~ Grass and Flowers Crochet Bag

Hello everyone! I am very happy you like the dotty square pattern on my last post. Thank you for all your sweet comments and compliments. I really appreciate! I made 24 squares and here is what I turned them into: a granny bag! Some of you guessed I would make a blanket - that's a lovely idea for my next projects! :)

This bag actually was done, packed and sent to the birthday girl on July 31, but I was unwell and too busy the last few days to post about it. I made the same bag a while ago, with solid granny square pattern and different type of yarn. I'm still using it and love it.

I worked very hard on the lining for this bag. My previous one doesn't have a zipper so I'm afraid to carry important personal stuff like a wallet or so. This time I managed to sew a zipper to secure the bag, and a small zipper for the small inside pocket too.

Even this little piece to hold one end of the zipper took me a lot of effort - sew and unsew - again and again until I got pleased with it.

A look from top with the zipper closed:

I named this bag "Grass and Flowers", as I love the "green grass" look when it was all joined together, the dots in center of each square and the lining fabric are beautiful flowers that I really liked. The only thing is, it no longer stayed with me!

Thank you so much for dropping in. Wishing you all a gorgeous weekend!!!

~ See you soon! ♥

Dotty Solid Granny Squares

I'm making a gift for my sweetie's niece, her Birthday is coming up on July 31. I wanted to make something special for her and finally ended up with these granny squares:

This is a modification of Solid granny square pattern that you may all know. I wanted it to have a dotty look so I made a small round in the center instead of a small square as the original pattern. I had to rip out and start again several times until I was pleased with the result as pictured.

Written pattern of Solid granny square can be found HERE, and HERE is for those who prefer crochet chart. Below is how mine looks - My "Dotty Solid Granny Square":

In case you are wondering, I have written down the modification and am happy to share you right here.

Make a magic circle or chain 6 and join to form a ring.

Round 1: Chain 3 (count as a dc), 19 dc into the loop. Join with slip stitch to the first ch-3 (20 dc).

Round 2: Join new yarn (mine is with a secure knot).

You will work in the stitch next to joining stitch, i.e on the right hand of the first ch 3 (as you will work 4 dc into the same stitch so working in this stitch will be easier than working right in the stitch of joining).

Chain 5, 2 dc into the same stitch, dc in each of the next 4 stitches, * (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next stitch, dc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * 2 times more, dc in the next stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of the first ch 5.

Round 3: From this round and moving forward, using the Solid granny square pattern above until you get the desired measurement. I made a chain 3 at the corners instead of chain 2 as the pattern says. So here goes the round 3:

Chain 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the ch-2 space, dc in each of the next 8 stitches. Repeat from * 2 times more, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the ch-2 space, dc in each of the next 7 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first ch 3.

I have made 24 dotty squares, they came out beautiful! What are they for? I will show you once it's finished! It's a surprise!! :)

Thank you for stopping by. Also thank you so much for your kind comments on my posts so far. That means a lot, a lot to me.

Wishing you all a great rest of the week!

Take care and best wishes,
~ LS

~ Sunburst Granny Square

Have you ever seen a square like this before? I was so inspired when I first saw it and couldn't help myself trying it right away! It came out so beautiful! It also has a cheerful name: "Sunburst Granny Square"!

You can find how to make it HERE. This is very fast, easy and fun to make! Go and check out the site, you may love other pretty patterns offered for free!

I just intended to try the pattern so see how it comes out. But after I finished the first square, I just couldn't stop, so I made one more, just one more,..., and I have 4 for the first try! I need to keep working on my current granny square blanket and other WIPs, so I will save this pattern for a baby blanket I'm going to make when my first blanket is all done. Making granny squares is so addicted, isn't it? ;)

Thank you for stopping by. Wishing everyone a happy day!! ♥

~ Till next time, x

Crochet Keychain: Pattern

Hello, hello, how is everyone doing? I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend!

