Cherub Comfort Cradle

Hello lovlies. I hope everyone is having a fine weekend.

I have a new pattern for you all today. I've been working on this on and off for some months. The idea at least. I knew what I wanted but my drafts didn't work and I kept revisiting it. I didn't want to release it until I was happy with it. Well now I am! I sat down this weekend and knew I wanted to get this little beauty finished, photographed and sorted. It is, as most of my patterns are, untested. However I have made it myself 3 times to make sure it works and I have no issues. If you find one please let me know.

This pattern was born from frustration at not being able to find one. I know a lot of people out there use the cradle purse patterns to make angel baby beds, and thats great. I've done it myself and while they do work, I always had this nagging thought, that its just an afterthought using a toy pattern. I wanted something that was made FOR angels, the afterthought can be for play. I'm sure these would delight any little girl and make excellent shower gifts too but primarily, they are designed to gently hold the resting bodies of tiny angels and to give comfort to parents.

Onto the logistics!
Ok so, this cradle is roughly 7 inches in length and 6 inches tall from base to the highest point of the hood. It is designed for the smallest of the small. I promise Ill have larger ones up soon, right now tho lets roll with this.
Anyone that can adjust easily, just add a few extra chains to the start and it will come out larger.
As always, AMERICAN terms for crochet, Ive tried to remember to use both inches and cm throughout for measurements tho.

Base Photo Tutorial with step by step instructions for beginners is here

You will need 
DK weight yarn (held doubled, so 2 balls or roll half a ball off so you can use 2 strands) for the cradle
DK weight yarn in contrasting colour for version 1
6.5mm and 6.00mm hook for the cradle
3.00mm hook for the flowers on variation 1
5.00mm hook for ruffles and edges on version 1
Flat colourless or one colour plastic for the base. I've tried a few different things all with success. Firstly, the clear lids from rectangle takeaway containers work wonderfully. Plastic plates (the oval disposable kind) work well too. You can also use plastic lids from ice cream containers once you clean the sticker off and plastic canvas (the kind you cross stitch with) So long as its lightweight and doesn't have bright colours or patterns on it (you'll see that through the yarn) then your good.
Ribbon for version 3
1 meter (40 inches) of lace and 2 satin bows or flowers for version 3
a sewing needle and yarn needle
stitch markers, these are a must. If you have none pins work just as well.

The Base - Make 2


NOTE: 2hd = make 2 hdc in the same stitch
hdc2tg = hdc 2 together.

6.5mm
1. ch10

2. hdc 3 times in the second from hook and the next 7 chains, work 3 hdc into the last ch. Now working on
the other side, hdc in the next 7, hdc in the last (same as starting chain), join

3. ch2, hdc in the same st as chain, 2hdc in the next 2 st, hdc next 7, 2hdc next 3 st, hdc next 8, join

4. ch2, hdc, 2hdc, hdc, 2hdc, hdc, 2hdc, hdc in the next 7 stitched, 2hdc, hdc, 2hdc, hdc, 2hdc, hdc in the next 8 stitches, join

5. ch2, hdc in the next 2, 2hdc, hdc in the next 2, 2hdc, hdc in the next 2, 2hdc, hdc in the next 7, 2hdc, hdc in the next 2, 2hdc, hdc in the next 2, 2hdc, hdc in the next 9, join.

Finish off, weave in ends

You should have this after 3.

Putting the base together.


Cut out your insert slightly smaller then the base size. We are going to sandwich the plastic between the 2 base pieces to make the whole bed alot more sturdy.

Holding the pieces so the plastic is on the inside, join your yarn on any stitch on an end piece, towards the centre. Stitching through both pieces, single crocher the entire way around. I find it helps if I use stitch markers in each corner to hold everything in place while Im doing this round, to stop the plastic sliding out.

The Sides


1. ch2, hdc in the back loops only all around, join
2. Drop to a 6mm hook and from here on out we'll be sc in a continual round, no joins. sc in each st around until the sides measure roughly 2.5-3 inches tall

The Hood


Find the centre of one of the ends and count off eight stitches either side (mark them with stitch markers), sc around until your last stitch is in the 8th st you marked to the left of the centre.

1. ch2, turn, hdc across to the 8th stitch on the opposite side of the centre
2. ch2, turn, hdc in each hdc across (16)
3. ch2, turn, hdc in the next 6, hdc2tg twice, hdc in the last 6 (14)
4. ch2, turn, hdc in the next 4, hdc2tg 3 times, hdc last 4 (11)
5. ch2, turn, hdc, hdc2tg 4 times, hdc in the last 2. finish off leaving a 6 inch tail to sew the top closed

Flip the hood inside out and line up the centre seam. sew it closed and turn the hood back in the right way.

