  Repeat from * to ** until the end of the row, then slip stitch to join. (32 stitches)

17) Chain 2. DC into same stitch and each stitch around. Slip stitch to join (32 stitches)

18) Chain 2. DC into same stitch. *FPDC into next stitch, then DC into the following stitch.**  Repeat from * to ** to the end of row, then slip stitch to join (32 stitches).

19) Skip 2 stitches. Make 5 DC into the next stitch (creating a fan). Skip two stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch. *Skip 2 stitches, then make 5 DC into the next stitch. Skip two stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch.** Ending with a slip stitch. (5 fans). Bind off. Weave in all ends. Remember to sew together the split DC stitch from the very first row.


STRING

20) Chain 71. SC into the second chain from hook, and all the way across to the end. Turn. (70 SC stitches)

21) Slip stitch into first stitch. Slip stitch in next 31 stitches. Then, chain 20 stitches. Skip 5 stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch. Slip stitch in each stitch to the end. Turn.

22) Chain 1, then single crochet across. When you get to the chain 20, be sure to single crochet into each chain stitch. This will create a loop to hang your bag holder. Single crochet across to the end, then bind off and weave in ends.

Here is a picture of my loop after it is woven into the top of the bag:

23) Choose what will be the back of your bag. I like to have my joining stitches in the back so they're not visible. Weave in your string ends in and out of each FPDC stitch at the top of the bag below the fans. Make sure your loop is centered in the back.

Here's a picture to show you what stitches you'll be weaving into (my hook shows where the string will be woven in):

24. You want the two ends to come out and meet together in the center of the front. You can tie them together in a bow, or in a knot like I did.

Crochet Throw Pillow

I've been excited to start personalizing our new house, even though we haven't even closed on it yet! I like natural colors, especially greens, so I want to add green accessories to our future living room. I decided to make a throw pillow, and I wanted something with a simple chevron stitch, which is the popular zig-zag pattern for many afghans. I couldn't find a pattern that seemed just right, so I based mine off of this cute (and free) "bacon and eggs" crochet pillow pattern on Moogly. Instead of doing random-sized stripes, I made each stripe two rows wide and then switched colors by bringing my yarn up the side. I chose Vanna's Choice yarn in colors dusty green and linen. I needed two balls of each.

The pattern calls for you to chain 82 stitches with an H hook for a 16" wide pillow. Mine was 14" wide, so I chained 76. It worked perfectly. I followed the pattern, alternating stripes every 2 rows, until I got close to enough length of my 14" tall pillow (the pattern works for any height. Theirs was 12" tall).

I folded the bottom of the pillow up about 6". I kept the right sides together because I didn't want the seam on the outside of my pillow. If you want the seems on the outside of your pillow (like the "bacon and eggs" pillow), then put the wrong-sides together and have the right-sides facing you. I don't like hand sewing very much, so I just did a single crochet stitch up both sides of the pillow for about 6 inches, like this:

Then, I flipped it right-sides out, so the edging was on the inside, almost invisible. If you want the edging visible, then don't flip it. As you can see, I tried to keep the stripes together, so a green stripe on one side matched with a green stripe on the other.

Here's what might looks like at this step without the pillow form in it:

From there, I folded over the top to see how much more length I needed for my pillow. As you can see, you just keep going until it's the right size. That's why this pattern works for any height.

Once my throw pillow cover was long enough, I stitched together the two sides for the top part of the pillow, exactly like I did the bottom two sides. I did a single crochet up the sides, right-sides together, and then flipped it right-sides out so the seam was on the inside (just as before). I hand-stitched the two halves together in a few places in the front and added some buttons.

Here's a picture of what it looks like in the back.

I'm happy! Now I want to make a floormat using these same colors!

First Round of Halloween Costumes

This year, the kids have two Halloween costumes. Their main costume, which was chosen by Oliver, will only work for trick-or-treating (to be debuted on Halloween!). So, I decided to make them each a costume they could wear for other Halloween costume festivities! Here they are in their finished costumes.

Oliver is a "chef explorer," which is really a cross between Indiana Jones and a chef. We got the idea from Sesame Street! In one episode, Elmo is a chef explorer who goes down to "Nacho Picchu" and has to make guacamole in the "Temple of Spoons." Oliver loves that episode! So, here he is dressed as a chef explorer, complete with some measuring spoons and a mixing spoon. He was a little disappointed that I didn't have an onion for him to carry around.

Joanna is dressed as Amelia Earhart. I thought about trying to borrow a wagon to decorate it as an airplane, but that hasn't happened yet. Maybe I'll get around to it this week, but probably not!

