Crochet Sunflowers

 I have a thing for yarn flowers. Like section on a Pinterest board thing. I think it's my way of coping with the fact that I've never been successful at keeping real flowers alive. I can't trust flowers to respond well to my attention, but I can trust yarn. I took this interest to a new level when I decided that I wanted to make all the "flowers" for my wedding 3 years ago...

That idea sounded amazing until about 200 flowers later plus at least 600 leaves and stems. I still don't regret it as it was something unique and special to our day but I can't say it's something I would recommend to others to do unless you have an unusually high amount of free time to spare (side eyes quarantine...). Each flower eventually took about a half hour from start to finish but originally was closer to 45 - 60 minutes until I really got in the swing.

The supplies and instructions below are for the flowers and stems but you can leave the stems off to use for decorations. Boutonnieres and corsages took a little more trial and error. Y'all let me know if that's something you'd want to see.

Supplies

• Inexpensive medium weight dark brown yarn (like Red Heart Super Saver)
• Medium weight green yarn, dark and light
• Yellow crochet thread (Aunt Lydia's is perfect)
• Jump Rings (use various sizes for different flower sizes but not smaller than .75" or bigger than 1.5")
• Size 5.5 Hook
• Size 1 Hook
• Floral wire, 18" pieces

Abbreviations Used

sc - Single Crochet

dc - Double Crochet

tc - Triple Crochet

qc - Quadruple crochet

ss - Slip Stitch

The Sunflowers

 

1. Start by putting the floral wire through the jump ring to the halfway point and twisting all the way down. Use one of the green yarns and 5.5 hook to crochet up the wire, covering it completely then tucking in the ends.

2. Single crochet in brown with size 5.5 hook around the jump ring, then keep crocheting over the stitches you just made (not in them, over them) until the yarn closes in the center. Be mindful to keep your stitches toward the outside of the ring so it builds out instead of into a ball. Weave in the end. Total number of stitches varies greatly depending on the size of the jump ring. Don't make them tight though - you'll need some space for the petals. 

3. Switch to yellow thread and size 1 hook. Start in any loop on the outside of the flower center you just finished. In each loop in the outside of the flower center: 

ss, sc, dc 2, tc 2, qc 2, tc 2, dc 2, sc, ss (14) 

The loop will likely be crowded but that's what gives the petal shape. Repeat this until all outside loops are complete. 

4. Once you're back at the petal you started on, sc in the top of each stitch around. This isn't absolutely necessary but in my opinion really makes the petals look cleaner and fall into place better. Weave ends and you're done!

It's not hard at all but tedious. I was inspired to use jump rings by another pattern years ago but now I can't find the link or who created it. If that was you - thanks for the inspiration! 

Pictured below: My quality control specialist

The Leaves

1. I used this pattern from Lakeview Cottage Kids for the actual leaf shape and design. Once I made one, instead of tying it off, I crocheted down the length of the 18" floral wire and continued to make another leaf using the same pattern but backwards, so I could fold the wire in half to be the same length as the flower stems. 

2. Once you master making them backwards which is easier than it sounds, you can make them in pairs and attach those to the ends of the wire as well, giving you at least 3 leaves at each wire end. You could attach the additional leaves in the other color green for variety. 

If you're making a Bouquet...

You'll need something in the center to give the flower heads a little space and help them stay flat. This glamorous little cone to the left was a toilet paper role that I cut, rolled into a cone, taped, then double crocheted over quickly so if it became visible it wasn't very noticeable. Then I used small clear rubber bands to assemble the bouquets around the cone until using ribbon to wrap it.

Not counting in the value of time, I was able to make all flowers for about $20 - $30. My bridesmaids kept their bouquets as part of my thank you gifts to them, and many guests asked to take home the lantern centerpieces and other decorations with the flowers. I'm still very happy with them looking back after 3 years. 

Oh, and how fabulous is my Gram's dress from 1958? It was in her basement until I asked about it in 2016. We dry cleaned it a few times and took it for minor repairs (Thanks Monirose Bridal in Madison, WI!) but not a stitch had to be altered to fit perfectly. Gram is the one in the stylish lavender suit. 

What have you or would you make for your wedding? Have you ever started a project that grew into a life of it's own? I'd love to know!

Sheila

P.S. Special thanks to Polka Dot Productions for the professional photos of the day!

Stitches the Pig

First things first, I would like to start this post by giving some amazing reason for my delay between posts. Like, maybe, I was abducted by aliens and just returned to earth. Or bite by a shark and my hands have ben recovering. But the truth is I've just been incredibly lazy at home/busy with work. It's a good thing because I love my job but I also love being able to share crafty things with the internet world. Did you notice the absence? No? Okay, then I'll just move on...