That completes the basic cradle. You can choose to decorate it your own way or you can read on for 3 decoration variations.

Version 1.  Ruffles and Flowers

Take a contrasting yarn (Im using Baby Belle Lullabye which is a DK weight yarn in bamboo which has a lovely light drape) and a 5mm hook. We're going to create a ruffle on the bottom of the cradle using the leftover loops from our bacl loop only row. You can see them sticking out. Take your hook and slide it under the stitch and join your yarn with a sl st. ch3, dc three more in the same stitch. Then dc 4 times in every stitch around the bace. When you get back to the start join with a slst to the top of the ch3 we started with. Finish off and weave in ends.

With the same colour join the yarn to the edge of the cradle and sc around the entire opening, being careful to evenly space the stitched when you work your way around the hood section. join to the forst st and finish of, weaving in ends

5 point mini flowers
Using the same yarn and a 3mm hook ch7, slst to the 1st chain. ch5, sl st to the first chain. Repeat 3 more times so you have 5 petal. sl st to the first and leave  along tail for sewing to cradle. Attach one to the corner of each side of the hood.

Version 2. Ribbons and Bows

Using thin satin ribbon to crochet with, and leaving a long tail (8 or so inches) join 2 stitches to the left of the front center and single crochet around the entire cradle, careful to space the stitches out over the hood. Crochet around until you are 2 stitches to the right of the front center and finish off leaving a long tail. Using both tail pieces make a bow. Trim the ties.

3. Sewn with lace.

Take a piece of lace or ribbon that is long enough to go around the entire cradle and then with extra for gathering, my piece is about 36 inches or 90cm long and was just long enough, if you prefer more ruffles aim for a meter long. You can also get pre ruffled laces, the kind used for bed dolls is especially good for this. I fold over small sections and sew them down as Im going. 

Starting on the side just below the hood corner attach your cotton and sew the lace around the edge, gathering or pleating as you go to create ruffles. Sew a small satin flower or bow to the center of both the hood and the front of the cradle.

RAVELRY PAGE HERE

Thats it guys. Honestly there are so so many more ways you could decorate these, unfortunately my embellishment box is a bit low on supplies so I just used what I had on hand but I'm sure you can think of alot more. The best part is they can be as simple as you like and still look stunning, and are very gender neutral! Feel free to share your finished ones on Ravelry. I know Ive said it before but adding projects on there means more people will see the pattern, become aware of the need for these items and maybe make some themselves and thats a massive win/win! Massive thanks to Amie and Coco for helping me name it <3

Shells Bonnet

Hello my lovlies! I have a wonderful new pattern for you all today! Thought I should do something a little larger, so todays pattern is designed to fit about 20-22 weeks gestation. Its super cute and best of all super easy to make, I promise! Its all of 8 rows/rounds. Yes, yes it is modelled on a Christmas tree ball, it just happens to be the right size. I've had trouble sourcing poly-balls to use that are the right size so whatever works right?

Im also excited to say Ill have some pattern REVIEWS up in the next few days. I know I always like to see how things work before making them, so Ill be sharing with you some excellent patterns. Not just for Angels and Preemies but for other things as well. Im also thinking of holding a contest in which you get entries by adding projects to Ravelty, prize would be a mystery bag of yarn. Interested?

Ok Shell, stop waffling and start with the pattern! As always its untested, I wrote this one in class during lunchbreak today, thats right, never leave the house without a hook, some yarn and a pen and paper! As always, written in AMERICAN terms, Hey, I may be an Aussie but its what I know <3

Shell Bonnet
3.00mm hook and sports weight baby yarn (5ply, tho 4ply fingering would work just as well)

1: ch3, DC 11 times in the 1st chain.
2: ch3, DC in the same st, then 2DC in each st around, join.
3: ch3, *DC, 2DC in the next* Repeat around, join.
4: ch3, DC in the BACK LOOP ONLY in each st around, DO NOT JOIN. From here on out we'll be working in rows and not rounds.
5: ch3, turn, DC in each st across.
6-7: Repeat row 5.
8: ch1, turn. sl st in the first *skip 2, 5DC in the next, skip 2, sl st in the next* Repeat this till you reach the end, the last st will be a slst and you should have 5 shell clusters.

cut 3 lengths of yarn 6 inches or 15cm long, fold in half and loop through the corner of the bonnet. Braid the tie and knot at the end. Repeat for the other side.

