Goodbye 2013 - Gearing up for a new year of patterns.

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to put up a little blog post today as a way of saying farewell to 2013.
Wow has it been a huge one, both on and offline.

2013 saw a new chapter for my patterns. To start with, I opened up a new Facebook page More from Mamma That Makes in order to separate out the patterns, tutorials and scrap kits from my for sale items. I *think* I now have the largest collection of preemie and stillborn crochet patterns on the web from a single designers. (as in, all my own, not a compilation of other peoples patterns on one site) and that is just amazing.

I also opened up a store on Hand-Made.com to sell my items HERE which has enabled me to get a small amount of money to help cover postage to the many charities I support, and to help cover yarn and supplies that I'd need. That's right, all my sales profits get sunk into charity. Pretty neat huh!

My Ravelry Page exploded with favs, qeues and project photos as I added more and more patterns, which is always exciting. I now have 135 patterns listed on Rav, and love seeing every one's project images! The colour combinations are truly amazing.

I submitted 78 FREE crochet patterns patterns right here on this blog. Most of them are preemie patterns, and it makes me so happy when people use them!

I made some amazing crochet friends along the way, and met some amazing people who run baby loss organisations all over the world. It is always wonderful to meet like minded people.

My patterns were featured on some great round ups and blogs for 2013 as well which made me very happy indeed!

Of course this year also had a lot of personal downs as well, including the loss of my little Frankie at 6 weeks. But with the amazing support of all my friends both on and offline, it has made the journey so much easier, and made me all the more determine to do what I do.

So what is the plan now? What is in store for 2014?

More! I well exceeded my plan for a pattern a week for 2014, I want to do that again if I can. More patterns for preems, more for burial. More for Barbie and more Props. More food! More scrapbooking and even some kids crafts. Some reviews too! I have so many ideas, and I can not wait to get started on them!!
As always, I am totally open to pattern requests, just ask!

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season and enjoy all the celebrations that happen at this time of the year. Much love to each and every one of you!

Shell Favour Bag or Jar Cover

This pattern is for a dainty little dual purpose item. Add a tie and you have a beautiful favour bag, that could be used for parties and weddings. Leave the tie off and you have an intricate and fun jar cover, that again could be used for a wedding or party. Add a tealight to a jar and you have a romantic table setting. Ohh the possibilities, and it is so so simple to make!

You will need
fingering weight yarn (4ply)
4mm hook (can be changed to get the size you need, experiment with smaller or larger hooks, smaller or larger yarn also changed the outcome.)

1: ch2, hdc 8 times in the first chain, join.
2: ch2, hdc in the same stitch, 2hdc in each remaining stitch.
3: ch2, hdc in the same stitch, *hdc in the next stitch, 2hdc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join.
4: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join. (or if making a jar cover, you can do this round back loop only to give a more defined edge)
5: ch3 (dc, ch1, dc2) in the same stitch, skip 3 stitches *(2dc, ch1, 2dc) in the next stitch, skip 3* repeat around, join to top of 1st ch3
6: sl st to the first ch1 from previous round, ch3 (dc, ch1, dc2) in the same stitch, skip to the next ch1 space *(2dc, ch1, 2dc) in space, * repeat around, join to top of 1st ch3
7-9: Repeat round 6
10-11: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

End off and weave in tails. Using a long piece of ribbon weave in and out of the gaps in R9 and pull tight to close.

Christmas Stocking Cocoon - Free Pattern

It has been so very busy here these last few weeks! Ive been working on this beauty on and off but finally got it finished today in time to share for the holiday season!

This stocking has duel purposes. It is designed first as a photography prop, and so that is what it is sized to. You can also use it as a decoration, or as a regular giant sized stocking.
It will fit a newborn baby inside, up to maybe 10lb. If you have a bigger bub, jump the hooksize up from a 9 to a 10.
Instructions are for a solid stocking but you can very easily make one with stripes, in blocks of colour, with heel and toe in a contrasting. Multiple possibilities!

You will probably find I only have 2-3 more patterns to share this year, as I am gearing up ready for 2014. This year I aimed for a pattern a week and I came mighty close. Next year Id like that to be a reality. There is still a huge lacking of prem and angel sized items out there, it is my mission to fix that! If you have ideas, suggestions or anything that you want to see as far as keepsakes and prem related patterns, by all means please let me know!

You will need:
1 ball of your main colour in DK weight yarn (8ply)
1 ball of yarn in a contrasting colour yarn (dk or.), chenille works great for this
9mm hook
sewing needle.

The entire piece is worked double stranded to make it super thick and chunky.

