To Market, To Market

I've been trying to crocheting market bags for years. A couple of years ago I found a pattern that constructs the bag as a flat mesh rectangle, then gathers the edges and adds handles. As usual, I couldn't stick to a pattern, so I created my own.

Materials Used

• 5¼ oz/265 yds worsted weight cotton
     • 4 oz/200 yds for mesh and
     • 1¼ oz/65 yds for handles
• I crochet hook (5.5 mm)
• stitch marker

Gauge

6 sc and 8 rows = 2”
Gauge is not crucial to this pattern.

Finished Size

Approx 18" from top of handles to bottom of bag, empty and unused. Bag will stretch with use (the green bag in the above photo is older and has been used much more often).

Special Stitches

1. Single crochet two together (sc2tog) **Slip hook into next stitch, yo, and draw loop onto hook. Repeat from **, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Counts as 1 sc.
2. Foundation single crochet (fsc) Click here to view Alice's fantastic Futuregirl tutorial.

Notes

1. Mesh is worked in rows, turning work at the end of each row. Handles are worked in a spiral around the edge of the mesh square.
2. Double crochets (dc) in Row 1 are worked over (around) the whole foundation chain rather than into indicated stitches. This allows the finished bag to stretch more evenly.

Mesh

Ch 95.
Row 1 Dc over 6th ch from hook. **Ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc over next ch. Rep from ** to end of ch. Secure last st to 1st ch with stitch marker. (30 dc)
Rows 2-30 Ch 4. **Dc in ch-2 space, ch 2. Rep from ** to end of row. (30 dc)
Bind off.

Handles

Remove stitch marker from Row 1 and pull up a loop through both the 1st ch and the bottom of the last dc in Row 1.
Round 1 Work 2 sc in corner space and each of the 28 ch-2 spaces along foundation ch. **Work 4 sc in corner, rotate work 90° and 2 sc in each space along next edge. Rep from ** to last corner space. Work 2 more sc in 1st corner space, for a total of 4 sc in that space. (240 sc)
Round 2 Sc2tog around (120 sc)
Round 3 **Sc2tog across 1st 30 sc. Sc in each of next 30 sc. Rep from ** (90 sc)
Round 4 Sc in each sc around (90 sc)
Round 5 **Fsc 30, skip 15 sc, sc in each of next 30 sc. Rep from ** (120 sc)
Rounds 6-7 Sc in ea sc. (120 sc)
Bind off and weave in ends.

Somebunny to Love

Just (barely) in time for Easter, a cute bunny buddy to make for a little one in your life.

Materials Used

• 1 oz worsted weight cotton in bunny color (color A)
• 2.5 oz worsted weight cotton in afghan color (color B)
• small amount of stuffing material, less than 1 oz polyester filling
• F crochet hook (3.75 mm)
• G crochet hook (4.25 mm)

Optional

• size 1 steel crochet hook (2.75 mm)
• 60 yards size 10 cotton thread
• small amount of yarn or embroidery floss for facial features
• yarn or thread needle

Gauge

With F hook, 9 sc and 9 rows = 2”
Gauge is not crucial to this pattern, but checking your gauge will allow you to estimate the size of your completed project.

Finished Size

12" from top of ears to bottom corner of afghan

Special Stitches

Decrease (decr) [Slip hook under FRONT LOOP ONLY of next stitch, yo, and draw loop onto hook] twice, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Counts as 1 sc.
Topstitch (tst) Starting with a loop on the hook and holding yarn on RIGHT SIDE of fabric only, slip hook through stitch, yo, and draw loop onto hook, yo and draw through both loops on hook. Begin second stitch by slipping hook into the opening from which the working yarn extends.

