Pattern Reviews Archives - Page 4 of 6

Fox TuTu For Miss Fox – Free Tutorial

October 27, 2014 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

Supplies
-1.5 inch button
-2 colors of your choice of medium weight yarn. I used “Terra Cotta” I Love This Yarn. (It’s a rusty orange) and “Cranberry” I Love This Yarn. (It’s a pretty rosey color)
-J-6.00 MM crochet hook
-Yarn needle for weaving in ends and attaching the button.
-Tulle (The amount of tulle used will vary.) I bought one roll of tulle that is already in the right width needed. But I also bought 3 yards of tulle that isn't cut at all. The amount of tulle you will need will depend on how long or fluffy you want to make the tutu. I like to buy a tad more than I expect to need.. just to be safe.
-Ribbon (The ribbon is optional. I found some pretty orange ribbon and some ribbon with foxes on it.. too cute to pass up!)

Crochet Stitches Used
FSC – Foundation Single Crochet
TRE – Treble Crochet Stitch
HDC – Half Double Crochet

Step 1
Holding both strands of yarn together – I started with a FSC of 62. You will want to check the measurements for whom you are making the tutu for. I wrapped the FSC piece around my daughters hips to make sure it fit snuggly. As I have learned from the past.. they tend to stretch out a little after being worn the first time. You do not have to use a count of 62 FSC… if you need to make it smaller or larger.. adjust the number of FSC until you have the appropriate size.

Step 2
CH 3. Turn. TRE into each FSC across.

Step 3
CH 1. Turn. HDC into each stitch across.

Step 4
Weave in your ends and attach your button. The entire row of step 2 can be button holes. 🙂

Step 5
All that is left for you to do it attach the tulle and ribbon. If you do not know how to do this, check out my How To Make A TuTu tutorial for a step by step photo direction on attaching the tulle.
I cut my tulle to be about 2 feet long (and 6 inches wide). I did 1 orange for every 3 red pieces. After I joined tulle around the HDC stitches of step 3, I added a 2 foot piece of ribbon to the bottom of every 4th TRE stitch from step 2.

You can add a fox tail using this FREE Fox Tail Tutorial! By using the loops at the top of your braid, ,you can attach and detach the fox tail to your button anytime!
Also check out the Fox Hat and Fluffy Cuff Fingerless Gloves!
If you really love fox's, you may want to make the baby fox too!

Fox Tail – Free Tutorial – Review

October 15, 2014 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

I am so excited to finally start on my daughters Halloween costume. She made it clear to me that I *must* start by making her fox tail first.

A quick post in the Facebook crochet group Yartists led me to this fun free tutorial by I Save A 2 Z. You can view the tutorial HERE.

It took me about three days to complete- but I am not able to sit and work on my projects all day… or I would have been able to finish it in one day. I did not use a straightener on the yarn. If you choose to use one, I would suggest using it before attaching the yarn to the braid.

We are so thrilled with how beautiful this tail came out! Now to start on another part of her costume. More posts to come! 😀

If you love a beautiful fox, check out the Baby Fox Pattern I tested!
Also check out the matching Fingerless Gloves Pattern and the free Fox Hat pattern!

Where’s Waldo – free crochet pattern review

October 12, 2014 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

A friend of mine asked if I could squeeze in a small project to help her complete her sons Halloween costume. She sent me a link to what she had in mind.

To my surprise, it was a free Where's Waldo crochet hat pattern designed by Repeat Crafter Me! I love all of her designs! Her patterns are always very easy to follow and very true to the size.

I tried this one on my 3 year old and she says it fits perfect.

Pair this hat with a striped shirt and black round glasses and you will have Waldo! Thanks for the pattern Repeat Crafter Me!

Get your copy of this free pattern >HERE<

Creepy Skull Slouch – Pattern Review

October 2, 2014 By stitch11 14 Comments

I stumbled upon this amazing Skull Hat pattern by Spider Mambo Designs. You can get the pattern HERE. Be sure to check out her Facebook page HERE too!

I want to start off by letting you know how much I am amazed by this design. I would never have been able to figure out how to make skulls like this.. and Spider Mambo makes it EASY!!!!

