Pattern Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 6

Moogly Reviewed by Stitch11 – Learning the Tunisian – Free Infinity Scarf Crochet Pattern – Review

August 4, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

First of all, you can get your copy of the free Infinity Scarf pattern HERE.

View the Moogly video tutorial that helped me figure out the Tunisian stitch HERE.

There comes a point in almost every season, when I know I am ready to learn a new stitch. When the desire of learning something new hit's me, one of the first places I check out is www.mooglyblog.com. She never fails me!

When I first laid eyes on her Tunisian Infinity Scarf crochet pattern.. I knew it would be my next project. I had never used the stitch for anything… and I was finally ready!
Just by reading through her simple pattern, I had a really good idea of how to pull the stitch off. To be safe, I watched her video which just gave me all the confidence I needed.

After completing just a few rows, I was able to close my laptop and crochet while watching Netflix. I love taking a mental break from time to time… and after learning the stitch, my hook flowed quickly and with ease. I didn't have a Tunisian hook, so I just used a regular hook. It worked fine, but I'm sure the hooks Moogly has linked with the pattern would make it even better!

I used Red Hearts Boutique Infinity yarn. It's colors are soft, deep, and bright all at once. The sparkles in the yarn are gorgeous! It has just the right thickness and fluff that I prefer when using Bulky weight yarn. You can purchase your own Red Heart Boutique Infinity Yarn through my affiliate link here. –> Red Heart Yarn, Infinity Enchanted

Summer Tank – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

July 22, 2015 By stitch11 5 Comments

Walking through shopping centers can be so inspiring for us who know how to crochet. It is really hard to let myself spend money on pricey machine crocheted items when I know I can make it myself.

That being said, I have spent the last year searching for the perfect pattern to open my crochet world to adult clothing. When I spotted >>THIS<< free crochet pattern by EmmHouse I knew it was “The One”!

I was so thrilled to see how easily the shirt is made. It reminds me of making two big doilies and adding straps, then piecing it together. Very simple, and even the crochet beginner could figure it out with determination.

I did have to make adjustments on the shoulder parts so my numbers added up. You do not have to trust mine, but if you find your numbers don't add up you are more than welcome to come back to my notes when you reach that point.

-note- The round parts of the pattern worked up perfectly and needed no changes at all.

-note- I used a 3.25 hook for starting CH circle and a 4 mm hook for rest.

-note- I used Cascade DK Cherub that is always on sale at Craftsy!

-note- When you reach the crochet sleeves, I did not CH 5 after or before the shells on shoulder pieces…. besides on row 24. On row 26, CH 5 after shell. but not before the finishing shell. Follow rows 28- 30 exactly as directed. On second sleeve, on row 26 you will CH five before finishing shell but not after starting shell.

This was the perfect top! After posting a photo, I had people lining up begging for me to accept crochet orders!

Baby Clutch Ball – Review

June 11, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

The Baby Clutch Ball by Petals To Picots is so much fun!

It reminded me of the Awesome Crochet Find from my beginner crochet days! It's one of those crochet patterns that is so exciting to watch come together!

I am so proud of these and I am so excited to be gifting them to my cousins at their baby showers.

The pattern was so easy to follow and easy to memorize too! Make sure to fetch your own copy of the pattern >here<!

Newborn Skull Knot Hat

May 27, 2015 By stitch11 2 Comments

My latest order is for a dear friend who wanted to welcome her new baby home in a custom made crochet hat.
As soon as she messaged me on Facebook, I knew the Crochet Newborn Knot Hat by Repeat Crafter Me would be perfect!

I told her I could put any applique on the hat that she wished.. and she requested a skull. Which is really ideal for their family since her daughters love Monster High!

To make the skull I followed the Day Of The Dead Skull Applique by KristinsKrazyKnits. I found this free pattern through one of Moogly's wonderful round ups that you can check out HERE!

For the hat I used Red Heart With Love and for the skull I used Cascade Cherub DK weight.

Six Crochet Patterns for Hand Towels

May 26, 2015 By stitch11 2 Comments

A friend of mine brought me some towels and told me I was free to use my creative side to do whatever I wish! That is one of the best things a customer can ever tell me. 🙂

Here are the links to my patterns or the patterns I reviewed to complete this order.