Part of the busy-ness at work has been planning our Piggy Bank Auction. That's right, we auction pigs. Bill Davis, from Thomas Creek Brewery here in Greenville, makes the bare pigs then local artists add their spin. This year I HAD to get in on the action! I wanted to do something that hadn't been done before and eventually decided I would crochet a pig. Because I'm that much of a nerd. 

I started with mini granny squares using remnant yarn, then I combined the granny squares and experimentally added on some ears using the corner spaces of two squares. I made the face by creating a small circle for the nose and crocheting only on the back stitches to make the edges. Stitches were added as they seemed to be needed until it was big enough to cover the whole face and be attached. Of course, the buttons and eyelashes had to be sewn on as well. Lastly I made another growing circle for the bum and little straps to go around the feet and connected everything together. 100% trial and error but in the end I really enjoyed how it turned out. And it sold! So that's a good sign, right?

Here she is in her social debut at the auction. Makin' that coin.

I never really think of myself as being an artist. To me, that seems like a title that has to be earned. Crafter, yes. Artist, not so much. It was fun to pretend though for the night :)

What do you think of Stitches? How would you make a pig if given the chance/choice? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Granny Square Seat Cushions

You may have seen my dismay yesterday when my post was lost somehow. Have no fear! It's ready for your crafty consumption. 

$25 solid wood chairs? Yes please. Sitting for any extended period on solid wood? No thank you. I love these simple, plain pine chairs from Ikea but they needed a healthy dose of color and comfort. These seat covers were my handmade solution.


It's actually 2 different layers but it doesn't take nearly as long as you would think. I could finish 2 in a night. Or, 4 episodes of The Good Wife if you prefer that measure of time.

You will Need:

A bunch of random yarn in any color you like (it's a GREAT way to use up scraps)
1 full skein of your background color
crochet hook, I used 5.5
optional: stitch markers



It's easiest to start with the backing square:

Instead of repeating the steps to make a corner each time, I'll write them here and note "corner stitches". To make a solid corner, dc 2 in same stitch, dc 3 in next, dc 2 in next.

Ch 6, slip stitch to join in circle
Row 1: Single crochet 12 through center hole, slip stitch to join
Row 2: chain 2, dc in next 2 stitches, corner stitches, *dc in next 3 stitches, corner stitches* join with slip stitch

At this point, it would be helpful to add stitch markers to the center corner stitches. If you don't have stitch markers, you can use safety pins, other pieces of yarn, or anything else on hand to mark your corners.

Row 3-12: From here on out, you will dc in each stitch across until you get to the 3 stitches that make up the corner and join the end of each row with a slip stitch.



Finish it off and remove your stitch markers. You can make as many rows as needed for the size of your chair, but 12 worked well for mine. Also, if you're making the back squares different colors, make sure your yarns are the same weight or it will result in different sizes in you cushions.

Now on to the granny square part which is much faster even though you have to change colors:

This time in the corners you'll dc 3, ch 3, dc 3 in the space

Ch 6, slip stitch to join in circle
Row 1:ch 2, dc 2 in center, *ch 3, dc 3 in center* join with slip stitch
Row 2: change color if desired,*ch 3, dc 3 in space* corners
Row 3-12: change color each row if desired, dc 3 in each space, ch 3, corners

That's the worst explanation ever for a granny square... I should stop trying to write patterns. But it's so repetitive! If you've done it right once, you can just keep doing the same thing over and over. Don't forget to weave in the tails as you go so you don't hate yourself at the end of it.



Once you've finished the granny square and the solid square, you'll join them together by single crocheting all around the edges. The number of stitches don't line up perfectly so you'll have to use your judgment and spacing.



When you finish that, you're done! It'll look a little something like this:



Just lay it flat on your chair. It doesn't provide a ton of padding but it definitely helps. I'm brainstorming what to add to the back of it to keep it in place better without ruining the look.



Are you a fan of multicolored decorations? Any suggestions on what to add to give it a little grip? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Crochet Pumpkin Patch Garland

TINY THINGS. Do you loves them as much as I do? I stand by my choice to adore things more for the simple fact that they are smaller than their full-sized counter parts. This love has most recently manifested itself in this little crochet pumpkin patch that even a beginning crocheter can make in less than an hour.

You will need:

Orange yarn
different shades of green and brown yarns
crochet hook

The size and gauge of the yarn/hook don't matter. Use whatcha got. I made about 10 pumpkins for my 3ft garland.