Notes

1. For bunny ears and head, rounds are worked in a continuous spiral; do not join at the end of any round. Afghan rounds are joined with slst, which are also used to advance working yarn to the starting point for the next round.
2. Pattern is written to attach ears and afghan during stitching rather than after all items are complete. Each part can be crocheted separately and joined as usual by following alternate instructions in Round 11 of head and Foundation Round of Afghan.
3. The basic afghan directions include a simple sc border. A variation for the more delicate lace border can be found at the end of the pattern.

Ears

Make 2.
Round 1 In A with F hook, work 4 sc into an adjustable ring and pull end of yarn to tighten. (4 sc)
Round 2 2 sc in each sc around. (8 sc)
Round 3 [2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc] around. (12 sc)
Round 4 [Sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc] around. (16 sc)
Rounds 5-8 Sc in ea sc around. (16 sc)
Round 9 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (15 sc)
Round 10 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (14 sc)
Round 11 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (13 sc)
Round 12 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (12 sc)
Round 13 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (11 sc)
Round 14 Decr, sc in ea sc around. (10 sc)
Round 15 Sc in ea sc around. (10 sc)
Round 16 Repeat Round 15.
Tie off and flatten ear, folding along line of decr.

Head

Head is worked from the nose to the back of the head.
Round 1 In A with F hook, work 6 sc into an adjustable ring and pull end of yarn to tighten. (6 sc)
Round 2 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
Round 3 [Sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc] around. (16 sc)
Round 4 [2 sc in first sc, sc in ea of next 3 sc] around. (20 sc)
Rounds 5 [Sc in ea of first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in ea of next 2 sc] (24 sc)
Round 6 [2 sc in first sc, sc in ea of next 5 sc] around. (28 sc)
Round 7 [Sc in ea of first 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in ea of next 3 sc] (32 sc)
Round 8 [2 sc in first sc, sc in ea of next 7 sc] around. (36 sc)
Rounds 9-10 Sc in ea sc around. (36 sc)
Round 11 Attach ears: Sc in ea of first 12 sc. Align one flattened ear in front of the next 5 sc, keeping the decr edge to the RIGHT and the tip of the ear down. Start to attach right ear by slipping hook through first front and back sc on the ear, then through the next sc in Round 10; draw a loop through all three stitches and complete sc as usual. Repeat for next 4 sc to completely attach right ear. Sc in ea of next 2 sc. Align left ear in front of the next 5 sc, keeping the decr edge to the LEFT and the tip of the ear down. Attach left ear in the same manner as right ear over the next 5 sc. Sc in ea remaining 12 sc around. (36 sc)
Alternately, repeat Round 10 and attach ears with yarn needle after stuffing head.
Round 12 Sc in ea sc around. (36 sc)
Round 13 [Sc in ea of first 2 sc, decr, sc in ea of next 2 sc] around. (30 sc)
Round 14 [Decr, sc in ea of next 3 sc] around. (24 sc)
Round 15 [Sc in first sc, decr, sc in next sc] around. (18 sc)
Round 16 [Decr, sc in next sc] around. (12 sc)
Tie off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Weave in ends left inside the head. Stuff and gather final stitches on remaining tail with yarn needle. Pull tight, tie off, and weave in end. If desired, sew on facial features using yarn or embroidery floss.

