Alright, my beginner crochet buddies, this post is for you. One of the most annoying things about learning to crochet (or to knit or to sew) is endlessly practicing stitches and not really making anything. So, today, I bring you the Quick Little Bowl. It is great for learning to crochet in the round and perfect for holding odds and ends in a drawer or on a desk. Perhaps you can store your stitch markers and yarn needles here. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

This pattern was written using US standards and worked in the round as a spiral. This bowl is perfect as a beginner project as the gauge isn't that important and the pattern only requires knowledge of a few stitches. The finished product is approximately 4 ¼” in diameter and 2 ¼” high.

Print the pattern.

Gauge:
1” = 4 stitches x 4 rows in single crochet

Materials:
5 – 10 yards worsted weight yarn (Main Color, MC)
5 – 10 yards worsted weight yarn (Contrasting Color, CC)
H/8 (5.00 mm) Hook
Yarn Needle                                                                                                       

Abbreviations:
CH = Chain
ST = Stitch
SC = Single Crochet
YO = Yarn Over
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrasting Color
RSC = Reverse Single Crochet, (unlike the single crochet, this stitch is worked from the left to the right) insert your hook into the next stitch to the right of your hook, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through both loops on your hook.

Pattern:
Pattern is worked in a spiral, do not connect rounds with a slip stitch. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you go. With MC, CH2, SC6 in the 2nd ch from the hook
Round 1: SC2 in each st (12 STS)
Round 2: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next st, repeat from * around (18 STS)
Round 3: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next 2sts, repeat from * around (24 STS)
Round 4: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next 3sts, repeat from * around (30 STS)
Round 5: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next 4sts, repeat from * around (36 STS)
Round 6: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next 5sts, repeat from * around (42 STS)
Round 7: *SC2 in the next st SC1 in the next 6sts, repeat from * around (48 STS)
Rounds 8 & 9: SC around, switching to CC in the last sc of round 9
Rounds 10 - 13: SC around, switching to MC in the last sc of round 13
Round 14: RSC around, Slip Stitch into 1st rsc and fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

I don't know about you, but I am LOVING all of the yarn bombing popping up all over the internet. You can imagine my delight when I walked into my favorite yarn shop, Blazing Needles, and found that they had brought the fun trend indoors and incorporated it into their holiday decor. The wonderfully smart thing here is that a pallet of red and white was used without anything that completely screamed Christmas, so this decor works throughout the whole of winter! I hope the beautiful creations (by the one and only amazing Carol) inspire you to bring the bombing inside and perhaps to your holiday table.

Here are a few more images of the lovely shop.

One of the greatest things about knitting and crochet is the community that this hobby attracts. If you live in Utah, you NEED to check out Blazing Needles, where the knit/crochet community spirit is highly encouraged. This shop is really THE place to get started as they offer free classes and the staff is so welcoming! Blazing Needles is a perfect venue to get to know other knitters and/or crocheters and build a network of fellow yarn enthusiasts. Not to mention the complimentary coffee and tea... This gathering place also carries a wide variety of luscious yarns for all of your knitting and crochet needs, among other knit/crochet novelties. Seriously, even if you are just visiting the Salt Lake City area, make a stop here, you will not be disappointed.

Beyond sending some love to this knit/crochet paradise I also want to highlight them for their generosity. Every year, Helping Kids With Cancer (a non-profit charity that assists with critical needs for kids and their families) puts on a stocking event and auction with help from the community. Basically, stockings are made and filled then donated to children with cancer (some of which may not see next Christmas). The proceeds from the auction go toward helping with various needs the families may have. I made 4 stockings to go to these children, which I wanted to be filled with yarn and needles so that I can pass on the joy I find in knitting and crochet. Last Saturday, I visited Blazing Needles and spoke with Cynthia, the sweet and generous owner, and she agreed to fill them all for me. My heart was so full of gratitude I felt I might burst! Better yet, we hope to start teaching classes for the teenagers facing this immense challenge in the upcoming year. You know, I have always felt that I would like to give back in some way to my community and I am so grateful that I have been blessed with a talent that is easy to share.