Start by making your pumpkins:

Chain 3.
Row 1: Double crochet 9 stitches into 3rd stitch from hook (the first chain you made). The last 2 chain stitches will count as a double so you'll end up with a circle of 10 double crochets. Slip stitch to join.
Row 2: 2 single crochets into next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets into next 2 stitches, 2 single crochets into next 3 stitches, 2 double crochets into next 2 stitches to make the oval shape. 20 stitches total.
Finish it off by tying and weaving in your ends.

Time to add them to the vine:

Use your first color of green or brown to chain at least 15 stitches. Add a pumpkin in by single crocheting through the top few stitches. I did each one a little different but used about 3 or 4 stitches each time. Chain anywhere from 15 to 30 stitches in between each pumpkin for desired length and variation.
Add other colors to give your vine dimension by chaining with 2 pieces of yarn at once. No need to tie in a new color, it seems to stay just fine. Occasionally, I would chain a few of one color and wrap the other around it then pick it back up in the chain. Leaving the ends loose looks cute.

You could add more variety by crocheting leaves along the vine as well. Or make little jack-o-lantern faces! I'm thinking about adding some acorns when it gets closer to Thanksgiving.

Do you decorate for the holidays? Living alone, I'm the only one who enjoys it but I still love to do it. Do you decorate for yourself or for family and visitors? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Crochet Bottle Cozy

Happy Monday! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Did you know yesterday was National Ice Cream Day? We celebrated with an ice cream “tour” of Columbia, making stops at locally owned ice cream places like Paradise Ice and Rosewood Dairy Bar. I may not want ice cream again for a while, but it sure was fun at yesterday. There are few things better than sitting on a hot summer day holding a cold ice cream cone. Maybe the next best thing I can think of is holding a cold drink. Until it becomes a warm drink. So make this cozy to keep that from happening! (Smooth transition, right?)

I’m not much for writing or using crochet patterns to be honest. Usually I just try to start making whatever I have in mind; either it works or it fails miserably. This is my learning style. Then I adjust accordingly. There could potentially be MANY mistakes in this pattern, so please, please tell me if you attempt to make it and run into trouble.

A few things to keep in mind:

You can get a refresher of the basics here.

A slip stitch is usually used to finished a row without adding height and is very easy to do. Insert hook, yarn over, and pull all the way though so the yarn you just picked up is the only thing loop left on your hook. 

To turn your piece, you literally just turn it around. Not the hook but the project, so that you are working on top of the stitches you just recently finished heading the other direction. Maybe some hardcore crocheters do it differently, but this has always worked fine for me. 

Crocheters are lazy when it comes to writing down patterns and frequently use abbreviations. Below are the ones I will use, which are standard terms.

            1. ch = chain stitch

            2. sc = single crochet

            3. dc = double crochet

            4. sl = slip stitch

            5. st = stitch

            6. *repeat everything inside these the amount indicated*

I’ll start by writing it out, but eventually switch to the abbreviations once the lazy factor kicks in. Oh, and I used worsted yarn (Red Heart Super Savers yeahya), size 5.5 (or I-9) hook, a yarn needle, and about 8" of ¼ inch thick ribbon. Let's do this!

Row 1: Chain 3

Row 2: Double crochet 8 in the 3^rd stitch from hook, slip stitch to first stitch

Row 3: Chain 2, double crochet 2 in each stitch around, slip stitch (18 stitches)

Row 3: Chain 2, *dc 2 in first stitch, dc 1 in next* continue this around the circle. Slip stitch. (27 st)

Row 4: Single crochet in each stitch.

This is should make the base of your cozy. Now it’s time to build upwards.

Row 5: Dc on just the top half of stitches around. This will create the “walls” of the  cozy. Slip stitch to join (27 st).

Row 6-12: *Ch 2, dc in each stitch, join with sl st.* There is no need to turn yet. Unless you really want to.

Row 13: Ch 2, dc around but do not join. When you get to the start of the row, instead of joining you will turn.

Row 14: Ch 2, head back in the opposite direction with dc around, when you get to the end, turn.

Row 15: Ch 2, dc around, when you get to the end of this row you’re done! Tie it off and use a yarn needle to weave the ends.

Use the same yarn needle to weave in a thin piece of ribbon in the top row. The ribbon can be tied around the bottle to make sure it stays in place.

Now you have the week to work on this so it's ready for your next adventure. BTdubbs I chose garnet and black because those are Gamecock colors so the roomie can use this for tailgating when football season starts back up and be the cool kid at the party. Because that's what using crocheted goods in public makes you.

