Hooded Cape - Free Preemie Pattern

Good morning beautiful people,

Today's pattern started as a request on my Facebook page for a hooded premature burial cape. I figure I'd start small, as I'd never made one before and so this lovely little hooded cape will fit a bub of 18 weeks gestation. It is a very simple stitch pattern to remember, but it does take a while to make. Still, I think the delicateness of it is well worth the time it takes to make.

You will need:
3.5mm hook
4ply/fingering weight yarn

1: ch61, sc in the 2nd chain from hook and each across
2: ch1, turn,in the first stitch (slst, ch3, 2dc), skip 2 stitches, *in the next stitch (slst, ch3, 2dc), skip the next 2 stitches* repeat across until the last stitch, sc in the last stitch.
3: ch1, turn, in the first sc, (slst, ch3, 2dc), *into the next ch3 space (sl st, ch3, 2dc)* repeat across to the last ch3 space, sc in the last ch3 space.
4-25: Repeat row 3
End odd and weave in tails.

Turn the cape so the first row is at the top and join your yarn, we'll work the next row in the same chains we started with.

26: ch1, sc in the first stitch, sc2tg, repeat across - (40)
27: Repeat row 26 - (27))
28: ch1, turn, (sl st, ch3, 2dc) in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, *in the next stitch (slst, ch3, 2dc), skip the next 2 stitches*, repeat  across until the last stitch, sc in the last stitch.
29: ch1, turn, (slst, ch3, 2dc) into the first sc, *into the next ch3 space (sl st, ch3, 2dc)* repeat across to the last ch3 space, sc in the last ch3 space.
30:  ch1, turn, in the first sc, (slst, ch3, 2dc), *into the next ch3 space (sl st, ch3, 2dc)* repeat across to the last ch3 space, sc in the last ch3 space.
31-38: Repeat row 30.
End off leaving a long tail. Using the tail, fold the hook in half and sew the seam up.

Join yarn to the bottom corner of the cape and sc evenly up the opening, around the hood and back down the other side of the opening. End off and weave in tails.

Chain 100 for a tie, weave the tie in and out of row 26 or 27.

Moo's Mitts

My youngest asked me this week for a pair of mitts because her fingers get cold on the way to school. Of course, mamma totally jumped at the challenge, and like everything else I make, I wrote the pattern as I went.

The verdict? Happy warm toasy fingers and one happy warm toasty kiddoe! If you want to make a pair, follow along with the instructions below. They are made from the band up and are about as basic as it gets. They do start with a foundation dc stitch, and you can find a video on that HERE
My daughter is 8 and has fairly dainty hands, I would say these should fit from about 6-8years.
They would be simple enough to adjust up, add some more foundation dc's to the start and make them a few rounds longer. They would also be great stashbusters for charity work. I plan on making some for a foster support group.

You will need:
DK/Light Worsted/8ply yarn
4mm hook

1: ch3, foundation dc 24 times, join.
2-3: ch2, fphdc, bphdc, repeat around, join
4: ch2, hdc back loop only, for each stitch around, join. (24)
5: ch2, *hdc in the first 5 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch* repeat 3 times, join. (28)
6: ch2, *hdc in the first 6 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch* Repeat around, join (32)
7-9: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
10: ch2, hdc in the first 24 stitches, skip the remaining 8 and join to the first hdc. (24) The leftover stitches will become the thumb later on.
11-12: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
13: ch2, hdc 10, hdc2tg, hdc10, hdc2tg, join (22)
14: ch2, hdc9, hdc2tg, hdc9, hdc2tg, join (20)
15: ch2, hdc8, hdc2tg, hdc8, hdc2tg, join (18)
16: ch2, *hdc4, hdc2tg* repeat around, join (15)
17: ch2, *hdc3, hdc2tg* repeat aorund, join (12)
18: ch2, hdc2tg around, join (6)

Leave a long tail and gather closed the top

join yarn to any unused stitch from round 8
1: ch2, hdc in all 8 unused stitches, and in the first and last used stitch from round 8, 10hdc in total, join.
2-5: ch2, hdc around, join
6: ch2, hdc2tg around, join. (5)
Use a long tail to gather the end closed.

Make a second mitt to complete the pair.

Bo's Pants - Free Prem Crochet Pattern

Good morning everyone,

Today's pattern is the matching pants from last weeks post. Super easy to whip up, and like the jacket, will work for either gender. The legs of the pants are crocheted in continual rounds, so there are less joins visible.