Thats it lovlies, your all done!
RAVELRY PAGE HERE

I think this one would also look lovely with stripes, or as a solid colour with a contrasting colour for the shells.

Snuggle Cuddle Cocoon Crochet Pattern

Time for a new pattern! But before I get into that
Wow guys! 11k hits. Id have never in my wildest dreams imagined this blog would hit 5k, 11k is just totally amazing! So a huge thankyou to everyone for stopping by. I hope you all find the patterns here useful.
Im hoping to get some more digital scrapbooking kits done eventually too, that is after all what started my blogging experience.

This pattern today is for a small cocoon. Its not as fast as the hats, but I think the extra time needed is well worth it. Its not a terribly complex pattern, it just takes a little while going back and forth with the rows. It took me about an hour and a half to make, remembering that I write down my patterns and design AS Im stitching, so I think maybe an hour for one. Made with the same hook and yarn it will be large enough to fit roughly 20-22 weeks gestation. Of course like always you can up/down hooks and yarns to alter the size. If you are making a larger one however, you may want to add some more rows to make it longer.
Ill be posting some variations on this later in the week.

RAVELRY PAGE HERE

DK weight yarn
4.00mm hook
3 buttons

1. Ch3
2. DC 10 times in the 3rd ch from hook, join
3. Ch3, dc in the same st, 2dc in each st around, join
4. Ch3, dc in the same st, *1dc, 2dc in the next* Repeat around, join.
5. Ch3, dc in each st around, join.
6. Ch3, dc in the same st, *1dc, 2dc in the next* Repeat around, join.
7. ch3, dc in each stitch around, do not join! From here on out the piece will be worked in rows and not rounds, this creates the opening and flap.
8. CH8, turn, dc in the 3rd ch from hook and each ch across, then in each dc across
9. ch3, turn, dc in each dc across.
continue row 9 until piece measures 8 inches from top to bottom
ch1, turn, sc across.
Repeat

sc twice in the last stitch and then sc evenly down the side of the flap and  then back up the other side. sl st to the top corner. This gives the opening a nice neat edge.

Micro Preemie Caps, Hats and Bonnets

This set has been a few days in the making. I wanted to make some hats for the smallest of small (14-16 weeks gestation), and it starts getting a bit tricky when you get down to this size. Its hard to keep details and get stitch patterns noticeable which such little room. I'm pretty happy with how this 6 came out, and I'm hoping they prove useful for charities across the globe and give comfort to many families. Yarn and hook sizes listed under each title, and all stitches are in AMERICAN terms. These can all be easily adjusted by going up a hook size or by using thicker yarns, however I do not recommend using anything thicker then DK. All Joins are done to the top of the chain that started the round.

Tube Hat
3.5mm and 3.00mm hook for last round
fingering 4ply

R1. ch 26, careful not to twist, join to first chain.
R2. ch2, hdc in each st around, join
R3-R5 Repeat row 2.
R6. ch3, dc in each, join
R7. ch2, hdc in each st around, join
R8-R11 Repeat round 7
drop to a 3mm hook
R12-13 ch1, sc in each st around, join.
Finish off and weave in ends.
Take a piece of ribbon or contrasting yarn, weave it in and out around the DC stitches. Pull tight and tie a bow.
The sc end is the bottom of the hat.

Frilly Bonnet

3.5mm

fingering 4ply

R1. ch2, 8hdc into first ch. join

R2. ch3, dc in same st, 2dc in each st around (16)

R3. ch3, dc in each st around, do not join, from here on in we'll be working in rows.

R4. ch3, turn, dc in each st across

R5-R6. Repeat R4

R7. ch1, turn, 3sc in each st across. End off and weave in ends

Weave a length of ribbon in and out between the stitches on the second last dc row. Tie in a bow.

Mini Butterfly Hat

3mm hook, Sports weight yarn, small button or bling.

R1. ch3, 8dc in the 1st chain, join

R2. ch3, dc in same st  *dc, dc, 2dc next* around, Join

R3. ch2, hdc around, join

R4. ch2, hdc7, ch7, sk5, hdc in next and rest to end, join

R5. ch2, hdc7, ch7, skip the chains, hdc in next hdc and rest to end, join.