Afghan

I found this pattern a bit complicated to describe, but it's a simple granny-square design, worked into a triangle.
Foundation Round Starting at the back, in B with G hook, work 18 tst in a ring around the bottom of the head, where the bunny's neck would be. Join to first tst with a slst. (18 tst)
Alternately, ch 10 and join into a ring with slst. Work Round 1 into ring and attach to head after completing afghan.
Round 1 Ch 1. Sc in first tst, ch 1 (count as first hdc). Hdc in ea next 2 tst, ch 3, hdc in ea next 3 tst. [Ch 2, hdc in ea next 3 tst, ch 3, Hdc in ea next 3 tst] twice. Ch 2 and join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (6 3-hdc fans)
Round 2 Sc in ch-3 space, ch 1 (count as first hdc). 2 hdc, ch 3, 3 hdc in same ch-3 space. Ch 2, skip next 3 hdc, 3 hdc in ch-2 space (fan made). Ch 2, skip next 3 hdc, {fan, ch 3, fan} in ch-3 space (corner made). Ch 2, fan in ch-2 space. Ch 2, corner in ch-3 space. Ch 2, fan in ch-2 space. Ch 2 and join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (9 fans)
Round 3 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] twice. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (12 fans)
Round 4 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 3x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (15 fans)
Round 5 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 4x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (18 fans)
Round 6 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 5x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (21 fans)
Round 7 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 6x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (24 fans)
Round 8 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 7x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (27 fans)
Round 9 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 8x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (30 fans)
Round 10 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 9x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (33 fans)
Round 11 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 10x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. Slst in ea of next 2 hdc. (36 fans)
Round 12 **Corner in corner, ch 2, [fan in ch-2 space, ch 2] 11x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first hdc with slst. (39 fans)
For a more delicate edging, tie off yarn here and follow lace variation directions below.
Round 13 Ch 1. Sc in ea of first 3 hdc, 5 sc in ch-3 space, [sc in ea of next 3 hdc, 2 sc in ch-2 space] 12x. **Sc in each of next 3 hdc, 5 sc in ch-3 space, [sc in ea of next 3 hdc, 2 sc in ch-2 space] 12x. Repeat from ** around. Join to first sc with slst. (204 sc)
Round 14 Ch 1. Sc in ea of first 5 sc. [3 sc in next sc, sc in ea of next 67 sc] repeat. 3 sc in next sc, sc around. Join to first sc with slst. (210 sc)
Tie off and weave in ends.

Lace Edging Variation

Follow basic afghan instructions through Round 12.
Round 13 In cotton thread with size 1 steel hook, make 2 sc in ea st (hdc or ch) around. Join to first sc with slst. (396 sc)
Round 14 Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch1 (count as 1 hdc). Hdc in next sc, ch 1. [Skip next sc, hdc in ea of next 2 sc, ch 1] around. Join to first hdc with slst. (396 st)
Round 15 Skip first hdc, sc BETWEEN first 2 hdc, skip second hdc, 3 hdc in ch-1 space. [Skip next hdc, sc between 2 hdc, skip next hdc, 3 hdc in ch-1 space] around. (528 st)
Tie off and weave in ends.

Simple Crocheted Hat Templates

One of my favorite things to crochet is hats. I find it so satisfying to begin and complete a project in a single sitting. A crocheting friend was asking recently for some easy hat patterns. I typed out my basic template for hats and realized that my crafty readers might like them as well.

With either style, you may use any yarn and make any size from preemie to adult, simply by changing the number of rows you increase.

Basic Cap or Cloche

1. Start with a magic ring.
2. Sc 6 into ring (do not join any rounds, but you may use a stitch marker if you desire).
3. *Sc 2 into ea sc* around. (12)
4. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next sc* around. (18)
5. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 2 sc* around.(24)
6. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 3 sc* around. (30)
7. Continue increasing in this manner until hat is of appropriate diameter to fit wearer, then sc around even until hat is of appropriate length.

Optional brim for cloche:
1. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 5 sc* around.
2. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 6 sc* around.
3. Continue increasing in this manner until brim is of desired length.
4. *Sc in ea sc* around.
8. Tie off using futuregirl's invisible stitch technique, and weave in ends.

Basic Bucket Hat

1. Start with a magic ring.
2. Sc 8 into ring. Do not join any rounds.
3. *Sc 2 into ea sc* around. (16)
4. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next sc* around. (24)
5. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 2 sc* around.(32)
6. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 3 sc* around. (40)
7. Continue increasing in this manner until hat is of appropriate diameter to fit wearer (if edges start to ruffle slightly, add a row of sc before next row of increases), then sc around even until hat is about ½"-¾" shorter than desired.
8. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 7 sc* around.
9. *Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 8 sc* around.
10. Continue increasing in this manner until brim is of desired length.
11. Tie off and weave in ends.