You will need to know how to complete the hdc5tg bobble.
To make it, you simply hdc 5 together, but in the one stitch. Here is a quick rundown: yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, pull yarn through (3 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (5 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (7 on hook), , yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (9 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (11 on hook), yarn over, pull through all 11 loops. One bobble completed.

You will need:
DK/Light Worsted/8ply yarn in a main and a contrasting colour
3.75mm hook
stitch marker

1: ch42, be careful not to twist, join.
2: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join. (42)
3: ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.
4-10: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
11: ch2, hdc in the first 21 stitches, skip the last 21 stitches, join. (one leg hole made)
12: ch1, hdc in all 21 stitches, place marker
13-19: hdc in each stitch around (21) On round 19, after the last stitch, sl st one.
20: Join contrasting colour to the slst and ch2, *hdc in the first 2 stitches, bobble in the next* repeat around ending with a hdc, join.
21: Join main colour and ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
End off and weave in tails.
Join the main colour to any unworked stitch on round 11and hdc in each stitch around, join (21)
Repeat rounds 12-21 for the second leg.

To make a tie, chain 90 and weave tie in and out of the dc round.

Fuzzle the Fluffy - Crochet Pattern

Good morning lovlies.

I'm going to be upfront here. I have a lovehate relationship with funfur (and other lashy/fluffy yarns) I love the colours they come in, and the soft squishiness of the finished piece and how utterly cute things made from it look. I hate how it is such a pain to use (even doubled with normal yarn) and how bits fly off and get stuck up my nose!

It seems over the years I have collected a whole crate of the stuff, and I'd really like to use it up! So, here is a pattern for some. I don't know how many more I'll have, but hey, one is a start right?

The trick to using funfurs, is to always hold them doubled with another solid plain yarn. It helps you find the stitches. Also, if you happen to miss a stitch, or come up with some extra ones, don't worry too much, funfur is very forgiving and you can't see any missed or extra stitches anyway!

So todays pattern is actually something my girls helped me think up, and its a super cute little monster-thing. We have decided to call it Fuzzle (because it looks kind of like a chuzzle, have you played that? So much fun!) It is pretty easy to do, even with the fun fur!

You will need:
Funfur (or any other brand/type of fluffy yarn, this one is Moda Vera Flurry)
Plain yarn in a matching colour (all plain yarns in this list are 8ply DK/light worsted weight)
Yellow and orange yarn for the feet
A contrasting yarn for the horns
Black and white yarn for the eyes
stuffing
5.5mm hook
3.5mm hook
Stitch marker

BODY
With the 5.5mm hook and the funfur held with the matching plain yarn

1: ch2, hdc into the first ch 6 times, place marker
2: 2hdc in each stitch around - (12)
3: *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch*, repeat around - (18)
4: *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitchs*, repeat around - (24)
5: *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 3 stitchs*, repeat around - (30)
6-8: hdc in each stitch around - (30)
9: *hdc2tg, hdc in the next 3 stitches* - (24)
10: *hdc2tg, hdc in the next 2 stitches* - (18)
11: *hdc2tg, hdc in the next stitch* - (12)
12: hdc2tg around - (6)

End off leaving a long tail but do not stuff the body just yet.

FEET
With 3.5mm hook and yellow yarn:

1: ch10, sc in the 2nd chain from hook,sc in the next 7 chains, sc once in the ed chain, now working on the opposite side of the chains we just used, sc in all 8, place a marker. - (17)
2-5: sc in each stitch around
6: *sc2tg, sc in the next stitch* repeat around, ending with a sc2tg- (11)
7: Repeat round 6 - (7 stitches remain)
End off and leave a long tail
Make a second foot.

Lightly stuff the feet and sew the opening closed but do not end off the yarn, you will need this to attach the feet to the body. Using some orange yarn stitch some toe marks into the feet.
Position feet under the body and sew them on. This is why we didn't stuff the body, it is easier to get the feet on without it being stuffed.

EYES
Using a 3.5mm hook and black yarn:
1: ch2, sc into the first chain 6 times, join
change to white
2: 2sc in each stitch around, join. End leaving long tail.
Make a second eye and sew the eyes onto the body.

HORNS
Using a 3.5mm hook and contrasting yarn
1: ch2, 6sc into the 1st chain, place marker- (6)
2: *2sc in the first stitch, sc in the next stitch* repeat around - (9)
3-4: sc in each stitch around
End off leaving a long tail. Make a second horn and attach them to the body.

