My Sweet Alice

Good morning lovelies.

I know, I know. It's been forever since I blogged. I fell off the grid for a while there. I promise though, there was a good reason for that, and Im hoping that today's pattern makes up for the lack of them in the last few months.

Around the start of November, after months and months and months of trying, my partner and I finally got the amazing news that we were expecting another wee baby. How exciting! How joyus!

With Christmas just around the corner we decided to tell nooone at all, and we would make little gifts up to announce on Christmas day. I wanted to pop ultrasound photos into clear baubles with some glitter and fake snow. How wonderful a gift would that be? What a surprise for the kids! We started dreaming of names, thinking up nursery themes, planning a future with more noise and love.

Mid November, things got scary. Lots of light bleeding. Things didn't feel.. right. Every time I spoke with the doctors they assured me it was ok. I even went to emergency once where I was assured again, levels looked fine. I was told there was no point in doing a scan, that was just a snapshot of the here and now and wouldn't provide any useful information. I had so many blood tests in a 4 week period and still was told everything would be ok.

On December 7th, I had my first visit with prenatal and was supposed to get all my paperwork in order, and officially be "on the books" When I told them about the bleeding, the midwife said she wouldn't finish my paperwork, that we needed to "Make sure there was still a pregnancy there first" before they would complete it. I mean, I understand why, but the way she said it, it was.. blunt. I had to go for bloods and had a scan booked for next week.

On December 8th, I landed myself in the ER with heavy bleeding, and we received the shattering news that our baby had no heartbeat. She'd stopped growing at just 9 weeks. The doctor wasn't even gentle about it, very matter of fact. After he told us, he was in the room for all of 2 minutes, told me to re-book with my GP and left. That it seems, was that.

Once again, for the second time in my life, I left the same damn hospital empty handed. Once again, my heart has broken. All my fighting for the last few years, and there is still nothing in place in my local hospital for early loss. It makes me so sad, and so angry.

How incredibly hard was it to tell people in the same breath that I was pregnant, but now I'm not anymore. What an impossible conversation, To date, only a handful of people know. It's hard to write it over and over. It's hard to start a conversation when you know you have nothing but sad news. It's hard to shove a smile on your face when you just want to cry. I feel bad for making people sad at Christmas. I guess that's why I waited until after Christmas to write this post. It's my way of letting the world know that my heart hurts.

We decided to name our angel Alice. She may not be here physically, but she will forever be in our hearts.

This little cradle keepsake is made in her memory.

You Will Need:
4ply Cotton Yarn (I used tootgarook cotton by Bella Baby)
2.00mm hook
Small bow

Starting chains don't count in the stitch count.

1: ch15, 2hdc in the second chain from hook, hdc in the next 12 chains, 4hdc in the last chain, continue working around the corner and back down using the same chains you have already crocheted into (to create an oval), hdc in the next 12 chains, 2hdc in the last chain, join to the first hdc. -32hdc (6cm long, 1.5cm wide)

2: ch2, 2hdc in the first stitch, 2hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 12 stitches, 2hdc in each of the next 4 stitches, hdc in the next 12 stitches, 2hdc in each of the last 2 stitches, join to the first hdc. - 40hdc (7cm long, 2.5cm wide)

3: ch1, sc in the same stitch, 2sc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch, 2sc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 12 stitches, *sc in the next stitch, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat from * to * 3 more times, hdc in the next 12 stitches, *sc in the next stitch, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat from * to * once more, join to the first sc. - 48 stitches (8cm long, 4cm wide)

4: ch1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next stitch, 2sc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch, dc in the next 12 stitches, *sc in the next 2 stitchs, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat from * to * 3 more times, dc in the next 12 stitches, *sc in the next 2 stitchs, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat from * to * once more, join to the first sc. - 56 stitches (8.7cm long, 5.5cm wide)

5: ch2, hdc in the back loop of the same stitch, hdc in the back loop of each stitch around, join to the first hdc - 56hdc

6-9: ch2, hdc in the same stitch, and in each stitch around, join to the first hdc. (3.2cm tall)

10: slst in the next 15 stitches, ch2, turn, hdc in the same stitch, hdc in the next 23 stitches. - 24

11: ch2, turn, hdc in the same stitch, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 8 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 8 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the last stitch. - 21hdc