1. Into a magic ring, ch2, dc 8 times, join. Pull tight (or if you prefer, ch2, dc 8 times into the first chain)

2. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch and twice in each remaining stitch around. join. (16)

3. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch, dc in the next stitch, *2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch* repeat around, join. (24)

4. ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in each stitch around, join (24)

5. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, *2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches* Repeat around, join. (32)

6-10. ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in each stitch around

If changing colours for the heel this is where you would end off main and attach contrasting yarns. The next few rows are straight rows requiring turning.

11. ch3, dc in the same stitch and the next 17 stitches (18)

12-14. ch3, turn, do in each stitch across

Now we're going to go back to working in rounds
End off your yarn leaving a long tail. Sew up the heel of your work. (see image)

15. rejoin your yarn (if using a contrasting heel, switch back to your main colour) in or close to the seam and chain 3. dc evenly around the entire opening, join, you should have 28 (or close to it) stitches. If not, go back and add a enough extra ones to bring you to 28.

16. ch3, dc, 2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches, dc2 in the next stitch, dc in the next 5, dc2 in the next stitch, dc  in the next 5, dc2 in the next, dc in the last 2, join.

Now we work on gaining some height with simple dc rounds.

12-17. ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.

End off your main colour and join chenille yarn for the cuff (or contrasting normal yarn)

18-20. ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.

There you have one, one huge sized stocking as a cocoon, or a decoration, or to use as a unique giftwrap perhaps!

Vest for prems

Find me and this pattern on Ravelry

Hello beautiful people.

Sorry there were no patterns last week. I had nothing scheduled and was so flat out with some other things I simply didn't have time. Its been a very up and down few weeks. 

Today I have a new pattern and something a little different. The idea for this came from necessity as I found myself needing to whip up an outfit for a friend on short notice.

This little vest has side button shoulders to help with dressing and will fit a bub of around 36 weeks gestation or in the 4-5 lb bracket. Of course this will vary from bub to bub but it is easily adjusted. Works as a burial item and as a wearable for a prem that no longer needs tubes or wires. Remember to use nice soft yarn.

You will need: 

dk weight yarn in a main and contrasting colours.

4mm hook

2 buttons

sewing needle

With Contrasting colour
R1: chain 50, join
R2: ch3, dc in each st around, join.
R3: Repeat R2
End off contrasting colour and join main colour.
R4-R8: Repeat R2
R9: slst in the first 3 stitches, dc in the next 20 stitches
R10: ch2, turn, dc in the first 10 stitches
R11: ch2, turn dc2tg, dc in the next 6 stitches, dc2tg
R12: ch2, turn, dc in the first 6 stitches, dc2tg
R13: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the last 5 stitches
R14: ch2, turn, dc across
R15-16: Repeat R14
Finish off, weave in ends.

R17: With front of piece facing you count back 11 stitches from the dc's on R10, join main colour yarn. Dc in the same stitch and the next 9 stitches
R18: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the next 6 stitches, dc2tg
R19: ch2, turn, dc in the first 6 stitches, dc2tg
R20: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the last 5 stitches
R21: ch2, turn, dc across
R22-23: Repeat R21
Finish off and weave in ends.

Making the back:
R24: Withh the front of the vest facing away from you, on R9 join yarn in the second unworked stitch from the RIGHT side, dc in the same stitch and the next 26 stitches
R25: ch2, turn dc2tg, dc in the next 22 stitches, dc2tg
R26: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the next 20 stitches, dc2tg
R27: ch2, turn, dc across
R28-29: Repeat R27
R30: ch2, turn, dc in the first 5 stitches, sc in the next 10 stitches, dc in the last 5 stitches
R31: Repeat R30
End off main colour and weave in ends.

With back facing up change to contrasting colour on right hand shoulder corner.

ch1, sc in the next 2 stitches, sl st in the next stitch, ch10, slst back into the same space as previous slst, sc in the next 14 stitches, slst in the next, ch10, slst back into the same stitch again, sc in the next 2 stitches.

Continue down the side of the armhole and evenly around the entire opening. Join when you get back to the first sc.

Attach buttons to the front of the shoulders, the loops created on the contrast edging round will hold the shoulders closed. Make sure the buttons are down a few cm's so the shoulder seams will overlap a little when it is buttoned up.

Crochet Hammer Toy

Hello beautiful people,

A fun and quirky little crocheted piece today! My girls just love to play make believe and they requested a hammer. Well, a crocheted hammer is a LOT safer to play with then anything I could buy, and I thought that other little tikes would get a bit of fun with this too. It is fairly simple to make and you could even add a rattler if you wanted to make it as a rattle.

You will need:
dk weight yarn in hammer head and handle colours
3.5mm hook
small amount of stuffing

Head crocheted in non continual rounds, join at the end of each round. Handle crocheted in continual rounds, place a stitch marker at the start of the row.