Below are the stockings I made, which Blazing Needles will be filling.

I made this first stocking using chipboard, glue, tape and wrapping paper. I had originally planned to do a tutorial, but it got too complicated and I had to depart a bit from my original plan. For the most part, I constructed it using the same method outlined in this tutorial on You Tube by Christyj1977. If you are interested in the template I used, email me and I will send it to you.

The body of this stocking is from a wool skirt I found at a thrift store. The reindeer is just a silhouette I found online when I did an image search. The lace applique was cut from fabric I bought at JoAnns.

The stockings above and below were created using 2 sweaters I found at a thrift store, then felted. The trees on the bottom one were from scraps of the stocking above. I didn't originally plan on doing the border, but the stockings were looking more skeewampus without it. For the borders, I made bias tape. For the border on the top stocking, I used another thrift store sweater. I used some scrap fabric for the border on the bottom stocking. 

By the way, if you would like to donate to Helping Kids with Cancer or you would like to send in some unused yarn or needles for the kids to learn, please email me at kitscrafts2012@gmail.com.

Lets get real, the holiday season is upon us and Christmas isn't really that far away. If you have high hopes for a handmade Christmas, now is the time to get started on those one of a kind gifts. The great news is that there are a LOT of gift ideas out there that really don't take much time. Today, I am going to highlight some from this very website to get you jump-started.

This first group is for all of the knitters out there.
1. T-Shirt Yarn Star Bracelet - The great thing about this gift is that you don't even have to make a trip to the craft store, just make your own tarn from your closet!
2. Fancy Spats - Liana - Use some left over yarn from your stash for this adorable fashion statement.
3. Baby Bear Hat - Made with chunky yarn and few embellishments, this darling hat is incredibly quick and easy to make.
4. Tractor Hat - This is a great hat for the boys in your life. Plus, it is a great base for an earflap hat, just swap out the chart.

Now to some lovely crochet projects.
1. Fancy Spats - Cathedral - These little shoe collars are the perfect gift for that person with a unique style.
2. T-Shirt Yarn Cluster Bracelet - If you are low on cash, then this is the item to give to your friends. Not only is it adorable, but you can make it from t-shirts in your closet.
3. Ruffle Wreath - Perhaps you would like to add to your decor stash or maybe you just aren't sure what to buy for someone on your list. This gorgeous wreath is easy to make and fairly inexpensive too. (You can make the flowers from old sweaters!)
4. Broomstick Lace Headband - Really, does it get any easier?! Make these as stocking stuffers and use up some of your left over yarn or even make some tarn to create this headband with.

Ok Sewers, here are some ideas for you. 
1. Poinsettia Stocking - So, the stocking itself is pretty cool, but you could use the same technique for a pillow, which would also be adorable.
2. DIY Library Bag - This bag is so easy and doesn't take much material. It would make a great gift for friends and family. You could make it on a smaller scale and fill it with homemade soaps and scrubs.
3. Custom Stuffie - Here is an outline for how to make your own custom little stuffed animal for the little cutie in your life.
4. Men's Dress Shirt to Baby Dress - This would be awesome out of a great red or green plaid shirt!

Here are some random crafts that don't necessarily fall under a specific category.
1. Pallet Growth Chart - This would be a great gift for someone with growing children or grand children
2. DIY Bath Crayons - Can we say stocking stuffers?
3. Olliblocks - So fun, so quick, so easy.
4. Nativity Puppets - Switch up the telling of Jesus' birth with some simple felt puppets

If you are not so much into making things, but want the look of handmade, check out my Etsy Shop.

About a year or two ago, I happened upon the #CrocodileStitch and fell in love. My immediate thought was that it looked an awful lot like feathers. I knew that I needed to make an owl hat at some point. Well, last month, when I was thinking about what Halloween costume to make for my daughter, I thought back to the croc stitch and decided to use that as a base for the costume. I wish I could have brought the pattern to all of you sooner, but I wanted to make sure and get it tested first. I considered waiting until next year, but, well, I got too excited! So, here you go, a lovely little crochet costume!