12: ch2, turn, hdc in the same stitch, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 2 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in the next stitch, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 5 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc in th next stitch, hdc2tg, hdc in the last stitch. - 16

13: ch2, turn, hdc in the same stitch, hdc2tg, hdc2tg, hdc in the next stitch, hdc2tg, hdc2tg, hdc in the next stitch, hdc2tg, hdc2tg, hdc in the last stitch. 10hdc

14: ch3, turn. Now this last row gets a little tricky, we're going to gather all the stitches together by doing one big dc10tg (yes, dc ten together) Here is how we do this...

yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through , yarn over, pull through 2 loops, *yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch and yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops* (3 loops on hook), repeat from * to * until you have used all the stitches and have 11 loops on your hook, yarn over once more and pull through all loops, ch1 to secure gather.

15: ch1, turn, sc evenly down the hood, (for me this was 8 sc), [[working in front loops only from here]] sc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch, dc into the next stitch *ch3, dc into the next stitch* repeat around until you have 2 stitches remaining before the hood starts, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch [[working around all loops now]] evenly sc up the side of the hood and join to the first sc. End off and weave in all tails.

Attach bow to the centre top of the hood.

Lavani Moses Basket

Ravelry Page Here

Before I get started with this pattern, Did you notice my new tab up above? Ive created pages that provide a quick list of all my patterns, so you can find them easier and don't have to scroll through the entire blog to find the one you want. So happy with it :)

As promised, here is another little bed.  I named this one the Lavani Moses Basket, as Lavani means "Grace" and I thought that was fitting. This one will fit a bub up to about 16 weeks gestation. It can however be made as large as you like by increasing the base.

You will see a pattern forming on the base where the increase stitches are, they go up by 1 every round so if you just keep increasing at the same rate you can make this bed as large as you choose. Just remember that the larger the bub inside, the heavier it will be so be sure to make an adequate mattress for the bed to help with stability. You may also like to add a few increases to the height if you are making it larger.

I tried to keep this one simple while still adding some dainty trim. The trim is really what sets these little beds off and makes them special.

 Ok so you will need:
2 strands of DK weight (8ply) yarn in main colour
1 strand of yarn in a contrasting colour
5.00mm hook
Needle for darning
10 small pearls or decorations if you wish to add them (and a way of sticking them on)
To make the mattress for the bed please refer to THIS POST


Bed:

1: ch18, dc 3 times in the 3rd ch from hook, dc in the next 14 chains, 4dc in the end chain, do not turn, working round the corner, on the opposite side of the chain, dc in the next 14 stitches, join.

2: ch3, 2dc in the same st and the next 3 stitches, dc in the next 14 st, 2dc in the next 4 stitches, dc in the next 14 st, join

3: ch2, dc in the same st, *dc, 2dc in the next* 4 times (total of 12dc) dc next 13, *2dc, dc* 4 times (12 dc) dc next 14 stitches, join

4: ch2, *2dc, dc, dc* 4 times (16dc) dc in the next 14 st, *2dc, dc, dc* 4 times (16dc) dc in the next 14 st, join.

5: ch2, hdc in the back loops only of every stitch around (60hdc)

6 - 10: ch2, hdc in each st around, join.

End off main colour and weave in all ends.

Trim:
With dk OR baby yarn and a 5mm hook

Join yarn to the front loop that was leftover (unworked) from round 5, in the same st you joined chain 1, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, *sl st in the next stitch, in the next stitch do (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc)* (this created a small shell) repeat around, join with a sl st and end off.

Join yarn to the top of the cradle and sc around, join.

In the FRONT loop *sl st in the next 2 stitches, in the next stitch (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc)* Repeat this around, join and end off, weaving in all ends.

I also added small "pearl" hearts to every other shell around the top for a little something extra.
2 or 3 of my shell stitches on the top part of the trim sat up a little more then I liked, so a quick dab on the back with the glue gun and pushed them down so they sat against the bed and problem solved :D

Serenity Moses Basket - Free Crochet Pattern

Ravelry Page Here

As I wrote before in my other cradle pattern, I felt there was a big gap missing with free angel baby bed patterns. In fact, after some searching it appears that there just isn't that many out there, much less any that are free. I decided this needs to change and after talking with some lovely ladies and playing with ideas, I have decided to create an entire line of Moses basket patterns specifically for wee ones.