Head:
R1. ch2, 8sc in the first chain, join
R2. ch1, hdc in the same stitch, 2hdc in all remaining stitches, join
R3. ch1, hdc in the same stitch, *hdc, 2hdc in the next stitch* repeat around, join
R4. ch1, hdc in the same stitch, *hdc, hdc, 2hdc in the next stitch* repeat around, join
R5. ch1, hdc in each back loop only around, join
R6. ch1, hdc in each stitch around, join
R7. ch1, *hdc2tg, hdc, hdc* repeat around, join
R8-13. ch1, hdc in each stitch around, join
R14. ch1, *2hdc, hdc in the next 2 stitches* repeat around, join.
R15. ch1, hdc in each stitch around, join
R16. ch1, hdc in each back loop only around, join
*start stuffing your hammer head now*
R17. ch1, *hdc2tg, hdc in the next 2 stitches* repeat around, join
R18. ch1, *hdc2tg, hdc in the next stitch* repeat around, join
*finish stuffing*
R19. cfh1, hdc2tg around, join.
End off, weave in ends.

Handle
R1. ch2, 6sc in the first chain, place marker
R2. sc twice in each stitch around
R3. *2sc, sc in the next stitch* repeat around
R4. sc in each back loop only around
R5-7. scin each stitch around
R8. *sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tg* repeat around
R9+ sc in each stitch around until desired length. End off yarn and weave in ends. Stuff handle firmly.

Tie on the end of the handle (optional)
R1. ch20, leaving long tails at each end for sewing as a loop into the bottom of the handle.

Attach the loop to the end of the handle.
Sew the handle to the hammer head. Weave in all ends.

Two Tone Strap Shoes for Preemies

Good morning beautiful people! I have a little bootie pattern for you today. These are so very quick to make and use barely any yarn at all making them a wonderful scrap buster project, while at the same time helping out families that need these items. These booties will fit around 28 weeks gestation, however up or down a hook size and you can make them for 26 and 30 weeks.

3mm hook and dk weight yarn in 2 colours.
2 small buttons

With sole colour:
R1: ch10, dc in the 3rd chain from hook, dc in the next 6 chains, dc 4 times in the last chain, which will bring you to the opposite side of the chains you just worked in, dc in the next 6 stitches, dc in the last stitch and join. (18)

R2: ch2, hdc twice in the same stitch as the chain, 2hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 5 stitches, 2hdc in each of the next 4 stitches, hdc in the next 5 stitches, 2hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, join. (26)

R3: ch2, sc in the back loop only, each stitch around, join. (26)

End first colour, join second colour.

R4: ch2, hdc in the next 7 stitches, dc2tg (double crochet 2 together) 6 times, hdc in the last 7 stitches, join. (20)

R5: ch2, sc in the first 5 stitches, dc2tg 5 times, sc in the last 5 stitches, join. (15)

For RIGHT bootie R6: sl st in the first 5 stitches, chain 14, skip 7 chains and sl st into the 8th chain and sl st in each remaining chain, sl st back into that 5th sc and end off. Weave in all ends.

For LEFT bootie R6: ch1, TURN, sl st in the first 5 stitches, chain 14, skip 7 chains and sl st into the 8th chain and sl st in each remaining chain, sl st back into that 5th sc and end off. Weave in all ends.

Add buttons and you are done. These booties are a little fiddly to get going but after a few they are so very fast to make up and look great in any colour.

Ridges and Ravines Prem Beanie

Hello again,
Today's hat is a fun little one that is full of texture. Works beautifully in all colours too. This hat will fit a bub of 30-32 weeks gestation.

You will need:
dk weight (8ply) yarn and a 3.5mm hook.

R1: ch2, 8hdc in the second chain from hook, join

R2: ch3, dc in the same stitch, *fpdc around the next stitch post, dc in the top of the same stitch you just crocheted around (this creates the increase like a normal hat while starting the ridges)* repeat around, join (18 in total, 8dc's, 8fpdc's)

R3: ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next stitch (which will be the top of the fpdc from the previous round), fpdc around the fpdc from the previous round, *dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch (which will be the top of the fpdc from the previous round), fpdc around the fpdc from the previous round* repeat around, join (27)

R4: ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch (which will be the top of the fpdc from the previous round), fpdc around the fpdc from the previous round, *dc in the next 2 stitches, dc in the next stitch (which will be the top of the fpdc from the previous round), fpdc around the fpdc from the previous round* repeat around, join

R5-8: ch3, *dc in the next 3 dc's, fpdc around the next fpdc* repeat aorund, join.

