Relax...

Well, the hustle and bustle of the holidays is almost over. Did you get everything done for your friends and family that you wanted? For the first time, I think I actually did!

So, what do you do now? How many of you feel like you have all the time in the world now that your Holiday projects are over? I do. Now I don't know what I should start working on first!

I have a sweater that I have been wanting to make for myself forever. Maybe I'll start on that? Here it is...

https://www.lionbrand.com/crochet-pattern-canyon-shrug-1.html

Of course, my son has requested a few things but I think his wish list is never ending! Leave me a comment and let me know what you are going to do with all your free time now that your Holiday crafting is over for this year!

Quick & Easy Crochet Christmas Gifts

It's getting crunch time for us crafters! Some of us are probably just stitching away trying to get everything that we done for Christmas gifts (I know I am!) If you still need some last minute quick items to make, here are a few of my favorites.

Dishcloths are always quick and easy, and who doesn't need more dishcloths!

Bushy Stitch Dishcloth

Criss-Cross Dishcloth

These are just a few that I've made but you can use the pattern for just about any square pattern for a dishcloth. I like to use cotton yarn when making my dishcloths.

If you need a quick gift for a child, here are a few smaller amigurumi items.

This is one of my favorites!

I have lost count on how many of these I have made :) Here is the pattern for my favorite crochet kitty.

This is another easy one that I made for my son.

Turtle

These are really simple. I am currently making 22 of them for my son's friends in his classroom!

Here is the pattern for the little teddy bear. There are 2 different sizes on the site. I made the bigger one.

My main go-to quick Christmas gift is an ornament. Who wouldn't like a handmade ornament! Here are some of my favorites.

Christmas Star Ornament

Granny Snowflake Ornament

Granny Christmas Tree

Mittens Ornament

These are just a few of my go-to quick patterns when I need a quick gift. Whether it be for Christmas or anything else! If you have any questions on any of these patterns please don't hesitate to ask! Just email me at lindsaymayo@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Scarf Weather

With Fall comes cooler weather and that means one thing. Time to make yourself a new scarf or hat, or both! I think I make myself a new scarf every year!

Here are a few of my favorite scarf patterns.

Heart Scarf

I used Red Heart Shimmer yarn so it made it a little sparkley. Here is the pattern for this:

http://crochetkim.com/freepatterns/heart-sampler-square/

It's a square that I just repeated until it was long enough for a scarf.

Awareness Scarf

I have made a few of these. One in pink for breast cancer awareness and one on black for melanoma awareness.

https://magicalmaus.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/cancer-ribbon-scarf-pattern/#more-193

Keyhole Scarf

This is my own pattern. My grandmother had requested a keyhole scarf and I didn't find a pattern that was perfect for her so I made a pattern just for her. Here is the pattern:

http://lindsaymayo.blogspot.com/2012/01/criss-cross-keyhole-scarf.html

Granny Scarf

I seem to have misplaced the pattern for this one. The middle part is done using the granny stripe pattern and has two squares on the ends.

Enjoy a few of my favorite scarf patterns now that fall is here! If you have any questions just leave a comment or email me at lindsaymayo@gmail.com.

Christmas Crafts

While I don't like seeing Christmas in stores in September, my mind does start looking towards what I might make my friends and family for Christmas.

One of my favorite things to make is ornaments. They are quick and easy to make, plus my friends and family can treasure them every year when they decorate their Christmas tree!

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas ornament patterns:

Christmas Star Ornament

Angel Ornament

Angel Ornament

I included 2 different patterns. I wasn't sure which one that I used because I made this one a few years ago.

Mittens Ornament

These are just a few of my favorite ornament patterns but if you search, you can find lots more! From wreaths and stockings to toys and animals! Share your favorite ornament patterns with me. I'm always looking for new patterns :)

Finding the perfect pattern

I have had many orders for many different kinds of blankets and other items recently. That meant searching the internet to find the perfect pattern, which to me, is part of the fun of a crochet project!

First, my husband's cousin got married last month. My mother in-law and I decided to make her a blanket as a wedding gift. We searched and searched the internet to find the perfect pattern and ultimately decided to use this pattern for the blanket http://rosereddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/diamond-ghan.html and this pattern for the border https://cypresstextiles.net/2015/01/20/treble-scallop-edging-free-pattern/. It turned out beautiful!

Next, I had an order for a few baby items that a neighbor wanted for an upcoming baby shower. She wanted a baby hat, bib, and baby booties. I went back to the internet to search for the perfect patterns for these items. 

The hat was the easiest. I just did a simple hat in the colors requested, blue and cream. Here is how it turned out.

The other items were a little bit more difficult for me. I would think that I found the perfect pattern, start it, and then decide on frogging the project and try out a different pattern. I did that multiple times when I was making the baby bib. I just wanted to make a simple bib because I was going to make it to match the hat. I ended up using this pattern as a guide: http://web.archive.org/web/20120626002118/http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/KCT0025+Crochet+Baby+Bib.htm. I didn't want it to be so big so I just used this as a guide and made this one a little smaller. I think it turned out perfect!

