Touch Of Nature - Digital Scrapbooking Kit

Hello hello lovelies!

There is just something calming about being out in nature. The colours, the sounds and the smells, all create such a sense of calm. It helps that green is also my favourite colour!

This months Scrap Kit is all about nature and green! From frames to a full surprise alpha, it's bursting with goodness just waiting to be used!

March Free Digital Scrapbook Kit - Touch Of Nature

Included in this kit:

17 Papers

7 Frames

3 Ribbons

12 Fasteners

1 Surprise Alpha (All uppercase)

11 Flowers

3 Stickers

4 Word Arts

11 Other Embellishments

Grab The Zip File Here!

Fluffy Christmas Tree Craft

Way back when I started learning how to crochet, I went yarn shopping. I picked alll the wrong yarns for a beginner! Lots of textured yarns, and chunky yarns, and fluffy yarns. Not the sort of stuff to use when you still haven't mastered the double crochet haha!

I'm a little ashamed to admit that this ball of fluffy yarn has been kicking it in the back of my stash for the past 7 years. Incredible I know! I've been umming and arring for a while now on how to use it, and when I thought about yarn wrapped trees, well it just made sense to make a fluffy one!

Of course you can use any yarn or twine you like! Go wild! This is an easy to do project, and you could easily get the kids in on this one too.

You will need:

1 Styrofoam cone
1 ball of yarn of your choice
Stick on gems
1 small star bead (or star of any type) for the top
Glue

Note: I used 450 clear drying glue by Helmar. You could also use a glue gun, Modge Podge or any other faster drying clear glue. If you use a glue gun, make sure it is a low heat one, or it may melt the Styrofoam.

Add some glue to the base of your cone and attach your yarn to the glue. Start wrapping your cone in the yarn, adding glue as you go to secure the yarn. Keep the strands close together so none of the cone show through. Keep doing this until the entire cone is covered and then leave to dry.

Attach the stick on gems. I actually added some extra glue to these just to make sure they didn't come off.

Glue your star on the top.

See, I told you it was easy! There are so many colour combinations you could try with these. Shake it up and replace yarn for twine. Or use some variegated yarn for a multi-colour tree. No gems? No worries! Use sequins or even beads to add some sparkle. I can't wait to make some more of these. Trees are easily my favourite Christmas decoration.

Enjoy!

Button Me Up Romper - Newborn Crochet Pattern

Hello beautiful people!

We're almost at the end of March, which means a new newborn sized pattern. YAY!

Today I have something a little different for you. I'm always looking for clever ways to make classics, and this just so happens to be one of those. This romper is side opening! It's one piece, and the back wraps around bubs sides, and buttons to the front of the piece!

Now, how you choose to do the wrap is your choice! I went with the side flaps under the front, and the buttons are sewn to the side flaps. However, you could just as easily sew the buttons to the front, and have the side flaps come up and over the front panel and close that way. Totally up to you which way you go.

The other thing about this pattern is that it uses Worsted Weight yarn! I know, it's not something I do a lot. I just don't have access to a steady stream of this weight of yarn. But I do love it for newborn projects, because boy do they work up FAST!

Today I've used Red Heart Super Saver Solids for the romper, but any Worsted weight yarn would be fine.

This romper is made in one piece, with the exception of the straps, so no joining here, there and everywhere! I've left mine plain, because I haven't yet decided on a recipient, but there are a lot of options for decorations. You could add a pocket. Sew on a flower. Embroider or top stitch an animal or even add some ruffles to the legs!

My doll is wearing a modern cloth nappy, which is quite bulky, so you can see how easily it fits over diapers.

Ok, let's get to it!!

You Will Need:
5mm Hook
Worsted Weight/Aran/10ply Yarn in a main and a contrasting colour.
6 matching buttons

Sized To Fit:
0-3 Months (Newborn)

1: Ch32, dc in the 3rd chain from hook and each across. - 30

2-8: Ch3, turn, dc in each stitch across. - 30

9: Ch1, turn, slip stitch in the first 3 stitches, dc in the next 24 stitches, leave the last 3 stitches unworked. - 24

10: Ch3, turn, dc2tg twice, dc in the next 16 stitches, dc2tg twice. - 20

11: Ch3, turn, dc2tg twice, dc in the next 12 stitches, dc2tg twice. - 16

12: Ch3, turn, dc2tg twice, dc in the next 8 stitches, dc2tg twice. - 12

13-20: Ch3, turn, dc in each stitch across. - 12

21: Ch3, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 10 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch. - 14

22: Ch3, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 12 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch. - 16

23: Ch3, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 14 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch. - 18

24: Ch3, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 16 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch. - 20

25-32: Ch3, turn, sc in each stitch across. -20 End off yarn.