I did make a few changes… only to my personal liking. I did not find any reasons to HAVE to make changes. You can follow the pattern to exact and it turn out amazing! I will say, the size small is more like child size.. but my head is small so I made it into an adult beanie instead of slouch. If you are wanting the teen-adult slouch, definitely make the size large.
What changes did I make?
-I started off the Creepy Skull pattern with a FSC instead of the basic CH.
– I then did a round of FPSC before continuing with the DC directed in the pattern. I do this because I love the snug and stretchy fit that the FSC and FPSC together make.
– After round 14, I decided to go ahead and skip the next few rounds to close the hat a little earlier than the pattern calls for. This makes the size small more beanie than slouchy for my own head. Doing this, I did the 4 SC like the pattern calls for on round 15. Just not the chains. Then, I finished it off with a long end and wove it back and forth around the stitches, pulled tight to close and wove in my ends.
– I decided to line my hat using fleece from sweatpants that my daughter had outgrown. I followed this awesome tutorial by Playin' Hooky Designs!
– I also added a pom pom using my Secure Pom Pom Tutorial.

Crochet New York Newsboy Hat and Diaper Cover

September 27, 2014 By stitch11 1 Comment

https://stitch11.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/New-York-Newsboy-and-Diaper-Cover.jpg

An old friend of mine contacted me with this New York newsboy hat and diaper cover request.
I used my own (free) >Newborn Newsboy< hat crochet pattern.
Below you will find the N and Y crochet pattern.
The diaper cover can be found at >Crochet by Jennifer's Ravelry account<. It is a paid pattern but well worth those few bucks! She gives plenty of measurements to help you make sure everything is coming out the right gauge. The pattern is well written and simple to follow!
I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of the diaper cover! I have followed a free pattern for one in the past but it didn't turn out as perfect as this one.

Using a 5 MM crochet hook and white Medium/Worsted Weight yarn.

N
Part 1: CH 18. Skip 1 CH. 2 HDC into next CH. CH 1, Slip stitch into same CH. Slip stitch into next 5 CH. CH 1, HDC into same CH. CH 1, Slip stitch into same CH.
Part 2: Slip stitch into next 6 CH. CH 1, HDC into same CH. CH 1, Slip stitch into same CH.
Part 3: Slip Stitch into last 5 CH. CH 1, 2 HDC into same CH.
Part 4: Finish off leaving long tail. You will need to twist the piece while attaching it to make the N shape point back up.

Y
Part 1: CH 8. Skip 1 CH. HDC into next CH. CH 1, Slip stitch into same CH. Slip stitch into next 3 CH.
Part 2: CH 5, Skip 1 CH, HDC into next CH. CH 1, Slip stitch into same CH and back up 3 more CH. Slip stitch into the same CH you slip stitched into last in part 1.
Part 3: Slip stitch into last 3 CH. CH 1. HDC into same CH.
Part 4: Finish off leaving long tail. Attach to the hat using the photo (or google) as a guide.

If this hasn't satisfied your hat pattern cravings, take a peek at these other hat patterns from my blog: 40 Baby Boy Crochet Hat Patterns

Baby Fox – Pattern Review

September 22, 2014 By stitch11 3 Comments

My daughter recently discovered the ever so annoying and catchy song “What Does A Fox Say?”. This has sparked her curiosity. We have been studying the fox and watching all the cartoons that have fox's that we can find. She has been begging me to make her one of these for some time now.. so we went on a pattern hunt.

After searching through all the patterns that are available online, we discovered this adorable baby fox pattern on AmigurumiPatterns by Pepika. We knew instantly that this was “The One”!

The pattern was very easy to follow, and after making the head of the fox, I knew it would be easy to make a few minor changes to make the ears and legs change colors as well. I could not be any happier with the outcome and cuteness of this little fox. My daughter will be carrying this little guy around with her everywhere! 🙂

If you love a beautiful fox, check out this Free Fox Tail Tutorial!

6 Scarves I Have Made and Loved!

September 16, 2014 By stitch11 2 Comments

The Pavement Infinity Scarf was a favorite of mine last Winter. I gifted so many, that I actually lost count! It works up easy and what I like to call “mindless”. My favorite thing about this scarf is that you can use any yarn and hook you wish- making it great for busting your stash!

The Beautiful and Simple Scarf is exactly that, beautiful and simple. Using just the Half Double Crochet you make this pretty texture by changing your yarn combos.