Stuff the body firmly and using the long tail, gather and sew closed the gap.

Bo's Jacket - Free Prem Crochet Pattern

Good morning lovelies.

Wow its been quiet on here lately. Sorry! School holidays have had me running about like a mad woman. Things have calmed down some now my mini me's are back at school, and I have more hours for crocheting. One thing I did manage to do over the holidays however was work on this lovely little jacket (and matching pants, next week)

This jacket is fairly simple to make. The only complicated stitch is the bobble. This is the hdc5tg bobble. To make it, you simply hdc 5 together, but in the one stitch. Here is a quick rundown:
yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, pull yarn through (3 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (5 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (7 on hook), , yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (9 on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, pull yarn through (11 on hook), yarn over, pull through all 11 loops. One bobble completed.

This jacket will fit 28-30 weeks gestation.

You will need:
dk/light worsted/8ply yarn in a main and contrasting colour
3.75mm hook
2 buttons

With your main colour
1: chain 45, hdc in the second chain from hook and each across (44)
2: ch2, turn, *hdc in the first 3 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch*, repeat across (55)
3: ch2, turn, *hdc in the first 4 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch*, repeat across (66)
4: ch2, turn, *hdc in the first 5 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch*, repeat across (77)
5: ch2, turn, hdc in the first 11 stitches, chain 3, skip the next 17 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 20 stitches, ch3, skip the next 17 stitches, hdc in the last 11 stitches (49)
6: Change to contrasting colour and ch2, *hdc in the first 2 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch, bobble in the next stitch* repeat across, ending with a hdc in the last stitch (61)
7: Change to main colour and ch2, hdc in each stitch across (61)
8-9: ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across (61)
10: Change to contrasting colour and ch2, hdc in the first stitch, *bobble in the next stitch, hdc in the next 4 stitches* repeat across
11: Change to main colour and ch2, hdc in each stitch across
12-13: ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across
End off your main colour here and join contrasting colour.
14: sc around the entire edge of the jacket.
End off and weave in tails.

Join your main yarn to any stitch on the arm hole.
1: ch2, hdc evenly around the arm hole 25 times, join. (25)
2: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join (25)
3: ch2, hdc in the first 12 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the last 11 stitches, join (24)
4: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join (24)
5: ch2, hdc in the first 6 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 6 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the last 8 stitches, join (22)
6: ch2, hdc in the first 6 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 6 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the last 6 stitches, join (20)
End off and weave in tail.
Repeat for second sleeve.

Add buttons to the front of your jacket.

Done! One super cute little jacket. This one also looks fantastic in more boyish colours.

Rattie House, Take 2 - free crochet pattern

Morning beautiful people,

Today I have another pattern for another little rattie house! The last one was a big hit with my gals, however they chewed through the door so I decided it was time to make a new one. Ahh the joys of being a rat owner, they like to chomp on whatever décor you find for them hehehe!
Im really having fun DIYing my cage out. We have all sorts of hammocks, liners, shelves and play things now!

So today's rattie bed is kind of like two dome-ish shapes with a door in the middle. Its designed to be hung from each end.

If you need instructions on making fabric yarn, have a look HERE

You will need:
Fabric yarn
10mm hook

1: ch2, sc into the 1st chain 6 times, do not join, chain 7, sl st back into the 1st chain, place marker. We've just created a loop for the bed to hang with.
2: *sc in the first stitch, 2sc in the next stitch* repeat twice, pull the loop forward and skip all the chains and the sl st, start the next round in the 1st sc from this round.
3: sc in each stitch around (9)
4: *sc in the first 2 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch* repeat around
5: 2sc in each stitch around
6: sc in each stitch around
7-8: repeat round 6
9: sc in the first 13 stitches
10: ch1, turn, sc  in the next 20 stitches
11-14: repeat round 10
15: sc in the first 20 stitches, when you get to the opening chain 4, jump across the opening and sc to the 1st sc from this round, place marker.
16-18: sc in each stitch (and chain for 16) around
19: sc2tg around
20: *sc in the first 2 stitches, sc2tg* repeat around
21: sc in each stitch around
22: sc, sc2tg, repeat twice,
23: sc 2, chain 7, sc2tg twice

End off, using the tail of the fabric close the opening and sew tight. Your rattie bed is now ready to be hung.