Hints of Pink Purse

Materials Used
Color A: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Royal (approx. 2.5 oz)
Color B: Caron Simply Soft Yarn in Rose (approx. 1.5 oz.)
I crochet hook (5.5 mm)
Stitch marker

Gauge
13 sc in A = 4”
13 sc rows in A = 4”

Finished Flat Size
6¾" high
7½" long
25" strap (measured end to end)

Special Stitches
honeycomb stitch (hc): slip hook into remaining loop of st in the previous same-color row and front loop only of the adjacent st in contrasting-color row, yo and pull loop through to front, yo and pull through both loops on the hook
backstitch single crochet (bsc): holding yarn to the front of work, slip hook into stitch from the back, yo and pull loop through to back, yo and pull through both loops on the hook
single crochet 2 together (sc2tog): *slip hook into next stitch, yo and pull loop through stitch onto hook* repeat once, yo and pull through all loops on hook
foundation single crochet (fsc): click on link for futuregirl’s fantastic tutorial.
back slip stitch (bsl): holding yarn to the front of work, slip hook into stitch from the back, yo and pull loop through to back and through loop on the hook

Foundation Rows
In A: ch 30, remove hook from loop and place stitch marker in loop to keep loop open. Turn work over.
In B: beginning with a loop of B on hook, sc in the bottom loop of each ch (the underside of the stitch). Remove hook from loop and place stitch marker in loop to keep loop open.

Body
Note: At the end of each round, remove hook from loop, keeping it open with a stitch marker.

Round 1: With A, ch 1, sc in back loop of ea chain in A across. Turn and sc in remaining loops of A across. (60 sts)
Round 2: With B, ch 1, sc through back loop of ea sc in B and front loop of adjacent sc in A around. (60 sts)
Round 3: With A, hc around.
Round 4: With B, hc around.
Rounds 5-36: Repeat rounds 3 & 4, tying off B at end of round 36.
Round 37: With A, sc through remaining loop of ea sc in A and BOTH LOOPS of adjacent sc in B around. Ch 1, but do not turn.

Flap and Strap
Note: Flap and strap are worked in A only. Do not turn work at end of row unless specified.

Row 1: Sc 28 across back of purse. Ch 1. (28 sts)
Row 2: Bsc 28 across. Ch 1.
Rows 3-8: Repeat rows 1 & 2.
Row 9: Sc in first sc, sc2tog twice, sc 18, sc2tog twice, sc in last sc. Ch 1. (24 sts)
Row 10: Bsc across. Ch 1.
Row 11: Sc in first sc, sc2tog twice, sc 14, sc2tog twice, sc in last sc. Ch 1. (20 sts)
Row 12: Repeat row 10.
Row 13: Sc in first sc, sc2tog twice, sc 10, sc2tog twice, sc in last sc. Ch 1. (16 sts)
Row 14: Repeat row 10.
Row 15: Sc in first sc, sc2tog, sc 10, sc2tog, sc in last sc. Ch 1. (14 sts)
Row 16: Repeat row 10.
Row 17: Sc in first sc, sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog, sc in last sc. Ch 1. (12 sts)
Row 18: Repeat row 10.
Row 20: Sc 5, ch 2, skip next 2 sc, sc across.
Working down along edge of flap, place 1 sc in each row end to top of body.
Sc 2 along top of body, fsc 72 to form strap, attaching with 2 sc along top of body at opposite end.
With right side of flap facing you, work up along edge of flap, placing 1 sc in each row end to top.
Row 21: Bsl in ea of first 5 sc, ch 3, skip ch 2 space, Bsl in ea of last 5 sc. Turn.
Row 22: Slst in ea of first 5 bsl. In ch 3 loop, sc 2, ch 3, sc 2. Slst in ea of last 5 bsl.
Tie off and weave in ends.