I saved the booties for last because I don't make those very often. I have just never been able to find a pattern that I liked that turned out right. Well, after searching the internet again, I think that I have finally found a baby bootie pattern that I really like! Here it is: http://misscraftycouponer.blogspot.com/2014/09/crochet-easy-basic-baby-booties.html. It is titled Easy Basic Baby Booties and it really is an easy pattern. Here is how mine turned out:

I think that I ended up finding the perfect pattern for these items. Don't you think?

Don't worry if you have to frog a few patterns when you first start out. Almost every time I start a project, it takes me a few tries before I find the perfect pattern to follow. Then, if I can't find it, I try to just make my own! 

Happy crocheting!

Items for Sale!

I've just recently started trying to sell my crochet items. I figured, I love to crochet, why not try and make a little money from it!

Here are my first items that I have for sale. Just email me at lindsaymayo@gmail.com if you might be interested!

American Flag Afghan

Made to order American Flag Afghan. Can do large and small (toddler) size. Email me for prices.

Large size

Toddler size

Crocheted Kitty

Little crocheted kitty perfect for a baby gift, or for anyone that is a cat lover! Made to order in any color you would like. For every one of these kitties that are sold, I will donate to a charity that I know is in need of items.
$10+shipping

Criss-Cross Baby Blanket

Made to order criss-cross baby blanket. Perfect baby gift! Can be made in almost any color you want! Email me for more information!

If you see anything you might be interested in just email me at lindsaymayo@gmail.com. If you might want something you don't see here contact me and I can see what I can do!

Grandma's Scalloped Baby Blanket

When I first started crocheting, I learned by making granny squares. I had a hard time when it came to crocheting straight across though. This pattern is one of the first that I was able to do that turned out looking right. It is a pattern that I found in my grandma's crochet materials that I inherited not too long after I started crocheting. It was in an old pamphlet so I wanted to share it with you.

Grandma's Scalloped Baby Blanket

Materials:

4-5 skeins of baby yarn. (The picture uses Bernat Softee Baby)

Size G hook (I crochet tight so I tend to go up a size. This is the size the pattern called for.)

Scissors

Needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations:

CH - chain

SC - single crochet

SP - space

SK - skip

DC - double crochet

ST - stitch

Pattern:

CH 119 to measure about 28 inches.

Row 1: SC in second CH from hook, (SK 2 CH, 5 DC in next CH, SK 2, SC in next CH for a shell) 19 times, end SK 2, 3 DC in last CH, CH 1, turn. 

Row 2: SC in same DC as turning CH and in next DC, * CH 1, DC in next SC, CH 1, SC in second DC of next shell, CH 1, SC in 4th DC of same shell, repeat from * across, end CH 1, DC in last SC, CH 3, turn.

Row 3: 2 DC in base of turning CH, * SC in CH between next 2 SC, shell in next DC, repeat from * across, end SC in last SC, CH 4, turn.

Row 4: * SC in second DC of shell, CH 1, SC in 4th DC of same shell, CH 1, DC in next SC, repeat from * across, end SC in turning CH, CH 1, turn.

Row 5: SC in first SC, * shell in next DC, SC in CH between 2 SC, repeat from * across, end 3 DC in turning CH, CH 1, turn.

Repeat rows 2 through 5 for pattern, working on 19 1/2 shells to measure 30 inches from start, end with row 2 or 4, CH1.

Border: SC closely around, DC in each ST, SK CH 1 SP between 2 SC, 5 SC in next 3 corners, 2 SC in side of each DC, SC in base of each DC on other end, join, CH 3. 2 DC in base of CH 3, SC in each SC with 5 SC in corner STS, end 2 DC in base of CH 3 (4th corner), join, CH 3.

Work 3 more rows of DC with 5 DC in each corner.

Row 6 - Ruffle: * (DC, CH1) twice in EVERY OTHER DC, repeat from * around.

Row 7: (DC, CH 3) in each DC.

Picot Row: In each CH 3 SP, work (SC, CH 3) twice.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy crocheting!

Little Sock Monkey

I was wanting to make a little version of the Basic Crochet Sock Monkey pattern by Patons so I made some adjustments to the pattern.