Adding Straps

On the back section of the romper (the edge with the starting chains), count in 9 stitches and join yarn.

1: Ch2, hdc in the same stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches. - 3
2-16: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 3 End off.

Turn the piece over and count in to the 9th stitch on the other side of the back section and attach yarn. Repeat as for first strap.

Trim:

1: With contrasting colour join to the first stitch on row 32, ch1, sc across (20), continue to sc around the entire piece (working in row ends on the strap and main piece sides), straps included. When you reach corners, make 2sc in them to help with turning, join to the first hdc.

2: Ch1, fpsc around the first stitch, bpsc around the next stitch, *fpsc around the next stitch, .bpsc around the next stitch* repeat around. Join to the first sc.

Alternative Finish: 2: Reverse SC (crab stitch) around.

Attach buttons! You won't need button holes, the buttons should just slot through the stitches.

Number Puzzle File Folder Game

Morning all!

We've been exploring file folder games for a while now, and Master J really REALLY enjoys them! I really enjoy how easy they are to store, and to make.

Not only are they oodles of fun, but they are educational, and great for hand eye co-ordination too. I've got a few more of these up my sleeve this year so keep an eye out for them!

Today's file folder game is for puzzle number matching. We've been working on numbers a lot lately so I thought a puzzle match would be fantastic to help with number/word recognition and also matching. I have colour coded them to help out younger kids, but if you want to make it a little more challenging you could always print it in black and white.

If you've never made a file folder game before, they are super easy to do!

Here's How!

First, grab the files and print them, you can find them at the bottom of this post

Cut the pieces out! Now, I laminate EVERYTHING because I want them to last got a long time, but if you don't have one, you could always clear contact them, or not cover them at all and just use the pieces as they are, however I wouldn't use Velcro on them if you are not covering them, as they may rip easily.

I positioned the word side of each puzzle on some coloured paper and laminated the entire sheet, and then stuck it into the file folder with double sided tape.

For the other half of the puzzles, I laminated them cut them out, and used velcro self sticking dots for attaching them to the file folder in the right spots. Honestly, I had such trouble finding a way of sticking things to laminate! I went through 5 types of glue and nothing would hold, and then a friend mentioned the self sticking dots and they work PERFECTLY! So forget the glue, and grab the dots! I picked mine up from Woolworths (a big pack for around $6), but most craft/grocery/discount stores have them.

Then stick the cover on the folder and your done! Told you it was easy peasy. I used double sided tape for the cover too, and I didn't bother to laminate that piece.

The only thing left to do now is enjoy it with your little one!

Florian Preemie Cocoon

Good morning beautiful people!

I've been playing more and more lately with textured stitches. I just love how you can create so many various looks from nothing more than a handful of stitches. It's pretty amazing right?

Today, I have a wonderfully textured cocoon pattern for you all! It's so sweet, and I think would look fantastic in any colour, or even a long colour change variegated/self striping yarn to get some lovely colour changing effects. This one will fit 24-26 weeks gestation and is completely side opening, allowing for ease of use. Now I know, I know, it's only small, and this would also be fantastic for a newborn, so I promise I'll have a larger version done soon! Because I know I definitely want a larger version too!

If you wanted to jazz it up some, you could do stripes, blocks of various colours, or simply change the colour for the last 4 rows!