R9-11: ch2, hdc in the 3rd loop (the back BACK loop, you can see here) around, join.

Finish off and weave in all ends.

Mohair Bricks Beanie

Good morning everyone! Today I have a super cute and fun mohair hat pattern for you all! Made with Moda Vera Fern, which is a 4ply fingering weight mohair blend. Any similar weight yarn or mohair should work fine. This hat is sized at 0-3 months, drop a hook size to 4.5mm for very new babies or add another increase round and a few more brick repeats for a larger size.

You will need:
Moda Vera Fern, or another similar 4ply mohair yarn
5mm hook

R1: ch2, dc 12 times in 1st chain, join.
R2: ch2, 2dc in each stitch around - 24
R3: ch2, *2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join - 36
R4: ch2, *2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches* Repeat around, join - 48
R5: ch2, *2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches* Repeat around, join - 60

R6: ch4(sc+ch3), sk 3 stitches and sc in the 4th, *ch3, sk 3, sc* repeat around, slst to the first chain of the starting ch4

R7: sl st into the first ch3 space ch3 (counts as first dc), dc twice more in the same ch3 space, 3dc in each ch3 space around, join

R8: ch1, sc in the same stitch, sk the first set of dc stitches and sc in the space between them and the next 3, *ch3, sk 3, sc in the space between the 3dc clusters* repeat around, slst to the first chain of the starting ch3

R9: sl st into the first ch3 space ch3 (counts as first dc), dc twice more in the same ch3 space, 3dc in each ch3 space around, join

R10: ch1, sc in the same stitch, sk the first set of dc stitches and sc in the space between them and the next 3, *ch3, sk 3, sc in the space between the 3dc clusters* repeat around, slst to the first chain of the starting ch3

R11: sl st into the first ch3 space ch3 (counts as first dc), dc twice more in the same ch3 space, 3dc in each ch3 space around, join

R12: ch1, sc in the same stitch, sk the first set of dc stitches and sc in the space between them and the next 3, *ch3, sk 3, sc in the space between the 3dc clusters* repeat around, slst to the first chain of the starting ch3

R13: sl st into the first ch2 space ch3 (counts as first hdc), hdc twice more in the same ch3 space, 3hdc in each ch3 space around, join

R14: ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. End off and weave in all ends.

Ribbon Edged Beanie

Good morning lovlies!

Today I have a simple and fun preemie pattern for you. This works just great for boys or girls and is a great way to use up leftover lengths of ribbon. Made as instructed it will fit a baby at 30-32 weeks gestation.
Starting chain does not count as a stitch.

You will need:
dk weight yarn
3.5mm hook
Small length of ribbon (12-15 inches depending on if you wish to bow it or not)
Optional: A button.

R1: ch3, dc 10 times into the first chain, join.
R2: ch3, dc twice in  each stitch around, join.
R3: ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.
R4: ch3, dc twice in each stitch around, join.
R5-7: ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.
R8: ch3, dc in the same stitch, *skip one stitch, ch1, dc in the next stitch* repeat around, join.
R9: ch2, hdc in each stitch and ch1 space around, join.
R10: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

Weave your ribbon in and out of the spaces from R8. You can tie in a bow, or sew a button over the join.
If you have thinner ribbon, replace R8 with hdc's instead of dc's (and add an extra hdc round to the end). If you have thicker ribbon, use triple crochets on R8, and change the last hdc round to a sc round.

Super Versatile Romper

                        

Hello wonderful people!


I hope everyone is doing well. Ive been on holiday on the east coast of Tasmania, my gosh, it was very beautiful and inspiring. I am however, glad to be home and back to my crochet. 

I have a super fun pattern for you all today, one that Ive had in my mind for some time now and never really got to working on until this week. Introducing, the super versatile romper! Be it a boy or a girl, this romper works for both. As an article of clothing, a summer cover-up or even as a photography prop.

I have a bunch of fun variations posted which will come in over the next few weeks, but for now, here is the basic pattern.

The sizing is based off a baby in 000 (in Aus sizes, which is equivalent to a 0-3 month)

You could easily adjust this by upping the hook and yarn sizes, just remember that larger babies have longer torsos so you will need to add some extra rounds after R17 to compensate for this.

Worsted weight yarn is not readily available in Australia (Anyone want to post some down? hehe) so I can't test with this, but I would hazard a guess that worsted and a 6mm with some extra rows *should* get you around the 3-6month mark.

Ch2 at the start of the rounds/rows does NOT count in the stitch count.