The newest to my collection is the Good Morning Cowl. The stitches are fun, yet easy! It works up quick and is so soft and comfy! Great for cold mornings.

The Kissing Jewels Infinity/Cowl was so much fun for me. I am anxious to make more but using different yarns and colors to get a completely different affect.

Most of you have already heard of, seen, or made the Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf. It went CRAZY around the crochet world! And if you have made it, you know exactly why! It is such a beautiful and simple work of yarn art that is also practical and comfy to use!

The Soft and Squishy Scarf really is soft and squishy! It's a great shell design to add that splash of color and texture during the colder seasons.

Swing Dress Tunic – Pattern Review

September 8, 2014 By stitch11 2 Comments

I had the opportunity to test out this beautiful tunic crochet pattern. Pattern Paradise designed the Swing Dress Tunic for 12 months- 5T. My daughter wears size 6, and as you can see it still fits her beautifully!

This was my first time working with DK #3 yarn. I ordered this yarn through Craftsy > Here<. I LOVE it btw! 🙂

The pattern works up beautifully and quickly. I never ran into any issues or errors. It is an easy pattern too!

The Swing Dress Tunic is great for beginners and was a fun learning experience for me. This was my first time making anything with chevron… and I love the final touch it made to the bottom of the tunic.

Hop on over to Pattern Paradise for your copy!

Blue Bear Hood – Pattern Review

August 27, 2014 By stitch11 5 Comments

A few days ago, Niftynnifer posted a new free crochet pattern for her Beautiful Blue Bear Hood. The name for it was so fitting, because it really is BEAUTIFUL!

I wanted so badly to make it… but I didn't have the correct yarn on hand. But like most of us crafters, we find a way! I combined a medium/worsted weight yarn with Fun Fur. I also had to adjust the ears to be smaller.. because I was running out of the Fun Fur.

The pattern is easy to follow and is written really well! If I make this hat again, I will probably order the yarn that she calls for with the pattern.

Although my Blue Bear Hood isn't nearly as stunning as Niftynnifer's, it's still beautiful! I thought my gauge was correct, but obviously it is smaller than hers. The good news- my daughter loves it and cannot wait to put it to good use this winter. It is so warm and soft! Perfect for going outdoors during those Arctic Air weather blasts we kept having last winter. So this winter, we are prepared!

Victoria’s Pumpkin Hat – pattern review

August 26, 2014 By stitch11 1 Comment

I have a confession to make… and to be quite honest, it's embarrassing! I haven't went yarn shopping since January! Between my husband changing jobs a few times, appliances breaking down one after another, and my blog income being affected by the non-crochet season… I just haven't had the extra cash. I know, I know… EVERY season is crochet season! But my online traffic will argue with that. The good news is, my husband is back to working good hours for decent pay and my site is finally picking back up. It wont be long at all and I will be posting photos of yummy yarn on my Facebook wall.

During this down time, I have re organized my dwindling yarn stash multiple times.. and to my surprise, I still have a decent amount! Including a huge skein of orange WW Bernat cotton yarn. With Autumn sneaking up right around the corner, of course I will be thinking of pumpkins when I look at it!

I asked some of my blogger friends to link me their pumpkin patterns so I can put this orange yarn to good use. While everyone shared beautiful patterns, one of them stood out to me the most. The Victoria's Pumpkin Hat.

The Victoria's Pumpkin Hat is designed by Snappy Tots. She shares with you how to turn just about any hat pattern into a pumpkin hat. Using her step by step guide to making the stem and curly vine, you can then use her Victoria's Sun hat pattern to create the beautiful and unique stitch design.

I have never thought about putting my stitches together the way she does in this design. It is so pretty! The sun hat pattern does cost $4.49. You all know I love free, but discovering this stitch technique is well worth those few bucks, not to mention the inspiration I now have for other designs using a similar technique. I had that “ah ha!” moment when I realized how she created the beautiful texture.

So, hop on over to Snappy Tots and check out how she transforms just about any crochet hat pattern into a pumpkin!

Free Turtle Pattern – Review

August 16, 2014 By stitch11 1 Comment

I wanted to make my daughter a turtle family. She has decided that she wants to “collect” them. I am sure she will collect these just like every other animal she can think of. 😉

I searched online for free patterns for a good hour! Once I finally found this cute pattern, I knew it was the one because it was simple enough to be able to make my own adjustments.