What is your summer beverage of choice? More importantly, what are your team colors? I'd love to know.

Sheila :)

PS. We accidentally discovered this same pattern fits perfectly around a regular sized plastic water bottle. Two for one! 

Crochet Basics for Lefties

Aaannndddddd with this one post I'm excluding 90% of the population. Sorry y'all.  You might still enjoy the preview at the bottom of some coming patterns.

I first started knitting in 6th grade, I believe. I learned from my right-handed Mom, so I knit right-handed. I only learned to crochet about 2 years ago when I first moved to Montana from a friend who just happened to be left-handed. I WAY prefer crocheting over knitting. It's so much faster and, in my opinion, easier. There are plenty of crochet tutorials out there but way less for us southpaws. You're doing the exact same thing but it can be confusing to see it the opposite direction. If you're a cynical righty and don't believe me, just look below and see if it confuses you at all.

I'm starting from the very basics. Please, please, please feel free to comment and ask any questions or make any suggestions for clarity.  Also, these are the American terms. The European stitches are different. Always make sure to check your pattern, just in case.

Here are some terms that will make learning the stitches a lot easier. First, the hook. This metal one was about $2 from Joann's and it's the one I use most frequently. I recommend size I, or 5.5 if you're getting one hook to start with. The tail is the end of the yarn which usually is just weaved in to the work. The working yarn is the part still connected to the source that's doing all the work, basically. Any time you have to "yarn over," you'll want to have the yarn resting across the front of the hook (pics below). You don't need to wrap it all the way around as some beginners tend to do. It is easiest if you hold the working yarn taught with your right hand so you can use the hook in your left hand to pick up the yarn, instead of wrapping. It goes much faster that way. Learning how to hold your hook and yarn takes practice and can be a little different for everyone.  Need a video? Let me know! 

Slip Knot 

Loop the tail over the working yarn (1). Pull the working yarn through the center (2). Insert hook (3). Tighten the working yarn gently until the knot fits the hook (4). This is how you will start almost all crochet projects. See how easy that was?

Chain Stitch or Foundation Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch it the EASIEST stitch. With the hook through the slip knot, yarn over (1). Pull the hook back through the slip knot with your yarn you just picked up (2). That's it! See how they form a chain (3)? 

Single Crochet (sc)

Now we're ready to start building on to our chain. As you can see, there are two parallel section of yarn at the top of each stitch in the chain and another piece on the bottom. Insert the hook through the top 2 pieces (1). Once the hook is through, yarn over (2) and pull it back through. You will have 2 loops on your hook (3-sorry the working yarn made this hard to tell!). Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the stitch (4). See how they look in a row(5)? 

Double Crochet (dc)

A double crochet starts with yarn over (1) BEFORE you put your hook through anything. After the yarn over, go through the top of a stitch the same as you would a single crochet. Yarn over (2). When you pull your hook back through, you should have 3 loops on it (3). Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops only, leaving you with two loops left on your hook- the original loop, and the yarn over you just pulled through (4). Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops to get back down to 1 loop (5). It sounds like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it this stitch goes very quickly. It's the most common stitch used in patterns. Check out the difference between single crochet and double crochet when they're right next to each other (6). 

Now get to practicing! There will be many simple projects and easy patterns coming in the days ahead. Here's a small preview of things yet to come:

Are you left-handed? Are you interested in crocheting at all?? I'd love to know!

Sheila

P.S. If you're already a crocheter, you should definitely be following My Rose Valley. I love everything Annette makes and her pictures are always gorgeous!

Crochet Newborn Owl Hat

Hope you had a nice weekend. It was pretty quiet here, just the way I like. I had time to make this little newborn hat for a friend: 

I did not create this pattern, but you can find it and make your own on Projects Around the House.

I'm not great at following patterns. Usually, when I crochet it's just made up on the fly. The fact that this one turned out fairly close to what the original looks like says a lot about the clarity of her instructions. Also, the idea of using a jar to show a baby hat is brilliant. Thanks Christine!

The only thing the pattern leaves out are the things you need to make a truly great Saturday morning...



My friend let me borrow the first season of New Girl. I hadn't seen it before which seemed to surprise everyone. According to them, Jess (the Zooey Deshanel character) and I are the same person.I'm not sure sure about that but some of the similarities were a little weird. We even have the exact same set of fake hillbilly teeth...

Soon I'll be working on a series of crochet basics for lefties. It's surprisingly hard to find that stuff. I've looked. Do you crochet? Are you a pattern user or a do you make it up yourself? I'd love to know.

Sheila :)