You will need:
dk weight yarn in a main and contrasting colour
5mm hook
4 buttons

R1: ch20

R2: dc in the 3rd chain from hook and each across (18)

R3: ch2, turn, dc across (18)

R4: ch2, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 16 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch (20)

R5: ch2, turn, dc in each stitch across (20)

R6: ch2, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 18 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch (22)

R7: ch2, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 20 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch (24)

R8: ch2, turn, dc in each stitch across (24)

R9: chain 24,, turn, skip all 24 stitches and join to the very last stitch. From here we will work in a round.

R10: ch2, dc in each stitch and chain around, join (48)

R11-17: ch2, dc in each stitch around, join

R18: ch2, dc in the next 24 stitches (24)

R19: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the next 20 stitches, dc2tg (22)

R20: ch2, turn, dc in the first stitch, dc2tg twice, dc in the next 12 stitches, dc2tg twice, dc in the last stitch (18)

R21: ch2, dc, dc2tg three times, dc in the next 4 stitches, dc2tg three times, dc in the last stitch(12)

R22: ch2, turn, dc in the first stitch, dc2tg, dc in the next 6 stitches, dc2tg, dc in the last stitch (10)

R23: ch2, turn, dc, dc2tg, dc, dc2tg, dc, dc2tg, dc (7)

R24: ch1, turn, sc across. End off, weave in ends.


R25: With the back of the piece facing you, Join yarn to the first unworked st from round 17, ch2, dc in the same st and the next 23 stitches (24)

R26: ch2, turn, dc2tg, dc in the next 20 stitches, dc2tg (22)

R27: ch2, turn, dc, dc2tg, dc in the next 16 stitches, dc2tg , dc (20)

R28: ch2, turn, dc, dc2tg twice, dc 10, dc2tg twice, dc (16)

R29: ch2, dc, dc2tg three times, dc twice, dc2tg three times, dc (10)

R30: ch2, turn, dc, dc2tg four times, dc (6)

R31-32: ch2, turn, dc across (6)

ch2, turn, 2dc in the first st, dc in the next 4 stitches, 2dc in the last st (8) End off.


With a contrasting colour sc evenly around all edges (both the bottom opening and the top)

Weave in all ends.

Straps

R1: ch25, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each across (23)
R2: ch1, sc in the end (side) of the last dc stitch, then on the opposite side of the chains to the dc you just made, sc in each across (see pic below), at the end do another sc in the side of the dc and then sc back across the dc’s from R1. Join with a sl st, end off and weave in tails.

Sew straps to the back of the bodysuit.

Add buttons, 2 for the bottom and 2 for the straps.

                                       

Recipe - Choc Nana Muffins

Good morning people!

Today's recipe is for a rich chocolate banana muffin. Its a nice solid yet moist muffin that packs a chocolatey punch!

Ingredients:
1 and a 1/2 cups of SR flour
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup brown sugar
2TBS cocoa powder
2 small to medium bananas

1. Mash the banana and the brown sugar together and set aside.
2. Add the flour and cocoa powder to a bowl and mix.
3. Add egg, milk and butter to the dry mix and stir to combine.
4. Add the banana mix and fold in gently.
Place spoonfuls into prepared muffin trays (I use silicone ones) and bake for 15 minutes at 180c or until a skewer comes out clean.

These taste great both warm and cold so if you can't resist waiting, by all means eat one warm.
For a less in your face chocolate hit cut the cocoa powder back to 1 tablespoon. I got 18 large muffins from this mix.

Recipe - Packet mix to tropical cupcakes

Hello hello!

Today's post is a little easy trick and recipe. We'll use a basic vanilla cake mix and add some zaazaazoom to make it into delectable tropical cupcakes!

I use super basic super cheap mixes when Im running short on time and just want to hurl things at a bowl without too much worry. These types of recipes are also great starting points for anyone thats a beginner or not quite so confident in the kitchen.
I use Coles homebrand vanilla buttercake packet mix. Its 99 cents. You can't beat that!

Yes, yes that IS a Christmas tray. I should probably invest in some non christmasy ones!

You will need:
1 small lemon - Zest and juice
1 small orange - Zest and juice
1 vanilla cake mix + the ingredients it says to add.

Icing:
yellow and red food colourings
1/2 tsp coconut essence
2 TBS coconut
40g butter or margarine
100g icing sugar

Mix the packet mix as per the directions. Grate the rind off of both the lemon and orange, and then squeeze the juice from each into the batter. Stir well. Spoon into patty cases (Mine come from Shiploads, $1.90 a pack)
Bake as per instructions on the pack, which is usually about 25-30 minutes on 180c. You'll know they are done when a skewer comes out clean.
Let cool completely before icing.