To get the different sizes, I just used different yarn weights with the appropriate hook size. I may also try out some bulky yarn tonight!

I did add an additional SC row at the end of the head/neck. I also made tails for the turtles… each one I did differently or I would share with you how I did them. I love this pattern!! I can easily finish a turtle in about an hour or two.. depending on how many times I have to be a mom while I am trying to crochet. Haha!

>GET THE FREE PATTERN HERE<

Crochet Butterfly – Free Crochet Pattern (linked)

August 9, 2014 By stitch11 4 Comments

My sister Miranda, from The Yarn Box, just bought a beautiful new home. In the excitement of transforming their new home, my niece's decided to decorate their rooms in butterflies.

I searched the web until I found the perfect crochet butterfly pattern for making into bunting. But after I finished crocheting the butterflies…I fell in love with them just the way they are.

Get the free crochet pattern HERE 🙂

Free Baby Sandal Pattern – Review

July 8, 2014 By stitch11 7 Comments

Within minutes after Whistle and Ivy posted her new baby sandal pattern, multiple people were sending me the link and sharing it onto my personal Facebook page. Everyone wanted to know if I could make them. I usually turn people away when it comes to shoes.. because for some reason I dread making things that go on feet.

This free pattern was different though.. it pulled me in the second I seen it. My favorite thing about these adorable sandals is that they are actually made in a way that would secure them onto an infants feet. They appear to be comfy and logical. I have yet to test them out.. but plan on meeting up with the baby tonight or tomorrow to try them on. I will be sure to get a photo and share more of my opinion then.

The baby crochet pattern is written in multiple sizes and is very simple to follow. Whistle and Ivy shares many photos to help you through the pattern steps. So, if you are in search of a perfect and free baby sandal pattern, this one should be at the top of your list!

You can get the pattern instructions HERE! 😀

If you'd like some more inspiration for baby patterns, take a peek at some of my other blog pages here: 25 Easy Crochet Baby Booties for Beginners

Batman!

June 18, 2014 By stitch11 3 Comments

A friend of mine asked me to make her daughter a batman. I was planning on designing my own pattern, but a quick pattern search led me to an adorable free one by Tales Of Twisted Fibers!

I finished this fun guy in about 24 hours from the starting point. My thumb is pretty sore but I was able to power through the tight Single Crochet Stitches. 🙂 If you would like your own copy of the pattern check it out HERE!

If you have a love for Superheros, you can also get your own free Ninja Mask pattern, Captain America Hat, and Ninja Stars all designed by me!

Upcycle a Ladies Shirt Into a Child Size Dress

June 11, 2014 By stitch11 10 Comments

I have been wanting to make my daughter a comfy dress to throw over her swimsuit after swimming. I was planning on crocheting the entire dress. After brainstorming and searching for the perfect pattern… I just couldn't get motivated by anything I found or thought up.

That is, until I visited Petals To Picots website. Right on the top of her page, I seen a beautiful crochet African Flower design she made. I searched through her free patterns until I got the instructions. “This is it!” kept going through my mind.

[Read more…]

Fat Bottom Bag – Free Crochet Pattern Review

May 31, 2014 By stitch11 2 Comments

I am so excited to share this free crochet pattern with you!

The “Fat Bottom Bag” is designed by Dearest Debi. Last week I was browsing through her free patterns when I discovered this stunning and PERFECT free purse pattern.

The stitches are so much fun and prevent you from getting bored with the project. But my favorite thing (by far) about this pattern is the way it comes together. I have never made anything like this. It kept me guessing through the entire process.. and just when I was almost finished- it all made perfect sense and came together so beautifully!

I highly recommend this pattern to anyone who is wanting to make a new purse! The purse I have been using for the last year from my own free pattern was starting to get a little ragged. Between its daily use, getting pooped on by a bird, and my keys always poking through it… I was starting to be embarrassed to carry it around with me… not that the design was bad… but it was definitely used until it was ragged.

I did do the top differently but only because when I got to that point, I knew I was crocheting my handles… and I wasn't near my computer to see the pattern.

The only thing about this purse that has caused me to get frustrated, is my daughter fighting me over it! I told her she could have my old purse but she says it's “not good enough”. Thanks a lot Ella 😉

You can get the free crochet pattern -> HERE!<-

Grumpy Cat – Beanie for your pets!