Florian Cocoon

You Will Need:
DK Weight/Light Worsted Weight/8Ply Yarn
4mm Hook
3-4 Buttons

1: Into a magic ring, ch3, dc 12 times, join to the first dc. -12

2: Ch3, 2dc into the first stitch, 2dc into each remaining stitch, join to the first dc. - 24

3: Ch3, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next stitch, *2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join to the first dc. - 36

4: Ch3, 2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 2 stitch, *2dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches*, repeat around, do not join. - 48

5: Ch6, turn, dc into the 3rd chain from hook and the next 3 chains, dc in the next 48 stitches. - 52

NOTE: When making the front post double crochets 2 rows below, do not pull tightly, allow your yarn to come up to the height of the first dc. Also, remember that because you are working around the stitch from 2 rows below, the stitch you would usually work into will be left un-worked, and the next dc into the next stitch. Sometimes it's easy to forget to leave it un-worked and you'll end up with too many stitches.

6: Ch3, turn, dc into the first stitch, fpdc around the dc 2 rows below, *dc into the next stitch, fpdc around the stitch 2 rows below*, repeat until you have 4 stitches left, dc in the last 4 stitches.

7: Ch3, turn, dc in each stitch across.

8: Ch3, turn, dc in the first stitch, fpdc around the fpdc from 2 rows below, *dc in the next stitch, fpdc in the fpdc from 2 rows below*, repeat across (the last fpdc will be on the little flap, and will be around a regular dc as there was no fpdc there for that row), dc in the last 2 stitches. - 52

9: Ch3, turn, dc in each stitch across. - 52

10: Ch3, turn, dc in the first stitch, fpdc around the fpdc from 2 rows below, *dc in the next stitch, fpdc in the fpdc from 2 rows below*, repeat across, dc in the last 2 stitches. - 52

11-34 Repeat rounds 9 and 10.

35-37: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across.

38: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across, when you reach the last stitch, make 2sc into it, then working in the ends of the rows, sc evenly down the side of the cocoon opening, around the bottom of the flap and then back up the other side if the opening. Join to the first sc from this row. End off

Flatten out your cocoon with the split to the right side, and make sure the flap is UNDER the front edge. This gives a neater finish than having the flap on top. Position your buttons into place and sew them on. You won't need button holes as the gaps in the end stitches are big enough to just pass the buttons through. I used large buttons 20mm (2cm) buttons, and I think you'd struggle with anything smaller with the side of the dc ends.

Once your buttons are in place weave in all ends and you are done.

For an alternating look, you could make the last sc round in a contrasting colour, or even complete it using a crab stitch.

Insect Play Dough Mats

Good morning lovelies!

Wow, we're ending out the second week in March already! Is it just me, or does it feel like this year is really flying? We're gearing up for both Mr Mamma, and Miss C's birthdays at the end of this month, busy busy!

Today I have for you, some super adorable insect play dough mats! Master J loves bugs. He loves to watch snails, chase grass hoppers and squeals with delight at butterflies as they fly past.

This set of mats incorporates some simple instructions, but as always, can absolutely be used for free play. We've also been using them for counting practice and colour recognition. What colour are the caterpillars stripes? How many spots are on the butterflies wings? Oodles of educational fun!

I've gone with A5 for these ones, like I did with the Monster Mats, instead of A4. I think I'll do that for all future ones as well. They just seem to work better that way. Because the sheets are laminated, you could also use them with a dry erase marker for even more usability!

This set has a lady bug, a butterfly, a bee and a caterpillar.

New to play dough mats? It's easy as can be! Download the file at the bottom of this post, print it, laminate the sheets and BAM! That's it, you are done.

Squishy Crochet Kombi - Free Pattern

Good morning lovelies and hello toy day!

March is a super busy month for us! Lots of family birthdays, school events for the kids, and plenty of weekend events to enjoy while the weather here is still warm. March is also the month that our town has their annual Motor Show! Cars from every state in Australia converge on my little town and we get to spend the entire day checking them out! From vintage to modern, stock standard to completely pimped out, there is absolutely something for everyone! I can't wait for this years show, and to be able to get the camera out and snap some photos again!

To celebrate, this months toy pattern is... A VW! Is there anything more recognisable and iconic than the classic Kombi van?

I made one of these for Master J last year, and jotted down the pattern as I went. Then, life happened and I promptly forgot about the pattern and the notebook. As luck would have it, the notebook was in a box I was cleaning out and thankfully my notes were still readable!

It's big, it's totally overstuffed, it's squishy, it's ADORABLE! Master J loves his, and I can see this new addition is going to be just as loved already. He's been bouncing around my desk all day asking if it's "fin-is yet mum?"