In a bowl put the margarine and icing sugar. Beat with a blender. Add 3-4 drops of yellow food colouring, 2 drops of red food colouring, the coconut essence. Beat it a little more, if it is too thick add a slight amount of water, 1/2 tsp at a time, too thin, some more icing sugar, 1tbs at a time. I aim for an almost butterlike consistency.
Spread the icing on top of the cupcake and sprinkle with a little coconut.

Thats it! You just turned a boring 99cent cakemix into a tasty tropical mouthsplosion! Yum!

The flavours you can make with a packet mix are endless, try some other combinations!

Crochet socks for preemies and full term babies

Ravelry Page Here

Hello hello!

Finally happy to be back with a new pattern for everyone. Im super excited about this one too!
SOCKS! Well, bootie style socks at least. These ones come in a variety of sizes, so please ready the instructions.

For 26-28 weeks you will need 4ply (fingering or light sport weight) yarn and a 4mm hook.
For 28-32 weeks you will need 8ply (dk weight) yarn and a 3mm hook
For 32-36 weeks you will need 8ply (dk weight) yarn and a 4mm hook
For 38-40 weeks and 0-3 months 8ply (dk weight) yarn and a 4.5mm hook

You will need a main and a contrasting colour. These booties use very little yarn so wonderful for scrapbusting.

For all sizes with the correct yarn weight and hook size: Starting with your contrasting colour:

R1: Ch2, hdc 8 times into the first chain, join. (8)
R2: Ch2, hdc twice in each stitch around, join. (16)
End contrasting colour and join main colour
R3: Ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join. (16)
R4-5: Repeat R3
R6: NEWBORN SIZE ONLY: Repeat R3
R7: Ch2, hdc in the next 10 stitches, turn. (10)
R8-9: Repeat R7 (10)
R9: For 32-36, 38-40 and 0-3 Months Only: Repeat R7
R10: This row is completed along the top of the bootie. (Refer to image below) Work 15 (17 for 32+) hdc stitches evenly in the ends across the top.
R11: ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across.
End off leaving a tail long enough to sew the heel closed. Sew heel and weave in ends.
Join contrasting colour to any stitch from R11
R12: ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.
R13: Repeat R12.
End off contrasting colour and weave in ends.

Sock completed. Make a second for a pair.

 

You can also make them in a solid colour, or with only the toe in a contrasting colour.

Spice the Witch - Mini Snuggle

Hello everyone!

Super excited about today's pattern. I said a while ago Id have some more mini snuggles at some point and well, here is one thats just in time for some Halloween fun!

Spice the witch is pretty easy to make, but does have a few fiddly bits. All in all tho, any beginner should be able to make her.

You will need:
DK weight yarn in cream, black, green, purple and a small amount of red
3mm and 5mm hooks
2 safety eyes
small amount of stuffing
stitch marker

Head: With 3mm and cream
1: ch2, sc 6 times in the first , place marker
2: 2sc in each stitch around (12)
3: *sc in the first stitch, 2sc in the next* Repeat around (18)
4: *sc in the first 2 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch* Repeat around (24)
5-7: sc in each stitch around
Insert eyes around rounds 4-5
8: *sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tg* Repeat around (18)
9: *sc in the next stitch, sc2tg* Repeat around (12)
10: sc2tg 6 times, end off leaving long tail for sewing (6)
Weave yarn in and out of the last 6 stitches and pull tight to gather, tie off but leave the long end to sew the head to the blanket.

Hair:
Take red yarn and cut into 5 x 35cm lengths. Take the centre of the strands and attatch them to the centre top of the head (see pic) I fold mine in half (centre) and pull the loop through a stitch, then pull the strands through the loop (like adding a braid to a hat). cut 2 more sets of 5 strands and repeat the process, one in front and one behind of the first set you attached.
Split the hair so 5 strands from each of the 3 groups is on one side, and the remaining strands on the other. Braid/plait the hair and tie a not in the end. Cut to length.

Hat: with 3mm and black
1: ch2, sc 5 times in the first chain, place marker (5)
2: sc in each stitch around (5)
3: sc 3, 2sc in the next st, sc (6)
4: sc 2, 2sc in the next st, sc 3 (7)
5: sc 3, 2sc in the next st, sc 3 (8)
6: sc 3, 2sc in the next st, sc 3, 2sc in the next stitch (10)
7: sc in each stitch around (10)
8: *sc, 2sc in the next stitch* Repeat around (15)
9: sc in each stitch around (15)
10: Change to purple, sc in each stitch around (15)
11: Change to green, sc in each stitch around (15)
12: Change to black, ch2, 2dc in each stitch around, join. (30)
End off leaving a long tail. Sew hat to top of dolls head.

Blanket: 5mm hook and starting with black
1: ch4, join
2: In the ch4 loop, ch3, dc twice, ch2, *dc 3 times, ch2*, repeat twice more, join.