This pattern includes a hat, capelet and spats. I would consider this pattern intermediate as there are front and back post stitches as well as the use of the crocodile stitch. The hat is worked from the top down with the wings, eyes, beak and ears sewn on after. The capelet and spats are worked from the bottom up.

Gauge:
2” = 7 stitches x 7 rows (in pattern stitch, FPDC, SC portion)

Sizes:
Baby (12 – 18 months), Toddler (2 – 3 years), Child (4 – 10 years)

Materials:
500 - 550 yards (80 – 90 meters) Worsted Weight Yarn
I (5.5 mm) Hook
Yarn Needle
3 half inch (1.3 cm) buttons

Only $5.50 for a .pdf download

A couple weeks ago, I posted a Lacy Halloween Wreath tutorial in an effort to class up Halloween. Here is another little decor item that I came up with. Granted, it could really be more of a fall item then specifically Halloween, but if you were to use orange yarn and black filling or vice versa, then it would be more Halloween. Especially if you added some great spider webs or some creepy crawlies.

So, the inspiration for this little ditty, came from a doily pattern I found using the pineapple stitch. I had to modify the pattern quite a bit to make the shape I was looking for, but it was totally worth it. This pumpkin is crocheted in the round, starting with the stem. I haven't had a chance to test the pattern, so if you find mistakes, please let me know via email at kitscrafts2012@gmail.com. Also, I would love to show off your finished product as well as provide links to your website/blog. Email me with your photos/info and I will gladly post them!

Print Pattern

Materials:
80-90 yards Worsted Weight Yarn (pumpkin)
2-3 yards Worsted Weight Yarn (stem, leaf, curly cues)
Yarn needle
Crochet Hook of your choice (I used a G)
Your choice of filling, I used tulle, but fabric would work or colorful hay or basic fiber fill

Abbreviations:
CH = Chain
SL = Slip Stitch
ST = Stitch
SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
MC = Main Color (pumpkin)
CC = Contrasting Color (stem, leaf, curly cues)

Pattern:
Using CC, create a magic loop, CH1, SC6 in loop, SC around until stem measures about 1.5", SC2 in each st, switch to MC (12 STS)

Round 1: CH6, (SK 1st, DC in next st, CH3) 5X, SL in the 3rd ch of the original ch6
Round 2: CH1, SC in same st as sl of previous round, ch2, (DC2 in ch3 sp, CH2, DC2 in the same ch3 sp, CH2, SC in next dc, CH2) 6X, SL in original sc of round, ch2, dc2, and ch2 sp)

*At this point, tie your loose ends together, trim them a bit, then stuff them into the stem

Round 3: SL in ch2, SL in dc2 and SL into ch2sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, CH5, (DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, CH5) 5X, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 4: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, (DC, CH1)5X in ch5 sp, Ch1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, (DC, CH1)5X in ch5 sp, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 5: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, SK Ch1, (DC1 in next ch1 sp, CH1, DC1 in same ch1 sp, CH1) 4X, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, SK ch1, (DC1, in ch1 sp, CH1, DC1, in same ch1 sp, CH1) 4X,  SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 6: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, SK ch1, (SC1 in next ch1 sp, CH3) 6X, SC1 in next ch1 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, SK ch1, (SC1 in next ch1 sp, CH3) 6X, SC1 in next ch1 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 7: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 5X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 5X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 8: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 4X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 4X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 9: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 3X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 3X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 10: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 2X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, (SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3) 2X, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 11: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3, SC1 in next ch1 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 12: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, DC2 in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, CH1, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH3, SC1 in next ch3 sp, CH1, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3
Round 13: SL into ch2 sp, CH3, DC in ch2 sp, CH2, DC2 in same ch2 sp, *CH1, DC2 in next ch2 sp, CH2 DC2 in same ch2 sp, repeat from * 5X, SL in 3rd ch of original ch3

*Stuff your pumpkin at this point. I used some black tulle, but you could use basic fiber fil or fabric scraps or whatever, just keep in mind that you will be able to see the filling.

Round 14: CH5, *SK(dc, ch2, dc2) DC in next dc, CH2, repeat from * 4X, SL in 3rd ch of original ch5, fasten off leaving about a 3 foot tail.