It's not a hard project, but it is going to take a little time. Totally worth it though for the cuteness overload at the end. Mine stands 15cm tall and 19cm long. If your finding your stitches too gappy, drop to a 3mm hook. Pay particular attention to the colour changes, and you should have no problem at all!

Squishy Kombi

You Will Need:

-3.5mm hook
-10ply/Worsted Weight Yarn (Ive used Red Heart Super Saver); White for the main part of the van, grey for the windows, black for the wheels and whichever colour you prefer for the contrast on the van. I picked a teal green for that, but have also made them in bright pink and lime green! Also a small amount of yellow for the headlights.
-Stuffing
-Sewing needle
-Scissors
- Thin black yarn for outlining.


With white yarn

1: Ch14, sc in the second chain and each chain across. - 13

2: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 13

3-20: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 13

21: Ch1, sc back into the same stitch, place marker, sc down the side of the rectangle, placing one stitch in the end of each of the 20 rows, sc again on the last end row, sc across the next edge (using the chains from row 1) for 13 stitches, sc again in the last stitch, sc in the ends of each of the next 20 rows back up the other side, sc again in the end of the last row, sc across all 13 stitches from row 20, join to the first sc with the marker. - 70

22-23: ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. -70
Do not end

From here on we will be working in rows again, and changing colours within the rows.
To make clean colour changes, complete the last yarn over of the stitch with yarn from the new colour. If this isn't something you have done before, this video by PlanetJune is a great tutorial.
I just carry the yarn on the back of the piece instead of cutting it each change, it saves a lot of work weaving in tails.

24: Ch1, turn, with white sc in the next 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 9 stitches, with white sc in the next 2 stitches. - 13

25-27: Repeat row 24. - 13

28-29: With white, ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 13

30: Ch1(with the teal), turn, with teal sc in the first stitch, with white sc in the next 11 stitches, with teal sc in the last stitch. - 13

31: Ch1, turn, with teal sc in the first 2 stitches, with white sc in the next 9 stitches, with teal sc in the last 2 stitches. - 13

32: Ch1, turn, with teal sc in the first 3 stitches, with white sc in the next 7 stitches, with teal sc in the last 3 stitches. - 13

33: Ch1, turn, with teal sc in the first 5 stitches, with white sc in the next 3 stitches, with teal sc in the last 5 stitches. - 13

34-35: Ch1, turn, with teal sc in each stitch across.

End off.

With the section you just completed pointing up, turn the entire piece clockwise. Reattach yarn to the second unworked stitch from round 23 (there should be a 1sc space between the panel we just finished and the one we are about to start.

36: With white, ch1, sc in the first 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 6 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the last 2 stitches. - 20

37: With white, ch1, turn, sc in the first 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 2 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 6 stitches, with white sc in the last 2 stitches. - 20

38: Repeat row 36

39: Repeat row 37

40: With white, Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first stitch, sc in each remaining stitch across. - 19

41: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 18 stitches, 2sc in each of the last 2 stitches. - 22

Change to teal yarn

42-47: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across.

End off. Turn your piece clockwise again

Leaving one stitch skipped again, join the white yarn to the second unworked stitch from round 23.

48: With white, Ch1, sc in the first 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 9 stitches, with white sc in the last 2 stitches. - 13

49-51: Repeat row 48.

52-53: With white, Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 13.

54-58: With teal, Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 13

End off.

Once again turn your piece clockwise and skipping one stitch from round 23, join your white yarn to the next unworked stitch.

59: With white, Ch1, sc in the first 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 6 stitches, with white sc in the last 2 stitches. -20

60: With white, Ch1, sc in the first 2 stitches, with grey sc in the next 6 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the next stitch, with grey sc in the next 4 stitches, with white sc in the last 2 stitches. - 20

61: Repeat row 59

62: Repeat row 60

63-67: With teal yarn, Ch1, sc in each stitch across. - 20

End off.

Matching the side, sew all 4 corners together, using teal yarn for the teal sections and white yarn for the white sections.

To make the bottom flap:

68: Join the teal yarn to the front corner stitch, in the back loop only, and ch1, sc in the first 13 stitches across. - 13

69-89: Ch1, turn, sc in all 13 stitches across. - 13

End off leaving a long tail. Use the tail to sew the bottom flap to the rear of the van and down one side, leaving one side open.