Pineapple Towel Topper
Bounding Towel Topper
Textured Towel Topper
It's So Easy Towel Topper
Bubble Towel Top
Dish Towel Hanger

Dish Towel Hanger – Free Crochet Pattern Review

May 20, 2015 By stitch11 4 Comments

While looking through Towel Hanger crochet patterns, I decided on this one because not only does it look simple, but it doesn't call for a hair tie.
Hair ties are very hard to keep in my house. Between my 4 year old playing with them, me throwing them from my hair in the middle of the night, and my little thieving cats… they can never be found. We usually just use little hair rubber bands.
Anyways, that is why I chose to follow this pattern first. At least until I can get some hair ties. >.<

Overall, the pattern is very easy to follow and works up super fast. However, the piece was a little small/tight/short.. and it was hard to fit my tiny button between the HDC stitches. If I were to freehand more based from this pattern, I would make it longer and also add a button hole.
The towel holder does still do it's job.. and that is whats most important. So thank you very much TheNinjaHerself!

Get your copy of the free Dish Towel Hanger crochet pattern by TheNinjaHerself >HERE<

Lanaloft Yarn Review & Free Beret Crochet Pattern

May 17, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

All Free Crochet gave me a wonderful opportunity! I was given the chance to review some amazing yarn, and share a free crochet pattern using it!
Check out the Lanaloft Yarn Review HERE!
Get your copy of the free Beret crochet pattern HERE!

Bubble Towel Top – Crochet Pattern Review

May 7, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

I love the shape and decreases in the Bubble Towel Top designed by Kate Wagstaff! It makes the towel drape perfectly. We all love free patterns, but this one is well worth the $1.95 it costs.
If you have done your own searching for towel toppers.. there really isn't a lot of high quality and well written designs to choose from. But, Kate Wagstaff actually has two towel topper designs! You can check out her other one >HERE<
Thanks Kate for the well written pattern and beautiful design!

Textured Towel Topper – Free Crochet Pattern – Stitch11 Review

May 6, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

The customer who I am making the towel toppers for, requested for some to have a scrap yarn look. I thought this free crochet pattern for the Textured Towel Topper ( >LINK HERE<) would be perfect!

I loved the pattern! The size is ideal to me. The pattern is really quick, even with changing so many colors like I did.

I did have to make a couple personal notes on the pattern. They are listed below.
– I ignored the number 8 in row 2. Not sure what it is there for.. I think it's a typo. I did leave a comment to let the designer know.
– I was also confused and getting one less loop for Row 7. But once I got further into the pattern, I realized the first loop I should crochet into isn't what I consider the “next stitch” but more of the “same stitch”.
I tend to over think things and assume something is wrong with the pattern. Then later I realize I just wasn't thinking clearly- or still stuck on the last Towel Topper I made.

Pineapple Towel Topper – Free Crochet Pattern – Review by Stitch11

May 5, 2015 By stitch11 2 Comments

Ever since crocheting my Scrap Yarn Towel.. I have wanted to make towel toppers on regular towels! Luckily, I excepted a few crochet orders and the towel toppers got bumped up the list!

There will be a series of towel toppers on Stitch11. You are going to LOVE these! At least I know I will love making them! The first on the list is this beautiful Pineapple Towel Topper. You can get the free pattern through Ravelry >HERE<.

I have no complaints on the pattern. It was a very fun experience for me and worked up fairly quick. The one thing I will do different if I make another one, is I would use a little bit thinner yarn for more of a delicate look.

-Note- After publishing I realized I skipped some of the repeat rounds where it hangs onto something… shows how easy it is for me to get carried away! Still works great and looks beautiful though. >.<

Pokémon Ball – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

April 30, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

My stepson, Brennan and my daughter, Ella have WILD imaginations. They defeat giant trolls in the back yard, adventure through wild jungles in the living room and slay dragons on the staircase.
I remember being young and having such a strong imagination. When using it, it feels like the world around you really changes… and your sibling who becomes a witch can actually terrify you- when she finds you hiding behind the waterfall (chair).
It didn't take long for Ella to want to watch all of her brothers favorite tv shows- including Pokemon. They have been begging me to make some Pokemon items for months now.. and these balls are just the beginning. Not only do they want these, but also the characters. I am also contemplating on making the larger version of poke'balls for them.