It breaks my heart to think that hundreds of babies every week come into this world sleeping and the parents have no bed to rest them in. That needs to change and in order for that to happen, there needs to be free access to patterns for people to make and donate.

My goal is 10 Moses basket/Cradle patterns but who knows, I may get even more. A variety of styles and sizes is important too as well as variations on trim, so you can expect a heap of patterns and pieces to help make these beds as comfortable and sweet as possible.

Of course Ill also be adding patterns for other things in there as well. In fact I have a cowl, a 20week beanie and another rattle ready to go, I just need to finalise the patterns and double check for errors.

Ok so enough chatter and on to today's pattern! This cradle measures just over 30cm in length and should comfortably fit a baby up to 20weeks gestation. It is quite simple to make but does require you use 2 strands of yarn as one, this helps get the thickness required to keep the sides up. Read the pattern carefully, some rows are a mix of hdc and dc (this is to obtain width without extra length and make the oval more ovalish)

You will need:
5.00mm hook
4.5mm hook
2 balls of white DK weight (8ply for AUS/UK) yarn
1 ball of DK weight yarn in a contrasting colour.

For the base: If you choose to make it like mine (other options down the page)
Cardboard as large as the bed base
2 pieces of felt as large as the bed base
Glue (I used a hot glue gun, simply because it dries faster and I was using it to add the flowers anyway)
Sewing machine or a needle and thread to hand sew

Small flowers to decorate

Bed Base:
With your 5mm hook and 2 strands of white:


1: ch18, dc 3 times in the 3rd chain from hook, dc in the next 14 chains, 4dc in the end chain, DO NOT TURN, working round the corner, on the opposite side of the chain, dc in the next 14 stitches, join.

2: ch3, dc in the same stitch, 2dc in each of the next 3 stitches,  dc in the next 14 stitches, 2dc in the next 4 stitches, dc in the next 14, join

3: ch2, hdc in the same st, *hdc, 2hdc in the next stitch* 4 times (total of 12hdc) dc in the next 13 stitches, *2hdc in the next stitch, hdc* 4 times (12 hdc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

4: ch2, *2hdc, hdc, hdc* 4 times (16hdc) dc in the next 14 stitches, *2hdc, hdc, hdc* 4 times (16hdc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

5: ch2, *2dc, dc, dc, dc* 4 times (20dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, *2dc, dc, dc* 4 times (20dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

6: ch2, *2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc* 4 times (24dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, *2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc* 4 times (24dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

7: ch2, *2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc, dc* 4 times (28dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, *2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc, dc* 4 times (28dc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

8: ch2, hdc in the BACK LOOPS ONLY of each stitch around, join

9-12: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

13: ch2, hdc in the next 48, dc in the next 28 stitches, hdc in the remaining stitches, join

14: Repeat row 13. After joining, end off the white, and weave in ends.

TRIM: With contrasting colour and 4.5mm hook

1. Join contrasting colour to the back loop of any stitch from the last row. sc in the back loop only all the way around, join

2: sl st down into the FRONT loop (unused from the last round), *ch8, sk1, slst in the next* repeat around to make a loopy edge. Join.

 

3: sl st down into the bottom of the first loop from the previous row (I did 4slst to get there without bunching the loop *ch8, slst in the bottom of the ch8 loop from the previous row* Repeat around, join. End off and weave in ends.

The Base:

Honestly, there are a lot of ways you could make a base for these beds. I used what I had on hand and what I could source without breaking the budget. You COULD use: Thin foam (yoga mats/camp mats work well for this), a few layers of craft foam, a mattress sewn and stuffed, plastic mesh craft board or Im sure many number of other items. For me, I used Cardboard, felt and stuffing, as I always have that on hand. Here is how I did it.

1. Trace the base of the bed onto cardboard to get the size. Cut out the cardboard inside the line you drew. Double check it fits in the base of the bed, you want it snug, but not too snug that it wont fit once its covered.

2: Using glue (I hot glued, glue guns = fast work and quick drying) glue down a piece of felt that is larger then the cardboard base on one side of the cardboard.

3. Flip the cardboard over and spread out a layer of glue on the top side. Now working quickly before it dries stick down a thin layer of stuffing. Batting for quilts would work just as well but again, I didn't have any on hand.