Start stuffing the van, and sew up the opening as you go. Be sure to stuff it quite firmly.

Wheels:
1: With white yarn make a magic ring and do 6sc into it, pull tight to close. - 6

2: Change to black, 2sc in each of the 6 stitches around. - 12

3: Sc in each of the 12 stitches around. - 12

4: Sc2tg 6 times. - 6

End off, leaving a long tail to sew the wheel onto your van.

Make a total of 5 wheels. 4 for the sides and 1 spare for the back.  Sew them all into place.

Headlights:
With yellow yarn, make a magic ring, sc 8 times into the ring, pull tight to close and join to the first sc. End off.

Make 2 headlights and sew (or glue) them to the front of your van.

Finishing Touches:
With thin black yarn outline all of the windows, add small stitches to the front windscreen for wiper blades.

You can use the same yarn to stitch the VW symbol onto the front of the van, or you can paint it on with fabric paint, which is what I did, because my hand stitching isn't the best.

Make sure all your ends are weaved in and you are done!

Pinspiration - Button Art

Good morning lovelies and welcome to another Pinspiration Post!

If, like me, you are a bit of a craft hoarder, chances are you have buttons. Im not talking about a few sheets, a handful of offcuts or some leftovers from a project... I'm talking masses of buttons, that have accumulated from everywhere! Including the tins from nanna, and the jars of random ones from second hand shops. No? Just me? Nah, I didn't think so hehe 😉

If I'm being honest, I'd have to say my random button collection has reached epidemic proportions, and like all craft supplies, I just CAN'T throw them out! The only option left is to use them up!!!

If you don't have a monstrous stash of buttons already, head to your local op-shops! It's a treasure trove of goodness, for just a few dollars!

A quick Google search lead me to this article by The Whoot, featuring a whole bunch of button art ideas! They look amazing, and use up large quantities of buttons, so this one was right up my alley!

I also grabbed out some sequins, beads and stick on gems, because who doesn't need extra sparkle, am I right?

The process was pretty simple. I sketched out a rough shape on my paper (I used some 12x12 scrapbooking paper) and started by placing down the larger buttons, so I could get a feel for where everything needed to go. Once I had those figured out, I went ahead and started gluing things down.

I used 450 quick dry glue for the buttons, and any larger beads, and some Modge Podge for anything smaller. Mainly because Modge Podge is easier to dab into and onto little spaces with a dotting took or a toothpick, and 450 tends to be more thick and harder to spread.

As I worked I filled spaces with a combination of beads (large, small, seed and stick), all sizes of stick on gems (which I also glued for extra staying power) and small solid flowers (I completely forget what these are called)

The process wasn't hard, just fiddly. But it was a lot of fun, it used up oodles of buttons, and I have some pretty unique wall art at the end of it!

I trimmed mine down and placed them inside frames (with no glass) that I picked up from a second hand shop, so YAY for upcycling too!

Pinterest Win? I think so! 

Felt Board Shapes - Sweet Treats

Good morning all!

I'm so excited about today's felt shapes! I have to admit, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, actually our entire family does. Thankfully, these sweet treats are sugar free, fat free, and won't leave a mess on your toddlers hands (or have them bouncing off the walls!)

The Sweet Treat felt set comprises of donuts, ice-cream, cupcakes and of course cake! Because no dessert set would be complete without some good old fashioned layer butter cake! Om nom nom.

Never made felt board shapes before? It's sooooo easy! Here's how!

First, gather your supplies. You'll need some felt, some scissors, and if you like some paint! I use fabric puff paint, but really, most would work just fine.

1: Download and print the template. You can download the PDF file here.

2: Cut out the templates from the paper. Then, you can either use them to trace around with a pen onto the felt, or pin them to the felt. I prefer to trace, it's much easier.

3: Cut all the felt pieces out. You may want to cut more than one of each thing. We made 5 candles, 3 donuts, 2 cakes, 4 different cake frosting "flavours" and a heap ice-cream scoops and cupcake pieces! Because mixing and matching is fun!

4: Optional. If you want to add more detail to your pieces, this is where you get the paints out!