Oh yeah – the review! These little Poke'balls are designed by Denton Foreman. Get the FREE pattern >>>HERE<<<

The pattern was very easy to follow and very quick too. It took me about 5 minutes to complete each ball. Instead of sewing the felt button on, I used my hot glue gun. I am always for simple and quick… and this pattern gave that to me. Thank you so much Denton Foreman for the easy pattern!

If you are looking for the larger (and still free) version – Click >>>HERE<<<

Bailey Square – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

April 12, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

This square is a perfect example as to why I love following crochet patterns. I learned a new technique! I would have thought this look was created with front post stitches… boy was I wrong! So easy, so fun, so pretty!

The Bailey Square (<-link) by Kim Guzman is great for everyone. Simple color changes can make this square for either boy or girl.. or gender neutral!

Thanks Kim for helping me learn new techniques and for this beautiful free crochet square pattern!

Flower Bud Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

April 7, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

Most of us in the crochet community has noticed the beautiful flower bud crochet patterns by Dearest Debi over the last year or so. I have been waiting for an excuse to work one up since her first Flower Bud Stitch tutorial. What better excuse (for me) than decorating a tree!

I am a nature lover! Always have been and always will be. There is something about the outdoors that feels healing to the soul.
A few years ago, I put 6 granny squares on a tree, deep in the woods at one of my favorite hiking areas. Since then I have seen people posting photos of my mini yarn bomb with amazement of what they discovered while hiking or bird watching. 😀 Fills my heart with so much joy to know people get excited when they stumble across it. So, this Spring, every time I hike that direction, I bring some yarn love to add to it. I can't help but to hope and wonder how long it will take before another hooker decides to add to it. 😀

This lovely Flower Bud Granny Square pattern (<- link) is going to make a beautiful addition to my yarn bomb! The pattern was VERY easy for me to follow and it worked up extremely quick. These squares would make an adorable baby blanket! And, not only is this pattern beautiful and easy… but it is also free!

3 Inch Square – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

April 3, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

I was searching for some three inch square crochet granny patterns when I discovered the Colorado Strong Granny Square Crochet Pattern (<-pattern linked) designed by Posh Pooch Designs.

With her pattern, you can actually make this square much larger but I decided to stop after round 4 because it measured exactly 3 inches like I needed.

Why did I need 3 inch squares? Because I will be joining them to other squares that were 3 inches short of fitting around a tree!

Keep following the granny square series to see the results!

Majestic Bloom – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

April 2, 2015 By stitch11 1 Comment

I love it when I find an excuse to my DK weight yarn! Although she mentions that you can use any weight, the fact that she used DK made me run to my DK drawer with excitement. It's the little things in life… right? 😉

The Majestic Bloom Granny Square (<-link) was really easy for me to follow. It works up so clean and beautiful! I love love love the way she does the leaves!

Thank you My Hobby Is Crochet for sharing your wonderful art with us!

Hydrangea Shrub – Crochet Pattern Review

March 31, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

I am thrilled to share the link for the Hydrangea Shrub Crochet Square!

And, I am so excited to finally have the chance to learn the Bullion stitch! To be honest, I never thought I would be able to pull it off! But this square has the perfect amount for someone like me who fears pulling through too many loops at once. Ha! If you haven't worked with the Bullion stitch before, this is your excuse to learn it!

Thank you so much for sharing your design Underground Crafter!

Lacy Flower Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern Review

March 30, 2015 By stitch11 2 Comments

The Lacy Flower Crochet Granny Square (<–pattern linked) is the first of the series that is to come. This square is going to look beautiful wrapped around a tree!

As soon as I started hookin' the square up, ideas started popping into my head like a spreading wild fire. You can make beach bags, market bags, ponchos, beach wraps, lacy shirts to wear over your tanks, and even curtains! Have more ideas? Share them in the comment section below! I want to hear them!

Thanks for the endless ideas and for the free crochet pattern KatidCreations.

Cute Cat – Why I Follow Crochet Patterns

March 29, 2015 By stitch11 15 Comments

I often see/hear people say “I do not follow patterns.” I know there are many reasons a person will say this.. but I want to share with everyone why I choose to follow patterns.