Thank you very much for your lovely words on the keychains in my previous post, just simple stuff but you liked it and that made me so happy!

Some of you wondered if I could share the pattern - of course! I'm so glad to do that!
Here you are:

* The oval:

Chain 36.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc into the same chain, sc in next 34 chs, 3 sc in next ch, working on opposite side
of foundation chain, sc in next 34 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. Join with slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the same stitch, sc in next 34 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 34 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc. Join with slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc into the same sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 34 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 34 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc. Join with slip stitch to the first sc. Leave a length of tail.

Fold the oval with wrong side facing, sew along the edge. Fasten off.

* Little flower: 

Make a magic circle, ch 1, *sc through the loop, ch 3, 2 dc through the loop, ch 3. Repeat from * 5 more times, join to the first sc. You have 6 petals for the flower. Do not fasten off, make a chain of 15-16 st (or your desired length) and join with slip stitch through the loop. Close circle tight, knot and secure. Leave a length of tail for sewing to the top of the oval.

You're done! Very quick and so easy!

Happy creating!

Crochet Summer Top

I made this one a while ago, but just took a photo over the weekend (just as I cannot find out a model :)).

Pattern for this summer top can be found here at "Les Mailles de Celeste", Celeste has been bringing me great inspirations with her amazing talent in both knitting and crochet! When I first saw this one on her blog, I couldn't wait to give it a try!

I used size 3 cotton thread, 3.5mm crochet hook in case you are wondering. The bottom was modified so it looks different from the pattern. But I love how it turned out, it fixes me so well!

Hope the rest of the week is gorgeous to you all! ♥

UPDATE on June 25, 2012:

I have "translated" the pattern from chart form to written US term in case you would like to make it. Please let me know if there are any mistakes or unclear details. Thank you and happy hooking!!!

Crochet top: Pattern

(Make two alike)

Chain 6. Join.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc into the loop, *ch 6, sc into the loop. Repeat from * 6 more times, ch 3, dc in the first sc (you have total 8 ch-6 loops).

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, ch 6, *sc in the 6-ch loop in previous round, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times, slip stitch to the first ch to join (8 ch-6 loops in total).

Round 3: Slip stitch to the next 2 chains, ch 3 (count as a dc), 3 dc into the same space, ch 6, * 4 dc into the next space, ch 6. Repeat from * 6 more times. Join with sl st to the first ch-3.

Round 4: * Ch 3 (count as a dc), dc in each of 3 dc, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times. Join with sl st to the first ch-3.

Round 5: * Ch 3 (count as a dc), dc in each of 3 dc, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times. Join with sl st to the first ch-3.

Round 6: Ch 3, make a cluster of 3 dc, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 3, 4 dc into the next space, ch 3, sc in the next space, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times. (Note: for the repetition you make a cluster of 4 dc instead as the first ch-3 counts as a dc). Replace the last 3 ch of “ch 6” with a dc and join to the first cluster.

Round 7: Ch 1, * sc in the same space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, dc in each of 4 dc, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times. Replace the last 3 ch of “ch 6” with a dc and join to the first sc.

Round 8: Ch 1, * sc in the same space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, make a cluster of 4 dc in each of 4 previous dc, ch 6. Repeat from * 7 more times. Replace the last 3 ch of “ch 6” with a dc and join to the first sc.

Round 9: Ch 1, sc in the same space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, sc in the next space, ch 6, sc in the next space, *ch 6, triple crochet in the next cluster, (ch 6, sc in the next space) 8 times. Repeat from * 2 more times. Ch 6, triple crochet in the next cluster, ch 6, work (sc in the next space, ch 6) 5 times. Replace the last 3 ch of “ch 6” with a dc and join to the first sc.

Round 10: Ch 1, sc in the same space, (ch 6, sc in the next space) 4 times, *ch 6, triple crochet in the previous triple, (ch 6, sc in the next space) 9 times. Repeat from * 2 more times. Ch 6, triple crochet in the next cluster, ch 6, make (sc in the next space, ch 6) 5 times. Join with sl st to the first sc.