Button
In B: Wrap yarn around finger to form two-stranded ring. In ring, make 3 sc along back edge. Leaving a loop of both strands, turn and work 3 sc along front edge. Tie off, leaving several inches on one end. Pull one strand from each side to shape button. Pull loops together and wrap with remaining length of yarn to stabilize shank. Weave in ends. Attach button in center front of body, up 6-8 rows from the bottom.

Recycled Giftwrap

This year, as I was thinking about what it takes to make a frugal, green Christmas, It occurred to me that I could combine recycling, crafting, and gifting!

If you're looking for money saving holiday tips, you can find a whole bunch over at Keeping the Kingdom First. There is a contest for the most creative frugal idea, with a $500 gift card to Wal-Mart as the prize. Head on over to the contest page and check it out!

click photos for larger images      

Materials

• 25 plastic grocery bags made into plarn (plarnmaking instructions from My Recycled Bags.com), using only the solid color portion of the bag (if you want to use both the solid and printed sections of the bags, you'll only need about 15)
• A few yards of contrasting scrap yarn or plarn for embellishment (optional)
• 2 contrasting plastic bags for wrapping (I used bags from Barnes & Noble and Target for green and red)
• Handles from approximately 10 bags and one bottom seam for bow
• Size H (5.00 mm) crochet hook

Instructions

Box

Note: most rounds are worked continuously, do not join rounds with a slst unless indicated.

1. Ch 2; 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
2. 2 sc in ea sc around. (8 sts)
3. 2 sc in ea sc around. (16 sts)
4. 2 sc in 1st sc, *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times, 1 sc in last sc. (24 sts)
5. 1 sc in 1st sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in ea next 2 sc* repeat 6 times, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in last sc. (32 sts)
6. 2 sc in 1st sc, *1 sc in ea next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times, 1 sc in ea last 3 sc, join with slst. (40 sts)
7. Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, join with slst.
8. Turn to ws; slst in ea sc around.
9. Turn to rs; sc in ea slst around.
10. Sc in ea sc around. Repeat for next 6 rows, join with slst at end of last row.
11. Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, join with slst.
12. Tie off and weave in ends.
13. Embellish as desired.

Lid

Note: most rounds are worked continuously, do not join rounds with a slst unless indicated.

1. Ch 2; 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
2. 2 sc in ea sc around. (8 sts)
3. 2 sc in ea sc around. (16 sts)
4. 2 sc in 1st sc, *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times, 1 sc in last sc. (24 sts)
5. 1 sc in 1st sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in ea next 2 sc* repeat 6 times, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in last sc. (32 sts)
6. 2 sc in 1st sc, *1 sc in ea next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times, 1 sc in ea last 3 sc. (40 sts)
7. Sc in ea sc around, join with slst.
8. Ch 1, sc in first 10 sc, *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc* repeat 2 times, join with slst. (43 sts)
9. Turn to ws; slst in ea sc around.
10. Turn to rs; sc in ea slst around.
11. Sc in ea sc around.
12. Sc in ea sc around, join with slst at end of last row.
13. Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, join with slst.
14. Tie off and weave in ends.
15. Embellish as desired.

Wrapping

Cut handles, ends, and writing off contrasting colored bags. Use one to line box and protect gift. Wrap another around the outside of the box and secure with tape, as you would wrapping paper.


Bow

1. Flatten creases out of the handles of about 10 bags; the more handles you use, the fuller your bow will be.
2. Stack handles together, folded at seams (the very top of the bag).
3. Squeeze centers together and tie tightly with the bottom seam of one bag; do not trim ends of tie.
4. Trim off top seams and bottom edges of handles to within 2" of center tie.
5. Make ½"- to 1"-deep cuts across trimmed edges to fringe.
6. Spread out layers into a pleasing pouf.
7. Attach to wrapped gift using ends of tie.