Sometimes I feel like I can make anything that I put my mind to… and at this moment, I still feel this way. Not that I think I can design or freehand anything I put my mind to, or that I can find a pattern for anything I wish. I just know that between the patterns and techniques that are out there for me to discover, I can learn how to make anything that I need/want to. And really, so can you.

For this cat, I knew I wanted to make something better than my first experience with crocheting kittens. After all, it has been a few years since I made them, why wouldn't I be able to make something better?

After searching online with my daughter by my side, we were inspired by many patterns, photos and even a video! Here are the links that helped me create this adorable crochet cat pattern!

First of all, the kitten who started the idea…

This video has captured the hearts of everyone in my home. We have watched a few different ones.. but this one was the first. So cute!!!

Next, we attempted to find the perfect and most adorable cat pattern to use/base the creation off of. I knew I could design one, or wing it; but I think following other peoples patterns only increases my own skill. I learn new techniques that I would have never thought up on my own!

This blog post captured my child's imagination and inspired the colors of the cat. But when I went to follow the pattern… I couldn't get it translated well enough without having to wing it anyways.

Next up, we found another pattern that my daughter said was her favorite- Moko The Cat.

So, using this, I crocheted the head. But instead of making the bottom half a different color, I changed colors using the techniques I learned from the little Earth I crocheted last year.

With the eyes, I knew I loved the look of the Grumpy Cat Hat I made last year. So I used techniques from that experience for this item.

For the ears, I knew I wanted the clean look- like the ones from the Baby Fox pattern!

For the puffy cheeks above the mouth, I used the technique that I fell in love with last week while following the Sweet Bunny Hat!

For the paws, I googled “Crochet Amigurumi Paws” and found this fantastic and creative pattern by Repeat Crafter Me! It was perfect for the feet. And using what I learned from this pattern, I was able to make a smaller version for the front paws too.

For the body, I free handed something similar to the pattern I used for the head.
For the tail, I just started with 8 SC in a magic ring, and kept it at 8 SC the entire length. I will be honest though, there were a few cat patterns out there with amazing tails that I contemplated on using.

This cat is the outcome from putting the minds of many artists together into one piece. This is exactly why I love to follow patterns. I take what I learn from each one, whether it be their ideas, techniques, or actual patterns- and mix it all up with my own creativity. It is like the fire that sparks my own passion for art. Without everyone else sharing their work, patterns, and tutorials. It would have taken me longer than 2 years to go from the original cats I made…. to this latest. And wow, what a difference!!!

If you'd like more inspiration for crochet cat patterns, take a peek at some of my other blog pages here: 50+ Purr-fect Crochet Cat Patterns

Duck and Bunny Patterns – Designed or Reviewed by Stitch11

March 25, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

Before I move on from Easter projects, I wanted to put all the duck and bunny patterns I have crocheted into one post. Each one is listed below. Click the name of the pattern to be directed to the post.

Next, I will be starting a series of crochet square reviews. I will be adding each square I review to a tree I yarn bombed last year while hiking! It is a small tree, but instead of adding them to different tree's, I decided to keep adding them to the same one. 🙂 Once I am sick of making squares, I will share a round up of all of them, and a photo of the tree!

Bunny Hat
Baby Bunny
Cutest Duck Hat
Baby Duck
Huggy Bunny
Sweet Bunny Hat
Mini Bunny

Bunny Hat – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

March 24, 2015 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

I decided to follow the free “One Hour Bunny Hat” (<–link to pattern) by Moogly – because I wanted a quick and simple pattern to add to my Easter crochet stash… well, my daughters. 😉

After working up the base of the hat, Ella asked me if the ears would stick up like a “real bunny”. I told her I will see what I can do…

I decided to make two layers of each ear before doing the trim around the ears. I used one white layer and one blue layer for each ear. I then joined them together while doing the trim directed by the pattern. I also lightly stuffed them.
When attaching them, they wanted to flop straight forward. To solve this issue.. I just kept securing them, over and over. I also attached them a little bit together at the bottom of the ears. I would put the hat on, check to see if they stood up, and if not, I would go back and secure them to the base of the hat a little more. Then suddenly, they stayed straight up!

Ella was so excited, as you can see from the photos! This fun and quick pattern made my daughter so happy! Thanks Moogly!!!