3: sl st in the next dc and then into the ch2 space. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 space, *ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the next ch2 space* Repeat twice more, join.

4:  sl st in the next dc and then into the ch2 space. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 space, *ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the next ch2 space, ch1, 3dc in the next ch1 space* Repeat twice more, join. End off black.

5: Join purple to a corner.  Into the ch2 space. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 space, *ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the next ch2 space, ch1, 3dc in the next ch1 space, ch1, 3dc into the next ch1 space* Repeat twice more, join. End purple.

6: Join black in a corner. Into the ch2 space. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 space, *ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the next ch2 space, ch1, 3dc in the next ch1 space, ch1, 3dc into the next ch1 space, ch1, 3dc into the next ch1 space* Repeat twice more, join. End black.

7: Join green yarn into the middle stitch of any 3dc cluster on a side. ch3, dc 3 more times in the same stitch, *sl st into the next ch1 space, skip 1dc, and do 5dc into the 2nd (middle) stitch of the next 3dc cluster* Repeat around, when you get back to the start, do 1dc into the same stitch the ch3 is in and join to the top of the chain 3. End off and weave in ends.

Sew the head onto the blanket.
Embroider a mouth on the doll.

Recipe - Mixed Berry Muffins

Hello!

Well, today I have something completely different from my normal posts and I hope you'll enjoy this. I've been playing around in the kitchen working on some recipes!

I LOVELOVE to bake, I always have. I usually throw things together without paying too much attention to writing anything down. Its either a hit, or a miss. Basically anything that gives me a min of 3 thumbs up from the kids and my partner is a winner. I thought I'd start sharing these with you guys.

Todays recipe, and indeed my first to share, is for some mixed berry muffins. I use a tin of mixed berries for this. Its just at the end of winter here in Aus, so no fresh berries yet.

Ingredients:
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 cups SR flour
1/2 TBS baking powder
60g butter, melted
pinch of salt
3/4 cup berries and 2/3 cup juice from the can of mixed berries

Preheat oven to 180c
Makes roughly 18 muffins.

1. Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix them together.
2. Add all wet ingredients except the berries and mix until just combine.
3. Add in the mixed berries and gently combine so you don't break the berries up too much.
4. Spoon into a greased silicone muffin tray (or patty cases or a metal muffin tray. I prefer silicone-ware) and bake at 180c for about 20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

Turn onto a cooling rack and let sit until completely cooled before putting them away.

Thats it. The mix itself will look kinda gooey and slimy but thats fine. If you think the mix is too moist just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

My little Frankie

Today's post, and pattern, are both equally hard to write. I know that for some, this will be a hard read. For that reason alone, Ill be posting the pattern first. I understand if you don't wish to read on, but I am equally thankful for anyone that does. This hat, is not for a baby to wear, but more as a keepsake, an acknowledgement, a comfort.

My little Frankie

You will need:
2ply/3ply (Lace/light fingering weight yarn)
2mm hook

R1: Ch3, hdc 8 times in the first chain, join.
R2: Ch2, hdc twice in each stitch around, join.
R3-5: Ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
R6: ch1, sc in each stitch around join.

Make a very small pompom and attach to the top.



I know you are probably looking at this hat and wondering why on earth would there ever be a need for such a tiny tiny hat. A hat that fits on the tip of a womans finger. Why?

Well, let me tell you.
3 weeks ago, I pee'd on a stick and that stick told me TADAA you are having a baby! After a long time of trying, it was a moment of excitement, of joy, of happy. A dream of future things and little smiles and tiny toes to blow raspberries on. Quickly, take another test! We have to make sure this is right! 3 sticks and a blood test later, and we'd confirmed that we were indeed having a baby! We nicknamed it Frankie. We told very few people, we wanted to wait a little.

2 weeks ago, the dreams were pushed to the backburner as anxiety set in and I started with some light spotting. No worries, Im thinking. A lot of women spot, some even have entire periods while pregnant! I can deal with this. The next day it was a little heavier, and I decided ok, gotta go get this checked out.
After a lengthy ER visit with my bestie, I had bloods done and a scan and discovered I was 5 weeks, 2 days along and my tiny little Frankie, was in a little itty sack all of 5cm.
Go home, they said. Take it easy. We wont know much but you know a lot of women do spot, if you get crampy or pass clots come back.

On Monday this week, at 6 weeks, 1 day, I sat again in the ER awaiting blood results.

I became a member of a community that to date, Id only supported.