Ducky Slippers

I made these as part of my daughter's Halloween costume last year. You'll notice in the pictures that there is a white "sole" on the slippers. That's not part of the pattern. The day before Halloween it was raining, so I quickly top stitched some plarn onto the bottom to help keep the slippers dry. You can find instructions for making plarn at My Recycled Bags.com.

click photos for larger images      

Materials used
• 5 oz Yellow Red Heart Supersaver yarn
• I crochet hook (5.5 mm)

Gauge (with two strands of yarn)
5 sc = 2 inches
8 sc rows = 3 inches

Finished size
4½" wide (at toes)
7½" long
7" tall

Special stitches
• backstitch single crochet (bsc): holding yarn to the front of work, slip hook into stitch from the back, yo and pull loop through to back, yo and pull through both loops on the hook
• single crochet 2 together (sc2tog): slip hook into first stitch, yo and pull loop through stitch onto hook, repeat once, yo and pull through all loops on hook
• single crochet 3 together (sc3tog): slip hook into first stitch, yo and pull loop through stitch onto hook, repeat twice, yo and pull through all loops on hook

NOTE: Pattern is crocheted with two strands held together throughout

foundation row: ch 16, sc in 2nd lp on underside of ch, sc across (15 sts)
round 1: [ch1 sc3tog, *sc, 3sc in one st, sc, sc3tog* twice] repeat along second side of foundation row, do not join
round 2: sc in ea sc around, do not join
round 3: *sc2tog, sc to end of side (13 sts)* twice, do not join
round 4: *sc2tog, sc to end of side (12 sts)* twice, do not join
rounds 5-7: sc around (24 sts), do not join
row 8: sc to center of top (approx. 6 sts), turn (no turning ch), bsc around (24 sts)
row 9: turn, sc around (24 sts)
row 10: turn, bsc around (24 sts)
row 11: turn, sc 11, sc2tog, sc to end of row (23 sts)
row 12: turn, bsc 10, backst2tog, bsc to end of row (22 sts)
row 13: turn, sc 9, sc2tog, sc to end of row (21 sts)
row 14: turn, bsc 8, sc2tog, bsc to end of row (20 sts)
row 15: turn, sc 7, sc2tog, sc to end of row (19 sts)
row 16: turn, bcs 6, sc2tog, bsc to end of row (18 sts)
row 17: turn, sc 5, sc2tog, sc to end of row (17 sts)
row 18: turn, bsc 4, sc2tog, bsc to end of row (16 sts)
row 19: turn, sc 3, sc2tog, sc to end of row (15 sts)
row 20: turn, bsc 2 sc2tog, bsc to end of row (14 sts)
row 21: turn, sc 7 (to center of row), fold in half and slst heel on wrong side of fabric.
round 22: return to right side of fabric, ch 1, sc around, do not join (24 sts)
rounds 23-31: sc around (24 sts)
round 32: sc 24, join w/slst
Tie off and weave in ends.

Christmas Star Ornaments

This post originally appeared on By Hook or By Cook.

I was playing around with an idea one afternoon, trying to figure out how to fill in a star and these little guys just appeared, almost fully formed, on my hook. They work up very quickly and are a great gift in themselves or as a package embellishment.

Materials used
small amount of Red Heart^® Super Saver^® #324 (Bright Yellow)
I crochet hook (5.5 mm) for large star
1 steel crochet hook (2.75 mm) for small star

Gauge and Finished Size
Not essential to measure. The large star is about 4" tall and the small one is about 1½" tall, but really, they can be any size.

Skill Level
Beginner

Large Star

click photo for larger image       

Pattern is worked with two strands of yarn held together.
Rnd 1: Using the Magic Adjustable Ring technique, make 5 sc in loop. Do not join.
Rnd 2: Make 2 sc in ea sc around (10 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 3: *Sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc* around (15 sc). Join with slst in first sc. Circle complete.
Rnd 4: Slst in 1st sc. *[Ch5, slst in 2nd lp from hook, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st] point made. Sk next sc in circle and slst in next 2 sc. Rep from * around circle, after last point, make only 1 slst.
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in ea st around (50 sc).
Bind off ends, tucking tails into right side of fabric.