Thread the yarn needle with the 3' tail, then push the needle up through the middle of the pumpkin and then around one of the sides and back into the pumpkin. This exaggerates the pumpkin shape. Continue doing this until all of the indents are created, there should be 6. 

Curly Cues (make 2):
CH to desired length, SC2 in the 2nd ch from the hook, *SC3 in the next ch, SC2 in the next ch, repeat from * until you reach the end of the ch, fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to sew to pumpkin.

Leaf:
For the leaf, I modified a pattern I found on Pinterest. The original seemed a little large and was in another language, but the method is good. The picture below is from that same source and, although it is of the bigger leaf, the picture illustrates how you will crochet the leaf.

Row 1: CH7, SC in the 2nd ch from the hook, SC in remaining 5 chs, CH3, SC5 along the back of the original ch7, CH2, turn
Row 2: SC in the next 5 scs, SC5 in ch3 sp, SC in the next 3scs, CH2, turn
Row 3: SC in next 5 scs, SC3 in next sc, SC in next 6 scs, CH4, turn
Row 4: SC in third and fourth ch from hook, SC in the next 3 scs, CH1, turn
Row 5: SK the first sc, SC in the next 4 scs, CH2, turn
Row 6: SC in the next 4 scs, SC3 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, CH1, turn
Row 7: SK the first sc, SC in the next 6 scs, CH2, turn
Row 8: SC in the next 6 scs, SC2 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, SK1 sc, SC in the next 6 scs, CH4, turn
Row 9: SC in third and fourth ch from hook, SC in the next 3 scs, CH1, turn
Row 10: SK the first sc, SC in the next 4 scs, CH2, turn
Row 11: SC in the next 4 scs, SC3 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, CH1, turn
Row 12: SK the first sc, SC in the next 6 scs, CH2, turn
Row 13: SC in the next 6 scs, SC2 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, SK1 sc, SC in the next 6 scs, CH4, turn
Row 14: SC in third and fourth ch from hook, SC in the next 3 scs, CH1, turn
Row 15: SK the first sc, SC in the next 4 scs, CH2, turn
Row 16: SC in the next 4 scs, SC2 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, SK1 sc, SC in the next 6 scs, CH4, turn
Row 17: SC in third and fourth ch from hook, SC in the next 3 scs, CH1, turn
Row 8: SK the first sc, SC in the next 4 scs, CH2, turn
Row 19: SC in the next 4 scs, SC2 in the ch1 sp, SC in the next sc, SL in the next sc and fasten off leaving a long enough tail to sew the leaf to the pumpkin.

****I wrote the leaf pattern after I had made it, instead of while I was making it and haven't had a chance to really test the leaf, so if you see issues PLEASE email me at kitscrafts2012@gmail.com. THANK YOU!!!

Over the summer, I have gone swimming quite a bit with my little one. Once I am at the pool, I always think, "Shoot, I should have brought some toys!" A few weeks back I thought, "I should really get a mesh bag to take those toys in..." Then I thought, "Why buy one when I can make one?!" And thus, the broomstick bag was created!

I made my bag with plarn (yarn from plastic bags), but you could just use a chunky yarn. Here is a great tutorial on how to make plarn from Plastic Bag Crafts. The handle is based on the handle used for the Cluster Stitch Recycled Gift Bag.

Materials:
15 - 20 Plastic Grocery Bags made into plarn
N (10 mm) Hook
Size 13 (9.0 mm) Knitting Needles

Abbreviations:
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SL = Slip Stitch
ST = Stitch
YO = Yarn Over
SK = Skip Stitch