The lady doctor who'd been treating me walks over to where I am sitting in a crowded waiting room. I knew, I knew the second she came over. Every other person was just called out to, and they stood and went. No, she walked over, clipboard in hand. She says to me "Would you like the results here or do you wish to go to elsewhere?"
I knew. I knew and I was angry. Angry that she had thought that it was an ok thing to break the news that my little baby was gone in a packed waiting room. Packed, as in, no sitting room wall to wall people wedged in like sardines. How the heck did she think that was an ok thing to ask?

So I reply with "Id like to go somewhere else, obviously!"

No, we didn't get lead to a room. We got led to a seat at a table in the kiosk, and there she told me that unfortunately it was not good news, my hormone levels were dropping and that there would be no baby.
I'd knew, Id guessed and now Id had confirmation. I wont say I took it ok, I bawled, and I sobbed, and I had the whole snot running down your face thing going on and she just sat there not saying a word.
Once I manage to regain some sort of composure she tells me "It was so early that you wont need any procedure. Go home, let nature take its course, go see your GP in 2-3 days" and with that she stood, shuffled her papers on her clipboard and left.

No time to ask questions. No support. No anything.
In a cruel twist of irony Id left that hospital in the one way Ive spent the last 2 years working against. Empty. With empty hands and an empty heart. I wasn't even offered a flier on grief, or a support group. Nothing.

Its hard to know what to write. I lost Frankie. We lost Frankie. Frankie had passed on. Nothing really sounds right, nothing made sense. What I do know, is I have not lost my fight to change the way early loss and loss in general is dealt with. For a brief moment, I had a baby. It was real, it was there. It was tiny and loved and so very wanted from the very second that line turned blue, it was wanted. Noone has the right to dismiss that like it is nothing and noone, noone ever, should leave the hospital empty handed. I can promise you, I will fight like heck to change that!

Mini tampon wallet

Morning peeps!

Another sanitary wallet today. This one came about while trying to find ways to use up some variegated yarns. I LOVE the colours in them, but Im often unimpressed with how they crochet up and as a result have heaps of these barely used balls of variegated. Time to do something with them all!

This itty little wallet will hold 2 regular and 2 mini tampons and its super quick to work up.

You will need:
DK weight (8ply) yarn
3mm hook
1 button

ch12, sc in the second chain from hook and each across to the second last, in that do 2sc, on the opposite side of the chain stitches work sc's back across to the end, and one sc in the very last stitch, do not join.

We'll be working in rounds now, sc in each stitch around until your piece measures 6cm. Fold your pouch flat and mark off the middle 9 stitches on one long side. These will be your closing flap. sc till you get to the last of the 9 stitches you marked.

Ch1, turn, sc 9.
ch1, turn, sc 9
ch1, turn, sc2tg, sc in the next 5, sc2tg
ch1, turn, sc 7
ch1, turn, sc in the first 3 stitches, ch2 (or ch3 if you are using a larger button), sc in the last 3 stitches.

Finish off, weave in all ends. Add the button and your done!

Rosies Cozies - Jack-O-Lantern Beanies

Good morning everyone! Today's pattern is the 4th in a series of 12 for Rosies Cozies.
It is a super cute and very easy to make Jack-O-Lantern beanie for Halloween!

You will need:
3.5mm hook
DK weight yarn in pumpkin coloured orange, black and green
Sewing needle.

26 Weeks
R1: ch2, hdc 8 times in the first stitch, join - 8
R2: ch2, 2hdc in each stitch around, join - 16
R3: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join - 24
R4: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches* Repeat around, join - 32
R5-10: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

28 Weeks
R1: ch2, hdc 8 times in the first stitch, join - 8
R2: ch2, 2hdc in each stitch around, join - 16
R3: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join - 24
R4: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches* Repeat around, join - 32
R5: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 3 stitches* Repeat around, join - 40
R6-12: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

30-32 Weeks
R1: ch2, hdc 8 times in the first chain, join.
R2: ch2, 2hdc in each stitch around, join.
R3: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join.
R4: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitchs* Repeat around, join.
R5: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 3 stitchs* Repeat around, join.
R6: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 4 stitchs* Repeat around, join.
R7-14: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

Green Vine:
Chain 15 for 26 weeks, 20 for 28 and 30/32 weeks. hdc 3 times in the 2nd chain from hook and all remaining chains, this will cause the piece to curl. Sew to the centre top of the beanie.

Eyes: Make 2
ch4 (counts as ch1 and first dc), dc into the first ch twice. ch1, turn, sc 3.
Sew onto hat

Mouth.
Using black yarn, backstitch a mouth on the front of your beanie. You can get a bit creative with the mouth shape, option for a smile, or a more traditional zigzag.

Of course, you could leave the eyes and mouth of completely and just use the hat as a pumpkin instead of a jack-o-lantern.