4. Add some more glue to the top of the stuffing and press down a top layer of felt.

TADDA You have a felt/cardboard/stuffing/glue sandwich! Yes yes, its full of fibre *hardy har* Don't eat it!

5. Using the sewing machine (or you can hand stitch) sew around the edge of the bed. If you butt the cardboard up against the machine foot it will be close and you can follow the base around very easily.
Trim off any excess.

I decided at this point I needed to make it a bit neater, so I went back and did a zigzag around the end to seal it all. If you have a overlocker then use that. If you hand stitch, then a blanket stitch will achieve the same results.

Thats it! You have one mattress that is both soft and sturdy and will make a great base for the cradle.

Slide the base inside. While you have that gluegun out, hot glue on any decorations you wish to use. I spaced out some small fabric daisies around the edge.

Congrats, You now have a completed Moses Basket! It is a little time consuming, but definitely worth the effort!

Cherub Comfort Crib Base, Breakdown with Pics

It appears that the base for the cradle is a little hard for beginners, and I didn't add enough instruction. I'm sorry, I guess now that I'm past beginner myself I forget to slow down and add more images, I just assume everyone knows how an oval is created. This is a reminder to myself that I need to make sure I add extra instructions!

Now the cradle pattern is already quite long, hence why this is in a new post. I've taken images for every small step of stitches so hopefully everyone can see easily now what goes where. A reminder too that it can be a little tricky working with doubled yarn and you may need to do some practice, just do some chains and go back and forth a few times. It doesn't take much to start to feel comfortable with the 2 strands. Its
something I do quite alot to compensate for Australia's lack of worsted weight yarns!


HDC = Half Double Crochet in American terms. This is a Half Treble (htr) for UK folk.


How to do it - Wrap yarn over hook and insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook draw through work. Wrap yarn over hook and draw through all 3 loops in the hook.


You will also need to know how to do a hd2tg (half double crochet decrease) when you make it to the HOOD section, it is just going to be easier to link you to an excellent YouTube video for this stitch as writing all the steps may be a little confusing. View it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf7b9Nqbz4U




Ok lets get started on the base! Remember, we're making 2 of these.

Take your 2 strands of DK weight yarn and a 6.5mm hook.

 1. Chain 10 

2. Make THREE hdc stitches in the  second chain from the hook.

 3. Make 7 hdc stitches in the next 7 chains

4. In the last chain make THREE hdc stitches. We will not be turning our work, we will now be working on the opposite side to the stitches we have just completed.

Like this

5. hdc in the next 7 stitches

6. hdc in the last st (this gap is where our skipped ch1 from the beginning is)

Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc.

7. Chain 2, make TWO hdc in each of the next 2 stitches

8. hdc in the next 7 stitches

9. Make TWO hdc in each of the next THREE stitches (this will give you 6 in total on the end)

10. hdc in the next 8 stitches and join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain. Round complete!

11. chain 2, hdc in the next stitch, then make TWO hdc in the next stitch

12. hdc in the next stitch, then make TWO hdc in the next stitch. Repeat this step again. (When you count stitches from step 11 and 12 you will have a ch2 and 9 stitches in total. I have marked the 2hdc stitches in the above image)

13. hdc in the next 7 stitches

14. Place TWO hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch

Repeat this step TWICE more (you will have just made NINE stitches in total, I have marked the positions of the hdc2 stitches in the image above)

15. hdc in the next 8 stitches

and join to the top of the starting chain.

Last round. W00!

16. chain 2, hdc in the next 2 stitches, then hdc TWICE in the next stitch (you will have made 3 stitches in total)

17. Repeat step 16 twice more. (That is, hdc in the next 2 stitches, hdc TWICE in the next stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches, hdc TWICE in the next stitch. The hdc2 have been marked in the above image)

18. hdc in the next 7 stitches

19. hdc TWICE in the next stitch, then hdc once in the next TWO stitches.

20. Repeat step 19 TWICE more.

21. hdc in the next 9 stitches

22. Slip stitch to join. Finish off and weave in ends, thats it, your done!

Don't forget to make a second one!

I hope this step by step guide has helped anyone thats having problems with the pattern. If you need further advice do not hesitate to contact me.