R6 ch2, hdc 7, ch4, sc into the 3rd skipped stitch from round 4 so all the ch rows are bunched together, ch3, miss the rest of the chains and hdc in each hdc to end. Join, Finish off and weave in ends 

Sweet Pea

3mm hook, fingerling 4ply baby yarn

R1. ch4, join to make a loop.

R2. ch2, 6hdc in the loop do not join

R3. hdc around until piece is 1.1 inches long, slst once to even out and prepare for increases

R4. ch3, dc same st, 2dc each round (12 counting chain)

R5. ch3, dc same st, *dc, 2dc in the next* Repeat around, join.

R6. ch3, dc in each st around, join.

R7-R11 Repeat R6

Finish off and weave in ends.

piece should be 4.5 inches from top to bottom. Fold the bottom few rows up so the finished piece measures about 3.4 inches

Simple Stripes

3.00mm Hook, fingering weight baby yarn in 2 colours.

Colour A: ch3, hdc 8 times into the first ch, join

pick up secondary colour and start crocheting with it. there is no need to end and rejoin new colours each round yet, simply drop the old and pick up the new :)

Colour B: ch2, hdc same st, 2hdc in each st around, join

Colour A: ch2, hdc same st, *hdc, 2hdc in the next st* repeat around, join

Colour B: ch2, hdc in each st around, join.

Colour A: Repeat previous row and after joining at the end of this row finish off colour A 

Colour B: ch2, hdc in each st around, join

Repeat previous row

ch1, sc in each st around. Finish off and weave in ends.

Striped Pixie Bonnet

3.00mm hook and sports weight yarn in 2 colours.

R1, Colour A: ch21. DC 3rd from hook each across

R2-R3. ch3, turn, dc in each st across. Finish off and weave in ends.

R4, Colour B: join colour with a sl st, ch3, dc in the same st, dc in each st across

R5-R6 ch3, turn, dc across

Fold in half and sl st up the back. weave in ends

Cut one length each of colour A and B (mine are 13 inches) fold in half and tie the loop onto the corner of the bonnet. Braid the tie and knot at the bottom. Repeat on the other side. Trim the ends so they are the same length.

Angel Baby Items Round-Up

This post serves as a visual database for items that are designed for or can be used for angel babies and preemies. All of the photos used are my own. Some patterns are mine, some are ones Ive found on the net and used (direct links to the originals, I do not want to step on anyone's toes with copywrite!). Other peoples patterns won't be added until I have made the item myself so I can use my own photographs and vouch that the pattern actually works. As I said, this is purely for a visual database so people can see at a glance what pattern they may like to use without opening hundreds of links.

Memory Pillow - Daisy Do

Memory Pillow - Big Bow

Memory Pillow - Ruffled Edges

Sunflower Angel Layette

Little Clusters Hat

Ribbons n Bows Hat

Stacked Shells Blanket 35x35cm

Little Blue Belle

CutiePie Cap

Micro Preemie Hats, Caps and Bonnets

Snuggle Cuddle Cocoon

Shells Bonnet

Memory Pillow V3 - Daisy Do

Version 3 is based on cushions that have buttons in the middle that pull in, however by the time I added my edging it looks more like a flower, so Daisy Do it is!

If you happened to miss the first 2, these are Memory Pillows, designed for Chance's Clothing Project, their link is in V1 post :)

This one is a little more complicated then the other 2, but it is faster. Crocheting in a round always works up faster then back and forth. Here goes!


dk weight yarn
2 buttons
4.00mm hook

R1. Ch3
R2. DC 10 times in the first chain
R3. Ch3, 2dc in each st around, join.
R4. Ch3, dc in the same st *dc, 2dc in the next* Repeat around, join
R5. Ch3, dc in the same st *dc, dc, 2dc in the next* Repeat around, join


Hold both pieces together, wrong sides facing and in contrasting colour single crochet around the 2 circles to join them together. Stuff before you get to the end.

*ch3, sk2, sc* Repeat around and join to the first ch
(sl st, hdc, dc, tc, dc, hdc, sl st) in each ch3 space, sl st to the first sl st to join.

Adding the buttons

Tie on your yarn with a knot on the front of the pillow. Pass the needle through to the centre of the back and through one hole in the button, pass back through the button then out the front of the pillow. pass through the first then second hole on the front button then push the needle back through to the back of the pillow. Pull really tight so the buttons pinch on a little and tie a knot underneath the back button so it covers the knot, then weave in the ends. Button attached!