May 22, 2014 By stitch11 3 Comments

Check out this Grumpy Cat beanie! I discovered this pattern on Ravelry a few weeks ago and knew I was going to have to torture my dog Avis. To my surprise, he didn't mind the beanie at all! But my cat, Catcat, ripped it off her head the second I tried to put it on her. She is the grumpiest cat ever!

My great aunt has a giant Main Coon and I would LOVE to see if I can crochet one to fit him. His name is Rooster. He is probably the coolest cat ever! I will most likely be taking this beanie with me everywhere and making every dog I run into model for me. hahaha!

This fun design by Posh Pooch Designs is a great investment for your crochet business. Not only will you be able to make the Grumpy Cat, but with the base of this design, you can use your creativity to create so many other themed/character beanies!

For the eyes I used safety eyes. I attached them to the eye patches. I then used my yarn and yarn needle to stitch a bit of grumpy eye lids over the eyes and also inside the hat to make sure the back of the safety eyes couldn't harm my model.

Hop on over to Posh Pooch Designs on Ravelry and get your copy of this design today!

Earth Amigurumi – Paid Pattern – Review

May 14, 2014 By stitch11 Leave a Comment

I love the crochet community! I could never say that enough. I am always amazed at the beautiful items people create and share. This Earth Amigurumi Pattern by Simply Collectable Crochet is one of them.

The first time I laid my eyes on this beauty, I knew I HAD to make it. After reading that all the proceeds from this pattern goes towards the designers sons education, that made it even that much more special.

And a little story to go with the Earth… my daughter has been telling me daily that she wants to go to space and see the earth. She wants to be the tallest person on our planet so she can look down at her feet and see the rest of us walking around below her. When I seen this pattern, it was such perfect timing with what she had been telling me… now she doesn't have to dream about being the tallest person, because she can hold the world in her hands!

I am in LOVE with this earth crochet pattern, and I recommend it to anyone who has children or sells at crafts fairs. By far my most favorite thing about it is that it ONLY TAKES 30 MINUTES to crochet!!!

I will be honest though, when I was looking at her photos and over the pattern, I was intimidated. I had never really carried my yarn around a project like this and have been scared to try… but it was SO MUCH EASIER than I could have ever expected. This is the ideal project to break free from that fear!

5 gold stars for this Earth Amigurumi Crochet Pattern by Simply Collectable Crochet. Get your pattern HERE!

Looking for more great crochet blogs: 30+ Amigurumi Crochet Patterns: Cute and Easy Projects for Beginners

Baby Unicorn – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

May 13, 2014 By stitch11 1 Comment

After browsing the internet for hours, looking for a new best friend I could crochet for my daughter, I finally found this adorable free baby unicorn pattern by Little Yarn Friends.

I quickly search her Ravelry account so I could see what others had created with this pattern. It was so fun looking through the photos and seeing how unique each version was because of simple color changes.

I instantly knew what yarn I was going to use! The left over Bernat Satin yarn I had from the Ruffle Crochet Skirt I had made. I paired it with a creme colored Caron Simply Soft.

I really didn't make any changes to the pattern- other than I added beans to the bottom of each foot. It was so cute watching my 3 year old run around with this unicorn… and it's legs flopping all around.

My daughter really loves this unicorn. She named it “My Little Pony.” It has not left her side since the moment after I took the photo. <3

I give this pattern 5 gold stars 🙂 It has such a unique and simplified beauty- yet leaves room for your creative side to have lots of fun.

Check out the Free Baby Unicorn Crochet Pattern by Little Yarn Friends HERE. 🙂

Baby Bunny – Free Crochet Pattern – Review

March 31, 2014 By stitch11 1 Comment

The Baby Bunny Amigurumi Pattern designed by Simply Collectable Crochet is a quick and simple way to fill up those baskets! Each one can be worked up in about an hour – making this the ideal pattern when you have multiple children in the family.
The body of the adorable bunny reminds me of an egg! One of my favorite things about this pattern is that it's written in a way that you could use any weight of yarn with the appropriate size hook! I thought about making key chains and using crochet thread or even Bernat Baby Blanket yarn and making a snuggle buddy.
Hop on over to Simply Collectable Crochet and save this pattern right away!
Also make sure you check out the designers Facebook page and share the crochet love!