Round 11: (In this round a cluster is made with 3 dc) Sl st to the next 2 ch, ch 3 (count as a st), make a cluster in the same space, (ch 4, cluster in the next space) 2 times. (Ch 18, cluster in the next space) 3 times, (ch 6, cluster in the next space) 29 times, (ch 18, cluster in the next space) 3 times, (ch 4, cluster in the next space) 2 times, ch 4. Join with sl st to the first cluster.

Make the second piece and join with sc along edges and top.

Bottom:
Start at the joining sc.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same st, *ch 6, sc in the next space. Repeat from * all around. Replace the last 3 ch of “ch 6” with a dc and join to the first ch.

Round 2 & 3: ch 1, sc in the same space, *ch 6, sc in the next space. Repeat from * all around.

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in the same st, * ch 3, cluster of 3 dc, ch 3, sc in the next sc. Repeat from * all around. Join with sl st to the first sc.

Enjoy and Happy Hooking!!!

Tutorial: Crochet Hair Scrunchie

Hello friends!

Thank you ever so much for your sweet words on my last post, you made my day!

I just finished my tutorial on how to make a scrunchie and am very happy to share you today. This is also my first attempt to make a tutorial, so please correct me if there are any mistakes. I hope it helps those who are new to crochet! Thank you!

Okay, let's start. What you need is: some cotton thread, 1.8mm crochet hook (or any size that works well with your thread/yarn) and a pony tail band.

Make a slip knot. Insert the hook through the pony tail band, pull thread through the band and the slip knot. 

Pull the thread tightly, like this and you are ready to go. 

Round 1: Chain 3,

Single crochet into the loop.

Continue: chain 3, single crochet into the loop. Repeat all around the hair band. You may need to slide the stitches down to cover the band.

When the stitches all cover the band, join with slip stitch to the first chain-3 space.

  

You've finished round 1. 

Round 2: Single crochet into the same space.   

Chain 3, single crochet into the next chain-3 space. 

Continue all around, like so. Join with slip stitch to the first single crochet.  

Round 3: Single crochet into the first chain-3 space. Chain 3.

Make 5 double crochet into the same space, then make a single crochet into the next chain-3 space.

Continue: Chain 3, make 5 double crochet into the same space and single crochet ino the next space. Repeat all around and join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. 

There you have it! Enjoy and happy wearing!!

Lovely day to all! ♥

Crochet Hair Scrunchies

Hello, hello, how is everyone doing? I hope you all had a great weekend with family and friends!

The first project I thought about when I started to learn to crochet is making myself some hair scrunchies, but I have not yet made even one until now, though it's a easy project. I decided to make some over the weekend, and they were really fun to make!

One in light blue...

One in variegated color of red and white...

 

And another one in pink...

 

I just love these small lovely stuff and really enjoy wearing them!

They look so nice, don't they? I will make more to match my shirts! Would you like the pattern? I'm working on the tutorial and will post it shortly! Just come back!

Thank you for your time, hope your new week is awesome!

See you later! ♥

Rose Brooch Pattern

After I made this rose brooch and attached it into a hat in my earlier post, some firends have asked me for the pattern. I found this pattern in chart form somewhere on internet and could not remember the source, so I reprinted it in written term here just in case you need.

Rose pattern:

Chain 75.

Row 1: Ch 1, 2 sc in the same ch, 2 sc in the next ch, 1 hdc and 1 dc in the next ch, 2 dc in each of the next 4 chs, *1 dc in the next ch, 2 dc in the next ch. Repeat from * until the last 3 chs, 1 dc in the next ch, 2 hdc in the next ch, 1 sc in the last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st, 1 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. *2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st. Repeat from * 2 more times. 2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. **2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. Repeat from ** 3 times. 2 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. 1 hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, 1 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st, slip stitch to the last st.