I made the chef explorer hat pattern up by myself, but the aviator hat (free pattern!) came from the Little Sticky Fingers blog. It's for newborns, so I had to mess with it a bit to get it the right size. Both of their jackets came from this pattern by Patty Davis (pattern price is $8), but the pattern didn't work well for me. I had to make a few mess-ups and really tweak the design to get it to work. I was happy with the finished product, though!

Joanna's Candy Corn Dress

Now that most of our hard work on the house is behind us (oh, thank goodness!), I am trying to get organized in my in-law's basement and trying to get back into a good routine with the kiddos.

I have a new project I'm working on for a giveaway after Labor Day (more hats, yay!). They are fantastic, and I think everyone is going to love them. In addition for making two for my blog, I am making a bunch for my kids, my cousins' kids, and my niece & nephew.

As I was going through my yarn and things, I realized I hadn't posted about the candy corn dress I made for Jo last fall. Of course, I want to post pattern information for my crafty readers, but I also want her to be able to look back and know how much I enjoy making things for her. My mom always sewed for my sister and me. While I'm a novice with the sewing machine, I'm getting better and better at knitting and crochet. I look forward to making many more things for my kiddos.

I know; it's weird that I'm already thinking of the fall and Halloween. I can't help it! I'm eager for these hot days of summer to be over, and so I'm dreaming of autumn.

I'd based the candy corn dress off of Lion Brand's free pattern called the "perfect sundress." I made some big changes. First, I made the top part of the dress striped instead of solid by alternating two rows of my main color (yellow) with two rows of white. I also made that striped part ribbed by doing a basic rib stitch (knit, purl, knit, purl, etc). I decided to make the pockets that same pattern as the top (striped & ribbed), and I also made the pockets smaller. I made the bottom part of the dress (the contrast orange) in a rib stitch, too, to keep it from rolling up. Finally, I decided to sew on buttons and add button holes to the shoulder in order to 1) have more orange, and 2) ease of putting it on Jo.

The only thing I think I would change on the dress is the neck hole. I think it was too large, and it wouldn't lay flat. It was big enough on top that I might see if Jo can wear it again this year. The skirt might be short, but I can pair it with leggings!

Dusty Green Dainty Baby Blankie

I used a free pattern from Premier Yarns to make this "dainty baby blankie" for Phuong (pattern here). It went pretty quickly once I got comfortable with the pattern, but I used a lot more yarn than was called for (probably because I switched brands). I used six balls of "Vanna's Choice" in dusty green because I love natural colors. Besides, I figure she is probably getting a whole lot of pink stuff! I thought this would give her a nice contrast with pink, and it can be used again if she ever has a little boy.

I'd say this blanket is good for advanced beginners, which is what I consider myself. It was the second time I've ever done front-post and back-post double crochet stitches (BPDC and FPDC). It created those nice, raised stripes down the blanket.

Crochet Stripy Giraffe

One of my very best friends is expecting! I've been combing Pinterest for gift and shower ideas for her, and I found the cutest stuffed giraffe to crochet. The pattern is available for free from I Love Buttons by Emma. A few times, the math on some of the decreasing rows didn't add up, so I had to get creative in figuring out what I was supposed to do. I think it turned out well!

Here's my finished giraffe. I accidentally sewed the giraffe's head on a little sideways, but then I decided it looked cute this way and left it as it was.

I decided the giraffe needed a tail, so I made one. It looks like a lion's tail. Don't laugh.

I used materials I had on hand for this little guy. It was a nice way to use up all those random bits of yarn I had lying around.

It's the first crocheted stuffed animal I've ever made. It was a lot of fun, and I was so pleased with how everything was coming along. So, I took in progress photos. Haha. Man, am I glad I live in a digital age. I don't have to feel bad about taking pictures of basically everything.

The finished head and the arms and legs:

I got a kick out of stuffing the body and decided to take a photo of my headless giraffe.

My plan is to make a tricycle diaper cake for the shower. I found a tutorial for one here. I'm going to put the giraffe up on the tricycle. It'll be a cute and creative center piece.

Andrew's New Hat, Made by Me!

Just before our flight to Scotland, Andrew realized the only hat he'd brought with him was a German soccer hat. He wasn't sure how well that would be received in the UK, so I decided to quickly whip up a hat with the yarn I'd brought with me for the flight.

I used a free pattern that I found on the Lion Brand website here. I have no idea what colors I used, as one was leftover from the turkey hats I'd made and another was from a yarn beard I've been working on. I thought the hat was really easy to make, and it only took me a few hours. I had to add about half a dozen rows, though, because the pattern just wasn't anywhere near long enough (or else my husband just has a big head.

Here are a few photos of him in the finished hat in Scotland!