For the ice creams, I outlines the scoops in a matching colour, and added some detail on the cone with diagonal stripes. Waffle cones would look great too! You could also add sprinkles with paint, or choc chips, as well. I didn't, because I cut some leftover felt up into tiny strips to use as sprinkles. Make extra scoops for stacking fun.

For the donuts, I only outlined the icing, and not the actual donut. Again, you could add sprinkles to these too, and a whole variety of colours!

Candles! Such fun little additions. I made 5 initially, but I want to go back soon and do some more. They are excellent for counting! I outlined both the flame and the candle, and added some lines to give it that swirling texture that birthday candles often have.

I didn't outline the cake pieces. Mostly because so many other decorations usually get placed on the top, that I thought leaving them plain would create more open ended options for play. We've had sprinkles, candles and cherries from this set, but we have also put numbers and letters on the top of the cake, and fruits from another felt set. Oodles of fun!

Cupcakes! I have the most fun with these ones, because there are oodles and oodles of designs you can put on the cases! Try spots, dots, lines, stripes, flowers and even stars! Don't forget to make a few little cherries/berries for the tops! After all, decorating cupcakes is always a lot of fun.

That's it lovelies! That is the Sweet Treats set all done! Wait for all the paint to dry overnight and it's finished.

Jesse Hooded Preemie Cape

Good morning all and welcome to another new month!

Today's preemie pattern is something I've been meaning to finish for a long time, a new hooded cape!
The first (and only) one I released prior to now was the Hooded Cape, all the way back in May of 2014! There was a lot of positive feedback from this pattern, and I'm happy to finally have another one ready for you all. This one is a fair bit bigger than the last, and will fit a bub of 26-28 weeks gestation. I hope you guys like it. It's certainly nice to have some more options. Be sure that if you are using light worsted, it truly is that, and not a regular worsted weight yarn, or it will be far too chunky.

Jesse Hooded Preemie Cape

Sized To Fit
26-28 Weeks Gestation

You Will Need
4.5mm hook
dk/8ply/light worsted weight yarn in a main colour and a small amount in a contrasting colour for the tie.

1: ch43, 2dc in the 4th chain from hook, skip 2 chains, sc in the next chain, *skip 2 chains, 4dc in the next chain, skip 2 chains, sc in the next chain* repeat from * to * 5 more times.

2: ch3, turn, 2dc in the first sc, skip 2 stitches *sc between the second and third dc in the next shell, skip the next 2 stitches and dc 4 times in the next sc, skip 2 stitches* repeat across, ending with a sc between the last dc and the ch3 from previous round.

3-12: repeat row 2. Finish  off weave in ends.

Fold the piece in half and sew up the back (this will be row 1 that you are seaming to make the back of the hood.

15: Join yarn to the right hand corner and evenly sc across the neck edge 40 times.

16: ch2, turn, dc in each stitch across

17: ch1, 2sc in the first stitch, sc in the next 3 stitches, 2sc in the next, *sc in the next 4 stitches, 2sc in the next* repeat across until the last stitch and do 3sc in the last stitch. (50)

18: ch3, turn, 2dc in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, *skip 2 stitches, 4dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch* repeat across, 3dc in the last stitch.

19: ch1, turn, sc in the first stitch, *skip 2 stitches, dc 4 times in the next sc, skip 2 stitches, sc between the second and third dc's of the next shell* repeat across, ending with a sc in the last stitch.

20:  ch3, turn, 2dc in the first sc, skip 2 stitches *sc between the second and third dc in the next shell, skip the next 2 stitches and dc 4 times in the next sc, skip 2 stitches* repeat across, ending with 3dc in the last stitch.

21-40: Repeat rows 19 and 20

Without ending, ch2, and hdc evenly up the side opening of the cape until you reach row 15, slst into the next edge stitch and end off. (slst will create a tapered end rather than just ending on a hdc.

Rejoin your yarn to the same 15th row that you ended on the other side and ch1, hdc in the next edge stitch, dc in the next and continue to dc evenly down the side of the cape opening. End off. Weave in all tails.

Using a contrasting colour, chain 100 for a tie. Wear the tie in and out of the stitches on row 16.
Alternatively, you could use some ribbon for the tie, or silk cord.