Match stars with right sides facing in. Beginning at the top of one point and leaving a 5” tail, whipstitch around in the back (inside) loops only for each stitch around. Tuck ends beneath the top stitch from opposite directions and knot. Knot again several inches above star to form hanging loop.

Small Star

click photo for larger image       

Rnd 1: Using the Magic Adjustable Ring technique, make 5 sc in loop. Do not join.
Rnd 2: Make 3 sc in ea sc around (15 sc). Join with slst in first sc. Circle complete.
Rnd 3: Slst in 1st sc. *[Ch5, slst in 2nd lp from hook, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st] point made. Sk next sc in circle and slst in next 2 sc. Rep from * around circle, after last point, make only 1 slst.
Bind off ends, tucking tails into right side of fabric.

Match stars with right sides facing in. Beginning at the top of one point and leaving a 3” tail, whipstitch around in the front (outside) loops only for each stitch around. Tuck ends beneath the top stitch from opposite directions and knot. Knot again several inches above star to form hanging loop.

Handmade Cards

This post originally appeared on By Hook or By Cook.

Lately I've been having a lot of fun making my own cards and envelopes. I recently was in charge of invitations for a wedding shower and decided to make square invitation cards along with their own envelopes. I thought they would also make a really neat gift for anyone who likes to write little notes (or for a bride or new mom who has all those thank yous to send).

You can download my templates for the 4¼" x 4¼" cards, envelopes, and a gift box, just the right size for 4-6 cards. The templates include cutting and folding instructions.

You can find a good recipe for envelope adhesive here.

Once I find my camera again, I will post photos of the finished product.

Winter Scarf & Mitts

This post originally appeared on By Hook or By Cook.

These are a quick and easy pattern and they look great when you're done!

click photo for larger image        

Materials used
•2 skeins Yarn Bee^® Fleece Lite in Quartz (each 5 oz, 108 yds)
•K crochet hook (6.5 mm)
•F crochet hook (3.75 mm)




Gauge
7 dc=3", 5 dc rows=4"

Finished size
Scarf: 5" wide x 50" long
Mitts: 5" wide x 9" long

Skill level
Beginner

Scarf

ch 14
Row 1: dc in 4th st from hook, dc in ea st to end (12 dc)
Rows 2-54: ch 3, dc in ea st to end (12 dc)
Tie off and weave in ends.

Note: Scarf uses one full skein of yarn.

Mitts

For palm and fingers, ch 8
Rnd 1: 2 dc in 4th st from hook, dc in ea next 3 sts, 3 dc in next st, turn to work in back loops of ch, dc in ea st, join with slst (12 dc)
Rnd 2: ch 3, [2 dc in one st, dc] repeat around, join (18 dc)
Rnds 3-6: ch 3, dc in ea st around, join (18 dc)
Rnd 7: ch 3, 17 dc, ch 6 (this will be the thumb opening), join (24 sts)
Rnd 8: ch 3, dc in ea st around, join (24 dc)
Rnd 9: ch 3, 17 dc, [decr, dc] twice, join (22 sts)
Rnd 10: ch 3, 8 dc, decr, 8 dc, decr, dc, join (19 sts)
Rnd 11: ch 3, dc in ea st around, join (19 dc)
Switch to smaller hook.
Rnd 12: ch 3, dc in ea st around, join (19 dc)
Tie off.

For thumb, sc 8 st evenly around thumb opening, join with slst.
Rnds 1 & 2: ch 3, dc in ea st around, join (8dc)
Rnd 3: ch 2, using decr method, begin dc in ea st around, keeping last loop on hook (you will have 8 loops after final dc), join all loops in one st, closing the top of the thumb.
Tie off and weave in ends.