Weave yarn and shape into a rose and secure in to place.

I sewed a brooch pin in the back of the rose and attach it into a hat, I love the way it matches the hat! Or you can sew it into your hat directly, it will come out lovely I beleive! 

Take care and all the best! xxx

PATTERN: Crochet Hat for My Mom

Hello friends!

Thank you so much for all your comments on my last post, I'm so warm in my heart with your kind thoughts and uplifting words. They are so precious to me, just let you know how much I appreciate!

I have received some messages from some of you recently asking for the pattern of the hat I made for my mom a while ago. When I made it before I just moved the stitches and didn't notice to write the pattern down (lazy me!), that's why I couldn't remember the pattern to share. But I've been so happy you like it! So now I just wrote the pattern and made another one to test, with different yarn and hook. Hope you like it and give it try!

I made this hat with the same cotton yarn of the rose brooch I made a few months back. This way I don't have to make a flower to attach! But it looks nice, isn't it? :)

With the brim turned up... This pattern is quite simple and easy to make, but it turned out just lovely!

Well, enough for my showing, it's time for the pattern!

HAT PATTERN:
Yarn: Cotton yarn (Sugar 'n Cream also works well with this pattern).
Hook size: F - 3.75mm

Make a magic circle.

Flat circle for the top:

• Round 1: Ch 1, 7 sc through the loop. Do not join, place marker and work a continual round.
• Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (14 sc)
• Round 3: *1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (21 sc)
• Round 4: *1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (28 sc)
• Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (35 sc)
• Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (42 sc)
• Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (49 sc)
• Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (56 sc)
• Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (63 sc)
• Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (70 sc)
• Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (77 sc)
• Round 12: sc in each sc around. (77 sc)
• Round 13: *1 sc in each of the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (84 sc)
• Round 14: sc in each sc around. (84 sc). Slip stitch to the next 2 stitches. 

You can adjust this flat top to fit your head by adding more or subtracting the last row (84 sts).

Hat body: 

• Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same stitch, skip 2 stitches, *3 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * till the last shell, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
• Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, *3 dc in the next space. Repeat from * to the last space, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
• From round 3: Repeat round 2 until you get the desired length.

Hat brim:

• Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *sc in the 6 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. Do not join. (96 sc)
• Round 2: sc in each sc around. (96 sc)
• Round 3: *sc in the 7 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (108 sc)
• Round 4: sc in each sc around. (108 sc)
• Round 5: *sc in the 8 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (120 sc)
• Round 6: sc in each sc around. (120 sc)
• Round 7: sc in each sc around. (120 sc) 
• Round 8: *sc in the 9 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (132 sc)
• Round 9: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
• Round 10: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
• Round 11: sc in each sc around. (132 sc) 

Slip stitch (or reverse sc all around) the last round.

There you have the hat pattern, appreciate if you point out any mistake I might have. Thank you!


Hope everyone had a great weekend and wishing your new week ahead is gorgeous!!!

~ Much love, ♥

* UPDATE on July 24, 2012 *

Many of you have asked about the rose pattern, I already posted it on my blog so I copied the link here for your convinience.

Check out this link for ROSE PATTERN. Enjoy! x

Patterns: Crochet Flower Brooches

Hello everyone!

Thank you very much for making my day with all your sweet words on my flower brooches and my posts so far! That really meant a lot to me, I do appreciate!