Directions:
CH 31
Row 1: SC in the 2nd ch from the hook. SC across, then SC along the back of the chs and SL into the 1st sc, CH1
Row 2: SC around again, SL in first sc, CH1 (60 STS)
Row 3: Pull the loop on your hook to make it big, then insert your knitting needle into the loop, *insert your hook into the back loop of the next stitch and pull up a loop, then put that loop onto the needle, repeat from * in the next 28 STS, then, continue on the other side repeating from * to * but putting the loops on the other needle. You should have 30 loops on each of your needles and no loops on your hook. Turn.
Row 4: Carefully insert your hook into 3 loops on your needle, YO and pull through the 3 loops, CH1, holding the loops in place, SC3 in through the 3 loops, *carefully insert your hook into the next 3 loops on your needle, YO and pull through the 3 loops, holding the loops in place, SC3 through the 3 loops, repeat from * all around, SL into the first sc, CH1, turn
Rows 5-16: Repeat rows 3 and 4
Row 17: SC20 in the back loops only, CH30, SK 2sts, SC28 in the back loops only, CH4, SK 2sts, SC8, SL in first sc, CH1 (the skipped stitches should be in the center of the front and back of the bag)
Row 18: SC in both loops of each st all around, including in sc in the chs, SL into first st, fasten off (90 STS)

Last week, I posted a tutorial for how to make yarn from recycled magazines. I had a few people ask me what to make with this material. So, this post is purely to inspire some creativity with magarn. Obviously, since any exposure to moisture would compromise the strength of the magarn, it should probably only be used for decorative purposes, so all of my suggestions are with that in mind.

The most obvious use to me, and what I had in mind when I originally made this, is to knit or crochet it, so most of my ideas are using that method. The above picture is a sample of knitted magarn. I have a couple of suggestions for knitting and crocheting magarn, though, you will want to use large needles (size 10+) or a large hook (size N+). Also, you may want to invest $4 on a leather thimble from Joanns (in the sewing section) to protect your pointer finger from the coarseness of the paper. Now to some ideas.

For the doilies at the top, you could display them on the wall or use them as a decorative plate or even a place mat. I put the amigurumi animals in because I thought it would be really cool to make one and display it like a sculpture either in the living room or high up in a kid's room. As for the weaving on the bottom right, you could weave up a quick table runner or place mats or be really ambitious and weave up a whole table cloth for decoration! Another thought I had was to make a sample of your favorite lace stitch to display on the wall. I hope these ideas get the wheels in your head spinning with ideas of what wonderful things you could make with this lovely material. I would love more ideas of what you all come up with and pictures would be even better! Comment with your ideas and email pictures to kitscrafts2012@gmail.com.

Last week I was privileged enough to test a pattern for my lovely friend Heidi over at Hi-Diddle-Dee-Lee Crochet. This darling hat was such a quick and easy project so I thought I would give her some love and share a link to the pattern with all of you! Hope you check it out!

As those of you who follow me may have noticed, I have been looking for alternatives to yarn in an effort to be more economical in my crafting. Well, a few months back, I came across a tutorial for Handspun Recycled Newspaper Yarn on Green Upgrader. I was greatly intrigued, but couldn't help but think of how incredibly dirty newspaper is, so what came to mind is the three shelves in my closet that are jam packed with out-dated interior design and architecture magazines that I have been hoping to upcycle. At first, I tried using the same method as the newspaper yarn? However, the problem here is that newspaper is thinner and more malleable than magazines. While contemplating this, I began to think about plying yarn, using multiple strands of a material and my AHA moment was revealed!

Materials:
Magazine
Craft Knife
Self Healing Mat
Straight edge
Drop Spindle (I got mine on Ebay for around $12 and it came with a niddy noddy)
Scotch Tape or another clear tape
Masking Tape (optional)

Step 1:
Cut 1/4" strips of your magazine using your craft knife, straight edge, and self healing mat.

Step 2:
Create a start to ply the #magarn. Take 3 magazine strips and stack them on top of each other, but staggered a bit as in the picture. Tape the strips to the drop spindle, then twist the strips between your fingers until you have enough to reach the hook.

Step 3:
Roll the spindle on your leg as you would do for wool or newspaper yarn, leaving about 2" - 3". While pinching the first rolled strips, pick up 3 more strips and stack them as you did the first, then use them to overlap the previous strips. Tape all 6 strips together with a piece of scotch tape, then manually roll the section of scotch tape. Repeat this step until you have as much magarn as you need.

If you are looking for some ideas of how to use this lovely stuff, I composed a post to inspire some ideas.