Here is what I did:

Materials:

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn 4 colors (If you would like, make sure that 2 of those colors are black for the eyes and red for the mouth. 1 is a color you would like for the feet and hands. 1 color for the body, arms, and legs.)
Size H hook
Needle to sew it together and weave in ends
Stuffing

Abbreviations:
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together
YOH - Yarn Over Hook

Instructions:

Legs:

Make 2
(Stuff the legs as you work)

First Leg:
CH 2.
Row 1: 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Join with SL ST to first SC.
Row 2: CH 1. (1 SC in next SC. 2 SC in next SC) 3 times. Join with SL ST to first SC. 9 SC.
Row 3: CH 1. (1 SC in each of next 2 SC. 2 SC in next SC) 3 times. Join with SL ST to first SC. 12 SC.
Join color for body and SC evenly around for a total of 17 rows. 23 rows total

Second Leg:
Work as for First Leg. Do not fasten off. Continue as follows for Body

Body:
Join Second Leg to First Leg by working SL ST into last SC of First Leg.
Row 1: CH 1. 1 SC in each SC around First Leg, then 1 SC in each SC around Second Leg. Join with SL ST to first SC. 42 SC.
Row 2: CH 1. 1 SC in each SC around. Join with SL ST to first SC.
Repeat last round until the body measures about 5".
With first color (color for hands and feet) repeat 3 times.

Shape Head:

Row 1: CH 1. *1 SC in each of next 2 SC. Draw up a loop in each of next 2 SC. YOH and draw through all loops on hook – sc2tog made. Rep from * around. Join with SL ST to first SC.
Continue as established, decreasing stitches evenly around each round (stuffing Head as you work). Fasten off, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw tightly. Fasten securely.

Arms (Make 2):

Work as written for First Leg.
Leave long tail to sew onto body.
Stuff arms.

Muzzle:
With color for mouth CH 5.
Row 1: 1 SC in second CH from hook. 1 SC in each of next 2 CH. 2 SC in last CH. Working into opposite side of ch, work 1 SC in each of next 3 CH. 2 SC in last CH. Join with SL ST to first SC.
Row 2: CH 1. 1 SC in each of first 3 SC. 2 SC in next SC. 1 SC in each of next 3 SC. 2 SC in last SC. Join with SL ST to first SC. Change to white.
Row 3-5: CH 1. 1 SC in each SC around. Join with SL ST to first SC. Rep last rnd 3 times more. Fasten off. Leave long tail to sew onto body.

Ears (Make 4):

CH 4
Row1: 1 SC in second CH from hook. 1 SC in each 2 CH. Turn.
Row 2: CH 1. 2 SC in first SC. 1 SC in each SC to last SC. 1 SC in last SC. Turn.
Row 3: CH 1. 1 SC in each SC to end. Turn.
Row 4: CH 1. SC2TOG. 1 SC. SC2TOG in last 2 stitches. Fasten off.

Joining Ears:
With WS facing each other, place 2 Ears together. Join color used to make ears with SL ST at lower edge and work 1 rnd of SC through all thicknesses around outer edge to join. Join with SL ST to first SC. Fasten off. Leave long tail to sew onto body.

FINISHING
Stuff Muzzle lightly and sew to front of Monkey. Attach Ears to either side of Head. Sew Arms and Tail in position as shown. With black yarn, embroider Eyes and Nostrils. I also just crocheted two small circles for the eyes and sewed them on.

If you have any questions about this pattern or find any mistakes please let me know!

Crochet and Traveling

Summer is officially here! Most of us will be on the road traveling with our families. Don't leave that crochet hook at home though! There are plenty of projects that are perfect to take on the road with you.

Smaller projects are the best kind to bring with you on a road trip. Hats, washcloths, dishcloths, and baby clothing are just a few things that I have found are perfect projects to work on while traveling. One of my previous postings lists some of my favorite hat patterns which are perfect to bring with you! I also have a kitchen towel which would be easy to travel with.

If you want to work on a blanket while traveling, the best kind would be a motif blanket. That way you can work on it in small pieces and then sew them together when you get back home!

Summer doesn't stop me from doing bigger projects though. I just always like to have a blanket to work on. They don't really travel well though. If you get to crochet a lot the blanket might get too big and not leave you enough room for souvenirs!

What are some projects that you like to take with you on a road trip?

Crochet obsessions

If you are like me, once you find a crochet pattern that you love, you want to make it over and over. You almost become obsessed with it!

One thing that I like to make is almost anything with kitties. I've made this pattern twice Kitties in a Row.

I even adapted it into a purse!

I then decided to try my hand at amigurumi. Of course, the first thing I wanted to try was a kitty! This is the pattern that I decided to try this pattern Crochet Kitten. It has become one of my favorite patterns to make! I have made so many now that I've lost count on how many that I've done. Here are a few pictures of my kittens.

Another thing that I have become obsessed with is making any kind of ripple pattern. They just seem to work up so quick! They are always my go-to pattern if I need to make something fairly quickly. I have made many different kinds of ripple patterns. Here are a few of my favorites that I have discovered:

Ripple Flag Blanket by Lion Brand

Popcorn Ripple Blanket

Ripple Blanket

Granny Ripple Blanket

(This site is currently down. If you would like this pattern please let me know and I can send you a different one.)

There are so many different ways to make something that it's easy to become obsessed with making it! Whether it be anything with kitties, or ripples, I'm sure you have your own crafty obsession. Share in the comments below. Maybe it will become my new obsession!