I made these flowers using some patterns from Japanese books and they are all in chart form. I've just "translated" them into US term for your convenience (as I guess most of you may prefer written patterns, hoping I'm right!). So, here you go - please let me know if there's any mistake:

1. Cream daisy flower: 

(Make two alike in different colors)

Magic circle.
Round 1: 5 sc in the loop. Do not join.
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (10 sc)
Round 3: 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch (15 sc in total)
Round 4: * Slip stitch to the next sc, ch 2, 4 dc in the next stitch, ch 2, slip stitch to the next stitch to complete the first low petal. Repeat from * for the remainder (5 petals in total).
Round 5: * Slip stitch to the 1st chain of the first ch-2, sc in the next chain, work 1 hdc in the first dc, 1 dc in the same stitch, dc increase in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 dc in the 4th dc, 1 hdc in the same stitch, sc in the next ch-2 space, sl st in to the previous sl st. Repeat from * for the remainder.
Round 6: * Sc in the next sl st, ch 2, 3 dc increase in the next 3 stitches, 1 dc in the next st, 1 hdc in the same stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch, 1 dc in the same st, 3 dc increase in the next 3 stitches, ch 2, sc in the previous sl st. Repeat from * for total of 5 petals.
Cut the tail, fasten off and weave in ends.

Use a contrast colored thread to sew 2 layers together with petals are alternate to each other. Sew the center as it looks like in the picture.

Crochet a tiny flower to sew it in the center (magic circle, * ch 5, sl st into the loop. Repeat 4 times from * to finish) or just simply sew a button in center to complete the pistil.

2. Other daisy flower in Orange: 

Magic circle, 
Round 1: Ch 3 (count as the first dc), 15 dc in the loop, join with sl st to the first ch 3. (16 dc)
Round 2: Work in back loop only: 2 dc in each dc around (32 dc)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, ch 5, sc in the next stitch, *sc in the next stitch, ch 5, sc in the next stitch (16 ch-5 spaces in total).
Round 4: * Slip st to the ch-5 loop, ch 2, work 9 dc in the ch-5 loop, ch 2, sl st into the loop. Repeat from * for the remaining loops. (16 petals in total)
Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Round 5: Join new thread to the front loop created at round 2, repeat the instruction for round 3.
Round 6: repeat round 4.
Fasten off.

Make a tiny flower (magic circle, * ch 9, sl st into the loop. Repeat 9 times from * to finish) to sew in center. Add button in center to make the pistil look a bit different.

3. Colorful flower with many layers of petal:

Magic circle,

Round 1: Ch 1, 16 sc in the loop. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, ch 3, skip one sc, * sc in the next stitch, ch 3, skip 1 sc.
Repeat from * for the remainder. Join with a sl st to the first sc (8 ch-3 loops in total).
Round 3: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from * (8 petals total)
Round 4: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the first sc in round 2, ch 4. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-4 loops in total)
Round 5: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 6: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 4, ch 5. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-5 loops in total)
Round 7: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 8: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 6, ch 6. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-6 loops in total)
Round 9: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.
Round 10: ch 1, * front post single crochet around the previous FPSC in round 6, ch 6. Repeat 7 times total from *. Join with sl st to the first FPSC (8 ch-6 loops in total)
Round 11: ch 1, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc into the loop. Repeat 7 times total from *.

Complete this pattern you will have 5 layers of petal, change color for each if desired.

*** To turn them into a brooch or a hair scunchi:
Cut a circle of felt fabric or crochet a circle with sc for 7 rounds and sew in place in the back of the flower.
Here is a pattern for a circle just in case:

Magic circle,
Round 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in the loop. Do not join.
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16 sc). Mark the first sc with a contrasting color maker.
Round 3: 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch (24 sc)
Round 4: sc increase in every 3 stitches (30 sc)
Round 5: sc increase in every 4 stitches (36 sc)
Round 6: sc increase in every 5 stitches (42 sc)
Round 7: sc increase in every 6 stitches (48 sc)
Round 8: sc increase in every 7 stitches (54 sc)
Skip 1 stitch, slip stitch to the next stitch to join.
 
Attach a brooch pin if you want to have a brooch, or a pony tail if you  want to have a hair brunchi.

 

 ♥ Enjoy, and Happy hooking!!!

 Thank you for stopping by, hope you all a very Happy Weekend!!! ♥